Chevy Drops New Photo Gallery of Camaro ZL1 Coupe and Convertible Models

General Motors has decided to share with us a fresh batch of photos of the next chapter in the Chevrolet Camaro's ongoing 21st century rebirth, the ZL1 series, which will soon launch in both Coupe and Convertible flavors.

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe was first introduced to the public nearly a year ago at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, and it will arrive in U.S. dealerships this spring as a 2012 model with a starting price of $54,995 (€43,000).

It’s Convertible brethren will join in later in the summer as a 2013 model with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date, though if Chevrolet keeps the same pricing policy as the regular open-top versions, buyers should expect a $5,000 to $6,000 premium over the coupe model.

Both the Coupe and Convertible variants of the ZL1 get a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 SAE-rated at 580HP (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm), which makes it the most powerful engine ever to be offered on a series production Camaro.

The Camaro ZL1 Coupe with the 6sp manual hits 60mph from a rolling start in 4.0 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 119mph (191km/h) before it tops out at 180mph (290 km/h). The automatic model is slightly faster at 3.9 seconds, 12.0 seconds and 184mph (296 km/h) respectively.

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New Research Shows The Most Profitable Vehicles In The United States

All manufacturers want their vehicles to sell in large quantities. And make a big deal of it when they succeed, especially when up the sales charts in their respective segments. However, the high sales figures do not necessarily translate into big profits, especially with the discounts that have become common practice for attracting customers at dealerships.

A recent study by Max Warburton at Bernstein Research, market trends and analysis firm, reveals which models sold in the United States are the most profitable for automakers.

Despite allegations of just about everything, the greenhouse effect is a costly rescue plan of a couple of years ago, research shows that light trucks Detroit three major heads the list of most profitable vehicles in the United States

Number one goes to the Ford F-Series with GM Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks come in second and Chrysler to complete RAM the first three.

However, the research includes data from 1990, so that the current economic and environmental factors are neglected in comparison to what is really happening today. Yet, in this period, the first three trucks combined yielded $ 108 billion before taxes.

According to Warburton, because cars are so profitable is a combination of high prices, large volumes and long stay on the market. Moreover, unlike cars, trucks, using technology cheaper and easier, thus increasing the profit margin, and even if they are updated often use the carry help to replace parts of the models.

Trucks are not the only great victory for the list of vehicles: Mercedes-Benz S-Class in fourth place, followed by BMW 5 - and 3-series and E series

Large SUVs like the Lexus RX and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, are back in the U.S. market best-sellers, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are also on the list, mainly because of large quantities.

Porsche 911 on the other hand, takes place somewhere between the Accord and Camry, is perhaps not as common, but it has virtually its segment, and certainly commands a much higher price.

Story Sources: Bernstein Research via New York Times

 

Bernstein Research's list of the most profitable vehicles in the USA since 1990:

1. Ford F-Series
2. General Motors pickups
3. Chrysler Ram
4. Mercedes S-Class
5. BMW 5 Series
6. BMW 3 Series
7. Mercedes E-Class
8. Lexus RX
9. Jeep Grand Cherokee
10. Honda Accord
11. Porsche 911
12. Toyota Camry

 

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Citroën goes Artsy with DS5 Cinemagraphs

If you are into photography, then you've probably heard cinemagraphs. If not, then please allow us a moment to explain.

Cinemgraphs images that contain live items themselves. They are created by combining a series of photographs or video images to a result an animated GIF in a still image which a minor animation loop occurs.

In the case of Citroën UK arm of French automaker automotive manager and photographer James Lipman Chalk agency creative design to produce a series of cinemagraphs to introduce the new DS5, inside and out.

Coincidentally, this is the first official images of the right-hand drive version of the DS5.

Citroen is the third new addition to DS-badged crossoverish French brand after the DS3 and DS4 series and is among the C4 segment C and D models C5 segment. This is the first model based on the diesel-electric Citroën PSA HYbrid4 technology with a clever game that allows a forward and a rear wheel drive or four wheel drive.

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New Ford Focus ST to Star in the 2012

The new Focus ST 2012 has not even hit the road again, but the first model of Ford's overall performance has already secured a position in the car of the future film star blockbuster UK, The Sweeney, which is based on the original TV series was released in the UK between 1975 and 1978.

Ford has been closely linked to the television series the 1970 Sweeney, as the stars in the drama of the Police Ford Granada, consuls and curtains against violent crime in London.

For the film of 2012, with production continuing until Christmas, Ford said it has delivered several principles to build ST hatchback accent to join the Mondeo, Galaxy and Transit is also used in the film as private vehicles.

Sweeney will be broadcast on the big screen in the UK in September.

The new Focus ST, on the other hand, will go on sale in Britain in the summer of 2012.

Ford has developed two variants of the ST, a five-door hatchback model is offered in 40 countries around the world including the United States and Canada, and a wagon version for sale only in Europe. Both models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost turbocharged 250 horsepower is estimated at 360 Nm (265.5 lbs-ft).

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