The World of West Chevrolet

Monday, February 22, 2021

2022 Silverado Spy Shots Reveals Forward Lighting Configuration, Completely Overhauled Cockpit

2021 Silverado 1500 Pictured

When there are the usual questions about models that are scheduled for future release here at West Chevy of Knoxville, the many forms of internet media are great places to turn for answers. The quintessential spy shot still serves as an excellent benchmark for readers to see what's on the horizon, as an “undercover” photographer provides entities such as GM Authority with images that may or may not reveal some of the features that we are all curious about. This past week the subject in question was the 2022 Silverado, and the revised front fascia and headlights were a few of the qualities looked at first. 


Until this particular sighting, most of the prototypes spotted in the wild have featured run placeholder headlights. These shots portray a model with lights situated just behind the camouflage giving a glimpse of what the new front fascia will appear like. The Silverado models released over the last three years featured a forward lighting configuration that saw the headlight at the top, a C-shaped LED signature in the middle, and the narrowly-placed turn signal at the bottom. This 2022 prototype had a reworked LED lighting signature that also serves as the turn signal indicator, which was present in both amber and white hues. 

2021 Silverado 1500 Pictured


The front fascia of the 2022 Silverado may consist of a two-tier headlamp layout, a bit more similar to what is seen on the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV. Or, the updated fascia of the 2022 Silverado is set to have the form that is in place on the 2021 Tahoe and 2021 Suburban, with the turn signal having a slightly different shape. Other anticipated changes are an overhauled cockpit with a bigger center display, the deletion of the column shifter, and more upper-end materials found in the cabin. 


GM's Global B (Vehicle Intelligence Platform / VIP) electrical system will be in place to incorporate the Super Cruise driving system as an option, and most of our sources think that it will be present on the High Country trim. This exciting feature allows the driver to actually remove their hands from the wheel during longer increments of a highway drive, and two years ago it was announced that an enhanced version will now have the ability to execute hands-free lane changes. 


The 2022 Silverado light duty could likely offer a package with a four-leaf rear suspension, which would provide heavier-duty application and longevity. For now, 2022 Silverado prototypes have been spotted with both types of suspension setups, and so it could be that the four-leaf variant will be on higher trims only. While luxury trims were scoffed at when they first were conceptualized in the 80s, they now have a massive relevance and market share, and so many of our loyal customers are excited to see what next year's model will offer in terms of capability and more-than-ample excitement! 

Monday, February 15, 2021

2021 Chevy Traverse High Country Provides Smooth and Strong Engine, Fantastic Gearbox, and “Please-All” Looks


Once you are settled down a bit in life and still have a desire to look for the perfect fit the current automotive market has to offer, you might want to pass up a minivan for a crossover with a bit of size and substance! Here at West Chevy of Knoxville the great-looking and practical Traverse was test-driven by the experts at TopSpeed.com, and they opted for their delivery in the form of the feature-rich High Country trim. 

With the engine variety being the 3.6-liter V6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, there is ample power for freeway or all types of around-town destinations. Coupled with a fantastic transmission and auto/start-stop system, the Drive Mode selector offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, off-road, and tow/haul. Top speed enthusiastically punches the clock at 130 mph, and the 0 to 60 time is 6.9 seconds. Constantly measuring a popular model up to the competition is necessary to see just how reliable it is at coming out on top and truly establishing itself as a valuable buy. The Traverse comes equipped with the largest fuel tank in its segment, measuring in at 21.7 gallons with the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot both sporting 17.9 and 19.5-gallon tanks respectively. 


Every trim level the 2021 Traverse offers gets its own brand of finish, with the range-topping High Country trim featuring auto off/on headlights. As photos have circulated the web and many of the brightest and best experts have weighed in on their opinions, it's notable that the LED taillights bear a bit of resemblance to the design seen on the notable and classy Jaguar F-Pace. The Traverse also comes equipped with heated wing mirrors, keyless entry keypad, and a hands-free gesture tailgate. 


You're immediately greeted with the traits of a straight-forward and well-laid-out cabin, plenty of storage, the best-in-class maximum cargo space of 98.2 cubic feet, and the fittingly upper-end feel and presence of the Jet Black Theme on the High Country trim. Storage space is abundant in all areas of the cabin, with the inclusion of 10 cup holders for your destined-to-be thirsty passengers. There are USB ports in every row to sustain the always-essential charging needs, and built-in Alexa will allow you to connect seamlessly with all of your smart home devices while you're on the road. 


When it comes to space, this is another category where several vehicles on the market vie for customers' loyalty daily. The Traverse has the defining edge over this competition by offering generous hip and legroom in the third row, boasting 8 inches more than the Explorer and almost four inches more than the Pilot. The LT Premium Package is a rewarding choice with some awesome extras, as it adds HD Surround Vision, an 8-inch touchscreen, 20-inch all-season black wall tires, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system. 



Monday, February 8, 2021

2020 Chevy Corvette 1LT Base Interior Rich With “Top-Level Appeal Cooked up To Perfection”



After the Motor Trend staff named the C8 Corvette the “2020 Car of the Year”, it was immediately after they had thoroughly drive-tested a model that was fully loaded with all of the extras. Wondering aloud to die-hard enthusiasts such as us here at West Chevy of Knoxville, they wanted to share their thoughts on how the very base model 1LT trim performs, showing car buyers how it fared during their famed “First Test” for interior quality. 

The leather felt satisfactory, and the standard seats are not at all lacking in torso and knee support. This high-octane and feature-rich entry-level offering also provides a leather-wrapped and power-adjustable steering wheel with three interior color choices. You can select from all black, black and gray, or our personal favorite which is the black and red combo. The brightwork in the interior boasts brushed aluminum that contrasts ideally against the black dashboard, and there are two well-situated digital screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. 


Other standard included items are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and available Wi-Fi hotspot. Anyone who takes their cars seriously is highly likely to take their music within the same rite, and this base 1LT is equipped with the premium 10-speaker Bose sound system, allowing you to fully embrace the thrills of your next drive with A-list audio bytes. It was decided quite early in the game after this monumental mid-engined model's release that its efficiency, comfort level, and supercar status were one of the greatest auto industry achievements of all time. 



If you're tired of the bumper scraping on speed bumps or sudden inclines during your vigorous drive session, there's an available GPS-enabled nose lift that can remember just where the lift was previously activated, automatically rising it when you reach that location again. Think of that still not-completed entryway at the brand new Home Depot or any winter-affected stretches of road near you! This interior is far more luxury-focused than it ever was during previous models, and was completely re-thought and tuned from the ground up hence the new engine placement. 


The digital gauge cluster is vastly different from what was there before, and the infotainment screen's turn placement to face the driver makes you feel as if you could be prepared to navigate through a futuristic landscape while still enjoying the longstanding connection with the track that the amazingly-built touring and muscle greats had during the 1970s. We are pleased with the fact that esteemed online publications worldwide are recognizing just how special and alluring the new Corvette can be at the entry-level pricing point, and if there's one add-on that we think is worth every penny it's the carbon fiber ground effects, giving the entire car a visual vibe that is unforgettable during every thrill-inspired pass!

Monday, February 1, 2021

Market Data Shows Crossover Buyers Display Long-Time Loyalty, Leaving Cars Behind



For every solid trait we learn about consumers and what makes them tick here at West Chevy of Knoxville, there are always a few surprises that can be long lasting. The experts on staff at GM Authority provided a feature last week that gave a bit of insight into what those who choose a crossover SUV do when it comes to purchasing another vehicle, and the raw data portrays them staying happily put. Chevy VP of marketing Steve Majoros claimed that it is a very rare occurrence to see someone make the move from a crossover back to a car. 

The 2021 Trailblazer is so wildly popular at the moment that demand is exceeding supply at a rate of four to one, which the sedan segment seems to be currently very far away from attaining. There is now an entirely new generation of buyers that are ready to purchase new cars that may have been willing to buy a crossover if they could have afforded one, and 20 percent of those who favored the Cruze have their honed-in sights set on the Trax as well as the Equinox. 



The collective sales results of the Trax and Trailblazer at the end of 2020 make for our claim to the overall best-selling manufacturer of small CUVs in the US. The 2021 Trax has the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder making 138 horsepower with a fair amount of low-end punch and stamina. With a firm ride and consistently-steady handling, the Trax also boasts the strongest brakes in its class, and its high seating position and expansive headroom render the cabin spacious and comfortable. With the rear seats in the 2021 Trax removed, test drivers were able to fit 18 carry-on suitcases along for the ride. 


With “Great” ratings from automotive web gurus JD Power for reliability, driving experience, resale value, and dealership experience, it's no surprise that new Chevy Trailblazer owners don't want to switch up on their loyalty back to the current car offerings. Averaging around 26 MPG in the city and boasting the turbocharged gas I4, being the keeper of an incredibly low starter price keeps scores of customers consistently lined up with dire interest. A 7 or 8-inch touchscreen display sits in the center of the dash, and the top-line Premier trim provides leather seating, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, fog lights, 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, rear parking sensors, and LED headlights as well as taillights. 


Both of these SUVs have every right to be gaining popularity and market share, as they can fit into tight parking spots, navigate tight corners with ease, and provide great gas mileage. The Equinox LT trim is one of the most popular “sweet spots” on a slightly larger number for all-around selection and feature offerings: here you are offered up an 8-way power driver's seat, high-intensity headlights, tinted windows, Sirius XM radio, and the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.