Holding Its Own on the Homefront: Chevy Corvette Ranks Tops on “American Made” List For 2021

After the unpredictable events of 2020, there are many reasons to be thankful for American-made cars. The Chevy Corvette was recently featured in GM Authority for being known as “America's Sports Car”, and for the stirring excitement it breeds on and off the track. The staff at Cars.com recently conducted a study to find where the famous Corvette is ranked among “fully American-made” cars, and it was sitting comfortably near the top of the list. Where the car is assembled, the all-inclusive parts content, where the engine is sourced, and allotment of manufacturing all are factors when deciding the model's rank on the list. 

344 vehicles were judged, and 90 made the final cut in the index. The 2021 Chevy Corvette is assembled, quality controlled, and proudly released by the roughly 1,000 workers in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For four very strong decades since 1981, these employees have been closely looking over every detail that reaches the body-on-part perfection of this new, mid-engined masterpiece. 

There were various disruptions across the global supply chain in 2020, and this particular report was focused on the variables needed to rank USA-built and sourced cars. Demand has been incredibly strong since the C8's unveiling, and the online configurator tool nearly crashed as eager buyers selected their preferred type and specifications. Shortly after this, Chevy sold completely out of our build slots for the initial 2020 production run, and pushed many orders back. So many customers right now are excited enough to get their hands on a Corvette that Chevy is putting in overtime to meet the unprecedented requests.

Clearly dominating the sports car market during 2021's first quarter, the Corvette is the product of many of the world's most ingenious car minds making the mid-engine concept a reality. One awesome additive to keep in mind is the multitude of enhancements the Z51 package has to offer. With this package, you can get every last bit of performance a track-hungry pro could ever want, and every single 2021 model also boasts the revolutionary Magnetic Selective Ride Control Suspension as an available stand-alone option.

“Create Your Own Availability” The DIY Trail Boss Chevy Silverado LTZ Or High Country

When the fourth-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 made its official debut during the 2019 model year, it was the first time in our brand's illustrious history that a Trail Boss variant featured a two-inch factory lift. Here at West Chevy of Knoxville, we were also excited to see that it offered a large selection of off-road oriented-features and hardware, not just fronting aimlessly on its namesake to be a model that anyone would be proud of to have while entering the regions of dirt, ruts, and boulders. 

There are actually two Chevy Silverado Trail Boss models: one is the Custom Trail Boss, which is based on the entry-level Custom trim. The other is the LT Trail Boss, which is based on the LT trim level, and where the bumper-clad bill stops for further availability. The luxurious and attractive High Country and LTZ trim levels don't officially brandish a Trail Boss version, which was once a disappointment for those who enjoyed these trims and were keen on enjoying the dirt and rock-ready prowess of the Trail Boss. 

The good news is that the blogging staff on duty at GM Authority illustrated last week that it's possible to create one by following two simple DIY steps. The first is to order a 2021 Chevy Silverado in the LTZ or High Country trim that includes the Z71 Off-Road Package. The equipment is a bit different for each of these two trims, but in both cases you begin the party with the Z71 off-road suspension, Rancho monotube shocks, Hill Descent Control, skid plates, and a heavy-duty air filter. Next, you order our very own two-inch suspension lift from Chevrolet. 

Even though it is not currently compatible with all 1500 models the two-inch lift kit was developed by engineers who knew their way around the entire truck well, and it does not void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty if installed by an authorized dealer such as us. When it's combined with the Z71 Off-Road Package, you have now got an upgraded lifted version flaunting the High Country/Trail Boss with everything but an official namesake. If you are truly after the full-on Trail Boss experience, you can always trade the smaller wheels for the 20-inch ones, using Chevy accessory web tools by order.

The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 is excitedly set to undergo a few important updates via a mid-cycle refresh with brand-new front and rear ends, an overhauled interior, and a new center stack which has the consumers attention with a larger infotainment screen. New technologies for the Silverado are likely to include updated Google-based infotainment features, an optional digital instrument cluster, and the world's precursor to fully autonomous control: the Super Cruise hands-free driving system.

GM Authority Details 2022 Chevy Traverse's Mid-Cycle Refresh In Time For Formal Fall Launch

After a year that saw many delays and setbacks, dealers and manufacturers nationwide are eagerly waiting for new arrivals that set the tone for offerings available during the fall. GM Authority has long been reporting on the various models we offer here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and the Traverse has been on the wish list for many who have their eyes on a larger SUV that doesn't have quite the measurable mass of the class's front-runner in the form of the Suburban. 

The 2022 Traverse features revised exterior styling with different front and rear fascias, different wheel designs, new standard LED headlamps, a brand-new available 8-inch infotainment display and Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto coming as standard equipment. Every model will source power from the same naturally-aspirated 3.6 V6 LFY engine, which cranks out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is available as an option, and front-wheel drive is standard. 

Although it is not as thoroughly big and burly as the Tahoe or Suburban, the Traverse enjoys its placement above smaller crossovers and fares well during heated competition with the similar-but not-as-stellar Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. Safety features have long been the “key” for ultimate in peace of mind, as you know that everyone along for the ride is protected with high-tech forms of warrior wings. 

The 2022 Traverse now added automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and following distance indicator to its list of onboard safety features. The new adaptive cruise control that many drive testers are raving about is an advanced system that will see availability on the 3LT, RS, and Premier trims, while GM's Safety Alert Seat is also standard on High Country and Premier models. The Motor Trend test team was highly impressed with the high-quality ride and reasonable body control during drives around Lake Superior, and the smart infotainment tech options allow the Traverse to immediately feel a distinguished grade above the typical rent-a-car quality. 

The 2022 Traverse RS model is one of the “sweet spots” of the offering lineup that provides heated front seats and steering wheel, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and darkened aesthetics that give the interior a distinct and modern personality. If there's anything Chevy sales professionals understand off the bat, it's just how connected to tablets, phones, and laptops drivers and passengers are now while on the go: the 2020 Traverse employed designers who had massive foresight, and planned for USB ports in all three rows, allowing everyone on board to connect, charge, and otherwise challenge milemarker-induced boredom on their own digital terms! 

2021 Suburban Takes on A “Year of Rediscovering Freedom” With Changes to Assure Top-Tier Highway Cruise

The nation's best-equipped and trusty choice for hauling around seven people and even a boat - the Chevy Suburban, has just experienced change in a major way for what promises to be a great year of rediscovering freedom. This model began with an independent rear suspension that makes for a much better ride and provides a drive that does not seem as much like a long bullet train. There is also the release of the new 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six diesel that brings about great change to the Suburban's well-known thirst for petrol.

The 3.0-liter with its 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque can move this XXL rig around with a perfect sense of urgency, even with the trailer heavily-loaded up with summer playtime goods. Chevy's vastly talented engineers worked hard on noise cancellation techniques for this year's model, and during an out-of-town excursion, you'll notice the insulation's build contributing to a quiet and peaceful journey. Each model now gets front pedestrian braking, rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking with forward collision alert.

A major part of the Suburban's draw is its size, and the rear parking sensors are a great help when having to do heavy-duty negotiation from a crowded lot to simply backing up to a busy intersection first thing in the harried AM! One of the modern marvels of current automotive technology (that is a great reason to choose either the Premier or High Country trim) is adaptive cruise control, paving the road for the future and the exciting premise of autonomous driving. The interior no longer has the same infotainment screen from the Silverado that sometimes seemed a bit lost in the mass of plastic on the dash, and the new model has one that is raised up on top of the radio and heater controls.

Here you can check out the display of your Android Auto and Apple CarPlay goods and the various useful towing screens as well as navigation. The High Country trim provides the comfortable addition of perforated leather seats with heating and ventilation, and sitting in the second row allows for great views of the blue sky you've been desperate to spend quality time with via the panoramic sunroof. One of the traits that satisfied buyers love about the Suburban when stacked up to its close relative in the form of the Tahoe is the extra 1.8 inches of third seat knee-room, a game-changer for the taller passengers riding along.

All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville agree that the improvements with the 2021 Suburban go way beyond sheer size, as it can now proudly claim to handle just as good or better as its competition while brandishing extreme daily drive potential with capability. Big vehicles never lost their draw, they just went through a bit of “teenager-style” growing pains, and as many others have remarked about life “The college years are usually best!”

2021 Tahoe High Country Offers Industry's Best Versatility and Capability In Overcrowded SUV Category

Here at West Chevy of Knoxville, we've noticed that in the tightly-packed SUV category, it can take quite a bit as far as great features and performance to assure you stay at the head of the pack. After a complete redesign, the 2021 Tahoe now offers the most interior space of any SUV, the sharpest driving dynamics in its class, and what could quite possibly be the most important quality of all: the most current and useful technology features.  

While still staying true to its roots that carved out it's unique feel and truck-like character, the Tahoe now combines the best traits of its brand-new full-size truck architecture with systems that have been fine-honed to provide a daily driver for today's needs. The staff from the Kent Reporter recently tested the top-of-the-line High Country trim, deriving power from the 3.0-Liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this year's model can accommodate seven for the journey and has a driving range of well over 500 miles. 

After just a few miles the testing crew claimed that the available torque here “meant everything” for the confidence and quick-on-demand power, as well as the lake-ready trailering capability. The Duramax models are rated at 277 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque, also boasting the claim of being the only full-size SUV on the market with an efficient and eager diesel powertrain. During a full week of primarily highway driving, the Tahoe delivered an average of 25 miles per gallon, an impressive achievement from such a heavy hauler! 

There is a 4.9-inch longer wheelbase and 6.7-inch boost in overall length compared to the 202 model the taller individuals in your carry-on crew will be happy to know that there is 40 percent more third-row legroom and 66 percent greater cargo volume behind the third row. Adding an additional 30 percent of cargo room to an SUV that already Is so well-known for being “King of the Road” in terms of room is going to fare well at attracting the busy urban family on the go that could always stand to fit more athletic or camping gear stuffed in along the way. 

The High Country trim model is where you definitely want to set your sights for premium luxury and unique features, offering a few different ways to get the most visual and performance-oriented boosts from the Tahoe. You'll be sporting a unique grille with bronze accents and High Country badging, custom seat embroidery, and more options for color and trim choices. We pride ourselves on the massive selection of features that even entry-level trims offer, but “going for the gold” always leaves you satisfied in the long run: the High Country delivers adaptive cruise control, sunroof with power sunshade, air ride adaptive suspension, trailer blind side zone alert, rear seat media system with seat-mounted 12.5-inch LCD screens and the always-on visual fire “Iridescent Pearl” coat of paint!