Next-Gen MyLink System Debuts in 2014 Chevrolet Impala

LOS ANGELES – When the 2014 Chevrolet Impala goes on sale next spring, it will do much more than reinvent the brand’s flagship sedan. It will be the first with Chevrolet’s next-generation MyLink infotainment system, designed to be easy to use, highly customizable and capable of linking up to 10 devices.

The system represents Chevrolet’s first use of natural language voice recognition that allows customers to safely place calls, enter destinations, browse media, play music and control other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do. There are no key phrases to remember and no need to look at a screen. In addition to the touch screen, MyLink also can be operated via large, clearly labeled knobs or through integrated steering wheel controls.

Another first for Chevrolet is that the system can store up to 60 favorites including radio stations (AM/FM/XM), contacts, destinations, music and other media – a convenient feature, for example, for those who travel to the same destination regularly and want to save locations such as hotels and restaurants.

Even the graphic treatment of the instrument cluster and integrated stack can be customized to one of four distinct personalities, depending on who’s behind the wheel – Contemporary, Edge, Velocity and Main Street.

“MyLink in the new Impala provides our customers with a total driver experience,” said Nina Mital, next-generation MyLink program manager. “With the natural voice recognition, it’s like having a conversation with your vehicle.”

The system is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements, Mital said. The next-generation MyLink system also will be used in other 2014 model year Chevrolets including upcoming full-size trucks and SUVs and the Corvette.

Unlike previous systems, both the instrument cluster and the integrated center stack are configurable, giving the customer the ability to display infotainment controls in direct view if desired, without ever having to view the center screen. A microphone above the driver helps ensure voice commands are heard.

On the Impala’s standard 4.2-inch high-resolution LCD screen or available eight-inch screen, customers will immediately notice the layout resembles a smartphone or tablet, with intuitive, easy-to-read icons. On the eight-inch screen, customers can fling through lists, swipe and click and drag just as they would on a tablet.

Those with compatible smartphones can pair them with MyLink using Bluetooth or a USB connection. This gives customers the ability to play passengers’ music or other media through the vehicle’s speakers.

Another new feature allows customers whose Impalas are equipped with available embedded navigation to enter destinations in a single step, without having to enter the state, city, street number and street name in successive efforts. City-by-city weather reports are also provided.

Customer preferences were studied globally during the next-gen MyLink development process. “We received a lot of good customer feedback and we used it to make enhancements to the system,” said Mital.

Even OnStar accessibility expands. Besides the venerable Blue button, customers can access OnStar via the screen display.

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala includes six months of OnStar’s premium Directions and Connections service. OnStar brings added safety, security and connectivity to these vehicles, including services such as Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics and Roadside Assistance.

Most smartphone owners can also download the RemoteLink Mobile App, which allows OnStar subscribers to control and manage certain vehicle functions from their phone. For more information on OnStar’s services, visit onstar.com.

Time is running out on our offer for the $39.95 Certified Service Special! Hurry in today to maximize your savings with this online coupon. We hope to see you soon!

Chevrolet Spark and Sonic Drive with Siri

LOS ANGELES – Early next year, the Chevrolet Spark (1LT, 2LT) and Sonic LTZ and RS will integrate Siri, the intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking. Chevrolet made the announcement today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Through the cars’ standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, customers with a compatible iPhone* running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an Eyes Free mode that enables users to interact with their iPhone using nothing more than their voice while keeping the device’s screen from lighting up.

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 Spark and Sonic RS, owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in the iTunes library, 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
• Minimize distraction even more by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up, even when Siri answers simple questions such as game scores or the dates of national holidays
• While in Eyes Free mode, Siri will not provide answers to complex questions that require displaying a web page.

“It says a lot about our commitment to small-car customers that Chevrolet has announced that Siri Eyes Free capability will be available in the Spark and Sonic well before the luxury brands,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars. “Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink’s existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience.”

Both the Spark and the Sonic also come with six months of OnStar’s premium Directions and Connections service. OnStar brings added safety, security and connectivity to these vehicles, including services such as Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics and Roadside Assistance.

Most smartphone owners can also download the RemoteLink Mobile App, which allows OnStar subscribers to control and manage certain vehicle functions from their phone. For more information on OnStar’s services, visit onstar.com.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Style, fuel efficiency and power: this 2013 Volt has it all! Check it out at Bob Brown Chevrolet today.

See here for details.

Trailer Sway Control Standard on all Chevrolet Silverados

DETROIT– The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado is now better equipped to help prevent drivers and their trailers from uncontrolled trailer swinging with the advanced StabiliTrak® electronic stability control system with integrated trailer sway control.

Trailer sway control employs an angle sensor within the steering wheel assembly to measure the drivers intended yaw, or rotational movement around the axis of a vehicle, which determines the direction. During a sway incident, the sensor detects the driver’s intended yaw, while another sensor measures the actual yaw. The Electronic Brake Control Module compares both inputs and sends a signal to the Integrated Trailer Brake Control for action. The resulting action is to apply the trailer brakes and reduce the velocity. In more extreme conditions, the Integrated Trailer Brake Control will also signal the vehicle to apply its brakes until the oscillation stops.

“Silverado owners can rest assured that their trucks were built with their safety in mind and can tow with extra confidence thanks to trailer sway control which is always at the ready,” said Maria Rohrer, director of Marketing and Strategy, Chevrolet Trucks. “Trailer sway control is just one more way Silverado helps you stay prepared for whatever life throws at you.”

Right now, Chevy's Giving More! Check out these great deals from Bob Brown Chevrolet before time runs out!

Another great review for Bob Brown Chevrolet!

"They are excellent communicators, worked with us to understand our needs and budget limitations, and provided an outstanding certified vehicle for $1000 less than anywhere within 300 miles! I drove all the way from KC for this opportunity and definitely wasn't disappointed! Awesome facility and the people make it even better!" - bigmoose.

2014 Corvette Trailer 1: CONCEPTION | 2014 Corvette | Chevrolet

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

Chevrolet to Debut Spark EV at LA Auto Show

DETROIT – Chevrolet will unveil the plug-in electric version of the brand’s popular new Spark mini car at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. The Spark EV is one of 13 new or significantly redesigned products that Chevrolet will be launching in 2013. 

Chevrolet will also showcase the expanded functionality of an advanced version of MyLink, which will be available first in the all-new 2014 Impala full-size sedan.

“Chevrolet continues to build on the momentum of eight consecutive quarters of record global sales with the introduction of more new products, features and technologies that are designed to offer consumers exceptional functionality, comfort and convenience,” said, Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing.

“The Spark EV and next-generation of MyLink demonstrate Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering the advanced technologies that today’s consumers will be eager to adopt and truly value,” Perry said.

The Spark has won over U.S. consumers with its expressive design, roomy interior and MyLink connectivity. In its first three months on sale, the Spark has delivered strong results, particularly in the Los Angeles market.  Building on that success, the plug-in electric version of the Spark EV will offer consumers the same package that has made the gasoline-powered model so popular while delivering the technology and performance of pure electric power. 

MyLink currently offers consumers easy-to-use in-vehicle connectivity. With the launch of the 2014 Impala, MyLink adds new levels of personalization and more seamless smartphone integration.

In addition to the Spark EV, other Chevrolet vehicles on display at the LA Auto Show include the all-new Impala, Malibu Turbo mid-size sedan, Sonic RS small car, Traverse full-size crossover and Camaro Hot Wheels® Edition.

2013 Chevrolet Impala - 1.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE

2013 CHEVROLET Impala w/1FL/LS
1.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers. Monthly payment is $17.48 for every $1000 you finance. Example down payment: 0%. Some customers will not qualify. Take delivery by 01-02-2013. Residency restrictions apply. See Dealer for details.

Accelerating to the Celebration of 60 Years | Corvette | Chevrolet

‘Fall’ into savings at Bob Brown Chevrolet! Check out our coupon tab for our $39.95 Certified Service Special.

See the full gallery on Posterous

From Concept to Reality: Chevrolet Announces Sonic Dusk

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet today announced production of the Sonic Dusk sedan, designed to bring a higher degree of sophistication and refinement to the subcompact segment. The production intent Sonic Dusk will be displayed at the SEMA Show, opening Oct. 30 in Las Vegas and leads a diverse range of stylized Chevy small cars.

“Just like we’ve done with Corvettes and Camaros, we’re taking another one of our core products and adapting it to our customers’ lifestyles,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The reaction to the Sonic Dusk concept last year was overwhelmingly positive and proved customers are interested in a more-refined subcompact. We’re moving quickly to bring Sonic Dusk to Chevrolet showrooms.”

The SEMA show vehicle features a production-intent package with ground effects, a rear spoiler and large, 18-inch aluminum wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish. Sophisticated touches lend the Ashen Grey Sonic Dusk a refined, contemporary aesthetic. The upper and lower grilles, door handle inserts and rear license plate trim are finished with a matte appearance, while stainless steel lower window moldings add an upscale accent to the body.

Inside, Sonic Dusk features Jet Black leather-trimmed seats with suede accents and Mojave tan inserts. Mojave accent stitching and tan-color door panel and instrument panel accents were designed to enhance the cabin’s ambience. It is also equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which integrates a smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio.

“With a year under our belt, we’ve learned our Sonic sedan buyers are looking at exterior styling as a key purchase driver,” said Cristi Landy, marketing director of Chevrolet small cars. “While the RS hatchback is our sporty interpretation of Sonic, Dusk is a sophisticated, well contented option – both unique to this segment. It’s all about choices and personalization.”

Sonic Dusk is powered by the Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine, rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.  The engine is mated with a six-speed transmission – and production models offer a six-speed manual or automatic.

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is positioned between the all-new Spark and the Cruze in Chevy’s small car portfolio. As the only subcompact built in America, Sonic comes with a segment-leading 10 standard air bags and leads in interior roominess. The performance-inspired Sonic RS hits dealerships in late 2012 and features Chevrolet’s exclusive infotainment system MyLink , with a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smartphone-based music, videos, photos and contacts for hands-free calling. To learn more about Sonic, visit the Chevy Sonic Facebook page, follow on Twitter at @ChevyLife or check out letsdothis.com.

Monday Maintenance Tip: How to Protect Your Car’s Interior

Try to add up the hours you spend in your car. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Commutes, errand runs and road trips can have you sitting in those bucket seats for hours on end, and during that time, you and your passengers are actually living in the interior. That means smudges on the windows, scratches on the dash and food in the seat crevices accumulate and leave you wondering what happened to the spotless interior you swear it had when you first bought the car

A Quick Clean

 Luckily, it’s not that difficult to keep a car’s cabin from looking a little too, well, lived in. First things first, get something to stuff your trash into. Just use a plastic bag or a container you don’t use around the house and throw it in the backseat. You can even affix a temporary hook to the door or seat to keep things even neater. Every once and awhile, take it out and relish in the fact that you haven’t spent an hour cleaning up. Keeping trash off the floor also preserves your carpets, which can get stained from any number of items.

The idea of taking a rag to your dash and leather seats is made easier if you have them on-hand. The key here is to just use a little bit of soapy water to wipe the surfaces of your car – some cleaning products contain alcohols that prematurely dry and age the materials by reducing the flexibility in the vinyl. Store a small spray bottle of your homemade cleaning fluid and a rag under your seat or in a storage bin for access when you’re waiting for your kids to get out of school or sitting in that crazy-long drive-through line. This will also come in handy when an emergency spill happens. Lastly, keep your car smelling like roses (or at least a laundromat) by adding dryer sheets under the seats.

Weather Resistant 
You can’t discount the impact weather has on your vehicle either. In summer, sandy feet can quickly make a mess of an interior, and dare we mention the destruction caused by mud and snow? If you spend a lot of time ducking in and out of the elements, you might want to grab some all-weather floor mats. They’re easy to clean and do a great job of keeping the muck in one place.

The sun’s rays can also wreak havoc on your car’s surfaces, causing vinyl to crack over time and materials to fade. A simple solution is to regularly put a sunshade on the windshield. They’re inexpensive and help to keep your interior looking new.

Saving money on repair work and cleaning comes more easily when you take the time to make preventative care a priority. Not only will these tricks make your car a nicer place to be, keeping grime out of your ride will cut down on large maintenance costs in the future and will help to retain its value over time.

Full-Scale Driving Fun: Camaro Hot Wheels® Edition

LAS VEGAS – The dream of millions of Hot Wheels^® fans of all ages will come when the Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition arrives at Chevrolet dealerships early next year. It’s the first time a full-size, production Hot Wheels^® car has been offered for sale by any manufacturer.

Blister packaging and orange race track not included.

“Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages.”

The Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition debuted today at the SEMA Show, in Las Vegas. A special run of the Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition will be produced in the first quarter of 2013 – and like the collectable toys on which it is based – when they’re gone, they’re gone.

“It’s been nearly 20 years since I started designing cars for Hot Wheels and I have yet to drive one home,” said Felix Holst, vice president of creative for the Mattel Wheels Division. “Personally, I can’t wait to open the doors and see the Hot Wheels Camaro sitting in the garage.”

The appearance of the Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition echoes the cues that Hot Wheels enthusiasts recognize, including a vibrant, graphics-accented metallic paint scheme and even the red-lined wheels. The result is instantly recognizable as a Hot Wheels.

The Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition is available in coupe and convertible models – in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims, blending exterior cues of the high-performance Camaro ZL1 with a Kinetic Blue exterior color and unique graphics. Exterior highlights include:

• ZL1 rear spoiler (coupe models)
• ZL1 front upper grille
• Ground effects package, including front splitter and rocker treatment
• Black 21-inch wheels with red outline stripe
• Two-tone matte hood graphic and rear taillight panel “blackout” graphic
• Fender “flame” graphics
• Hot Wheels grille and decklid logos.

On the inside, a black leather-trimmed interior is accented with red and black seat stitching with the Hot Wheels logo embroidered on the front seats. The instrument panel and door inserts are black, with the Hot Wheels-style flame decal on each door. Hot Wheels^® Edition sill plates also distinguish the car, along with Camaro-logo premium floor mats with red edging.

SS models feature a 6.2L V-8, which is offered in two iterations: the “L99” on automatic-equipped vehicles and the “LS3” on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) – and it features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) of torque.

LT-based models feature the “LFX” 3.6L V-6 engine, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection. It’s rated at 323 horsepower at 6,800 rpm.  

A dual-mode exhaust system is available on SS models with the six-speed manual transmission, as well as LT models with either the manual or automatic transmission. Similar to the systems found on the Camaro ZL1, the vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound during hard acceleration.

Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is standard on the Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition. Its color touch radio, with a seven-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system. The color touch radio with MyLink enables a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora^® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio^® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

FAST FACT: The original Custom Camaro 1:64-scale toy from 1968 was one of the original16 Hot Wheels issued and remains one of the most valuable Hot Wheels toys among collectors.

Hot Wheels is a registered trademark of Mattel, Inc. All rights reserved.

Courtesy of media.gm.com