Is A New Engine In The Corvette's Future?

Corvette fanatics! Though the current Corvette sports the original Corvette formula, many changes are in store for the beloved sports car.

According to leaked General Motors service documents, a new engine will appear in the 2018 Corvette. Though similar to the 6.2-liter V8 used in the current Corvette, this codenamed LT5 engine will drop the pushrod valve actuation, which has been used since the ‘Vette’s birth over 60 years ago and switch to a dual-overhead camshaft, or DOHC layout.

General Motors has done some impressive things with the current V8 engines used in the Corvette, but DOHC will allow the engines to rev more freely and give engineers a wider powerband to work with when trying to extract horsepower from an engine. The LT5 will likely provide a greater eagerness to rev and produce less low-end grunt than other Corvette engines.

The LT5 engine is expected to appear in 2018 (around the same time the mid-engined Corvette that we’ve mentioned) so we’ll keep you posted over the next 12 months! In the meantime, be sure to stop in and see us at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN!

Get Ready For The All-New 2018 Chevy Traverse

According to recent Chevrolet news, the brand is continuing on with the transformation of its crossover and SUV lineup with the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, which will debut Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show.

This all-new Traverse will feature a sleek, bold design and will seat up to eight passengers. Chevy expects it to offer the best third-row legroom and cargo space when compared to other vehicles in its class. The Traverse will be joining the 2017 Bolt EV and Trax, the 2018 Tahoe and Suburban, and the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, which was revealed in September.

“Nobody in the industry offers a broader, fresher lineup of SUVs and crossovers than Chevrolet,” stated Alan Batey, president of GM North American and brand chief of Global Chevrolet. “From the all-electric Bolt EV to America’s longest-running nameplate, Suburban, we’ve got something for every customer and lifestyle.”

If you’re in the market for a new SUV or crossover, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to stop in and see us at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN!

Stay Safe This Season With These 6 Tips For Driving In Winter Weather

Winter is making its swift approach and we all know that with the colder temperatures often comes the dreaded snow. Sure, snow is great if you don’t have anywhere to go but unfortunately, we all end up having to drive in it at some point. Driving in snow is dangerous and our team at West Chevrolet is Knoxville, TN wants you to get to your destination safely. Check out our tips for driving in the winter weather:

Clear snow and ice off of your car before driving

Snow left on your car causes problems for you and the drivers around you, so it is essential to de-ice your vehicle before you hit the road. If snow is left on your windshield, it blocks your view while creating tons of blind spots. If snow is on the roof of your car, it may slide down while driving, completely blocking your view or fly back and create trouble for the cars behind you.

Reduce speed

Tires have severely reduced grip of the road in icy and snowy conditions. Reducing your speed gives you more control and time to react if slippage occurs. Should things go wrong, slower speeds also lead to a lessened impact.

Accelerating, braking and turning should all be separate actions

Attempting to brake while turning or accelerate while turning is the recipe for disaster in snowy conditions. Always be sure to slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is still going straight and gently (very gently!) accelerate when making the turn.

Longer braking distance

Keeping a good distance from the vehicle ahead of you, and be sure to apply the brakes earlier than you would in dry conditions. Also, use much less pressure on the brakes than you normally would. Locking your wheels will cause the vehicle to slide or skid.

Steer into a skid

Should the rear of your vehicle begin to slide while you’re making a turn, do not panic! Stay calm, let your foot off of the accelerator and steer your vehicle in the direction of the slide. This will keep you in control.

Just because the road looks clear, doesn’t mean it is safe

Just because a road looks clear of snow does not mean that is clear of danger. Black ice, a layer of ice on the road typically mistaken for wet pavement, is often found on bridges, overpasses and shaded parts of the road. According to one study, trying to stop on black ice takes nine times longer than normal, leaving no room for error if you happen to come across it. Keep in mind that if the road is wet and temperatures are below 32 degrees, freezing will occur.

Chevy's First-Ever Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission Debuts In 2017 Malibu

Chevy’s first-ever nine-speed automatic transmission, also known as the Hydra-Matic 9T50, has made its official debut in the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder 2017 Malibu and brought with it some impressive changes, like an EPA estimated 33 mpg highway and improved performance.

“In addition to improved fuel efficiency, the 9T50 offers a strong overall balance of performance and refinement that customers will feel at all driving speeds,” stated Dan Nicholson, vice president of Global Propulsion Systems. “By the end of 2017, Chevrolet will offer four models with the new nine-speed.”

The nine-speed transmission will also be available in the 2017 Cruze Diesel and 2018 Equinox by the end of 2017. In an effort to be even more fuel efficient, the transmission will support stop/start technology on all models.

“Everything about the new nine-speed is designed to maximize benefits for the customer,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Marketing. “It helps offer greater fuel efficiency in the city and on the highway, all with the world-class refinement that makes the drive quiet and smooth.”

After selling roughly 205,117 Malibus in the United States so far this year, the brand is well on its way to a record sales year with this vehicle. To test drive yours, stop by and see us at West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN!