The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT reviewed by txGarage

We’ve been looking to get into the Chevrolet Cruze for a full week review for a while now. We’ve actually driven a few different models of the Cruze at some events, but have never had the time to really check out the details. Well, we finally got our hands on one, so what’d we think?

The last two times I was behind the wheel of a Cruze, one was a base and one was an eco model. Both had cloth seats and a lackluster performance. Our tester was a 2012 Cruze 2LT. This afforded us leather seats, navigation, 17” alloy wheels, remote start, and a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine matched up to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This decked out Cruze has a window-sticker of just under $24k (23,980) and is spec’d out the exact way I’d want one if I was dropping the money. But would I drop my own money for this car? Let’s get more into the driving, looks, and feel and find out.

Driving:

You can have the Cruze in a few different engine choices. You can have a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination will be good for 138 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque. If you opt for the 1.8, you’ll be looking at fuel economy numbers around 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. As I said earlier, we had the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine, the same as the Sonic we reviewed last week, that pushes out the same horsepower (138 hp) but ups the torque to 148 ft-lbs. This car is said to get 24 city and 36 highway miles and we easily averaged in the lower 30’s during our week with the car. If you are looking at the Eco model, you get the 1.4 liter engine with a 6-speed manual transmission that should be good for 28 mpg city and a whopping 42 mpg highway.

The extra torque from the small turbocharged engine helped push the small Chevy Sonic out of the corners well, but how did it fair in this heavier family sedan?

Well the power just wasn’t there to make this car feel real sporty or responsive. If you’re going for a fun and sporty ride, you might want to keep the Sonic on your test-drive list. Although it wasn’t as sporty, it was still enough power for trolling around town and merging onto highways. Also, because this is a European car, the handling and steering feel were “bang on”.

Looks:

If you pay attention to the European car market, this look might already be growing old as the Cruze was being sold overseas there a full year before it hit American showroom floors. If you’re seeing one for the first time, it’s intently recognizable as a Chevrolet with it’s big two tier front grille. The headlights and lines down the side give it a swooping and sporty look and the 17” alloys we had continued that theme well.

Unlike the Sonic, the Cruze doesn’t really have any radical styling. It’s more of a basic style that looks good but won’t really put anyone off either. The looks outside and the ride were not really the party piece of this ride though. In our tester, the real surprise is the interior. The leather seats and quality material used is very European like. The interior isn’t just good for its segment, it was even better than some Cadillacs I’ve driven and it’s what stood out to everyone that got into this car.

Feel:

Comparing this car to it’s predecessor, the Cobalt, just isn’t fair. Just like the Sonic we drove last week, it’s not just better than the car that came before, it’s a giant step forward for Chevrolet. You can actually buy a smaller family sedan without sacrificing quality and comfort. Compare that to the competition and there is really only one car that can compete. This Cruze sets it’s sites on the likes of the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla, the Ford Focus, and the Hyundai Elantra.

I can tell you right now that the interior quality of the Cruze outshines that of the Civic and Corolla easily. It is also a much more enjoyable drive than either while costing less than an equivalent Civic. The Corolla is a little cheaper than the Cruze, but can’t stack up to the options you get. Also, the Corolla only has one engine option, a 1.8, and comes with a 4-speed automatic.

The Elantra is a nice car that has improved in quality over the years. I like the exterior design and what Hyundai is doing with their products. The interior quality is very good as well, but it doesn’t quite hold up to what we got in the Cruze.

The biggest competition for the Cruze is now the Ford Focus. We really like the Focus we reviewed last year, and it was also an all around good car. The interior is nice and put together well, the looks are great, it’s priced well, and it gets good fuel economy. Choosing between these two really comes down to what you personally think looks better. The Focus is probably the better to drive enthusiastically, but the Cruze isn’t bad.

Overall, we’ve been real impressed with the Cruze after our week long test. We’re impressed with the car, but also the attention that GM is giving it’s lineup. The only thing we really see lacking is a real sporty model. In Europe, they race the Cruze in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). I think GM would do good to make an RS model with a powerful 2.0 liter engine that’s not focused on fuel economy. Then enter that car into some racing series within the U.S.; maybe Grand-Am racing against the likes of the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and Volkswagen Golf.

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2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor at the State Fair of Texas

Unfortunately we were not able to make it out to the State Fair of Texas Media event this year, but we still have lots of news to share!

Ford:

[SinglePic not found] Ford brought, what else, but the biggest, baddest truck to be revealed at the Texas State Fair. First from Ford at the State Fair this year was the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. If you remember we test-drove the 2011 Raptor a few months back and it’s one capable machine. For 2012, Ford expands on its off-roading abilities. New to the Raptor for 2012 is a Torsen front differential that is said to increase grip significantly on the front end of the truck and improve its capabilities in handling obstacles, steep grades, and altogether slippery conditions. Another great new feature is a front camera system. Ford claims this to be a “class-exclusive, patent-pending” technology, but it seems to be more like what Range Rover has been using for a few years now. Basically, it gives you better visibility when you need to carefully navigate around obstacles off-road. The new 2012 Raptor also adds a little in the styling side as well. New wheel design, upgraded interior packages with aluminum accents, and unique bodyside graphics round out the list. After driving the 2011 Raptor, it was hard to see what Ford could really do to make this more capable, but it doesn’t hurt to try. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these and see how it measures up.

[SinglePic not found] Next up, Ford showed off the new 2012 F-150 FX appearance package. From what we read and what we can tell from the pictures, it looks really good. The 2012 FX will have stealthy flat-black accents, new 20-inch flat-black wheels, new stylized bodyside graphic, and black badge with read lettering. Inside, look for new black leather with red trim and some brushed-metal accents. They have also added a few new technologies to the 2012 FX including hill start assist, a new automatic 4×4 system, and expanded availability of the electronic locking rear axle.

The other big news from Ford was on their already great Eco-Boost F-150. New for the 2012 Eco-Boost 4×4 model is a 36-gallon fuel tank. This with the great gas mileage produced by the Eco-Boost V6 gives this truck a driving range up to 756 miles on one tank!

Scion:

[SinglePic not found] [SinglePic not found] Scion came to Texas and debuted for the first time the 2012 Scion xD Series 4.0 and xB Series 9.0 along with pricing for both. These are both limited production Scions that will be arriving at dealer showrooms in October this year. The 2012 Scion xD Series 4.0 comes exclusively in a premium Blizzard Pearl color. It’s been upgraded with 16-inch alloys that are finished in a smoked platinum color. The pricing for this “exclusive” xD is $16,250 with a manual and $17,050 with an automatic.

Chevrolet:

[SinglePic not found] Chevy announced the first Silverado HD to wear a Texas Edition badge. What’s included? The all-new 2012 Chevrolet Silverado HD Texas Edition is available in 2500HD or 3500HD in both extended and crew cab setups. You get 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, trailering package and automatic-locking differential, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power driver seat, Bluetooth with steering-wheel controls, power camper mirrors with integrated turn signals, fog lamps, and chrome door handles and body molding accents. There was no word on the price premium for these Texas Edition HD Silverado’s, but if you live in Texas, it’s the one to get for sure.

Toyota:

[SinglePic not found] [SinglePic not found] The Tacoma is one of the best compact pickups in America and soon it might be one of the only. With all the hype over the Raptor and other manufacturers thinking about contending with the Raptor, Toyota decided to do it their own way. For 2012, Toyota converted a limited number of Tacoma pickups into a special TRD T|X Baja Series, inspired by Toyota’s Baja racing heritage. This TRD T|X Baja Series will be powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. You will see features like Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), a locking rear differential, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). The Baja also adds BF Goodrich T/A KO tires and bead-lock style off-road wheels with an exclusive Gun-Metal Gray finish. The interior should also get a new look with a black high-contrast center console, switch plate covers, dash and upper door trim, and a new seat fabric design for the SR5 grade. This TRD T|X Baja Series Tacoma is still undergoing testing, but we can’t wait to get our hands on one!

Ram:

[SinglePic not found] Ram has been it’s own brand now for about a year and has been focused on making great trucks. New for 2012, the Ram 1500 Tradesman Heavy Duty model is said to deliver best-in-class towing and payload with a 3/4-ton capability. With it’s 11,500-pound maximum trailer rating and 3,100-pound payload this Ram 1500 Tradesman HD tows and hauls more than any other 1/2-ton truck.

Also from Ram, the new expanded Ram 1500 Express. You can now get your hands on a crew cab and quad cab 1500 Express. This lineup targets first-time buyers and delivers performance with its HEMI V-8 and Ram distinctive looks for a great price. The 1500 Express Quad Cab starts at $28,050 and the Crew Cab at $30,210 while the regular cab bases out at $23,080.

Ram also unveiled a new, longer RamBox. The RamBox is a new Ram trademark that utilizes the dead space in the rear fenders along the bed and makes them into useable toolboxes. The box now extends to accommodate 6-foot-4inch beds and is now available in all trim levels including Ram HD models.

[Gallery not found]
[source: photos and info by manufacture press release]

ChevyTMS at Texas Motor Speedway

We got an invite to the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway by our friends at Chevrolet. Although the race was rained out and the conditions were not the best, we managed to have a great time just hanging out with the folks from Chevy and some NASCAR greats!
We started the day in the Village of Champions where Chevy had set up shop. We played some fun games and checked out the cars even getting to race some laps of TMS – okay in a simulator. Next, we were treated to a small personal Q&A with three NASCAR drivers including Jamie McMaury, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart. After the Q&A, it was time for a quick bite to eat, provided by Chevy. Then, the long journey to the pits! Not much was going on as it was drizzling the whole time. Everything was covered up and the only thing on the track were trucks trying, hopelessly, to dry it off. Walking up and down pit lane was still a cool experience though, as we got the opportunity to see cool sights like the Wall of Champions and the Garages behind the pits. After our exhausting journey back the the Chevy tents, we sat down and relaxed and talked with a few others fans out there until we heard the inevitable news that the race would be postponed until tomorrow.
All in all, we had a great time and this was my first time to visit TMS. Can’t wait till my next opportunity and hope to actually get to watch the race!

Live Updates from Twitter: http://twitter.com/txgarage

Headed to TMS hope the rain stops at some point … #ChevyTMS

So close yet so far! #ChevyTMS @GMTexas http://twitpic.com/1gkr6r

Made it in! Ready to get crackin! #ChevyTMS

Yup me too! RT @1wisechick I want to take this home with me! #chevytexan #chevytms #tms #NASCAR http://yfrog.com/0d5ouvj

#ChevyTMS the Traverse cargo challenge! We got a free hat! http://twitpic.com/1gl1ux

#ChevyTMS did ok a the race Simulator 33.6 sec around TMS! Fun times!

@SuzukiAuto got the #Kizashi out at #TMS … If NASCAR won’t race I’ll take this on the track! http://twitpic.com/1glvwl

RT @GMTexas LOL! RT @mikedmerrill: Dear 8lb 6oz baby Jesus, don’t let it rain out NASCAR 2day! #ChevyTMS (via @garf)

#ChevyTMS Jamie McMaury on the stand! http://twitpic.com/1glm5b

#ChevyTMS Ryan Newman is here! http://twitpic.com/1glmb6

#ChevyTMS tony stewart coming up in a few!

#ChevyTMS Tony Stewart is here! Cool guy! http://twitpic.com/1glqz3

#ChevyTMS having lunch. About to hit the pits

#ChevyTMS in the pits at The Wall of Champions http://twitpic.com/1gmrow

#ChevyTMS the drizzle won’t stop… Having fun but doesn’t look like we’ll be racing. http://twitpic.com/1gmrnh

Our Mega Photo Gallery from ChevyTMS:
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2010 Buick Enclave

When I was young, I bought some of those x-ray glasses out of the back of a magazine. Although my parents tried to warn me, I insisted that they would work, plus they looked really cool. After weeks of waiting, checking the mail every day when I got home from school, the package finally showed up. I rushed to my room and ripped open the box throwing all the packing all over my room. As I pulled the glasses out and put them on my face, I felt an immediate sense of dissatisfaction. I ran around the house looking at everything I could thinking they have to work, yet they wouldn’t look through a thing. Not only did they not work as advertised, they were also cheaply made and broke within the first few days of having them. It has been a long time since I’ve felt this kind of dissatisfaction, that is until this week.

This week, we took delivery of the all new 2010 Buick Enclave CXL-2 AWD. So I know what your thinking, “How can you compare a seven-passenger SUV to x-ray glasses?” Well, we’ll start out with the initial excitement and looks of the car. Last week, we drove the new 2010 Equinox and loved it. We have also driven the Acadia and loved that as well. The Enclave is built on the same platform as the Acadia, but the Enclave is the most expensive vehicle that GM builds on that platform. So forgive us for thinking that we get the great interior and gadgets from the 2010 Equinox, but more luxuries, and the great practicality and ride of the Acadia for a seven-passenger SUV.

The looks of this big SUV are right in line with what Buick needs to do to attract more buyers and keep the brand alive. Along with the new LaCrosse and the upcoming Regal, Buick seems to be doing a fantastic job in the design department. The curvy and swoopy lines of the Enclave almost make it look like a smaller crossover than it really is. The optional 20 in wheels that we had on our test car really fill the wheel wells and give this car a great, big stance. From the stylized headlights and the waterfall grill to the aggressive arches and taillights in the rear, it is apparent that this is a beautiful car. As far as SUV’s go, we got more looks in this thing going to the grocery store or stopping at the gas station than any others.

Now that we have taken care of the looks, on to the interior. Here in the interior of the car is really where all my gripes about this car begin. Keep in mind our test car bleeds your wallet for a total of $49,655 (including destination charge). When you first look at the interior of this car, you dont get an overwhelming sensation of cheapness. No, it takes a few times stopped at stoplights and really feeling the materials used and focusing on the clutter and disarray encompassed in the dash. The first thing that bugged me was the technology in this car. Yes, it has the standard slew of interior tid-bits; including navigation, XM radio, rear DVD entertainment system, OnStar, rear audio controls, heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats, bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel mounted controls. With all these features, how could we complain about the technology within the Enclave? Simple, it’s all old technology, at least compared to the significantly cheaper Equinox we drove just the week before. The technology in this $50k car is the same old stuff you would expect to find in a 2007 Equinox, not a new luxurious and beautifully designed SUV.

Okay so the technology is a bit old, and that could be forgiven by most drivers seeing as how it all still works, but what about those materials and clutter? First off, the seats look good and in our test vehicle were a tan leather. They looked fat and comfortable, and although it wasn’t like sitting on rocks, they just were not as comfortable and soft as we would have liked. The headrests, on the other hand, were hard as rocks. The top of the dash was made of what looks like a decent soft touch material, but wasn’t. Under that, you had a light woodgrain – plasticky – material, and if you know me, I’m not a fan of cheap looking woodgrain in luxury cars. Beneath the woodgrain, you have a plastic material made to look like brushed aluminum and in between both is a hard black plastic material and the analog clock with a plastic chrome strip around it. Under those is a big slab of hard black plastic that encompassed the infotainment system, which I can attest to the fact that it doesn’t hold up well to a few Texas summers before it starts warping. Then you have another, clear plastic, material that covers the gear selection on the shifter. This was probably the cheapest feeling material in the entire car. Move over to the steering wheel and you find leather wrapped grips with woodgrain along the top and bottom, although this woodgrain doesn’t match the woodgrain on the dash. Moving to the rear of the seven-passenger SUV, you get a fantastic look at the uncarpeted floor; looking at, instead, the area where the seats roll forward and backward.

Space in the Enclave is nothing to thumb your nose at. This is a true seven-passenger SUV, unlike some stretched SUV’s that only small children could fit in the rear two seats. Although all this space comes at a price; weight. Although you get the bigger 3.6 liter v6, it still feels underpowered when you are trying to merge onto the highway. The fuel economy ratings for the vehicle is set at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, although with mostly highway driving we struggled to climb over 17 mpg average.

I’ll continue to say that this is one of the best looking big SUV’s out today. And comparing it to a pair of x-ray glasses might be unfair because yes, the Enclave works. I just dont think it works as a $50k luxury SUV. I think Buick, and GM in general, is moving in the right direction with style. They are making cars that people are not just okay with, but eager to be seen in everyday. Where I still see GM struggling though, is interior quality and overall ride. They have made great advancements in the quality of their interior with the Equinox and the Camaro, but they need to keep that in the forefront when trying to build a luxury vehicle. It really felt like they spent all their time designing the outside and forgot the interior. Although the car did disappoint, it wouldn’t take much to really bring this SUV to where it needs to be. All I can say for now is that if you need a good seven passenger SUV that has good looks and is a good price, pick up a GMC Acadia and save yourself about ten grand.

Stats as Tested:

2010 Buick Enclave CXL-2 AWD

• Exterior: Cocoa Metallic
• Interior: Cashmere W/Cocoa Accentes
• 3.6 liter SIDI V6
• 288 Horsepower @ 6300 RPM
• 270 lb.-ft of torque @ 3400 RPM
• 6-Speed Auto Transmission
• Curb Weight 4780 lbs.
• 20” Chrome-Clad Aluminum Wheels
• Power Sunroof with 2nd Row Skylight
• $49,655.00 as tested price

2010 Mustang GT vs 2010 Camaro SS

Some wars have been waging since the dawn of society with race vs. race, religion vs. religion, king vs. king. Other battles that are more short-lived but still remembered to this day like the Battle of the Alamo or the Battle of Waterloo. We just stumbled into such a battle that’s been waging on the streets for almost 50 years now. There has always been that epic battle between the Camaro and the Mustang spanning back to the late 60′s and revived today. This week at txGarage we were able to get a hold of a 2010 Camaro 2SS and a 2010 Mustang GT Premium, what else is there to do but race!

The Camaro:

The Camaro was brought back for the 2010 model year after being killed off in 2002. When redesigning the Camaro GM was going for the “retro” look to compete with the styling of the Mustang introduced in 2005. You just can’t beat the looks and styling of the new Camaro, it’s really one of the best looking “retro” interpretations out today. The car is low and wide, with great proportions and menacing looks. The interior is all modern with some retro looking gauges. Sliding into our test Camaro, your bathed in black and inferno orange, ambient lighting, accent stitching, and a plethora of buttons and knobs. The best part of the Camaro’s interior is the steering wheel, it is fat and has good hand placement and also has easy to uses and access controls. The biggest gripe I have with the interior is the huge plastic panel on the doors that swoop around the dash. In my opinion, for a $36,000 car they could have easily wrapped that in leather and it would have made ten-times the difference. We were also equipped with the Boston Acoustic premium nine-speaker audio system loaded with all the acronyms of the audio industry. – AM/FM, CD, AUX Input, USB port, Sirius XM Radio – The leather sport bucket seats were comfortable, 6-way power adjustable, and could heat your rear if the horsepower doesn’t already have you sweating.

The 2010 Camaro SS is armed with the LS3 6.2 liter V8 engine with SFI (Sequential Fuel Injection) and bolted to a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination gives you an instigating 426 horsepower and 420 lbs-ft of torque with a reasonable 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. You won’t have time to worry about your fuel economy though when you’re going from a standstill to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds and cursing down the highway, the difference between 60 mph and 80 mph is a twitch of your big toe. To stop this 3,849 pound Camaro they equipped it with Brembo performance brakes with discs at all four wheels. The Camaro also comes with performance suspension, but to us it never really felt sporty just rough. To put the power down our test car was furnished with 20″X 8″ front wheels and 20″X 9″ rear wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires.

After digesting it all I’d have to say that the Camaro SS is far above what the Camaros of the past have been, and we are forever enamored by the looks of the exterior and interior of this 2010 Camaro. It did take me a day to get used to the Camaro’s clutch, I would like it to be heavier and release lower, and the shifter could have felt more mechanical but that’s a personal preference of mine. In the end the biggest problem with the new Camaro remains to be the Mustang.

The Mustang:

In 2010 the Mustang received two major changes that were desperately needed; most importantly of the two was the interior. The materials used and the looks of the inside of the Mustang has been a neglected afterthought for decades, so when we heard that the interior quality was going to be the main focus of the 2010 Mustang we forgave Ford for leaving the 4.6 liter engine that’s just as old. Our test car was a Grabber Blue GT Premium and the updated interior featured black leather trimmed sport seats with exposed blue stitching and a blue racing stripe down the center of the seat. The materials used in this car are on par with most Ford vehicles of today but are miles above the older Mustangs. Leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum gear shifter, along with soft touch materials ensure that your touch points in the car are all pleasurable to the hands. This car also featured the Shaker 500 audio system and SYNC voice activated system with the usual SYNC goodies.

The second thing refreshed in the 2010 Mustang is the exterior. Although the dimensions of the car are mostly unchanged the looks are dramatically different, to Mustang enthusiast. It really looks like they stretched the skin of the Mustang over its muscle to expose the power and give it a more athletic stance. I love the rear end, which seems to be the hated segment from most Mustang enthusiast I’ve talked to, with the sequential tail lamps. I also love the new “Power Dome” hood; I think it looks much more muscular than the “fake” ram air hoods. The engine is the tired old 4.6 liter 3V OHC V8 tuned to the max with 315 horsepower and 325 lbs-ft of torque. Although it’s the same old engine, the 4.6 is a great, bullet proof engine that has served Ford well for years, and you still get good power for the 3,550 pounds the Mustang weighs in at. You also still get the five-speed -manual in our case- transmission with great mechanical shifting and an easy good feeling clutch peddle. Of course it has already been announce that the 2011 Mustangs will hallmark a new 5.0 engine with all the newest power and fuel saving technology. Look for that to push over 400 horsepower.

We can’t wait for the 2011 to be penned into our calendar to test but all in all the 2010 Mustang has impressed. It has the great looks a muscle car should have, it has the wheel smoking power a muscle car should have, and now it has a great comfortable interior the Mustang has always needed.

Back to the Battle:

Although they are both modern day muscle cars aimed at the same target audience, the Mustang vs. Camaro comes down to personality and preference. The looks of the Camaro are amazing and will turn more heads right now than most cars on the road, but the Mustang is not repulsive to the eyes by any measure. The Camaro is a fast beast that can burn rubber with the best of them, but the Mustang with 100 less horsepower has less weight and can match the Camaro in any situation. The interior of both cars are modern and comfortable. So which to choose? We liked the Mustang over the Camaro for the driving experience it offered. The shifter and clutch, steering and suspension, and engine and exhaust note won us over in the Mustang. It should still go without saying, though, that the Camaro is a great car and if we didn’t have the Mustang sitting in the driveway we would have been just as happy thrashing it around Texas.

Stats: 2010 Camaro 2SS

• 6.2L LS3 V8 SFI
• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
• As Tested Price $36,765
• 16 City / 24 Hwy MPG
• 426 HP @ 5900 RPM420 lbs-ft torque @4600 RPM
• Curb Weight 3,849 lbs.

Stats: 2010 Mustang GT Premium

• 4.6L 3V OHC V8 Engine
• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
• As Tested Price $33,830
• 16 City / 24 Hwy MPG315 HP @ 6000 RPM
• 325 lbs-ft torque @ 4250 RPM
• Curb Weight 3,550 lbs

Last month our friends at Burnout Radio gave us a chance to check out the all new 2010 Corvette Grand Sport, we posted on it here. We told you that soon enough we would have a post from Burnout Radio themselves with a full review on the car.

I think they did a fantastic job reviewing the car and making an entertaining video. Hope that everyone enjoys it and hope you get a chance to check out burnoutradio.com for more from Charlie and Nick.

hit the jump to see their video!

There are some things in life, things you have the opportunity to experience, that can change your perspective and desires. When you first hit that age where you notice girls and become infatuated with your first love, for example. Or the day your first child is born and you know above all else that because of you this beautiful baby has a life. I ran into one of these life changing situations the other day, where I know, no matter what I do, I can never go back.

I had the opportunity, thanks to my friends at Burnout Radio and GM, to experience the wrath of the all new Corvette Grand Sport. This may seem like an insignificant opportunity compared to love and fathering a child, yet it was just as life altering. Although I have driven and been around Corvettes before in my life, there has always been nagging details that prevented the car from being a great sports car. It has had the power since the introduction of the LS motors and the C5 corvettes, and has always had the looks. But this Grand Sport was different. It’s not just the power, but the way it’s put to the road. It’s not just the looks, but the way the looks make you feel. The interior of the car is finally a nice place to be and when the RPM’s rise above 3500 and the butterfly valve in the exhaust open up, the noise sends thrills up your spine.

Being in and around this car all day only begs one last question. How can I live the rest of my life without this car?

Enjoy the short video of our “launch controlled” 0-60 and also enjoy some fantastic photos of the car parked in front of Lake Ray Hubbard. Check out http://burnoutradio.com for their full review and video of the Grand Sport and many other cars! And keep checking us out here at txGarage for more Texas car enthusiasts.

Hennessey HPE700

Today we got to see new video of the overly insane project Hennessey has been working on. The first dyno pull to make it to YouTube with speaker busting exhaust notes and all. If you’ll take a second to remember why this project is so… well awesome, here you have a 2010 Camaro with a modified LS9 V8 engine named the Hennessey HPE700. LS9 you say? Yes that would be the same engine found in the ZR-1 Corvette, only finding a new home. With 645 HP at the rear wheels and 653 lb-ft of torque this monster will hang with the best of them. Again this is the first dyno we know about so more tuning may come. No word yet on when the project will be finished and what the planned price for the package will be but trust me, we are all ears.

Yes! this was in Texas

The hardest hit market in the auto industry during this ongoing recession was the Truck market. Texas, being the largest Truck market in the world, was obviously hit the hardest by the dwindling sales. There is light at the end of the tunnel as Automotive News reports that dealers in Texas are reporting more fleet and retail traffic. In August the F-150 saw its first increase over prior year sales since 2006.

Autoblog goes as far as tying the entire economic recovery to truck sales in Texas, and they have a good point. Let’s all hope that this trend continues and our friends in the car market here in Texas begin to show some success again.