Summer New Unit Update: Chevy Bolt to Light up the Lots One Month Early

Since the Bolt’s introduction to the masses last December, Chevrolet has been slowly rolling the car out to more states in preparation for its availability to everyone. GM representative Fred Ligouri confirmed that August will be the month where you can come see just how many cool features this plug-in offers the Eco-conscious consumer. Said to be vivaciously quick on its feet and ultimately very fun to drive, this is the vehicle on the market that is truly designed to do its best to rival a Tesla.

Offering up to 53 pure electric miles and up to 420 miles with a full charge, this newer Bolt will allow the driver to make fewer stops. All of us here In Knoxville on the lot agree that this will ultimately help you focus on your commute, and begin to visit the gas station less and less. The Bolt proudly touts a 1.5-liter direct injected high-efficiency engine, and creates its own source of additional energy when the battery runs out, by use of a gas-powered generator.

Some of the most exciting features of the Bolt are the ways that you can charge and monitor the battery. Using the Innovative Power Flow screen helps you efficiently track your driving, and Regen on Demand transfers the energy from the motion of the vehicle, ingeniously storing it in the battery while slowing the vehicle down. This is all governed by the press of a paddle mounted on the steering wheel, and the recharging options are also luring many into checking out this electrified and uniquely individual auto.

You can take the 13-hour route, where the car recharges with a 120-volt portable cord, or opt for a professionally installed charging system, that is double the charge and takes about 4 and a half hours. When it comes to electricity, some consumers are worried about rates, and you can even utilize location-based charging. Based on GPS data, the “home” setting for charging allows you to take advantage of electricity rates that are off-peak in price, and it will begin charging immediately when you leave the house. The Bolt combines looks that are very striking with aerodynamics that are finely-tuned, meant to be a bit bolder of an attitude on display than some of the other similar electric cars out there.

The reason for the Bolt becoming available quicker is big news for drivers in the Knoxville metro is largely due to range: until now, most electric cars at the entry level could not achieve more than 100 miles of driving range on a charge. Since this model can travel up to 90 miles on a 30-minute charge at a fast-charging station, it is quite the game-changer in the electric realm. Agile handing, seating for up to five, and features like a 10.2” touch screen are all within reach for a price that is almost under half of what is needed to obtain a Tesla Model S.

Ask about our 8-year warranty, that also takes you up to 100,000 miles, and takes along with it some of the worry that you may have about owning a high-tech EV. We can show you the LT and Premier trim levels that are available for the Bolt as well. Get ready to fully embrace electric, and be wowed at the features and capabilities of Knoxville's best energy-saving auto option.

West Chevrolet’s Wild Summer Truck Report: 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Test Drive

Appropriately named after what is unquestionably one of the most rugged and adventuresome states in the nation, the Colorado is the new king of the action-driver's / off-road niche. This is a vehicle for achieving high speeds in the desert, crawling over looming rocks in the wild, and your routine-seeming daily commute as well. Here in Knoxville, we have the Smokies close by and accessible for multiple off-roading opportunities, and some of the most fun you can have during summer is in the wild with a more-than-able machine.

The well-equipped ZR2 comes standard with front, rear and center differentials, 31-inch tires, a 3.5-inch wider track than the previous Colorado Z71, and a 2.0-inch lift. Just about everyone that has test driven this beast agrees on one very important fact: the shocks in this truck are out-of-this-world superior. They are Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers, and their original development was intended for use in Indy and F1 cars. Inside are spring-activated spool valves, that are used to prevent extreme overheat.

As compression takes place, the shocks gradually become stiffer. If you are in a truly extreme off-roading situation, you will be able to actually catch air with confidence. The landing is nearly always the toughest part of jumping in an actual truck, but the most skilled of ditch and creek desperadoes claim that they really enjoy the stickiness the ZR2 possesses right when it lands. If the feeling of a suave sports car is what you get a hankering for every once in a drive, you can leave the ZR2 in two-wheel drive, switch the stability control to Off-Road Mode, and attain more of a drift as you embark across dirt or other obstacle-ridden terrains.

You can get the ZR2 with the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, or opt for the 4-cylinder turbo diesel for just over $3,000 extra. Either one you choose can be paired with an extended cab or crew cab body, and both are appropriately matched to automatic trannies. The very responsive V6 is great to use when you are in a situation needing very high speeds, but the diesel setup really shows its efficiency level when you embark for a highway cruise. For a diesel-driven option, this is really not that noisy of a ride, and you’ll also enjoy the heated seats, wireless charging pad, and built-in Wi-Fi that comes along for the ride. Every unit has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, and payload ability of 1,100.

In essence, the Toyota Tacoma is a rival product that is a fairly trusty rock climber, but the real issue at stake is the power, and the ZR2 has much more of it. You’ll notice a better-rounded appeal in the ZR2 than the Ford F-150 Raptor as well, while the sales and service staff here at West Chevrolet will be happy to help you along with a lease or sale of one. Get ready to experience just how thrilling the warm-weather months can be with a truck that has 8.9 inches of ground clearance at the bottom of the rear shocks, and other cool features such as a bed-mounted tire carrier. This is the season to definitely savor what some deem as unexplorable, and the Colorado ZR2 is most definitely the truck to take you.

On-Location Rigorous Road Report: Chevy Cruze Diesel In Action

During the times right after the financial crisis, it seemed that many manufacturers including GM were not really pushing smaller cars. The Japanese and Koreans were heavily dominating the production, but then a pivotal event happened that made many want to create a stake in taking the small car game: gas prices were rising significantly. Here at West Chevrolet, we recognize the finer elements of competition from contenders such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. When the Cruze debuted in 2009, it arrived with a certain flair that consumers were very hungry for, and it became a 3-million unit selling hit.

The second-generation Cruze roared to life on roads nationwide two years ago, and possessed a 1.6-liter diesel four-cylinder model, equipped with a choice of nine-speed automatic, or six-speed manual transmission. It vigorously churns out 137-hp, with 240-lb-ft of torque. The torque factor is one of the reasons why many power-hungry drivers turn to diesel to begin with, and GM proudly stands behind the “clean” techniques used to manufacture and produce the Cruze. From tubing in the Smokies to renting a pedal boat from our friends at Adventure Outdoors, you're going to love driving in this modern and well-behaved diesel to your next Knoxville destination for outstanding summer fun.

Road testers that we were in touch with had used the six-speed manual on their planned jaunt, and this is the version that clocks in at around 52 mpg on the highway. The first thing noticed once you are behind the wheel is a sense of solid familiarity: switching from any variety of cars within the brand still gives the driver a sense of consistency and pleasant sameness. The first impression that the driver gains from the interior is that a bit of extra flash is very possible to achieve in the compact genre.

Getting the car out on the open road for a true regimen provided a lot of real-life insight on the car’s speed. Chevy itself claimed that the car’s 8 second 0 to 60 climb isn’t mind-blowing, but the high mileage factor on the highway really won us over. The steering was designed with smoothness in mind, and the trunk space is enough for a large family weekend outing, or full-fledged grocery haul. As you are embarking on whatever journey is on your itinerary, you know that you will be basking in audio from a prime supplier: the Infotainment system in the Cruze is second only to the system in the Audi car line.

If you seriously dig diesel but don't want a bug, this is the only option you've got for a smaller car, but that is honestly great news! Chevy uses a bit different emissions technology than VW, and among the different requirements is a urea-tank replenishment every 1,000 miles. What you are really getting here is a larger car that has been shrunk down to a smaller package, and a car that can provide 600 miles to a tank for you. Come to the lot during the deliciously hot Knoxvillle summer this year, and check out the diesel point of entry's awesome offering from GM: The robust and feature-filled Cruze.

Knoxville June Truck Newsflash: 2017 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Diesel Specs + Performance

Whether you are planning on hauling heavy goods around the Concord Village Historic District or itching to take a trip out to enjoy the nearby rugged landscape, there's no doubt that you have contemplated diesel. With the introduction of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, an incredibly heavy-duty pickup truck that casts a 21+ ft shadow is presented to the willing fans of the rugged and able. Taking up 8 feet of lane width in it's widest form, this is a tried-and-tested work rig or anyone that has serious plans to build or innovate in the Knoxville metro.

The 3500HD is available in the driver's choice of dualie and nondualie, and those who regularly tow heavier-than-average loads will love the extra ability and margin the dualie offers. Spending just a bit more for the spreading of the load over four rear tires, and also adds 15 ½ inches to the width of the truck. During intense testing, the extra-wide 3500 dualie was able to come to a stop from a nearly breakneck speed of 70 MPH in just 199 feet. This is a mere 7 feet shorter than the dualie Ram 3500 Heavy Duty, and something of notice to consider when you are contemplating the need to have an able hauler that can semi-stop on a dime. If spending time in the massive wild and towing around toys that make your camping life better entices you like crazy, the upgrade to the 445-hp 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is well worth it.

The all-new engine in the 3500HD sees some notable gains over last year's Duramax mill, as horsepower rises by 48, with the trepid torque factor increasing to 910 lb-ft at 1600rpm. This is 145 lb-ft. More than last year's engine, and 530-lb-ft more than the base 6.0-liter V-8. The hood scoop is specific to this new and muscular diesel breed, and does a great job of feeding air intake for the rather large 403-cubic-inch engine. GM claims that this is a massive help as far as helping the engine run better, and keeping it cool with large loads in tow. It's not just helping out a friend in a pinch: you can tow just about anything under the sun from the Gibbs Drive Historic District on up to locations like the Cherokee National Forest.

With camping and boating season fully upon us, this is a vehicle that you won't regret having in your armada: this very impressive turbo-diesel V-8 engine has an absolutely unique power build up and prowess. The torque that is for the most part lag-free helps this 8400+ lb wonder machine move with full confidence, and the weighty Silverado did spectacularly on test track's pavement. You get from 0 to 60 mph in a lightening-fast 6.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile is accomplished in 15.1 seconds. These stats are actually in line with the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, which is an overwhelmingly small slice of the weight at 2509 lbs.

Two cameras under each of the truck's large side-view mirrors, and another camera overlooking the bed can be installed to personalize your rig, and aid in off-road navigation. A very easy-to-use Mylink system has a very useful handful of hard buttons on the dash, as well as large knobs that make volume and tuning easy and simple. Come see us at West Chevy to take in the features of a diesel beast that can pull 11+ tons, and can wow you with it's quiet ride, as well as staunch ability to steer you into any fun or task-laden frontier.