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Opel's own ad shows Ampera-e beating Opels in drag race

The Opel Ampera-e isn't expected to set any world records on a quarter-mile drag strip. But when it comes to crossing a major boulevard, though, the European version of the Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle will more than hold its own, potentially scaring inattentive pedestrians everywhere. According to a 35-second video posted by General Motors' Opel division, at least. Opel set up the Ampera-e against four other small-and-sporty vehicles, including racing versions of the Opel Adam and Opel Astra as well as stock versions of the Opel Insignia and Corsa (what, you expected a Corvette to be in there?). With the EV's off-the-line torque as a selling point, Opel showed the Ampera-e beating the other vehicles in a 30-meter (100-foot) drag race. Of course, the video also shows the EV getting passed by some of the others soon after, but the point was made. Opel doubled down by adding the tagline "Fun to Drive" at the end of the video. While Opel hasn't revealed the single-charge range of the Ampera-e, it should be roughly the same as the Chevrolet Bolt, which will be about 200 miles. In addition, the Ampera-e, like the Bolt in the US, will get 200 horsepower from its electric motor, and will be able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than seven seconds. The Ampera-e will debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show later this month. General Motors said in February that Europe would get the Ampera-e by next year. Opel had previously used the Ampera name with the Euro version of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in. Related Video: News Source: Opel/YouTube via Green Car Reports Green Chevrolet GM Opel Electric opel ampera-e ampera-e

Leak reveals GM's 2017 heavy duty diesel trucks to get 910 lb-ft of torque [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Chevrolet officially announced specs for the 2017 Silverado HD and the rumors were true. The truck's new Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 puts out 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet says the new motor produces 19 percent more torque and 12 percent more horsepower, while producing 35 percent fewer emissions. Overall, the new engine is a big improvement over the current motor, which generates 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque. According to Truck Trend, GM's newest heavy duty pickup trucks will pick up quite a bit more power and torque. The publication spotted a recent GM Powertrain ordering catalog that had the engine specs for the 2017 model year and managed to get some screenshots before the catalog was taken down, and they can be viewed here. The screenshots revealed that the 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 powering the Silverado and Sierra heavy duty models will boast 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial gain over the current models' 397 horsepower and 765 lb-ft of torque, and as Truck Trend points out, it exceeds the Ford Super Duty line's horsepower output of 440, but comes short of the 925 lb-ft rating. Truck Trend credits part of this output gain to the new intake system GM will introduce on the 2017 heavy duties. The intake gets 60 percent of its air from a scoop on the hood, with the other 40 percent coming from behind one of the front fenders. GM doesn't reveal horsepower figures in the press release about the scoop, but it does say the cooler air helps with maintaining the engine's output, and that the scoop does produce a ram-air affect, providing more air at speed. As we know, more air plus more fuel equals more power, but there's likely more to the power increase in this engine than only the intake. Related Video: News Source: Truck Trend via MSN Chevrolet GM GMC Truck Diesel Vehicles

2015 Chevy Colorado takes Motor Trend Truck of the Year calipers [w/videos]

The final winner of Motor Trend's prestigious Golden Calipers has been named, with the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado taking the title of 2015 Truck of the Year, likely shocking those who thought Ford's all-aluminum, next-generation F-150 would take the crown. But win the Colorado did, beating not only the new Ford, but two other brutish Blue Ovals in the F-450 and Transit. The midsize pickup also bested its brethren from General Motors, beating the heavy-duty Chevy Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra Denali 2500 and the GMC Canyon, the Colorado's fraternal twin. After an unprecedented two-year stint with the Golden Calipers, Ram sat this year's awards out. Most impressive about the Colorado's victory isn't that it simply beat the US market's other trucks, it did so with a unanimous vote. Praise from MT's editors focused on the trucklet's price, spacious interior, fit and finish and performance. Former Autoblog staffer Jonny Lieberman called the Colorado's steering the best he'd "ever experienced on any truck, full stop," in MT's awards article. "After days of testing, hundreds of miles on the road, and our most rigorous truck testing program to date, our editors unanimously selected the Chevy Colorado as our 2015 Truck of the Year," said MT boss Edward Loh. "Colorado is a smart, capable, and refreshingly honest truck that makes a strong value and efficiency statement. It's perfectly sized and suited for the needs of many of today's truck users." The Colorado joins the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and 2015 Honda CR-V among Motor Trend 2015 award winners. Scroll down for video commentary from General Motors CEO Mary Barra, Loh and a clip of the Golden Calipers being handed over. Also, check out GM's full press release on its big win. The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. MOTOR TREND Names Chevrolet Colorado 2015 Truck of the Year Midsize pickup outclasses competition in design, engineering, efficiency, safety and more 2014-12-03 EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – After its most comprehensive truck evaluation program in history, MOTOR TREND has selected the Chevy Colorado as its 2015 Truck of the Year®. MOTOR TREND's Truck of the Year program is only open to all-new or significantly updated trucks and vans for the upcoming model year.