Chevy's double hump cylinder heads, first introduced on the 1962 Corvette's 327 V8, became a benchmark in small-block engine performance, known for their large valves, small combustion chambers, and optimized fuel combustion, significantly influencing muscle car power during the 1960s.
Chevy has lifted the stop-sale order on the Blazer EV after addressing software issues with a new update, and has slashed prices by an average of $5,900 while also qualifying the vehicle for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit. The software update aims to fix reported problems with infotainment screens and charging, and Chevy plans to extend the fixes to its other electric vehicles. Despite the price reduction, the Blazer EV faces an uphill battle to regain consumer trust after months of negative publicity surrounding its defects.
In 2023, a record 1.2 million electric vehicles were sold in the US, accounting for 7.6% of total auto sales. Tesla's Model Y led the sales, followed by the Model 3, while other EVs from Chevy, Ford, VW, Hyundai, and Rivian also saw strong sales. Rivian's R1S outsold the Tesla Model X and Ford F-150 Lightning, with the overall EV market expected to reach around 10% of total sales in 2024. Despite some automakers scaling back on EV production, others like Hyundai and Volvo are doubling down, with expectations for more changes in the top-selling EV list in 2024.
Chevy's emotional holiday ad featuring a grandmother with Alzheimer's highlights the power of reminiscence therapy, a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals recall older memories using conversation and sensory engagement. The therapy, which aims to improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's and other memory-loss conditions, can reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and enhance relationships with caregivers. While not a cure, reminiscence therapy offers comfort and support for those affected by Alzheimer's.
The Chevy ZR2 badge has a long history, dating back to the 1990s when it was first introduced on the S-10 compact truck. The S-10 ZR2 featured a lifted suspension, wider track width, fender flares, Bilstein suspension, Eaton rear locker, and 31-inch all-terrain tires. When the ZR2 badge was revived on the Chevy Colorado in 2016, it stood out with its unique spool valve dampers. While not a direct competitor to the Ford F-150 Raptor, the Colorado ZR2 offered similar off-road capabilities in a smaller and lighter package. The ZR2 has evolved over the years, but for a period from 1994 to 2003, Chevy offered a true compact ZR2 truck designed for off-roading.
Evan Koblentz built a life-size replica of the Chevy 454 big block V8 engine using only Lego parts from the 1970s and 1980s. The build weighs about 40 pounds and stands 4 feet long with its transmission attached. It's complete with crankshaft, pistons, pushrods, camshafts, and sixteen valves. Koblentz sourced a functioning Lego Control Center kit from the 8-bit era, complete with its interface card for the Apple II home computer, to run the engine with a pair of Lego Interface A controllers that operate the build's 4.5-volt motors. The engine was nominated for the Best Mechanical category at Brickworld Chicago in 2022 and won the award this year after Koblentz added a working four-speed transmission.
Chevy's NASCAR Next Gen chassis with a Camaro body, the Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 stock car, crossed the finish line in good shape at the 24-hour mark of the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The small block Chevy-based R07 V8 required only light modification for Le Mans, including a lowered rev range for durability and removing the restrictor plate that NASCAR requires. The Camaro ended up qualifying 37th and finishing 39th, but it wasn't a competitive entry, just an exhibition.
General Motors has announced that it will retire the Chevrolet Camaro next year, leaving an uncertain future for the classic muscle car as the automaker continues a broader transition away from gas-powered vehicles. The last Camaros will roll off the line in January, though Chevy teased the possibility of a new version being introduced later. Chevy spokesman Trevor Thompkins said the company is “keeping the hope alive” for a new generation but declined to say whether any new releases would be gas-powered, hybrid or all-electric.