Chicago 2011: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the fastest, most powerful ever [w/video]

The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was a performance monster, featuring an all-aluminum engine displacing 427 cubic inches that was originally intended for racing. Just 69 units were built, and they are highly coveted by collectors today. Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise, then, that Chevrolet chose to resurrect this classic moniker for what it is calling the fastest and most technologically advanced Camaro ever built.

At this point, specifications are still preliminary, but Chevrolet is estimating that its supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Those ponies will be sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission using a dual-disc clutch that's necessary to properly harness all those horses. There's also a dual-mode exhaust system that alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.

Chevrolet tells us that its goal was to build "a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street." To that end, the 2012 Camaro ZL1 will be fitted with a new electric power steering system and Magnetic Ride Control that will offer both Tour and Sport modes. Brembo brakes measuring 14.6-inch (370 mm) in the front (with six-piston calipers) and 14.4-inch (365 mm) at the rear (with four-piston calipers) bring it all back down from speed.

Naturally, there's an updated body kit to differentiate the ZL1 from lesser machines. Most notable are the redesigned fascia that features a front splitter, vertical fog lamps and air intakes designed for brake cooling. There's also a new aluminum hood with a raised, satin black-finish carbon fiber insert that uses a unique air extractor that is said to increase downforce by directing oncoming air over the car. There's also a spoiler at the rear of the car and new 20-inch aluminum wheels fitted with specially developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires.

Chevrolet promises to have the Camaro ZL1 on dealer lots in the beginning of 2012, and it will be available in any color offered on the Camaro. We can hardly wait. In the meantime, check out all the details in the video and press release after the break, and feel free to drool over the high-res image gallery below.

Used Car Check List From Brown And Brown

Initially: Any "bad" records in a VIN history report?
Any maintenance records, mileage proof?
How many previous owners?
Why do they sell a car - tired of fixing it?
Any accidents, engine, transmission repair?
Has the car passed last Emission Test?
Start with exterior.
Indications of possible problem:
Are the exterior lines not straight? Ripples? Misaligned panels?
Driver's door has free play in the hinges? Troubles to close?
Are the gaps between panels too narrow (too wide) on one side of the car?
Lots of rusty spots?
Mismatched colors? Painting over spray?
Any panel of the car seems to be repainted?
Why? Accident? Corrosion?
Trailer hinge? The car was using for towing?
Indications of possible engine problem:
Any oil or coolant leaks from the engine?
Is the engine dirty or oily?
Is the oil level low? Is the oil on the dipstick too dark?
Any indication of poor quality repair work / lack of maintenance? (e.g. badly corroded battery terminals, very low oil level, etc.)
Start the engine:
Does it work unevenly?
Any knocking, pinging, whistling?
Any smoke? (slight water steam is OK)
Any warning lights come on while the engine is running?
"Check engine" light?
Is the engine oil pressure too low at idle?
Any hesitation on acceleration?
Is the engine enough powerful?
Does it look very dirty under the oil cap?
Smell of the burnt oil under the hood?
Possible automatic transmission problems:
Any previous transmission repair? Was it rebuilt?
Does the transmission fluid smell burnt?
Is the tranny fluid on the dipstick too dark/dirty?
Start the engine and try to switch from P to D and from P to R holding the brakes -
Is the time between shifting and the moment the transmission kicks in too long?
Any strong noises or jerks?
During a test drive:
Any delays or troubles shifting?
Any shudder? Does the transmission slip or jerk harshly?
The shifting seems to be delayed?
Does the kick-down function work?
The manual transmission:
Any leaks?
Any noises while driving?
Any troubles changing gears?
Is the clutch slipping?
Any trouble to shift into reverse?
The suspension problems:
Is any of shock absorbers leaking?
Is any of the shock absorber boots broken?
The steering has notable free play?
Does the car bounces too much when you push one of the corners down?
Tires have irregular wear? (alignment problem)
Does the car sit level?
During a driving test:Any knocking or creaking noises when driving over bumps?
Does the car pull aside? Is the steering wheel out of center?
Does the vehicle feel unstable on a freeway?
Any humming or growling noise?
The brakes. Possible problem:
Is the brake fluid container leaky?
Is the brake fluid level too low?
Brake pedal goes down to the floor? Break pedal is too soft (spongy)? Too hard? Any brake fluid leaks under the car?
Badly corroded brake lines? Brake rotors appear corroded? During the test drive. Any brake pedal or steering pulsation while braking?
Does the vehicle pull aside while braking?
Any grinding noise?
Does the brake warning light or ABS light come on while driving?
Tires:
Any cracks, bruises?
Tread appears low?
Mismatched tires?
Damaged rims?
Vibration at high speed?
Humming noise? (uneven tire wear?)
The interior:
Is the driver seat / steering wheel worn excessively?
Dampness under the carpet or in the trunk?
Does the Radio / CD / Tape work?
Has the odometer any evidences of being tampered?
Does the air conditioner provide really cold air?
Are the power locks, windows, mirrors, sunroof, etc. working?
Are the heater, rear window defogger working?
Wind noise while driving?
Any of warning lights come on while driving?
Do you feel comfortable in driver's place?
Seats, seat belts, mirrors, controls, steering, visibility?
Spare tire, jack, wheel wrench?

True Story About My Boss

Hello Everyone!!  I just wanted to tell you a true story and hopefully it will reflect what kind of person my Boss really is!! If you are not familiar with car dealerships and how they work, you are about to learn.  We have a special account we call "policy adjust" and what this account does is track are "goodwill spending"  We use it for all sorts of things, but the biggest thing we use it for is to keep our customers happy.  Let me explain.  Lets say you buy a used vehicle from me and the warranty is gone.  Now lets say you decide that buying a warranty on a 60,000 mile car is NOT a good idea.  Two weeks later you get into your car and you notice the radio no longer works.  Now, whats going through your mind at this point is "hey I just bought this car 2 weeks ago and the radio just went out".  That is a very normal feeling, in fact I would feel the same way!  So you call me and tell me the radio just stopped working.  What I'm I to do?  Remember that you decided that buying a warranty was not a good idea at the time.  To make matters worse we find out the radio is $600 to repair.  So I go to my Boss and he says "fix it".  That repair goes to policy adjust account.  Now you might be thinking "how often does that really happen"?  Well when you sell 100 cars a month it happens more than you think.  I would like for you to stop and guess how much money goes out of the policy adjust account every month?  $1000, $2000, $5000 maybe $10,000 on a stretch?  Not even close.  The number is well over $25,000 EVERY MONTH!!  That is $25,000 plus every month basically to keep his customers happy.  So next time you go to buy that next used or new car, maybe buying a car some where else because it was $100 cheaper is not such a good idea!! I seen it time and time and time again you buy a car from some dealer up north and after you buy the car you are 100% ON YOUR OWN!! And that is what kind of person Brian Brown is.

Save Money At Brown And Brown Chevrolet And Hyundai

Here are some coupons for our service department at Brown And Brown Chevrolet and Hyundai in Bradley.  All our techs are certified and will make sure your vehicle is serviced correctly!!

Chicago Auto Show Starts: Here is All The Info!!

Background - First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 103rd edition of the Chicago Auto Show.
Producer - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. The CATA has produced the Chicago Auto Show since 1935.
Dates

• Public Show:  Friday, February 11 through Sunday, February 20
   
• First Look for Charity:  Thursday, February 10, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Black tie. More info.
   
• Media Preview:  Wednesday, February 9 through Thursday, February 10. More info.

Location - McCormick Place, 2301 South Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60616.
The Chicago Auto Show utilizes 1.2 million square feet of the McCormick Place complex. McCormick Place offers a total of 2.7 million square feet of exhibit halls with an additional 700,000 square feet of meeting room availability.
Public Show Hours (Box office closes one hour prior to the end of the show each day.)

• February 11-19:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
   
• February 20:  10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission (Advance tickets may be purchased at http://www.drivechicago.com/. There is no service fee and online ticket purchases are good for any public day.)

• $11 for adults
   
• $7 for seniors aged 62 and older
   
• $7 for children 7-12
   
• Free admission for children 6 and younger when they accompany a paying adult.
   
• Half-price coupons are available at participating BP gas stations. More info.
   
• Weekday discount coupons ($4 off the regular adult admission) available at various area new-car dealers. Participating banks also mail the discount tickets to their account holders. More info.
   
• School & group discounts available. More info.

Exhibits - All Chicago Auto Show exhibits are held in the McCormick Place complex.  Exhibitions include: multiple world and North American introductions; a complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; sport utility vehicles; and experimental or concept cars.  In total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles will be on display. Additionally, attendees will also have the opportunity to see numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars.
Special Days

• Tuesday, February 15:  Women's Day. Women are admitted for $7. Manufacturers will present special women-oriented programs on the purchase and lease of cars and maintenance.
   
• Wednesday, February 16 through Friday, February 18:  Chicago Auto Show Food Drive. Show patrons who bring three cans of food will receive a coupon for $7 admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven Foundation.
   
• Friday, February 18:  Telemundo Hispanic Day. For more information, visit http://www.telemundochicago.com/.

Appearances - Special appearances and events take place every day. Please check our Event Schedule for up-to-date listings.
Accessibility - McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation. Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place. Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park and East Monroe underground garages. Shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Upper and Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.

Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround's toll-free hotline at 1-888-441-7575. You can also submit a rental inquiry on the web at http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/c/chicagoautoshow, or by fax at (204) 478-1172. Scooter rentals are $50.00 a day and Wheelchair rentals are $20.00 a day. Scootaround is happy to accept VISA or MasterCard. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of McCormick Place (west end of the Grand Concourse). While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance.

Used Car Sales Are Up!!!

Used car salesmen are becoming the kings of the lot as demand for such vehicles is starting to rise.

While new car sales continue to fall, many dealers are finding buyers are willing to spring for a good used car instead.

The volume of used cars sold through dealers rose 3.1% in February compared with last year, the first year-over-year increase in 12 months, reports CNW Marketing Research. By contrast, new car sales slid 41.4% in February from a year ago.

Wholesale used car prices have risen steadily since October, including a 1.1% rise in February compared with January, says Tom Kontos, chief economist for Adesa Analytical Services, though they remain lower than in February 2008.

"People are trying to be a bit more responsible in their major purchases," Kontos says, making used cars more attractive. It's "another sign of prudence."

AutoTrader.com, an online listing site for used vehicles, says it's seeing the same price trend at retail, especially for larger vehicles. The average price of all Ford F-150 pickups listed on the site is up 2.9% from October, spokesman Brian Gluckman reports.

Driving the increases:

• Necessity. A used car is a more economical alternative if the current car dies.

"There are people who need vehicles," says Mike Maroone, president of AutoNation, the country's largest dealer chain.

•Scarcity. Rental car agencies, a top source for late-model used cars, are clinging to their fleets longer to save cash. And poor new car sales also cut supply. "Dealers aren't getting any trade-ins," says Tom Webb, chief economist for Manheim Consulting. As a consequence, "they are bidding up prices at auction" to have used cars to sell.

•Desirability. Dealers can buy just the used cars that they think will sell rapidly. With new cars, they often have to take an automakers' slow sellers if they want more of the hottest models. Plus, used cars can carry good profit margins.

AutoNation is seeing gains in sales of "certified" used cars, the newest pre-owned models that are checked out and come with a warranty. Sales were up 15% last year and "single digits" this year, Maroone says. The program is being spurred, as well, by 2.9% loan rates offered by General Motors on certified used vehicles, including to buyers with imperfect credit.

Toyota just began a certified program for used hybrids, which will get a more thorough and specific inspection of their complex drivetrains.