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2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ Review

by | Feb 22, 2024 | 0 comments

2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ Review

 Bigger is better for the redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Trax, but buyers will have to take the good with some bad

Driver’s side view of Chevrolet Trax ACTIV in Cacti Green parked on a road in front of a lake.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is a small, front-wheel-drive SUV crossover with a 137-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Starting prices range from $21,495 to $26,685. (Photography courtesy of Chevrolet or as credited)

Table of Contents

Trax Backgrounder
2024 Trax Pricing and Model Line
Safety Features
Trax Updates for 2025
Which 2024 Trax To Buy?
Performance and Powertrain
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why Buy the 2024 Trax?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Making my rounds at the 2024 San Diego International Auto Show, two vehicles caught my eye, and both were Chevrolets: the 2024 Trailblazer and 2024 Trax. These small SUV crossovers have been re-engineered and redesigned, with particular attention to exterior styling. They are both built in South Korea by GM.

I spoke with a sizeable retirement-age showgoer sitting in the Cacti Green Trax Activ at the show. They felt comfortable behind the wheel but pointed to the nearby Trailblazer and preferred its interior space. They were shopping for a small SUV with four-wheel drive, which is available on the Trailblazer, but Trax is front-wheel drive only for all trim levels.

For 2024, Chevrolet has repositioned the Trax and Trailblazer, which share a vehicle architecture.

Trax is available only in front-wheel drive and has one powertrain, a 137-hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Trailblazer is available in front- or all-wheel drive and has a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, either the base 1.2-liter or the 155-hp 1.3-liter. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Trailblazer pricing starts at $24,395 for front-drive and rises to $30,390 for the topline AWD models. Lower trim models can be optioned with AWD for $2,000.

Trax is the more economical choice, with starting prices ranging from $21,495 to $26,685.

Today’s tester is the 2024 Trax Activ, and I hope to circle back to assess the new Trailblazer.

Passenger’s side view of front cabin in Chevrolet Trax ACTIV with Jet Black with Artemis Accents Interior.

Trax interior design is clean and contemporary.

Chevrolet Trax Backgrounder

When the Chevrolet Trax made its U.S. debut in 2015, it was among the smallest CUV offerings and shared an architecture with the Buick Encore (now the Buick Envista). Nine years later, the burgeoning segment of subcompact SUV crossovers has grown to at least nine models. The Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla Cross, and VW Taos are among them.

The previous generation 2022 Trax (there was no 2023 model) had a 155-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic. It also had a slightly larger 14-gallon gas tank and the option for all-wheel drive.

Now in its second generation in North America, the 2024 Trax sheds its stubby and pinched body shape for a confident and contemporary stance. Compared to its predecessor, the new Trax is 11 inches longer, has a 3.5-inch lower roofline, and is 1.8 inches wider. Its wheelbase grew by 5.7 inches to 106.3 from 100.6 inches.

2024 Trax Pricing and Model Line

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is sold in five trim levels with starting prices of $21,495 to $26,685, including the $1,095 freight charge from Changwon, Korea. Today’s tester is the topline Activ, which costs $26,685 with the Sunroof package ($895) and Driver Convenience package ($795).

The Sunroof package also packs wireless charging, an odd pairing for no meaningful reason except to upsell. Wireless charging is not offered as a standalone option.

Adding the Driver Confidence package ($795) is a smart choice for its safety technologies of rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear park assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Adaptive Cruise Control does not allow Level-2 hands-on-the-wheel semi-autonomous driving, but its technologies add watchful eyes. Adaptive Cruise features a driver-selected “following gap” of one to four cars, and helpful in heavy commuting traffic. If a vehicle is detected in the driver’s lane, the system can maintain the set gap between the Trax and the car ahead. I set the gap spacing at one car length to dissuade other drivers from diving in front. While driving with the girlfriend, I set the space at four cars

There are eight paint colors for 2024, and only Cayenne Orange Metallic is optional at $395.

Design Separators

  • The 2024 Chevrolet Trax LT features black seats with Sky Cool Gray accents;
  • 2RS has red accents on the seats, a wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and black bowtie emblems;
  • ACTIV has a monochromatic look with black fender surrounds and sill guards, black bowtie emblems, and a prominent treatment to the lower rear fascia and skid plate. The interior has titanium chrome accents and Evotex seats with yellow accents.

Check 2024 Chevrolet Trax pricing here.
Find special lease or pricing offers here.

View of headrests in front cabin of Chevrolet Trax RS with Jet Black with Red Accents Interior.

The Trax 2RS has red accents on the seats.

2024 Trax Safety Features

In addition to six air bags, there is a big group of advanced safety technologies in the standard Chevrolet Safety Assist:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • IntelliBeam auto high beams
  • 3 years of OnStar remote access.

Of special interest is Front Pedestrian Braking, particularly for nighttime and low-visibility driving. At speeds between 5 and 50 mph, front pedestrian braking will alert the driver and can automatically provide hard emergency braking or enhance the driver’s hard braking.

LT, 2RS, and Activ have an 11-inch color display screen for infotainment and rear camera views. The screen is easy to read and is canted slightly toward the driver.

Close-up view of wheel on Chevrolet Trax ACTIV in Cacti Green.

18-inch alloy gloss black wheels and Goodyear Assurance Finesse tires.

Which 2024 Chevrolet Trax to Buy?

Dollars matter when choosing an economy car, and Trax pricing is attractive. The price walk from base LS to topline Activ is just $3,500, which leaves room for indulgence.

Trax LS

Basic transportation with essential convenience features and solid safety technologies in the Chevrolet Safety Assist. The LS also has 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto capability, an 8-inch color touchscreen, a rearview camera, cruise control, electric parking brake, four-speaker audio system, remote keyless locking, power windows and locks, two non-charging USB ports (Type A and C), and a six-way manual driver seat.

Trax 1RS

Moving up a rung takes just $1,700 and builds on the LS content with a few more style features and conveniences. The 1RS adds the LS convenience package of remote start, heated front seats, carpeted rear floor mats, body-color heated power outside mirrors, and 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels. Other extras include a heated steering wheel with an attractive perforated leather wrap.

2RS

At $26,090, a step of $1,800, adds an 11-inch infotainment screen, a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch color driver-info gauge, two charging USB ports, a roller-style cargo cover, a front passenger seatback pocket, two key fobs, and Evotex seat upholstery.

LT

For another $200, the LT is the grown-up’s choice, but it is not possible to have the power eight-way driver seat — available only on the Trax Activ. The LT’s 17-inch alloy wheels with gray-painted slots will be less prone to curb rash than the solid black Activ and RS2 wheels, and the 17-inch tires will cost less to replace than 18s. I’d add the LT convenience package, $595, for its keyless entry (press the chiclet in the front door handles to unlock or lock), heated front seats, a heated and wrapped steering wheel, and heated body-color power outside mirrors. For $195, the Premium floor mats are more attractive and might be more durable than the standard mats. If you can find an LT on a dealership lot with these features, it should cost around $24,185.

Trax Updates for 2025

Before you decide which 2024 Trax you prefer, some updates are planned for the 2025 model year.

The 2024 Trax went on sale about a year ago, in the second quarter of 2023. In a testament to the growth of choices in this CUV segment, Chevrolet will make some important updates and changes for the 2025 model year, according to a report on GMAuthority.com https://gmauthority.com/blog/2024/02/here-is-2025-chevy-trax-pricing-with-options-and-packages/.

Among the 2025 updates will be new standard technologies and a new E85-compatible engine. Two new optional paint colors will be added, and Cayenne Orange Metallic was dropped. The new Marina Blue Metallic and Nitro Yellow Metallic are $395 each.

Here is the 2025 Trax MSRP breakdown by trim level:

  • Trax 1LS starting price stays the same at $21,495;
  • 1RS is up by $200 at $23,395;
  • 1LT is up by $200 at $23,595;
  • 2RS is up by $400 at $25,395;
  • Activ is up by $400 at $25,395.

Most factory package prices stayed the same, but some options and accessories had modest increases of $20 to $50.

Trax Performance and Powertrain

Don’t dismiss this 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine — its turbo force is deceiving. Trax is a lightweight at 3,042 pounds and makes the most of its 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. Initial acceleration is slow until the turbo catches its breath, then there is eager pull.

The six-speed rolls smoothly through shifts, timed to maximize available power. There is no Sport mode — and there were times when I wanted more kick — but 137-hp will be good enough for most buyers seeking an economical car.

Fuel economy, however, might not be up to expectations for a small vehicle. However, Chevy Trax mileage ratings are comparable or a mpg better than its front-wheel-drive competition. Official Trax mileage estimates are 28 mpg city, 32 highway, and 30 mpg combined, using the recommended 87 octane fuel. With cruise-controlled highway driving, an owner might see up to 31.6 mpg. Fill the 13.2-gallon tank and expect nearly 400 miles of range.

For buyers of the Trax in cold climates, the Active Aero Shutters option ($125) might be a good idea. Chevrolet says this feature is a common option in Canada and some of the northern parts of the U.S. “The [shutter system] is placed ahead of the air-to-air charge air cooler in front of the radiator. The shutters close automatically under certain conditions when temperatures are extremely low during extended highway driving. Closing the shutters prevents water condensation in blow-by gasses from freezing into ice inside the charge air cooler. Ice in the charge air cooler can restrict airflow into the engine and result in temporary loss of performance until the ice melts.”

The 1.2 liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine

1.2 liters of three-cylinder turbo power. (Mark Maynard)

Ride and Handling

Trax would not be my choice as a distance commuter. The ride can be rough, and the cabin noisy. And even with active noise cancellation (through the audio system), there still is noticeable highway wind noise and probably tire noise.

The suspension engineering of the Trax chassis components needed more budget. I don’t expect luxury damping from a $21,000 crossover, but something is lacking in this setup. The Trax tools delicately along smooth streets, but rough patches and not-huge potholes bring on bang-hard jolts, with steering column judder. (I have not experienced steering judder in any vehicle since testing a 1994 Chevy Cavalier sedan.)

I blame the rear torsion beam suspension, which Chevy calls a Compound Crank. It is a functional setup for front-drive vehicles, especially wagons or small crossover SUVs, because it is lightweight and lost cost, compared to a multilink. And the torsion beam elements lie flat, preserving cargo capacity. The engineers tried to blunt the bumps with twin-tube shock absorbers, but more should be done. Not all rear torsion beam suspensions (also called twist beam) are this harsh. Would a rear stabilizer bar make a difference?

Standard tires for the Trax Activ are 18-inch all-season Goodyear Assurance Finesse, 225/55. The tires have a fairly hard treadwear rating (UTQG) of 540, translating to an estimated lifecycle of 65,000 miles or about six years. The hardness of the tire might contribute to the interior noise. A compact spare is included.

Four-wheel disc braking can give slam-stopping action when needed. All Trax models have an electric parking brake, which is smart to clean up foot space rather than using a foot-pumper brake.

Trax Interior Function

What the Chevy engineers might have saved on the suspension went toward the interior.

The driver info gauge array is digital

The digital black-background driver gauge array. (Mark Maynard)

With its larger body, the Trax interior has good shoulder room (55.7 inches) and tall headroom of 39.6 inches. The front bucket seats, with Evotex upholstery, have good grip without restrictive side or bottom bolsters. And the Evotex breathes, which is essential in hot weather. BUT, Trax has the Chevrolet droop-seat syndrome. Chevy’s seat structure for its less expensive models seems to “relax” (sag) after setting a position. After 20 minutes into the drive, I have to readjust the seat height and rearview mirror. Activ’s eight-way power driver seat is easy to adjust and has two-way power lumbar.

Trax interior materials do not look cheap and appear well put together. There is a light gray woven headliner and basic black plastic from the window sills to the floor. Color pops, metallic trim elements, and turbine-look gimbal-style air vents present a self-assured style and neatly break up the black.

A low instrument panel enhances outward visibility and contributes to the feeling of airiness. Sightlines are unrestricted across the hood or out the back glass, though the opening appears smallish in the rearview mirror.

The driver gauge array is distinctive, with a black digital screen. The large center speedometer readout focuses the driver’s attention. Another tidbit of useful info is the Following Distance Indicator. In the upper right corner of the gauge array, a digital readout shows the distance to the vehicle ahead in seconds. Seeing in seconds is valuable awareness of how close not to follow and still be able to stop in an emergency.

View of headrests in front cabin of Chevrolet Trax ACTIV with Jet Black with Artemis Accents Interior.

Sporty front seats with Evotex upholstery.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

There is actual adult head and leg room in the back seat. The three-position bench has acceptable thigh support, and the seatback is contoured for uncommon comfort not usually found in any subcompact vehicle. The flat floor allows decent center seat footroom, and the window seats have open foot space under the front seats.

There are grab handles above each door and a dome light. But there are no back-seat cup holders and no center armrest.

Cargo space is ample, with a max of 25.6 cubic feet behind the back seat (stacked to the headliner). Fold the 60/40 seatbacks for up to 54.1 cubic feet and about 5 ½ feet in length. A stiff cargo cover is included with the Activ.

View of cargo space through open liftgate in Chevrolet Trax ACTIV in Cacti Green.

With the 60/40 back seat folded, the cargo area has about 5 ½ feet in length. (Mark Maynard)

The temporary spare tire fits in a special area below the cargo floor

A temporary spare is standard equipment. (Mark Maynard)

Why Buy the 2024 Chevrolet Trax?

Despite what I consider a harsh suspension, the new Trax is very likable with accommodating interior design and plentiful cargo space.

A new Trax will be salvation for the young family getting out of a tired, hand-me-down Camry. Trax has easy access to the wide-opening back doors to buckle up a child seat, with cargo space to throw in a stroller, or two. A Trax 1RS, starting at $23,195, has some style in its 18-inch wheels and red interior accents. Add the Driver Confidence package of rear-park assist ($395, including rear-cross-traffic alert and lane-change and side blind-zone alerts), the hard cargo cover ($250), and Premium floor mats to replace the lightweight cheapie standard mats, and the MSRP goes to $24,035.

For buyers on fixed incomes, such as the retiree I spoke with at the auto show, the new Trax is now roomy enough to enjoy for many years. It is a handy runabout with elbow room, good sight lines, and light steering for easy parking. A Trax LT is a thrifty but accommodating choice. Add upgrades for the Convenience package ($595), the Interior protection package of premium winter-summer floor mats and cargo liner ($515), and a $150 cargo liner, and the MSRP is affordable at $25,300. But a power driver seat is unavailable on this trim, which would mean opting for the Activ.

No matter which Trax a buyer takes home — 2024 or 2025 — they will have to take the good with some bad.

Rear 3/4 view of Chevrolet Trax ACTIV in Cacti Green parked in front of a lake.

Trax Activ has a prominent treatment to the lower rear fascia and skid plate.

2024 Chevrolet Trax Activ Specifications

Body style: subcompact 5-seat, 5-door front-wheel-drive crossover SUV

Engine: 137-hp, direct-injected and turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder; 162 lb.-ft. torque at 2,500 rpm

Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 28/32/30 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons

Cargo space: 25.6-54.1 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.6/41.9 inches

Rear head/leg room: 38.1/38.7 inches

Length/wheelbase: 178.6/106.3 inches

Width/height: 71.7*/ 61.4 *does not include side mirrors

Curb weight: 3,042 pounds

Turning circle: 38.2 feet w/18-inch wheels; 37.5 ft. w/17-inch wheels

FEATURES

Trax Activ standard equipment includes: Keyless locking and push-button ignition, full Evotex seat upholstery with yellow accents, 6-speaker audio system, 11-inch-diagonal infotainment color touchscreen, 8-inch driver information screen, wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, automatic headlight control (on/off), heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar, 4-way manual front passenger seat, heated steering wheel.

Activ exterior features: 18-inch alloy gloss black wheels, high-gloss black side mirror caps, LED headlights and running lights, rear spoiler, lower bodyside black moldings

Safety features include: 6 airbags, Stabilitrak traction-control system, 4-wheel disc brakes;

Chevrolet Safety Assist provides:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking;
  • Forward Collision Alert;
  • Front Pedestrian Braking;
  • Following Distance Indicator;
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning;
  • IntelliBeam automatic high beam dimming

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel discs; 11.8 inches front rotors; 11.3 inches rear.

Steering: Column-mounted electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Tires-wheels: 18-inch aluminum (1RS and Activ) Goodyear Assurance Finesse all-season 225/55

Suspension: Front, MacPherson struts with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar; Rear, Compound Crank (torsion beam); coil springs with twin-tube shock absorbers

PRICING

Trax Activ base price: $24,995, including $1,095 freight charge; price as tested $25,590

Options on test vehicle: Sunroof package $895, adds power sliding sunroof with manual sunshade and wireless charging; Driver Confidence Package $795, adds rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, adaptive cruise control, rear park assist

Where assembled: Changwon, Korea

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with a free first scheduled maintenance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 To Pace Indianapolis 500

by | May 27, 2023 | 0 comments

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 To Pace Indianapolis 500
A Torch Red metallic 2023 Corvette Z06 will pace the 107th Indianapolis 500 race on May 28

The Chevrolet Corvette has paced ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ more times than any car. The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 20th time overall and since 1978. (Photo by Chris Owens)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 — “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — is “Back Home Again” on Sunday, May 28.

Presented by Gainbridge, NBC Sports will provide live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 beginning at 9 a.m. ET (Noon Pacific) Sunday, May 28
. Coverage will include a bonus two hours of streaming before the race begins on the Peacock streaming platform.

There will be 33 cars on the field this year by Chevrolet and Honda.

Katherine Legge, 42, is the lone female in the pack. Driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in the No. 44 Honda, the British-born Legge will start in row 10, the 30th position.

According to a report by Scott Horner of the Indianapolis Star, Legge crashed into Stefan Wilson Monday, May 22, during Indianapolis 500 practice.

Wilson suffered a fractured vertebra in Monday’s crash, which required surgery on Wednesday night, wrote Charles Bradley of Motorsport.com. Wilson is determined to make a full recovery and return to contest the race next year with his Cusick Motorsports/Dreyer and Reinbold team, he wrote in the online report.

Legge was cleared by medical personnel to compete on Sunday. She returned to the track in her repaired Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing car and was 29th fastest in Friday’s final practice on Carb Day, per Bradley Motorsport.com.

Wilson, a Chevrolet driver for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, was replaced by veteran driver Graham Rahal. 

Legge is just the ninth woman ever to compete in the Indianapolis 500.

Race Day Countdown

All times are Pacific Standard, or 3 hours ahead of Indianapolis:

11:45 a.m.: Borg Warner trophy march to the Bricks; departing from the IMS Museum;

Noon-12:30: Cars to Pit Lane;

1:30 p.m.: Cars to grid on front straight;

2:47 p.m.: Driver introductions; Trackside Yard of Bricks Stage

3:18 p.m.: Invocation; trackside Yard of Bricks Stage;

3:24 p.m.: Jewel sings the national anthem;

3:36 p.m.: Jim Cornelison singing the Hoosier state’s favorite anthem, “Back Home Again In Indiana”;

3:38 p.m.: Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske will command drivers to start engines.

3:45 p.m.: Green flag drops.

2023 Indy 500 Corvette Z06 Pace Car

For the first time in the storied history of “America’s sports car,” a hardtop convertible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will lead the field to the green flag.

Corvette is the longest-running car nameplate in automotive industry history, and the Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace, dating back to 1948.

This year’s Corvette Z06 Pace Car exterior is two-tone Red Mist Metallic and Jet Black. The interior in Sky Cool Gray has Torch Red accents. Spider-design forged aluminum wheels are finished in Tech Bronze.

The 2023 Corvette Z06 is set apart from the rest of the lineup by its 670 horsepower, 5.5-liter LT6 V-8, and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Chevrolet says the LT6 V-8 is the highest-horsepower, naturally aspirated V-8 in any production car.

Helping to keep the Z06 pace car flying low is the Carbon Aero package. It provides 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any other Corvette.

Expect to spend around $150,000 if you’d like to re-create a 2023 Corvette Z06 in the image of the pace car.

Get the Indy 500 schedule here.

 

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Pace Car

by | May 26, 2023 | 0 comments

1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Pace Car
A black and white photo of a young lady holding a checkered flag in front of a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Pace Car

The first Chevrolet Pace Car, a 1948 Fleetmaster convertible. (Chevrolet PR archives)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The first Chevrolet to pace the Indianapolis 500 was a 1948 Fleetmaster convertible.

American racing driver Warren Wilbur Shaw (Oct. 31, 1902 –to Oct. 30, 1954) drove the 1948 Chevrolet Pace Car. Shaw, the automotive test evaluator for Popular Science magazine, was president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1945 until his death in 1954.

According to his page in Wikipedia, Shaw won the Indianapolis 500 race three times, in 1937, 1939, and 1940. He was the second driver to win the 500 three times, and the first to win it twice in a row. In the 1941 race, Shaw was injured when his car crashed; it was later discovered that a defective wheel had been placed on his car.

During World War II, Shaw was hired by the tire manufacturer Firestone Tire and Rubber Company to test a synthetic rubber automobile tire at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The speedway had been closed due to the war.

Fall and Rise of the Speedway

Shaw was dismayed at the dilapidated condition of the racetrack and quickly contacted then-owner Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I flying ace and president and founder of Eastern Air Lines. When the United States entered World War II, ending racing at Indianapolis and elsewhere for the duration, Rickenbacker padlocked the gates and let the race course slowly begin to disintegrate.

During a meeting soon after the tire test, Rickenbacker informed Shaw that what was left of the track would be demolished, and the land turned into a housing subdivision. Shaw sent letters to the major car manufacturers trying to find a backer to buy the speedway. However, all indicated that should they buy the IMS, they would turn it into a private testing facility for their own cars only.

Shaw then met Terre Haute [Indiana] businessman Tony Hulman who had inherited his family’s business.  Hulman & Company was a wholesale grocer and producer of coffee and baking powder, Clabber Girl.

Hulman was a lifelong fan of automobile racing in general and the “500” in particular. He listened with great interest to what Shaw had to say. Despite what Hulman saw among the weeds and deterioration when Shaw took him to Indianapolis, he purchased the Speedway from Rickenbacker in November 1945 for the sum of $750,000.

As a reward for his efforts to revive the Speedway, Shaw was appointed as its president, where he would have complete day-to-day control over the track. To this job, Shaw brought his extensive knowledge of the business of auto racing, something Hulman would admit that he himself did not have. And it was Shaw’s hard work that cemented the reputation of the “500” as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Chevrolet Fleetmaster Lineup

The Fleetmaster had a model-year run from 1946-1948. The 1948 line included the Fleetline sub-series which was offered only in two-door and four-door fastback body styles.

According to an entry in Wikipedia, the Chevrolet Fleetmaster replaced the “prewar” Chevrolet Special Deluxe and was powered by a 216.5 cubic inch (3.5-liter) straight-six engine driving through a three-speed manual transmission. It was offered in two-door Town Sedan, four-door Sport Sedan, two-door Sports Coupe, two-door convertible, and four-door station wagon models.

The Chevrolet Fleetline sub-series featured fastback styling and additional triple moldings on all fenders.

Rev up for the 2023 Indy 500

The 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 — “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” — is “Back Home Again” on Sunday, May 28. Presented by Gainbridge, NBC will provide live coverage of the Indianapolis 500 beginning at 9 a.m. ET (Noon Pacific) Sunday, May 28. Coverage will include a bonus two hours of streaming before the race begins on the Peacock streaming platform.

Get the Indy 500 week schedule here.

Chevrolet To Spike Camaro after 2024

by | Mar 22, 2023 | 0 comments

Chevrolet To Spike Camaro after 2024

Chevrolet Motorsports will continue to compete across the world; Chevrolet announces this is not the final Camaro chapter

A side profile of a preproduction 2024 Chevrolet Camaro with Collector’s Edition package. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet or as credited)

A side profile of a preproduction 2024 Chevrolet Camaro with Collector’s Edition package. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet or as credited)

BY MARK MAYNARD

General Motors and Chevrolet have again pulled the plug on the Camaro.

“After nine strong model years in the market, with hundreds of thousands sold, the sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro will retire at the conclusion of model year 2024,” Chevrolet said in a statement.

The final sixth-generation model will come off the assembly line at the Lansing (Mich.) Grand River Assembly Plant in January 2024.

“As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee, and race fan,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.”

Chevrolet has prepared a Collector’s Edition package in tribute to the fabled pony car. It will be available on the 2024 RS and SS trim levels, and a limited number of ZL1-equipped cars available in North America.

“The Collector’s Edition pays homage to Camaro, resurfacing ties that date back to the development of the first-generation Camaro in the 1960s, most notably the program’s initial code name: Panther,” Bell said in the release.

More information on the 2024 Camaro line and Collector’s Edition package will be available closer to the start of orders this summer.

Motorsports

Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 races to a third place finish Sunday, March 5, 2023, during the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jim Fluharty/HHP for Chevy Racing)

Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 races to a third place finish Sunday, March 5, 2023, during the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jim Fluharty/HHP for Chevy Racing)

Chevrolet campaigns the sixth-generation Camaro in various series, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO, NHRA, and the Supercars Championship.

Camaro will continue to compete on track, working with motorsports sanctioning bodies to ensure Chevrolet’s presence in racing moving forward, said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports.

“Chevrolet’s products and our relationship with our customers benefit from motorsports,” Campbell said in the release.

“Our plan is to continue to compete and win at the highest levels of auto racing, Campbell said.”

Corvette E-Ray Overview

by | Jan 18, 2023 | 0 comments

Corvette E-Ray Overview

The 2024 E-Ray is the quickest production Corvette in history, clocking a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time before passing the quarter mile in 10.5 seconds

An exterior view of the E Ray

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray goes on sale later this year with an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ coupe and $111,295 for the 1LZ convertible model. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Corvette had a second day of infamy yesterday when Chevrolet released photos and many details for its 2024 Corvette E-Ray. It will be the first electrified Corvette with all-wheel drive and a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain using the 6.2-liter V-8.

For Corvette enthusiasts, the E-Ray reveal on Jan. 17 is exactly 70 years after the 1953 Corvette debuted at Motorama in New York City.

“In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicked off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” Mark Reuss, General Motors president, said in a statement. “E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver.”

The 2024 E-Ray — available as a removable roof coupe or hardtop convertible — pairs two separate propulsion systems. The gasoline-electric hybrid system provides naturally aspirated V-8 power with a permanent magnet electric drive motor and a 1.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack between the seats.

“The electrification technology enhances the feeling of control in all conditions, adding an unexpected degree of composure,” said Tadge Juechter, chief executive engineer, Corvette.

E Ray driver area with bright blue leather interior.

E-Ray’s interior choices include 2 carbon fiber trim packages, 3 seat choices, and 7 interior colors.

E-Ray Performance

The E-Ray is the quickest production Corvette in history, Chevrolet says. The E-Ray will accelerate to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds (a tenth of a second faster than the track-ready Corvette Z06) and complete the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds.

Achieving such quickness and top speed is notable for the Corvette. According to Chevrolet, the E-Ray has a base dry weight of 3,774 pounds for the coupe and 3,856 pounds for the convertible. That is around 400 pounds heavier than the Stingray and about 300 pounds more than the Z06 equipped with carbon fiber wheels and the Z06 Performance package. The curb weight, with fuel, etc., will be higher.

Chevrolet is developing a fully battery-powered Corvette, but officials have not said when that model might arrive.

Driver side 3/4 view of 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ convertible with Natural Tan Interior.

A 2024 E-Ray 3LZ convertible with Natural Tan Interior.

2024 Corvette E-Ray Pricing

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray goes on sale later this year with an MSRP of $104,295 for the 1LZ coupe and $111,295 for the 1LZ convertible model.

A base 2023 Corvette Stingray coupe starts at about $66,000 or $74,000 for the Stingray convertible. The Corvette Z06 starts at $110,00 for the coupe and about $117,000 for the convertible.

Z06 pricing includes $2,600 for the gas-guzzler tax. Will the E-Ray avoid the GGT?

E-Ray production will be at GM’s Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky.

More information and specifications will be released closer to the on-sale date. Follow E-Ray developments at Chevrolet.com.

Close up view of gauges layout on E-Ray Performance App

The E-Ray Performance App on the infotainment screen.

E-Ray Hybrid Powertrain

The 6.2-liter LT2 small-block V-8 is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. The gas engine puts 470 foot pounds of torque at 5,150 rpm to the rear axle. The permanent magnet electric drive motor puts another 160-hp and 125 lb.-ft. of torque through the front wheels.

In total, E-Ray produces a combined 655 horsepower from the electric motor and V-8.

The engine’s Active Fuel Management system uses the electric motor to run on four cylinders, such as when coasting at highway speeds.

The amount of electric assist varies for the Corvette E-Ray’s six driver-selectable modes: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode, and Z-Mode. Drivers can also select the Charge+ feature to maximize the battery’s state of charge.

Chevrolet says it has created a “visceral sound experience” for the combined powertrain. And to keep peace with neighbors, a Stealth Mode allows all-electric driving at start-up. The quiet mode will hold until the engine fires at 45 mph for everyday driving.

E Ray gloss black wheel finish

The E-Ray has 15.7-inch brake discs at the front and 15.4-inch discs rear.

Intelligent eAWD

E-Ray’s eAWD system continually learns the road surface, Chevrolet says. The so-called intelligent system seamlessly adapts to traction conditions and driver input. During enthusiastic driving and in low traction road conditions, E-Ray’s eAWD system enhances vehicle stability by directing additional power to the front wheels.

E-Ray Features and Technologies

  • New lightweight lithium-ion 12-volt battery for stop/start functionality
    of the gas engine;
  • Standard Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system;
  • Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with three suspension settings;
  • Staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires are available with an optional performance
    package.)

The E-Ray Performance App on the infotainment system provides the driver with technical insights into how the propulsion system is operating. There are three primary display layouts:

  • Gauges (displays dynamic power output from electric motor and V-8 engine);
  • Dyno (provides a graph of power/torque across selectable time intervals) ;
  • Data (showcases electrical system performance and efficiency).
Overhead view of the Silver Flare with Electric Blue stripe package.

The Silver Flare with Electric Blue stripe package.

E-Ray Exterior Design

The E-Ray is built from the wide-body Corvette Z06. The wider body accommodates wide staggered-width wheels to help manage the increased torque. The lightweight alloy wheels have a twisted five-spoke star design exclusive to E-Ray.

The Corvette E-Ray’s compact electric motor over the front axle preserves space in the front trunk.

Rear 7/8 view of an E-Ray coupe in Seawolf Gray parked in a parking garage.

The E-Ray’s low, wide stance is 3.6 inches wider overall than the standard Stingray model.

Corvette E-Ray Design Highlights

  • 4 aluminum wheel finishes;
  • 14 exterior color choices — including new for 2024 Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray, and Cacti;
  • E-Ray-exclusive body-length stripe package in Electric Blue;
  • Standard carbon flash badging;
  • Available black exhaust tips and bright badging;
  • Available carbon fiber ground effects;
  • Optional carbon fiber wheels in carbon flash, visible carbon fiber finish or visible carbon fiber with a red stripe;
  • New  Artemis Dipped interior, available on 2024 Corvettes. The treatment features deep green tones throughout the cabin. Other options for interior design include two carbon fiber trim packages, three seat choices, seven interior colors, and more.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Review

by | Aug 30, 2022 | 0 comments

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Review

There is much to like about the simple usability of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, especially its high-value pricing

A horizontal side view of the Bolt EUV somewhere on a beach

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is sold in four front-wheel-drive trim levels. Starting prices range from about $28,000 to $33,190, including the $995 freight charge from Lake Orion, Mich. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet or as noted)

Table of Contents

Overview
Range and Charging
Bolt Recalls
Pricing
Information About Bolt Tax Credits
Interior Function
Performance and One-Pedal Driving
Ride and Handling
Super Cruise Technology, Confusion
Why Buy the Chevrolet Bolt EUV?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Six inches can be pretty satisfying when trying to make the best impression — especially when it’s in the back seat of a Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

The extended-length Bolt “Electric Utility Vehicle” was added for the 2022 model year, following the original Bolt’s debut in 2017. Both models share a battery-electric front-motor and front-wheel drive layout. The small SUV crossover has five seats, four doors, and a rear liftgate. The design of both models features a high-strength-steel frame and aluminum front fenders, hood, door, and liftgate.

Both versions of Chevrolet Bolt use the same powertrain:

• A 65-kWh nickel-lithium-ion high-voltage battery

• Variable-speed automatic transmission

• A permanent magnet 150-kWh drive motor

The shorter Bolt EV has an EPA-estimated driving range of 259 miles. The Bolt EUV, heavier by 90 pounds, has a range estimate of 247 miles.

Among the Bolt competitors for size, electric driving range, and pricing are the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona EV.

The Bolt has roomy front seat area has tall headroom of 40 inches.

The roomy front seat area has tall headroom of 40 inches.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Overview

Designing the Bolt EUV freshened the front-end styling which was also applied to the standard Bolt. But no exterior sheet metal parts are shared between the two vehicles.

The new body style is about 6 inches longer than the standard model on a wheelbase stretched by 2.9 inches. And back seat legroom grew by 3.1 inches, now at 39.2.

The new interior includes a flat-bottom steering wheel that incorporates the Regen on Demand paddle.

A view of the 8-inch color driver information center.

A view of the 8-inch color driver information center.

 Bolt Range and Charging

With every new Bolt EUV, Chevrolet includes a dual-level charge cord. It has a changeable plug that can be used with a household 120-volt three-prong outlet for Level 1 charging. Or change ends to plug into a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 amp outlet for 7.7kW Level 2 charging (the charge rate of many home EV chargers). For many Bolt owners, however, the dual cable function could eliminate the need to buy and install a home charger.

For maximum Level 2 charging speed, both Bolt models are capable of 11kW Level 2 charging, but only with a higher-capacity charger.

  • Level 1 120-volt charging will add about 4 miles of range per hour of charge.
  • Level 2 240-volt charging (with the dual-level charge cord) will add about 25 miles of range per hour of charge, with a full charge in about 10 hours.

Chevrolet will cover standard installation through Qmerit for Level 2 home charging. The offer is good whether leasing or purchasing a Bolt model.

And Chevrolet EV owners also have access to more than 80,000 chargers in North America through the Energy feature in the myChevrolet app. There are several other access points to the app, including:

  • Route planning and locations of available charging stations along the way.
  • Real-time alerts about range.
  • Click-to-charge payment for public charging.

Chevrolet Bolt Recalls

There is much to like about the simple usability of the Chevrolet Bolt or Bolt EUV, including their high-value pricing. Unfortunately, it was smacked down last year with a significant recall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GM had to recall all 143,000 Bolt and Bolt EUV models because of a battery manufacturing defect that increased fire risk. Korea-based LG Energy Solutions makes the lithium-ion batteries.

GM quickly found two manufacturing defects in the battery cells: a torn anode tab and folded separator. GM said that in some rare circumstances, the defects could lead to a battery fire.

The remedy is to replace entire battery packs or selected battery modules. Progress has been slow, and other occasional electrical glitches have been noted, according to comments on the many Bolt-owner websites. Among my sources were ChevyBolt.org and the Chevy Bolt Owners Facebook page.

Says General Motors: “We continue to prioritize battery module replacements for customers and are making progress every day. Customers who have completed the most recent software update can charge their [Bolt] battery to 100 percent capacity.”

Federal law requires automakers to provide hybrid battery warranty coverage of 8 years or 100,000 miles. But California requires a warranty length of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Check here for Chevrolet information on the Bolt recall.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to NHTSA.gov.

Chevrolet Bolt Pricing

For 2023, the 2023 Bolt EV is available in two trim levels: 1LT and 2LT, with starting prices of $26,595 and $29,795.

The 2023 Bolt EUV is available in four trim levels: LT, LT Redline, Premier, and Premier Redline. New for 2023, the Redline treatment includes black wheels with red accents, black leather-trimmed upholstery with red stitching, and a horizontal red line on exterior mirror caps. The Redline is available with no-cost paint colors of Mosaic Black Metallic, Silver Flare Metallic, or Summit White.

2023 Bolt EUV starting prices are $28,195 for the LT; $28,690 for the LT Redline; $32,695 for Premier, and $33,190 for Premier Redline. All Bolt MSRPs include the $995 freight charge from Lake Orion, Mich.

 Chevrolet Bolt Tax Incentives

Congress recently passed new legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The law changes credit amounts and requirements for clean energy vehicles, according to FuelEconomy.gov. Among the new requirements to qualify for a federal EV tax incentive, the vehicle’s final assembly has to be completed in North America.

In regard to the federal EV tax credit for the Chevrolet Bolt, General Motors is waiting on full Treasury guidance to determine vehicle eligibility. However, the IRA requirements make an important modification to the EV tax credit: It lifts the 200,000-vehicle-volume cap, which GM had already hit as an early mover on EVs.

According to GM’s latest statement on the federal EV tax credit provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act: “We think the legislation aligns very well with GM’s long-term plans, and over the life of the credit, we intend to offer a number of vehicles that should be eligible.

“While some of the provisions are challenging and cannot be achieved overnight, we are confident we can rise to the challenge because of the domestic manufacturing investments we are making to secure a supply chain for batteries and critical minerals,” GM said in the statement. “We will have more updates after the implementing guidance is finalized.”

For updates, check with your Chevrolet dealership or FuelEconomy.gov

Chevy Bolt Standard Equipment

There is no shortage of standard equipment on the base LT model. Among its safety features are 10 air bags, an electric parking brake, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.

LT convenience features include keyless entry and starting with remote start, six-way manually adjusted front seats, wireless phone charging, USB type A and C charge ports, six-speaker audio system, HD rearview camera with guidance lines, and wireless capability for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 8-inch color driver-information center (gauges) has a choice of visual themes for Modern or Enhanced. And there is a screen that includes displays of vehicle efficiency with programmable charge times.

The Premier tester was $37,390 with the two major factory option packages of Sun and Sound ($2,495) and Super Cruise, $2,200. Details are below in the specifications chart.

Bolt EUV Premier adds such extras as perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Safety technologies include rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera mirror (digital), HD surround-view camera system, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert.

Find current pricing and special offers for the 2022 and 2023 Bolt EUV here.

A view of the Bolt shift console and upper infotainment system screen

Bolt electronics are not intimidating but facilitating.

Bolt EUV Interior Function

The Bolt EUV has big-and-tall head and leg room for a subcompact-class SUV.

Front headroom is large-vehicle tall at 40 inches as a hardtop or 39.1 inches with the dual-panel panoramic power sunroof, part of the $2,495 Sun and Sand package.

Legroom in the front seats is a lengthy 44.3 inches. There is comfortable seating for a 6-foot-6 passenger who has uncropped visibility out the windshield or having to steeply recline the seatback.

Back seat roominess benefits from a completely flat floor. While the rear legroom is long, the bench seat bottom is short for adult thigh support. But it works well for the school carpool or ride-hailing.

Cargo space is just a few tenths smaller than the standard Bolt. The space measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the back seat or 56.9 cu. ft. with the 60/40 back folded. The cargo entry opening is wide at 41 inches with multi-level capacity. Subfloor storage beneath the second level neatly stores the charging cables. Fold the back seat for 5 feet in length. And the roof rack is low enough to load bikes or other awkward-shaped gear that won’t fit inside.

Interior Design

Chevrolet interiors have a premium mix of plastics and other textured materials, all of which are in the Bolt.

The driver area is simply designed and straightforward to use. The technologies, such as the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus touchscreen, are not intimidating but facilitating. Its 10.2-inch-wide screen is easily viewed, and there should be no frustration for tech beginners to page through the choices.

Especially welcome are physical switches for many cabin functions, such as fan speed, temp control, and seat heating and ventilation.

Driver sightlines are unencumbered at the side mirrors or over the shoulder. And in between, the Premier’s surround-view camera system gives overhead and front or rear views. It is salvation when inching out of tight parking to see when it is time to crank the steering wheel.

The Bolt EUV back seat

Short bench but long legroom of 39.2 inches in the Bolt EUV.

Performance and One-Pedal Driving

There is enjoyable kick to the Bolt EUV performance with its 200 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. For most of my test week, I nursed the battery reserve by driving in Normal mode. And then I found Sport mode, which changed my perspective. Sport mode adds a line-drive response to acceleration. It is not blunt-force fun, but Chevy cites an estimated acceleration to 60 mph in 7 seconds and 6.9 for the slightly shorter Bolt EV.

With a Level 2 charger at home and the freedom to charge at will, I felt empowered to enjoy the quickness of Sport mode. And, in my experience, it was not a significant drain on the battery. The quick zip is enjoyable around town and essential to guard your line in commuter traffic.

The 200-hp Bolt powertrain

The 200-hp Bolt powertrain. (Mark Maynard)

One-Pedal Driving

I especially enjoy the feature of one-pedal driving, the so-called e-Pedal. The driver can slow or stop the Bolt using only the accelerator pedal under most conditions. And at the same time, the system recaptures energy for the battery.

In time, drivers can anticipate their stopping distance and lift off the accelerator to stop precisely at the intersection. The function does not eliminate the need to use the brake pedal altogether, especially in emergencies. But using one-pedal driving reduces the switching back and forth between pedals, which can take away from the electric driving range.

The one-pedal function can be switched off at the shift-console button. Sometimes when inching along in heavy traffic or when parking, the e-Pedal operation can be jerky.

When one-pedal is not engaged, the driver can get manually applied regeneration by using the Regen on Demand paddle at the back of the steering wheel. Pulling the regen paddle activates the regeneration process, piping kinetic energy to the battery.

Bolt EUV Ride and Handling

For a tall and small SUV, the Bolt EUV rolls with uncommon smoothness and no choppiness on the interstate. The suspension is simple but well-engineered of front MacPherson struts with a solid stabilizer bar and a rear torsion beam with coil springs.

The driver might notice the heft of the curb weight, 3,715 pounds, with the 947-pound battery. But I experienced no bottoming-out in dips are sensitivity to chin scrapes at driveways.

The suspension has a comfort-ride composure, but the Bolt EUV is steady in evasive maneuvers or hard braking. Its turning circle of 38.3 feet is nimble enough in cramped parking or making a U-turn on a side street.

Regenerative four-wheel-disc braking has vented 11-inch front rotors and 10-inch solid rotors rear. There is good steering response and little noise or road harshness transmitted by the 17-inch Michelin Energy Saver Selfseal (215/50).

And the Bolts are dolly towable behind a motorhome.

Super Cruise Technology

The 2022 Bolt EUV is the first Chevrolet offered with Super Cruise, a so-called hands-free driver assistance technology for enabled roads. The assist system can be used on more than 200,000 miles of enabled roads in the U.S. and Canada.

Super Cruise employs many advanced technology features, including a Driver Attention System and precision LiDAR map data. The Driver Attention System uses a small camera on the top of the steering column. It works with infrared lights to determine where the driver is looking whenever Super Cruise is in operation.

If the Driver Attention System detects the driver’s gaze has turned away from the road ahead for too long, the steering wheel light bar will prompt the driver to return their attention to the road. If the system determines continued inattentiveness, it will use visible and audible alerts to notify the driver to take back control of the wheel.

I don’t like surprises while driving, and semi-autonomous or fully autonomous systems always inject a little surprise into the driving experience. In my experiences with Super Cruise, I consider it a good hands-on driver-assist system — and I always drive with my hands poised near the steering wheel.

Super Cruise Confusion

Like many driver-assist systems, Super Cruise is not precise in lane centering. At times, the system would issue alerts when the Bolt EUV crossed into the white lines of lane delineation — but it did not cross over completely.

It was a prior testing experience that really put me on guard. While testing a GMC Sierra with the hands-free system, Super Cruise misread the road ahead.

Along a section of Interstate 5 north of downtown San Diego near the state Route 52 exit toward La Jolla, the interstate runs beneath SR52 as it merges with the interstate. The divided highway of SR52 cast two bold shadows across I-5. Approaching the underpass at 65 mph, Super Cruise must have thought the dark shadows were solid objects. The system applied full braking force at the first shadow crossing the interstate. It could not have stopped the truck, as the Sierra crossed the first shadow, it resumed heavy acceleration. Then, just a few yards beyond it came upon the second shadow, and Super Cruise again slammed on the brakes.

Fortunately, in both incidents the highway behind was clear for several car lengths.

I took over steering as my pounding heart rate settled down. The Super Cruise system also shut down and gave a message that the dealership should examine the vehicle.

While testing Super Cruise in the Bolt EUV, I covered the same interstate route to see what would happen. It was a cloudy day, but the system still applied braking but less firmly at the lighter shadows.

If I were buying a Bolt EUV, I’d pass on the $2,200 Super Cruise option and enjoy the standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

Fold the Bolt's 60/40 folding back seat for about 5 feet in length.

Fold the 60/40 folding back seat for about 5 feet in length. (Mark Maynard)

Why Buy the Chevrolet Bolt EUV?

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is not a lifestyle statement. It is a life choice — and a smart one. It has the familiar operation of a traditional car but elevated by electric power.

There are many compact SUV EVs that are theaters of dazzling electronic tech. And most of those can cost $50,000 and a lot more.

The Bolts are an uncompromising first step into the future of battery-electric vehicles.

The second level of Bolt subfloor storage.

The Bolt EUV’s second level of subfloor storage. (Mark Maynard)

The third level of Bolt subfloor storage for storing the charge cable

Charging cables and Super Cruise brain in the lowest cargo subfloor. (Mark Maynard)

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Specifications

Body style: subcompact, 5-door, 5-seat, front-wheel drive battery-electric SUV crossover

Transmission: 1-speed automatic with one-pedal drive and Sport mode

BATTERY SYSTEM

Battery: 65 kWh lithium-ion of 288 cells

Weight: 947 pounds

ELECTRIC DRIVE

Type: Single motor and gearset

Motor: 200-hp permanent magnetic drive motor; 266 lb.-ft. torque

Driving range: EPA-estimated 247 miles on a full charge

0-60 mph acceleration: 7 seconds, using Sport mode

CHARGING TIMES

120 volt: 4 miles of range per hour

240 volt, 32 amps (dual charge cord): 25 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 10 hours

240 volt, 48 amps: 37 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 7 hours

DC fast charge: up to 95 miles in 30 minutes

EPA fuel economy equivalent: 125/104 city/hwy MPGe

BY THE NUMBERS

Cargo space: 16.3-56.9 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.1*/44.3 inches *40 inches w/o sunroof

Rear head/leg room: 37.8/39.2 inches

Length/wheelbase: 169.7/105.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,715 pounds

Turning circle: 38.3 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, remote start, Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus with 10.2-inch wide HD color touch screen with voice recognition, electric parking brake, Bluetooth phone and audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable, in-vehicle apps, wireless charging, efficiency display screens with programable charge times, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-inch driver-information display, sliding visors with lighted vanity mirrors, 8-way power driver seat with 2-way lumbar, 6-way manual front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, HD surround-view camera system, solar-absorbing glass, LED headlights-taillights-daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels with carbon flash painted pockets, heated and power adjusted side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, rear wiper-washer.

Safety features include: 8 air bags; stability and traction controls; lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist (standard on Premier and available on LT).

Chevy Safety Assist includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following-distance indicator, forward collision alert, and IntelliBeam auto high beams.

PRICING

Bolt EUV Premier base price: $32,695 including $995 freight charge; price as tested $43,690

Options on test vehicle: Sun and Sound package, $2,495, includes 7-speaker Bose audio system, power dual-panel sunroof with power sunshade, Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus with navigation;

Super Cruise, $2,200, includes 3-years of Super Cruise connectivity and enhanced automatic emergency braking.

Where assembled: Lake Orion, Mich.

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles basic bumper to bumper; free first scheduled maintenance service; 8-years/100,000-miles electric propulsion components (but 10-years/150,000-miles in California); 5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance and courtesy vehicle when serviced