2021 Chevy Malibu Sport Edition Featured in Carbuzz.com Close-Up

During a time when trucks and SUVs are snagging up a large share of what is the overall popularity factor, it is inspiring to see that the fun and engagement had while driving a sedan still lives on. The ninth-generation Chevy Malibu is gaining a new spec as it now enters its sixth year on the market in the form of the Sport Edition, and the folks on staff at Carbuzz.com highlighted the excitement in their blog this week.

 

The 2021 Sport Package includes upgrades in the form of a black nameplate badge, black bow-tie emblems, and black-painted alloy wheels measuring 13 inches in diameter, wrapped in 245-section all-season tires. It is based on the LT trim level – one step down from the range-topping premier trim – and sees the requirement of a Jet-Black exterior paint option. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will now see wireless features, where before a USB cable connection was required, and the model will also see the addition of a newly available safety feature being added to encourage proper seat belt use. Called “Buckle to Drive”, the driver is not allowed to shift out of park until it is detected that the seat belt is fastened.

Inside, the current Malibu sports a traditional cabin for its class, but it adds to the style with varying light color contrasts, an exceptionally large touchscreen, a simpler HVAC interface, and uniquely shaped air vents. If you opt for the RS trim, you see even more contrast with Jet Black Interior, which matches with the metallic trim nicely. Those looking for a bit more luxury will find what they need in the Premium trim, which includes leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and more.

Standard amenities such as an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth audio streaming should all be on the list, and under the hood in the starter model is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the engine lineup is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that cranks out 250 hp, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville are proud of the fact that the current Malibu boasts a “Superior” rating in the front-crash prevention test, and this is with the enhanced automatic emergency braking system.

After a test drive, you’re going to see so many reasons to add the Malibu to your family’s fleet: the sedan always offers up the connection between the road and the driver that the excitement of driving was always meant to be centered around. The ability to haul and tow that a pickup gives you always boasts its appropriate time and place, but when a hairpin turn is in your near future, the spirit and excitement of a sedan are unbeatable and exhilarating!

2022 Chevy Traverse Hailed by J.D. Powers for Second-Row Comfort, Advanced Safety Options

Here at West Chevy of Memphis, we are already busy doling out the details regarding 2022 models, and we couldn't be more excited to roll into the future with such well-equipped and feature-rich options! The J.D. Powers blog ran a super cool feature this week about the changes in the brand-new model, and it includes styling updates, revised seating choices, more standard safety systems, and improved infotainment technology. 2022 Traverse owners are sure to be happy with the updates made to the Chevy Infotainment System 3, and this is also the vehicle that made such an impressive showing in the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Study.

There will not be any changes to the trim lineup, which currently includes the L, LS, LT, Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier, and High Country. The first features the blog covers are in the front, where the 2022 Traverse sees a handsome new grille with chrome horizontal slates, slimmer headlights with a new LED running light signature, and much larger lower fog light housings. In back, there are brand-new LED taillights with a restyled trim piece between them that achieves a fresh appearance, and brand-new striking aluminum wheel designs.

There are all-new interior seating options with new color combinations to choose from, as well as exposed stitching, new piping, and contrast-color inserts for the higher trim levels. Make sure you snag up a version of the Traverse that has the Dual SkyScape sunroof, adding an easy way for second-row passengers to fully enjoy the view. The Traverse Is definitely one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, with cargo volume measuring 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 57.8 cubic feet behind the second-row seat, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows of seats down.

Some of the optional features are the absolute best: leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel are great at prepping the 2022 Traverse for any kind of weather you may encounter. By using the SUV's connected services subscription, owners can opt for 4G LTE Wi-Fi onboard, and you'll also get to enjoy features like a video-fed rearview mirror and high-def surround-view camera system. Previously, buyers needed to upgrade to LT Cloth trim to access safety technologies like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and it was at that time an option rather than standard.

Now for 2022, every Traverse will feature standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. If you select the Premier or High Country trims, you’ll even have a vibrating seat to get your attention when any of the active ADAS systems trigger a warning. There is a completely embedded navigation system and Bose premium sound system available for the 2022 model as well, and the Chevrolet Connected Access subscription through OnStar provides crucial features such as crisis assist, automatic crash notification, fast access to roadside assistance, a vehicle locator function, and more!

2021 Chevy Suburban RST Spied Solo on the Road Via GM Authority

The city of Detroit has always held much clout and candor when it comes to brand-new auto releases and has seen the presentation of many star-studded vehicles over the years. GM revealed the all-new 2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe during a joint debut held in the motor city last year, flaunting the completely-overhauled SUVs that are available in six trim levels. The RST trim is the one that has gained much attention, due to its sportier stance and various custom touches. The staff on hand at GM Authority did already publish a blog giving curious auto enthusiasts a look at the 2021 Tahoe RST roaming around, but the 2021 Suburban RST has not been seen until now.

Based on the very popular mid-range LT trim level, the 2021 Suburban RST will add to the mix 22-inch wheels as standard, which is quite a bump up fro the 18-inch wheels that are now featured on LT and LS models. The only other 2021 Suburban model that has been able to boast 22-inch wheels as standard is the High Country, which rides on Sterling Silver premium painted wheels that also have chrome inserts. On top of new wheels, the 2021 Suburban RST also flaunts a new and unique front fascia that features a “black ice” grille finish.

The lettering, badging, and roof rails, as well as window trim, are all new, and once inside, the Suburban Rst features brand-new seats specified to the model with contrast-color stitching. The cabin also seeks a 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information center display as standard, and much of the remaining equipment is derived from the Suburban LT. Under the hood, the power is derived fro the naturally-aspirated 5.3 -Liter L84 V8 engine, that cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Diesel is an awesome option as always, utlilzing the 3.0-Liter I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine, which is rated at 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

When production begins for the 2021 Suburban, it will be proudly assembled at the GM Arlington plant in Texas, which has been operating at full steam since 1954. With nearly 3,000 employees, many hard-working Americans have been able to boast a production rate of 1,200 vehicles per day. This was also the plant that produced true gems such as the 1963 Chevy Bel-air, a very unique and memorable model in the journey back through time! 

This is a vehicle that strikes us here at West Chevy of Knoxville as big on capability, connectivity, and properly getting the job done. Both the Tahoe and Suburban now come with an independent rear suspension that allows for the best in handling and cornering, as well as an available first-in-class Four Center Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that has an expert's eye and high-tech touch while adjusting the vehicle's ride height.

Inside EVs Renders 2020 Chevy Bolt as “The Most Affordable and Compelling EV Option”

Over the past week, a solid video was making the rounds that showcased the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV and had a lot of fantastic things to say about it! Joe Raiti is the host of “Raiti's Rides”, and was very young when he full-on caught the car bug. Growing up watching his dad work on various makes and models, he quickly learned to have a sense of the complex inner parts and function of the internal combustion engine. He was a professional formula car racer for three years and is a renowned expert when it comes to Porsches and our very own beloved Corvette.

In the video, he is going over the fine points of a 2020 Bolt with Premier trim, and wants to answer questions for those out there wondering: is the Bolt the most bang currently out there for your buck, and the most versatile EV out there? He takes a step back in time to remember our very first “EV1”, before the Volt. He also admits that Tesla was the “Apple” style brand in the sea of electric completion, but that one thing he loved about the Volt was the fact that it had a gas-powered generator to quell anyone with serious range anxiety, a very important trait for a pioneering model.

The host is alert and future-savvy: he can't hide his excitement when he announces that the 2020 Bolt is fully electric, no generator or any other way of generating power besides regenerative braking is at play. He bills the styling as very unique as he looks at the front, with full LED projector beam-style headlights and daytime running lamps. As you look deeper into the headlights they are now all blacked out inside with a bit of silver trim, giving it a nice dose of flair.

The grille has also been redesigned, and this maestro of sorts who loves high-octane thrill machines such as the Camaro and Corvette approves of the nice blacked-out look as well as the brand-new high-def forward-facing camera situated underneath. Even though there is not any storage underneath the hood is there is in some other EVs, Joe appreciated the way the Bolt is made up because you can pop the hood and clearly see what you are working with underneath.

He then offers a very close-up look at the 17-inch wheels that are machine aluminum and gloss black, and you see that the wheel design aesthetically goes well with the rest of the car's appearance. The plug-in spot for the charger is directly at around the one-o-clock position above the driver's side front tire, and the chrome trim above it flows towards the side mirror and then stops, which Joe also thought looked smart. Also of note that will gain much approval are the roof rails on top: you could easily mount the extra equipment to carry anything like a bike or kayak if needed.

All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville would most likely agree that one of the prime areas that the Bolt has been winning in is range: every year there is a new model on the scene, the driver will be going further without a charge, no questions asked. This was part of the allure and magic of electrification to begin with, and if a commuter is driving 15 miles a day, they can last an entire week since the mile range is now over 250! In fact, at 15 miles a day you would last two weeks  without the need for a charge. From a 210-volt outlet, the charging time is around 9 hours, perfect for any overnight to be fully juiced in the morning and ready to roll.

West Chevrolet’s Wild Summer Truck Report: 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Test Drive

Appropriately named after what is unquestionably one of the most rugged and adventuresome states in the nation, the Colorado is the new king of the action-driver's / off-road niche. This is a vehicle for achieving high speeds in the desert, crawling over looming rocks in the wild, and your routine-seeming daily commute as well. Here in Knoxville, we have the Smokies close by and accessible for multiple off-roading opportunities, and some of the most fun you can have during summer is in the wild with a more-than-able machine.

The well-equipped ZR2 comes standard with front, rear and center differentials, 31-inch tires, a 3.5-inch wider track than the previous Colorado Z71, and a 2.0-inch lift. Just about everyone that has test driven this beast agrees on one very important fact: the shocks in this truck are out-of-this-world superior. They are Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers, and their original development was intended for use in Indy and F1 cars. Inside are spring-activated spool valves, that are used to prevent extreme overheat.

As compression takes place, the shocks gradually become stiffer. If you are in a truly extreme off-roading situation, you will be able to actually catch air with confidence. The landing is nearly always the toughest part of jumping in an actual truck, but the most skilled of ditch and creek desperadoes claim that they really enjoy the stickiness the ZR2 possesses right when it lands. If the feeling of a suave sports car is what you get a hankering for every once in a drive, you can leave the ZR2 in two-wheel drive, switch the stability control to Off-Road Mode, and attain more of a drift as you embark across dirt or other obstacle-ridden terrains.

You can get the ZR2 with the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, or opt for the 4-cylinder turbo diesel for just over $3,000 extra. Either one you choose can be paired with an extended cab or crew cab body, and both are appropriately matched to automatic trannies. The very responsive V6 is great to use when you are in a situation needing very high speeds, but the diesel setup really shows its efficiency level when you embark for a highway cruise. For a diesel-driven option, this is really not that noisy of a ride, and you’ll also enjoy the heated seats, wireless charging pad, and built-in Wi-Fi that comes along for the ride. Every unit has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, and payload ability of 1,100.

In essence, the Toyota Tacoma is a rival product that is a fairly trusty rock climber, but the real issue at stake is the power, and the ZR2 has much more of it. You’ll notice a better-rounded appeal in the ZR2 than the Ford F-150 Raptor as well, while the sales and service staff here at West Chevrolet will be happy to help you along with a lease or sale of one. Get ready to experience just how thrilling the warm-weather months can be with a truck that has 8.9 inches of ground clearance at the bottom of the rear shocks, and other cool features such as a bed-mounted tire carrier. This is the season to definitely savor what some deem as unexplorable, and the Colorado ZR2 is most definitely the truck to take you.