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The 2007 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab Z71 Plus is an off-road enthusiast’s dream interpretation of one of Chevrolet’s most popular trucks – the just right-sized Colorado crew cab. Keeping with the rugged Z71 image, the suspension has been fitted with HUMMER H3-derived components, front and rear. Custom-milled 20 x 9-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with aggressive 285/50R20 off-road tires. Underneath the restyled front fascia, hood and fenders is a powerful 320-horsepower 5.3L V-8. Fuel enters the Colorado via a unique, racing-style ITW spherically actuated fuel fill system. The cargo box bed and rear bumper were restyled and a roof rack/light bar was added. The custom paint job combines light green metallic, bright aluminum and light charcoal for a stunning high tech look. The leather interior is upscale yet durable.

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Winning in the showrooms and on the racetrack, the Pontiac Solstice is fresh off its first-ever Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Showroom Stock B National Championship, and this fully race-prepared Solstice Club Sport is a shining example of how weekend racers should equip their own Solstice for success in SCCA. All SCCA Club Racing Solstices are equipped with the Z0K Club Sport regular production order option, and this Solstice is no different. Developed by GM Performance Division, the Club Sport option features the standard five-speed manual transmission along with anti-lock brake system (ABS), a limited-slip differential and FE3 suspension. The FE3 suspension is made up of lower control arms with higher-rate bushings, larger stabilizer bars, stiffer stabilizer bar bushings, endlinks and clamps, performance-valved shocks and higher rate springs.

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LAS VEGAS – With a potent, 641-horsepower, a new LSX-based 454-cubic-inch small-block V-8 and the classic looks of the 1969 Camaro, legendary baseball player and ardent car collector Reggie Jackson has a muscle car as strong as his World Series batting record. Jackson partnered with GM Performance Parts (GMPP) and the GM Performance Division (GMPD) to build a one-of-a-kind modern muscle machine that serves as a developmental showcase for GM’s new LSX family of performance engine components.

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The 2007 Chevy Silverado Rally Sport recalls legendary Rally Sport Chevys, such as the first-generation Rally Sport Camaros. Those cars were all about good looks and affordable, sporty performance. The Silverado Rally Sport conveys that ethic and combines it with the capability of a pickup. This concept vehicle is powered by GM Powertrain’s 6.2L Vortec V-8 and is outfitted with high-performance four-wheel disc brakes, lowered suspension and chrome Chevy Accessories’ 22-inch wheels, with low-profile performance tires. Chevy Accessories ground effects, a hard tonneau cover and custom grille – all painted a beautiful Green Metallic – supply the visual sizzle. The spacious interior boasts four bucket seats, ample storage and rear seat entertainment.

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LAS VEGAS – During the heyday of the muscle car, three digits struck fear into the hearts of challengers who found themselves unlucky enough to sidle up next to a Chevy wearing the badge “427.” The badge is back on the Silverado 427 – a concept vehicle that demonstrates a tangible extension of the new Silverado’s performance parameters.

The Silverado 427 is powered by GM Powertrain’s 7.0-liter LS7, the same Gen IV small-block V-8 that is the center of power in the Corvette Z06 and available as a “crate engine” package from GM Performance Parts. Its cubic-inch displacement is 427. A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, providing the driver with full control of the vehicle’s substantial capability.

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LAS VEGAS – While he’s normally associated with the Chevy Monte Carlo SS racecar he drives on Sundays, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also is an enthusiastic truck aficionado – especially those trucks that perform best off the road. GM teamed up with Earnhardt to design and build the ultimate Silverado off-roader, dubbing it the Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Big Red” Silverado.

The Dale Earnhardt Jr. “Big Red” Silverado is based on the all-new, 2007 Chevy Silverado crew cab and features custom exterior appointments, an off-road-ready suspension, one-off custom 20-inch wheels at Dale Jr.’s request, a custom interior and more. This one-of-a-kind Silverado builds on Earnhardt’s personal notion of off-road enjoyment, which was previously conveyed in his personal truck – a previous-generation Silverado named “Big Red.”

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LAS VEGAS – Infused with the trendsetting, custom styling cues popularized by the bike-building Teutul family, the Chevy Orange County Choppers (OCC) Silverado is the ultimate shop hauler. It is designed to transport motorcycle engines and other components necessary to create one-of-a-kind custom choppers – and does so with the same eye-popping design as OCC’s own bikes.

A 7.0-liter LS7 V-8 backs up the OCC Silverado’s Sturgis-ready good looks and the interior carries the contemporary chopper theme, with plenty of black leather, chrome and billet trim. A raft of chromed chopper engines is tied down in the customized cargo bed.

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LAS VEGAS – What would keep a group of automotive designers up all night? “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, for starters, but not by his monologue or parade of Hollywood guests. This time it’s because the late-night talk show host invited the General Motors Advanced Design Studio to help design a mid-engine, turbine-powered supercar called EcoJet. Leno and Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, introduced the car today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

Continue reading SEMA 2006: Turbine-Powered EcoJet Concept Began With Meeting, Sketches On A Napkin

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Story by Dubspeed Driven Associate Editor, Carl Modesette

Recently we at Dubspeed Media had the opportunity to visit the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, Michigan to sample the entire Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep lineup. For your author, this was a special treat as my professional background is in vehicle testing. While it was an incredible opportunity to drive SRT-8 vehicles on CPG’s own test tracks and navigate Trail-Rated Jeeps through the CPG off-road course, what I really wanted to do was learn more about what happens at the CPG when hoards of media aren’t crawling all over it. Thanks to the accommodating staff of Daimler-Chrysler’s Communications Team, we were able to speak to the man in charge of CPG, Jeff Zyburt, Director of the CPG, and Lab Durability Testing. In the interview, we were able to gain a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes at this highly-secretive test facility.

Read the complete interview after the jump!

Continue reading Dubspeed Driven Interview – Jeff Zyburt, Director of the Chrysler Proving Grounds

Chevy Silverado 427

LAS VEGAS – Enthusiasts seeking the perfect vehicle to personalize will hit the jackpot with this year’s GM portfolio at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, which features all-new, full-size pickups, SUVs, crossovers and cars tricked out for the streets to the slopes and every conceivable surface in between. They include a one-of-a-kind Chevy Silverado off-road concept designed in conjunction with NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. – a successor to Junior’s “Big Red” Silverado – and a low-riding Orange County Choppers Silverado hauler concept inspired by the styling cues of the famous bike-building Teutul family.

More after the jump.

Continue reading General Motors Flexes American Muscle At Sema With All-New Pickups And SUVs