2019 Colorado Bison Hailed by Autoweek as “Beefy, Full of Purpose”

The folks on staff at Autoweek last week recognized truthfully that GM simply “can't build trucks quickly enough,” and the special editions and upgrades are topics that are frequently asked about here at West Chevy of Knoxville. There are more than a dozen trims and special editions for Chevy's full-size trucks, but the inclusion of mid-level models has been going strong as of late. Last year, the brand we love to represent made huge news with our off-road focused ZR2, and followed through with Midnight and Dusk versions.

The Bison marks the first-time of the very exciting collaboration with expert aftermarket producer American Expedition Vehicles, or AEV. These are incredibly skilled folk who have been cranking out Jeeps and Ram trucks for more than two decades, including perhaps the most famous model of all, the Brute. Looking back through time and the very thrilling evolution of truck history, the very first GM Bison was a prototype gas-turbine semi-tractor trailer, constructed especially for the 1964 World's Fair. During the 1970's and 1980's, the Bison nameplate was used on a heavy-duty Class 8 truck, and now three decades later, it's a very special edition model to be proud off, with unworldly off-road ability.

The suspension was not modified under AEV's careful watch, so the factory 2-inch lift and Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers remain in place, alongside the stock-size 265/65R-17 Goodyear tires. Stamped steel bumpers alongside sliders and skidplates that provide a solid mass of protection for the truck's underbelly are fitted splendidly, and the task of halting traditional weight gain from adding components was really completed well by the experienced engineering team. The skidplates are designed for a high level of resistance to gauging, and provide a very high yield strength, to absorb any kind of hit, and bounce back with vigor.

The brand-new wheel flares provide more necessary coverage for tires and give the Bison some impressive shoulders. There is an available snorkel for the Bison, with its own pre-filter system located high up to improve the constant quest for clean air. Tackling the toughest of off-road terrain without the fear of excessive body damage, the testing team from Autoweek reveled in the excitement of the rock-filled trails near Florence Junction, Arizona for their in-depth analysis and driving location.

With the use of 4WD high range, the dirt two-track that led to the bigger rocks was conquered with ease, and big dips in the road did not stand a chance at washing out the front end. All things considered, the team concluded that the Bison is by far the “most capable, and most purposeful, 4WD midsize pickup truck.” Not worrying about the precious zones of your truck while taking it through the most challenging of territories is just one of the benefits of the Bison revamp: we have seen for years now that anything with AEV's blessing is pure grit and gold!

2019 Chevy Silverado Praised by Car and Driver as “Great on Fuel Efficiency, Very Refined”

Hearing about what some of the biggest and best publications in the nation have to say about their favorite vehicles is a key factor when it finally comes time to buy. So many of those on the hunt for a new addition car or truck-wise this year at West Chevy ask us what the most seasoned drive testers and writers are saying about a vehicle, and brand new trucks happen to come up in discussion quite often. The brand new Silverado is now sporting a bold new grille design, and the body panels have lost some of the aggressive qualities that past models were known for. In the current market, truck wars are waging strong as ever, and the brand we have always loved to stand behind has invested a lot in order to keep up with the foreboding competition.

Just this past week Car and Driver spotlighted the new truck, and first took the time to speak highly of the Dynamic Fuel Management System, which is available on both of the V-8's. This builds on the idea of Active Fuel Management, which allows V-8 engines to operate with just 4 cylinders whenever loads are light in the name of preserving fuel. It functions by allowing any one of the new truck's 8-pots to operate using as few as two cylinders, depending on the driver's specific demand in place for torque. GM claims that this will absolutely improve fuel economy by about 5 percent, and during a test drive, the writing staff claimed that there was no drastic change at all in driving character, or with vibrations situated inside.

Nearly 450 pounds have been shaved from the Silverado, and depending on the model, 88 pounds were removed from the frame, with 88 more successfully shed from the body. Using the best in high-strength steel and aluminum helped with this feat, and the bouncing around that happens frequently in larger pickups is alleviated. Even on the most winding of mountain roads, the drive testers claimed it was very easy to forget how large the truck is, whether inside or outside. 2.5 inches more rear-seat legroom is now available in the outgoing model, and the hard-working individuals in the factory have made concessions to have a 2-inch suspension lift available.

Here in Knoxville, when the heat is not quite as sweltering and the highly-awaited football broadcasts sweep back on air, Chevy is poised to step up in a major way. Providing peace of mind and security for haulers by offering a tow package that uses cameras to produce extreme close-ups of the trailer and hitch. The infotainment screen can display these feeds, for up to 8 seconds during vehicle motion, and the system is able to store information on drive for several trailers. Car and Driver were impressed enough with the new Silverado's release that they thought it will all-around “have enough firepower to unseat the F-150,” as well as retain its longstanding edge over the new Dodge Ram 1500. When you visit us for a test drive here at West Chevy this fall, don't forget to check out the Silverado's Sport Mode: the most responsive and smoothest steering while at the wheel is experienced while utilizing this awesome performance setting!

Colorado ZR2 AEV Revamp: Extras Abound With Teeming Features and Off-Road Capability

All of the spots around Knoxville that are great for off-roading are going to now really meet their match: The Colorado ZR2 was already a very awesome truck, just begging to become much better. All of us here at West Chevy was full aware that when Chevy took the liberty of collaborating with AEV, a vehicle that was now more off-road ready than ever before was going to be given the opportunity to fully roar to life. By being consistently innovative and thoroughly tough, the Chevy namesake has gained more than a quarter of all midsize truck sales in just under four years, and in past models, the Colorado line introduced an all-new V-6 gas engine with 8-speed transmission combination. To complete the job of protecting the most important of undercarriage elements over rough and jagged terrain, the Bison model now proudly features five different skid plates that house the fuel tank, engine oil pan, transfer case, as well as front and rear locking differentials.

Custom made by the ingenious and all-around dynamite manufacturer AEG, these skid plates are made up of incredibly durable hot-stamped Boron steel. This is the main ingredient used to shield the truck from various obstacles it can encounter during adventurous off-road jaunts. Offering a fully stocked suite of equipment to make sure its off-road abilities shine strongly, the ability to maneuver like a truly midsize truck, and the driving range of a high-performing diesel engine, the ZR2 is on deck to now provide excellent off-road capability in multiple scenarios. Multimatic DSSV patented these awesome dampers, and them along with the front and rear locking differentials are two other qualities that make this one of the best vehicles to conquer the back roads of Tennessee that aren't able to welcome traffic from anything other than the most trusty and able of vehicles.

The experts at AEV have been closely following the Colorado since its early origins, and knew full-on ahead of time that the first use of the hot-stamped Baron steel would be a legendary truck in many ways. Many drivers who already had cause to be very excited about the Colorado are bound to take to the rugged can-do vibe and appearance that the new front and rear bumpers add, and there is a multitude of extra equipment on board to appeal to those with the ultimate sense of wanderlust. The modified rear axle with 3.42 ratio, front and rear tracks widened by 3.5 inches, and a factory suspension that sports a two-inch lift over a Colorado Z71 are all other elements that will have you packing your camping and climbing gear quick, to depart the city in a hurry.

Getting rapidly off of frequently traveled roads in a truck is always a bonding time with yourself that can't be beaten: properly kicking up some dirt and traveling on trails in the Knoxville area are bound to be a pastime that you will be eager for all week! The 2.8 -L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and is capable of putting out 186 horsepower, with 369 lb-ft of torque. Buyers also have the option to choose a crew or extended cab configuration, and to purchase an available third-party accessory snorkel for the ZR2 Bison direct from AEV. We hope that you come to pay us a visit here at West Chevy soon, and see for yourself in depth the features and off-road prowess of the brand new truck that Cnet deemed ideal for “just you and your pals, living off the grid for days or even weeks at a time.”