Chevy is on a roll with the Camaro and  it’s currently outselling Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. That makes it just about the right time to introduce a limited edition run, wouldn’t you think?  So, starting in February and ending in May, Chevy will allow customers to order the lime green “Synergy Special Edition” Package in limited quantities.

The Synergy Edition Camaro will run based on the 1LT package, featuring the 304-horsepower V-6 engine.  Buyers can choose between a manual or automatic and the car also features a standard rear spoiler, Cyber Grey rally stripes, and 19-inch sterling silver painted wheels.  The interior hue is also updated with Synergy Green trim.

“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green. Just as those colors helped make the first generation Camaro an icon, modern colors like Inferno Orange, Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition and Synergy Green will define the 2010 Camaro.”

Here’s the full press release that will run tomorrow:

DETROIT, Jan 14 – Today, Chevrolet debuted the 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition. The special edition will be produced in limited quantities from February to May, with pricing starting at $26,790.

“The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price,” says Camaro marketing manager, John Fitzpatrick. “For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood.”

The 2010 Camaro Synergy Special Edition is based on a Camaro 1LT, with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The powertrain has become a benchmark for the segment by offering a combination of performance and efficiency: The V-6 delivers 304 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque, and returns up to 29 mpg on the highway.

The Synergy Green exterior color was first previewed at the 2009 SEMA show. In production form, the Synergy Green is accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.

The color scheme is mirrored on the interior, with Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Synergy Green stitching also accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console. The Special Edition also includes the Camaro Convenience and Connectivity Package, with Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port for MP3 players, and remote vehicle start for models equipped with an automatic transmission.

“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green. Just as those colors helped make the first generation Camaro an icon, modern colors like Inferno Orange, Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition and Synergy Green will define the 2010 Camaro.”

It was hard to miss that this year’s SEMA show was heavily sponsored by Ford Motor Company. “Powered by Ford” was on almost every promo banner in sight. However, you’d spent too much time in the Ford booth if you didn’t come away with the impression that the real crowd favorite this year, the true power behind this year’s show,  was the Chevrolet Camaro.

Sorry Ford, you can’t buy enthusiasm

It was impossible not to notice.  It seemed that everywhere you looked someone had a Camaro in their booth. If they didn’t, the booth across from them did.  It might be natural to assume General Motors shelled out big bucks for all the product placement but surprisingly they didn’t.

The automaker only had a hand in ten of the Camaros on the show floor, all of them located inside the GM booth. Four of those were built in house with five others being given to outside shops for modification.  In short, any Camaro seen outside GM’s product display was bought, paid for, and modified without any assistance from the automaker.  That’s quite a feat considering that every single Suzuki Kizashi (all four of them) were bought and paid for by Suzuki and the numbers of previous generation Mustangs out numbered the 2010 model by 3-to-1 easily.

Of the cars GM built, some were hints at future production options and colors (for example the green Synergy Concept), one was built for Jay Leno (an amazing twin-turbo V6, seen below), and a small handful sported graphics packages that Facebook fans voted on a few weeks ago.

Of the cars General Motors and Chevrolet didn’t help get to the show, the modifications varied from mild to wild. Some sported simple wheel and ground-effect kits while a small handful had gotten an amazing supercharged LS9 Corvette engine transplant.  Many of the show Camaros left us drooling and some left us scratching our heads, like this “Hot Wheels” inspired car we found outside.

The Camaro pace car (seen in this articles introductory image and below) had to be one of the classiest cars at the show.

We spent nearly the entire week at SEMA walking around taking photos of all the various Camaro show cars and still couldn’t capture them all. How many were there? We just don’t know for sure, but easily could guess 100+.  Out of those, we caught about 60 before wearing our shoes out.

Check out our full 2009 SEMA Camaro show car gallery… Leave a comment and let us know your own choice for best and worst.

 

]]> http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/11/10/news/autoshows/sema-2009-powered-by-ford-dominated-by-chevy-camaro/feed/ 1 http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/01/09/news/government-policy/aftermarket-industry-urges-congress-to-save-the-clunkers/ http://www.autoinsane.com/2009/01/09/news/government-policy/aftermarket-industry-urges-congress-to-save-the-clunkers/#comments Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:26:31 +0000 Josh Merva http://www.autoinsane.com/?p=1604

Considering the current economic state in the United States right now, one would think the government would be thinking of new and innovative ways to jump start the economy- right?  Surely money being given for in the “bailout” will only go to programs which we know will have desirable effects- right?  Well…

Our government wants to use bailout money to buy up old clunkers and crush them.  They claim it will reduce overall emissions, promote new car sales, and make our planet and economy healthier.  It’s an old idea that may sound great, but a group of automotive trade associations say it simply does not have the desired results.

The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA),  Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA),  Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), and the Tire Industry Association (TIA) have joined forces in the effort to keep congress from following through with such an irresponsible plan.

In a recent letter to congress, the associations state the following as their justification:

• Clunker programs focus on a vehicle’s age rather than a vehicle’s emissions, based on the erroneous perception that all older cars are dirty cars. However, there are no actual emissions measurements taken for cars that are scrapped. Rather, the programs “estimate” emissions reductions, numbers that are significantly overstated.
• Clunker programs rarely capture the “gross polluter,” an improperly maintained vehicle of any model year, which puts out dramatically more emissions due to poor maintenance. Those seeking a quick fix through vehicle clunker programs ignore this reality.
• Clunker programs diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and older cars are crushed. Most low-income individuals will not be able to afford to purchase new vehicles, let alone more fuel efficient or cleaner vehicles, with the money provided by clunker programs.
• Clunker programs compete with charitable organizations such as Melwood Industries, the Congressionally-chartered Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Salvation Army that rely on used car donation programs to fund their programs.
• Auto restoration, customization and repair shops nationwide will suffer with the loss of older cars, trucks and parts they need to supply and service their customers. It will also reduce and supply and therefore raise and price of second and third hand cars and trucks often purchased by low-income citizens.
• Cash for Clunkers programs risk destroying classic, historic and special interest vehicles. America safeguards its artistic and architectural heritage against indiscriminate destruction. Our automotive and industrial heritage deserves the same protection.
• Clunker programs do not guarantee that a scrapped vehicle will be replaced with a more fuel-efficient vehicle. In fact, many older vehicles get better fuel mileage than the newer models.
• Cars turned in for scrappage often are rarely driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
• There is no evidence that clunker programs boosts demand for new vehicles, drives traffic to new car dealerships or creates or retains jobs.

The official press release

AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET ASSOCIATIONS JOIN FORCES TO OPPOSE FEDERAL “CASH FOR CLUNKERS” PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 8, 2009) – Seven trade associations representing the automotive aftermarket are opposing inclusion of a “Cash for Clunkers” program within the economic stimulus plan currently being considered in Washington. Cash for Clunkers would use taxpayer dollars to purchase and crush older vehicles into blocks of scrap metal. There is no evidence that the program will achieve the stated goal of boosting new car sales. In a show of solidarity, the seven groups submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Congress urging lawmakers to reject a program that for no proven value would do significant harm to the automotive aftermarket, a $285 billion industry that employs approximately 4.5 million Americans in all 50 states.

The associations that signed the letter are: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Tire Industry Association (TIA).

The automotive aftermarket is comprised of independent businesses that manufacture, rebuild, restore, customize, distribute, retail and install vehicle parts and perform service on all types of motor vehicles, including the older vehicles this legislation targets. Vehicle owners throughout the U.S. depend daily on aftermarket parts and service.

Under the current proposal, a Cash for Clunkers program would provide federal taxpayer money to purchase and crush older vehicles. “These programs have been generally rejected by the states since they are not a cost-effective means to improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, or spur to new car sales,” the seven groups said in the letter. “Conversely, Cash for Clunkers programs threaten jobs in the automotive aftermarket since they remove the opportunity to repair and upgrade existing cars and raise the price of used cars and parts.”

According to the aftermarket letter, Cash for Clunkers is a “sounds good” idea that has been around for at least two decades. Upon closer scrutiny, it has always been rejected by Congress for the following reasons:

· Clunker programs focus on a vehicle’s age rather than a vehicle’s emissions, based on the erroneous perception that all older cars are dirty cars. However, there are no actual emissions measurements taken for cars that are scrapped. Rather, the programs “estimate” emissions reductions, numbers that are significantly overstated.

· Clunker programs rarely capture the “gross polluter,” an improperly maintained vehicle of any model year, which puts out dramatically more emissions due to poor maintenance. Those seeking a quick fix through vehicle clunker programs ignore this reality.

· Clunker programs diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and older cars are crushed. Most low-income individuals will not be able to afford to purchase new vehicles, let alone more fuel efficient or cleaner vehicles, with the money provided by clunker programs.

· Clunker programs compete with charitable organizations such as Melwood Industries, the Congressionally-chartered Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Salvation Army that rely on used car donation programs to fund their programs.

· Auto restoration, customization and repair shops nationwide will suffer with the loss of older cars, trucks and parts they need to supply and service their customers. It will also reduce and supply and therefore raise and price of second and third hand cars and trucks often purchased by low-income citizens.

· Cash for Clunkers programs risk destroying classic, historic and special interest vehicles. America safeguards its artistic and architectural heritage against indiscriminate destruction. Our automotive and industrial heritage deserves the same protection.

· Clunker programs do not guarantee that a scrapped vehicle will be replaced with a more fuel-efficient vehicle. In fact, many older vehicles get better fuel mileage than the newer models.

· Cars turned in for scrappage often are rarely driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.

· There is no evidence that clunker programs boosts demand for new vehicles, drives traffic to new car dealerships or creates or retains jobs.

The aftermarket associations pledged support for legislation to provide tax incentives to purchase new cars such as allowing deductions for interest on car loans and state sales tax. The groups also support tax credits to help upgrade, repair or maintain an older vehicle. “A number of commercially available products and technologies exist that will substantially lower the emission rates of older vehicles while also offering the owner added performance, drivability and fuel mileage. These innovative solutions drive product sales, produce American jobs and secure tax revenues for the government all while sustaining the multi-billion dollar motor vehicle aftermarket,” the groups concluded.

Photo Credit: dave_7 – Flickr

Sorry gaming fans but Hyundai is not creating a new Sega Genesis. But if ‘Sonic the hedgehog’ could choose a car to drive, this would be his first choice. What better way for Hyundai to show off its new addition to their 2010 lineup then to have customized versions on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The new 2010 Genesis will be Hyundai’s answer to competition against cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Nissan 370z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Mazda RX-8. The Genesis will be rear wheel drive and offered with two available engine models; a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder with 212 horsepower and a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 with 306 horsepower. Both engines will come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox. Optional transmissions include a ZF six-speed automatic, with manual shift capability on the V6, and a five-speed Shiftronic automatic on the four-cylinder.

Below you will find photos of three amazing customized Hyundai Genesis coupe’s that were on display at this years SEMA show. HKS built a time-attack race ready version, while the Rhys Millen Racing team built a Formula D drift racing series car. The last modified Genesis coupe was built by Street Concepts who created a very evil modified looking custom Genesis.

 

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been getting many raves and reviews. To promote it’s luxurious appeal, Hyundai had a couple Genesis sedans given the VIP customized treatment for the 2008 SEMA Show. The new Hyundai Genesis is offered in a 3.8-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and a higher model which has a 4.6-liter V8 with 375 horsepower. The Genesis is controlled by a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability transmission and is rear wheel drive. The new 2009 Genesis is being compared to the likes of Lexus and BMW quality and performance which is a huge step for Hyundai. This car is definitely one that will go down into the history books for Hyundai as it is their first true luxury sport sedan.

At this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, Hyundai wanted to show off the Genesis and it’s luxurious and look at me appeal. So they allowed a couple to be customized to truly show it off in all its glory. Below you will see Genesis sedans that were customized by DUB Magazine and RKSport.

 

Didn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show? We got you covered!  This is the final update from our six part SEMA Show photo gallery series.  Make sure to check out the other five.

You don’t want to miss all the cool rides, so make sure to click through each image.  Then, make a comment and let us know which one was your favorite!

 

Didn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show? We got you covered!  We continue with part five of our six part SEMA Show photo gallery series.

Check it out and leave a comment on what you think.

 

Didn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show? We got you covered!  We continue with part four of our six part SEMA Show photo gallery series.

Check it out and leave a comment on what you think.

 

Didn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show? We got you covered!  Part three of our six part SEMA Show photo gallery series.

Check it out and leave a comment on what you think.

 

Didn’t make it to this year’s SEMA show? We got you covered!  Part two of our six part SEMA Show photo gallery series.

You don’t want to miss all the cool rides, so make sure to click through each image.  Then, make a comment and let us know which one was your favorite!

 

Without a doubt, the annual SEMA show is overwhelmingly huge. It’s really easy to miss something amazing, even if you are taking your time.

But no matter how many cool gadgets were on display, the true stars of the show are the cars. We tried our best to capture as many of the cool sights of SEMA 2008 as we could.  Even we admit, we probably missed quite a few!  Here’s our first of six installments showcasing the cool rides and sights of this years SEMA show.

 

It’s the oldest trick in the book. Make a product, stick a hot girl in front of said product… profit!  Used with high success at any car show, using women to promote your product works wonders. This year’s SEMA show was no exception.

Old, young, good looking, or just plain looking…women of all sorts were in no shortage. For the most part, the marketing trick worked wonders. Booths with babes had visibly more traffic than those which did not.  Even better for exhibitors, many of the girls posed with the product they were promoting for added exposure when taking photos.

Tacky, awesome, or sexist? Make a comment and let us know. In the mean time, we hope you don’t mind if we use the sure-fire marketing trick ourselves. Enjoy the photos!

 

Chrysler, in the spirit of all that is aftermarket, has decided to show off a small project of their own at this years SEMA show.  The 2009 Challenger SRT10 Concept.   The company, in a press-release today said this years show is an “opportunity for SRT engineering to “one-up” itself.” Judging by the photos, job well done!

2009 Challenger SRT10 Concept Details:

• On display at the 2008 SEMA show next month
• Powered by a Dodge Viper 8.3-liter, all-aluminum V10
• 600-horsepower, 560 ft-lb of torque
• “Tornado Red” Paint
• 1970 HEMI Cuda inspired shaker hood
• Upgraded brakes and equipped with Bilstein shocks
• Carbon fiber interior bits
• Red push button start button from the Viper