This question was recently posted on CobaltSS.net, 20 pages of comments followed.

Reverse?
So we all know that the supercharged engines need the intake bypass valve so they work in reverse. Otherwise the supercharger would just suck all the air out of the cylinder. So knowing that, how does the turbocharged version work in reverse? The engine is trying to suck air backwards, yet the turbo wants to spin forward so I don't see how it works. Is there some sort of exhausting intake bypass valve on the turbo version? Also, if it does have the valve, does that also mean that it can make boost in reverse? Like how much boost? Like 5 psi or does it go over 20?

Can anyone help me sort this out?

We mean, why should we be getting excited over a Z06 for the same price or a 2009 Corvette ZR1 for 133% the price when we could get an S-Limited? Who seriously asks — man, why can't we get more mesh inserts from GM? [GM Japan Product Site]

10. International Paddy Wagon (Baltimore)
Though America may be the the country that nurtures the individual, we sure like to get arrested in groups. That's where the paddy wagon comes in handy. Part truck, part temporary jail, there have been a lot of them throughout the history of American law enforcement. This 1947 International wagon is a particularly beautiful example and a reminder of International's long commercial history in America. That cop is totally riding the wagon.
[Baltimore Police Vehicle History]

9. Chevy Bel Air Police Car (Texas)
Nothing says U.S. of A. like a Chevy Bel Air. This Chevy had the size and power to meet the duties of a civil servant and the look to scare criminals into pulling over. Topped with a big red cherry, you'd know what to do when you saw one of these bad boys. This particular Texas-badged 1955 Chevy Bel-Air is a prime example of the timeless design [BillWindsor.com]

8. Border Patrol Dune Buggy (Arizona)
Specifically, a Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV), these are some of the most extreme police vehicles used for active patrolling duty. Typically, a DPV is fitted with a VW engine capable of nearly 200 HP. These vehicles can travel up to 80 mph and generally encounter some of the roughest terrain in the country while enduring severe temperature conditions. These go fast in places that Border Patrol SUV's can't even reach.

7. Ford Fairlane
The forerunner to the Crown Victoria, the Fairlane may look even better than the Chevy Bel, and its low cost meant that it would provide police services for a large part of the country. The Fairlane is particularly noted for its powerful big-block V8, popular with the authorities around the country. In black-and-white it is one of the more iconic police cars ever built. This Wilmington, DE "Bureau of Police" squad car is an exceptional example.
[Flickr: Triborough]

6. Chevy Camaro Z28 B4C
The Chevy Camaro BC4 was one of the fastest police cars ever used in the United States thanks to a simple formula: Take a stock Camaro and add a mix of the strongest parts from the Z28 and other racing packages, as well as the Chevy 350 V8. They were a particular favorite of the California Highway Patrol, which knows a thing or two about pursuits. As great as they are at high-speed chases, they're great for deterrence as well. Who would want to get put in the backseat of that thing? [Photo: Sattler.org]

5. Dodge Coronet 440 (California)
There were many great Mopar police cars throughout the years, but we've got a soft spot for the 1970 Dodge Coronets. Not only do they have the 440 Magnum V8, good for in excess of 400 horsepower, they also feature that killer squinting headlight design that looks mean head-on. Oh, and the one above was featured in the original Gone in 60 Seconds giving it almost as much movie cred as the Dodge Monaco.
[IMCDB]

4. Ford Mustang LX Highway Patrol Edition (Texas)
The original Mustang LX highway patrol car, a favorite of the Texas DPS, haunted our dreams with its sharp facade, red interior and 5.0-liter V8 power. Though the hatchback Mustang would, theoretically, have been useful, the DPS stuck with the notchback 'Stangs. Mustangs were used in the DPS fleet between 1983 and 1993, with the 1986 model, pictured, our personal favorite.
[Photo: Police Mustangs]

3. Dodge Charger Police Edition (Michigan)
As you can probably tell from Mark's glowing review of the Dodge Charger Police Edition, we're big fans. Just look at it. Probably more the successor to the Coronet than anything, especially with the recurrence of the angry headlights, the Hemi-powered Charger is gorgeous, features a stalk-based Autostick, and has great road manners. Numerous police officers lusted after the ride, which is the best kind of accolade. In Michigan State Police blue with a cherry on top, it's even better looking.

2. Dodge Diplomat/Fury Police Car(NYC)
The M-bodied Dodge Diplomat and its twin, the Plymouth Gran Fury, aren't here purely out of nostalgia. Look at them. It's hard to believe they were anything but cop cars. What they lacked in power relative to some of the Dodge fleet vehicles of the 1960's and early 1970's, they more than made up for in durability. You couldn't kill them if you tried. Most models featured the 318 V8, though a few pursuit models included a 360 four-barrel. Imagine any upset renegade cop from an 80's police movie kicking the quarter panel of one of these bad boys.
[LSE]

1. Ford Crown Victoria P71 Interceptor (Everywhere)
P71 Crown Victorias never die, they just become taxis. Due to the disappearance of American-made RWD V8 sedans for nearly a decade, the Ford Crown Victoria became more ubiquitous than any other police car we can think of in any era since the Model T, despite the occasional deadly fire. Powered by a modified version of the Ford 4.6-Liter SOHC V8, they'll practically run forever, thanks in part to the oil-to-coolant heat exchanger. Even with the introduction of the Charger Police Package and the occasional Impala police car, Ford still plans to carry about 80% of the police market. Is there anything that reminds anyone more of the long arm of the law than a P71 Interceptor sitting on the side of the road? We didn't think so.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Of course, if you don't like any of those choices, you can always write-in your favorite in the comments.

7:29.03 - Nissan R35 GT-R
The calling card of the new Nissan GT-R is technology witchcraft. On paper, you wouldn't expect much from a 3800lb car with a V6. But on the track, the grip of the trick AWD system channeling 480 HP from the twin-turbocharged engine is pure magic.

7:26.40 - Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The instant legend. Keep in mind, there was reportedly a strong headwind on the main straight, which could have actually slowed things down a bit. Could the ZR1 possibly set an even faster time in the future?

6:55 - Radical SR8
With only about 360 HP, the Radical is not about raw power. Its strengths instead are a race-style chassis, complete with real downforce-generating spoilers. Or course, since the car only weighs about 1430 lbs, the Radical has an incredible power-to-weight ratio. A slightly less powerful 320 HP Radical SR3 Turbo has even run a 7:19 lap. Though we doubt you'll find one being valet-parked at the country club, the Radical is technically streetable. As such, it is the fastest road-going car around the Nordschleife.

6:11.13 - Porsche 956
If the ZR1 is fast, then this is warp speed. it's the fastest official lap time ever recorded on this configuration of the track. What makes it even more amazing is that this was 25 years ago, back in 1983.

[laptimes]

Chevy's rationale makes sense: Soccer moms across the country are about to turn in their leased Trailblazers and Yukons. They've seen budgets battered by gas prices, but they still have to have something that can tote the brood around. With 7 or 8 passenger seating, a tall ride height, generous cargo room, and a fairly low load floor, the Traverse attempts to give them a reason to drive back out of the Chevy dealership in something new — something new that isn't a minivan. Chevy needs the Traverse pretty badly, considering they don't have squat between Malibu and Trailblazer.

Although Traverse sits on the same Lambda platform upon which the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave ride, and it's arguably the least successful styling exercise of the four, perhaps due to the fact Chevy wasn't initially slated to get a Lambda vehicle — it looks hurried. The exterior stylists described their goal as creating a crossover with broad, global appeal. Translated, that means, "we tried to please everyone." As is typically the case when you set out to offend no one, you end up exciting no one. That's definitely the case here. Traverse looks as long as a school bus, and the front end comes off as heavy, with a cow-catcher sized air dam begging to scrape the nearest curb.

Inside, Traverse mimics Chevy's successful Malibu with a sweeping dual-cove theme for the dash and materials featuring good texture and a solid feel. Available SmartSlide seating for the middle row causes the captain's chairs to glide forward with the pull of a lever, allowing good access to the surprisingly comfortable third row seats. But the lack of a sliding side door means piling tweeners in and out without bashing into the cars beside you will never be as easy as it is with a van.

On the road course GM set out for us, Traverse displays the good manners we've come to expect from the Lambda platform. It has decent acceleration for its size, good isolation from road, wind, and engine noise, and corners pretty flatly give the size and weight. The stability control system does an admirable job of avoiding cones in wet and dry conditions, and it handles Michigan-style bumps and potholes with aplomb. But, since GM is touting the Chevy's towing ability (5,800 lbs.), it was surprising to feel how much the Traverse was affected while pulling a 4,000-lb boat/trailer combo. The tail felt unstable at moderate speeds, and there was never any doubt about the chunk of weight on the aft end.

So where does this leave the Chevy Traverse? Chances are it'll sell well, considering there are still folks out there who won't drive anything but a Chevy, and the fact the Traverse is light-years better than the Uplander and Trailblazer. Chevy's pricing is going to be key: If it's in the same ballpark as the Outlook, we'd guess GM aficionados will be rethinking Saturn or upgrading to an Acadia. Most of the other buyers will be across town scoping out the Ford Flex.

The murmuring about Hummer being up for sale got credence with the news that Citibank has been retained to conduct a "strategic review" of the brand. Our little birdie has told us that Citibank's real job is to screen potential buyers. [Automotive News Sub. Req.]

If congressional leaders agree to GM's recommendation, the Volt could have a "real" price to consumers closer to the originally reported $30,000. However, since GM is suggesting basing the tax credit not just on battery size, but also on the potential quantity of petroleum avoided, lawmakers could conceivably balk at the tax implications as more alternative fuel vehicles enter the market. In the meantime, we're going to stuff 30 batteries into the back of the Jalopnik Caprice and wait for our $21,000 check from the gubment, secure in the knowledge we're still creating the usual level of smug.

"I put a deposit down for the 2009 ZR1 about 2 1/2 years ago at "my" chevy dealer from whom I have bought many GM cars, including trucks, vettes. I have probably bought 15+ GM vehicles over the years. I was told 2 1/2 years ago that the price for this "iffy" car would be around the same ratio as the 5K overcharge I paid for my 2006 Z06.

I was called to order my ZR1 yesterday since I was #1 on the allocation list of this dealer's 4 allocations. I was told that by the way the price would be between 2-4 times the MSRP. Tadge Juechter, the Chief of Corvette Engineering, has urged GM ZR1 dealers to respect the MSRP. I am very upset with the greed and disregard for customer loyalty in a down economy. Is there any recourse?"

There's been a whole mess of back n' forth over the front grille markings of the purported production 2010 Chevy Camaro SS photos we posted earlier today. There's been some sort of forum fan-boy Civil War going on at 5thGen.org and Camaro5 with some mullet-heads jumping on the "Z28" bandwagon and others steadfastly sticking to the "esh-esh" chrome story. Well, there have to be winners and losers in everything. So those of you who may have thought it was a "Z28" will be forced to shave their mullets and turn in their A-frame t-shirts. Because my forum friends, as you can see above, that grille definitely says "SS." Still, we're happy to see the forums come through with the win yet again. God we love those guys. [Camaro5, 5thGen]

Oh yeah, sorry — in all that Transformers Corvette concept and Z28 hubub, we forgot to show you these camera phone shots taken by a forum fan-boy over at Camaro5 of what's purportedly yet another shot of a pre-production 2010 Chevy Camaro SS. Jeez, all these Camaros with their bow ties — they all look alike. Wait a second — a bow tie? This isn't a pre-production car — it's a production car! The shooter supposedly caught it on the set of a TV show with Christian Slater. No idea what that's all about. But check out that picture below of the "SS" from the back — are those air holes for a shunt in the rear bumper? Is that a clear brakelight in the rear window? Nice. Seriously, how much do we love the guys over at Camaro5?

[via Camaro5]

While unit-body construction would likely reduce towing and payload capacity over current GMT900 offerings, reports show that the majority of light-truck buyers rarely use the full capacity of their vehicles. Lambda would provide GM with an opportunity to provide more interior storage space and better fuel economy while still being able to offer 2WD and 4WD packages. Since we know Americans don't want to give up their pickups, moving the "commuter trucks" onto Lambda sounds like another smart choice for the General. Now let's see if it actually happens.
[Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Probably because it's the same distribution plan GM's using for their own Chevy Equinox hydrogen fuel cell-powered game-changer. But while the General got a six-month head start on the hype-building, Honda's got one thing they don't have — an attractive vehicle. Yeah, it's the little things. Don't cry GM — there, there — you'll win one of these days. Hey, look on the bright side — when's the Chevy Volt coming out again? 2010? Oh. Well, keep trying. [NYtimes]

We thought we had all the new vehicles already figured out for Michael Bay's next GM-gasm — Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Turns out there are still a few secrets to suss out as a Chevy Trax was spotted running chest to chest with the Chevy Beat moments after the the Bumblebee/Chevy Trax chase shot we saw earlier. Obviously we have no idea which robo-character this little fella will be playing — hey, maybe all the minicars will join together to form Voltron, and we'll have a crazy giant fighting robot crossover movie! (Again, thanks go out to Rueben)

The hotted up 2010 Chevy Camaro SS version of Bumblebee was snapped either running from, or leading whatever 'bot the Chevy Beat will be playing on the set of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen today in Philadelphia. Hopefully they don't run into the NYC 2009 Renault Laguna Coupe, because we're pretty sure the Renault would be a Decepticon, and nobody wants to see giant transforming robots fight. Oh wait. (Thanks Rueben)

Maybe GM meant that the Volt will be close to $30k, you know, after government hand-outs tax credits that could be good for about $7,000. Maybe that explains why he told our friend Rob Einaudi over at CarDomain on Tuesday pricing would actually be under $40,000? Maybe that's what the Seattle Times just didn't hear the word "under." [CarDomain, Seattle Times via ABG]

That $103,300 (plus a $1,700 gas guzzler tax) which gets you a bare bones, lightweight interior based on that of the Z06. For an extra $10k Chevy will sell you the 3ZR package, which brings interior upgrades like power adjustable seats, sat/nav, more airbags, ZR1 embroidery etc.

DETROIT - The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good. Very good:

* $103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
* EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
* 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
* 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
* Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph

The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.

"The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure," said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. "There's simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy."

Performance perspective
The Corvette ZR1's 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker - 7 seconds vs. the Z06's 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.

"A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate," said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. "Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors' cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner."

And the racetrack isn't the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors - it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1's EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They're competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).

Under the carbon-fiber hood
A new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1's performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.

In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.

Options
The standard ZR1 comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors and more. Chrome wheels are the only other available option on the ZR1. Detailed pricing noted below.

* $103,300 Base MSRP including destination
* $1,700 Gas guzzler tax
* $10,000 Option package
* $2,000 Chrome wheels

Here we go again — first it was the 2010 Chevy Camaro coupe getting the official "leak" by Bob Lutz and Ed Peper, now they've gone and slipped out pictures of the drop-top. There's one shot of the 2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible up above and one more over at GM's little blog project via the link below. [via GM FastLane]

Apparently a couple of GI's were out minding their own business, driving a shiny maroon Chevrolet Suburban about five klicks out from the live fire range at Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. Unfortunately at 10,000 feet, it's a bit more difficult to discern distance-from-target, and an F-16 pilot in the area thought the Suburban sure looked like fair game, opening up with 70 20mm rounds and totally decimated the SUV all about the 'merican revolution. Fortunately, the only injuries sustained by the occupants were from the flying glass and jumping out of the truck as it was being lit up. Unknown was whether live-fire is covered under the General's new 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. [StrategyPage]

We'd argue the Confederate battle flag should actually go on the roof, but it's probably more difficult to paint something when you lack opposable thumbs. (props to Pat for the great shot)

Spy Report We just snapped the latest, and best shots yet of the car that looks to be the next Chevy Cobalt. A similar prototype has been shot in various guises, but never from all pertinent angles while uncovered—in full Chevrolet trim. The new Cobalt will utilize GM's new global compact vehicle architecture, and will be shared globally—reportedly being sold abroad in similar form as the Chevrolet Nubira and and the Daewoo Lancetti abroad. The platform is also pegged to underpin the next-generation Saturn Astra and even the Chevy Volt.

These latest shots give us a great taste of the further evolution of Chevrolet's two-tiered grille treatment, and the new Cobalt's chunky profile. The first-ever look at the Cobalt's largely undisguised tail treatment also reminds us of the recently revealed Opel Insignia, with its BMW-inspired raised trunk line and side sculpting. This new Cobalt is expected to appear in U.S. showrooms in 2010.

What's particularly interesting about the Beat and the Aero-X is that both will be the second and third high-profile concept vehicles to be used in the filming, the first being the Hummer HX. Rumor suggests the Aero-X will play the role of Wheeljack, and while there's no word on what role the Chevy Beat will be playing, we can safely assume it'll be a small one... *rimshot* [TFW2005; TFW2005]

For those of you keeping score, that's 30 awards the new Bowtie has racked up since launch, and someone seems to be paying attention: A local dealer friend of ours here in the D says he can't get enough Malibus to sell. Whadda ya want? Ya want 'em quick, or you want 'em right?

[J.D. Power and Associates] (with h/t to Knoblich)

Showing it off now is going to be like pulling a Camaro on us: By the time it hits the show floor, we'll be tired of the look. They'll be wasting acres of print space now, rather than revealing it with a flourish and sending it to dealers right away, Apple style. Whatever. We're not paid to come up with strategery, but making fun of it we can do all day. [TopSpeed]

[TFW2005]

Look closely at the throttle-body size and shape and the bolts holding it on, the three fluid reservoirs in the same locations, all cues that this is indeed the glorious direct-injection V6. That means about 300 HP, the same sort of power Ford gets from the V8 Mustang GT. And look, they've even moved the battery out of the engine bay, likely mounting it in the trunk like the Pontiac G8. All in all it looks like just the thing for the indulgence-minded muscle car buyer.
[Camaro5]

How much lower? That's a silly question to ask considering how GM seems to keep mixing the messages themselves. An $18,000 price point difference makes for a mighty different business case though, especially considering gas will only be available with live organ exchange by 2010. [Translated from German: FAZ.net]

In 1977, the standard engine in the Camaro... well, you don't want to know. Let's just say that the super high-performance optional 350 put out 170 horsepower and leave it at that. Not only that, the F-body's weight had crept up to 3,500 pounds by '77, about the same as the '65 Impala 4-door and a good 400 pounds more than the '70-1/2 Camaro. Still, I've driven quite a few of these cars and they're actually fairly enjoyable on the street (and lots of fun with Hoon Grade™ engine upgrades).


Ah, the standard rear-window rust. Even in California, GM cars tend to get this problem. Just paint over it!


The huge Malaise 5MPH crash bumper is blended in fairly well with the vast plastic snout on this car; compare this treatment with, say, the Spitfire of the same era and you can see that GM did a pretty good job of bumper camouflage here.

it seems that DMX likes people to know which yellow Chevy Nova II is his, so he had "DMX" put on his front windshield in big yellow letters. Or maybe it was because he'd always go into parking lots, and forget which yellow Nova II was his. No word on who the female in the car is, but we're presuming she was a bit disappointed that DMX didn't show up in a Lamborghini. [AP via Fox News, TMZ]

Imagine my excitement, driving to Lee Johnson Chevrolet's 75th Anniversary Car Show, coming around the bend and laying eyes upon a confusing yet rousing and mystical sight. They lined the cars up on the front row by the street?? That's more then I expected! 30's to late 60's Chevys braving the elements (rain in Seattle? NEVER!) and showing off their wax jobs. Not by the usual standard of bling and shine, but here it's a measure of your water beads! There were about 32 cars in all, members of the three North Western chapters of the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America).

Most were unhappy about the rain but as a conversation went:
Me: "I'm amazed and excited that the cars are still out! In SoCal, it clouds up and everyone scatters like cockroaches!!"
VCCA member: "Well if we did that, there wouldn't be any cars shows!"

Thanks for the bravery!

Car notes:
Nova 400 Conv. sadly no 400 in it... BOO!! flat 6 with 180HP I believe
75 Caprice had a real 400 with a Malaise 150HP.... HOW was that all the power it had? Sad, but the car looked so cruisable!
53 Vette is number 125 of only 300 made

Hemmings Motor News

Last year, both Jen and I wrote about artist Jonathan Schipper, a self-proclaimed artist who baffled us by one of his creations, a gear-driven machine that slowly pushed two 1/18th-scale muscle cars together in a