The 2017 Silverado HD Carhartt Concept

 

A recent announcement by Chevrolet states that the brand will be partnering with Carhartt, Inc. to create the 2017 Silverado HD Carhartt concept, a truck detailed with Carhartt touches- and yes, it’s as awesome as it sounds. The truck will be on display next week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

According to GM and Chevy, Silverado and Carhartt have a mutual passion for two important things: durability and long-lasting products.

“When you think about the two brands and what they represent, but also the customers that purchase them, there’s a lot of passion for the Carhartt brand and the Silverado brand,” said High Milne, senior manager of Silverado marketing and advertising. “We’re talking to the same people, people who buy Carhartt stuff or drive our trucks.”

This two-toned black truck features two different paint jobs- a matte black along the top and shiny black on the bottom half. Throughout the exterior, you will see Carhartt design elements in the “Carhartt Brown” accent paint, like the driver’s door which features the brand’s “C” logo and Silverado written in Carhartt style font. Additionally, nickel finishes inspired by Carhartt’s buttons are used on the wheels and around the blacked-out Chevy bowtie on the grille.

As far as the interior goes, you will find Carhartt’s name featured on the floor mats and the Carhartt logo on the headrests. The Carhartt duck-brown cloth material is also featured on part of the seats, armrests and door panel inserts. Even the truck bed features a roll-up tonneau cover made from Carhartt material.

Although there are no definite plans to sell the truck, Tony Ambroza, senior vice president of marketing for Carhartt says that they are interested if that changes.

“If Chevy decides to pursue that opportunity, we’re very interested in working with them on that,” stated Ambroza. “The idea was if people respond to it as well as we hope they will, that we’ll have conversations on how we can continue to partner together and bring the ultimate work truck to life.”

Not sure about you, but we’re on board! Hopefully one day we’ll get it in our showroom!

Come visit us at West Chevy in Knoxville, TN to check out the current 2017 Silverado 1500!

Chevy's All-New Blue Line Series

Similar to last year’s Red Line Series, Chevrolet plans to release another set of concepts at this year’s Nov.1 SEMA Show in Las Vegas- the Blue Line Series. In contrast to the Red Line Series, which highlighted Chevy’s sporty character, The Blue Line Series stands for the lifestyle and personalization possibilities of the brand. The Malibu and Cruze RS hatchback will both be used as the base of these unique concepts and will also feature newly-developed accessories specifically for them.

“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers,” stated Roger McCormack, director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner. We look forward to gauging public reaction at the SEMA Show and other venues.”

The two vehicles will feature Genesis White exteriors, contrasted with blue-tinted windows and slate-blue metallic painted 18-inch wheels. Add-ons for the Malibu include a rear diffuser, a black grille insert, black Chevrolet bowtie emblems, a rear spoiler, illuminated door sills and a suspension lowering kit.

The Cruze RS hatchback will feature a chrome grille insert, suspension lowering kit, performance brake package and performance exhaust system. As for the interior, custom satin graphite accents will be placed on the instrument panel, shift knob and door inserts.

Interested in these enhancements for yourself? According to Chevy, some of the Blue Line performance parts and accessories will be available at the end of this year. Others will be available towards the middle of 2017. And good news- as long as your Chevy dealer, West Chevrolet installs them, your warranty will remain intact!

4 Fall Road Trips To Take In Your Chevy Impala

Fall is officially here and what better time to take a road trip than now? We picked a few places for you...they’re some of the best places to road trip from Knoxville, Tennessee. Whether you’re looking for a getaway with some friends or a weekend with the kids, each of these destinations have a little something for everybody. Pack up your Chevy Impala and hit the road!


Atlanta, Georgia (3 hours)

With tons of family-friendly activities, Atlanta is one of our favorite places to take the kiddos. Some of the things to put on the top of your “To-Do” list while you’re there include the Georgia Aquarium (one of the world’s largest), World Coca-Cola, the world headquarters of CNN, Piedmont Park, the Centennial Olympic Park, and The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum… we could go on for the entire three hour drive it takes to get there. Add all of this to an impressive culinary scene, vibrant (and welcomed) street art, and hip ambiance- you’re guaranteed to have a peachy time.

Chattanooga, Tennessee (1 hour 45 minutes)

A perfect combination of outdoor scenery and indoor activities, Chattanooga is another great place for a weekend with the kids. Just under a two hour drive, this city is set right along the Tennessee River and in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Points of interest include Lookout Mountain, Rock City, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Ruby Falls. No matter where you end up, we promise you won’t be disappointed with the views.

Asheville, North Carolina (2 hours)

Asheville, otherwise known as the Land of the Sky, is located in North Carolina and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, happy-go-lucky residents and colorful history. Whether you’re looking for a getaway with some friends or a family-filled weekend, you’ll find exactly what you need here. We highly suggest visiting Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Parkway. Additionally, the brewery tours are a must; Asheville also calls itself “Beer City USA” and considering it has more breweries per capita than any other city in America, they can most certainly get away with it. Great beer, great views and great food... What more could you ask for?

Gatlinburg, Tennessee- The Great Smoky Mountains (1 hour)

Gatlinburg is the ultimate mountain town located in eastern Tennessee and there is no better time to visit than now. Rent a cabin and enjoy a weekend in the woods. The foliage is unlike any other- whether you’re gazing from your deck with a cup of coffee in hand or hiking through it. Want to go out and about? Go apple picking, play a round of golf, or visit the Ole Smoky Candy kitchen!

Up-And-Coming Military Spec Vehicle: The Colorado ZH2

Nearly one year ago, General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) revealed that they would be working side-by-side to develop a military spec vehicle. And this vehicle is no ordinary military vehicle… It will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

What’s so significant about hydrogen fuel cells? Lots of things. These fuel cells (often compared to a battery) use both hydrogen and oxygen as fuel to produce electricity and water. From there, the electricity produced is used to power the vehicle and the water can be either emitted or captured for other uses, which is great for hostile desert conditions.

The vehicle itself is called the Colorado ZH2 and- you guessed it- is based on a stretched version of the Chevrolet Colorado (with many modifications to make it military-ready, of course). Featuring an Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit, the hydrogen fuel cells are used to power equipment in rough terrain and remote areas very quietly and with zero emissions. Additionally, the vehicle runs much cooler, so thermal cameras have a hard time detecting it.

As far as power goes, the ZH2’s drivetrain produces a horsepower of 174. This will feed one motor, which is linked to all four wheels but GM is, in fact, thinking about giving each axle its own motor.

Although you likely won’t be seeing the ZH2 on public roads, Charlie Freese, leader of GM’s fuel cell program, says that fuel cells will be making their way into customer hands at some point in time.

Since that point in time isn’t here quite yet, we hope you’ll stop by West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN to check out the 2016 Colorado!

Introducing The All-New 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

On the same day as this year’s autumnal equinox, the new and improved 2018 Equinox was introduced to the world. This compact SUV has been revamped to meet the needs and desires of drivers and their passengers with a new design, added safety features and all-new propulsion systems.

“We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’ve reinvigorated our car lineup with the Volt, Cruze, and Malibu,” stated Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. “We’re applying the same customer focus to grow our crossover/SUV business - starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.”

The spacious interior of the 2018 Equinox now offers a down-and-away instrument panel and a lower windshield base, allowing for an outstanding outward view. Connectivity is the most advanced yet, with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto. And as far as safety goes, this vehicle has got you covered; features such as Safety Alert Seat, Surround Vision, Rear Seat Reminder and Teen Driver technology ensure the safety of everyone in (and outside of) the car.

The vehicle’s exterior has been given a richer image with subtle details, like chrome trim and sleek, muscular lines. Projector-beam headlights have been added, in addition to horizontal taillamps which enhance the Equinox’s wide stance.

Wondering where the power will come from? The 2018 Equinox now offers a range of three turbocharged engines- a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo and a 1.6L turbo-diesel. These options give carbuyers more say when it comes to the performance, efficiency and capability of the vehicle.

“It’s an all-new SUV from the ground up and one that takes on the industry’s biggest competitors with a stronger architecture, greater efficiency and more technology and looks great doing it,” said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer.

The 2018 Equinox will be headed to West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN in the first quarter of 2017… We’ll let you know when it arrives!