SLP Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible

The last thing a Camaro needs is 324 more horses, but that didn’t stop SLP (a.k.a. Street Legal Performance) from making a Camaro ZL1. The original, hyphenated ZL-1 was a $4160 option pack in 1969, a box that just 69 customers checked. An underrated 430-hp, aluminum-block 7.0-liter V-8 was the highlight.

SLP adopts a similar approach with this Camaro. Its ZL1 package costs $80,000 on top of a $32,750 Camaro SS coupe or $38,800 convertible donor, as seen here. Just like the ’69, only 69 ZL1s will be offered by SLP. It’s a juiced-up, $118,800 clean-and-jerk that turns heads, raises ears, and roasts rubber.
And no, this SLP ZL1 is not related to Chevrolet’s upcoming Camaro ZL1: Years ago, SLP wisely trademarked “ZL.” Both SLP and Chevy fit an Eaton TVS supercharger to an aluminum-block V-8. But whereas Chevy uses a 6.2-liter LSA to churn up 580 horsepower, SLP opted for a 7.0-liter LS7 making a claimed 750 horses.

As with most megapower cars, the SLP is traction limited at launch, and we wrangled a not-earthshaking 4.2-second 0-to-60-mph dash. The quarter-mile falls in 12.3 seconds at 119 mph. That’s more than half a second quicker than a stock Camaro SS coupe in either metric. The SLP shows its power at higher speeds, clearing 150 mph in 19.8 seconds, 15.6 seconds before a stocker.

With the top retracted, the ZL1’s roar overwhelms any road noise, with an idle reminiscent of a carbureted, hot-cam V-8. A sleeper this is not. Onlookers will easily identify the beast making the noise: A giant hood scoop, a splitter hanging beneath an SLP-designed front fascia, and a few ZL1 badges give this car away.

And every examiner noticed the throw-back houndstooth seats as well as the abundance of faux carbon fiber on the trunk, front splitter, and rear diffuser. Only the hood is authentic carbon fiber.

Even with the stiff-riding SLP adjustable suspension, the ZL1 has plenty of power to overwhelm the rubber on any road windier than Woodward Avenue—something it has in common with the original. It’ll hold the road up to 0.90 g; Baby-stepping beyond that brings the back end around. The same may happen if the supercharger’s 10.0 psi of max boost arrives midcorner. Drive cautiously.

Forged, 20-inch wheels wrapped in wider-than-stock Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s shroud supersized Brembo brake hardware: 15.9-inch rotors with six-piston calipers up front, 15.0-inch rotors with four-piston calipersat the rear. The big brakes didn’t slash stopping distances though, instead lassoing the ZL1 from 70 mph in 159 feet, one foot ­longer than in the stock SS coupe.

Don’t worry if you are too late to grab one of the 69 ZL1s. SLP will build you a similar one, sans the ZL1 badges. Would Chevy be that accommodating?

SEMA 2010:Chevy Z-Spec Line For Volt, Cruze, and Spark

The car manufacturers from Chevrolet have brought a trio of test cars for their new Z-Spec line of aftermarket accessories for the Chevy Volt, Cruze, and Spark models. The first teaser is with the concept version of the all-new Volt electric car. Sure, an electric vehicle is not a typical tuning project, however that doesn’t mean it can’t look good with a body kit, blacked-out trim, and a new wheel package. The Chevy Volt also received a new sports steering wheel, leather wrapped Recaro seats, and racing foot pedals. This new Z-Spec lineup is being showcased on the three small cars; the Volt, Cruze, and Spark right now, but in the future Chevrolet plans to offer the whole line to all models. Chris Perry, the vice president of Chevrolet marketing said, “Chevrolets have always been vehicles customers love to personalize and Z-Spec could give them more choices than ever.


Custom Graphics Packages to be Available Soon for Cruze and Volt

LAS VEGAS – In the epicenter of automotive personalization and performance – the annual SEMA Show – Chevrolet introduced the Z-Spec concept, which explores a new approach for vehicle customization. Chevrolet showcased three Z-Spec concept vehicles: Cruze Z-Spec, Volt Z-Spec and Spark Z-Spec.
The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme. Z-Spec parts could be purchased individually, to suit customer tastes and budgets, and also could spawn limited-edition models from Chevrolet.
In addition, Chevrolet announced a new partnership with Original Wraps to provide custom graphics packages for the Cruze and Volt before the end of the year. Examples of some of the packages are highlighted on the Z-Spec concepts, as well as production-based Cruze and Volt show vehicles.
“Chevrolets have always been vehicles customers love to personalize and Z-Spec could give them more choices than ever,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “With Chevy’s new compact and small cars coming to market now and in the near future, we focused on Cruze, Volt and Spark for this exercise. The Z-Spec concept really could be applied across the entire Chevrolet lineup, offering customization choices to owners of cars, crossovers and trucks.”
The graphics packages offer a wide range of graphic designs and colors. They’re designed for purchase and installation through Chevrolet dealerships, with the option of rolling the cost into the monthly payments, when selected and installed at the time of vehicle purchase. The designs and color options are available at chevroletgraphics.com.
Indicative of the Z-Spec philosophy, the concept vehicles incorporate a blend of Chevrolet-designed exterior and interior enhancements, and are complemented with performance upgrades developed in conjunction with some of the tuner world’s most respected manufacturers, including Brembo, Borla, K&N and more.
“We’ve designed accessories and chosen well-established, reputable partners,” said Dave Ross, design manager. “These concept elements are designed to complement the design and performance characteristics of the wide range of Chevrolet vehicles.”
CHEVROLET VOLT Z-SPEC CONCEPT
Chevrolet’s all-new, 2011 Volt electric vehicle with extended range is establishing an entirely new segment in the global automotive market. The five-door, four-passenger Volt is designed to provide the benefits of an electric vehicle without limitations.
Along with its groundbreaking electric drive system, the Volt is also a stylish sedan filled with high-tech features. The Volt Z-Spec concept is a natural extension of the style of the production version.
“The concept combines the Volt’s advanced electric propulsion technology with the flair of Z-Spec, because efficiency and high style needn’t be mutually exclusive,” said Paul Arnone, lead designer. “The Z-Spec enhancements give the vehicle a sportier look that doesn’t affect its electric driving range or overall efficiency.”
The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme. On the Volt Z-Spec concept, the unique features include unique lower rocker panels and lower front fascia, grille, taillamps, 19-inch wheels and exterior graphics. Although the Z-Spec parts are only concepts at the moment, they’re being considered for production.
The Volt Z-Spec is driven by the revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, which consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure electric range between 25 and 50 miles in moderate conditions, depending on terrain, driving techniques, temperature and battery age. (Mileage based on GM testing. EPA estimates not yet available.)
The Volt’s instantaneous torque proves electric driving can be spirited. Not only does the Volt reach a top speed of 100 mph, the electric drive unit’s excellent low-speed torque of 273 lb.-ft. (368 Nm) takes it from 0 to 60 mph in less than 9.0 seconds and the quarter mile in less than 17.0 seconds.
Once the battery charge drops below a certain level, the Volt’s extended-range 1.4L engine kicks in to provide power to the Volt’s electric motors, which under some conditions can be supplemented with power from the engine itself. This mode provides excellent performance and allows the Volt to travel hundreds of miles on a single tank of fuel and a full battery. This freedom allows the Volt to be driven anytime and anywhere.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
“Icy White” Metallic paint
Lower rocker panels and lower front fascia
Black chrome satin finish on the grille, belt moldings and outside rearview mirrors
Billet aluminum Chevy “brand bar”
Rear fascia
Rear tail lamps
Graphics package
19-inch GM Accessory wheels
Interior:
Custom Z-Spec graphic door inserts
Racing-style pedals
Custom leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with Z-Spec logo
Recaro leather-trimmed front seats with orange accent stitch
Custom Z-Spec floor mats
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be available in CA, TX, MI, NY, NJ, CT and Washington, DC at the end of 2010.
CHEVROLET CRUZE Z-SPEC CONCEPT
New to the streets of North America this fall, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze brings a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail. Truly a global car, it leverages Chevrolet’s design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America and is sold in more than 60 countries around the world.
Chevrolet’s designers developed the Cruze Z-Spec concept to reflect the car’s global roots, but give it a uniquely American aesthetic. The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme.
The Cruze’s JDSU SpectraFlair Orange Metallic exterior color and racing-inspired graphics give the car can’t-miss-it distinction, while the ground effects, rear spoiler and other exterior cues are de rigueur among tuner enthusiasts. The same goes for the car’s interior trim kit, shift knob and racing-style pedals.
“Cruze is a personal car that will naturally attract youthful customers who want to make it their own,” said Todd Parker, design manager. “The Z-Spec portfolio could offer them an easy way to personalize their vehicle.”
The Cruze Z-Spec concept is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
JDSU Medium Dark SpectraFlair Orange Metallic color
Custom Z-Spec graphics
Gloss white and matte gray custom graphic stripes (Graphic Concepts)
Ground effects kit
Rear spoiler
High-flow grille with body-color surround trim
Accessory front fog lamp kit
BBS 19-inch wheels
Interior:
Interior trim kit with custom perforated, leather-trimmed instrument panel and doors
Custom flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with Z-Spec logo
Recaro leather-trimmed, racing-style seats
Custom Z-Spec embroidered floor mats
Performance:
Pedders sport springs and suspension components
Brembo brake kit
Borla high-flow exhaust system
K&N cold-air intake system
CHEVROLET SPARK Z-SPEC CONCEPT
There’s a new Chevrolet coming to North America in 2012: the Spark. It will be a five-door hatch and the smallest member of Chevrolet’s family of cars, all while bringing style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient vehicles. Spark will provide great efficiency, and its trim size makes it very agile in all kinds of driving conditions while still feeling substantial on the open road.
The Chevrolet Spark Z-Spec concept, introduced at the 2010 SEMA Show, magnifies the sporty appearance, stance and driving experience of the upcoming new car with a racing-inspired ground effects kit, rear spoiler, larger wheels and more. The Z-Spec concept demonstrates a cohesive design with a family of factory-engineered accessories and the best of the aftermarket under a single theme.
“The Chevrolet Spark will cause people to rethink their perceptions of what a small car can be – particularly when it comes to design and performance,” said Paul Arnone, lead designer. “The Spark Z-Spec concept incorporates a blend of Chevrolet-designed exterior and interior enhancements, and wheels by BBS, a proven leader.”
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Exterior:
LCP Tangerine Metallic Orange color
Custom Z-Spec “Icy White” metallic mirror caps with hydrographics
Rear spoiler
High-flow grille with body-color surround trim
Grill inserts and exterior trim in satin black
BBS 17-inch wheels painted “Icy White” Metallic
Polished exhaust outlet
Interior:
Custom LCP Tangerine Metallic-painted trim components with die-cut Z-Spec-inspired door graphics
Leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel with Z-Spec badge
Recaro leather trimmed front racing-inspired seats
Custom Z-Spec embroidered front and rear floor mats
Custom machined billet aluminum shift knob and leather-wrapped shift boot with orange accent stitch
Alloy pedal covers

Aston Martin

Finding a reliable insurance provider that can offer you cheap car insurance

Over the past two years, the country’s economic situation has forced some people to reduce costs. Rising commodity prices and falling incomes lead people to seek alternatives that will save them money. Under these circumstances, people have to look for cheap car insurance.

Increasing premiums for auto insurance policies are encouraging people to look out for insurance providers that are able to offer the budget car insurance. While people would be fully justified in finding insurance companies that can offer car insurance at a low price, they should be advised to exercise caution before entering into an agreement with an insurance provider.

Looking around the local market or at the Internet you can find a lot of advertisements offering car insurance at sky-rocketing prices. You can be sure that these offers aren’t the best on the market. However, it would be better to make some inquiries to be convinced that they are indeed on track. There is an abundance of commercials that can mislead us, convincing to believe something that does not exist. In the situation, people should also consider the term of coverage rather than just the tempting price offered by insurance providers.

People can make requests for quotes with different motor insurance companies, either in person or by using the Internet. They can be assured that they will soon be flooded with very cheap offers for car insurance from all suppliers who they contact. However, you need to consider that each insurance provider has a different price for the same type of motor insurance. It is wise to spare some time and make comparisons of different estimates that have been received.
People must understand that they would do well to deal with insurance providers that have been in the business for a while and have a position in the market for backup. Their prices may not to be the lowest but the level of coverage is always the best.
AUDI : Another Ugly Deutsche Invention
BMW : Brings Me Women but Broke My Wallet
FIAT : Failure in Italian Automotive Technology
FORD : Fast Only Rolling Downhill
SAAB : Shape Appears Ass-Backwards
HYUNDAI : Hope You Understand Nothing's Driveable And Inexpensive...
SUBARU : Screwed Up Beyond All Repair Usually
VOLVO : Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object
PORSCHE : Proof Of Rich Spoiled Children Having Everything

Top tips for caravan insurance online

If you’re looking for caravan insurance online, here are a few useful tips.
Caravan insurance online is typically organised under the main caravan description types of statics, motorhomes, tourers etc.
Some sites may offer the capability to enter your details and to be able to see various offers from insurers. Such sites may save you time and effort.
You may find that some providers offers discounts for certain types of behaviour such as belonging to a caravan owners’ association or using additional security features on your caravan such as alarms. Although such discounts may not be substantial individually, collectively they may mount up and be worth looking for.
Try to avoid being too influenced by banner headlines relating to cheap or best insurance. What’s best or cheap for someone else may not be so for you. Instead, look critically at the cover being provided then decide if:
it’s the cover that most fits your needs and situation;
the price seems reasonable in terms of what’s being offered.
Take the time to read the proposal/quotation carefully and pay particular attention to the terms and conditions. These vary significantly and some may be rather more acceptable to you than others. For example, if you go abroad regularly with your caravan then policy restrictions on the number of days you spend outside of the UK may not be acceptable to you (though they may be fine for someone else).
Pay attention to the contents cover. Some policies offer new-for-old forms of replacement while others work on the basis of a market valuation (typically meaning a second-hand value). Either may be fine for you depending upon the number and value of the contents in your caravan – just be clear that the policy matches your requirements.

Finding caravan insurance online is typically quick and easy. Good luck!