Chevrolet took to the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in order to show off their latest performance parts and accessories for the Camaro, Cruze hatchback, Colorado and Silverado.
In order to demonstrate the real-world application of their parts & accessories, Chevy had journalists drive the Spring Mountain road course in both factory-stock models followed by their performance-upgraded counterparts.
“With Chevrolet performance parts and accessories, you’re buying peace of mind along with great performance and styling,” said motorsports engineering exec Mark Dickens. “Importantly, the new-vehicle warranty remains intact when the accessories and performance parts are installed by a Chevrolet dealer.”
Performance-enhanced Camaro models such as the LT1 V8-powered SS and LT models with the 3.6-liter V6 and 2.0-liter turbocharged units were on location. The SS models featured a performance air intake and exhaust systems, as well as brake and suspension upgrades.
The new brakes came with six-piston front calipers and larger rotors, while the suspension upgrades lowered the vehicles and improved their handling. Furthermore, the suspension lowering kit features new springs and dampers, dropping the Camaro by about 0.75 inches (20 mm), whereas the handling kit adds larger diameter stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension links.
For the V6-powered, Chevy installed their new Performance intake and exhaust systems, though the upgraded brakes featured four-piston calipers instead of six like on the SS. As for the 2.0-liter turbocharged Camaro test car, it came with a performance exhaust system, a six-piston brake system and the suspension lowering kit.
For their truck customers, Chevrolet presented new performance exhaust kits which delivered a 10 HP increase in engine output for the Silverado 1500’s 5.3-liter engine, and a 7 HP increase for the 6.2-liter engine to go with its more aggressive exhaust note. As for appearance, functional accessories such as wheels, side steps, bed liners, tonneau covers and floor liners are available on not just the Silverado, but also the Colorado as well as the Tahoe and Suburban SUVs.
Finally, Chevrolet also introduced street-level performance parts for the Cruze hatchback. They include a suspension lowering kit, brake kit, air intake system and an exhaust system.
The suspension kit lowers the car by 0.4 inches (10 mm), while boasting stiffer springs and a thicker front stabilizer bar that’s meant to enhance the car’s cornering capability. Braking, air flow and exhaust enhancements were also presented, which Chevrolet is now offering on their Malibu (lowering kit) and Sonic (suspension & exhaust kits) models as well.
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