2021 Chevy Malibu's Fierce and Fun Stance on Coming of Spring: New Color, Glistening Tech, Upgraded Optional Features

One of the best ways to enjoy the warmer weather is to hit the open road in a great sedan. All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville can attest to just how badly the urge strikes once the green grass and sunshine begin to appear. The all-American car that can corner with the best of them and provides seamlessly-connected steering and power will always be a sheer blast to take for a spin when the weather gets progressively nicer each day.

If you feel the same way, we've got great news! For 2021, the Chevy Malibu offers a new Sport Edition Package, a new exterior color option, and Buckle to Drive Technology for safety. Cherry Red tintcoat is now an option for your next Malibu, and you can add to the visual excitement and appeal with 19-inch Aluminum wheels for the LT model and dealer-installed Gloss Black grill. The new Sport Edition brings to the mix blacked-out exterior features, which are now seeing as much appreciation and popularity in the auto world as donning a black tie to a night out at the symphony. You can aptly darken the mood with the grille, bowtie badges, nameplate badges, and 19-inch black aluminum wheels.

The Redline Edition now offers brand-new custom Redline-branded decals on the exterior mirrors, and there are a few other updates you'll notice once you get inside. The 2021 Malibu also provides the ultimate in urban style and stature with a sport lowering suspension kit, also offering either a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four that puts out 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque and an available 2.0-liter turbo-four that steps things up a notch with 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Sometimes you feel like breaking completely away from the norm and putting your car's engine to the test while clearing your head appropriately and cruising directly outside the city limits. We love this car for the fact that it provides you this exciting and well-timed escape, while also boasting great features that make it an excellent choice for a daily driver. Check out how the Driver Confidence I and II Packages add optimal watchdog greats like blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

The front seats of the Malibu sport a very wide base and supportive side bolsters, and another perk of a sedan is their always large-sized trunks to accommodate carry-on. Key safety features found on the Malibu include available automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Ranked by USNews.com as “The best value for anyone on a budget” looking to own a new model in the midsize category, we feel this is a fierce and fiery rival for the Honda Accord, and an ideal purchase for anyone ready to embrace the freedom of traveling potential opening up with a giant stride and purpose in 2021!

2021 Chevy Colorado's New Face Roars Fiercely onto Autobuzz.com Blog Feature

The perfect sized and spec'd out truck for the pleasantly warm days of summer is enough to brighten anyone's day: even if it is time to go to the cubicle instead of the lake, you're in for a solid yet very smooth ride. It was last October when Chevy lifted the veil off the 2021 Colorado face-lift, and at that time it was only the ZR2 version that was shown to the public. This past week on the ultra-cool Carbuzz.com blog, there are some more newly released photos of the LT and Z71 trims featuring the updated styling.

 

At first glance, they look a bit less extreme than the hardcore ZR2 off-road variant that everyone loves, but still a bit more aggressive than the 2019 model thanks to the larger vents and bolder grille stance. The Chevy bow-tie emblem has seen some tweaking, and the tailgate has embossed “Chevrolet” lettering now in place of the previous model's bow-tie, which is identical to what is found on the rear of the Silverado. The air dam under the bumper has also been adjusted to improve overall dynamics, as the center part rises upward to improve the approach angle and the whole air dam can be removed if you need to.

Like the 2020 model, the 2021 Colorado is offered with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a hefty 2.8-liter Duramax 4-cylinder diesel that cranks out 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. We hope you come down to visit us here at West Chevy of Knoxville and check out the three new colors, new wheel designs, and a one-inch lift kit that has all been added to the 2021 Colorado options list.

The Extended Work Truck trim is where the pricing tier begins on the low end, and the Base Extended Cab Version is expected to be discontinued. Production of this 2021 model will begin at the end of June, and we expect popularity to skyrocket as this is the avid and hearty truck owner's dream come true: stiff competition in the form of Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger have recently emerged, and this is why the ZR2's looks were toughened up a bit for this year's release.

One of the most exciting things to happen over the last few years was the new partnership with the experts at AEV to join forces and create the ZR2 Bison: with front and rear differentials locked and multiple forms of armor to protect the undercarriage, it can conquer any jagged rock or otherwise hurdle-infested trail. What some say was the raw inspiration itself for Jeep to scramble hard and create its Gladiator, this expertly equipped off-road machine inspired many to stand up and conquer the many tricky trails in their area!

2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Display Exciting Improvements to city MPG

It has been a week of big announcements and excitement here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and one of them was regarding our extremely popular pair of amazing haulers for any family or business: the Tahoe and Suburban. The 2021 EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers for the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban have just been announced and reflect an increase in city-driving fuel economy. These three GM SUVs are powered by either a 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V-8 engine, with the option of a turbo-diesel inline-six.

 

Both the Suburban and GMC Yukon are completely redesigned from the ground up for the 2021 model year, and they now feature an independent rear suspension which allows for more very precious cargo space and are available with a choice of two gasoline V-8s or a turbo-diesel inline-six, all paired up nicely to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The EPA has released fuel economy for the pair, and the 2021 Suburban with the 5.3-Liter V8 is up 1 mpg in city driving compared to the 2020 model. Its combined EPA fuel economy is 18 mpg for rear-wheel drive models and 17 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Suburban’s that are deriving power from the 6.2- liter V8 nail down a combined 17 mpg for the rear-drive model and 16 mpg with all-wheel drive. The 2020 rear-wheel drive Suburban gets a 1-mpg increase in city-driving fuel economy, and “any gain is great” when you are dealing with a long-and-trusty vehicle such as these two. The review staff on duty at Cars.com claimed that “Chevy has saved the best for last” in terms of the Tahoe and Suburban, and that both new models are exceptional. This is due to packaging innovation, more space than ever before, and a new powertrain option.

The new look is a bit of a spin on the redesigned 2019 Silverado 1500 pickup, sporting indented headlights and split-level grille that creates a face slightly less aggressive than the truck's appearance. The powerful pair looks and feels just as massive as ever, and inside feels much more modern than in the sworn rival in the form of the Ford Expedition. We have now moved to push-button shifters mounted high on the dash, so there is no more constant hunting for buttons on the low end. The second-row seats do not just simply fold up and down; when they are returned to their upright position the mechanism elevates them a bit, making for better foot room when it comes to third-row passengers.

Since recent pickups are a reasonable gauge to go by, Chevy’s recent attention to vehicle dynamics overall is likely going to pay off for the Tahoe and Suburban just like it has for our beloved Silverado truck. These are two models that are about as good as it gets for anyone wanting to move passengers or cargo around town in extreme comfort, durability, and along with massive safety features and warranty options!

Motor1.com Delivers Industry's First Bolt EUV Crossover Spy Shots

For so many in the auto industry including us here at West Chevy of Knoxville, there is an extreme focus on electric vehicles as the tone of the future is set to mesh with that of the present. The compact Bolt is slated to be joined by a slightly larger model in the lineup. Caught here on camera for the first time by Motor1.com, we can see clearly what will become the Bolt EUV, or Electric Utility Vehicle. This prototype was cloaked during these early stages with heavy camouflage front and rear to hide the coming facelift as well as its design.

We can see that the crossover holds on to the Bolt's short, stubby nose, and the up-kink in the beltline at the C-pillar looks like traditional Bolt styling as well. Most of the C-pillar is hidden under the camo, but it is also suspected that the Bolt's floating roof design is cloaked under the tarps. At the rear you can make out that the placeholder lights are still there, suggesting it may be a prototype in the early stages of development. Many customers are excited about the coming of this crossover that will be ideal for the urban dweller and should brandish a predicted driving range of about 400 miles on a charge.

Even with the presence of the camouflage here, we are not completely in the dark as to what this new EV crossover will look like. Earlier this year crosstown rival Buick Velite 7 was put on display for the Chinese market, and there may be a few design similarities between the two. It will have a wheelbase three inches longer than the standard Bolt and measure five inches longer overall. This will also be the first non-Cadillac model to obtain Super Cruise, but it will not yet receive GM's brand-new Utium battery tech.

The new Bolt model will likely be compatible with Level 2 fast charging and should probably debut by the end of the year. Impressions from some people who got a peek at GM's big EV event though that it bared a bit of resemblance to the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach-E. There is a push-button gearshift, new seats, and lots of soft-touch materials, including a padded dashboard with leather-like material covering it.

The standard version will have a 400-volt battery pack and up to 200 kw fast-charging capability, and the version for the truck platform will be 800 volts and support 350 kw charging. Battery packs on board will feature pouch-like cells that engineers will be able to stack horizontally or vertically within the pack, and will allow for a modular layout that sees potential for more customized setup for each product. The steering wheel features a sportier design, and the instrument-panel design has been given a more cleaned-up appearance in the climate control zone and infotainment offerings.

2021 Suburban Deemed by Kelley Blue Book as “Class-Leading, Capable and Rugged”

Customers who are keen on seating for up to nine, power derived from a big V8, six trims to choose from and optional diesel engine have been coming in droves to snag up the massive Chevy Suburban for around 85 years now. The staff on duty at Kelley Blue Book are usually a pretty sure source of great information for anyone coming to look for a new vehicle here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and they cranked out a fantastic feature last week outlining the finer points of the 2021 Suburban model.

The Suburban comes standard with rear-wheel drive, with 4-wheel drive optional. Z71 Variants now offer it as standard. These trusty and hard-working vehicles are made in Arlington, Texas, alongside the GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. This particular year marks the absolute full revamp for this sport utility vehicle whose name dates all of the ways back to 1935, and it's the largest SUV from this brand that outstretches its full-size relative in the form of the Tahoe. If you have a big, busy family in tow, this is going to be a go-to vehicle for you, still possessing the sturdy feel of a truck and boasting very powerful engine options that make it ideal for hauling duties.

The KBB staff claims that the new version of the Suburban has a larger amount of appeal due to fresher technology on board, additional safety features, and enhanced ride manners. Independent rear suspension is a huge help with the newly smoothed-out ride, and the Suburban further stands above the masses with its V8 engine as opposed to the Ford Expedition's twin-turbo V6. If it's your style, you can still opt for the GM 6-cylinder turbodiesel that is regarded for its efficiency and stellar towing ability.

There's absolutely a reason why huge hauling machines like the Suburban are the tried-and-true rulers of rural roads, wide-open spaces, and locations such as the Lone Star State, where the pastures, skies, and rivers are all that much bigger. Low-end grunt, amazing efficiency, and rigid body-on-frame design will always be traits of this model that arrives at the dealer in a variety of tastes. It has been decades since the Suburban was offered with a diesel engine, and this new one has the output and modernized steam-engine stance within the powertrain that many have been after. Cargo room is another category where the Suburban really sets itself apart: There is an enormous 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space even with the third row up.

Audio and climate controls up front have very visible and easy to use dials, and the standard touchscreen has followed current trends by growing to 10 inches. There is also a digital rearview mirror that uses a camera feed for a wide-open view and power-operated storage console situated in between the front passenger and driver. All models except the base LS now receive a hands-free power-operated liftgate, the High Country is by all means where you want to set your sights. This is the trim that provides for you the 6.2-liter V8 engine we love so much, a head-up display, surround-view camera, digital rear camera mirror, and rear pedestrian alert feature!

2021 Chevy Traverse Praised by The Car Connection for “Crisp-All Around New Edges, Superb Sharp Look”

Going on sale during late 2020 right here at West Chevy of Knoxville, the folks on staff at The Car Connection blog first claimed about the new Chevy Traverse that “it is among the most prolific three-row family crossovers on the road, and there's hardly a shopping center without one”. The biggest change for the Traverse this year is a new nose and tail, and the body sides sport a deeper crease right under the windows. In the rear, Chevy has a horizontal strip across the liftgate and revised taillights that have have a narrower appearance.

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter V-6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, with the choice of front or all-wheel-drive. Managing Editor Aaron Cole claimed after his test drives that the Traverse “steers quite well and tracks down the middle of the road with comfort”, with much thanks to a 4-wheel independent suspension that does a fantastic job of soaking up every little dent in the road. Up to 8 can fit into the 2021 Traverse's three rows of seats, and 7-passenger configurations are available.

Behind all three rows, there are 23 feet of cubic storage that expands heftily to nearly 100 cubic feet with rows 2 and 3 in the folded position. Standard equipment on the 2021 Traverse includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, and automatic high beams, with adaptive cruise control available as an add-on. The testing team had much appreciation for the look of the chrome surrounds around the fog lights, and remarked that they now look better than what's on the Tahoe and Suburban. In the rear, the Traverse now borrows the tailgate look from the Tahoe as well, a now-wider strip that spans the liftgate like the larger breed of Chevy models.

When they got out on the more open stretches of road, the acceleration was definitely on par with the competition, and the V-6 is up to the task of hauling a unit full of cargo or passengers. When properly equipped the tow rating is 5,000 pounds, and the group rated the transmission as “flittering through gears with a preference for fuel economy”. We fully agree to the notion that there's “no mistaking the Traverse's bulk”, but also have noticed just how this makes for tracking down the middle of a highway with the ultimate in confidence.

The Car Connection crew gave the Traverse a 9 out of 10 overall for comfort, as the first two rows especially provide tons of space to stretch out during a long trip. This year saw the addition of a wireless phone charger as well as wireless smartphone compatibility software. Rear passengers see 38 inches of leg room and their own set of USB chargers. You'll also see active lane control and automatic high beams as standard equipment on the 2021 Traverse, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on LT and higher trims.

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.

Motor1.com On Pre-Release Corvette C8 Nurburgring Sighting: “Looks Like it's at Home in the Ring”

For years engineers and other auto experts have been rooting for the coming of the C8 Mid-engined Corvette model. From its debut in 1953 with the Blue Flame inline six-cylinder to the blistering and out-of-this-world Corvette ZR1, the forumla has been pretty much never strayed from. This all changes abruptly this month, when the engine officially is moved behind the passenger seats, and the new C8 is here to create a distinct ripple in the world of players such as the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Huracan, and Ford GT.

No matter what other car fans contest, all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville still get excited about every single spy shot and video that crosses our desk: years ago information didn't move as fast, and rumors were much more difficult to confirm. The bright minds on staff at Motor1.com put up a video last week of this amazing new Corvette testing at Nurburgring, and they provide an excellent opportunity to zoom in and really check out the different features from every single angle. The 'Vette hasn't officially been spotted at the Nurburgring since summer of 2018, and being able to claim lap times for this well-recognized landmark would definitely be a valuable marketing asset.

The ferocious new model is expected to debut with a 6.2-liter V8 that generates around 460 horsepower, and operates by means of a dual-clutch gearbox. Down the line more powerful versions are expected to appear, including the possibility of models that use a dual-overhead-cam V8, Cadillac's 4.2-liter, twin-turbo Blackwing V8, and even a hybrid version that could cook up a jaw-dropping 1,000 hp. This highly anticipated debut is scheduled for July 18 in Tustin, California, and production will begin in Bowling Green, Kentucky late this year. Engine placement matters for many various reasons when it comes to high-performance cars, but for the most part, it is in relation to the all-important improvement of handling and braking.

Moving the engine back delegates more weight on the rear axle, which provides more traction and the ability to down more power and accelerate more rapidly. Braking sees improvements as well because the added weight lets the rear brakes take on more of the brunt for stopping. Mid-engined cars make intense engineering adjustments that allow the car to change direction more easily, and faster.

The new C8 sports a much steeper hoodline and a different sense of forward visibility, finishing off with an exotic look akin to a Ferrari. Times have been changing for quite a while now, and going mid-engined will no doubt squeeze every single ounce of potential and raw excitement from a classic car that has long defined the essence and true pulse of track-ready stature!

Summer New Unit Update: Chevy Bolt to Light up the Lots One Month Early

Since the Bolt’s introduction to the masses last December, Chevrolet has been slowly rolling the car out to more states in preparation for its availability to everyone. GM representative Fred Ligouri confirmed that August will be the month where you can come see just how many cool features this plug-in offers the Eco-conscious consumer. Said to be vivaciously quick on its feet and ultimately very fun to drive, this is the vehicle on the market that is truly designed to do its best to rival a Tesla.

Offering up to 53 pure electric miles and up to 420 miles with a full charge, this newer Bolt will allow the driver to make fewer stops. All of us here In Knoxville on the lot agree that this will ultimately help you focus on your commute, and begin to visit the gas station less and less. The Bolt proudly touts a 1.5-liter direct injected high-efficiency engine, and creates its own source of additional energy when the battery runs out, by use of a gas-powered generator.

Some of the most exciting features of the Bolt are the ways that you can charge and monitor the battery. Using the Innovative Power Flow screen helps you efficiently track your driving, and Regen on Demand transfers the energy from the motion of the vehicle, ingeniously storing it in the battery while slowing the vehicle down. This is all governed by the press of a paddle mounted on the steering wheel, and the recharging options are also luring many into checking out this electrified and uniquely individual auto.

You can take the 13-hour route, where the car recharges with a 120-volt portable cord, or opt for a professionally installed charging system, that is double the charge and takes about 4 and a half hours. When it comes to electricity, some consumers are worried about rates, and you can even utilize location-based charging. Based on GPS data, the “home” setting for charging allows you to take advantage of electricity rates that are off-peak in price, and it will begin charging immediately when you leave the house. The Bolt combines looks that are very striking with aerodynamics that are finely-tuned, meant to be a bit bolder of an attitude on display than some of the other similar electric cars out there.

The reason for the Bolt becoming available quicker is big news for drivers in the Knoxville metro is largely due to range: until now, most electric cars at the entry level could not achieve more than 100 miles of driving range on a charge. Since this model can travel up to 90 miles on a 30-minute charge at a fast-charging station, it is quite the game-changer in the electric realm. Agile handing, seating for up to five, and features like a 10.2” touch screen are all within reach for a price that is almost under half of what is needed to obtain a Tesla Model S.

Ask about our 8-year warranty, that also takes you up to 100,000 miles, and takes along with it some of the worry that you may have about owning a high-tech EV. We can show you the LT and Premier trim levels that are available for the Bolt as well. Get ready to fully embrace electric, and be wowed at the features and capabilities of Knoxville's best energy-saving auto option.

Camo Corvette ZR1 Spotted Doing Laps at Nurburgring: Details + Spot Check

Deep in the lush region of Rhineland in Germany, there is a 150,000+ capacity motorsports complex that is situated close to legendary castles, and houses the original "North Loup" track. The Grand Prix track built in 1984 is what many fans from around the globe come to see, but when a car is being put through a strenuous performance test, it is on the "Nordschliefe" segment of asphalt. Curious diehard auto racing fans always wonder which vehicles are roaring around the track at this legendary location, and we are receiving reports that lead us to believe the ZR1 Corvette is one of the latest and greatest that is zipping around the tight turns here.

Light Camouflage is what the car in question has been spotted touting, and it has been said to have a very large rear wing. Placed there to assure that the amount of downforce is ample, it reminds those who spotted the car of the big one on the Dodge Viper ACR. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are what has been spotted on the rig, which seems surprisingly lightweight in relation to the overall package of the ZR1. The last model on the market was able to provide 638 horsepower from a very supercharged 6.2-liter LS9. With the current Z06 pumping out 60, it is expected that this new ZR1 is going to have the ability to really move itself off the line at fever pitch. This is what the most avid of race enthusiasts would expect, as this legendary vehicle simply had to appear on a poster with a sporty red cover for decades to make any serious driver's mouth water.

The word that is out among many we trust is that the ZR1 will be unveiled at either an IMSA race, or the Corvette Museum itself. If you haven't ever been to Bowling Green KY to visit this sensational shrine, it is where you can take a peek at over 80 Corvettes, test your knowledge with fun kiosks, and get a souvenir from the famed Corvette store. Anyone who simply loves the finer elements of driving is going to be excited when the ZR1 finally hits the streets of Knoxville. We can't imagine just how exciting it will be to finally open one up freely on I-40 as the balmy breezes hit town.

Nurburgring is about the coolest and most unique location that the new 'Vette could be seen at during its final test run stage: it was the main venue for the German Grand Prix as part of the Formula One World Championship after World War II. While practicing for the 1961 German Grand Prix here, Phil Hill became the first driver to complete a lap of the Nordschleife in under 9 minutes. A testimony to stellar production, love of speed and cosmetic car satisfaction, the ZR1 is going to stoke the driving spirit from coast to coast, as its long-awaited release is finally unveiled in the very near future.