2023 Chevy Corvette 70th Anniversary Edition Remains “Every bit as Excellent” With Classy Commemoration

Some of the fondest memories we have here at West Chevy of Knoxville are of the Chevy Corvette, an iconic American sports car that has been completely reworked and revolutionary! Now in its 8th generation, it is quite a bit different than its fiberglass predecessor. Now, there is a 70th anniversary Special Edition Package that is a stellar addition to the lineup! The Cars.com team recently got to see just how fantastic it is and thought that this upgrade was worth every extra penny.

This 70th anniversary edition package is available for the 3LZ and 3LT trims on the Corvette ZO6 and Corvette Stingray. The 3LT adds a more luxurious interior and upgraded GT2 seats, with the 3LZ Z06 boasting all of these on top of a carbon fiber and microfiber trimmed steering wheel. The 70th-Anniversary Edition provides proper paint in the form of White Pearl Metallic Tri-Coat or Carbon Flash Metallic, with the option to be fully decked out in satin Gray or black racing stripes.

You’ll also be taking on the challenges of the track with carbon-painted side mirrors, red-painted brake calipers, and very cool unique exterior badging. If you opt for the Stingray coupe, you'll be fully styled out with a unique red engine cover. Some of the most notable car reviewing professionals in the world love the C8’s exterior, and the wheels look especially fitting and ready for high-octane fun.

The interior boasts A2 tone ceramic white upholstery, with red stitching red seatbelts and suede style trim on the steering wheel and seats. The available front and rear storage compartments are large enough to hold 3 rolling suitcases, in an outdoor-ready backpack when the Cars.com team traveled home from the LA airport. The car’s overall driving experience is still every bit as amazing during its fourth model year, with the 6.2-liter V8 behind your head providing a legendary and never-ending source of power.

We are situated at an interval of time in the car industry where being a collector is now more important than ever, as electrification is rapidly arriving to make its mark on the industry forever. It will be no surprise to see very low mileage models appearing up on well-known resale sites as remarkable collectibles in a mere few years. The C8 was the official “goodbye” regarding the transverse leaf springs for the suspension and placement of the engine just in front of the rear wheels. 

This was the very long-awaited result of the mid-engined super that has had connoisseurs and car buffs worldwide anxious for decades. This design allows for a transformation that allows for the feel of a true convertible from the ground up, with the ability to take the roof off manually and store it right in the rear load area. The designated convertible version comes with an electric folding roof, and the segment-leading stopping performance of the Brembo Brakes on the Z51 Package will leave you as breathless as the excitement did during the launch and acceleration process! 

2023 Chevy Tahoe Z71 Impresses Motor Trend Experts as Capable Contender for “Four-Wheeler SUV of the Year”

When GM first introduced the Chevy Tahoe Z71 platform in 2021, we were intently watching here at West Chevy of Knoxville as we knew it was a stellar larger-sized hauler with widespread appeal! It was then launched with the Z71 and Yukon AT4 trims, and both were then invited to compete in the Motor Trend Four-Wheeler SUV of the Year event. The 2023Tahoe came ready for the challenge, with many new additions that keep it competitive and agile.

These include magnetic ride control dampers, an upgraded engine, and the addition of an optional electronic limited-slip differential. As the team headed to the track, they were excited to put this reliable 6.2-liter EcoTex3 V8 to the test, which fearlessly cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The crew witnessed the Tahoe Z71 laying down a zero to 60 mph time of 6.46 seconds, and an aggressive run through the quarter mile in 14.85 seconds.

It had just as powerful a launch off the line as the crew had expected, with sport mode being the favorite for its perfect gear shifting. The 4-High Auto transfer case setting was the best at allowing for killer traction, and the judges gave high marks for the Tahoe’s seat comfort, with the middle and 3rd rows offering a great place for those on a post-holiday haul. The new driver information screen and center infotainment system proved to be a useful application for Google integration, offering a format that was not too confusing and easily got the task at hand done.

The Tahoe Z71 was fitted with a 33-inch Goodyear 275/60R20 tire, which offered the stance and go-anywhere strut that makes the Tahoe a little more appealing for those planning an overland adventure. It was incredibly at ease on the highway, thanks to the addition of magnetic ride control dampers and the sufficient power from the 6.2-liter V8. Once they encountered the off-road terrain, they conquered medium-sized bumps, massive ruts, and berms with ease, as the independent suspension did its job working overtime to smooth out the elements.

The Tahoe offers more space and sophistication than earlier, which is a solid foundation for its ability to lead the large SUV class. Winning an editor’s choice award from Car and Driver, you’ll also want to make sure that you check out the Signature Package: it includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, memory settings, panoramic sunroof, power-folding third row, and upgraded towing equipment. This testing crew managed to fit six carry-on suitcases directly behind the third row, whereas the outgoing model only had room for four. In addition to multiple interior charging ports, the three-row Tahoe offers an upgraded Bose Stereo System and two 12.6-inch displays mounted behind the front seats.

2023 Chevy Equinox Base Trim Enjoys Boost in Superiority: High-End Features Dazzle at Entry Level

After helping families and many other Tennessee drivers here at West Chevy of Knoxville for decades, we have realized that our customers desire top-tier features on even entry level trim levels. The standard formula for many prominent brands was to force buyers to purchase higher trim levels to get advanced safety features, larger infotainment screens, and all-around appeal. We’re happy to share that the 2023 Chevy Equinox is equipped for the New Year with the LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims offering desirable features and performance for every type of driver. 

Each trim has a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also included as standard are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-volt outlet to charge all your portable tech goods and an appropriately boomin’-for-the-holidays 6-speaker sound system. The Premier trim provides a step up in features, toting wireless charging, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, HD rear-view camera, and safety alert seating. 

The LS trim brings the FWD feature along with it, and the inclement condition-tackling AWD variant adds 17-inch wheels with all-season tires and front bucket seats as standard. The Midnight Edition is one of our favorite upgrades: it ideally darkens things up a notch with 18-inch wheels, black bowtie emblems, a black grille and mesh, and a black metallic exterior that is stealth enough for even secret service applicants to perk up and take notice! The LS Convenience package makes the daily grind just that much easier with extra USB data ports, a heated steering wheel, park assist, automatic dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. 

All trims come with the 4-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, and 6-speed automatic transmission, cranking out 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The LS FWD variant of the compact SUV has a 1,500-lb towing capacity, and 1,190 lb payload after Edmunds.com team’s official test drive. The Equinox proudly provides family hauling duty with unique style while doing so and offers up 29.9 cubic ft of cargo space behind the backseat, extending to 63.9 cubic feet when the second-row seats are folded. 

Among today’s offerings there’s no shortage of very appealing small SUVs, and the 2023 Equinox faces competition in a very crowded space against the examples that we feel are a bit more everyday and ordinary, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Easy to drive, even easier to park, and boasting far above average crash-test scores, it is the practical and still package that TheCarConnection.com deemed as “full of pizazz, personality, and punch.” 

The comfort-oriented suspension does a fantastic job of absorbing any bumps in your path, and the steering possesses a firmly weighted characteristic that allows for athletic steering under demand. The color choices for the Equinox now will include Sterling Gray and Harvest Bronze Metallic, as well as Radiant Red tintcoat. Navigating features is simple with a straightforward infotainment interface and consistently pleasant ride: we hope to see you soon here at West Chevrolet to check out this and the many other models that will make 2023 a productive, active, and milestone-making driving year!

2024 Chevy Equinox EV Offers Class-Leading Credentials, Brings EVs to the Forefront

The holiday spirit at West Chevrolet has us excited about the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV! This model chisels its place in a fast-growing market segment with an arsenal of qualifications that appeal to the eco-conscious customer. 

Boasting newly contoured sheet metal inspired by the all-new Blazer EV and Silverado EV, its arrival signifies a notable turning point where EVs will become the sensible mainstream choice for consumers. The Ultium Platform will offer the ability to bring these vehicles to the market’s forefront with an agreeable price point for every customer. The 2024 Equinox EV offers seating for five and up to 57 cubic feet of holiday-haul cargo room directly behind the rear seats. It will arrive here and at other dealers nationwide in the fall of 2023, and will offer the 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, 2RS, and 3RS as trim levels. 

The entry-level 1LT with FWD is an excellent choice that stands firmly rooted against competition such as the VW ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Power is sourced from a single front-mounted electric motor that offers up to 210 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, along with a battery that provides 250 miles of range. This option can be upgraded to a 300-mile option. One upgrade that provides the best and most capable of today’s consumer-friendly EV technology is the dual-motor variant that offers all-wheel grip, 290 horsepower, and 346 lb-ft of torque. 

One of the features that have become available over the last 3 years that has made a difference in the broad appeal and overall efficiency is regenerative braking, which offers one-pedal driving and excellent use of leftover kinetic energy. Many of the questions that customers have during the EV selection process are regarding charging. This Equinox EV accepts up to 150 kilowatts of DC fast charging to provide 70 miles of range in a lightning-fast 10 minutes. The MyChevy app and Ultium Charge 360 can provide locations for charging stations and give you the opportunity to effectively plan your route. 

Discerning buyers who have always appreciated the upper echelon will have their eyes on the Equinox EV 3RS eAWD, with a 19.2 kW level 2 charger that can provide 51 miles of range per hour during the charging process. The 1LT provides manual front seats, 19-inch aluminum wheels, and an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. 

The 2LT trim is where quality steps up a notch with the 8-way power driver’s seat, a heated tiller, roof rails, a front LED light bar, and a much larger 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen. Moving up to the 3LT trim offers dual-zone automatic climate control, 21-inch wheels, heated mirrors, and adaptive cruise control. More safety features than ever are now available across the entire Equinox lineup, as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist provide watchful and high-tech eyes during your festive holiday drive. 

Balancing Boughs of Holly + Your Budget: Which 2023 Chevy Tahoe Trim Level is Right for you?

The 2023 Chevy Tahoe is one of the most popular full-size SUVs here at West Chevy in Knoxville, and it comes with many practical and luxurious features that daily drivers love. There are trim options for every budget, and we wanted to provide a close-up look at each here on the blog. 

The LS Trim is the entry-level base option and comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a tri-zone climate control system. The powertrain shows up prepped for duty and determined with its 5.3-liter V8 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is included as standard, and drivers are offered the opportunity to upgrade to a 4-wheel drive to properly prepare for inclement weather. 

The LT Trim includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen and an eye-pleasing 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Loading will be a breeze while making use of the hand-free liftgate, and you won’t have any issues staying consistently connected with wireless phone charging capability. Enjoying the scenery with fully optimized sounds will be an excellent form of holiday treat to boot, as the premium 9-speaker Bose system is an expertly engineered treat for the senses. 

The RST Trim sees sleek performance edging its presence into the already-awesome Tahoe picture and is equipped with the 5.3-liter V8 with the option to nudge up to the 6.2-liter that cranks out 433 horsepower. After the “sleigh bells and whistles” are all said and done, the fully equipped RST model is the fastest Tahoe to ever roll confidently off the line. The Z71 Trim comes equipped to take on the many challenges that off-roading chucks in your path, with enhanced ground clearance, front-mounted skid plate for protection, and 20-inch all-terrain tires. 

The Premier Trim makes the push to full-on luxury status, with the same goods under the hood but nicer equipment and interior. You’ll be aptly surrounded by the upper-level comfort of leather seats, a 10-speaker premium stereo system from Bose, and the durable convenience of power-operated second and 3rd-row seats. The drive will also encounter the futuristic touch of the autonomous with the festive and hands-free holiday goodness of Super Cruise, navigating you safely and intuitively on many pre-mapped streets and highways nationwide. 

The High-Country Trim provides the necessary fine-element touches to render the Tahoe a fully-fledged formal event and a capable weekender’s SUV. There are leather seats in the front two rows, heated and ventilated seats in the first row, and a very striking and current wood trim design. You can also add 22-inch wheels and exclusive badging! Whether it’s time to haul around a winning soccer team or a week’s worth of overland gear, there’s plenty of room here for your passengers along with their cargo!