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Safest Cars 2012: New Chevrolet Gets Top Rating

As high gas prices have driven Americans to buy more small cars, they are getting an added bonus, beyond the lofty MPG: Small cars are much safer than they used to be.

The latest example: The brand-new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic was just named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, according to an announcement today.

In all, six small cars have received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.  So as we near the traditional Oct. 1 start to the new model year, here’s a look at some of the 2012 models — of all sizes — that IIHS has declared to be among the safest cars. (The Institute will not release its complete list of 2012 Top Pick models until later this year.)

The Chevy Sonic, just going on sale, has an EPA rating of 40 MPG in highway driving — joining the 2012 Ford Focus and Honda Civic to pair safety with fuel efficiency. “The list of cars with the best fuel economy now includes those with the highest crash-test ratings in their class,” says IIHS chief research officer David Zuby. To get a Top Safety Pick rating, cars must get the highest possible score in front, side, rear and rollover tests.

The top rating for the Sonic, which covers both sedan and hatchback versions, is a big improvement from the small car it replaces, the Aveo, which got marginal ratings in three out of the four tests. Like many other new small cars, the Sonic has standard side airbags as well as electronic stability control, which helps prevent rollover accidents. In the rollover test at IIHS, the Sonic supported 5.37 times its own weight; four times is the  minimum for a top rating.

(Source: moneywatch.bnet.com)

Your choices can cut gas cost up to 45% in any car

It helps, but you don’t have to drive an econo-box appliance to save big on gas. Your decisions can put a big dent in fuel use — up to a 45% savings, say two University of Michigan researchers.

Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle — being colleagues at the green-friendly U-M Transportation Research Institute — are quick to say that buying a fuel miser is the surest way to use less gas. In fact, they say, simply choosing a car (23.7 average mpg for 2011 models) over a minivan (19.4 mpg), SUV (19.2 mpg) or pickup (17.2 mpg) may be the easiest way to save gas.

“Nevertheless,” says Sivak, “remaining factors that a driver has control over can contribute, in total, to about a 45% reduction.”

And they list some of the decisions anyone can make to save gas — including some we hadn’t thought about:

They split the eco-practices into strategic decisions (maintenance, beyond choice of vehicle selection), tactical decisions (picking your routes and vehicle load) and operational decisions (how you drive):

Strategic:

Keep the engine tuned, use the right oil and keep tires inflated (properly — not waiting till the pressure monitor indicates a safety hazard). Obvious stuff, so its amazing how many people don’t do it. But the researchers calculate keeping up on maintenance can boost mileage up to 40%. It’s the easiest way to save, and a better-performing ride can be both safer and more fun, too.

Tactical:

Choose the flattest route for your commute or trip — a flat route can yield 15% to 20% better mileage than a hilly route, they calculate, so might use less gas even if it’s a little longer.

Ditto for picking a freer-flowing highway route as opposed to a congested route, which can boost mileage 20% to 40%.

And jettison any extra stuff you’re carting around — an extra 100 pounds can cut your fuel economy up to 2%, they say.

Operational:

Less aggressive and slower driving can save up to 30%, so pick your times to let it out. Don’t be perpetually impatient — particularly when it’s not really saving any time and is really costing you gas.

Use cruise control on the highway (7% better than your right foot).

If you can take the heat — and don’t then put down the windows at 70 mph, increasing drag — turn off the AC. The researchers say that can save up to 25% — though it would be much less if you have electric, not engine-driven AC.

Don’t let your vehicle idle for more than a minute.

As always, the disclaimer, that your results may vary. And the researchers note that the savings above are calculated based on “specific and sustained conditions.” Unless you’re in Kansas, a completely flat route, for example, is not in the cards.

So, Sivak and Schoettle say, your actual total savings will be less than the sum of the maximum savings. But they calculate an overall potential swing of about 45% is under your control.

While vehicle choice is the most important fuel economy decision, Sivak says, “Following the remaining good eco-driving practices can still lead to a major reduction in on-road fuel economy.”

(Source: USA Today)

The Camaro ZL1 is the most powerful new muscle car with 580hp/556tq

The 6.2L supercharged LSA V8 in the Cadillac CTS-V sedan, coupe and wagon offers 556 horsepower and 551lb-ft of torque so many expected that the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 would offer at least that, while still making sure that there is a healthy gap between the Camaro and the 638 horsepower Corvette ZR1. The extra power from the LSA used in the 2012 ZL1 comes from GM adding a high flow air filter system with dual inlet paths and improved airflow through the supercharger housing, all allowing the ZL1 LSA to breathe more easily. Next, GM fitted the ZL1 with an intercooler that is more efficient that the one used in the Cadillac versions of the same engine and an electric power steering system is installed in the Camaro to suck less power from the engine than a traditional power steering system that relies on power from the engine’s serpentine belt system. The result of all of these tweaks to the LSA is a Camaro that packs 580 horsepower, making it the most powerful Camaro GM has ever sold to the public and making it the most powerful muscle car on the market with 30 more horsepower and 46 more lb-ft of torque than the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

The 2012 Camaro ZL1 will come with the option of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission, unlike the Shelby GT500 that offers just a manual transmission. Each of the available 6-speed transmissions offered in the ZL1 are based on existing transmissions used in non-ZL1 Camaros but these special units, labeled the Tremec TR-6060 “MG9” and the Hydra-Matic 6L90, have been modified to accept the huge power output of the new super Camaro. The automatic transmission in the ZL1 includes three modes, Drive, Sport and Manual which offer varying levels of performance with the Drive mode focusing more on fuel economy and a smooth driving experience while Sport increases shift speed and the manual mode offers the driver full control of the shifts.

The fact that the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most powerful Camaro of all time and the most powerful muscle car of the modern era is incredibly impressive but GM didn’t stop there. The ZL1 is equipped with the 3rd generation of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) which is also featured in the Cadillac V-Series (and the Corvette ZR1/Z06), which should allow the 2012 ZL1 to be the best handling Camaro of all time as well as being the best handling car in the modern muscle car segment, although a head to head battle with the incredible Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca may be in order before GM can stake that claim. This system has allowed the Corvette ZR1 to (temporarily) claim the production car record at the Nürburgring and the Corvette Z06 to set a new best time for that trimline at “the Ring” so to say that this system is well-proven is a vast understatement. The advantage of MRC 3.0 is that it includes an enhanced Performance Traction Management system that will improve the launch abilities of the Camaro ZL1 on both the road course and the drag strip – making the ZL1 the ultimate muscle car for active performance enthusiasts of all kinds.

The only key information that General Motors has not yet offered is the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 price. You have to expect that it will cost a fair deal more than a fully loaded Camaro SS (~$43k) but it should still be less expensive than the Corvette Z06, which starts at $74,375. Considering that the ZL1 uses a similar engine, transmission and ride control system as the Cadillac CTS-V models which are all priced at $63,660 – perhaps the Camaro will be priced in that range but you have to wonder if the more powerful but less luxurious Camaro ZL1 will be priced slightly lower than the premium Cadillac models. The ZL1’s top competition will be the Shelby Mustang GT500 which when loaded up, costs around $58,000 so GM may very well be able to justify charging upwards of $60k for the best-handling and most powerful Chevrolet Camaro ever built for public consumption.

Labor Day Recipes for Your End of Summer Barbeque

Labor Day has come at last. The holiday was first celebrated in 1882 by the Central Labor Union of New York, and was made official in 1894.

Today, the holiday seems to denote the “End of Summer,” although its original honoring of the every day working people of our country should not be forgotten.

Without further ado, here is a list of five recipe ideas for your Labor Day weekend celebrations:

1. Black Bean and Corn Salad

Now that sweet corn is fresh and abundant at local markets, it’s easy to get inspired to do something different with it. Black bean and corn salad is a festive and easy dish, and it can also be served as an appetizer with tortilla chips. Try this super easy and delicious recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray:

Ingredients:

1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups fresh corn cornels from your local market

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons hot sauce

1 lime, juiced

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

Salt and pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to fully defrost and flavors to combine, then toss and serve. The corn will also place a quick-chill on this easy side-salad as it defrosts, no need to refrigerate.

2. Fresh Spring Rolls

This is a refreshing and fun appetizer, and they are actually surprisingly easy to make. The round rice paper spring roll wrappers just need to be submerged in a tub of water for a few seconds, and they will become less rigid and pliable within a minute, in which time, you can fill them with the fillings you have prepared.

Try them with:

Thin rice noodles

A sprinkle of sesame seeds

Marinated tofu or shrimp

Shitake Mushrooms

Avocado

Carrot slivers

Cucumber slivers

And the key ingredient: a few mint leaves.

Directions:

Simply wrap up the ingredients and slice in half with a very sharp knife for a pretty presentation. Serve immediately, with a sweet chili sauce or a peanut dipping sauce. 

3. Stuffed Squash

Summer Squash is at its peak, so why not try something a little different. Stuffed squash is one of those easy dishes with a very impressive presentation. You can keep the stuffing vegetarian, using tomatoes, cheese, bell peppers and onions, or you can go for a more hearty meat stuffing using locally made sausage or ground beef. Try this easy recipe for stuffed squash with sausage, onions and breadcrumbs courtesty of Diana Rattray:

Ingredients:

4 to 6 medium yellow squashes

4 ounces fresh sausages

1 medium onion, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 slices fresh bread, crumbled

Seasoned salt, to taste

Directions:

Boil squash whole until just tender; remove and carefully split lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out pulp, taking care not to break shells. Set pulp aside. Place squash shells in a baking dish.

In skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage with onion. Add salt and pepper to taste; remove from heat. Add squash pulp, bread crumbs, and seasoned salt. Add a little water if the mixture is too dry.

Stuff squash shells with the sausage mixture and bake at 375° until browned. 

Serves 6 to 8.

4. Chicken Tacos with Charred Tomatoes

Tacos are a very convenient and delicious dish to serve when you are expecting a large crowd of guests, because each person can make their own to their liking. You can use any meat, from grilled skirt steak, to fish or marinated pork. This recipe for Chicken Tacos with Charred Tomatoes is on the healthier side of the taco spectrum, courtesy of Eating Well Magazine. This recipe makes six tacos, so double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you are feeding.

Ingredients:

2 plum tomatoes, cored

8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed of fat

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons canola oil, divided

1/2 cup finely chopped white onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

2 teaspoons lime juice, plus lime wedges for garnish

2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 scallions, chopped

6 small corn tortillas, heated

Directions:

Heat a medium skillet over high heat until very hot. Add tomatoes and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until charred on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly. Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise; squeeze to discard seeds. Remove cores and chop the remaining pulp and skin.

Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon oil to the pan and heat over high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add lime juice, the chicken and tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cilantro and scallions. Divide the chicken mixture among tortillas. Serve with lime wedges.

5. Grilled Peaches

The peaches at local markets are bigger than ever now, and they are so juicy and sweet. They would make a delicious dessert in themselves, but grilling them and serving them warm with vanilla ice cream is an amazing treat and pretty simple to do. Try this recipe for Sweet Grilled Peaches, courtesy of Allrecipes.com. You can also use brown sugar and/or maple syrup instead of honey, and if you don’t want to light up the grill, they are fantastic in the broiler too.

Incredients:

1 (16 ounce) package frozen peach slices

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat a grill for medium heat. Place peaches onto a large piece of aluminum foil. Use two if necessary to hold in all of the peaches without spillage. Drizzle the honey over the peaches, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Close up the foil, sealing tightly.

Place the foil packet onto the preheated grill, and cook for 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Carefully open the packet, and serve with a scoop of ice cream.

(Source: verona.patch.com)

Chevrolet Celebrates its 100th Birthday With Special Offers and Discounts

On 8th and 9th September 2011, Chevrolet will start the event with special customer invite only events, and then between 10th and 18th September, everyone is invited to visit their local dealer.

(Source: payneautogroup.com)