2021 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Both in Position to Claim North American Utility of The Year

As the fall decorations go up and our thoughts turn to harvest, Halloween, and college sports events here at West Chevy of Knoxville, awards and achievements are also high on our list of items grabbing our attention. When customers are making the decision regarding whether or not a certain new vehicle is a right choice for them and their family, many of them eventually turn to what the most experienced experts think. After the North American Car Utility and Truck of the Year Awards recently announced the vehicles that made it to their semifinals list, our 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Suburban were among those that made the cut!

These are all vehicles that make very bold statements and are built specifically with the expertise to distinguish them from others in their segments. Now the list of semifinalists will head to the NACTOY's skilled panel of judges, which now includes 50 automotive experts from media outlets in the United States and Canada covering online, print, radio, and broadcast media. Detailed comparison drives will take place during the annual event where judges decide on winners in each category, which are announced along with holiday excitement in December. 

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban are combined into a single entry for this year's Utility of the Year category, going up heartily against rivals such as the 2021 Cadillac Escalate, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, and the Ford Bronco Sport. Both the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban models saw a complete re-engineering and re-design for the 2021 model year, entering their fifth and twelfth generations respectively. Both of these models ride on the GM T1 platform and have three engine options. They are the 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas engine, the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas unit, and the brand new 3.0-liter l6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax. 

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe's recent re-design has properly equipped it to be the ultimate SUV, providing the most interior space of any SUV on the market, front-running technologies and features, and the best driving dynamics offered in the full-size segment. The Suburban and Tahoe are two vehicles that had leading auto roles in Hollywood films, carried military heroes and world leaders to safety, and were instrumental in the creation of numerous cross-country family memories. The top-level High Country trim is one to check out for the truck lover who “truly wants it all”: It boasts a unique grille with bronze accents and High Country badging, 22-inch wheels with chrome inserts, HD Surround Vision, and the Rear Camera Mirror. 

The 2021 Chevy Suburban is one of those groundbreaking vehicles that was destined to be the largest, proudest, and distinguished right from the start. The street-inspired character of the RST trim includes all LT content plus black and clack-chrome exterior trim, and 22-inch wheels. The off-road-ready Z71 model provides preparedness for off-road locations with its higher approach angle, standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, two-speed transfer case, and Hill Descent Control. The Premiere trim allows for a boost in audio enrichment with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, power releases for both rows of rear seats, and the best in safety technology features such as Front and Rear Park Assist.

The 2021 Camaro: Attention-Worthy Warrior Rebelliously Ruling the Pony Class

The raw fury and excitement that getting behind the wheel of a Camaro evokes is one of the most fun experiences among all of the activities that a crisp fall day could offer. Now in its 6^th generation, the 2021 Camaro first wows admirers as it passes quickly by them with stellar exterior features, and telltale lower front grille specifically designed for aerodynamic performance. The LED extension of the upper headlights gives the upper grille its stylish appearance, and the aggressive stance of the car meshes well with the 650-horsepower engine under the hood. 

There are 5 exterior design types up for grabs: Redline Edition, Shock and Steel Special Editions, Convertible, RS, and the 1LE. Once inside, leather seats are present as standard equipment, and you can opt for heated and RECARO sports seats and steering wheel. Every available equipment option offers ambient lighting, a must for a vehicle that is already bound to instantly attract attention! It can be set as single or dual color, properly setting the tone for a solo cruise through the night, or having a favorite special someone along for the ride.  

Red seat belts, aluminum pedals, and a steering wheel and gear lever decked out in microfiber are other additional options to add flavor to the interior. As soon as you are in reverse the rear-view camera activates, and if there is a vehicle approaching from behind visual warnings appear on the reversing camera as well as a distinct warning by sound. Preparing to squeeze into a tight spot while out grabbing groceries or some prepping for a football game watching weekend? Parking assist alerts warn you if you get too close to another vehicle with the use of sensors hard at work in all four corners of the Camaro. 

The head-up screen allows the driver to monitor speed, fuel level, tachometer, and more vital data that reflect on the windshield without having to tilt the head at all. Launch control is by far one of the most thrilling components to have at your fingertips: providing assistance with how much you need to press the gas pedal in conjunction with the brake, it also locks the front wheels promptly to allow for the tires to warm up with an intense pre-drag skid. 

The LS Model is a base-level Camaro that is equipped with the 4-cylinder engine and 2.0-liter turbocharger. It cranks out 275 horsepower, and 400 lb-ft of torque. There is the choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission, and it reaches 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. 

The Camaro LT is another 4-cylinder model boasting the 2.0-liter turbocharger, with the option of stepping up to the 3.6-liter V6, which generates 335 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices are the same as on the LS Model, with the 10-speed automatic available on the V6. Zero to sixty time is shaved by .2 seconds with the use of the V6. 

The Camaro LT1 showcases the ferocious performance of the 6.2-liter V8 engine, offering up 455 horsepower and 616 lb-ft of torque. Here you can choose from the 6-speed manual gear or 10-speed automatic transmission, both yielding a blisteringly fast 0-60 mph gallop of 4.3 seconds. 

The Camaro ZL1 is the king of the throne concerning all things breakneck-pace related! Here the 6.2-liter V8 doles out 650 horsepower, along with 881 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options are the 6-speed manual and 10-speed automatic. Roaring up to 60 mph takes only 3.7 seconds, and this is the true contender here at West Chevy of Knoxville when it comes to any proper piston-firing showdown! 

2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 And ZR2 Bison to Now Feature Sand Dune Metallic Hue

Offering a perfect option for everyday driving along with range-topping payload and towing numbers, the Chevy Colorado has long proven to be an easy-to-maneuver and immensely popular truck. This year's release added an aggressively styled front face as well as new tow hooks, and the Sane Dune Metallic exterior paint option saw its debut as a new color offered exclusively for the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison. This pair of trusty trucks is apt at taking on all types of difficult driving conditions while remaining comfortable inside. 

A brand-new unique grille face now sports the Chevy lettered logo, and If for any reason you aren't completely won over by this choice of exterior color here at West Chevy of Knoxville, the 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 can also be had in Satin Steel Metallic, Summit White, Black, Bright Blue Metallic, and Cherry Red Tintcoat. The larger choice of power source is the naturally-aspirated 3.6-liter V6 LGZ, cranking out 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado ZR2 also boasts a very spacious interior, with a deep center console bin and a large compartment under the crew cab's rear seat for a good amount of storage in the cabin. 

Featuring two intuitive touchscreens, a Wi-FI hotspot, and the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium System, staying connected inside is simple and has been ranked by many as the most useful system in its segment. The base-level Colorado now offers a 7.0-inch touchscreen featuring Bluetooth audio streaming supporting two devices with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Every other model as you move up the trim line has an 8.0-inch display, featuring very easy-to-maneuver menus and quick response to touch. 

2021 Chevy Trailblazer Arrival Boasts Industry-Leading infotainment, Alluring Styling, Firm Ride

As we rapidly approach Fall here at West Chevy of Memphis, there are curious customers asking us about test-drive results for many of our top-ranking vehicles. The 2021 Trailblazer is one that remains high on the list due to mass appeal, extreme affordability, and the addition of great new features on yearly models. We recently got our hands on a test-drive dossier that fully described a day spent with the incoming Trailblazer, sporting all-wheel-drive and the Activ trim. 

One of the first things that those trying out the Trailblazer are drawn to is the design cues borrowed from the aggressive and sporty Chevy Blazer. The testing model in question here was powered by the 155-horsepower, turbocharged, 3-cylinder engine that quickly offered up a nice punch off the line and is a fitting option for this popular crossover. After a couple of miles, the driver immediately was drawn to the compelling exterior styling, and the inside seeing a full load of leading infotainment and connectivity. The driving modes consist of normal, sport, and all-wheel-drive, with the sport providing a very noticeable firm character for the steering. 

There are 25 cubic feet of cargo space residing under the powered liftgate which increases to 54 feet when the rear seats are dropped. A small trailer or camper weighing up to 1,000 pounds can be towed along for a quick outdoor trip or supply run. Infotainment features are accessed from an 8-inch central touchscreen, also offering OnStar's 4G LTE WiFi and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to pair up with wireless charging. The test crew from Business Insider claimed that this is one of the best systems on the market, and superior to what is found in various luxury brands. 

There is also the option to add a seven-speaker Bose audio system, delivering first-rate sound  to you and your passengers. Coupled with an array of driver-assist features and an HD rear-facing camera, the Trailblazer is hereby rendered by the team as money very well spent. This could be a fantastic option when compared to the competition in the forms of the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, or the Honda HR-V, even if you have been closely eyeing crossovers with bigger powertrains. 

A fitting choice for suburban drivers and a change from the same-old qualities of current crossovers, the technology inside is what made the Trailblazer a winner for this crew. So many  are now on the hunt for a competent smaller-size crossover that consistently has great looks and offers up superior value in lower trims, and this is a model that delivers on all fronts. Touting the ability to easily squeeze into tight spots along with its great fuel economy makes it an easy recommendation for anyone looking to upgrade to the duality of a reliable yet eye-catching segment leader! 

EV Status For an All-American Classic: Corvette Stingray Rumored to go Electric Within Three Years

Throughout the years here at West Chevy of Knoxville, it has been a pleasure to take note of every fantastic new vehicle's engine offerings, raw power, and individual personality. As times change, some of the ingredients are altered a bit, but the track-ready and aggressive stance of the Corvette Stingray is a model that will be sure to always remain the same at heart. A recent rumor now indicates that an electric-powered Corvette Stingray will most likely be rolling onto lots by 2023. 

The rumor came from GMTrucks.com and claimed that an electric Stingray will be finished with development within the next three years. They also offered up details that claim the Stingray will also feature an electric all-wheel drive option, meaning it won't derive power from an entirely electric source, but still be a giant step in the right direction. If everything goes as planned, this will be the very first Corvette with an AWD option. Many other experts have claimed that the vehicle will be promoted as an eAWD performance number, instead of a full-blown hybrid. 

There was not an exact confirmation regarding how many electric motors the car would use, or if it would also feature a plug-in option. While at this point not confirmed 100%, the rumor definitely makes sense as we have been paying full attention to other brands and their aggressive plans to electrify the vast majority of their fleets. Many elements of the fast-approaching future are not in the least far fetched: two years ago popular automotive startup Genovation Cars successfully converted a Chevy C7 Corvette into an all-electric supercar that boasted 800 horsepower, 700 lb-ft of torque, and a blisteringly-fast top speed of 220 mph. 

It went from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and was one of the few electric cars in existence to have an optional 7-speed manual transmission. The company was thrilled to take a true American icon and reinvent it, and has yet to completely max out the speed and endurance potential of electrification on the track. Last July, sources from Chevy told auto journalist Paul Eisenstein that the current powertrain does allow for electrification, claiming that “mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric versions were being considered.” 

We will keep you posted here on the blog regarding any updates, as we are committed to a wholehearted strategy of zero emissions, zero crashes and zero congestion. All of the technology that this vehicle possesses is meant to provide future support for electric power, and the mid-engine placement on the Corvette would make for a large battery compartment that is more convenient than a front-motor setup. We know that it may not seem traditional to some used to the current standard, but the potential for a machine that is just as mean as anything petrol-powered is ripe for exploration and discovery!

Color Scheme Command Center's Pick: 2020 Chevy Trax Dazzles in Black Cherry Metallic

Fuel efficient, stylish, ideal for a family, and loaded with features, the 2020 Chevy Trax is one of the most asked about and test-driven models here at West Chevy of Knoxville. At 29 MPG hwy/24 MPG city, arriving home with a new Trax is a reason to celebrate, as you will be cutting down on the massive “pain at the pump” factor. After a sizzling holiday weekend full of outdoor activity and time spent with the ones you care about most, we wanted to showcase one of our favorite variants of paint color for the Trax: Black Cherry Metallic. 

Touting Black Cherry on the outside and jet black taking up the interior, this is one of the configurations available for the LT trim. Joining you along for the ride are first-rate features like a back-up camera, all-wheel drive, a WiFi hotspot, and onboard communications system. Power is derived from the Ecotec Turbo 1.4-Liter, delivering 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. We listened when customers told us repeatedly that they were hungry for a feature-rich base trim. We delivered on the LS with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, manual-folding side mirrors, and a rearview camera. 

Inside you'll find a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, driver's seat power lumbar adjustment, and 7-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, accessed with a 4G LTE connection, as well as a six-speaker sound system with two USB ports. You are going to be drawn to this color choice so much that spicing it up even further will be a must: taking care of this is a snap with the Tint and Cruise package, that adds perfectly tinted windows and cruise control. 

Stepping up to the LT trim will not only include the Tint and Cruise, but also roof rails, upgraded headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, remote vehicle start, upgraded cloth upholstery, a 110-volt outlet, satellite radio, a cargo cover, and a storage drawer conveniently situated under the passenger seat. The LT Convenience package is ideal for the discerning driver who is looking for the finer things: it adds premium cloth upholstery with faux leather inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat. 

Knowing down to the very last detail exactly what is happening on the road around you is key for your safety, and the Driver Confidence package includes rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The sound system you'll be loving so much sees an upgrade with the Sun and Sound package: the sunroof allows for a higher UV dose while the speaker count is bumped up to 7. 

Make sure to keep your eyes on the standout Redline Edition: since a growing focus has lately been the apple of the consumers' eye regarding appearance, this great package adds stealth black body accents and 18-inch alloy wheels painted black with red accent stripes. Top-of-the-line luxury is appealing in all forms, but on this well-crafted crossover, the Premier trim comes packing its high-end punch with 18-inch wheels, fog lights, faux leather upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror, and heated front seats.

2022 Chevy Corvette Z06 Proves to be "Perfectly Placed" and Aggressive on The Track

Now that the massive amount of anticipation and excitement surrounding the mid-engine Corvette has simmered down for one brief moment, it is the perfect time to shift the automotive lover's focus to the even more powerful Z06 model coming soon. Brandishing the exotic flat-plane-crank V8 engine, the 2022 Corvette Z06 will sport a bellowing and robust treat of noise, unlike any 'Vette that's fearlessly blazed the path before it. It admittedly looks a bit meaner than the mid-engined C8 due to flared fenders, larger air scoops, and aerodynamic add-ons that offer up the best in cornering traction and high-speed downforce. 

This is a more track-focused version of the standard 'Vette, complete with heightened performance qualities and more aggressive styling. One of the most exciting qualities that we are anticipating here at West Chevy of Knoxville regarding the Z06 is the engine that is going to turn many heads: it is the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 that features a flat-plane crank and revs between 8500 and 9000 RPM. It is expected to crank out more than 600 horsepower, and the sound it makes will be pleasantly on par with the cars it is competing with.

This rather non-traditional V8 is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The 495-hp 2020 Corvette Z51 completed the zero to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and completed the standing quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 122 mph, and the Z06 promises to be even faster. More powerful brakes and wider, stickier tires will allow for better cornering and faster stops than the regular 'Vette. The structure will be strengthened and the suspension tune re-calibrated on the Z06, reassuring that all performance advantages will be engaged full-throttle where it fares the fastest: on the track! 

The incoming Z06 is one excellent example of an instance where a fully-committed design team went far above and beyond to ensure that the interior was far from ordinary. While the square steering wheel and the large cluster of climate-control buttons on the center console are a bit unusual, this is a cabin that was built to be very driver-focused, with a long list of standard and optional features. There is a 12.0-inch completely digital gauge cluster, a heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and wireless charging. Also inside is an 8.0-inch touchscreen that brings to live Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus system, with your choice of a standard 10-speaker or 14-speaker premium Bose stereo to put you in the mood for sheer road scorching and fun.

One very noticeable trait in drivers who are addicted to the track is the love of and close observation of stats: information gathered from every single run can make the next one that much more exciting and competitive. The new Z06 will continue to offer the Performance Data Recorder, which allows you to record in-depth video of every single corner and straightaway you conquer. We'll keep you posted right here on the blog about other features and specific arrival dates, and the potential for legendary handling and off-the-line factor that the Z06 is chiseled from!