Introducing the 2014 Chevy Spark EV

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV, introduced today ahead of the Los Angeles International Auto Show, packs smart performance and connectivity technologies into an affordable five-door urban mini car designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. It will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives.

2014 Chevy Spark EV

With the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet accounts for more than 50 percent of all plug-in electric vehicle sales in the United States and Spark EV builds on Chevrolet’s proven electric motor and battery development programs. When it goes on sale next summer, the Spark EV is expected to have among the best EV battery range in its segment and be the first electric vehicle to offer SAE Combo DC Fast Charging capability, enabling the Spark EV to reach 80-percent battery charge in just 20 minutes.

“When you engineer a technology-filled, all-electric mini car that goes from zero-to-60 mph in less than eight seconds, customers won’t miss the gas,” said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. “The Volt and now the Spark EV show that Chevrolet not only knows EVs better than anyone else, we also know how to help customers get the most out of their EV experience.”

Inside the Spark EV, critical vehicle functions are clearly and intuitively displayed on one of the vehicle’s two reconfigurable, high-resolution, seven-inch color LCD screens, including a confidence gauge that shows the expected driving range based on driving habits and other conditions.

The soul of Spark EV
Spark EV is powered by an advanced electric motor and battery system. It consists of a GM-designed, coaxial drive unit and electric motor that together deliver 130 hp (more than 100 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque for instant acceleration; and a more than 20-kWh lithium ion battery is expected to provide among the best EV range performance in its segment.
The drive unit and motor will be assembled of U.S. and globally sourced parts at GM’s White Marsh, Md., manufacturing facility, and the first time a U.S. automaker has built both a complete electric motor and drive unit for a modern electric vehicle in the United States.
Spark EV’s long-life battery is designed to be safe, durable and reliable, and is warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. It consists of a 560-pound (254 kg) square lithium-ion battery pack with a volume of 133 liters, comprising 336 prismatic cells.

“The Spark EV battery has undergone more than 200,000 hours of testing in our global battery systems labs,” said Pamela Fletcher, Chevrolet executive chief engineer of electrified vehicles. “It is extremely durable and has undergone the same abuse tolerance testing as the Volt battery.”




Leading the charge
Spark EV is the first all-electric vehicle in North America to offer optional SAE Combo DC Fast Charge capability, which can charge the battery to 80 percent of capacity in about 20 minutes. A common on-board charging receptacle accommodates all three charging platforms – DC Fast Charge, AC 240V and AC 120V.
Using a dedicated 240V outlet, Spark EV recharges in less than seven hours. Owners can coordinate charging according to departure time or during off-peak electricity rates. They also can manage and monitor the vehicle remotely via computer at OnStar.com, or with a special Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar Remote Link. The Spark EV comes with three years of standard OnStar service.


Energy-saving exterior; tech-filled interior
In developing the Spark EV, Chevrolet set out to help customers conserve as much total energy as possible to maximize battery range. One important way to achieve that is by improving the vehicle’s aerodynamics. By evaluating every detail of the gasoline-powered Spark, designers and aerodynamic engineers added the equivalent of about 2.5 miles of real-world range.
Spark EV colors include Electric Blue, Black Granite, Summit White, Silver Ice and Titanium. Inside, designers sought to create a comfortable and spacious cockpit with noise-reduction features and a combination of bright accents in Electric Blue and chrome.

For more information on the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV visit rivertonchevy.com or contact our Internet Sales Department by calling 801-938-7611 

Do I Really Need to Replace All Four Tires?

We continually receive inquires related to four-wheel drive (4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) tire replacement. A frequent question is “Do I really need to replace all four tires on my vehicle?”

To properly address this concern, it’s important to understand the basics of the drive system. 4WD and AWD vehicles allocate the engine’s horsepower to each of the four tires as needed (via a differential) – enabling the wheels to turn at different speeds. “The best system will send exactly the right amount of torque to each wheel, which is the maximum torque that won’t cause that tire to slip.” This is particularly helpful on loose gravel, sand, slippery roads, and other adverse conditions.

Most of us drive our cars without thinking too much about the mechanics of how our car is getting us down the road. When a car is going straight down the road, all four wheels turn at the same speed. When we turn, some wheels have to turn faster than others. Cars that are in All Wheel Drive all the time, have a special center differential that allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds when needed for turning corners. Without this component, the car would flip. This center differential isn’t activated all the time, it only kicks in when the axles are spinning at different rates.

Most differential systems are designed to allow short-term differences in wheel speeds when the vehicle turns a corner or spins a tire. If you use mismatched tires (tires of different size or tread depth), you may be forcing the differentials to operate at all times. This will lead to excessive heat and unnecessary wear on the differential, and may cause early failure.

In fact, studies have shown that differences of just 2/32 of an inch in tire tread between tires on the same vehicle can impact vehicle performance. For example, if you were to replace just two tires on your AWD or 4WD vehicle, you would have a slightly larger diameter on the new tires, due to deeper tread. A small difference in the front and back tire diameter means the two axles are always turning at different speeds, even if the car is going straight down a highway. This is contrary to how the vehicle was designed to operate and will likely lead to early malfunction. If you only replace one set of tires, the other set will be a slightly different size due to the wearing away of the rubber as you drive and brake. You might think it expensive to replace all four tires, when only the front ones have worn out. However, when you consider the cost of replacing or repairing the center differential instead, the new tires are the less expensive option.

In simplest terms, when tires have a different circumference, they have a different number of revolutions per mile. The smaller the tire (less tread), the more revolutions per mile required. The larger the tire (more tread), the less revolutions per mile. When front and rear axles rotate at different speeds, it creates added strain on the vehicle’s driveline. The greater the difference in the tires’ circumferences the greater the resulting strain. For this reason, it’s essential that 4WD and AWD vehicles use tires that are matched in size. Tire diameter variations can be caused by accidentally using different sized tires, tires worn to different tread depths, tires with different tread designs, tires made by different manufacturers, or even different inflation pressures.

If you own a 4WD or AWD vehicle, you should be aware of the importance of maintaining four matching tires. As always, routine maintenance is your best solution to minimizing potential issues with your vehicle. This includes tire rotations, alignments, maintaining proper air pressure, and monitoring tread depth. “Nearly every U.S. state has a minimum tread requirement for all passenger car tires of 2/32 inch. Driving on tires with tread lower than this minimum depth is not safe or legal.”

We hope this article helps answer some of your questions or concerns on this topic. We realize this can be confusing and frustrating for AWD and 4WD vehicle owners, but we are here to help answer your questions. Safety, and proper vehicle performance and maintenance are top priorities to us. As always your comments are welcome.

2013 Hot Wheels Editions Camaro

Chevrolet Lanuches Camaro Inspired by Hot Wheels

Blister Packaging and Orange Plastic track not included!

When considering Chevy the tie-in with Hot Wheels especially appropriate because the Camaro was one of the original Hot Wheels cars. The toy line launched in 1968, one year after the 1:1-scale Camaro’s birth.

Now that we are all big boys’ and girls’, playing with Hot Wheels cars really isn’t in the cards – at least it’s not necessarily accepted. That is until Chevy and Hot Wheels got together and created a special edition Camaro, dubbed the 2013 Camaro Hot Wheels Edition. For the most part, the Hot Wheels Edition is purely an aesthetic thing, but with the Camaro’s impressive performance across the board, a few extra goodies on the inside and outside is good enough for most of us.

The Camaro Hot Wheels will cost $6,995 more than the top Camaro 2LT (V6) or 2SS (V8) trim levels. Chevy did not say how many full-size Hot Wheels cars it would build, but the brand is calling this Camaro a limited edition. “When they’re gone, they’re gone,” company representatives said.  Hot Wheels collectors love to find rare models and seal them away in the hopes of making a killing on a rare factory paint scheme or error. So the question is: Will anyone drive the Camaro Hot Wheels, or will it stay in its blister pack?

The Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition is available in coupe and convertible models – in 2LT (V-6) and 2SS (V-8) trims, blending exterior cues of the high-performance Camaro ZL1 with a Kinetic Blue exterior color and unique graphics. Exterior highlights include:

• ZL1 rear spoiler (coupe models)
• ZL1 front upper grille
• Ground effects package, including front splitter and rocker treatment
• Black 21-inch wheels with red outline stripe
• Two-tone matte hood graphic and rear taillight panel “blackout” graphic
• Fender “flame” graphics
• Hot Wheels grille and deck lid logos

On the inside, a black leather-trimmed interior is accented with red and black seat stitching with the Hot Wheels logo embroidered on the front seats. The instrument panel and door inserts are black, with the Hot Wheels-style flame decal on each door. Hot Wheels^® Edition sill plates also distinguish the car, along with Camaro-logo premium floor mats with red edging.  SS models feature a 6.2L V-8, which is offered in two iterations: the “L99” on automatic-equipped vehicles and the “LS3” on manual-equipped models. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm) – and it features fuel-saving Active Fuel Management. The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm) of torque.  LT-based models feature the “LFX” 3.6L V-6 engine, with dual-overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and direct injection. It’s rated at 323 horsepower at 6,800 rpm.

A dual-mode exhaust system is available on SS models with the six-speed manual transmission, as well as LT models with either the manual or automatic transmission. Similar to the systems found on the Camaro ZL1, the vacuum-actuated system provides a quieter driving experience at low engine speeds and a more aggressive sound during hard acceleration.  Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment  system is standard on the Camaro Hot Wheels^® Edition. Its color touch radio, with a seven-inch touch screen, also can be paired with an available in-dash GPS navigation system. The color touch radio with MyLink enables a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, while building on the safety and security of OnStar. It seamlessly integrates online services such as Pandora^® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio^® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

Bring out your inner child!  Tell us your best Hot Wheels memory!

The Importance of the Moustache

The moustache maketh the man.  Since the early days moustaches' have helped shape and define a mans personality.  They can make you look stylish, manly, elegant, presentable.  But it is important you wear the right moustache for the right reason!  Riverton Chevy is sporting a moustache for the month of November not to add to its overall look or personality (granted it can't hurt) but to raise an awareness and funds to support prostate cancer and testicular cancer initiatives. 

Starting November 1st we will be known as the Riverton Mo Bros.  Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November. Through our actions and words we can raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.  Please visit our official MOVEMBER page.

Riverton supported and raised funds for the fight against Breast Cancer during the Month of October and recently came across the Movember challenge!  We gladly accept the challenge head on.

 

Please feel free to join our Team or DONATE to this worthy cause.

Movember aims to change the face of men’s health and reverse this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, we want to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to talk about their health more openly.

The quality of health starts with you!  Regardless of age, keep your health in check by doing the following:

• Have an annual screening
• Know you family history
• Don't smoke
• Be physically active
• Keep your schedule regular
• Sleep well
• Know your body
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Manage your stress
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.

Stay Healthy all you MoBros and may the best moustache win!!!

What are your best tips for keeping your health in check?

Be Fuel Efficient with the Cruze!

Looking for style, functionality, reliability and just a plain darn fun car to drive?   Look no further! 

I thought I'd start adding a review to our blog--via a 3rd party--by selecting a "model-a-month" and adding some insight.  I hope it helps and is informative!  Enjoy!


2013 Chevy Cruze Eco Review

"More than just a trim package, Chevrolet got clever with the Cruze Eco to offer its customers a more sophisticated, fuel-efficient machine" Autoguide.com



HANDSOME AND FUNCTIONAL STYLING

FAST FACTS

1. A 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder makes 138-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.2. Fuel economy with a 6-speed manual is rated at 28-mpg city and 42-mpg highway. 3. To help improve fuel economy the Eco model gains custom aerodynamics, sheds 100 lbs of weight and uses active grille shutters. 4. Pricing for the Eco model starts at $20,475 including delivery compared to $17,925 for a base Cruze.

The Cruze Eco gets a few fuel-minded nip/tucks that also help it hop up the handsome.

First, Chevrolet cut almost 100 lbs. from the base Cruze’s curb weight by tossing out the spare tire in favor of a patch kit, shrinking the gas tank to 10.5 gallons, and simplifying the rear suspension.
Next, Chevy lowered the car and made the forged alloy wheels standard equipment.
But that’s not all. Chevrolet also added an “active front fascia” with slats that close
during highway speeds to reduce drag and improve mileage.

AN INTERIOR WITH SHARED PRIORITIES

From a daily driver’s perspective, the Cruze is a solid choice.
Between its gauges, an information screen controlled by a knob mounted on the turn signal stick offers typical trip stats, but it also provides an “average mpg gauge.” It offers current as well as average fuel consumption figures that show exactly where the car sits compared to the trip’s recorded gas usage.

Around town the Cruze Eco’s turbo 1.4-liter 4-cylinder feels surprisingly peppy. Shifting into second gear, the car tugs with enough power to find the speed limit without feeling taxed.

For more information please feel free to contact the Internet Sales Department at 801.576.4675 or go to www.rivertonchevy.com

What surprised you the most about your Cruze? 

Feel free to share your thoughts.

Is Nitrogen Better than Air in Car Tires?

Why Inflate with NitroFill™?
Compressed air is your tire’s worst enemy. Air is about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other. Nitrogen is inert, non combustible and non corrosive. Oxygen, on the other hand, is immensely destructive to rubber and other tire materials. As soon as a tire is manufactured and exposed to air, the effects of “oxidation” begin to deteriorate the rubber. Over time it loses its elasticity and strength, just like an old rubber band you’ve probably found around your home. This same process occurs in tires inflated with air as the oxygen attacks the rubber molecules, working from the inside out, until the oxygen, and its destructive properties, permeates the tire structure and ultimately the tread.
Increase Your Safety  

In 7 million miles of truck tire testing, nitrogen inflated tires lasted longer.

Tire failures were reduced by 50%

Tread life was increased by 25-30%

Improve Performance

Improves steering

Improves handling

Improves braking

Reduces chance of tire failure

Save Time, Money, and Tire

Dramatically slows pressure loss from  permeation

Improves fuel economy

Reduces tire oxidation

Eliminates interior wheel corrosion

Reduces running temperatures

Decreases false alarms and activation of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

CLICK HERE to see how much money you can

save over the course of a year!

Will NitroFill™ improve the performance of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System on my vehicle?
Yes. NitroFill™ will help maintain proper inflation in your tires and reduce the number of faults detected by the TPMS.

Should I put NitroFill™ in my spare tire?
Absolutely! Your spare tire is the most neglected tire on your vehicle, and if you need it you certainly want it to be fully inflated. Because NitroFill™ dramatically slows the normal loss of pressure through permeation, your spare tire will hold its proper pressure over a much longer period of time than if it was filled with regular air.

Is nitrogen a safety hazard?
No. Nitrogen is an inert, noncombustible, nonflammable, non-corrosive gas. In fact, those are big reasons why nitrogen is used to fill the tires of vehicles that push performance limits under extreme conditions, including Formula One racers and heavy machinery.
Is All Nitrogen Gas Equal?
No, the purity of nitrogen available from nitrogen generators generally ranges from 95% (low purity) to 99.9% (high purity). NitroFill™ generators can produce nitrogen in excess of 99.9% purity and provide the procedures to guarantee a minimum of 95% purity in the serviced tire, which is the minimum allowable purity that must be maintained in the tire to enjoy the benefits that nitrogen provides. Few generator manufacturers currently discuss this mandatory 95% threshold, as few are able to consistently provide the required purity to achieve it. But, as the market matures, your customer WILL learn –so don’t take chances with their safety or your reputation- fill them with NitroFill™ !

Nitrogen vs. Oxygen

Oxygen leaks out of tires faster. Nitrogen maintains tire pressure longer than oxygen. The oxygen molecules in compressed air are smaller and leak out three to four times faster. NitroFill™ generators filter the air we breathe through technically advanced membrane fibers to separate it from oxygen and water vapor.

Nitrogen is no longer prohibitively expensive to produce. In the past, equipment to produce nitrogen was large and expensive Using the latest Pneumatech technology, NitroFill™ generators produce nitrogen from the air we breathe using compressed air. NitroFill™ generators are simple to install, safe and cost effective. Come visit our service department to have your tires filled with Nitro today.  http://www.rivertonchevy.com/Service

Is Your Car Ready for Winter Tip 3

Maintain the Coolant System

Our most important tip is to take the time to get your car’s coolant system checked. Extreme temperatures and harsh conditions can knock it out easily if it’s not up to snuff. If any part of the system comes up with a shaky bill of health, swap the parts for new ones. That means having your car’s radiator pressure tested and the hoses examined for cracks or bulges. Riverton Chevy can quickly test radiators without the hassle of having to remove them from the vehicle.

“Cooling system failure is the leading cause of engine-related breakdowns, which can cost thousands of dollars and leave you and your family stranded at the worst possible time.” – Rich White, Car Care Council (Carcare.org)

If you can’t remember the last time your water pump was replaced, or if your pump has more miles on it than what the manufacturer recommends, it’s time for a new one. While everything is apart, go for a new thermostat as well because you’ll save money on labor getting these two done at once.

Even if everything comes up good to go under the hood, replacing your engines coolant is cheap insurance against extreme temperatures. Over time, antifreeze can actually generate a weak electrical current, which can then cause oxidation and eventually failure inside of your coolant system. You’ll want at least a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to provide protection against below-zero temperatures. Keeping everything fresh inside will put less stress on your vehicle’s hardware and save you serious money in the long run.

TIP 1:  Coolant levels and dilution are of paramount importance when temperatures drop. You should be able to pick up a hydrometer or refractometer for measuring the ratio of coolant:water at most auto parts stores, and by making sure the ratio is correct for the temperatures you will encounter you can prevent the coolant from freezing in your system and causing problems. If you have any questions about how to measure the coolant mixture or what mixture to use in your area, don’t be afraid to ask the folks at your auto parts store, look up charts online, or visit us our service department.

TIP 2:  Inspect your antifreeze while your engine is cold.  Opening a hot radiator, coolant reservoir or overflow tank can cause severe burns.

Winter is right around the corner here in Salt Lake. It’s a good idea to have your cooling system inspected to ensure it’s operating properly. Feel free to give us a call at 801-576-4660 to schedule an appointment for your cooling system inspection. Not only will we test your anti-freeze, but we’ll also check all of your hoses, clamps, heater core, thermostats, and the rest of the entire system to ensure it’s all working properly and efficiently.

 

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter Tip 2

Make sure you can see!

When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you’re due. Here’s another important step to take before you find yourself struggling to see in a blinding storm: Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid. (Plain water won’t do the trick at this time of year because it freezes.) Also check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.

Also, never be tempted to drive off without fully clearing your windows of ice and condensation.

Here are some easy helpful hints to make the sideeffects of winter a little more bearable.

Are you tired of squeaky and streaky windshield wipers? By taking a cloth saturated in rubbing alcohol or ammonia and wiping the wipers will stop this from happening.

Do you find your windows full of frost and ice in the morning? Take a mixture of 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water and spritz the outsides of your windows at night before you settle in for the night. The vinegar contains acetic acid which raises the melting point of water, not allowing it to freeze.

I just hate when my windows fog up. Here's an easy solution. Take some shaving cream and spray the inside of your windows and wipe them down with paper towels. (Commercial defoggers contain some of the same ingredients.)

Have you ever had frozen car door locks? Did you know hand sanitizer works? Just put some of the hand sanitizer on both the key and the lock and voila....no more frozen door lock.

Another problem I have had in the past is when the actual door has frozen closed. You can take regular cooking spray (like Pam) and spray it on the rubber seal of the door and wipe off the excess with a paper towel and the cooking oil prevents the water from melting into the rubber.

These helpful tips will help you save some time in the morning from the elements of the previous coming cold and snowy evenings, even if you park outside.

 

What helpful tips do you have to assist with your windshield wipers and glass? 

Happy Motoring from Riverton Chevy

Join Riverton Chevy in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Pink is popping up everywhere! Its almost October, you know, its time to makes Strides!

The following steps can help you stay well and improve your odds against breast cancer.

• The earlier breast cancer is found, the better. Sign up for our breast cancer screening reminder and we’ll remind you when it’s based on our early detection guidelines. If you are 40 or older, get a mammogram and breast exam every year and report any breast changes to your doctor right away.

People should be afraid of the cancer, not the mammogram. ~ Nancy Reagan

• You can help reduce your breast cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight throughout life, being physically active on a regular basis (at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week) and limiting alcohol intake to less than 1 drink each day for women (2 drinks for men).

Learn more ways you can fight breast cancer


Why Riverton Chevy is Making Strides
Almost everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way, and our Making Strides walk empowers us to make a difference and fight back. This is your opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, remember those we have lost to this disease, and raise funds and awareness to help end it forever. 

An individual doesn’t get cancer, a family does. ~ Terry Tempest Williams

Today 1 of every 2 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the American Cancer Society for help and support. The donations our team raises will enable investment in groundbreaking breast cancer research, free information and services for women diagnosed with the disease, and access to mammograms for women who need them. Our donations will help more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors celebrate another birthday this year!

Why Riverton Chevy is Supporting the American Cancer SocietySaving lives from breast cancer starts one team, one walker, and one dollar at a time. We know that the American Cancer Society is the leader in the fight to end breast cancer. We know that supporting them will ensure that if you need someone to talk to anytime of the day or night, they’ll be there. If your friend is losing her hair from chemo, your mother needs a ride to treatment, or a loved one needs a place to stay when treatment is far from home, they will be there to help.

Join us Saturday October 13, 2012 and together we will walk for a world without breast cancer.  The event is located at Liberty Park from 8 A.M. until 1 P.M.

For more details visit: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCFY13GW?team_id=1239692&pg=team&fr_id=47444

Share your Story:

 Why are you Making Strides?

Who are you Making Strides for?

Why do you support the American Cancer Society?

Is Your Car Ready For Winter

There's nothing worse than being stranded -- except being stranded in bad winter weather. Colder months are tougher on cars, and a little preventive care now will go a long way toward keeping your car running smoothly in the face of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures. We know it can be tempting to skip a service if your car is running OK. After all, if it isn't squeaking at you, there's no problem, right? Wrong. Neglecting to give your car a pre-winter checkup is penny-wise and pound-foolish. It may seem like you're saving precious time and money, but in the long run, you're doing neither. The good news is that getting your car winter-ready doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

Over the next fews days Rivertons 15 Minute Service Center will provide you with 15 things you should do to get your car ready for the winter months ahead:

#1  Get Your Tires Ready
Snowy, sleety roads are hard enough to drive on when you have perfect tires. If you have under-inflated tires, your ability to handle and brake will be compromised to an even greater (and scarier) degree. Under-inflated tires also wear out faster and reduce fuel economy. Plus, they run much hotter, which can lead to tire failure. Check tires with a tire gauge and inflate if they are low. Make an appointment to have your alignment checked. While you're here, you may also want to have us put NITRO in your tires.

Welcome to Our Blog

 

Welcome to all our fans, customers and Web users.  Visit us daily as our content will be updated often. 

 

Thank you.