Ford is introducing the newest powertrain innovation: twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT).

Unlike traditional camshafts, whose timing is fixed during manufacturing, Ti-VCT technology enables camshafts to be slightly rotated, allowing each camshaft to be “advanced” or “retarded.” This adds an extra measure of precision, contributing to fuel efficiency or power output, as conditions demand. The electronic control module gives each intake and exhaust camshaft the ability to adjust independently of the other; traditional VCT engines operate only on the intake cam.

Ti-VCT technology helps Mustang deliver an amazing 31 mpg highway for the V6 and 26 mpg highway for the V8.*

The Ti-VCT even does a better job of controlling the emission of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC), which means it can help to reduce atmospheric pollution. 16026

http://www.ford.com/technology/

NEW YORK:

“As the ultimate track-capable Camaro, this car restores the mission of the original Z/28, and serves as a testament to the expertise of Chevrolet as the best-selling brand of performance cars,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The build sheet is the wish list of any racer: lightweight, high-revving, dry-sump LS7 engine; carbon-ceramic brakes; integrated coolers for track use; true aerodynamic downforce, and a significant reduction in curb weight. This car could only come from Chevrolet, and could only be called the Z/28.”

High-performance aerodynamics highlight changes for 2014 Camaro

7.0L, LS7 the heart of the Camaro Z/28’s track-capable performance

Camaro Z/28 chassis delivers 1.05 g in cornering grip

More @ Chevy.com                                                                                          13560

DETROIT – Chevrolet will produce a limited number of Camaro NHRA-certified rolling chassis designed for drag racing that provides racers with a professionally assembled, painted body and chassis ready to be finished. Consumers add their engine, transmission and other drivetrain components.

The rolling chassis go on sale Thursday, March 28, at noon EST and will be priced at $55,000. Each specially numbered chassis is assembled by hand at the same facility that constructs Chevrolet’s COPO Camaro production race cars.

“This is a great opportunity to buy a factory-built foundation for a competitive Camaro race car, saving racers the time of building their own from the ground up and offering them the opportunity to compete with a piece of Chevrolet history, because we’re only going to build a few of them,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors U.S. Vice President of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Add your powertrain assembly and you’ve got a race car that’s ready to tackle the drag strip.”

Many of the components required to complete the transformation into a full race car, including crate engines, racing engine components, electronics – controllers and harnesses – and more, are available direct from Chevrolet Performance. The catalog is online at chevroletperformance.com.

“Finishing off your race car with authentic Chevrolet Performance parts helps make it all-Chevy, with uncompromising performance and confidence-inspiring durability,” said Campbell. “All of our hardcore racing parts have been designed and tested to standards unmatched in the aftermarket.”

Ordering information and chassis details

Customers will call 1-800-306-3005 to order a Camaro rolling chassis. The call center will send purchase certificates for the limited number of rolling chassis to be constructed, and customers will take the certificates to the Chevrolet dealerships of their choice to complete the sales.

The completed rolling chassis requires customer pickup in the Detroit area. Each will be serialized, but will not have a Vehicle Identification Number, so they cannot be titled or licensed for road use.

Each rolling chassis is constructed with hardware from the Oshawa assembly plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. Each is fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with NHRA-approved racing chassis and suspension components, including brakes and solid rear axle – minus the third member. Bogart racing wheels mounted on Hoosier tires are also included.

All will come in Summit White, with a production Camaro hood and SS grille, production window glass, headlamps, tail lamps and more. Inside, racing seats, a production-style instrument panel, steering wheel, racing switch panel, door panels, headliner and black carpeting are included. Basic body and chassis wiring is built into the rolling chassis, but it does not come with engine harnesses or a battery.

Customers will need to add basic equipment to complete the assembly, including:

• Engine and air inlet system
• Engine mounts
• Engine controller and wire harness
• Exhaust headers
• Coolant hoses (a radiator is included)
• Transmission and shifter assembly
• Driveshaft
• Differential third member.

Chevrolet Performance’s entire range of high-performance and racing crate engines is available to power the rolling chassis, including the three 2013 COPO LS-family engines, which were developed for NHRA Stock Eliminator classes. They include a 350-cubic-inch engine rated at 325 horsepower; a 396-cubic-inch engine rated at 375 horsepower, and a 427-cubic-inch engine rated at 425 horsepower (part number 17802825). Supercharged crate engines based on the 2012 COPO Camaro program are also available, including a 327-cubic-inch engine with a 2.9L supercharger (part number 17802826) and a 327 with a 4.0L blower (part number 17802827). The 350 and 396 engines will be available later this year.

Chevrolet Performance’s new “COPO Build Book,” part number 88958767, provides an overview of the factory race cars’ assembly process and can be a reference manual for those who intend to complete their Camaro rolling chassis for Stock Eliminator or Super Stock drag racing. It also provides general assembly details that can help builders complete their race car more quickly.

© Copyright General Motors

2013-03-21

DETROIT – Like many of today’s smart phones and tablets, a deep dive into Cadillac’s CUE in-vehicle user experience reveals customized conveniences and advanced features that enable user-created shortcuts to their favorite infotainment features.

From accurately guessing an intended destination to aggregating music playlists, CUE’s customizable approach to working a vehicle’s traditional audio and navigation features allow settings to be tailored to specific taste.

Navigation shortcuts and information security

Most navigation systems prompt users to insert destination information by separately inputting state, city, street, and house number information. CUE users can manually or verbally input the entire destination address on one screen, saving time and keeping drivers focused on the road. In some cases, CUE will take a hint from partial information and automatically fill in city and state information.

CUE also offers “presets” of frequently visited destinations similar to radio station presets, CUE will support access of destinations and phone numbers without having to separately launch the vehicle’s navigation system or phone book. These presets live along the bottom row of all CUE screens, allowing for instant access regardless of application the user is in.

To offset security concerns, engineers equipped CUE with a “Valet Mode,” which blocks access to all center stack and instrument panel functions, as well as the storage bin behind the center stack.

“Drivers had reservations about their personal information, such as addresses or stored phone numbers, being accessed by a valet attendant, for example, or in case of theft,” said Cody Hansen, CUE interaction designer. “With ‘Valet Mode’ users can enter a four-digit pin and lock access to the center stack, steering wheel controls, and the storage cubby behind the center stack.”

Advanced media access and audio settings

CUE offers some of the industry’s most advanced audio features and connectivity options. Up to 10 different media devices could be paired at one time via Bluetooth. To help manage all those playlists, CUE’s media library aggregates all the playlists to make finding specific songs easier.

Integration of CUE’s main functions into the steering controls and a separate screen in the instrument cluster allows access to radio and navigation functions at the same time – – the equivalent of multitasking on two separate computer monitors at home or office.

Beyond playlists, users can fully customize and save radio tone settings for a personalized music listening experience. Most vehicles come with predetermined sound settings for certain music genres such as rock, jazz and talk. CUE allows users to save their own settings by adjusting the bass, treble, balance and fade to desired levels. Creation and naming of custom genres such as “Baby Mode,” where the fade and bass are turned down so as not to wake a sleeping child in the backseat.

“Twenty years ago when navigation systems began to appear in autos some thought of it as an unneeded add-on,” said Hansen. “Now navigation is a must-have for many. CUE elevates the levels of personalization so the driver interacts with features they may not have realized were so essential for their in-vehicle experience.”

Many auto industry-first features, such as an eight-inch capacitive touch screen display and proximity sensing, are CUE highlights. The system is available on the 2013 Cadillac ATS sports sedan, SRX luxury crossover and XTS luxury sedan.

From accurately guessing an intended destination to aggregating music playlists, Cadillac CUE’s customizable approach to working a vehicle’s traditional audio and navigation features allow settings to be tailored to specific tastes.

“The new Stingray features a modern, dramatic design that will inspire a new generation of Corvette enthusiasts,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design. “With the proceeds of the new Stingray going to the CCS, the new Corvette will also help cultivate the next generation of designers who may work on modern, dramatic Chevrolets in the future. In fact more than 170 CCS alumni already work in the GM Design studios.”

The sale is scheduled for Saturday evening, Jan. 19. Bids can be submitted in person at the auction or online at www.barrett-jackson.com.

© General Motors