Unlock Your Performance Winner #2: Robert’s Chevrolet Vega “73GT”

This is a combination 1986 Corvette frame, engine and dash, combined with a 2000 Dodge Viper body. Thus, a VIPERVETTE. The engine is 5.7 liter with a 4 speed manual transmission. The exterior is all Viper and the interior, although color coded Dodge Viper red and black leather, it has Corvette seats and interior. Options on this car include P/S, P/B, P/W, Power Mirrors, Power Antenna, Power Seats, Tilt Wheel, Top Off Feature, Power Trunk and AM/FM stereo with CD changer mounted in the trunk.

See the classified and more images at Hemmings.

FAIL! Drunk Guy Drives Corvette into OCEAN!

Fireball Tim REDSTER Build Episode 5

Like most plug-in electrics, the Volt can charge from any standard wall outlet with an optional 240v charging station that sells for $490 and reduces total charge time from 10 hours down to 4. The Volt uses the same J1772 plug that GM proposed last year and is now the standard across all electric vehicle manufacturers. This uniform standard was an incredible leap forward in EV development, assuring buyers that they’d be able to charge up anywhere regardless of vehicle brand. Field tests are now showing that the Volt’s batteries when fully charged provide 25 to 50 miles depending on your driving style before the gas engine kicks in to recharge the batteries.

A few distinct features of the Volt’s interior definitely grab your attention. Rob mentioned liking the gear shifter and center console and I couldn’t agree more. I’m kind of a sucker for new technology so I was impressed by the touchpad-like features of the entire main console and lack of gauge cluster. Like any new electronic gizmo these days, you’ll spend some time with your owner’s manual before you’re able to navigate the display screens proficiently. That being said, I easily activated the nav system on our way back to Griot’s and was greeted with a familiar voice and nicely updated but intuitive functions that reminded me of my Corvette.

It’s obvious that Chevrolet worked hard to make driving the Volt feel familiar and intuitive. Steering and acceleration feel no different than the cars we’re used to and the brake pedal still gets softer when you turn on the car. I wouldn’t quite call the Volt sporty, but it’s quick off the line and provided seamless, smooth acceleration when you want it to. Overall the driving experience was satisfying and enjoyable.

The Volt is definitely not your neighbor’s hybrid. In light of the the recent overblown controversy over whether the gasoline engine ever mechanically contributes power to the wheels, it’s clear that there are some aspects of its complex powertrain technology that are confusing to the buying public and even to the media. GM took a lot of chances on this car, but after seeing the final product I have high hopes for the Volt. I guess only time will tell if it gains traction with consumers.