The Scoop on 2020 Chevy Silverado Diesel's Efficiency: #1 in America

It is official this week that the Chevy Silverado diesel can lay claim to the full-size pickup fuel economy top spot. The two-wheel-drive trucks powered by the new 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder turbo are set to get an EPA rating of 33 mpg when they hit the dealer's lots this fall. This beats the Ford F-150 Diesel's 30 mpg rating by a distinct 10 percent. The 4-wheel drive variants are listed at 29 mpg, which resides at 1 mpg more than the Ford, and both drivetrains sport the 23 mpg stat for city driving.

All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville have paid close attention over the last few months to the benefits the incoming Silverado model will receive from the engine's advanced thermal management system, aerodynamic improvements, and the use of a 10-speed automatic transmission. The all-new motor is heftily responsible for 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and boasts a towing rating of 9,300 pounds. The LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trims will all have diesel availability, and Chevy marketing director Sandor Piszar claims more could be built if demand is high enough. The upcoming 2020 Ram 1500 diesel hasn't released fuel economy numbers yet, but it's a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 260 hp, and putting out 480 lb-ft of torque.

Adaptive Cruise Control will finally be available on the Silverado, and also on board is the completely game-changing New Advanced Trailering System option that supports up to 15 camera views. Even though the straight-six layout takes up a bit more space in the engine compartment, the ultimate payoff is greater torque output and the ability to run much smoother. If towing is on your daily agenda, the category of power that you get with diesel is one of those traits that makes a huge difference when you have a strong need for range while towing.

Ranchers and contractors come immediately to mind in regards to diesel, who need a truck for their everyday duties that is as reliable as they come. Even when idling, engine vibration has been ranked as very minimal within the 1500 and during a cruise, it's easy to forget you're at the wheel of a diesel. Many professionals within the auto review industry have fallen in love fast with the Transparent Trailer view: it electronically stitches together multiple images that create a glass-like view enabling you to see through the trailer. The very brisk acceleration on the road as well as steady passing power are other great traits that are noticed as soon as you pull away from town and prepare to nail down some serious highway miles. Diesel is in all ways gaining traction, and we are happy to see that our own variant is at the top of the list in regards to the all-important efficiency statistic!

Scoping Out the Small-Block V8: The Finer Points of the Corvette C8's LTV V-8 Engine

The small-block V-8 engine has been an integral component since its origins in 1955 and now claims its place as power source in the revolutionary C8 as the L2T! Car and Driver provided an in-depth feature on their blog last week highlighting the small-block's capabilities. It generates both more power and torque (495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft when equipped with the performance exhaust) than the LT1 in the outgoing model. There is now a more-efficient intake as well as exhaust manifold, a more robust lubrication system, and a brand new camshaft. 

The same bore and stroke are still used, as well as the forged crankshaft, rods, and 11.5:1 compression ratio pistons, similar to the LT1 that it is based on. All Stingrays will now get a dry-sump system that is ideally engineered to accommodate the chassis's increased track capability. This includes sustained lateral acceleration beyond 1.00 g. Previously, dry-sump lubrication was only available as part of the C7 Stingray's Z51 package. This system graduated from one pump to three different multistage scavenge pumps: one situated in the valley of the V and two right in the crankcase. The oil reservoir is now mounted to the engine, instead of being bolted into the engine bay separately as it was on the C7.

Small-Block chief engineer Jordan Lee explained that a side benefit for having this unconventional engine-mounted sump is how easy it is assembled. While the engine is being built, oil can be added, instead of when the car is making its final pass down the assembly line. This engine is mounted an entire inch lower in the Corvette than before, and also has a much shallower oil pan. This is part of the team's great success in reduction of total oil volume, which drops from 9.7 quarts in the C7 to 7.5 quarts of OW40 in this L2 from the C8.

The C8 is engineered to alleviate the need for routine engine-out services, which are often a very expensive quality of mid-engined cars. Spark plugs and other important ignition components as well as belts are located next to the passenger compartment at the very front of the engine and can be accessed while the engine is in place. The camshaft's intake lobes remain the same as the LT1's, but lift is now increased. The better breaching achieved with the engine in its new position behind the passenger cabin along with other minor tweaks are what contributes to the additional output, and the reductions in windage were achieved by the oil now being scavenged out of the V.

Brand-new stainless-steel exhaust manifolds now put to use equal-length runners, which collect incorporating a four-into-one design. Now that the engine is mounted behind the driver, the new intake manifold can now be mounted in a manner which results in less distance between the throttle body and intake valves, which greatly improves flow. Everyone on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville has been eagerly awaiting the official release of the c8, and there are so many reasons to celebrate the final and exciting coming of a concept that saw 60 years in the making!

Motor 1.com Releases Potential Chevy Bolt-Based Electric Crossover Rendering

Last November, all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville were paying grave attention when the brand we are so proud to represent every day made a massive announcement regarding the future. A detailed restructuring was then being implemented, with a large number of resources being poured into the rolling out of autonomous and electric vehicles. During April, a trademark filing for “Bolt EUV” was brought to light, providing a hint at Chevy's next electric vehicle that could be based on the Bolt. Details at this point are a bit slim, but the renderings found here provide a few hints at what it could appear like.

The shape of the greenhouse seen here is pretty identical to the one found on the real-world Bolt, but the rest of it takes a few additions to the accent category that are like a Blazer, or even distant cousin of the Camaro. The wide lower front fascia and thin headlights are elements that contribute to this sportier vibe. All-electric vehicles are currently slated to be produced at the Orion, Michigan factory, which received a $300 million investment from the automaker. During the announcement, it was also stated that the next EV will wear the Chevy emblem while riding on an improved version of the platform that is under the Chevy Bolt.

This larger size for the Bolt EUV would be sensible because it is still quite evident that crossovers are one of the most popular choices for consumers when the sales numbers turn out. As we look ahead to the future and factor in the recent news we have all seen regarding the health of our ozone and Earth, our electric vehicle plans as a brand are quite ambitious and proud. We strive to have 20 new EV's by 2023, and the introduction of a very attractive and edge bolt EUV such as this will convince some to make the switch. We understand the attraction to going about driving and manufacturing the way it always has been done: some traditions have etched their way into our everyday habits immensely.

While contemplating this barrage of new technology and the driving habits that will soon become very different across the nation, it's at least pretty awesome to realize that the eCopo Camaro wowed onlookers at SEM with its 700-horsepower electric motors, and the capability to bang out nine-second quarter-mile times. This year's Bolt has the capability to run up to 238 miles of electric range on a full charge and provides 25 miles per hour of charge by means of the 240-volt 32-amp charging unit. You can download charging apps on your smartphone to see just where charging stations are along the way. We'll keep you informed here on the blog with any updates regarding this and other vehicle's development, and the inevitable and Eco-conscious wave of change that is sweeping the auto industry as a whole!

Motor1.com On Pre-Release Corvette C8 Nurburgring Sighting: “Looks Like it's at Home in the Ring”

For years engineers and other auto experts have been rooting for the coming of the C8 Mid-engined Corvette model. From its debut in 1953 with the Blue Flame inline six-cylinder to the blistering and out-of-this-world Corvette ZR1, the forumla has been pretty much never strayed from. This all changes abruptly this month, when the engine officially is moved behind the passenger seats, and the new C8 is here to create a distinct ripple in the world of players such as the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, and Ford GT.

No matter what other car fans contest, all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville still get excited about every single spy shot and video that crosses our desk: years ago information didn't move as fast, and rumors were much more difficult to confirm. The bright minds on staff at Motor1.com put up a video last week of this amazing new Corvette testing at Nurburgring, and they provide an excellent opportunity to zoom in and really check out the different features from every single angle. The 'Vette hasn't officially been spotted at the Nurburgring since summer of 2018, and being able to claim lap times for this well-recognized landmark would definitely be a valuable marketing asset.

The ferocious new model is expected to debut with a 6.2-liter V8 that generates around 460 horsepower, and operates by means of a dual-clutch gearbox. Down the line more powerful versions are expected to appear, including the possibility of models that use a dual-overhead-cam V8, Cadillac's 4.2-liter, twin-turbo Blackwing V8, and even a hybrid version that could cook up a jaw-dropping 1,000 hp. This highly anticipated debut is scheduled for July 18 in Tustin, California, and production will begin in Bowling Green, Kentucky late this year. Engine placement matters for many various reasons when it comes to high-performance cars, but for the most part, it is in relation to the all-important improvement of handling and braking.

Moving the engine back delegates more weight on the rear axle, which provides more traction and the ability to down more power and accelerate more rapidly. Braking sees improvements as well because the added weight lets the rear brakes take on more of the brunt for stopping. Mid-engined cars make intense engineering adjustments that allow the car to change direction more easily, and faster.

The new C8 sports a much steeper hoodline and a different sense of forward visibility, finishing off with an exotic look akin to a Ferrari. Times have been changing for quite a while now, and going mid-engined will no doubt squeeze every single ounce of potential and raw excitement from a classic car that has long defined the essence and true pulse of track-ready stature!

Edmunds Test Drive Renders 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD as “Well-Executed and Work Minded”

As the fireworks are prepared to blast and the summer holiday foods we love so much are spread over checked tablecloths all over America this week, the Edmunds blog thought it was an opportune time to write about the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD series. One of the most highly awaited arrivals of the entire year, the fun begins with significant updates to both the HD's gasoline and diesel powertrains. There is now a 6.6 – liter gasoline V8 that cranks out 401 horsepower and a category-leading 464 lb-ft of torque.

It is still paired with a six-speed automatic, and 84 extra lb-ft is very useful for providing a bridge for gaps between shifts. The optional 6.6 – liter Duramax diesel sees the new replacement of the six-speed automatic with a new Allison 10-speed automatic, and carries over boasting 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This allows the already very muscular engine to be much more effective by incorporating smaller rpm steps between shifts. All of this extra might and muster absolutely results in better towing and hauling capability, but there's a lot more to the new truck then just new powertrains. As you situate yourself in the back seat of the crew cab, you'll see that rear legroom has grown by a significant 2.5 inches.

The bed is now much wider than what the competition offers in the inside, and very useful after the arrival of 12 standard tie-downs. Since all of us on staff here at West Chevy of Knoxville know just how important and demanding towing duty can be, we love the fact that there are now extendable towing mirrors standard on all 2500 models. They are power-extendable or manual, depending on trim level selection, and they all share the same convex mirrors as well as glass area.

This particular article recognized that since 2500 series trucks are often used as weekday work vehicles that are also used as the ultimate recreation machine on the weekend, having the extra space in the crew cab will make great sense when your cargo is your best buddies and loved ones! When the Edmunds crew put the truck to the tough test, what they were most pleased with right off the bat was how well the front end stays composed over washboard roads and nasty bumps.

The low unsprung mass of the independent suspension layout and torsion springs that are low-mounted are a few of the components that help with this means of smoothing the ride out consistently. You'll want to inquire about the LTZ and High Country trims in regards to steering: they use Active Hydraulic Assist, which gives the steering much more buildup and on-center sensation that is similar to rack-and-pinion. The group here also fully confirmed that this is the truck for next year that has a “clear roominess” advantage over the Ram 2500, allowing you to fully enjoy the ride in high-class level comfort and confidence!