Chevrolet, Disney Inspire Design Innovation with Test Track

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Chevrolet, Disney Inspire Design Innovation with Test Track

Two iconic brands collaborate to deliver interactive, personalized experience

 

DETROIT – Chevrolet designers and Walt Disney Imagineers have joined forces to give Walt Disney World Resort guests a deep look inside a professional design studio creating a first-of-its-kind multi-sensory virtual experience in automotive design.

 

Chevrolet and Disney tapped their best design talent with expertise ranging from industrial and automotive design to architecture and animation. The design collaboration began 18 months ago with a few guiding principles – create an experience that is personal, future-focused and optimistic.

 

The two teams met regularly throughout the development process in both GM’s Design studios in Warren, Mich., and at Test Track in Epcot in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The collaboration allowed for the greatest level of innovation yet ensured the values of both brands were accurately represented in the new attraction, while allowing both teams to learn from each other’s expertise. 

 

“At Chevrolet, the diversity of talent on our team allows us to consistently produce sophisticated, refined and detailed design – but we don’t typically design through the eyes of a 12-year-old,” said Jeff Mylenek, GM Design manager, Global Exhibit and Merchandising Design. “Working with Walt Disney Imagineering, we were inspired to see our brand story from a more youthful perspective and really opened the parameters on how to approach this design challenge.”

 

The result is a unique experience that gives an authentic, inside-the-studio look at the actual automotive design process, while empowering guests themselves to create their own designs, possibly inspiring the next generation of automotive designers.

 

“The re-imagined Test Track portrays an optimistic view of the future, and reflects the deep collaboration between Disney and Chevrolet on both the design and the overall experience,” said Eric Jacobson, senior vice president, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a thrilling attraction supported by rich exhibit displays and interactive elements that bring guests directly into the design process – with a few surprises thrown in.”

 

The teams used multiple mediums throughout the re-imagined attraction for storytelling, including:

• Visual cues inspired by Chevrolet’s expressive vehicle design language throughout the architectural elements in the space as well as in the interactive displays; speed forms and concept vehicle displays, like EN-V and Miray, provide a glimpse into the future of Chevrolet design.
• Advanced computer technology – similar to that used by Chevrolet designers every day – powers the guest design experience, while radio frequency technology allows them to take their unique vehicle design with them through the entire ride.
• A thrill-ride that provides the test experience where each guest’s vehicle design is evaluated.
• Social media sharing extends the experience beyond the day at the park.

 

Test Track Presented by Chevrolet offers Disney guests a three-part experience:

• First, guests will have the opportunity to design their own vehicle – car, truck or crossover – with some helpful hints from the Chevrolet designers built into the process.  “Designing a successful vehicle requires some careful thought about how to balance capability, efficiency, responsiveness and power – some of the key elements that Chevrolet designers must consider with every new vehicle they imagine,” said Mylenek.

• Next, they will have the chance to test drive their vehicle design, through the ride, on track surfaces that simulate the actual vehicle validation process that Chevrolet engineers use to ensure every new vehicle meets the highest performance standards.  Each guest’s vehicle design will be evaluated and scored based on how well their design balanced the core attributes. 

• Finally, guests have the opportunity to race their vehicle over changing terrain and extreme conditions on a digital driving table, produce and share a TV commercial starring their custom vehicle and pose for action shots in front of their design.

 

The re-imagined Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will open on Dec. 6, 2012. For more information, please visit: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/attractions/test-track/

 

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found atwww.chevrolet.com.

 

About GM Design

The first and largest global automotive OEM design function, General Motors has a network of ten Design Centers in seven countries around the world. The GM Design team is made up of designers from a variety of disciplines, not just vehicle design specialists. Designers from architecture, fashion, ceramics, graphic and interior design fill the studios globally, sharing expertise, new approaches and perspectives.

 

About Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous, nearly 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation destination featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 35 resort hotels (25 owned and operated by Walt Disney World, includes seven Disney Vacation Club resort properties); 81 holes of golf on five courses; two full-service spas; Disney’s Wedding Pavilion; ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex.  Walt Disney World Resort is also included in vacation packages of Disney Cruise Line. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971. Open daily, year-round.

 

***Disclosure-Informational post only.  No compensation was received.

Driving Safety Tips for Pregnant Women

Most moms are told exactly what to do when baby arrives, but what about while pregnant?   

Chevy is reminding moms-to-be some safe ways to drive while pregnant. Especially for mom-to-be on the go.

Tips

·         Wearing your safety belt is still the first thing anyone should do when they get into a vehicle and it doesn’t change when you're pregnant.  To properly fasten your safety belt while pregnant, pull the safety belt across your body so the shoulder strap fits directly over your shoulder and across your chest and the lap belt is located under your baby bump so it sits low and across your pelvic bone.  Pregnant women should avoid placing the lap belt directly across the tummy. And don’t put the shoulder strap behind your back – both portions of the safety belt are important in keeping you safe in the event of a crash.
·         While driving a vehicle during pregnancy, women should be sure to have the following stored in their vehicle: a towel or two, plastic bag (garbage bag works well), change of clothes and water.  This will help ensure that no matter what happens, you will be prepared in case of an emergency or if you go into labor while in the vehicle. Keep in mind it’s always good to be with someone if you are close to your due date or take a break and let someone drive for you. ·         If you are an active OnStar subscriber, advisors are available 24/7 in the case of a road side emergency, including assisting a woman in labor, contacting emergency medical help and providing directions to the nearest medical facility. 
 ·         Be sure to stay focused with both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.  Avoid talking on cell phones or other distractions like digging through your purse and never text while driving (that’s a bad idea for all drivers). , You are driving for two now and keeping you and your baby safe is key.
·         Before you bring your baby home, go to a local car seat check before the baby arrives to learn how to properly use your child restraint. 

To find a car seat check in your area or get more information on child safety, go to www.safekids.org

To learn more about safe driving tips from Chevy, visit drivingthesoutheast.com

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

2012 Chevy Traverse ~ Diamond Edition Review

So I had the wonderful opportunity to test drive a 2012 Chevy Traverse ~ Diamond Edition for 2 whole weeks. We are a Chevy family. And were very glad to be able to test drive the Traverse. Check out my favortie features:

-compartments-I love all the extra compartments. I like that I can keep items hidden or tucked away in the Traverse.
-steering wheel-I love that the steering wheel moves up and down, and in and out. It adjusted to fit my pregnant belly.
-3rd row-I love the 3rd row seating. I like that you can fit adults, comfortably in the back. The Traverse is made to fit adult legs.
-rear AC-My son loved this. He was able to control the temperature in the back for all the back seat passengers. No more freezing mom to keep the back cool.
-Rear Space-The 3rd row can easily be folded down for space. And there are easy to use latches to pull the seats back to where they belong. I especially like this because I am short and the belly. There is also a hidden compartment back here.
-heated and cooled seats-Houston weather, you never know which button you may need this Fall.
-10 to 12 cup holders

This vehicle is a crossover. For those people who need the van space but want a kinda car/suv look, Traverse is for you. Most guys wont get caught in the uncool mommy vehicle, but this is one is cool enough so says my husband. Not your typical mommy vehicle.  And best of all, it seats 8.


8 is enough in the Traverse from Alba Garza on Vimeo.


Would you like to test drive a Chevy Traverse? Check it out for yourself...
Test Drive a Chevy Traverse between October 31 and November 26 and receive a $40 SpaFinder gift card.

***Disclosure-I test drove the Traverse for 2 weeks. I received a gas card and a spa certificate for my time. These are my honest opinions. I am a Chevy Girl!!

Hispanicize-Thanks Buick and OnStar

Do you remember the first car you bought? I do, it was a Metallic Blue Chevy Blazer. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I had gotten into a car accident in my used, previously own car I was driving, not a Chevy. The brakes went out. They locked up on me. It was a drizzly day. I had just gotten out of work, and was trying to get on the highway. I hit the brakes, and nothing. I hit the hand brake and nothing. Next thing you know, the entire front end of my little, bitty car was under a big farm truck's bed. No one was injured, except that my car was a gonner. The next day, we headed to the dealer and I walked off the lot with my 1st new truck. I was so scared to get into a car after the accident and the truck just seem like the right fit. I did not know what I was going to purchase when I got to the lot but I knew it was going to be a Chevy. After walking around the lot, my son and I made the decision to get our truck. And yes, my son helped me decide what vehicle we would be buying. I live in Texas and I am a Chevy Girl.

Do you know how much we love our Chevy cars? Meet Chevy Rolet Garza. This is our dog. When we were thinking of names, we could not agree on a name. Until my son said he wanted to name our dog, Chevy Rolet like our truck. First name Chevy. Middle name Rolet. My son was 8 yrs old when we got him, and he thought Chevrolet, one word, was actually 2, Chevy Rolet. And after we laughed, and laughed, we all decided that was the perfect name.

In 2009, after putting so many miles into my truck driving from Texas to Florida, and everywhere in between, my husband and I decided I needed a new truck. We looked and looked. I could not see over the dashboards. There was just nothing I really liked, so we almost bought me another Chevy Blazer when my husband found a truck online for me. The GMC Terrain had just come out and was only available at some dealers. We went the same day to see it and drove off in my brand new 2010 GMC Terrain. By the way my GMC Terrain's name is T-Rex. My T-Rex and I go everywhere together. One of the features I love in my truck is the OnStar. You never know what could happen and just knowing I have OnStar gives me confidence that they will unlock my car or call EMS if ever needed. Like the time my mom was T-boned by a car and was left unconcious at the scene of the accident. Or the time a friend of ours accidently lock the car behind her, while her son was sitting in the car seat.
So now that you know that our family loves GMC, Chevy, and Onstar let me tell you of my experience...

Buick came to Hispanicize and allowed us to check out some of their vehicles. I love the experience because I was able to check out the goods of the vehicles before purchasing. Funny thing, my husband and I are currently shopping for a new vehicle since he doesn't want to put more miles on his cherished Chevy Impala which he thinks is a classic. We are looking for an everyday car, and one I can also drive if needed. Again, I must be able to see over the dashboard. If you know me, I have short legs and drive with my seat all the way up. I think I found our next purchase...which by the way if you did not know Buick is part of the GM family. I really liked the Buick Regal and it was in my favorite color, Blue! And the best thing of all, no pushy salesman trying to make his quota for the day or to sell me anything.

I wanted to Thank Buick and Onstar for providing transportation in their vehicles to one of our events. Check out the cars lined up waiting for us...

Do you see the Blue Chevrolet Silverado truck? Out of pure coincidence, this is the truck that drove us to our event. The driver hit the OnStar button. The operator greeted him. He told him where we were going, and OnStar sent the directions to the truck. I, having never driven in Los Angeles, could have not gotten lost with these directions. I was cold so the driver showed me, the dual air control system where I was able to control the temperature on my side. On the way back we rode in the Buick Regal. It was a very comfortable ride.

Disclosure-No compensation was received. This is a post about my honest experiences. Again a special Thank you to our drivers, Buick, OnStar, the wonderful ladies who greeted us and talk to us about the Buick vehicles, and to GM for making great cars!

Thanks Chevy and GM

I have been invited to a wonderful event sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX and Chevy. As many of you know, I am a Chevy girl. Our dog's name is Chevy Rolet Garza. My first car was a Chevy Blazer '00. My fiancee drives a Chevy Impala '00. My dream car is a Chevy Corvette. (One day) So we love Chevy vehicles. So when I was offered the opportunity to drive a Chevy vehicle to Great Wolf Lodge I did not hesitate to say YES. Earlier this week I found out the vehicle that was going to be delivered.


2010 Escalade Hybrid 6.0L V8 RWD Hybrid Platinum

This morning we had our Cadillac Escalade delivered to us. Thank you so much to Chevy and GM for allowing us to drive this vehicle and experience a Hybrid vehicle with OnStar, Navigation, Bluetooth, and much, much more....



If it was not enough, there was a goodie bag inside the vehicle for us to enjoy on our road trip. What is a road trip without snacks? Thanks to Chevy/GM for the wonderful goodie bag filled with snacks. Not only are there snacks but there is entertainment for the kiddos. Check out all the goodies....


I will be posting our experience all weekend long. Stay tuned Part 2-Experiencing the Cadillac Escalade coming soon