Silverado 1500 Makes Appearance on Car and Driver “Pickups from Top To Bottom” List

Just as we claim on our main manufacturer web portal, combining a century of truck building know-how with 7 million miles of testing, you are not going to end up with just any old average truck. The end result is amazingly stronger, bigger, and even lighter than what was offered during previous generations. Offering up a large variety of choices so you can get the capability you need, the Silverado is built upon the legacy of the most resilient and durable pickups out there on the road, yesterday and today.

Car and Driver has long been a print and web-based portal where you can go to get the scoop on any car or truck in existence, and see what some of the most seasoned test drivers and past engineers think of each one. This past week they ran a feature that went down the proverbial list of what is available out there in the truck climate, to properly prepare anyone who is looking for a new hauling machine or daily driver to take care of business. The first thing they got righteously excited about is the addition of a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, joining the range of V-8's and V-6's as a power source that is poised and ready to be a great addition to your New Year's fleet!

Check with us here at West Chevy of Knoxville to see about all of the perks you get as a current GM owner and Lessee: there are price reductions and Loyalty Purchase rewards for those of you who have been by our side through multiple vehicles. There are 8 trim choices now, with each one offering unique designs and capabilities, and providing you the means to easily find the truck right for you. The exclusive grille and center bar with two-tone Bronze and finish is part of the High Country trim's allure, while the LT Trail Boss provides useful features such as the 2-inch factory suspension lift with Z71 Off-Road Package.

The “Work Truck” trim is where so many Knoxville-area preferences lie: it comes with the super-cool Chevy Graphic grille and tailgate, as well as the blacked-out bumpers, trim, and grille. Powered by the Ecotec2 4.3-Liter V6 engine, it also incorporates the modern genius of Active Fuel Management. The Durabed features 12 standard tie-downs, enabling you to get through any demanding haul or tow with ease: this is three times more than any competitor. The Silverado now offers the most functional bed of any pickup, and boasts the available industry-first power up/-down tailgate. With best-in-class bed width and up to 20% more cargo volume than the competition, all of us here at West Chevy were excited to once again see this year's Silverado featured within a first-rate publication, and are just as excited for you to come take one of these trusty warriors for a winter's spin!

2019 Chevy Malibu Pacific Metallic Blue Color Showcased in GM Authority

As the New Year's season rolls into Knoxville with its promise of change, prosperity, and renewed strength, many customers who are looking for a new vehicle are no doubt wondering about the color scheme that will best work for them. As you converse over the table with your loved ones, it could be said that the most fun element of the process is checking out in-depth exactly how you want your car to look! As you are looking at your laptop or tablet through all of the options, GM Authority highlighted last week one of the newest ones added to the mix.

Assigned the color code G60 and touch-up paint code WA 617D, Pacific Blue Metallic is one of the two blue hues available for the wildly popular 2019 Chevy Malibu. It is included in the base price of the car, and is available in conjunction with all interior color combinations, and every available trim level except for the L models. The new Malibu can already be found priced for sale and ready to go here on the lot, where you can come test drive this awesome mid-sized sedan which is the second largest in the Chevy lineup. This current ninth-generation model was introduced three years ago, and rides on the GM E2 platform that it shares with the Buick Regal, Cadillac XT4, and Chevy Cruze.

For the New Year's refresh, the Malibu was the recipient of a midcycle enhancement, which it gained revised exterior styling, a new Malibu RS trim level, a CVT transmission for the L, LS, LT, and RS models, an amazing new infotainment system, new 8-inch driver information center, and LED headlamps for the Premier model. Professional-grade review staff from Edmunds.com thought that one of the best features was the easy-to-use touchscreen interface: if you are in severe Knoxville gridlock or congestion, it's nice to know that when you come up for air in the form of digital information, you won't wait long for a search result.

When you embark on a journey in the new Malibu, the ride is smooth and composed while dealing incredibly well with rough spots of road, and any other elements that challenge the suspension. As the season changes inevitably to the much warmer months here in Tennessee, strong air conditioning that can handle the grip of a heat wave is well appreciated, and the Malibu's takes the cake: it has been rated as the best in the business many times over. Also sporting a very uncluttered dashboard layout and very straightforward controls, the Malibu is a perfect choice for the discerning buyer who still holds on to the appeal of a sedan rather than the wildly popular crossover SUV. One of our favorite safety features is Pedestrian Detection: it warns the driver of any pedestrians in the roadway, and will automatically apply the brakes if you don't take immediate action!

Autoblog Deems 2019 Blazer as “Sophisticated, Full-Dimensioned, and Fresh”

It's definitely the time of year when crossover-hungry customers are literally salivating at the mouth, and wondering what kind of features and upgrades the new models will have. The new Blazer is one of the vehicles that West Chevy of Knoxville customers are anticipating most. Autoblog did a feature on how cool the Blazer will be, and its raw appeal that will be evident from any first glance.

When the rear seats are flattened, the Blazer will have 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space, and it is expected to be a bit wider overall than its sibling the Equinox. It is going to be exciting to see how the Blazer fares against the likes of the Honda Passport, Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Murano next year: we are confident that you will walk off the lot after a test drive knowing it's the best crossover for your business, family, or weekend leisure needs. It will come standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 193 horsepower, and 188 lb-ft of torque. By changing up the trim level, you can also opt for a 3.6-liter V6, that cooks 305 hp, and 269 lb-ft of torque, which is quite a bit more gusto than its competition.

With either choice of engine, front-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic are standard, and the heftier of the two can be paired with its choice from two all-wheel drive systems. The lesser version has the ability to fully disconnect the rear axle to save fuel at the touch of a button, and the Premier, as well as RS models, have a “sophisticated twin-clutch AWD” system that automatically allocates power to the front and rear to benefit overall handling. Standard equipment on the entry-level L trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, a rear-view camera, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2LT trim is where you gain the V6 engine, and It is also the first trim level available with all-wheel-drive. The RS level is one of our personal favorites: this is where you get to enjoy specialized styling, and 20-inch wheels plus integrated navigation, a cargo management system, and a heated steering wheel. The Blazer Premier trim foregoes the RS's gloss black trim for chrome pieces, and 20-inch wheels. You also get the very exciting Bose sound system upgrade, driver memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Check back here at Autoblog periodically for more info on the new Blazer, and get ready to experience the crossover of the year: Cars.com lamented that there was “perfect simplicity” in the design and boisterous branding of the new Blazer!

Chevy Bolt EV Traction Motor Highlighted in InsideEVs Deep Dive Video

Within the realm of both hybrid and purely electrified cars, there is a lot going on behind the scenes, to say the least! Professor John Kelly of Weber State University took the liberty of dissecting the block of a Bolt EV Traction motor apart for a video presentation on the InsideEVs blog. Situated directly under the hood of the car, this component contains the actual gears, electric motor, and others needed to complete the all-important job of making the wheels turn.

As the blog admits wholeheartedly, some people would think that this is the most boring idea for a video ever, and that there are no gimmicks, car chases, or sight gags. But there is an amazing quality about discovering how technology works, and the WeberAuto YouTube channel has attracted over 100,000 viewers during its streaming days. Before starting the disassembly, Professor Kelly discusses the motor and some of its performance parameters of the Spark EV. When you get down to the actual nitty gritty of the Bolt EV motor, it produces less torque and has a lower peak amperage draw, with an ultimately higher RPM. However, it still offers more torque in the end, sporting a more efficient design.

As you can see for yourself in the video here, the professor then gives a completely guided tour of the unit's exterior, explaining every single part seen from the outer view. Once everything is labeled clearly, the deeper visual learning experience gets started. All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville marveled at the sight of the pipe where the coolant comes in: there are six holes in the trough where fluid drips down on various parts of the trans axle, in a very complex and precise arrangement. The video provides fast-forward motion at just the right times when there are lengthy turns and screws, and really does a great job of portraying the insides and what goes on at every single instant of operation.

At about 45 minutes, you can really see the entire length of the rotor, and the task of clearing the alignment dowel begins. The drip channel for the oil to come out of the sump is pretty awesome to see close up, as well as the stator windings. Car and Driver heaped on the praise for the 2019 model, citing impressive range and immense practicality as two important reasons. We are beyond proud that that same well-read publication deemed the Bolt EV as the “best everyday electric car on the market today,” while being completely fascinated with its powertrain and spacious cabin. As the future of the automotive realm promises to change drastically, we are going to be witnessing full fleets begin to make the switch and crossover; the Bolt remains the best specimen at this moment for a sensational electric daily driver!

Mid-Engined Corvette Composed of CGI Featured on GM Authority

Many employees and loyal customers of West Chevy can agree that waiting for the C8 mid-engined Corvette has definitely been a lesson in patience. Some of the first rumors about it began decades ago, with those at the high ends of the chain denying all speculations. During the last year, there have been spy photos released of the vehicle as well as trademark and patent filings, and it is evident that the coming of the C8 is for real. One of the coolest media bits regarding its release can be seen here, with a very cool 360-degree rendering video that provides one of the most thorough looks at the C8 yet.

While the engine now moves from in front of the passenger compartment to the rear, the overall styling of the C8 still evokes regular Corvette vibes through and through. The rendering does a good job of showing the elements of lighting that would not look entirely out of place on a front-engined Corvette. The ways in which the various lines and creases blend in with the very modern revamp help to form the chassis into a very appealing and visually exclamatory sports car.

Many of the details have been kept heftily under lock and key so far, but it is expected that the new Corvette will use a DOHC V8 engine, possibly like the one used in a Cadillac Blackwing LTA mill, as opposed to the incorporation of a Small-Block pushrod V8. The engine will most likely be paired with a gearbox that sports a dual-clutch, and there could be a manual gearbox that uses a clutch-by-wire configuration. A disappointment to many, there will probably not be a reveal of any official quality anytime soon, even at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in January. Maybe there will be a private event hosted by Chevy just for the reveal, since everyone can agree that this is one special machine!

Some sources have told us that there may have been a bit of an electrical issue during development, in the area of load capacity. Based on what an awesome all-around car and commander of the track this baby is going to be, that is no surprise: changes may have to be made to coordinate suppliers involved for electrical components, as well as other needed equipment. Back in the 1960s, the engine jumped an important notch up to 530 horsepower, and the Vette's sense of raw power and accomplishment moved up a historic notch. Corvette Magazine once lamented, “The Corvette has followed a timeless formula, much to the joy of car fans from sea to shining sea.” We will keep you posted right here on the West Chevy Blog about any news that comes up pertaining to this release when we can excitedly advise everyone in the audience once and for all to “Fasten your seatbelts, and turn the ignition!”

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!

Leftlane Enjoys Festive Holiday First Drive With the 2019 Chevy Silverado 2.7-Liter Turbo

As the classic movies such as “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” and “White Christmas” are fired up on DVD players throughout Knoxville this December, visions of trucks (and sugarplums) are dancing in many heads. Since the holiday season is upon us, we realize that Santa himself would probably prefer a V-8 with enough horsepower to tug along the entire North Pole as a power source for his cheer-bringing sleigh. But as the tides shift greatly as they have many times before, many different variants of engines have been gaining popularity as of late, and before now, buyers who wanted a truck with better fuel efficiency simply had to purchase a truck that didn't sport size.

The last generation Ford Ranger consequently bit the dust, and then the midsize Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier admittedly paved the way for the smaller truck to thrive, while becoming a desirable option to many. As the allure of smaller engines becomes more and more commonplace, we have been pleased to note that GM has decided to produce the 2.7-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder as the standard engine in the volume trim for the half-ton Chevy Silverado. We know that a 4-cylinder engine in a half-ton pickup is not exactly what some people picture when they think of brute force, but times are changing.

The new 4-cylinder produces 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque and is paired with GM's  8-speed transmission while sporting an EPA certification of 20 mpg city, and 23 highway. Chevy invited the well-seasoned testing staff at the Leftlane blog to Arizona to test the mid-trim pickup in the mountains, on route AZ-87 into the Tonto National Forest. Once the testing crew turned south on AZ-188 toward Tonto Basin, the narrow road gave them a chance to push the Silverado a bit in the turns, which it handled like a seasoned champ. The tire and suspension tuning gained props during the flat highway sections of the trip, and this was also when the comfort level and soundproofing elements were admired for their high quality.

Just to make sure that this red-rock laden drive in Arizona was tested with all of the proper options, Chevy provided a Ford F-150 to check out for ample comparison. One characteristic that was really noticed was the brakes: The F-150's right pedal was quite a bit softer and required more travel overall than the Silverado to complete the same amount of stoppage. The tiny screen and high level of switches and buttons aren't very easy on the eyes when you are situated in the F-150's interior, and the truck gurus at Leftlane claimed heartily that “if this is the future of half-ton powertrains, we're on board.” We heartily invite you down to West Chevy this holiday season to check out the entire lineup of trucks we have in stock, and make some holiday plans for your New Year's most exciting new purchase!