Camaro, Cruze and Truck performance parts prove capabilities at Spring Mountain
PAHRUMP, Nev. — At Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch today, Chevrolet demonstrated the capabilities of the latest performance parts and accessories for Camaro, the new Cruze hatchback, Colorado and Silverado.
Ranging from air intake and exhaust kits to performance suspension and brake upgrades, the parts compose an extensive range of personalization choices for customers.
“Our street-level performance parts and accessories are designed, engineered and tested to the same standards as production components for uncompromising quality, fit and durability,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.
Chevrolet Performance engineers demonstrated the before-and-after results of adding performance parts by allowing journalists to drive the Spring Mountain road course in factory-stock vehicles and performance-upgraded counterparts. They also demonstrated the relative ease with which many of the parts and accessories can be installed.
“With Chevrolet performance parts and accessories, you’re buying peace of mind along with great performance and styling,” said Mark Dickens, director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “Importantly, the new-vehicle warranty remains intact when the accessories and performance parts are installed by a Chevrolet dealer.”
Camaro performance parts
Performance-enhanced Camaro models, including the LT1 V-8-powered SS and LT models with the 3.6L V-6 and 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engines, squared off with stock counterparts to demonstrate how owners can make already capable cars even better with factory-developed and backed upgrades.
The SS models were enhanced with performance air intake and exhaust systems as well as brake and suspension upgrades. The new brakes featured six-piston front calipers and larger rotors, while the suspension upgrades lowered the vehicles and enhanced handling. The suspension lowering kit features new springs and dampers to drop the cars about 0.75 inch (20mm), while the handling kit adds larger-diameter stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension links.
The V-6 model received new Chevrolet Performance intake and exhaust systems, a brake upgrade with four-piston calipers and suspension lowering kit. The 2.0L turbocharged Camaro test car featured a new performance exhaust system, six-piston brake system and the suspension lowering kit.
The suspension kits are tailored specifically for the various Camaro models and their propulsion systems. In some cases, they are specific to coupe and convertible models, and all were developed to deliver a performance advantage while maintaining a good ride quality.
“They are very comprehensive and finely tuned systems designed to provide a higher level of performance without a significant effect on the overall driving experience,” said Dickens. “With the upgraded brake systems, you’re able to carry more speed into the turns, while the new suspension parts enable flatter, more confident cornering. The Gen Six Camaro is a great track car off the showroom floor, but these new parts take it to the next level.”
Chevy truck parts
Personalization is important to Chevy truck customers, including popular appearance enhancements and functional accessories such as wheels, side steps, bed liners, tonneau covers and floor liners. Chevrolet also offers street-level performance parts.
Many of the accessories and parts are easily and quickly installed by Chevy dealers or customers, as Chevrolet engineers demonstrated at Spring Mountain through hands-on clinics that allowed participants to install several accessories and new performance parts on Silverado and Colorado models.
Performance exhaust kits are among the newest offerings. They deliver a 10-horsepower increase in engine output for the Silverado 1500’s available 5.3L engine and a 7-hp increase for the available 6.2L engine, accompanied by a throatier exhaust note.
The exhaust kits are complemented by a cold-air intake system that reduces restriction and allows the engine to draw a cooler air charge for optimal performance.
“For those who want the best performance from their Silverado, these new performance parts are the ticket,” said Dickens. “Better still, they were designed and tested by the engineers who designed the Silverado’s production parts, so there’s no question about their fit or quality.”
Chevrolet offers similar personalization accessories for Tahoe, Suburban and Colorado.
Cruze street-level performance parts
Customers who want to enhance the street-level performance of their Cruze, including the new hatchback, will gain an edge with a new quartet of performance parts: suspension lowering kit, brake kit, air intake system and exhaust system.
The suspension kit lowers the car 0.4 inch (10mm) and includes stiffer springs and a thicker front stabilizer bar to enhance cornering capability, while the brake kit features larger-diameter front rotors and new calipers for greater braking capability. The air intake and exhaust system allow the engine to process air more effectively for optimal performance, and the exhaust system provides a sportier, more authoritative exhaust note.
“The Cruze is brimming with performance and these new parts bring out its wilder side,” said Dickens. “With a great power-to-weight ratio, superb chassis dynamics and responsive steering, it’s a car performance enthusiasts will love.”
Power for all test vehicles came from the Cruze hatch’s standard 153-hp 1.4L turbocharged engine, which accelerates from 0-60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. It’s offered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Chevrolet also offers a suspension lowering kit for the Malibu, as well as suspension and exhaust kits for Sonic.
Chevrolet performance parts and accessories are available through the 2017 Chevrolet Performance Parts catalog, which is available from Chevrolet dealers and at chevrolet.com/performance.