Help Build a 'Vette

In an unprecedented move, Chevrolet is letting purchasers of either the ZO6 or ZR1 versions of the venerable Chevrolet Corvette actually help assemble their cars' engines at General Motors’ Performance Build Center (PBC) in Wixom, Mich.

Fortunately this is performed under the supervision of and support from skilled technicians. When the engine is assembled, a personalized nameplate is added to the engine next to the builder’s name. It is then sent to the Corvette assembly plant for installation in the customer’s car.

“Corvette owners are some of the most passionate – and most involved – enthusiasts in the industry,” said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Engine Build Experience offers customers an unprecedented opportunity to participate, hands on, in creating the car.”

While you'd typically get a discount for putting in your own labor to partially assemble something you're buying, the Engine Build Experience, as it's officially called, is a $5,800 MSRP option. And on top of that, hotel accommodations and travel arrangements are extra.

Driving off Into the Sunset

Sales are winding down on two long-running retro-styled models that once turned heads like few other cars. Both the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Volkswagen New Beetle will be discontinued this fall.

Introduced in 2000, the PT Cruiser quickly became Chrysler’s top seller. The compact wagon looked like a hot rod, but featured flexible minivan-like seating that could accommodate various cargo configurations. Selling over 1.3 million units with a line that once encompassed turbocharged and convertible versions, the PT Cruiser languished in recent years and will fade away in only a single “Classic” model.

The New Beetle, which updated the memorable “Bug” from the 1960’s and ‘70s, likewise had buyers packing VW showrooms when it debuted in 1998. Including turbocharged and convertible variants (and, briefly, a diesel-powered model), it struck a decidedly emotional chord with its owners. The iconic car celebrates its departure with limited “Final Edition” models that sport unique paint treatments.

In truth, VW had nowhere to go with the New Beetle other than making minor updates. If they changed the look too much it wouldn't be a Bug any more. We'd like to see the company revive its plans to build a modern-day Microbus to keep the nostalgia ball rolling, but those plans were nixed years ago. VW has since taken the path of least resistance by selling an only nominally revised version of Chrysler's minivan, the Routan.

Chrysler, meanwhile had a lot more latitude with the PT Cruiser--the same basic idea of a small, stylish and utilitarian wagon with minivan-like features could have been recast any number of ways. Alas, while the company may have had ideas on the drawing board, a lack of cash was the obvious culprit, and the car's aging mechanicals demanded Chrysler make more than just cosmetic changes.

Limited Time Only -- 50% Off!

Just in time to make your summer reading list! The Automotive Intellgentsia 2009-2010 Sports Car Guide eBook edition for multiple platforms (including PC and Mac) is available at 50% off the $5.99 retail price through July 31, but only via this link at Smashwords.com. Be sure to enter the code SWS50 at checkout to receive the half-off discount.

Hello Again

Back from an extended hiatus to recover from hip surgery and complete assorted projects, hoping to post regularly again. First up is a big announcement about a new AI-branded eBook (See below).

--Jim Gorzelany

NEW: Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New-Car Guide

Finally comes the second book in the Automotive Intelligentsia series, and it's one that's sure to be many times more valuable than its cover price.

The Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New-Car Guide is aimed at helping motorists maximize one of the largest capital outlays they’ll ever make. The book takes an engaging step-by-step approach to acquiring a new car or truck, keeping a sharp eye on the bottom line at every turn. Readers will discover how to choose a vehicle that best meets their needs and budgets, and has the lowest long-term ownership costs; they'll learn how to take a test-drive, get the most money for their trade-ins and negotiate a rock-bottom price, among other topics.

The Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New-Car Guide also details what buyers can expect to find among each of 11 separate new-vehicle categories, from subcompacts to electric cars, including capsule reviews of all available makes and models to help jump-start their research. That's 254 cars and trucks in all.

By following the time-tested techniques presented in the Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New-Car Guide readers can keep thousands of dollars in their pockets over a typical ownership period.

Now available for the Amazon Kindle eBook reader for $6.99 via this link and for other formats via this link. Coming soon for Apple, Sony and Barnes and Noble and in a paperback edition.