Chevy Multi-Flex Tailgate Brings Time Saving Functionality to Already Supreme Lineup

The Chevy Multi-Flex tailgate is a valuable asset in a war of sorts that has been brewing between full-sized pickup truck makers for quite some time now. We have observed here at West Chevy of Knoxville that engineers dedicate their careers to making sure that their brand has the competitive edge, as the battle for consumer loyalty has amped up! Improving the access to the bed and offering different ways to conquer every scenario are what the Multi-Flex was built for. 

The Multi-Flex tailgate is designed to make the workload of the truck owner that much simpler. Operating as a traditional pickup tailgate, it’s hinged at the bottom and can easily be lowered to a position aligned with the floor for easy loading- in and out. It opens using the key fob or a button inside the cab, or you can simply lower it manually with the old-school style handle directly on the tailgate. 

The tailgate comes equipped with a load stop, which comes in handy when your load is longer than the truck’s cargo box. It folds out of the tailgate’s top to form a vertical wall that can prevent loads from sliding right off the truck’s bed. The tailgate’s secondary portion drops down to enable the worker to get closer, a position that was not seen in the American pickup’s early days of existence.

When the secondary portion of the tailgate is lowered, there is another fold down section that you can open to reveal a step. This allows you an extra foothold, which makes things easier when your XXL-sized load blocks your downward vision, or when getting in and out of the truck bed. You can also lower the secondary tailgate in order to accept cargo above the box floor, which also has a fold-up load stop to assure that cargo doesn’t slide directly out of the rear during acceleration or from jolts on the road.

Once you have the secondary “half gate” folded down from the rest of the tailgate, a new area at about chest height pops out to use as a super-handy work surface. This is the ultimate spot for a laptop, quick bite to eat, or proper tunes for the upcoming tailgate party! Made from primarily aluminum, the Multi-Flex Tailgate is lightweight and not clunky like steel. We hope that you come down to check out this and all the other great features of the Silverado line-up here at West Chevy, where we have Knoxville’s best customer service and these rigs poised and ready for duty!

2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2: The Super-Sized and Wickedly Talented Wilderness Warrior

Here at West Chevy of Knoxville, we know just how popular off-roading has become in the last few years. 

People who have been cooped up are now finally free, and yearning for a little bit of off-road adventure! The most capable Chevy Silverado 1500 out there by far is the ZR2 trim, which turns up the heat and proudly secures itself as a segment leader.    

Some of the extras that allow you to do so much more than smooth cruising on the open road are a two-speed transfer case, Multimatic spool valve shock dampers, off-roading springs, front and rear locking differentials, hill descent control, 33-inch MG tires, along with skid plates that are in place to protect the oil pan, differential, and all-important transfer case. Things can get even more overland and rocky-road ready with the power liftgate, rear camera mirror, head-up display, and 180inch gloss black wheels. 

The engine choice for the current model Silverado ZR2 is one that we couldn't be happier about: it is the 6.2-liter V8 powertrain mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, cranking out 420 steep-hill hungry horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Max towing limit is 8,900 pounds, and all the vitals have been thoroughly covered as far as achieving the optimal angles to provide successful clearance of the sudden roots, rocks, and water-carved ravines that you’ll encounter during the journey. 

10.7 inches of ground clearance and an approach angle of 38.3 degrees will assure that you can square off righteously with any incline needed to claim full-on backcountry victory, and anyone behind the wheel will see the advantages over the competition in the form of the Ram TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor. Since we have always had so much love for the essence of hefty trucks and how they can go the extra mile, the aggressively styled Silverado ZR2 is excellent at letting everyone that lays eyes on it no right away it is anything but run-of-the-mill. 

Once its differentials were fully locked, the Car and Driver team had a blast taking the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 to the famed and desolate location of Joshua Tree, where shifting into Terrain Mode enabled the perfect 1-pedal trail driving setup that was ideal and intensely focused for the task at hand. The truck’s various high-resolution camera views get the job of providing a virtual spotter for planning the way through very technical terrain, which the tailpipes are routed up a little bit higher to perfectly accommodate. 

Once in deep sand, the Multimatic spool-valve dampers were “extreme experts in residence” of keeping the rear axle from drastic hopping and jolting around. Engage the new electronic joystick shifter on the console and prepare to easily clear, lurch, and blast your way up steep inclines and through washed-out brush: The Silverado ZR2 has more than generous game-changing grit and precision!

Tapping the Unbelievable to Produce the Always Valuable: New EVS can add to Range from Driver’s Body Heat

At the start of this year, GM revealed the all-new Chevy Silverado EV, an all-electric work truck boasting 664 horsepower and up to 400 miles of driving range. These impressive figures were made possible with its Ultium powertrain, and thanks to a new patented innovation that Chevy has revealed, any truck lover has even more reason to love the ingenious technology.

It has now been surprisingly announced to us here at West Chevy of Knoxville that the batteries onboard the Ultium-based EVs can capture and repurpose waste energy from the battery. This enables these vehicles to increase their range, charging speed, and even provide a sportier driving characteristic. Every component that makes up an electric powertrain has the capability of producing a massive amount of heat, but so do the physical bodies of the passengers! This unique type of stored energy can be deployed expertly to heat the cabin quicker in cold weather than similar systems that exist in vehicles with an internal combustion engine. 

This stored energy can provide the EV with as much as 10% more range, and Ultium vehicles can potentially charge more efficiently with the batteries being warmed up before they begin to charge. The demand based on initial reservations for the Silverado EV has been startling, as the 2021 4th-quarter earnings announcement offered up the confirmation that the Silverado EV reservations have already risen above the 110,000 mark.

 

With this demand, GM has now decided to double down firmly on its Ultium Platform and various other EV variants by offering up an additional $7 billion to expand its EV assembly capacity. When the Silverado EV was revealed at last Year’s CES Show, eager reservations for the RST First Edition Range were filled in only 12 minutes. More than 250 fleet operators have officially stated a desire to add the truck to their operations, and are anticipating its accommodations, spacious interior, and high capability.

The “Open Watts” drive mode is where you can nail down the highest amount of horsepower and torque, and the very head-turning zero to 60 mph acceleration stat. Now called the Multiflex Midgate, the super cool wall separating the bed from the cab can be lowered in a 60/40 split to increase the effective bed length while still leaving room for an extra rear passenger. The Silverado EV’s tonneau cover provides weatherproofing, and GM’s Super Cruise driver-assist technology comes with the RST and allows for hands-free driving on designated freeways.

An Electric Duo Sporting Dynamic Differences: Chevy Silverado EV vs. GMC Hummer EV

The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV will most likely not ever be mistaken for a GMC Hummer EV truck. The GM Ultium platform that underpins the new electric Silverado is visually quite different than the Hummer EV pickup. Here are some of the major differences between the electric Silverado and Hummer EV reported by the Motortrend team. 

Stealing a Glance at the Stretched Wheelbase: 

The 24-module 200-kWh battery pack is expected to be the largest used in any Ultium passenger vehicle application, and it provides a snug fit between the axles of the GMC Hummer EV. The Silverado will fulfill the expectation of working a bit harder for its substance than the lifestyle-oriented Hummer, with a stretched wheelbase of 10.1 inches to make way for a nearly 6-foot pickup box on the electric Silverado work truck. The GMT800 architecture needed seven different midsection frame modules to provide the perfectly spec’d wheelbases. The Ultium platform’s midsection features extruded aluminum rails cut down to different lengths. 

Track Width Inspection:

The side rails are spaced the same distance apart in the Silverado EV and Hummer EV. The track widths are dramatically different and made possible by the presence of wider suspension cross members and longer control arms on the Hummer. Larger tires are noticeably narrower on the Silverado.

The Silverado Brandishes the Midgate: 

During the GMT800 era, the Silverado flourished as a fully conventional pickup, whereas the Hummer H2 received a midgate. This fulfilled the desired task of making a very short 4-foot bed grow by 2 feet with the current model enjoying a fixed 5-foot bed. The Silverado EV work truck gets a 6-foot bed, and up-level models like the RST First Edition will receive a midgate that extends the floor length to 9 feet by folding forward into the cab.

The Daunting Powertrain Debate:

Chevy will launch the 2024 Silverado EV with a motor that sends power to each axle for standard all-wheel drive. The Work Truck trim’s horsepower rating is 510, and torque is at 615 lb-ft. After its initial release, lower-powered models that feature two-wheel drive are expected to follow shortly afterward. The entry-level Hummer EV2 and EV2X will receive two motors as standard, rated at 625 horsepower and 617 Lb-ft of torque, with the top-of-the-line EV3X and Edition 1 featuring a single-motor front axle along with two motors at the rear. The base EV3X will likely produce 1,000 hp and 863 lb-ft of torque.

The Premium Selection of Power Modes:

The Top models of each brand’s Ultium pickup will boast a special high-power mode. Flipping the switch on this feature will allow you to play with up to 664 hp and 780 lb-ft of torque, and the Edition 1 Hummer EV boasts its very-own Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode good for 1,000 hp and 1,045 lb-ft of torque. This mode puts out a few rumbling sound effects that Chevy made the decided to pass on.

Civilian Driving Vs. the Trail Trip:

The 2024 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition will have the on-road focus with 3.9 inches of height adjustability, while the Hummer’s Extract mode increases ground clearance by 5.8 inches. Both trucks have the benefit of 4-wheel steering, with the Hummer riding on knobby 18-inch 305/70-series Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. The Silverado rolls on 24-inch wheels with a heightened sense of style wrapped in 275/50-series Michelin Primacy LTX tires, sporting a considerably less aggressive tread pattern. The Work Truck trim models will see it suitable to roll on smaller 18-inch wheels with much taller sidewall tires to see you through your daily duties.

Separate Ways to Snatch up Fresh Air:

The 2021 Chevy Silverado EV RST First Edition models will all come equipped with a deep-tinted fixed glass roof that offers up better visibility for all passengers than a sliding panoramic roof. Hummer EV edition 1 pickups come equipped with three removable glass roof panels; one is a cross-car targa-style roof over the front seats and the other two are removable T-top-style panels that cover the rear. Our electric Silverado intends to separate passengers from the boiling pavement and noise of the highway or city, while the Hummer aims to let riders enjoy an all-encompassing off-road adventure.

Who Reigns Supreme in the Towing Department?

The electric Chevy Silverado roars out of the gate with 8,000 – 10,000 pounds of towing capacity as stacked up against the GMC Hummer’s 7,500. A special fleet variant that will be capable of towing 20,000 pounds is on schedule for 2025, further solidifying the Silverado EV’s mission that is geared towards the hardest and heaviest of work. Both pickups have a payload rating of around 1,300 lbs, and future work truck variants with smaller batteries and rear-wheel drive should weigh even less and be able to handle more payload. 

2023 Chevy Silverado EV’s CES Debut Will Display “Stunning” First Glimpse with Batteries and Massively-Capable Modular Platform

When the Chevy Silverado EV makes its debut during the star-studded 2022 CES show in Las Vegas, it will undoubtedly mark the beginning of the electric era. Sporting ingeniously engineered new Ultium batteries as well as a brand-new modular platform underneath, we know this EV is going to have all the spectacular bells and whistles to compete in the growing market.

Many rumors suggest there may be a 1,000-horsepower Silverado at some point, with the feature-rich base model still blazing off the line with 500-horsepower. All-wheel drive will be standard on the Silverado, and the total driving range is one of the features that is sure to impress. 

The Silverado EV will boast up to 400 miles of range with the highest-end 200-kWh battery pack, which is substantially more than the GMC Hummer EV’s 350-mile range. There won’t be a huge visual difference between the gas-powered Silverado we all know and its new Earth-conscious electric counterpart. 

The shape is for the most part the same, and a few of the best rendering artists have made educated guesses regarding what the incoming Silverado may look like. There may be a few noticeable updates to the rear end, including refreshed taillights and unique detailing on the tailgate. The truck that is proudly making its way to the CES show will show off an extra-large moonroof, along with 24-inch wheels. Michigan roots have always defined Chevy’s amazing manufacturing process, and the Silverado EV will be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck Factory Zero Facility in Michigan, with 2.2 billion invested into the facility to date. 

2021 Chevy Silverado’s Capable V8, High Country Additives, Tow and Cargo Properties Impress Yet Again

For the second year in a row, our favorite truck at West Chevy saw a round of exciting updates. A brand-new configurable tailgate and upgraded trailer-towing technology are a few reasons the 2021 Silverado is raising the bar substantially for its entire class. 

Its hefty 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management Technology, electronically controlled 10-speed automatic transmission, and automatic engine braking all make it a reliable hauler. This is the same engine that can be found in the always-popular Corvette Stingray C8, and it boasts the ability to turn off cylinders when they are not needed. The High Country trim takes power to the next level: its towing capability is up to 9,200 lbs when paired with the 6.2-liter V8. 

The Deluxe Package includes the added safety protection with forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, front pedestrian braking, safety alert seat, a power sunroof, all-weather floor liners, and 22-inch all-season tires. The Multi-Flex Tailgate is a blessing for anyone who needs to load cargo efficiently, as you can easily control it with a button inside the cab or on the key fob. The inner gate with work surface provides a handy standing desk space that is perfect for using a laptop on a job site.

The primary gate load stop helps prevent extra-long items from suddenly sliding out of the bed, and the full-width step can support 375 pounds. The Cnet.com staff billed the 2021 Silverado as “capable and comfortable,” and they were impressed by its genuine appeal and distinctive design. Every engine option can be paired with a 70-inch short bed, 79-inch standard bed, or 98-inch-long bed, and three axle ratios are offered with the choice of two and four-wheel drive.

Chevy Silverado Trail Boss LT Post Road Review: “Crisp Performance, Top-Notch Handling, Perfectly Spacious”

Tim Plouff of The Ellsworth American had the chance last week to test-drive the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss LT Crew Cab and report back on his thoughts about the quality of the ride. While Chevy still builds all three cab models, crew cab trucks now dominate sales – and that goes for all brands! This newest Silverado that was upsized last year offers the roomiest cabin, largest pickup bed, and revised powertrains that should easily meet any consumer's operating needs.

The Trail Boss trim includes the Z-71 suspension favored for a long time now by many Silverado buyers. Now, it includes the under body skid plates, front tow hooks, locking rear differential, AutoTrac two-speed transfer case with automatic AWD-mode, Hill Descent Control and monotube long-travel shocks, and 2-inch chassis lift. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac off-road tires are mounted on gloss-black 18-inch aluminum wheels, and residing under the hood is a completely re-tuned 5.3-liter EcoTec V8 that cranks out 355 horsepower. Trail Boss buyers can choose between the 8 or 10-speed automatic transmissions, and this crew used the 10-speed that was jointly developed with Ford.

For this crew it performed flawlessly, helping to deliver crisp throttle response, very strong mid-range power, and the ability to get over the speed limit in a snap. This is where the group claimed that the Trail Boss obviously had much attention paid to it by engineers, who delved deep into gear selections, throttle mapping, and tuning the electronic throttle. There are six different engine options in the Silverado: base power is now derived from a 310-horsepower, 2.7-liter turbo-4 cylinder, or the 4.3-liter 285 horsepower V-6. There is a now a 3.0-liter Duramax diesel available, boasting 277 horsepower and the highest EPA fuel economy ratings of the group.

The very top of the line motor is the 6.2-liter V8 from the Corvette and Camaro camp, specially tuned to make 420 horsepower when teamed only with the 10-speed automatic. When its properly equipped, this engine serves up tow numbers up to 13,400 pounds. Other new goodies include a power-release tailgate, push-button start and access, teen-driver mode programming, rear-seat occupant reminder alarm, 15-view optional towing HD camera setup, rear seatback storage compartments, and a half-ton tow package with a trailer-brake controller.

The team on duty here at West Chevrolet concluded that the Trail Boss was overall very agile, and much more fun to drive than some of its sworn rivals. A radius that is ideal for tight low-speed turns and a generally more athletic stance during driving maneuvers even pleasantly left the group with the sense that there is a bit of Camaro hidden deep inside. Four years had passed already since their last extended visit with the Silverado, and the final verdict was that the interior had improved, the performance was crisper, and the ride dynamics had shot up a large positive notch to top off the experience!

Driving.CA Hails 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Diesel For “Smooth Riding, Tops in Towing, Refined Interior”

Most of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville will agree with the sentiment that a good number of truck fans at some point will long for the benefits of diesel. That used to mean that you are completely upping the ante and going very heavy-duty, but all of the “big 3” automakers now offer small diesel for their half-ton selections, including the test model that the staff of Driving.CA had on their hands: the Chevy Silverado 1500. To find out if the diesel route is right for you, much weighs on your budget, how often you drive, and what you need the truck to accomplish.

The diesel is one of six various engines available with the Silverado; the other options are all gasoline and range from a 2.7-liter turbo-four to a 6.2-Liter V8. The diesel is a 3.0-liter Duramax inline 6-cylinder mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Driving.Ca staff calls it a “thing of sheer beauty”. It cranks out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque and sees availability in four trim levels. This crew used the top-of-the-line High Country tester, which was equipped with the 5.3-liter V8. 

Resident expert Jil Mcintosh reflected that even though you may pay more for oil changes and the diesel itself, these are incredibly robust engines that can last for many years if well maintained, and possess a very solid resale value. The days of waiting for a diesel to fire all the way up have been long gone for some time, and the testing crew's model had automatic start-stop technology that will disengage the engine at a stop sign or red light. Jil was pleased with how smooth the ride was for how bulky the truck is, and the model line overall is rated for a top towing capacity of 13,400 pounds. 

The 4x4 crew cab with short bed and diesel and pull up to 9,300 pounds, touting a maximum payload of 1,870 pounds. Once inside the cabin, the team had a great appreciation for the simplicity and practical layout of the controls, and the thought put into the fact that the big dials and buttons are easy to operate while wearing gloves. When the hot days of summer come and the truck is sweltering from residing in the rays of the sun for hours, one button will drop all four windows at once for a little fresh air before the dual-zone climate control kicks in full force. 

The switch from two to four-wheel drive is done with buttons, while a dial switches easily through normal, sport, off-road, or tow-haul driving modes. Don't forget to check out the top-of-the-line High Country trim: here you enjoy heated and ventilated seats, and the new added touch of full heating. There is also a power tailgate, operated via the key fob, a button on the gate, or an interior switch: it is also at the moment the only down-and-up tailgate on the market. While these professional testers agreed that truck buyers have it good these days and everyone makes a decent machine, the Silverado diesel is the most dependable, long-lasting, and feature-rich among current offerings! 

2020 Chevy Silverado Proves to be Immensely “Smooth Operator” Post Test-Drive

It's the first time in decades that the Chevy Silverado 1500-size pickup is available with both a diesel motor and an inline-six, and seasoned car writer Gary Gastelu was one of the first on the scene with the news scoop on his blog. The turbocharged 3.0-liter Duramax makes a large splash in the light-duty diesel segment while brandishing its straight-6 design, which operates on fewer moving parts than a V6, and a firing order with more balance and smoother operation. It's an all-new GM designed engine that is also found in the GMC Sierra 1500 and will soon be found in Chevy's  full-size SUVs.

It cranks out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. For the two-wheel-drive models, the Duramax nails down a 33 mph EPE fuel economy rating, which is better than any pickup that exists.  When equipped with 4-wheel drive, it is in a tie of sorts with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4x4 ranked at 29 mpg. During his extensive test drive, Gary was able to get his 4x4 Silverado LTZ crew cab over 30 mph by hovering around 60 mph, which has always seemed a good median point for full-sized truck effective use.

When it really comes down to the feel of the truck while driving, it has been said to feel more like a V8 than most diesels do. The pistons stand up and rev when you accelerate and is a trait that  makes a solid argument for itself every time you pull up at the pump. Considering what the fuel price average is right now in Anytown, USA, the diesel will save the average driver around $1,000 a year in fuel costs over 15,000 miles when put to the test right next to the 6.2-liter V8.

This is a truck that was designed to deliver the ultimate in both performance and efficiency, and technologies are at play every single second to optimize every drop of fuel, and make the Silverado more aerodynamic than ever before. Nicola Menarini is the head director for diesel truck engine program execution, and she had adamantly claimed early last year that Chevy had leveraged our global diesel expertise to assure this engine offered the performance and durability all of our customers demand daily. Within the aluminum engine block are iron cylinder liners, a forged steel crankshaft, and connecting rods as well as blended silicon/aluminum pistons for greater heat resistance and reduction in expansion.

A brand-new active thermal management system warms up components quickly for better efficiency, and the exhaust brake available in tow-haul mode provides more driver confidence when descending downhill. All of us here on staff at West Chevy of Knoxville are also so keen on one other feature of this best purchase for 2020: the driver-selectable stop start technology enhances fuel economy by completely shutting off the engine at stoplights and other situations, and then restarts automatically when the driver takes their foot off the brake!

2021 Silverado Realtree Edition: Sensational Splash of Camo + Off-Road Prowess

One attribute of truck buyers we have realized here at West Chevy of Memphis is that outdoorsmen are perhaps some of the most loyal pickup truck buyers of all. In celebration of men and women everywhere that can't control their urge to hunt, fish, and be as far away from the city as possible, the 2021 Silverado Realtree Edition is a special appearance package that is built upon the 4-wheeling Custom Trail Boss trim. Chevy's partnership with the camouflage brand first came about with the 2016 Silverado Realtree Edition, and it now sees an upgrade for the half-ton pickup's fourth generation in existence.

For starters, there is a splash of camo graphics on the Silverado's bed as well as its hood, and inside components like the door handle grabs have been covered with the distinct camo. The Realtree logo is also present on the durable bedliner, and the Custom Trail Boss extras such as two-inch factory suspension lift and upsized Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires are on deck for off-road mastery.

This Realtree Edition also comes fully equipped with Chevy's Z71 off-road package, which offers up Hill Descent Control, Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, an automatic locking rear differential, and an AutoTrac two-speed transfer case. The standard engine is a 5.3-liter V8, and you can choose to upgrade to the 6.2-liter if you desire, upping the ante to 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The heftier option is paired to the 10-speed automatic, while the first one runs in conjunction with the six-speed gearbox. Disappointingly for some, it doesn't currently look like the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six will be available, since it can only integrate with the Silverado LT and higher trims.

The staff on duty at Motor Trend remarked this year that the 2021 Silverado possesses “Phenomenal powertrains, responsive steering, and over-the-top pulling power”. Motor1.com called the Trail Boss trim “Tough as nails and a helluva ride” and doled out extra appreciation for the hidden storage compartments under the front seats and rear bench, and the number of USB ports found within the center console and back seat.

The new Silverado’s exterior sheet metal is nothing short of revolutionary, and we feel it’s a show-stealer as far as the continuing rivalry with the menacing cross-town Dodge Ram! When you come to see us here for a test drive, you’ll be impressed with the handling and stability of the Duratrac Mud-Terrain tires: they redefine the “go anywhere” mantra with their knobby makeup and expert design!

Motor Trend Puts 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 to Test, Rank it as “Heavy-Hitting Value Rich with Performance”

A half-ton truck powered by diesel was not exactly an idea that was born yesterday, but since there is so much fierce competition now for the top spot in the game, every major truck manufacturer has been making big moves to claim stakes. As all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville know, the Silverado is no stranger to this path, but had lately seen many mourning the continued sense of loss after the V-8 diesels disappeared within the Silverado lineup in the late 90's.

The trusty staff on duty at Motor Trend offered up a feature over the past week that was all about the challenge at hand rivals Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Ford F-150 offer up and the many ways in which the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 meets the challenge. When features editor Scott Evans drove the 2020 Silverado 1500 Duramax during its highly-publicized press launch, he then thought the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph would take around 8.7 seconds. But road test editor Chris Walton took just 7 seconds flat for the Silverado RST Duramax, happily pushing the envelope while sampling the new diesel-driven goods.

The 1500 Duramax 2WD is rated to tow up to 7,600 pounds, and while under near-capacity burden, still went from 0 to 60 mph in just 16 seconds. Test drivers reported a very smooth warmth from the engine at beginning growl as well as mid-point muster and also claimed that it pulls a trailer as if it weren't even there. The Motor Trend experts made one claim that we want every die-hard truck fan to hear loud and clear: the Ford F-150 lurched AND struggled under weight, and on a steep incline close to Davis Dam near the Arizona-Nevada border, the Duramax controlled power allocation and the trailer very well with everything the crew threw at it.

There were a few major changes made to the suspension for the 2020 model year, and all of the expert opinions on this test run claimed that the noise reduction factor was unbelievable: we guarantee you won't have the faintest clue you're sporting diesel power. In the end, it was performance factor and overall capability that made the Silverado stand out from the crowd as far as this feature was concerned and to properly sway burly truck lovers towards the diesel variant.

Brandishing an EPA-rated 33 MPG on the highway, there are so many good reasons to come down and get your eager hands on a new Diesel Silverado now. Just to put this in a bit of perspective for you, the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST is a sizzling hatchback that weighs under 3,000 pounds and has an engine half the size of trucks nails down 32 mpg when ousted to the open road. We will keep you posted right here on the blog regarding updates and news related to the 1500, and its ability to effortlessly conquer any obstacle, towing duty, or hovering hazard!

2020 Silverado To See ZR2-Type Upgrades For Offroad Action

For the serious off-road enthusiasts that we interact with so frequently here at West Chevy of Knoxville the truck of choice for wandering off-road has always been the Colorado ZR2. It's a no-brainer since it brings Multimatic spool valve shock-equipped suspension, racing program and factory-backed aftermarket upgrades to the table, allowing you to not just embrace but attack the great outdoors. As great as it is, we are beginning to realize that there are many out there who wish that the full-size Silverado was blessed with a bit of off-road magic.

That time has now arrived, and the Silverado has been slated for some upgrades that should lurch over river ford and rock quarry to reach production. The new race truck will now compete in the 1200 Stock class of the Best in the Desert series and was developed in cooperation with Hall Racing, the experts who had a hand in the ZR2's existence. The Silverado is based on the LT Trail Boss with the optional 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission and sports significant tweaks to the suspension and chassis. It features a long-travel suspension with larger versions of the ZR2's spool valve shocks on top of jounce shocks to help protect the truck from the damage large bumps dole out.

The skid plates covering the vital mechanics are the off-road truck's #1 defense against destruction, and 35-inch tires replace the 32-inch stock tires that come on the Trail Boss. There as of now has not been an official announcement regarding the release date for these parts but there is a good chance that they may be available directly to consumers. After brandishing the upgraded ZR2 race truck, Chevy offered some of the parts as accessories to ZR2 owners, so the same may happen in regards to the Silverado.

Chevy's chief engineer for performance variants lamented last week that “Offroad racing is just brutal on vehicles, and a single race puts more wear and tear on trucks than most vehicles will experience in years. That makes offroad racing a valuable test bed to evaluate new components. What we learn while racing informs everything from future performance parts and accessories to GM Defense products and production vehicle changes”. Nothing is ever a full guarantee in the current auto and truck landscape, but we are pretty sure that in the very near future, Silverado owners will be making sure the last gulp of coffee has been downed from the sample in the cupholder, looking at boulders and red rock with glee, and lurching off the road most traveled!

2020 Chevy Silverado Midnight and Rally Editions Introduced Alongside Texas State Fair Excitement

Many loyal Silverado buyers here at West Chevy of Knoxville have proven to us over the years that special editions are wildly popular, and with a new year's model already making its way onto the lot, there are a few standout choices already available. Chevy is officially bringing back the popular Midnight and Rally editions to the 2020 Silverado 1500, and they were shown at a very fitting location as they made their debut at the State Fair of Texas.

Both treatments add a healthy dose of darkness for those who want a unique way for their truck to stand out. The 2020 Silverado 1500 Midnight Edition is offered on the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss trims and brings a more rugged appearance to this truck that is already focused on off-road performance in a major way. It adds black 18-inch wheels, badges, grille, bumpers, exhaust tips, steps, and the signature bowtie. The recovery hooks hold on to their same red hue, contrasting perfectly against the stealthily dark other elements.

The LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition sees its power source from a 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This trim also stands apart due to the very high-intensity LED headlamps with daytime running lights and darkened bezels. The Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss Midnight Edition is available with either the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and the six-speed automatic or the 6.2-liter V-8 paired to the 10-speed.

The Silverado 1500 Rally Edition is pictured here in white and was developed exclusively for those who desire a more urban appearance. It is currently offered on the RST and Custom trims and is available in Black, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, or Summit White Exterior paint. The Rally Edition holds on to the body-colored grille, but also sees the addition of black stripes on the hood and tailgate, black bowties, black badging, black exhaust tips, black assist steps, and ultra-cool black Chevrolet lettering on the tailgate. The RST Rally Edition includes black 22-inch wheels, while the Custom Rally Edition rides on black 20-inch wheels.

Both Rally editions are available with the 2.7-liter turbo-four engine mated to an 8-speed automatic, but the RST Rally Edition can also acquire its thunder using the 5.3-liter V-8 or the 6.2-liter V8. Both editions will be available to order next month and will see release dates at dealers later this year. When asked for candid honesty, most of us here in the service bays and on the sales lot prefer the Midnight: the capability to enjoy off-road destinations is choice. But if you come down to visit us for a test drive of the Rally Edition, you'll still fall in love with its specific blend of street swagger and metro-area friendly makings!

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!