2020 Chevy Corvette C8 Put Through Heavy Element Testing in CA by Carscoops.com

So many excited customers from all over Tennessee ask us here at Chuck Hutton about the C8: it has been sighted more and more lately, and many in the know say that the final touches are definitely being put on the first-ever mid-engine Vette. The latest sighting as of now comes from sunny California, where a fleet of five Corvette C8s were seen testing in the hilly region outside San Diego, alongside a Corvette C7, and Porsche 911. Car reviewer and video photographer Tom Voelk was out on a completely different mission shooting the all-new Kia Soul, and was obviously excited enough to turn the lens towards a bit more aggressive and souped-up direction!

The test prototypes are still wearing about the same amount of camouflage as when they were sighted before, but if you look closely at videos like this one, you can get enough footage to allow your imagination to fill in some of the engineering blanks. The video contains over a minute of footage, and the sound quality leaves a bit to be desired but you can detect that lovely deep rumble the C8 will be instantly famous for coming from the engine. There were other people out with the high-quality digital goods capable of getting some images and video that day as well, and that sound we love is no less than what we expected during the long and drawn-out wait for the C8's arrival.

Another very cool video you can see here does a great job of looking into the Active Aero Analysis patent, which talks about two different positions for an aerodynamic piece that functions to help pressure differential. As air hits the front edge of the wing, it is split between the top and the bottom side, and as it flows over the top it has less pressure while pressure is increased when flow occurs underneath. This pressure differential is what causes lift, and on the top side is a bit of a vacuum. The turbulence that causes drag is one of the main things that slow down a car's trajectory, and we really enjoyed the suggestion of sticking your hand out of a moving car to give you a real-life illustration of the problem solved with the task at hand.

Other varieties of spy shots that we have gotten our hands on show the mid-engined C8 out for a spin wearing production lights in the front and back, allowing us to see in detail different lighting characteristics. Up front, the headlight cluster appears to house a multi-matrix LED setup for the primary lighting unit, with an orange accent strip residing at the top of the headlight arrangement. The overall direction of the rear lights seems to be a consistent evolution of those that were introduced on the current C7 Corvette, highlighted with two vertical LED bars connected by a horizontal unit on the bottom. Also by checking out this website here frequently, you can get GM Authority's take on the amazing new car that is on its way to a very exciting and highly-awaited completion status!

Autoweek Features eCopo Camaro All-Electric Racer Doling Out 9-Second Run

There is a major development brewing within the auto industry right now that may very well change the face of drag racing for good, and usher in a new era of planet-friendly technology that will never be the same. The Autoweek blog ran a feature last week about the Chevy eCopo Camaro running a pure electric 9-second pass in front of a captivated audience, and also posted the video here. Just before launch, the announcer himself admits that he hopes gas-powered engines remain as the heart and soul of drag racing, as the loud roar is definitely a large part of the excitement that fans love so much about the sport.

There are two Borg Warner electric motors under the hood, that complete the task of driving the rear wheels through a torque-converter automatic transmission. Completely re-writing the playbook as far as drag racing and gas-powered engines are concerned, the eCopo finally proves that the existence of a 700-horsepower beast touting top speeds of 140-plus mph can exist without the presence of gasoline. The NHRA has been said to be “receptive” of the concept, even though we can be sure that they may be a bit hesitant about the potential loss of what some think is the only tried-and-true roots of drag racing. When the eCopo Camaro debuted at least year's SEMA show many were understandably in shock, but as one takes a close look at models such as the Tesla Model S sedan, it was only a matter of time before fully-fledged speed demons powered by battery were in the works.

One peek at the video and all of us on staff here at Chuck Hutton could tell that the brand we so love to represent was not playing around in the least with the eCopo Camaro: it comes straight out of the hole with guns blazing, wheels in the air, and keeps pulling with all its might until the car streaks past the beams. We know that it is quick in the unearthly sense, but there is something a bit strange about a Camaro that can launch and perform like this minus noise from the engine. But with neighborhoods constantly being built in closer proximity to racetracks, this strange silence could become a big selling point for the pastime's future.

When the dust finally settled at the dragstrip that day, the quarter-mile time was 9.837 seconds, from a standing start, which is pretty monumental considering the power source. As we've seen with battery and motor technology, the eCopo will probably just be a starting point for cars that boast even more capability in the future, but having what is truly the first dragster of this caliber as a memoir for what is going to come is excellent. What is so monumental about the eCopo concept is that it is completely unlike EV cars such as the NIO EP9 or upcoming second-generation Tesla Roadster: it looks like it derives from the traditional muscle car club on the outside.

The power pack is split into four 200-volt modules that are tucked into different spots around the frame: two sit in the rear-seat area, and two are situated in the trunk. Distributing the mass of the batteries in this fashion helps improve performance on the strip by giving the car a 56 percent rear weight bias, which is the key to a successful launch. It also really showcases what a work of mastery this was on the part of Hancock and Lane, the skilled drag racing team that helped Chevy with the build. It is a project that really embraces Chevy and GM's commitment to engaging young minds in STEM education, and represents the sensible goal of a world with zero emissions via the crop of scientists and engineers who will lead the way expertly to the finish line!

Electric Chevy Silverado Future Truck Plans Revealed by Automobile.com

Even though many people who closely watch the auto industry did not know that it would occur so rapidly, all of the main automakers in Detroit are now fully engaged in an electric pickup war. Last year Ford made it public that their namesake will eventually have an electric powered F-series in its arsenal, although they have not specified whether or not the Super Duty will be included in the plan. There are also plans to offer a hybrid F-150, which in itself is a step in the environmentally-friendly direction that many truck-loving types right here at Chuck Hutton could potentially shudder at, but the writing is on the wall, and there's actually reason to be excited!

During the fourth quarter and full-year 2018 earnings call to CEO Mary Barra, analysts took advantage of the opportunity to pop a few pressing questions regarding work on an electric Chevy Silverado. She then stated astutely that “We believe in an all-EV future, so you'll have to stay tuned,” and added that she believes the profit potential for this type of vehicle will really be unleashed early next decade. It's true that someday, just about every vehicle will have motors AND batteries, and aside from the potential Ford model on the drawing board, competition for the likes of an EV Silverado would include electric pickups from front-running experts such as Tesla and Rivian.

For now, the brand-new GMC Sierra light-duty and Silverado trucks are in full-production status. Last year, the heavy-duty truck changeover began, and will hit full production during the third quarter. What needs to be understood as the various elements of the future seem to come careening towards us at breakneck speed, we understand that no product really embodies classic Detroit ethics and prowess more than a heavy duty truck. They are popular among those who work hard at their trade, haul various pieces of equipment, and they can live on for literally hundreds of thousands of miles.

These days, the business of manufacturing top-level electric cars involves the intricate job of scaling up battery technology, doing everything possible to drive down cost, and making preparations for the multiple demands of tomorrow. When many large cities experience the impending rise of autonomous ride services, the drivers of trucks have needs that aren't easily replaced, and this is one of the reasons why all-electric power makes much more sense then some think at first glance. Since trucks in America's heartland will be one of the categories last disrupted by this oncoming advance, it makes the most sense that much time will be put into research and development to assure that they will soon derive power from cleaner sources.

Between 1996 and 1999, over 1,100 GM EV1 trucks were produced: they could actually hit 70 mph, and came with a lead acid battery that had a range in between 33 and 43 miles. Whatever prototypes for the Sliverado may come about in the future, they will probably have a lot more technical and abundantly useful stance than this primitive model! One look at the antics of the high-powered and futuristic eCopo here give us just a brief glimpse of just how much power can be packed into a rechargeable and much more Earth-friendly vehicle. With every year that passes, Evs will simply become more and more efficient, and mileage ranges that keep rising are going to turn heads massively! 

2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE GM Authority Pressroom Highlights 10-Speed Automatic

The fastest and most track-capable Camaro ever is going to be inquired about by many, and here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis, we were spot-on and ready to let our readers know about the new available 10-speed automatic transmission on board. One reason why the GM Pressroom had an in-depth feature about it this last week was because during its development, the engineers really pushed the limits of the automatic transmission, with the ultimate goal of making it one more half-second faster than its standard manual counterpart on the Milford Road Testing Course.

On longer tracks like the Nurburgring where you can really dig and take full advantage of the ability to shift faster than ever, and drivers will be able to expect to whittle off several seconds from lap times nailed down by means of the six-speed manual ZL1 1LE. The transmission is now fully optimized for speed, and due to sporting ten gears and very unique Track Mode calibrations, you always have the ability to be in the perfect gear when you are engaging off or on the throttle. The addition of the new transmission not only saves time, it allows for more performance options, and provides standard paddle shifters to ultimately brandish a more engaging driving experience.

The electronic limited slip differential, performance traction management system, as well as transmission all saw unique calibrations during its development, and the front and rear multimatic dampers have been tuned specifically to help with weight transfer during the now-quicker shifts. Director of Chevy passenger car and crossover marketing Steve Majoros claimed recently that “This ultimate 1LE is another appealing option that is true to its racing heritage, and an example of just what customers want.” Other unique features such as the specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia produce grip-generating down force that gives the car faster turning capability.

When you are moving at a pace that is descriptive by no other means than “breakneck,” you're going to notice the outright benefit of adjustable suspension: front and rear dampers offer vehicle and wheel control that is off-the-charts exact. The lighter dampers and wheels, along with thinner rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat make the ZL1 50 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, and the dual-zone automatic climate control will help you be at optimum comfort level in any weather conditions you choose to conquer.

The specific lightweight forged aluminum wheels are an inch wider, and also an inch smaller in the diameter, front, and rear then standard ZL1 wheels, and are paired exclusively with the new summer-only Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires. These all do their part in ultimately and thrillingly tying the package together with the ultimate in grip-and-handling ready prime racing prowess!