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2014 Chevrolet Silverado tows in new configurator, microsite

Judging by your continued enthusiastic response to configurator notices, dear reader, you enjoy speccing out new cars as much as we do. Better still, there tends to be even more ways to personalize, configure and bloat theoretical MSRPs on full-size trucks as there are with more ordinary passenger cars. In addition to trim level, engine and transmission choices, truck buyers usually have to specify items like cab configuration, bed length, number of driven axles, tow packages, gear ratios and all sorts of bits and bobs.
That's why we're pleased to see the DIY specification utility for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado come alive so soon after this week's Detroit Auto Show debut. While the configurator lacks pricing (General Motors hasn't announced numbers yet) and full options, you can still spec out your half-ton rig, and even print it out or email it to your friends. Beyond the configurator, the new model-specific site is pretty cool, too, with various videos and closer looks at the truck's new features.
The new Chevrolet pickup range won't be on dealer lots until sometime this summer, so whether you're a building contractor, an avid sportsman or just a guy or gal that loves full-size trucks, you might want to check out the link below to keep your appetite whetted. If you're more of a Sierra fan, well, it looks like you're going to have to wait a while - GMC hasn't updated its site yet.

How GM engineers are using diaper 'snow' to keep you warm

Testing how snow affects General Motors' vehicles isn't really a problem right now for the company's engineers, but in the dog days of summer the process isn't exactly easy. The only real option is for them to book time at the automaker's climatic wind tunnel. However, a flash of brilliance from an engineer allows snow to be simulated regardless of the temperature outside, and the discovery is all because of his daughter's wet diaper. The realization came to GM Thermal Systems engineer Nicholas Jahn while he was swimming with his daughter and noticed how her diaper ballooned in size in the water. He found out the substance that makes this possible is called sodium polyacrylate. When the material gets wet it grows and forms fluffy flakes that are a close imitation of snow. Best of all, the stuff can be prepared easily any time of the year, and it's reusable. The engineering team uses the material to test the effectiveness of the heating systems of GM's vehicles. They spread the sodium polyacrylate over the inlets at the base of the windshield to obstruct the airflow and then crank the heater. After some time, they can see how much is being sucked into the system and design more efficient systems in the future. See how the process works in the video above and read about the diaper discovery in GM's press release below. Diapers Change Chevy Cruze Winter Warm-up Time GM validation engineer uses diaper material "snow" to reduce frigid drives 2015-01-06 DETROIT – An item commonly found on an infant's changing table is helping General Motors' engineers simulate snow year round, ensuring heating systems in cars like the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze can quickly and efficiently warm its interior. Packed snow can prevent air from entering the inlet panel at the bottom of the windshield, obstructing the flow of air into the heating system and reducing the amount of air it can push out. This can lead to less efficient warming of the car's interior and windshield defrosting. "The last thing anyone wants to do when it's freezing cold out is scrape their windshield," said Nicholas Jahn, GM Vehicle Thermal Systems engineer. "The testing we perform on the Chevrolet Cruze with the diaper material allows us to maximize the car's heating capabilities." Ironically, Jahn stumbled upon his diaper-based testing method in the middle of summer. During a swim with his daughter, he noticed her diaper multiplied in size when it came into contact with water.

Stop-start standard in four-cylinder 2015 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet has announced that it will include stop-start technology as standard in the entry level 2015 Impala. The result is a nearly five-percent improvement in city fuel economy, also known as one mile per gallon, up to 25 mpg, combined. The 3.6-liter V-6 Impala will not feature stop-start. The 2015 Impala comes equipped with Chevrolet's 2.5-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, which will also offer 22 mpg in the city, and 31 on the highway. The 3.6-liter V-6 Impala will not feature stop-start and the mild-hybrid eAssist model from the 2014 MY, which got 29/25/35 combined/city/highway mpg, has been discontinued. Chevrolet spokesman Chad Lyons told Green Car Reports that not even one percent of the 2014 Impalas purchased were the Eco model. So Chevy is trying something different. With a seamless driving experience in mind, the new Impala's stop-start tech features software that governs under what conditions the feature will activate. The engine won't shut off if the car has not reached a speed of six miles per hour, so the start-stop won't be cycling during traffic jams. It can also fire the starter even if the engine has not come to a full stop, which quickens reaction time, particularly in instances of what Chevrolet calls "change-of-mind events." The stop-start function uses information about cabin temperature and humidity as well as battery charge to help determine whether or not to shut off the engine. The 2015 Impala has been engineered to reduce NVH, which will also help create a smoother stop-start experience for occupants, Chevy says. Motor mounts have been updated, and a burlier starter motor will help restart the engine after a stop. The Impala follows the 2014 Malibu as Chevrolet's second vehicle to feature stop-start tech. The four-cylinder model currently makes up over 30 percent of Impala sales. The 2015 Impala will be available beginning this summer, with a base MSRP of $27,735 (including destination charges). And while one MPG isn't a huge difference, neither is the price increase of just $50 for a bit of eco-minded innovation. Read on for more details in the press release below. Chevrolet Makes Stop/Start Standard in 2015 Impala Technology improves city fuel economy by 5 percent 2014-05-22 DETROIT – Stop/start technology will be standard on the 2015 Impala base 2.5-liter ECOTEC® engine, an addition that improves the vehicle's city fuel economy by nearly 5 percent, or one mile per gallon.