Chevrolet Offers iPhone Users Siri Eyes Free Integration

Chevrolet announced additional vehicles with Chevrolet MyLink will be available with Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking. Siri Eyes Free Integration will be available on the 2014 Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt. 

Owners simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.
In the 2014 Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt vehicles equipped with MyLink, owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in their iTunes libraries, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
• Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
• Access Calendar and add appointments

Connect with us on the Ken Dixon Auto Facebook page to get more great Chevy related news.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Next Stop

For a third year in a row, Chevrolet is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to take a stand against breast cancer through early detection, protection and awareness. You are also encouraged to take part in the fight. 

On October 5, October 19, November 2, and November 16, you can take a test drive at your Chevrolet dealership and Chevrolet will contribute $10 for every drive to the American Cancer Society. 

So if you've been drooling over the opportunity to get behind the wheel of any of the 2014 models, like the new Camaro, now is the perfect time to act on it! 

Visit theKen Dixon Auto Website to browse our selection of new cars, and to get our contact info. 

Weekly Car Tip: How to Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh!

Every car had that distinctive 'new car' smell at one point in time. However, it doesn't take long before it gets replaced with less-desirable scents such as body odor or stale french fries. We believe it is a smell that should not be limited to cars that are only weeks old. If you follow a few of these simple techniques, you can achieve a fresh smelling car for years to come. 

First, let us cover some preventative measures. They may seem like common-sense, but it's still worth mentioning. Obviously, avoid smoking in the car. While it seems like the smoke immediately disperses, it actually has a much more pervasive nature. Cigarette smoke has a tendency to find its way into fabrics and other hard-to-reach places in the car. This is the quickest way to displace that fresh scent. Another, maybe not so obvious (but still important), in-car activity to avoid is eating. And whatever you do, don't leave fast-food bags in the car during the day or overnight! If you must eat in the car, be sure to have some car wipes handy to clean the steering wheel and any other surfaces that may have been affected. It's also a great idea to keep an in-car trash bag that will contain any spills or messes that you may encounter.

Now, even following those rules, it's still inevitable that the new-car-smell will eventually fade away. What can you do to restore it? Here are a few suggestions:

1. We all know that you can buy the car-fresheners to place around the vehicle. Some of these work better than others, but there are certainly better options.
2. Next time you're in the department store, grab a couple cologne or perfume samples (depending on your preference) and leave them in the car. These scents are strong and will remain in the car for longer.
3. Vacuum often! Use carpet deodorizer, or baking soda, to absorb any scents left behind by the vacuum.
4. You can place orange peels in an inconspicuous place. As they dry, they will continue to release a naturally fresh scent.
5. Dryer sheets also work very well. Put an open box underneath the drivers seat. They absorb bad odors while also emanating a fresh smell.

Is there anything we missed that you have found success with? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line on the Ken Dixon Auto Facebook Page!

EV Owner Etiquette

If you have yet do drive a fully-electric vehicle, you may not realize that the driving experience is significantly different than your average car. That's precisely why Chevrolet released a list of driving tips for those still making the adjustment. We'll quickly highlight those tips in this blog post.

• Once your car is finished charging, it is proper etiquette to move your car. This allows the next person to utilize the charging station. If you plug your car in and leave while it is charging, leave a note indicating that it is okay for the next person to unplug your car to charge their own. 
• Fully electric vehicles receive priority at charging stations.
• Watch for pedestrians. Electric motors are almost silent which makes it difficult for people to be aware of approaching EV's.
• The Spark EV has a Pedestrian Friendly Alert Function which can be set to activate at slow speeds. The feature emits a 'Chirp' sound, making the vehicles presence known. 
• As an EV owner, whether hybrid or fully-electric, it is your responsibility to act as ambassador to others. Spread the word about the benefits of EV ownership, as well as the nuances that come along with it. 

 For more information, visit the Ken Dixon Chevrolet Website.

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving

Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?

No, it's not a mirage. It's Elmiraj!

General Motors recently debuted their newest Cadillac concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If you haven't heard about the Elmiraj yet, it has garnered quite a bit of praise in automotive circles since the reveal. I mean, just take one look at the thing and you'll understand why. 

The design is clean and sharp. The long, smooth lines give the car a truly stunning, provocative look.

Cadillac fans have been patiently waiting for a new version of the CTS coupe. Well, it turns out they got much more than they bargained for at Pebble Beach. 

The first thing you notice upon sight of the front-end is the newly designed Cadillac emblem. No longer does it contain the "outdated" laurels, or wreath, that had previously surrounded the logo. Cadillac had released news of such a redesign, but nobody expected to see it so soon. The badge still maintains that authentic, luxurious feel.

Another eye-opening feature is the vertical orientation of the headlights. The large front-end lends to the design aesthetics. But that is not its only purpose. Under the hood you'll find a a whopping 500-horsepower 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The chassis is built on a light rear-wheel drive framework, apparently keeping performance in mind.

Moving to the interior, Cadillac spared no expense. Brazilian Rosewood was chosen for the trim. The dash gauges are a classic mix of analog and digital. Additional features include a front-facing camera and 10-inch navigation display that tucks neatly inside the instrument panel when not in use. 

Overall, it's a pretty daring move by Cadillac. 

The Elmiraj design director explains, "We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction."

It's a truly sensational concept from Cadillac and will leave many enthusiasts excited to see some form of production model emerge from it.

Cadillac to debut new concept this weekend at Pebble Beach

Keep an eye out for a new Cadillac concept car this weekend. It is planned to debut at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an annual celebration of the automotive industry. The event is five days long and culminates on Sunday for the 63rd annual Concours d'Elegance, where automobiles compete to be named "best of the best." 

Artist rendering of the Elmiraj, debuting this weekend

The new concept will bear the name Elmiraj. It is expected to be unveiled tonight, August 15th, to kick off the weekend-long Cadillac exhibit. The exhibit will feature three iconic Cadillac's of the past (a 1967 Eldorado, a 1965 Coupe Deville, and a 1937 Series 90 V16) to showcase the automakers legacy of design and performance. Guests will also have the opportunity to test-drive new Cadillac models like the 2013 ATS and 2013 CTS-V Coupe. 

More information is available on the Concours d'Elegance website.

The Economics of EV Ownership

We all miss the days of gas under $3. But instead of being bitter about the "old days," why don't we come up with a way to recreate those days of gas savings?

With the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV drivers can save approximately $9,000 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average vehicle. That's $150 a month that can be spent on something else!

The amount of money you can save on fuel is the equivalent of:

• Airfare for an around-the-world trip
• 6 pairs of Google Glasses
• 60 Nike+ FuelBands
• 6,425 Starbucks Tall Coffee of the Days

The only question is what would you spend all that extra cash on?

Ken Dixon Auto - Chevy Model Year End Event

Now could be the last chance to get the 2013 Chevrolet you want. As we make room for the 2014 models we need to move out the 2013's, this means great offers for you. They’ll soon be gone so hurry in now!

Visit the Ken Dixon Auto Website for more information. Or just come on in to see these amazing savings for yourself.

Ken Dixon Auto - Cadillac looking for fresh new look

After more than a decade, Cadillac is looking to make some changes to its logo. The new look will most likely debut on a concept car that the luxury auto maker plans on showing next month at Pebble Beach. The decision to freshen the brand comes from generally consistent market research indicating that the current design "is seen as outdated and obsolete." The research seems to have focused on a particular element of the brand design, the wreath or laurels that encapsulate the logo. 

As is the trend right now in the automotive industry, Cadillac seeks to attract young buyers extending and rooting their market influence for years to come. The company believes that moving towards a more cleaner, contemporary look will facilitate in that endeavor. 

It's not uncommon for car companies to adjust their brands to better suit the current trends and styles. Cadillac has done it almost 40 times in the past 100+ years. Last re-engineered in 1999, it would seem that a revision is long overdue. 

Do you think that a change will be good or bad for the auto brand?

2014 Stingray: Burning Rubber Without Burning Too Much Gas

 

 

The EPA finalized its numbers on the 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray and effectively put Chevy's newest offering in a class of its own. Putting out an impressive 455 horsepower, the C7 somehow manages to keep its highway estimated fuel economy at 29 MPG. That estimate is specific to the 7-speed manual option, and is an average of the two available drive modes: Tour (at 28MPG) and Eco (at 30MPG).

Estimates for the 6-speed automatic transmission are expected to be finalized soon and should rival its manual shift counterpart. With the automatic transmission, the Active Fuel Management system will be engaged at all times unless the driver switches to manual-shift mode using the steering wheel paddles.

“The Corvette Stingray establishes the benchmark for modern performance cars by using technologies to deliver more performance and more miles per gallon,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer for the Corvette. “We expect more and more performance cars will follow Corvette’s example.”

 

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible following by the end of the year.

2013 Home Run Derby Participants Announced

 
NL captain David Wright selects Bryce Harper, Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer; Chris Davis, Prince Fielder join AL captain Robinson Cano

Participants for the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby were announced earlier this evening on ESPN's "SportsCenter" by Derby captains David Wright of the National League and Robinson Cano of the American League.

Joining Wright as representatives of the N.L. will be Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Colorado Rockies outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. The A.L. competitors who will join Cano include Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder. Cano has yet to select the fourth A.L. participant who will take part in the Derby.

Wright, who was the runner-up in the 2006 Home Run Derby, has 13 home runs on the season, and his 217 career home runs rank third on the Mets all-time list behind Darryl Strawberry (252) and Mike Piazza (220). Wright, who was named an All-Star for the seventh time and a fan-elected starter for a fifth time, will join Strawberry (1986, 1990) and Howard Johnson (1989, 1991) as the only Mets to compete multiple times in the Home Run Derby. Wright, who has the second-most 20-homer seasons in franchise history (six), finished with 21 home runs in 2012, representing his franchise-best ninth season with double-digit home runs. He is one of four third basemen in history to record double-digit home run totals in each of his first nine seasons in the Major Leagues, joining Ron Cey (1973-86) and Hall of Famers Eddie Mathews (1952-66) and Mike Schmidt (1973-84). The 30-year-old Wright will become the 16th player from a host team, and the first since Albert Pujols in the 2009 Derby at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, to participate in the event.

Harper, who has 13 home runs on the season, will compete in his first Home Run Derby and will become the second-youngest player ever to participate in the Derby (20 years, 269 days old on July 15th) behind Ken Griffey, Jr. (20 years, 230 days old). The two-time All-Star, who will also become the third-youngest player to start a Midsummer Classic, will become the first player in Nationals history to compete in the event. Prior to moving to Washington, the franchise was represented in the Derby by Montreal Expos All-Stars Hubie Brooks (1986), Larry Walker (1992), Henry Rodriguez (1996) and Vladimir Guerrero (2000).

Gonzalez will participate in his second career Home Run Derby following his debut in the event last year in Kansas City, when he hit four home runs. "CarGo" has an N.L.-leading 24 home runs this season, which is already just 10 shy of his career-high of 34 set in 2010, and his 119 career home runs rank eighth all-time in Rockies history. Gonzalez, who is an All-Star for the second time in his career and a fan-elected starter for the first time, will become the second Rockies player in history to contend in the Derby on multiple occasions, joining Larry Walker (1997, 1999).

Cuddyer, who is tied for ninth in the N.L. with 15 home runs this season, will compete in his first career Home Run Derby. He will become the eighth different player in Rockies history to participate, joining Dante Bichette (1994), Ellis Burks (1996), Walker, Vinny Castilla (1998), Todd Helton (2001), Matt Holliday (2008) and Gonzalez. Cuddyer, who is an All-Star for the second time (also 2011), hit six home runs during his franchise-record and Major League season-best 27-game hitting streak from May 28th-July 2nd. Cuddyer and Gonzalez will become the 13th pair of teammates to take part in the Derby in the same year, and the first since the 2011 event featured Milwaukee's Rickie Weeks and Fielder, and Boston's David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez.

In his first career Home Run Derby appearance in 2011, Cano set a new final round record with 12 home runs, besting the previous record of 11 set by Bobby Abreu (2005), David Ortiz (2010) and Adrian Gonzalez earlier in the 2011 final. Cano, who joined Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg (1990) as the only second basemen to win a Home Run Derby, amassed 32 total home runs during the competition, placing him 13th on the all-time Derby list. Cano, who was also the A.L. captain for last year's Home Run Derby, will become the first Yankees player and the first second baseman in history to participate in the Derby on three occasions. In his nine seasons with the Yankees, Cano has hit 192 home runs, including 20 thus far in 2013, which is tied for seventh in the A.L. Cano, now an All-Star for the fifth time, has hit at least 10 home runs in each of his first nine Major League seasons, joining Hall of Famer Joe Gordon (11 straight seasons, 1938-50) as the only second basemen to accomplish the feat in Major League history.

Davis, who leads the Majors with 33 home runs this season, will compete in his first Home Run Derby. The first-time All-Star becomes the seventh Oriole to participate in the Derby, joining Hall of Famers Eddie Murray (1985) and Cal Ripken, Jr. (1985, 1991-92), as well as Brady Anderson (1996-97), Rafael Palmeiro (1998, 2004), B.J. Surhoff (1999) and Miguel Tejada (2004, 2006). The 33 home runs by Davis ties his career-high set in 2012, and it is currently the most prior to the All-Star break since 2001, when Barry Bonds had 39 and Luis Gonzalez had 35. In addition, the 33 home runs are tied for the fourth-most by an A.L. player prior to the break, trailing Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson (37 in 1969), Griffey (35 in 1998) and Frank Howard (34 in 1969).

Fielder, the defending Home Run Derby Champion, also won the event in St. Louis in 2009. Just the second player with multiple Derby victories (also Griffey: 1994, 98-99), Fielder, who also competed in 2007 and 2011, will become the sixth player to partake in the Derby on at least five occasions, joining Griffey (8), Mark McGwire (7), Bonds (6), Sammy Sosa (6) and David Ortiz (5). Fielder, who has 15 home runs on the season, has hit 63 home runs all-time in the Home Run Derby, which ranks fifth all-time behind Ortiz (77), Griffey (74), Jason Giambi (68) and Sosa (65). Prince will become the second player in Tigers history to appear in multiple Derbys, joining his father, Cecil, who took park in the event three times as a Tiger (1990-91, 1993).

The Chevrolet Home Run Derby will continue to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as well as MLB's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. More than $3 million has been raised for charity over the past 10 years, with an all-time high of $615,000 donated through the 2012 event. Chevrolet and Major League Baseball will donate a significant amount of money to charity through the 2013 event. In addition, Chevrolet plans to award the winner of the Home Run Derby an all-new 2014 Silverado.

This year's Chevrolet Home Run Derby will continue to follow the format first introduced in 2011, featuring team competition between the A.L. and N.L. Last year, the A.L. defeated the N.L. by a final tally of 61-21, with Prince Fielder of the Tigers winning the individual title in Kansas City. Each of the captains will select a charity of their choice for which their team will be hitting during the Derby.

The donations from the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby will include $150,000 to the winning captain's charity in his name; $100,000 to the BGCA in the name of the winning captain; $25,000 to the charity of the captain of the losing team in his name; and the remainder to the BGCA on behalf of Chevrolet and Major League Baseball.

The total amount of money distributed will be determined by the home runs hit during the competition. For each Gold Ball home run hit by a participant after the ninth out throughout the Chevrolet Home Run Derby, Chevrolet and Major League Baseball will combine to donate $23,000 to designated charities. The dollar figure was selected to coincide with the EPA-estimated best in class 23 miles per gallon highway that the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado features, making it the most efficient V8 in a pickup. Chevrolet and MLB will combine to make an additional donation of $3,000 for every non-Gold Ball home run hit throughout the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby.

The eight participants will each be paired with a youngster representing one of eight local RBI leagues throughout the New York City region. The child paired with the winner of the Chevrolet Home Run Derby will earn $50,000 towards a baseball field makeover for their RBI league. Chevrolet and MLB will also donate $10,000 worth of baseball equipment and uniforms to each of the other seven RBI leagues. In addition to coverage on ESPN, the 2013 Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN, ESPN Mobile TV, and ESPN Radio in the U.S. as well as ESPN International beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on Monday, July 15th.

"Strong"

This one goes out to all the hard-working men and women we're lucky enough to know. Yeah, we're talking about you. Stay "strong". 

Ken Dixon Auto | 5 Star Review on Cars.com

 

Take a look at our latest #5Star review on Cars.com! http://bit.ly/14e2KLK

 

2014 Cadillac XTS Packs Twin Turbo Power

New V-6 engine option produces 410 horsepower

DETROIT – Cadillac will add a new option to its XTS luxury sedan: More power and torque. Starting in August, the all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 will go into production as an optional engine for the 2014 XTS.

The new Cadillac Twin Turbo V6 is also a signature feature of the upcoming all-new 2014 CTS luxury performance sedan. In the XTS, the twin turbo will produce an SAE-certified 410 horsepower (306 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm), making it one of the most power-dense six-cylinder engines among luxury cars. The engine delivers 105 lb-ft more torque over the standard V-6 from1900 to 5600 rpm, providing seemingly endless torque for vehicle responsiveness.

“The addition of the new Cadillac Twin Turbo expands and elevates the XTS luxury sedan,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president Global Cadillac. “This is a compelling enhancement to what is already one of the most technically advanced sedans in our history.”

In both the CTS and XTS product lines, the twin turbo will be the centerpiece of a new model offering called Vsport. The new Vsport is inspired by and slotted “underneath” Cadillac’s elite high-performance V-Series models. Vsport includes the best-performing technical elements inside the “regular” car line in a single model, headlined by Twin Turbo engine.

• The new Cadillac Twin Turbo is a comprehensive upgrade to the 3.6L dual overhead cam V6 that is standard in the XTS in the U.S. market. Almost every component is unique, including:
• All-new cylinder block casting
• Strengthened connecting rods
• Machined, domed aluminum pistons with top steel ring carrier for greater strength
• 10.2:1 compression ratio
• Patented, integrated charge air cooler system with low-volume air ducts
• Two turbochargers producing more than 12 pounds of boost (80 kPa)
• Vacuum-actuated wastegates with electronic control valves
• All-new direct injection fuel system
• Tuned air inlet and outlet resonators, aluminum cam covers and other features that contribute to quietness and smoothness.

The cylinder heads are also unique. They feature a high-tumble intake port design that enhances the motion of the air charge for a more-efficient burn when it is mixed with the direct-injected fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber.

Pricing for the 2014 XTS starts at $45,525, including destination fees, unchanged from 2013, with standard equipment including the 3.6L V6 engine that makes 306 hp, CUE, intelligent brake assist and Magnetic Ride Control. Three option packages are available: Luxury, Premium and Platinum Collections. The XTS Vsport model will be offered only in the up-level Premium and Platinum Collections as all-wheel drive.


Source: gm.com

5 Star Review on Cars.com!

 

Read our latest review on Cars.com! http://bit.ly/14e2KLK

 

Chevrolet Announces Three-Year Sponsorship With U.S. Soccer Federation

SEATTLE – Chevrolet and the United States Soccer Federation announced a three-year sponsorship deal today that makes Chevrolet the Official Partner of U.S. Soccer and helps the brand leverage the sport’s surging popularity in the U.S., where a soccer player lives in 30 percent of households.

“As fans well know, soccer is much more than the world’s favorite sport; it’s a communal experience and way of life,” said Molly Peck, director of Chevrolet Advertising and Sales Promotions.

“Our new U.S. Soccer partnership complements Chevrolet’s Global Soccer footprint that includes Manchester United and One World Futbol Project sponsorships. By bringing our customers closer to these initiatives, we’ll share the love of soccer all over the world, whether it’s parents driving youngsters to a Chevy Youth Soccer team practice, transforming the lives of children around the world through the power of play, to cheering on favorite teams at the FIFA World Cup next year in Brazil.”

U.S. Soccer, which is celebrating its first 100 years throughout 2013, is the governing body of all forms of soccer in the country and manages numerous teams that compete globally and regionally year-round, including the U.S. National Men’s and Women’s Teams, Youth National Teams, Men’s and Women’s Olympic teams and the Development Academy with 80 elite youth clubs throughout the U.S. Its sanctioning authority strengthens the grassroots Chevy Youth Soccer program, which involves nearly 1,000 dealers and 850,000 youth throughout the U.S.

“Chevrolet has an impressive history as a global brand and we’re excited to begin this partnership,’ said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We are looking forward to working closely with such a committed and supportive company across all of our National Teams, especially our Youth National Teams and Development Academy.”

The U.S. Soccer partnership was developed and finalized between Chevrolet and Soccer United Marketing.

Through the Founding Sponsorship of One World Futbol Project, Chevrolet is donating 1.5 million virtually indestructible One World Futbols to youth in war-stricken zones, refugee camps, disaster areas, and underprivileged communities around the world. The One World Futbol never goes flat and never needs a pump, even when punctured, providing endless play to children who need it most.

Already the No. 1 sport in the world, soccer’s popularity in the U.S. is growing, especially among coveted millennial consumers – those aged 12-24 – ranking second only to the NFL. Many of these 80 million Americans grew up playing youth soccer. The expansion of social and digital media also has allowed American soccer fans to stay abreast of overseas leagues, teams and players and be part of global communities.

Last year, Chevrolet announced a deal that made it the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester United – one of the most widely supported football teams in the world. Beginning in 2014, the Chevrolet bowtie will appear on Manchester United jerseys for seven years.

Source: gm.com

Ken Dixon Auto | The Stingray Pace Car

GM's Mark Reuss takes time after his pace car driver training session to discuss what it means to him to drive the 2014 Corvette Stingray pace car.

Chevrolet reveals new, roomier 2014 Malibu

Chevrolet just took the wraps off the new 2014 Malibu, which is now roomier and more fuel efficient in a bid to try to push its way back to the top of the auto industry's biggest sales segment, midsize sedans.

The Malibu, which had seen sales droop in recent months against even tougher competition, will get more knee room in the back seat and a new version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with new fuel-saving technologies.

With updated styling, General Motors hopes Malibu will sell on looks again as well. Buyers will note the change right away from its new front end. The appearance now is closer to its big sister, the redesigned 2014 Impala full-size sedan. The changes are a very quick refresh of the Malibu that was redesigned for 2013.

"The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers," said Mark Reuss, GM's president for North America. "The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we're not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu."

The new Malibu goes on sale in the fall.

One of its biggest draws will be the new engine. Chevy says that with variable valve lift and the ability to shut off at stop lights, it will have estimated gas mileage of 23 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. That's a 5% improvement in the city and 3% more on the highway.

More back seat space was achieved my making the front seat backs slightly thinner. It is becoming a common practice in the auto industry.

The new Malibu faces Ford's redone Fusion, which comes in hybrid and plug-in versions as well, a new Mazda6, an aging Hyundai Sonata and perennial top sellers Toyota Camry (redone for 2012), Honda Accord (new for 2013) and Nissan Altima (also new for 2013). The segment accounts for roughly one in four new vehicles sold in the U.S. so success in it is essential for mainstream brands.

 

Source: usatoday.com

Ken Dixon Automotive | myChevrolet App

The phones that connect us to our lives, now connect us to our cars.

Check out the myChevrolet app available on all Chevy's.

GM to invest $44.5M in Lansing Cadillac factory

General Motors (GM) says it will invest $44.5 million at a Lansing, Mich., factory, creating 200 new jobs.

The automaker says it will build a 400,000-square-foot building next to the Lansing Grand River plant to assemble parts and put them in the right order for manufacturing.

The factory already employs more than 1,500 hourly and salaried workers who make the Cadillac ATS and CTS luxury sports sedans. It also will make the next generation Chevrolet Camaro in 2015.

GM says the new logistics center will make the factory more efficient and cut transportation costs.

The plant now makes the ATS small car, and coupe, sedan, wagon and high-performance "V" models of the CTS midsize car on the same assembly line.

The new building and workers will boost quality and efficiency by assembling parts and putting them in the right sequence for all the different models, including the new Camaro, GM spokeswoman Erin Davis says.

The company doesn't know how many of the 200 jobs will be filled by new hires or recalled laid-off workers. Normally new hires are paid an entry-level wage of around $16 per hour, a little more than half the pay of a longtime assembly line worker represented by the United Auto Workers union.

GM hopes to have the building open and providing parts by the end of 2014, Davis said.

The investment is on top of $190 million announced in October of 2010 for production of the ATS. That spending created 600 jobs and brought the plant a second shift. GM also said in May of 2011 that it would invest $88 million at the plant to build the next generation CTS, which is due out later this year.

Chevy engineer squeezes 900 miles from one tank in 2014 Cruze Diesel

Tessa Baughman didn't exactly set any speed records on a recent visit to her Arkansas family from Michigan, unless you factor in the time saved on not filling up a few times.

The energy engineer for the Chevy Cruze Diesel, interviewed in a short General Motors video said she was able to go 900 miles on a single tank during the first leg of the drive. The catch is that she drove "five below speed limit" the whole way down, but she certainly more than backed up the EPA's Cruze Diesel fuel-economy rating of 46 miles per gallon, the best of any non-hybrid vehicle. Heck, that's a well-north-of-50 mpg pace for the model, which comes equipped with low rolling-resistance tires, a six-speed automatic transmission, tire deflectors and other fuel-saving features.

Baughman went at a slightly brisker pace on the way back, i.e. with the flow of traffic, but was still able to wring 800 miles between fill-ups. We're guessing there were no speeding tickets involved, either. 

Source: autoblog.com

Ken Dixon Auto | Discover the Craft

What do Chevy cars and baseball bats have in common? Both are crafted for a higher purpose.

10 Excellent Apps to Improve Your Commute

 1. Waze

 

Community-based traffic and navigation app Waze has more than 30 million users, all of whom help generate up-to-date information on traffic and road alerts. With Waze installed, you can keep on top of road conditions in real time, utilize voice-guided navigation and even join or create groups to share your commute information with others.

Price: Free

2. Pocket

 

Pocket lets you save stories you want to read on the web for later. The app syncs to your phone, tablet or computer so you can view it whenever you want -- even without an Internet connection, which is especially useful if you ride the subway.

Price: Free

3. Songza



What eases a stressful commute better than your favorite music? Through its "music concierge" system, Songza lets you choose from a bevy of playlists based on different factors, such as your mood or the time of day, and it's all free of charge.

Price: Free

4. Inrix Traffic


 
Inrix Traffic provides maps showing live traffic, predicted traffic, comparing current conditions to normal conditions and an incidents tab. The app uses its Smart Driver Network, which collects information from road sensors and partnerships with traffic providers, among other sources.

Price: Free

5. Smartpark


 
How often do you forget where you park your car? Smartpark ensures you never have to remember again by documenting location and altitude (good for parking garages), and then it guides you back to your car with a compass.

Price: Free

6. GasBuddy


 
Gas is expensive and prices can vary a lot, so you need all the help you can get to find the cheapest options. GasBuddy simplifies the process by finding the cheapest gas stations near you, and you can also earn points and awards. Who knew finding gas could be fun?

Price: Free

7. Hopstop




For urban dwellers and eco-minded folks, public transportation is the way to go. You don't necessarily need GPS, but it does help to plan your route ahead of time. Hopstop lets you pick the best route to your destination via subway, rail, bus, taxi, bicycle or even walking. It accounts for service changes and other obstacles, so you can be sure you can get where you need to go, when you need to get there. Hopstop is available in hundreds of cities in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Price: Free

8. Car Minder

 
 
Like Smartpark, Car Minder lets you find where you left your car, but it has even more useful tools built into the app. You can track your car's miles, see when you next need an oil change, log mileage and fuel economy and email your records to others.

Price: Free

9. iNextBus Realtime Bus Tracker


 
If you ride -- and inevitably wait impatiently for -- the bus, the iNextBus app comes in handy. You can see where every bus is in your city, as well as track its movement in real time. Not only that, you can evaluate the best routes to take and save the information for later.

Price: Free

10. Textecution

 

Textecution is the only paid app on this list, but it can be worth it if it saves your life or someone else's. To help curb texting and driving, Textecution is advanced enough to tell how fast you're driving and prevents you from using certain functions if you're above 15 miles per hour. It's designed for teenagers, but it helps you fight the temptation to text -- at any age.

Price: $29.99

Commuting can be an extremely stressful and frustrating experience. No matter how many times you travel to the same destination, there are often unexpected obstacles. Road delays, train traffic — even a crying baby in an overcrowded subway car can disrupt your trip.

But it's nothing a few handy apps can't handle, right? A recent study shows that commuters who use connected apps tend to have a better time getting from point A to point B. Don't you deserve the same?

Source: Mashable

Ken Dixon Chevrolet | 1964 Chevrolet Impala

How on Earth did they get a car on top of that mountain?

Ken Dixon Chevrolet | Positive Review on Google+ Local

Gerald had a positive experience with our service department. He recommends to check our website for service specials. Great idea! http://bit.ly/17xVcos

You can read Geralds review on Google: http://bit.ly/17xV34g

 

Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" Chevy Malibu, stolen from set in '94, recovered in 2013

VICTORVILLE, Calif. - Director Quentin Tarantino's classic 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu was stolen from the set of the movie Pulp Fiction in 1994.

Fast forward 19 years, to 2013 - the cherry red classic car driven by John Travolta's character, Vince Vega, has been recovered by investigators, CBS Los Angeles reports.

Don't you love happy endings?

A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy found two men stripping the car in Victorville, Calif., just miles from Hollywood, on April 18.

The deputy ran the VIN number on the car and discovered it linked to a vehicle in Oakland.

Then police in Oakland looked into it and realized the number had been cloned and the car was, in fact, Tarantino's.

The man who owned the vehicle is not believed to be connected with the theft.

It was unclear if Chevy Malibu had been returned to Tarantino.

Source: cbsnews.com

Weekly Car Tip: How to Properly Adjust Your Mirrors

It's time for our weekly car tip! Do you know the proper way to adjust your side mirrors?

While most people feel more comfortable with their car in view of the mirrors, it's best to adjust them so that the side of your car is just outside of the perspective. This allows for best visibility in the blind danger areas.

This infographic shows you exactly what we mean.

Luxperiments: Fancy Dining Set

The Cadillac Luxperiments video series takes super fancy things and puts them through the exact same rigorous tests that we use to benchmark our luxury cars.

How do you think a full dining room set stands up to the test of the shaker platform?

Ken Dixon Chevrolet | Positive Review on Google+ Local

We received a great review from a customer on Google+ Local!

Gerald recommends to check our website for service specials. What a great idea! Here's our site: http://bit.ly/17eJazZ

Read more Google reviews here: http://bit.ly/17eJbUM

 

Envision Solar To Exhibit at Cadillac Dealership Meeting

Cadillac Solar Tree® structures to be presented to Dealerships in Las Vegas

SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2013 - Envision Solar International, Inc. (EVSI), a leading sustainable infrastructure product designer and developer, will introduce Solar Tree® structures at the Cadillac dealership meeting in Las Vegas today. This will be the first opportunity for dealerships to become acquainted with Envision Solar's products and the benefits of deploying Cadillac Solar Tree® arrays.

"This is a great opportunity to meet personally with Cadillac Dealerships from across the country," stated Desmond Wheatley , Chief Executive Officer, Envision Solar. "Together we have created the most advanced Solar Tree® structure yet. We look forward to it bringing value to dealerships across the country for many years to come and we anticipate that this show will deliver significant opportunities for our company."

Envision Solar and Cadillac have together created a Solar Tree® structure which is unique and which will reduce dealerships' carbon footprints while creating eye catching iconic landmarks which will act as a highly visible statement of their commitment to sustainability.

"This is a great opportunity for our dealerships to see what is available for them to continue to create the best customer experience," said Mike Johnson , Cadillac Dealer Network Manager, "The Solar Tree beautifully provides shade and Renewable energy in the dealership lot which is good for our customers and for our ongoing sustainability efforts."

About Envision Solar International, Inc.

Envision Solar, www.envisionsolar.com, designs, manufactures and deploys unique, proprietary and architecturally accretive renewable energy systems with a Drag & Drop Infrastructure™ product line. The company's flagship products include the patented Solar Tree® array and Solar Tree® Socket™ solar shaded parking solutions with EnvisionTrak™, a proprietary and patent pending solar tracking machine, and SunCharge™ Column Integrated Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Based in San Diego the company integrates only the highest quality components into its Made in America products ensuring long and trouble free service and timeless beautification of the locations they serve. This unique approach to the industry allows the company's commercial and institutional customers to take full advantage of the value creation associated with transforming parking lots into beautiful, shaded, renewable energy generation plants shrouded in the "Green Halo." 

 Source: prnewswire.com

Chevrolet launches 4-cyl. Impala at Detroit-Hamtramck

 

The Chevrolet Impala is steeped in more than five decades of history — and that’s part of the problem for General Motors.

Once viewed as a great American sedan, Impala developed a staid image in recent decades as Chevy focused on strengthening the visual appeal and sales of its midsize sedan, the Malibu.

But GM has given Impala the priority it deserves with the redesign for the 2014 model year. The car hits showrooms this month after production of the mainstream 6-cylinder version started last month at GM’s plant in Oshawa, Ont.

And on Monday, GM launched production of the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder version of the Impala at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, coinciding with a fresh marketing campaign that kicked off a week earlier.

“People will look at Chevrolet differently than they did before as they look at this vehicle,” said Don Johnson, Chevrolet vice president for U.S. sales and service.

The arrival of the new Impala comes a year after GM unveiled it at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

But changing consumer perceptions the car could be a tall order.

GM executives want to change Impala from a car sold mainly to rental agencies and corporations. Such fleet customers account for 70% of its sales now. Chevy’s goal it to cut that to 30%, with 70% sold to consumers. Retail sales are usually more profitable because the cars sell at a higher average price than those sold to fleet buyers.

Rich Martinek, senior manager of Chevy advertising, said the vehicle will attract younger, more educated buyers and is likely to draw more men than the previous version. The average age of a 2013 Impala buyer was nearly 60.

But Chevy’s new television spot for Impala that launched March 31 features a tuxedo-clad man drawing attention in his new Impala wih a soundtrack of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Ultimately it will be performance, fuel economy and interior comfort that drive sales.

The 3.6-liter Impala, which Chevy expects to be the most popular version, gets 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 in the city. It has additional legroom in the front and back and its wheel base is 1.2 inches longer than the 2013 Impala. It also features the upgraded version of the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, said Impala chief engineer Todd Pawlik.

The car will be competing against full-size sedans, including the Ford Taurus and recently redesigned Toyota Avalon, which has been posting sales gains.

“We actually did a lot of research into the name and it turns out it has a lot of equity,” Johnson said. “It really represents that flagship vehicle brand within Chevrolet.”

Johnson said he expects Impala sales will eventually top 2012’s 169,351 units, even though full-size sedans have lost ground in recent years to midsize sedans and crossovers.

“We expect with the Impala we are actually going to drive the segment to grow,” Johnson said. “The segment hasn’t been strong in the past ... because the products that have been in there haven’t been what the customers are looking for.”
Source: freep.com

Billboard, Chevrolet to Present First-Ever Milestone Award at 2013 Billboard Music Awards

Billboard and Chevrolet are teaming up to celebrate the ingenuity of this year's hitmakers with the new Milestone Award at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday, May 19. Fans can vote for their favorite Milestone artist online and enter a contest to win an opportunity to present the award live at this year’s event alongside Cee Lo Green.

The newly announced editorial award will go to an innovative artist that achieved a notable chart milestone over the past year. The six finalists for the 2013 Milestone Award presented by Chevrolet were announced today on Billboard.com -- they are: Justin Bieber, The Band Perry, Miguel, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Pitbull.

Voting is now open on Billboard.com/milestone. The six finalists will be narrowed down to three finalists, who will be unveiled on the website in mid-April. Voting will then continue all the way through the live Billboard Music Awards broadcast, culminating with the announcement of the award winner toward the end of the show.

"The addition of the Milestone Award gives us the opportunity to recognize truly creative artists that are breaking boundaries with their contribution to today's musical landscape," said Bill Werde, editorial director, Billboard. “These awards are for artists who have created music and accomplishments that are part of history. It's an honor to work with a historic brand like Chevrolet to bring them into focus as part of this year’s Billboard Music Awards."

“This is a perfect opportunity for Chevrolet to bring together two important pieces of its history, ingenuity and music,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “The innovation in music today is represented by the nominees for this year’s Milestone Award.”

Fans also have the opportunity to enter a contest on Billboard.com/milestone to win the chance to present the Milestone Award live on the 2013 BillboardMusic Awards alongside Cee Lo Green, two tickets to the show, hotel accommodations and airfare. To enter, fans must submit a photo along with an essay about why they think they should present the award. Additional details are available on Billboard.com/milestone -- the deadline for entry consideration is April 26.

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 19 at 8/7c on ABC.

Source: billboard.com

Ken Dixon Chevrolet Cadillac | Live Unveiling of the 2014 Camaro

In case you missed the live unveiling of the 2014 Camaro, here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Ken Dixon Chevrolet-Cadillac | Chevy Cruze: More

Cruze has redefined everything a compact car should be with one simple word: more. At 42 MPG, it’s the best highway mileage of any gas engine in America.

Oh yeah, and it's a Chevy. Test drive one today.

Visit dealer website for more info: http://bit.ly/14oYvPu

 

2014 Camaro Revealed... On a Daytime Talk Show?

To reveal the new 2014 Chevy Camaro on the talk show ahead of its official unveiling at the New York Auto Show strikes us as a rather strange choice. Regardless, that's what we're dealing with – the talk show hosts were the first people to pull the covers off the new Camaro, and you can see the results above.

Additionally, one lone low-res image was published on the talk show website, and we enlarged it, reduced noise and sharpened it as much as we could. The original low-res version can be seen in the image gallery, as can a single shot of the interior, which sadly doesn't appear to have gotten any major attention.

We don't have any great views of the car from the screenshots that have hit the web, but from what we can tell, the changes made to the Camaro for 2014 are more noticeable than we had initially thought. For instance, the front fascia is completely new, with a grille insert that looks more condensed than before. The old mail-slot opening in the center of the face has been removed on the SS model, which is an update we're okay with but is likely to be controversial.

The biggest change to the SS model is a new hood with what appears to be a functional heat extractor. The bright red Camaro seen on the talk show doesn't have any stripes, and we're curious to see how Chevy deals with these classic additions on SS models with this new hood. Out back, we note a new rear spoiler along with taillamps that lose some of the past model's retro vibe in favor of a more modern, though still squared-off, look.

According to the show's website, the 2014 Camaro's powertrain options will carry over from 2013, with a 323-horsepower V6 and a 426-hp V8, along with the 580-horse supercharged ZL1. Many more high quality images will be coming from our crew in New York before too long. 

Source: Autoblog

The Top 10 Moments in Chevrolet Motorsports

How do you sum up a century of racing greatness?

It wasn’t easy. After all, 100 years is a long time. Especially with an international motorsports heritage as storied as ours. So, after much thought. And much discussion. And maybe a spirited fistfight or two, we finally whittled down an encyclopedia’s worth of success to the top 10 defining moments in Chevrolet racing history. The hard, fast proof that Chevy Runs Deep.




#10 | Zora’s wild ride 

1956: To publicize the ’56 Chevy’s new V8, Zora-Arkus Duntov, father of the Corvette, agreed to race an as-yet-unrevealed preproduction model in the annual Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Assaulting the treacherous course in full camouflage without a roll bar, he not only won his class, he set a new record and catapulted Chevy into the postwar performance spotlight.




#9 | The Chaparral Can Ams 

1964-70: In 1964, Jim Hall, with covert assistance from Chevrolet Research and Development, shocked race-sanctioning bodies and forever changed the motorsports world. His incredibly innovative designs, incorporating high mounted wings, movable aero packages, underbody suction fans and more, dominated the Can Am circuit, snatching victory at the USRRC Championships in ’64, the 12 Hours of Sebring in ’65, and the Nurburgring 1,000-kilometer in ’66. Following a stunning 1-2 finish at Laguna Seca, race officials finally caught up to the Chaparrals, spelling the beginning of the end for the program. Gone, but not forgotten, the Chaparral spirit lives on in every Cruze Eco we build.




#8 | Victory is electric 

1997-99: Echoing Zora Arkus-Duntov’s dramatic test run in ’56, Larry Ragland made history driving a special Chevy S-10 to victory at the 1997 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. This time, without using a single drop of gas. Not content with taking the Electric Vehicle Class, sounding the death knell for oil and changing the world, Larry went on to prove the viability of electric power − and lay the groundwork for the Chevy Volt − with wins in the 1998-99 Super Stock Truck Class and overall victory in the 2000 High Tech Truck Class.




#7 | Cruze crushes WTCC 

2010: In a shocking departure from Chevy’s signature large displacement V8s, the Cruze made its presence known at the World Touring Car Championship in 2010. After a season dominating BMWs around the globe, Chevrolet scored a devastating one-two punch − seizing both the Driver’s Championship and the Manufacturer’s Championship. Proving that, yes, there just might be a replacement for displacement.




#6 | Dale Earnhardt Sr. wins the Daytona 500 

1998: After 19 years of chasing the checkered flag at the beach, Dale Sr. finally conquered the Daytona 500, recording his first and only victory in the “Great American Race.” The scene that followed is widely considered to be one of the most touching moments in sports history, as crews and competitors alike lined Pit Road to shake his hand on the long, slow drive to Victory Lane.




#5 | Corvette versus the World 

2008: Corvette slayed the monsters − BMW, Ferrari and Porsche − to seize its eighth consecutive Manufacturer’s Championship, making it the most successful team in American Le Mans Series history and conveniently placing Chevrolet in the crosshairs of global competition.




#4 | Jimmie Johnson takes Five 

2010: After making a habit of winning in everything from stadium S-10s to off-road Silverados, Jimmie Johnson rode Chevy V8 power to an unprecedented five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver’s Championships − the first driver ever to do so. Leaving some to wonder, was it the man? Or the machine?




#3 | Impala meets Daytona 

1959: On February 20, the now-legendary Impala locked in its first-ever win in its first-ever race. Guided by Bob Welborn’s steady hand and lead foot, the checkered flag started a trend of Daytona dominance for Chevrolet that continues to this day.




#2 | Mr. Corvette goes to France 

1960: Because of an unofficial ban on factory racing at the time, legendary sportsman Briggs Cunningham introduced Corvette to the continent. In its international debut, Corvette ruled the “Big Bore” GT category, scoring the first-ever Chevrolet victory at Le Mans − a winning tradition proudly continued today, most recently with a spectacular GTE Pro class trophy at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.




#1 | The race that started it all 

1907: Legend has it that William “Billy” Durant, founder of General Motors, invited Louis Chevrolet and his younger brother Arthur to race for the honor of being his personal chauffeur. Louis, already an international racing sensation, easily blew away Arthur. Stunned by Louis’ seemingly complete disregard for personal safety, Billy handed the prized job to Arthur on the spot. Even so, Louis won in the long run. A few short years later, with Billy’s enthusiastic backing, the first Chevrolet was born. The rest, as they say, is history.


Courtesy of Chevrolet

Cadillac V Series Challenge for Charity

In advance of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, some of the best players in the world visited Homestead-Miami Speedway to participate in the Cadillac V Series Challenge for Charity.

 

Wallpaper Wednesday

"The Cadillac Sixteen is befitting of the great Cadillac tradition as the standard of the world."

Enjoy this high-resolution image best by downloading it and setting it as your desktop background!

Click image for High-Res version you can download