Woodward Dream Cruise: No Better Place To Celebrate Chevy Camaro

The world’s largest single-day auto event took place this past weekend- yep, the one that draws in 40,000 classic cars and 1.5 million people, and is otherwise known as the Woodward Dream Cruise. The turnout was better than ever. This year was especially exciting for Chevrolet, who could think of no better place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its precious Camaro than the annual Cruise.

Chevy kicked off the weekend early on Thursday and opened up the Lansing Grand River Assembly- known to many as the home of production for the Chevrolet Camaro- so that Camaro fanatics could get a peek at what goes on inside. The following morning, Camaro owners were invited to the “Camaros and Coffee” gathering before parading from the Renaissance Center (GM’s headquarters) and down Woodward Avenue. About 200 Camaros made their way out for the parade. Finally, on Saturday, Chevrolet had a special heritage collection at its display, where Camaro fanatics were able to view rare and milestone models from the muscle car’s six generations (which also included the all-new Camaro ZL1 and 1LE).

“Dream Cruise is such a big momentous event, which is right in the wheelhouse of what these people like to do,” Todd Christensen, Chevrolet marketing manager, told Detroit News. “It just felt right.”

We don’t know about you...but we agree with Mr. Christensen. Chevrolet definitely did it right this weekend at the 22nd Annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

Oh, and good news: The 2017 Camaro ZL1 and 1LE are now available for order...we’ll let you know more about their arrival.

The All-New 2017 Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax is the brand’s smallest crossover but has made a big impression on car shoppers in America. Just last month, 9,466 models were sold in the U.S.- a 54.9% increase from the same period last year- making July its month best yet. The vehicle was first brought to the U.S. in its 2015 model year and has since experienced an overall 24.82% sales growth year-over-year.
This fall will bring us a sportier, redesigned 2017 model of the Trax, which has been modified to fit in with Chevy’s current SUV lineup.

“The 2017 Chevrolet Trax offers advanced technology, premium features and comprehensive safety in a small SUV package,” stated Steve Majoros, director of marketing at Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “The Trax is positioned to deliver exactly what our customers want: the latest technologies in the fastest-growing segment in the industry.”

Exterior updates to the Trax include a premier model to replace the LTZ model, an all-new front end, a redesigned rear-fascia and sculpted taillamps, and all-new 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, you will find a premium interior centered around a completely new instrument panel. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will both be available on the Chevy MyLink 7-inch diagonal color touch radio.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 2017 Trax headed to West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN this fall...we’ll be sure to remind you too!

How Can I Tell if my Breaks are Worn?

At West Chevrolet, we know that it can be confusing to determine when your breaks are worn. The experts at Chevrolet explain that it can be as simple as listening to what your car is trying to tell you. Watch the video to learn more about the early warning signs of worn breaks, then visit westchevrolet.com/service to schedule your service today!

Tired Of Mainstream? Chevy’s Special Edition SUVs Won’t Disappoint

After the takeoff of the 2016 Trax Midnight Edition, Chevrolet has decided to expand these special-edition features to two other well-known SUVs in their lineup. On sale now, the 2017 Equinox is available in two editions- Midnight and Summit White Sport. The 2017 Traverse is available in Graphite Edition. 

Senior director of automotive industry insights at Kelly Blue Book stated “Special Editions give consumers an opportunity to buy something outside of the mainstream trim designation. This lets them spend a little more for a unique model, one that often provides a higher resale value when it’s time to sell or trade the vehicle for their next purchase.” 

The Midnight and Summit White Editions of the Equinox will be available on the LT model. They will each feature an all-black grille with black Chevrolet bowties, black mirror caps, 18-inch black aluminum wheels, and jet-black perforated leather-appointed seats with memory seating. Rack crossbars have been added to the roof. 

The Traverse is offered on the 2LT model and has features such as Mosaic Black Metallic, Siren Red Tintcoat and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat exterior colors. It will sit on 20-inch Dark Charcoal wheels and also feature the all-black Chevrolet bowties. The Traverse will have a dual exhaust and integrated assist step, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. 

To check out one of these awesome special-edition vehicles for yourself, come visit us at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN today! 

The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is the Corvette We’ve Always Wanted

Chevrolet will release the newest edition of its beloved Corvette Grand Sport at the end of the summer. Currently, the Corvette comes in three editions: the Stingray, known for its quality and affordable price; the Z06, equipped with the enormous Z06 engine, automatic transmission, and convertible top; and finally the Grand Sport, which falls somewhere in between the two.

The Grand Sport has a rich history, beginning in 1961 when Corvette Godfather, Zora Arkus-Duntov and legendary racer, Briggs Cunningham entered a few “mostly-stock” Corvettes into Le Mans. Despite winning its category and bringing home 8th overall, GM decided not to produce the vehicle, and only a few leaked out to customers. In 1984, Chevrolet came close to the Grand Sport with its Z51 package; however it wasn’t until 1996 that the Grand Sport was officially produced.

Over 50 years later, the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport will feature bigger wheels, Michelin pilot Super Sport tires, Brembo brakes reminiscent of those on the Z06, wider rear fenders, special grille inserts, stiffer spring rates, and an electronic limited-slip differential. It has a LT1 V8 engine rated at 460 lb-ft of torque and comes in either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic editions. Standard on this vehicle is GM’s sophisticated Magnetic Ride Control.

The Grand Sport is the perfect vehicle for those Knoxville drivers who are intimidated by the Z06, but want more than what the Stingray offers. Chevy has stated that the Grand Sport is capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Like Porsche’s 918 Spyder, the Grand Sport (equipped with the Z06 package) is predicted to go from 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet. Unlike the 918 Spyder, it’s price will be significantly less than a million dollars.

We can’t wait for the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport to hit dealerships, like West Chevrolet, at the end of this summer! In the meantime, come to West Chevrolet and check out our entire inventory today! 

The 2017 Volt Is Here!

The 2017 Chevrolet Volt has recently made its appearance and brought a few changes along with it. First introduced in 2010, the Chevrolet became a part of the plug-in hybrid family and has continued to evolve into one of the most popular extended-range electric vehicles on the market. 

This four-door hatchback is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two AC generators that contribute to its propulsion. As a purely electric car, it is able to run about 400 plus miles and and has an EV range of about 53 miles in Normal mode- well above some of its competitors. Using a 240-volt source, the Volt takes just 4.5 hours to gain a full charge.

Other modes available (with the push of a console button) include Sport, Mountain and Hold. Sport is very similar to normal, the main difference being a sharpened throttle response. Mountain mode helps to the battery to stay in reserve, assisting the engine when ascending steep grades- great for those gorgeous drives through the Smoky Mountains. And finally, Hold mode will save any leftover battery charge for later use whenever complete electric driving is necessary for the driver. Both trims offered by Chevy- LT and Premier- have access to all four modes.

Overall, the Chevrolet Volt is a great option for those in search of a green-car. It’s design and engineering ensures that you will get where you need to go- all while being kind to the environment.

Come give one a test drive today at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN!