Chevy Dealer Says 2012 Camaro Z28 with Supercharged V8 Production Begins in January 2012

The much anticipated Camaro Z28 will begin rolling off the production line in January 2012, according to a dealer that spilled the beans over at the Camaro5 forums after attending a National Chevrolet Dealer’s meeting.

Here's what BeckyD/RodgersChevrolet noted about the Z28 on the Camaro forums:

• 2012 Camaro Z28 production begins January 1, 2012
• Internally referred to as the "HP Model"
• 6.2L supercharged engine
• Magnetic Ride suspension
• 285F / 330R tires
• Hood design to have louvre/slat design seen in spy photos (dealers in attendance were shown a gray Z28 model)
• Slight (not major) updates to the interior, with some brighter trimwork

The dealer also gave out some additional info on the upcoming 2012MY Camaro, which is slated to arrive in dealership this summer. According to the tipster, GM told dealers that is preparing a 45th Anniversary special edition package with a "carbon flash color", all black interior and unique wheels, which will be available on both the coupe and convertible models.

Via: Camaro5

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Detroit Motor Show: GM to Launch Opel in Australia Next Year

Last September, we reported that Nick Reilly, Chairman of Opel, hinted at the launch of the German brand in Australia. GM's European division made it official today at, announcing that Opel is set to enter the Australian market in 2012.

Nick Reilly, said at the Detroit Auto Show: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”

In a statement released to the press, Opel said the company’s offerings will include the Insignia, Astra and Corsa, with the full model line-up to be announced closer to the actual start of sales.

GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, will most likely continue to offer its RWD Commodore and Caprice range with the rest of the lineup comprising of rebadged Chevrolet and Daewoo models such as the Barina Spark, Captiva and Cruze. The Opel brand will be positioned more upmarket targeting Volkswagen.

Following the previously announced launch of the brand in Chile and Israel, Australia becomes the third export brand for Opel, which is looking to strengthen its exports and increase sales. The German company said other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.

Gallery: Opel's European Range

GM Introduces Cell Phone Charging Mats at CES, Production Begins in 2012

Thanks to induction technology, mobile electronic devices, such as phones, can be wirelessly charged, just by placing them on special pads. At the 2011 CES in Las Vegas, General Motors announced plans to introduce the wireless charging technology in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products, beginning from the second half of 2012.

The Detroit automaker revealed that is has signed a commercial agreement with an Israeli company called Powermat that specializes on the new technology. GM Ventures, the company’s venture capital subsidiary, will invest a total of $5 million in Powermat to help accelerate its development and support efforts to grow Powermat’s business globally, the company said in a statement.

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it’s also safer and more efficient.

The Chevrolet Volt will be one of the first cars to benefit from the new equipment.

“Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you’re driving on a family vacation”, said Micky Bly, GM’s lead electronics executive. “The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio”, Bly added.

By Csaba Daradics

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GMC Shows More of its Detroit-Bound Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

We first reported on the new GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept in mid-December, but since then, General Motors has released a slew of new photos. The updated gallery includes the first photos of the design study's interior that has been spruced up with higher quality and more luxurious materials than the standard Sierra, upon which it is based.

Set to debut at next week's North American International Auto Show, GMC says the concept model is an exploration of heavy-duty truck capability combined with greater off-road versatility. Even if the Sierra All Terrain HD Concept doesn't make it as is onto the road, chances are that it will inspire a future production version. Full HD gallery after the break.

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