ZR1 Corvette Selected as Prized Pace Car For 2018 Indy 500

A famed event that is bound to get everyone excited here in Knoxville is the coming of the Indianapolis 500. Billed as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, it is included as part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which comprises three of the most heralded events worldwide, including the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of LeMans. It is very thrilling for all of us here at West Chevy to announce that the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will be the car chosen to lead drivers to the green flag that Sunday, in the high-octane and action-packed race sponsored by PennGrade Motor Oil.

This is the 15^th time that a Corvette has been awarded the duty of official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29^th time that a Chevy car has led the way, a tradition that dates way back to 1948. This was when a Fleetmaster six convertible was the selected leader. There has been no other vehicle at all that served as the front-running leader to the flag more often than the Corvette, and to celebrate this legacy, the 2019 ZR1 along with 14 other 'Vettes that have Paced during the Indianapolis 500 were on display there last week. It makes sense that the fastest Corvette ever made is going to proudly pace for the Indy once again, and many who are unfamiliar with the wide spectrum of this amazing car's potential will get an opportunity to witness it up close and personal.

The 2019 ZR1 Pace Car musters its muscle for the track from the LT5 Small Block 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, with 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque. Shifting duties are completed by means of the 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission, slaying the task at hand while the ZR1 avidly handles every inch of the track. We can show you here at West Chevy how the performance package enhances the ZR1: it adds an adjustable stanchion-mounted carbon fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, and the world-class performance-tuned suspension.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is the very first fast-reacting suspension ever built, originally presented to the high-performance market from Cadillac. This amazing system uses a specific fluid that is infused expertly with magnetized particles, that are put in place to respond to the rapid changes that occur during different driving conditions, and variances in speed on the track. It was engineered with such a high level of expertise, that it can respond and react quickly to every unique corner or bump in the road with amazing precision, and quickly make adjustments to perfect the ride.

The Performance Data and Video Recorder available for the ZR1 converts the vehicle into an advanced driving analysis tool. Every aspect of your driving is recorded, including real-time video and audio, along with 34 different channels of performance data, to help review your last drive. You can take an up-close look at your most thrilling moments from the track, and use the data to analyze how to hone in on lowering your time, or handling for your next run. Everyone on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville will be watching the race this May, and we can't contain our excitement about once again offering up another Pace Car contender!

2019 Camaro Loaded With Next-Generation Infotainment, New Track Mode

With spring weather definitely making its appearance in the Knoxville metro area, some customers are asking us about the models looming on the horizon. Everything available for 2018 has been fantastic, but what about the cars slated to come in the future? Always known for having an amazing balance of refinement, driving fun, and sheer value, the Camaro's 2019 model is striving to reach even higher, with more of the technology, design, and choices for driving that customers demand. Known for years for being relentlessly head-to-head with the Mustang, it has always been a high performer, and hailed for making long-lasting memories, while fully killing it in the torque and horsepower delivery categories.

Next Year's Camaro has some distinct differences in front-end styling between the LS/LT, RS and SS, where the grille, fascia, and LED dual-element headlamps retain the styling within the front end, that has been heavily worked on for airflow-optimization. The SS-specific front fascia sports the grille emblem with an open bowtie, and the most diehard of Camaro fans will appreciate the extractor-style hood, as well as the sinister character it evokes. Visiting us for a thrilling test drive of the LT will make you want to check out the RS Appearance Package: it adds unique polished black grille, as well as Galvano Chrome Lower inserts, brand new LED headlamps, and 20-inch wheels. All models for the 2019 year will have new rear fascias. Any model equipped with Dual Mode Exhaust will have specific diffusers on the RS and SS types.

Balancing a first-rate combination of over-the-top performance and weight distribution enabled by the Camaro's 2.0-L turbocharged engine, the new benefits of the Turbo 1LE exclusively include a 6-speed manual transmission. The fully tailored chassis package is derived from the model of the V6 1LE, and delivers performance that can absolutely handle the highest amounts of healthy pressure in a demanding track situation. The carefully patented FE3 suspension sports larger front and rear stabilizer bars, rigidly fine-tuned dampers, and cross axis ball joints in the rear tow links, working full-time to enhance an overall stiff feel during drive time.

All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville would have to agree that one of the most exciting features of next year's Camaro is the addition of Track Mode: it is an additive that can really prepare for the trials and constantly changing conditions of the different locations where a high-throttled speed burst may take place. The 2019 Camaro also offers the ultra-cool next-generation Infotainment 3, providing all-new systems that utilize a completely revamped interface. The design replicates the ways you can be productive with a tablet or smartphone, offering cloud connection, voice recognition, and the very useful ability to enable software updates automatically over the web.

While you are going over your last high-performance speed dash on an open road, or simply your daily urban excursion to devise a new route, you'll be thankful for the enhanced-for-2019 Data Recorder System, and the standard rear camera mirror on ZL1 and 2SS models. The Camaro has definitely proven itself as the “pony of choice” under many various performance circumstances, and all of us are excited to carry on a tradition of providing high-octane vehicles that have the ability to etch themselves deeply in any speed-adoring auto fan's long-lasting memory banks!

Colorado ZR2 Snags Honors for “Must Test Drive” Award Winner Via Autotrader

This past week, the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 had the opportunity to add heftily to its growing list of awards, with its new recognition as a 2018 Autotrader Must Test Drive Award winner. It was one of twelve different high-achieving vehicles announced by the publication, and was the only pickup truck in the group to be selected. Some of the factors that winners were chosen for included interior comfort, materials, available technology, and quality of the ride. The truck we love so much to represent was praised highly for “Easy-to-handle dimensions” and “Very cool off-road capabilities”. Autotrader notes that the ZR2 is absolutely a true off-road machine, with a uniquely rugged vibe, and a vehicle that is consistently ready for almost anything under the sun to be thrown at it.

Chief engineer for midsize truck of GM Anita Burke quoted last week that her entire team is “honored by this recognition, and thrilled that Autotrader has picked up on the versatile footprint and serious off-road capabilities of ZR2”. This is a truck that built very strongly on the already very capable platform of the Colorado, and all West Chevy customers who are looking for a great truck or off-road vehicle should give it a sense-awakening test drive. The ZR2 is a truck that combines the maneuverability and nimbleness of a mid-size pickup perfectly with a host of new off-road features and technology, and can be a powerful additive to your family or business vehicle lineup!

The ZR2 is very unique to a standard Colorado truck, in that it features a three-and-a-half inch wider track, as well as a suspension with a two-inch lift, directly from the factory. Other additives include rocker protection to help get over vehicles, and front as well as rear bumpers modified for what boils down to extremely taught and successful off-road clearance. You'll get to experience the outright usefulness and tough functionality of front and rear locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the very first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology. This allows for extra flexibility tuned into the discs themselves, as well as the shape and size of the ports they cover, and also determines how much fluid flows between the chambers above and below the piston.

Four Wheeler editor Ken Brubaker wrote this past month that “The ZR2 takes the capable Colorado platform to a new level, with a dizzying array of modifications including front and rear differential lockers, a 2-inch higher ride height, 3.5-inch wider track width, additional skidplating, 31-inch tires, and many more off-road centric goodies”. One has to keep in mind that this is also the truck that won the prestigious 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler, after extensive ramp travel and scrutinizing track testing over 1,000 miles of varied terrain.

Judges were in awe of the protection of the underbody via means of additional skidplating, and the ability to really handle well over choppy sand or rough trails at very high speeds. It may be navigation over a tight two-rock trail, or running over vast spaces at high speeds: whatever scenarios you are facing, this year's ZR2 can provide the strength and vigor to see you up and over the top. When you come visit us here in Knoxville at West Chevy, check out this award-winning truck's massive connectivity features: the infotainment system is equipped with full navigation capabilities, and an 8-inch touchscreen to boot!

Chevy Hailed as J.D. Power's Most Awarded Brand for 2017 Year

Customers that are visiting us here at West Chevy of Knoxville have different questions when they come in on the hunt for their ultimate vehicle, and some families have more specific needs than others. We all take a great amount of pride in the various safety features that you can find on Chevy trucks and cars, and the many high marks we have gleaned from auto blogs worldwide about the appeal of our brand's interior features. Last week, Chevrolet was named J.D. Power's most awarded brand of 2017 at the J.D. Power Automotive Summit, where 6 various cars, trucks, and SUVs won a total of nine awards in 3 crucial studies. Initial Quality, Vehicle Dependability, and APEAL Studies were the areas that Chevy vehicles had first-rate performance.

GM North American president Alan Batey claimed that “Chevrolet is winning with consumers, because designers, engineers, and dealers are focused on delivering great products, as well as a great ownership experience”. The Vehicle Dependability Study examines major issues reported by owners of vehicles that have aged a full 3 years, and ultimately determines which autos are the most reliable in the long run. As far as 2014 models were concerned, the Chevy Sonic, Camaro, Tahoe, and Silverado HD were deemed the most reliable in this category.

The Initial Quality Study completes the task of measuring various problems experienced by owners during the first 3 months. The Silverado, Silverado HD, and Chevy Sonic all dominated the pack, displaying extreme prowess and excellence throughout the first 90 days of ownership. This is a time period during car ownership that is much more important than some realize: even though most cars possess the ability to perform superbly upon purchase, there are some problems and defects that owners may want to avoid with their purchase.

The Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) measures the level of emotional attachment and excitement customers have about their car purchase, across several categories. The Chevy Tahoe and Bolt both dominated this segment, proving once again that many Chevy owners tend to “consider their car their best friend”. Led by Chevrolet, GM has delivered 4 consecutive years of pickup sales domination in the mid and large-size trucks categories, due to our strong 3-truck strategy. Last year, our beloved Tahoe and Suburban both accounted for nearly half of all large SUV's delivered to U.S. Retail customers.

As soon as the all-new Equinox and Traverse were launched, many customers worldwide agreed that it was the broadest and freshest lineup of crossovers for the last two years. Chevy is now the top leader in manufacturing affordable, long-range Evs, with 43,646 Bolts and Volts delivered to customers during the 2017 sales year. During the near future, many will purchase an electric car that had previously never thought of doing so, and we stand by the fact that our options are the savviest and high-performing on the market. Product excellence is a trait that we really endorse here at West Chevy, and we will be happy as always to assist you during all steps of the purchase process!