Category: GM News

OnStar (GM's roadside assist unit) have released a new application compatible with Apple’s iPhone, RIM’s Blackberry Storm and Motorola’s Droid smartphones. The app provides real-time data connection and control over vehicle functions such as programming charge times.

The application retrieves information such as battery levels, odometre readings and range, all displayed in real time on the iPhone's screen. Alternatively, users can have information and reminders sent to them via email or SMS for things like the need to recharge, power interruptions and full recharge notifications.

Other functions normally only available by calling OnStar's control centre will also be available via the app, including remote door unlocking, horn and light controls.

Pretty cool!

Category: GM News

After the insightful documentary 'Who killed the electric car?' was released, retelling the story of how GM killed off a perfectly good electric car, many GM fans were left just that little bit more cynical about the whole auto industry and 'Big Oil'.

As it happens, the EV1 wasn't the first electric car that GM has killed off in its time.

Meet the 1921 Milburn 27L electric car.

With a GE 60V/50A electric motor capable of a top speed of 48km/h and with a range of 144kms, the Milburn was no speed machine. But neither was anything else in 1921. No one seems to know how many of the 5-seater was sold in the eight years of production, suffice it to say that GM bought out the Detroit manufacturing facility, subsequently using the factory to build Buick bodies - killing off the Milburn.

Use Google for more information on this unique vehicle that was even used by President Woodrow's secret servicemen. It is believed only 35 still exist.

One has to wonder if we'll see the upcoming Chevrolet Volt go the same way as the Milburn and the EV1...

Image: Shorpy.com

Category: GM News

There's a press conference taking place in the US right now, where GM are officially announcing the resignation of GM CEO Fritz Henderson. This marks the second CEO GM have lost this year after the Obama government asked Rick Wagoner to step down as part of GM receiving bail out money.

Company board Chairman Ed Whitacre is said to be taking his place temporarily until a permanent replacement can be found.

Can't say we blame the guy, really. Must have been a terribly difficult role during this turbulent period for the company.

Category: GM News

Do we need any words for this, really?

Regardless, what you see here is the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept.

Now forget you've seen it.
No, we can't either.

Category: GM News

In a recent press conference, the media were asking pointed questions of Bob Lutz in relation to the production potential of the 425hp twin turbo, direct injection V6 Camaro concept that was unveiled at this year's SEMA Show.

In response, Lutz didn't simply give the usual robotic "We don't discuss future product" answer. Instead, his reply was, "perhaps".

Bob, we love you and hate you at the same time.

We hope desperately for two things: the TT V6 Camaro to go into production and for that technology to reach the VE here in Australia.

Category: GM News

Also on the topic of future fuel vehicles, hydrogen, on the surface, still stands as one of the most potentially friendly methods of propulsion in our eyes. That's so long as the source of the electricity required to create the hydrogen is of a renewable source.

Apparently GM is making good headway with this technology.

According to a recent post on GM's Fastlane blog page by Charles Freese, Executive Director, Fuel Cell Activities, GM's progress has seen his team's testing advance from their workshop into the normal GM pre-production cycle.

"With quantifiable learnings from the Equinox fuel cell fleet and a strong technology development effort, the fuel cell program left R&D about a year ago and became part of Powertrain, where it is treated like any pre-production program when it comes to seeking efficiency, cost reduction, design for manufacturability, and other elements of a production program. It is still expensive, but the costs are coming down dramatically. Our next-generation fuel cell architecture is 220 pounds lighter, uses about half the parts and roughly a third of the precious metals, compared to the still-impressive Equinox demonstration vehicles."

They're not out of the woods and ready to start preparing the sales brochures yet, however.

"For today, we must help people understand that the fuel cell vehicles they can drive now would still be out of reach for most buyers. Fuel cells must cross the same “valley of death,” that every new technology must endure. GM is developing advanced hydrogen fuel cell designs that are clearly on a path toward affordable hydrogen-powered vehicles. As we move from petroleum to other energy sources we must consider the true technology costs and stay the course to achieve our long-term objectives."

The graphic below represents the reduction in compexity and size of GM's current fuel cell prototype powertrains.