Autoblog Crew Highlights 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Suspension Improvements

Here at West Chevy of Knoxville during the holidays, many of us and our families are itching to load up a new vehicle with our closest kin and hit the town for merriment! Knoxville offers so many different things to do during December: on New Year's Eve itself, the Knoxville Museum of Art is having their annual soiree with live music, dancing, food, spirits, and a fantastic view of the fireworks on Market Square. Great choices for a vehicle to haul your most fun friends around in are the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, and they both have big news in the suspension department.

As reported on Autoblog last week, this was a very important switch and improved the test drive this team spent with the SUVs greatly. Ride quality and utility are where the improvements are the most evident, where Chevy chose a four-link independent rear suspension design. It has three lateral arms, one longitudinal arm, coil springs, and a stabilizer bar. The front suspension incorporates the same hardware as the Silverado, but the tuning allows it to be ideal for a large SUV.

Traditional steel coil springs and passive dampers are standard, but buyers will be able to choose GM's Magnetic Ride Control dampers as well as a new Air Ride Adaptive Suspension. This is so exciting because inside is the next generation of Magnetic Ride Control, expected to be better than ever before. The Milford Proving Grounds was where the team was able to treat themselves to a spin in a pre-production 2021 Chevy Tahoe.

It felt more compliant and controlled than before over a range of rough road conditions, and was equipped with both the magnetic dampers and air suspension. Just minutes before, the group drove a Ford Expedition equipped with Ford's adaptive “Continuously Controlled Suspension”. The Tahoe offered up the trait of not being tossed around as much, and the load floor is lowered by 5.3 inches. This makes for more legroom and cargo room, and even third-row passengers will see great comfort on long hauls. The 2021 Suburban sees third-row legroom increased by 2.2 inches, and cargo space behind the third row by 1.8 cubic feet.

Both V8s use the very advanced Dynamic Fuel Management system, with the larger of the two cranking out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The standard infotainment system for the Suburban is a 10-inch touchscreen, and an 8-inch digital screen in the instrument cluster comes as standard on Premier and High Country. If you are certain that long trips will be the norm for your business or family clan, be sure to check out the rear-seat entertainment package: here you see two 12.6-inch touchscreens mounted to the back of the front headrests.

2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Poised to Dominate Lavishly Large Segment

During this time of year here at West Chevy of Knoxville, our thoughts are drifting to our favorite holiday desserts, classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and loved ones finally getting to visit from far away. This is when many customers are coming to ask as about the various details and features regarding upcoming models, and begin to plan for which truck, SUV, or sedan will be fitting for them. Last year was good enough to us to bring about an all-new Silverado, and now it's time for large-size SUVs to follow suit and deliver the best in what buyers want in the way of new features. 

New LED lights as standard will be both on the front and rear of the 2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe, as well as 18-inch wheels. You'll have the choice of 9 exterior colors, and the wheelbase on the Suburban has 1.3 inches more length and a 4.1-inch stretch. The Tahoe boasts wheelbase expansion by an extra 4.9 inches, and length growth of 6.7 inches. Both of these new vehicles brandish a completely-new underside, and there is a massive upgrade in regards to the multi-link, independent rear suspension. With the solid axle no longer in place, ride quality is going to be much smoother, no matter what elements the weather and terrain condition brings. 

One of the most common concerns that those who are looking at the largest in vehicles have is about cargo space: how much is there inside for the times when you are leaving for longer than just the weekend? The new Suburban gains 19 percent in the back for a total cargo capacity weighing in at 144.7 cubic feet. Both new models also are equipped with sliding second-row seats that provide easier access to the back. To keep everyone in tow entertained, it is pretty imperative to have multiple displays in the back, and both of these new models have as many as five available. Among the five in selection is a standard 10-inch infotainment screen that now lays claim to being the largest in the category. 

It was not too many years ago when long trips that took the entire family away from town made the need for distractions such as books and board games to keep everyone in tow entertained. While those options are still an excellent way to keep passengers' minds off of how many miles are left in the journey, it is true that the digital screen has become the most frequently picked diversion. Rear-seat passengers in these two vehicles can now enjoy two 12.6-inch LCD displays, which allow for anyone not having to navigate the road the means to kick pack and enjoy their favorite form of online or pre-recorded content. 

For the incoming model, there is also the option to add the brand-new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which cranks out 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. When you know it is finally time to come down and see us here at West Chevy for a test drive, remember to inquire about the High Country trim level: it offers a visually distinct grille and 22-inch wheels that are the best Chevy “Holiday turkey-trimming treat” we've seen! 

Origins and Individuality: Chevy Silverado Carhartt Release in GM Authority

Last month in the sizzling desert at the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Chevy Silverado HD Carhartt Edition made its big public debut. The original concept was shown at SEMA 3 years ago, and is based on the Chevy Silverado 2500HD LTZ Crew Cab model, and equipped with the Z71 Off-Road Package. The expert staff on duty at GM Authority had a great feature last week about the details, and spoke with Silverado marketing manager Hugh Milne, that laid out the origins that lead to eventual completion.

During 2016 was the original release of the 2017 Chevy Silverado HD, and it was the year the new LSP Duramax diesel engine was released. Carhartt had always had a supreme and awesome reign of everything work-clothing related: fire-resistant clothing, hunting clothes, and gear for the railroad. The connection to Silverado buyers was already existent and fairly seamless, and also hailing from Dearborn, Michigan, the company was a no-brainer as far as hefty partnership potential. The more that Chevy continued to work with Carhartt, the more they realized that both entities were pretty much talking to the same customers, and a solid bond was formed.

The next step was to put together a promotional agreement, and so Carhartt was then linked into a tour that goes to state fairs and large events, and Chevy reps wore Carhartt gear while Carhartt reps hosted Chevy trucks on-site for grand opening events. The reveal of the initial concept truck at SEMA 2016 solidified further the relationship between the two, but at the time a production version was just not quite in the cards. The reveal generated wild interest, but it was late in the last truck's lifecycle. Nonetheless, numerous customers were contacting both entities asking if they would ever be lucky enough to see it built.

The initial Silverado Carhartt Edition Concept was released late in the cycle regarding the last-generation K2 platform-based truck and was about two years away from the release of the current-generation model. With the new truck now out, the green light was given to begin the production stage of the concept. It is available in Mosiac Black metallic paint and is also equipped with Carhartt gold pinstriping, unique badging, a soft rollup tonneau cover, and other exterior upgrades. On the inside, you are greeted with exclusive two-tone leather seats, embroidered headrests, and Carhartt-branded all-weather floor mats. Don't forget to visit us here at West Chevy of Knoxville this holiday season to check out this and all other available truck models: 2020 would be a great year for your family or business to experience the excitement of brand-new truck ownership!

2020 Chevy Equinox Scores Top Safety Pick From IIHS

The 2020 Chevy Equinox has been hailed by many test drivers and auto publications this holiday season for its practicality, efficiency, and luxury accents on a budget. Now named as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there is just one more reason to pick the Equinox as your next New Year's vehicle. To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle needs to earn “Good” ratings in several key crash measurements, including the driver-side small overlap front test, and roof strength.

A rating of “Good” or “Acceptable” is also needed for the passenger-side small overlap front test, as well as a “Superior” or “Advanced” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. Headlights need to finish at a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating, as the Equinox's available HID projector headlights measure up to. Having high-beam assist fitted as standard also aids the Equinox with its high safety ratings, which automatically switch between low and high beams based on the detection of other vehicles nearby. To continue in the utmost assurance of driver safety worldwide, the IIHS recently updated its side-impact crash test to better account for real-world scenarios.

During the very important scenario, the fast-moving rig's weight was increased to 4,200 pounds up from 3,300, and the vehicle will now be struck at 37 mph, up from 31 mph. The primary objective of this test is to simulate the damage that a pickup truck or large SUV would cause on another vehicle. Easy-to-use tech features, excellent fuel economy, and very capable handling are other reasons to choose the New Year's Equinox as your next vehicle here at West Chevy of Knoxville. Other new features onboard designed to keep you safe are lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection.

When you are looking into taking a longer than average trip out of town, the Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and if they are folded down, you can get 63.9 cubic feet of space. Standard features include the Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touch screen, six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The base powertrain has an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which are some of the best numbers in the compact SUV class, period. When properly equipped, the Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds. When you visit us to check out how fantastic and superior the new Equinox is, ask us about the warranty: the three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty!

GM Authority Celebrates Chevy Tahoe's 25th Birthday With Up-Close Look at 2021 Model

The Chevy Tahoe is preparing for its 25^th birthday celebration, and the folks on staff at GM Authority cranked out a cool feature this week taking a look at the new model. The original Tahoe was introduced for the 1995 model year and used a design to combine the maneuverability of a short wheelbase truck with the everyday practicality of a 4-door SUV. It was designed to ensure it could tow well and also go off-road, while also being comfortable enough to embark on a long road trip.

This proved to be a combination that the automotive-loving masses flocked to, and the Tahoe quickly became the best-selling full-size SUV in the nation and has held onto that title for 19 consecutive years. Originally intended to meet the demand in the all-purpose family vehicle niche, the Tahoe has also become commonly used as an anchor and high-performing fleet leader for law enforcement agencies. The Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle boasts a very high-output alternator and battery for running necessary onboard electronics, as well as upgraded brakes and suspension.

Right after the vehicle was released during the mid-1990s, police customers began to see the Tahoe's potential, and the Tahoe Police Package was created. December 10^th is the date we've been given here at West Chevy of Knoxville for when the wraps are pulled off of the next-generation 2021 Chevy Tahoe, which will ride on the GM  T1 body-on-frame vehicle platform. Both the Tahoe and next-generation Suburban will come with an independent rear suspension, and it's thought that the turbocharged 2.7-Liter L3B inline 4-cylinder and 5.3-liter L84 V8 engines will be employed in the vehicles, paired to the GM 10-speed transmission.

We're excited to announce that this model may be as much as 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing one, and it will also have improved 3rd-row configuration and usability. Autonomous driving features are some of the elements that are truly giving us an up-close peek at what driving will be like in the future. The “Super Cruise” feature that will be included in regards to the new Tahoe allows the driver to removed their hands from the wheel during long stretches of highway driving.

It uses cameras, GPS information, and radar sensors to steer and brake during highway driving, and is also capable of full-speed range adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Another change for the incoming models are what is included on the LT Signature Package: 20” by 9” chrome wheels, P275/55R20 all-season Blackwall tires, bright bodyside moldings, grille insert, polished exhaust tip, chrome recovery hooks, and chrome assists step kit are all included in the mix!

New Camaro Model Announced For Thrilling 2020 Nascar Cup Series

Last week the announcement was made that Chevy teams in the 2020 Nascar Cup Series would be driving the Camaro ZL1 1LE, which will be the fastest, most track-capable production Camaro of all time. This exciting and world-class car will replace the SS for the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season, and so far this year, the ZL1 has produced seven wins. Chase Elliott has 4 under his belt, and Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, and Justin Haley all have one each.

With the new model, engineers went hard to work optimizing aerodynamic performance by using computational fluid dynamics, simulations, and full-scale wind testing to hone in and create the best track contender possible. The new ZL1 1LE is the absolute highest performer within the Camaro lineup, and the Chevy namesake has won a record of 39 NASCAR manufacturer championships, seeing 13 titles in a row from 2003 – 2015. Chevy drivers have achieved a record 31 championships, including Jimmie Johnson's record-tying seventh three years ago. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series will be the 72^nd season for the thrilling sport of stock car racing, and the 49^th season for the modern-era Cup Series.

The season will begin at Daytona International Speedway with the Advance Auto Parts Clash, the Gander RV Duel qualifier, and the 62^nd running of the sun-splashed Daytona 500. Just two weeks ago, it was announced that Go Fas Racing created an alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing to glean chassis, data, and technical support from them beginning next year. On October 16 of 2019, JTG Daughterty Racing announced that they signed Ricky Stenhouse JR to a multi-year deal, and three weeks later, Landon Cassil stated in an interview that he plans to stay put in the StarCom Racing no. 00 Chevy for 2020.

On October 1 of 2019, NASCAR officially released the rules listings for 2020. Among the

changes is the reduction of road crew members from 12 to ten, and teams with three or more cars are now limited to just three roster spots. This year after 21 years of being NASCAR's Premiere Fourth of July weekend event, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway will now move to August and becomes the final race of the regular season. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville is beyond excited to see how the most powerful Camaro ever fares during one of the most exciting pastimes in America, and we’ll keep you posted right here as the multitudes of Michelin rubber hit the pavement!

2020 Corvette Performance Numbers Wow Everyone, Including Chevy Engineers

Official data now confirms that the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray coupe equipped with the Z51 Package reaches the 60 MPH mark in 2.9 seconds and conquers the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 121 MPH. Even without the help of the Z51 pack, this year's new mid-engined Corvette makes it to 60 in 3.0 seconds, and still kills the quarter-mile at the same 11.2-second mark. We love this milestone in automotive history that allows the brand we love to  represent so much here at West Chevy of Knoxville the right to brag that it's the fastest base model in the vehicle's existence!

Alex Macdonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager, said that the performance of the 2020 Stingray has exceeded his expecatations, truly standing out as a milestone in history. One of the major changes from older models is that the engine now features revised camshafts that increase valve lift duration. There is now an overhauled intake manifold that the mill breathes through, which has an increased plenum volume. The new exhaust puts to use four-into-one twisted headers that are fabricated rather than casting, ultimately saving in weight factor.

The engine has a dry-sump oil system that uses three scavenge pumps that can cope with the demands of high  acceleration on the track. The low-profile oil pan also allows for a lower center of gravity, and the engine runs through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission gleaned from Tremec. The final drive, differential, controls system, sensors, lubrication, and cooling hardware are all packed into a complete unit through integrated construction. If you want to get an earful of the delightful exhaust, pulling both shift paddles behind the steering wheel allows the driver to free rev the powerplant while parked in neutral.

The transmission is governed by three driving modes: the smooth Touring, aggressive Sport, and peak performance range of Track. Just two weeks ago, the staff on duty at Car and Driver claimed it was even “More than the best Corvette Ever”, and that it definitely lives up to the heavily-generated hype surrounding its release. They had based their ecstatic opinion on the new ride after timed laps at Grattan Raceway outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they determined that the mid-engined model's handling advantage over the outgoing C7 was indeed very real. We invite you to come down after the holidays to check out just how 60.6 percent of the car' mass being situated over the rear tires is a game-changer off the line, and also boasts by far the best Corvette interior ever!

Motor Trend Puts 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 to Test, Rank it as “Heavy-Hitting Value Rich with Performance”

A half-ton truck powered by diesel was not exactly an idea that was born yesterday, but since there is so much fierce competition now for the top spot in the game, every major truck manufacturer has been making big moves to claim stakes. As all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville know, the Silverado is no stranger to this path, but had lately seen many mourning the continued sense of loss after the V-8 diesels disappeared within the Silverado lineup in the late 90's.

The trusty staff on duty at Motor Trend offered up a feature over the past week that was all about the challenge at hand rivals Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Ford F-150 offer up and the many ways in which the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 meets the challenge. When features editor Scott Evans drove the 2020 Silverado 1500 Duramax during its highly-publicized press launch, he then thought the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph would take around 8.7 seconds. But road test editor Chris Walton took just 7 seconds flat for the Silverado RST Duramax, happily pushing the envelope while sampling the new diesel-driven goods.

The 1500 Duramax 2WD is rated to tow up to 7,600 pounds, and while under near-capacity burden, still went from 0 to 60 mph in just 16 seconds. Test drivers reported a very smooth warmth from the engine at beginning growl as well as mid-point muster and also claimed that it pulls a trailer as if it weren't even there. The Motor Trend experts made one claim that we want every die-hard truck fan to hear loud and clear: the Ford F-150 lurched AND struggled under weight, and on a steep incline close to Davis Dam near the Arizona-Nevada border, the Duramax controlled power allocation and the trailer very well with everything the crew threw at it.

There were a few major changes made to the suspension for the 2020 model year, and all of the expert opinions on this test run claimed that the noise reduction factor was unbelievable: we guarantee you won't have the faintest clue you're sporting diesel power. In the end, it was performance factor and overall capability that made the Silverado stand out from the crowd as far as this feature was concerned and to properly sway burly truck lovers towards the diesel variant.

Brandishing an EPA-rated 33 MPG on the highway, there are so many good reasons to come down and get your eager hands on a new Diesel Silverado now. Just to put this in a bit of perspective for you, the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST is a sizzling hatchback that weighs under 3,000 pounds and has an engine half the size of trucks nails down 32 mpg when ousted to the open road. We will keep you posted right here on the blog regarding updates and news related to the 1500, and its ability to effortlessly conquer any obstacle, towing duty, or hovering hazard!

2020 Chevy Bolt Deemed by Kelley Blue Book As “Alluring, With Excellent Extended Range”

Since electrification is an issue that sees varied opinions and is changing every day, we field all kinds of questions here at West Chevy of Knoxville about vehicles and functionality. The first question we get frequently is one that makes sense for anyone contemplating a purchase: “How far can it go?”. Some of the biggest concerns that cross the customer's mind regarding electrification are charging time, and the fantastic news of the year is that the 2020 Chevy Bolt now has an enhanced range of 259 miles, up from 238 miles in the outgoing model.

Last year's range was admittedly still impressive, and many reviews claimed that conquering the urban (or suburban) workweek would be a snap at something like an estimated 10 miles a day back and forth. As Kelley Blue Book reported this past week, the stiff competition such as the Hyundai Kona Electric was causing Chevy to know they had to up the ante in the distance war. Next year's Kia Soul EV is expected to have a range of 243 miles, while the Nissan Leaf Plus will brandish 226 miles.

This range enhancement was thanks in part to tweaking the cell chemistry of the lithium-ion battery cells, successfully nailing down the gains without having the change the actual size of the pack. Other new features for 2020 include a high-definition rear-view camera, second-generation digital rearview mirror, and better charge times in cold weather. To provide a proper demonstration of the Bolt's new range, automotive media pros were invited to drive from Tacoma, Washington, to Portland, Oregon. A direct route would have been an easy 145 miles, but the plan was shaken up a bit by a route that totaled 95 miles more than that.

The Kelley Blue Book driving team noted that during the entire trip, the manner of the Bolt was “compliant, crisp, and well-behaved”, and driving in L mode meant seldom use of the brakes. While slowing to a complete stop, the deceleration energy is allocated back into the battery, an amazing feat even by today's standards. During this trip, there were a few elements of planning that simply did not add up to a perfect expose, and some of the units had to employ the use of a DC fast-charging station in Kelso.

This trip was in NO WAY a complete fail! Some of the drivers were using the heat instead of other options, and not all of them were familiar with how you can optimize range in the Bolt. Furthermore, this was to illustrate how the car performed “under the gun”, or with only 9 miles to spare in the end. The Bolt is a fantastic choice for those who are ready to embrace the future of electrification as it meets the needs of the present, and begin the tapering down of daily gasoline dependence!

Chevy Colorado's Future watch Closeup: Changes on The Horizon for 2021

As the signs of fall are all of the ways upon us here at West Chevy of Knoxville and our competitors work double-time to keep their truck offerings fresh, the Colorado mid-size pickup is looking to see some changes for the 2021 model. You'll notice a few tweaks to the appearance to visually differentiate between the ZR2 and Z71 trim levels, and all 2021 Colorado models from the basic Work Truck up to the ZR2 will see a revised front fascia.

There will also now be the ultra-cool appearance of the embossed Chevy logo on the tailgate to replace the traditional bowtie, with the LT and WT models seeing a different design in gold and the Z71 getting black. The Z71 and the ZR2 will get an attractive new Sand Dune metallic paint color and the ZR2 will now come standard with red tow hooks. At this point, it does not appear that there will be any mechanical differences for the 2021 model, but we may receive more information as we get closer to the holidays. We fully understand the love that so many of our customers and friends have for the fuller-sized Silverado, but there is nothing as exciting as scaling it down and jumping in the smaller Colorado for an adventure and abundant helping of fresh air.

The Colorado Crew Cab is a more fuel-efficient alternative for those who don't need anything bigger, and it sports a still-impressive towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The 2020 model saw Tire Fill Alert becoming standard through the range, as well as the locking tailgate now available on the Work Truck trim. The LT trim now gains the previously optional EZ-lift tailgate as standard, and the Z71 model is now eligible for the Safety Package.

You'll enjoy a very stable and well-planted ride, that still offers up more than sufficient acceleration even with a bed full of cargo. We have always appreciated just how firm a competitor the off-roading ZR2 is when put to the test against the Toyota Tacoma TRD, and how it is a powerful enough choice to blast over rocks but still do just fine during the usual commute. The Crew Cab's rear seats can split and fold, providing for interior cargo space. There's also a large area beneath the seats to stow more goods, and traits such as this are the ones that breathe a heavy dose of day-to-day usefulness into the truck. Come see us this fall and while we are waiting on the 2021, see which version of the Colorado can suit your budget and set of duties! 

2020 Silverado To See ZR2-Type Upgrades For Offroad Action

For the serious off-road enthusiasts that we interact with so frequently here at West Chevy of Knoxville the truck of choice for wandering off-road has always been the Colorado ZR2. It's a no-brainer since it brings Multimatic spool valve shock-equipped suspension, racing program and factory-backed aftermarket upgrades to the table, allowing you to not just embrace but attack the great outdoors. As great as it is, we are beginning to realize that there are many out there who wish that the full-size Silverado was blessed with a bit of off-road magic.

That time has now arrived, and the Silverado has been slated for some upgrades that should lurch over river ford and rock quarry to reach production. The new race truck will now compete in the 1200 Stock class of the Best in the Desert series and was developed in cooperation with Hall Racing, the experts who had a hand in the ZR2's existence. The Silverado is based on the LT Trail Boss with the optional 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission and sports significant tweaks to the suspension and chassis. It features a long-travel suspension with larger versions of the ZR2's spool valve shocks on top of jounce shocks to help protect the truck from the damage large bumps dole out.

The skid plates covering the vital mechanics are the off-road truck's #1 defense against destruction, and 35-inch tires replace the 32-inch stock tires that come on the Trail Boss. There as of now has not been an official announcement regarding the release date for these parts but there is a good chance that they may be available directly to consumers. After brandishing the upgraded ZR2 race truck, Chevy offered some of the parts as accessories to ZR2 owners, so the same may happen in regards to the Silverado.

Chevy's chief engineer for performance variants lamented last week that “Offroad racing is just brutal on vehicles, and a single race puts more wear and tear on trucks than most vehicles will experience in years. That makes offroad racing a valuable test bed to evaluate new components. What we learn while racing informs everything from future performance parts and accessories to GM Defense products and production vehicle changes”. Nothing is ever a full guarantee in the current auto and truck landscape, but we are pretty sure that in the very near future, Silverado owners will be making sure the last gulp of coffee has been downed from the sample in the cupholder, looking at boulders and red rock with glee, and lurching off the road most traveled!

2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison Test Drive Proves It to Be Most Off-Road Ready in its Class

Auto journalist Gary Gastelu has completed in-depth tests of just about every type of vehicle in existence, and we knew that he was going to enjoy getting his hands on the pre-customized Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison. All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville have long admired the work that American Expedition Vehicles has done on cars for years now. The Brute Double Cab was an amazingly-built Wrangler Unlimited that was converted into a pickup, and a close look at its custom accessories let one know that they could work wonders with something such as the ZR2.

The raw goods are a steel set of bumpers with a winch mount in the front, wide black fender flares, black 17-inch alloy wheels, a Chevy branded grille, and five boron steel skid plates. All the additives mean about 200 extra pounds added to the truck, but it is evenly enough spread so the balance is not too upset. Gary immediately billed the ZR2 as “the most off-road capable vehicle Chevrolet has ever made”. Thanks to front and rear locking differentials, a two-inch lifted suspension and Multimatic “spool valve” dampers the truck is capable of anything ranging from high-speed off-roading to taking jumps and crawling over obstacles such as rocks.

The official ground clearance for the Bison is 8.9 inches, which at first may not sound impressive but is measured under the suspension mounts instead of right in the center of the truck. The Bison is available in extended and crew cab versions and with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel. As Gary began his test drive he thought that the control layout was spot-on, and what it is missing in luxury elements is ideal with off-road handling in mind.

This video does a great job of getting all of the ways underneath and showing us the five boron skid plates that prevent the underside from taking a severe beating during off-road duty. The track that the Bison was tested on was far from a breeze: rocks of all sizes were strewn all over, and you see the truck navigate a massively washed out puddle turned-into-stream. Gary is even shown catching sizable air on a tabletop, putting about everything you could imagine to the test during landing. The bison is a rather limited-edition truck for the 2019 year, but we want to invite you to the lot here this fall: check out the full range of trucks for sale, and see which one will be the perfect fit for your growing family or business!

2020 Chevy Silverado Midnight and Rally Editions Introduced Alongside Texas State Fair Excitement

Many loyal Silverado buyers here at West Chevy of Knoxville have proven to us over the years that special editions are wildly popular, and with a new year's model already making its way onto the lot, there are a few standout choices already available. Chevy is officially bringing back the popular Midnight and Rally editions to the 2020 Silverado 1500, and they were shown at a very fitting location as they made their debut at the State Fair of Texas.

Both treatments add a healthy dose of darkness for those who want a unique way for their truck to stand out. The 2020 Silverado 1500 Midnight Edition is offered on the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss trims and brings a more rugged appearance to this truck that is already focused on off-road performance in a major way. It adds black 18-inch wheels, badges, grille, bumpers, exhaust tips, steps, and the signature bowtie. The recovery hooks hold on to their same red hue, contrasting perfectly against the stealthily dark other elements.

The LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition sees its power source from a 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This trim also stands apart due to the very high-intensity LED headlamps with daytime running lights and darkened bezels. The Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss Midnight Edition is available with either the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and the six-speed automatic or the 6.2-liter V-8 paired to the 10-speed.

The Silverado 1500 Rally Edition is pictured here in white and was developed exclusively for those who desire a more urban appearance. It is currently offered on the RST and Custom trims and is available in Black, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, or Summit White Exterior paint. The Rally Edition holds on to the body-colored grille, but also sees the addition of black stripes on the hood and tailgate, black bowties, black badging, black exhaust tips, black assist steps, and ultra-cool black Chevrolet lettering on the tailgate. The RST Rally Edition includes black 22-inch wheels, while the Custom Rally Edition rides on black 20-inch wheels.

Both Rally editions are available with the 2.7-liter turbo-four engine mated to an 8-speed automatic, but the RST Rally Edition can also acquire its thunder using the 5.3-liter V-8 or the 6.2-liter V8. Both editions will be available to order next month and will see release dates at dealers later this year. When asked for candid honesty, most of us here in the service bays and on the sales lot prefer the Midnight: the capability to enjoy off-road destinations is choice. But if you come down to visit us for a test drive of the Rally Edition, you'll still fall in love with its specific blend of street swagger and metro-area friendly makings!

An Off-Road Beast Even Greater Than the ZR2 Bison? AEV's Plans to Double Down

By very obvious leaps and bounds, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is the most off-road capable mid-size truck offered within the entire ranks of the automotive market! With an expertly-laden boost from Montana-based experts American Expedition Vehicles, the standard ZR2 underwent a drastic transformation with hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, as well as steel rail protection on both side skirts and bumpers. It provided so much protection and clearance that it enabled the Colorado to conquer the utmost in unforgiving terrain.

Locations such as the red rock deserts of Arizona and punishing trails of Mt. Moab come to mind when brandishing a truck equipped with these goodies! Here in Tennessee, we have Windrock Park, the largest privately owned riding area in the nation. Known for always keeping the rider in mind, they offer more than 300 miles of trail riding and hiking, camping and events. This is one of those places that means it if it says “extremely difficult” on a trail grade: dangerous cliffs and large boulders are just a few of the things you'll encounter while on course here.

When asked exactly what they had in mind to even further prepare the Bison for the tests of the trail, AEV Marketing Manager Matt Felderman said that a bigger tire kit is in the works. The ZR2 Bison Tray Bed that was displayed at Overland Expo West had a set of our new high-clearance fender flares which allow for a 35-inch tire and zero lift. There is a lower center of gravity at play, and the driver can take full advantage of everything that went into the ZR2 suspension, as well as the addition of a bigger tire. These larger tires were first pushed as an idea during the initial development of the AEV addition, but at the time just did not seem feasible.

The development team wanted a bigger tire than 31 inches, but there were a completely different set of tests for this one-two-thousand unit build, and millions would have been spent on the research and development end. Actual pricing for the 35-inch tires and high-clearance fenders have not yet been officially announced, but AEV will be proudly displaying two Colorado ZR2 Bison pickups with the special package this November during the 2019 SEMA show.

Many will want to take note that AEV also now offers other ZRT Bison components straight off the shelf: you can order bumpers, winch mounts, and high-strength hot-stamped boron steel skid plates “ala carte”. Once you get a slight taste of an upgrade variety that can rapidly up your trail hound status, it becomes addictive and could be the ultimate “gateway” to this amazing and expertly-designed package that prepares you for the demands of the off-road trek!

Motor Trend Reveals 6 Cool Extra “Easter Eggs” Within the 2020 Chevy Corvette

The very excited staff of Motor Trend were the first lucky media outlet in the world to test the first production mid-engine Corvette, and they admitted that they savored every second. So much excitement and attention on the many automobile blogs out there is understandable: now that the engine is situated behind the driver, many new possibilities open up. In this particular feature, the crew tells us here at West Chevy of Knoxville all about some “secret gems” that make the new Corvette even that much cooler. 

The Logo is Hidden on the Speaker Between the Seats: The center speaker located between the two seats is where the Corvette logo is, but it takes a bit of a search to find it. You can see the flags from certain angles because of the way the speaker holes are drilled, but once you are inside the pattern is only visible from a very specific distance.

Opening the Frunk From the Front: Since the engine is now behind the passenger and driver, the Corvette has ample space in the front for a front trunk. You actually don't open this frunk from inside: there's a super cool button hidden a little way above the left air vent that will open it. Much like the rear trunk, there is a proximity feature so you can open it when the car is completely locked, and even if the key is tucked in your pocket.

Hold the Unlock Button on the Key, And the Windows Will Open: If you happen to be out on a particularly hot day, there's a shortcut to getting the windows to lower. Just like other Chevy models, the windows will automatically lower if you hold down the unlock button on the remote key.

More Flags on the Rear Window: These look so awesome when contrasted against red: The Corvette C8 has the traditional pattern of black flags on the rear window that faces downward. This tradition began with the Corvette C7, and continues now in the 2020 model. These flags have a bit more of a V shape, following suit with the C8's updated logo.

The Trunk is Soft-Close: Even though it sometimes feels good to release some aggression by slamming a trunk shut, this one will close with ease! After gently closing the hatch, there is a soft-close system that will make sure it closes snugly without the need to push terribly hard.

The Top can be Secured in the Trunk: Once the top is off, two latches keep the top well-secured. The top pops off easily, and once it's in the trunk you can still store other items alongside it if you need to. Every single blog and news story we have seen regarding the C8 has been derived from a sense of amazement and wonder, as it has been a real dream come true to see this idea finally “leap to life” off the assembly line! 

Motor Authority Covers Mid-Engined C8 Corvette Convertible Version Coming Soon

This past week the Motor Authority crew conveyed in an article just how excited they were when the C8 coupe debuted in the flesh: this summer in California it finally arrived at a revealing ceremony that took place in some of the largest hangers in the nation. Those who received the treasured “golden tickets” as their invitation were treated to the show of a lifetime, and now there is another date regarding the Corvette for fans to mark on their calendar.

Last Friday during an interview with Motor 1, Corvette Assembly Plant Manager Kai Spande let slip that it is expected to see the Corvette convertible “in the October timeframe”. At least this steers us a bit in the right direction as to when to expect the droptop's coming. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville knows that sometimes automakers choose to hold back different variants of a new sports car to keep the interest peaked, and it thankfully does not seem like this will be the case here. If this is the case, we should see the open-air model rolling excitedly into showrooms by early 2020, just in time for the promise of spring weather right around the corner.

Engine options for the Corvette convertible haven't been fully disclosed, but they are expected to be similar to the coupe's. That should most likely mean the potential of a 490-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 in the base form, or a 495-hp version of the same engine with the optional Z51 performance package. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is expected to be standard across the board. As happened with previous generations of Corvette, the C8 convertible is also expected to stoke the inspiration for high-performance models like the ZR1 and Z06.

The retractable hardtop roof can fold into a compartment just behind the passenger cabin. The C8 convertible model won't sport the clear engine cover that the coupe does, because the roof takes up space directly on top of the engine when it's pulled down for fresh air. Much attention has been given on the newswires and blogs regarding the zero to 60 time, which resides at less than 3 seconds when equipped with the Z51 Performance Package.

It is true that the C8 had to make some concessions in terms of overall interior and cargo space, but because the engine is now in the rear, Chevy has done a superb job with the graduation to this new generation. Even with these differences, the C8 remains an amazingly fast, yet still practical daily sports car, and will surely be thought of as a game-changing and iconic landmark in auto history for the future.

Potential 2021 Chevy Equinox RS Spy Shots Delivered Via GM Authority

The scheduled mid-cycle enhancement for the Chevy Equinox is the facelift coming up next that is expected to introduce a new RS version, and was captured on camera off guard by the GM Authority staff on their blog last week. At this time the RS is available in the Chinese market only, but this may be changing soon. It may simply be offered as a trim level or as an entire package, as Chevy as offered RS models as both during past years.

The RS is now assigned in conjunction with the Sonic RS, Malibu RS, Trailblazer RS, Silverado RST, Traverse RS, and Camaro RS. The Camaro RS bits are the ones offered as a complete package, while the other models offer them in various trim changes. The introduction of these variants would make quite a bit of sense, seeing as the Equinox is the second-best-selling model underneath the commanding and well-chiseled Silverado truck. All of us on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville have watched closely and now come to realize that in a large sea of SUV offerings, the optimum size and numerous features of the Equinox are winning people over in very large numbers.

Among the upgrades with the RS is body-colored door handles, red RS badging, black bow tie badging, black grille surround, dark wheel finish with silver accents, and black sideview mirror caps. The new Chevy Blazer provides quite a bit of influence for what the final appearance is regarding the RS models, and it has been said frequently over the past year that it is one of the vehicles that will set the tone for the direction of future crossovers. Up front, this spotted potential 2021 Equinox RS prototype features a row of horizontal LED signatures on top, and daytime running daylights below.

The refreshed Equinox is also expected to sport entirely reshaped front and rear fascias, newly redesigned tail lamp housings, RS-specific black wheels, black bow-ties, body-color door handles, black mirror caps, and a grille unique to the model. Power is expected to be provided by the same current arrangement of turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder engines that are officially on deck to power the 2021 Equinox. The 1.6-liter LH7 turbodiesel has been discontinued for the 2020 model year, and the GM 9-speed automatic transmission is expected to replace the current six-speed in the lower-end models. A variant that provides high-performance is expected as well, but the particulars are not yet set in stone. We'll keep you posted right here on the blog regarding anything Equinox-related, and developments as more photos are nabbed out in the wild!

MotorTrend Deems 2020 Chevy Bolt Range Higher Than Tesla Model 3

It was not that long ago when severe anxiety over electric vehicle range was common. Motor Trend ran a story on their blog last week depicting the progress that has occurred with the range issue for electric vehicles, and the very solid rise in final range for the 2020 Chevy Bolt! The EPA-estimated range for this electric hatchback is now up to 259 miles, a 21-mile increase from last year's 238-mile peak. A 9-percent increase is a gain that will surely turn heads: considering the current state of public charging availability, EV drivers have to scrutinize every single mile during a trip.

We have all been in a situation where another 20 or so miles of driving range would be a game-changer, making or breaking your latest planned journey. Boosting the Bolt's range was much like a world-class barbecue joint's strategy that one would find right here in Knoxville, and involved a bit of “secret sauce”! Engineers went hard to work on altering the cell chemistry of the car's 60-kW-hr lithium-ion power source, making each electrode more energy-dense. The task was completed without any physical changes to the battery pack, so its not any larger or heavier in the long run.

The new model will also start at the exact same price as last year, and will include 200 horsepower, 266 lb-ft front-wheel-drive powertrain, with a 120-volt portable charge cord to provide the necessary juice. DC fast charging capability is also an option, and this range boost now gives the Bolt bragging rights of beating out the entry-level Tesla Model 3, which is situated at 240 miles. Year by year the range has been improving, and Chevy now also trumps the Volkswagen e-Golf, which still crosses the all-important range finish line at just 125 miles.

There are now Oasis Blue and Cayenne Orange Metallic exterior, as well as the All-weather floor liner. The HD Rear Vision Camera replaces the standard Rear Vision Camera, and HD Surround Vision replaces the UVH Surround Vision. What would all of us on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville like to see for the future? One feature that Tesla provided that could work wonders is the ability to preheat the battery before heading to a DC fast charger in harsh winter conditions, helping in the long run during a time when you need juice in a hurry. One thing that is absolutely certain is that change is rapid and abundant in the electric vehicle marketplace right now, and as consumers will undeniably expect more and more, we will keep you posted about important updates as they come across our desk!