2021 Chevy Suburban's Evolution From “Prehistoric” to Moderately Enormous

The world's longest-running vehicle line was billed by the awesome writers on staff at Driving.com last week as similar to “a prehistoric fish”, happily trawling through the waters during its early stages of existence. The very first 1938 Suburban functioned a bit rough on the road, with a solid front axle that struggled a bit with bumps and low gearing designed for heavy pulls. The interior didn't boast a single element of comfort, and it remained on the side of the fence designated for the heavy truck duties. 

Around the 1970s things began to change drastically for the Suburban, one of our longstanding best-sellers here at West Chevy of Knoxville. It saw the additions of independent front suspension, air-conditioning, and disc brakes so it could easier fulfill the duties designated for the all-American car. The current model now in its 12^th generation has given up the solid rear axle for a softer, better handling  version of the independent rear suspension. The Driving.com testing team got their hands on a High Country model with the larger 6.2-LIter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and was immediately impressed with its response and capability. 

Declaring it quickly as “The best driving Suburban that has ever been made”, some of its best traits were how it handles rough pavement, sticks to corners, and displays excellence in the braking department. The onboard magnetic ride control allows the Suburban to corner tightly, still haul like a truck would, and easily handle the multiple bumps that come up in your path. The “automatic” setting for the 4WD is also a great feature, as you can just leave it situated right there and power will be sent to the forward wheels only when it is determined that it's needed most. 

The upholstered leather pad directly under the central touch screen is a nice extra feature, and once inside the High Country model you'll be enjoying Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the convenience of wireless charging. Here it is excitedly confirmed that full-size adults can definitely ride stowed away in all three rows of seats, with even the third row offering a massive amount of comfort. After a few test drives, this particular team proclaimed that the Suburban has absolutely the best body-on-frame construction and powerful V8 in the model's long history, and is completely flawless and massively useful as a luxury wagon. 

When the final verdict rolls out and the various test drives were completed in their entirety, the Suburban has the capabilities and practicality that are fit for a large family or business, with the top trims providing the most applicable value. Numerous useful infotainment features and driver assists make you safer and better connected during each new time out, and there are plenty of ways to customize it and brand it as your own. Don't forget to check out the sporty RST model, where you get to step in excitedly to the benefits of a 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque 6.2-Liter V8, and the magnetic ride control that offers a one-of-a-kind breed of raw power, memorably smooth ride, and comfort! 

C9 Corvette Leans to Future Development With Playbook History Of Front-Engine Layout

After many decades of in-depth research, numerous track tests, and listening to opinions from those who know the Corvette best, everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville was given a long-awaited “do-anything” moment in the form of the C8's release. The mid-engine layout offered for an incredibly driver-focused cockpit, reviews from the savviest in the business saying that it had graduated once and for all into the category of the supercar, and multiple awards swooped in heartily to back up its stellar introduction. 

Mechanics are prone to having a pre-determined task in front of them, whether it is a routine service, hard-to-diagnose fix, or full-on replacement. Some of the most highly skilled and fine-honed technicians out there that are masters at the wrench have claimed that the C8 was just a touch difficult to work on due to the engine placement, and realized that this tight space was one of the only amazing new release's downfalls. The staff on duty at the Carbuzz blog let the world know last week that the coming C9 Corvette just may see the engine placed in its original habitat, back in the front. 

The split rear window may be on the coming-soon to reappear list as well, and ties between production and development will definitely hone in and conceptualize just what the future holds shortly. Last December the Carbuzz staff wondered aloud on their blog if the C9 would be all-electric, and took close notice of the built-in rear spoiler and front fenders offering up a different appearance than what is found on the C8. 

The C8's wish was finally granted decades after Corvette godfather Zora Arkus-Duntov had first thought of its existence, and early this winter many of the world's top designers were curious as to what a new front-engine model would look like. We like to think that the coming years' models will possess an aggressive stance that will pave the way for all of the things that the current C8 could somehow not be, and bear down heavily upon engineering lessons learned while blazing new territory. 

Motor1.com reported just over the last week with renderings from Behance.net detailing a pretty clear glimpse of what a new C9 with this setup could look like, and the front end resembles the exciting and drift-hungry and agile stance of the highly-awaited Toyota Supra. The rear still borrows from the C7's persona, with center-exit quad-exhaust and rear bumper vent design. After the next few versions of C8s come out there may be enough change at foot in the automotive realm to shake things up once again and bring about uncertainty.

We are willing to bet that the C9 may just have enough persuasion in the form of what has bode well on many tracks and byways in the past to set things on the supercar clock back a notch to offer the ideal track performance model. While fantastic research and motivation do their part to better the hailed presence of the 'Vette, we'll be waiting to give you the inclusive scoop! 

2021 Chevy Traverse Readily Offers up Ample Room For 8, High Tech Interior Entertainment

Many customers are rightfully excited about their spring test driving options here at West Chevy of Knoxville, and are drawn to large-sized family vehicles such as the 2021 Suburban. After admiring its sheer might and muster, many will wonder exactly what their choices are for stepping down just a notch while staying in the same solid and capable segment. The Traverse is one of the largest vehicles out there you can obtain without changing things up to a body-on-frame chassis. 

It offers an abundance of space inside and comfortable seating for up to 8. Second-row captain's chairs to keep everyone riding in a lavish stance during the journey are standard on the RS, Premier, and High Country trims, and there's tons of headroom from front to back. 41.3 inches, 40 inches, and 38.2 inches are where the numbers are for each row to assure that you're not experiencing “non-intended haircut by confines!”. With each of the three rows upright, the Traverse provides 23.0 cubic feet of cargo space. Once the third row is dropped, this space more than doubles, opening up to 57.8 cubic feet. 

If you drop every one of three rows during a move or other family-and-friends hauling duty, you'll have 98.2 cubic feet to work with. Towing capacity is up to 5,000 lb if properly equipped, and even the base-level trim provides 8-passenger seating, 10 cupholders, six USB ports, keyless access, a WiFi hotspot, 7.0-inch infotainment system, and OnStar. As you make the move up in trim level, you'll be thriving in the tune department with a Bose sound system, power liftgate, power-folding third row, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel. 

If the coming of summer's sunny days that fade into the coming of the holiday season brings long trips for your clan, the rear-seat entertainment package includes two screens and DVD capability to pass the time. The only engine option is the familiar-and-fierce 3.6-liter V6, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This capable pair is good for 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and there is the choice of front or all-wheel drive. The mid-level LT trim is where Safety Assist features are an option, keeping you at bay on the road with automated emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam. RS trims and higher offer a 360-degree camera and digital rear-view mirror. 

When customers ask us what feature brings about a game-changing stance on highway drives, we always answer with the Adaptive Cruise Control feature available on the High Country. Automatically adjusting your vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, it gains its valuable data to make instant decisions with radar and laser sensors as well as high-tech camera lenses. A handsome and “always-early” arriving pick for a great weekend out or the daily shuttling to school, the 2021 Traverse is a fuel-efficient, street-savvy, and space-heavy contender for the year to embrace “the return to normal”!

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!

Fine Details on 2022 Chevy Silverado Redesign Revealed On GM's Spring-Primed Instagram

2021 Chevy Silverado Pictured

It has now been made official to us here at West Chevy of Knoxville that the 2022 Chevy Silverado redesign is in its final phases of rigorous testing. There have been multiple sightings of prototypes over the past few months, and we are led to believe that the high-tech rendering of the Silverado shown on the GM Instagram page earlier last week may be displaying some of the features that will find their way into showrooms. The Instagram page provides a detailed look into Chevy design studios, constantly offering fresh content about what's coming soon. 

We recognize that this image could be one of the many pet projects on the drawing board for the future, and with many of the examples we have seen being covered by camo, some experts in the truck field claim that it's still too early to tell. This work is done by thriving design expert This particular work Jacky Jingxu Zhan, who has been delivering top-notch digital design goodies for GM for six years. Everything visible seems like it could properly do fierce battle with the cross-town competition in the forms of the new Ford F-150 or the Ram TRX halo model. 

We are definitely excited that this proposal appears to introduce an aggressive approach to conquering exciting and rugged terrain. This entirely-new refresh for 2022 will also see the Silverado now borrowing the ZR2 badge from its slightly-smaller Colorado sibling, which will already be delivering class-leading chops to take on the TRX. This is not an easy task, as it has already won the hearts and virtual signatures of those In charge of the Texas Auto Writer's Awards. We are still incredibly confident that our longstanding and in-depth design know-how, as well as years of experience in off-road navigation, will make for an amazing and very capable 2022 showing. 

2021 Chevy Silverado Pictured

The 2022 Silverado 1500 will feature a new front fascia design, new wheel designs for some trim levels and models, and an overhauled dash inside. There will also be a new gauge cluster with a full digital display option, and a larger sunroof/moonroof option to fully enjoy the scenic benefits as you are soaking up the scenery. Super Cruise will be an option on the High Country trim level, which is one of the most advanced hands-free driving technologies of its kind. 

We hope this image scoured from Instagram is “The real deal”, and gives us a bit of an idea of what to expect regarding next year's model of America's most capable and durable pickup. With a trim level for everyone and a trustworthy “go-anywhere” demeanor, we'll be counting on the Silverado to dish up many more defining memories and workdays as release dates come excitedly closer! 

Camaro Fares as Victor Over Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger in 2021 JD Power Rankings

Sports cars are definitely not becoming a thing of the past, even though they may be on track to see a great deal of change and evolution in the coming years. One of our favorite vehicles here at West Chevy of Knoxville is the 2021 Chevy Camaro, which just recently topped the JD Power Consumer Quality rankings in the mid-size sporty car category.

This notable and high-contending quality ranking put our prized pony car far ahead of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger in the never-ending battle between the high saints of muscle, as well as other premium-ranked sports cars in other categories. The JD Power Consumer Quality rating comes entirely from owner feedback, making it a very reliable blueprint that shows how everyday consumers ranks using different vehicles. 

There's nothing as satisfying as experiencing the exhaust note from a well-tuned muscle car while it flies at high speed down a winding road, and the ZL1 version boasts 650-horsepower as well as the ability to be tuned to the T for track duty with the amazing 1LE package. This year's model also comes sprinting out of the gates with a blistering head-start and the visually striking new Wild Cherry Tintcoat color option as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Under the ZL1's capable cloak, the Camaro adds 20-inch wheels and menacing satin-black exterior accents on top of unique interior bits to take in while you're preparing excitedly for your launch. Every 1LE has a dual-mode exhaust system, enhanced powertrain-cooling components, more powerful brakes, a limited-slip differential and unique suspension tuning. You can even opt for the 1LE Package with a 4-cylinder and V6 engine, while pairing it with the V8 would still offer the most thrills and heart-pounding throttle-heavy driving fun.

Even the base 275-hp 4-cylinder is not by any means navigating slowly, as the Car And Driver staff excitedly claimed after extensive drive testing. Once you boost things up a bit and opt for the 355-hp V6, the Camaro's character bumps up an aggressive notch. The low-end torque, linear power delivery and immediately-noticeable acceleration align perfectly along with the optional dual-mode exhaust, which provides the perfectly-pitched note at startup. Finishing as the top contender for the JD Power's annual stack-up clues buyers into the fact that many who are eager to take a spin with the Camaro are highly satisfied, and we know that this daredevil in its prime will always deliver dauntingly on point!

2021 Chevy Equinox Demonstrates Repeat Resiliency and Solid Protection For Families on the Road as IIHS Top Safety Pick

Many customers on the hunt for the perfect crossover SUV that doesn't break the budget and still has tons of awesome features have their sights set directly on us here at West Chevy of Knoxville this spring! The 2021 Chevy Equinox has earned plenty of attention for awards and achievements and is one of those choices that just “feels right” whether you have a small family in tow or it happens to be just you for now. 

The Equinox now has another reason to earn your spare time and consideration for a test drive, as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced its annual Top Safety Picks and recognized the Equinox in the Small SUVs category. The Top Safety pick is awarded annually to the best performers in the organization's numerous safety evaluations and crashworthiness tests, where the SUV fared excellently with a top “Good” score. It also came in as “Superior” for its standard Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Alert systems, on top of an “Advanced” rating for its Front Pedestrian Braking System in the IIHS' vehicle-to-pedestrian test. 

The 2021 Chevy Equinox now rides on the GM D2 platform, and is available with the turbocharged 1.4-liter I4 LYX, generating 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Both FWD and AWD configurations are available, and so many owners love their new vehicle in the form of the Equinox that leads the category which is the most competitive of any automotive segment. To appeal adequately to customers SUVs in the current market need to deliver compelling style, unmistakable value, and a comfortable ride along with superior technology offerings. 

The review staff at Edmunds recommends the LT trim level to enjoy the most available features to make your commute a breeze: it includes Stabili Trak, cruise control, the driver confidence package, automatic emergency braking, teen driver settings, active noise cancellation, available capability for OnStar and Chevy connected services, rear-vision camera, and a four-way manual front passenger seat. Black leather upholstery is available this year on the LT trim, and cloth interior is now available on Midnight and Sport special editions. Entry-level models feature the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 8.0-inch display is standard on higher trims. 

If you happen to have a couple of friends along for the ride, they are no doubt going to remember the very first impression that they got while sitting inside. For the times when this impression is so crucial, the Interior Enhancement Package really shines: you'll add premium carpeted floor mats, embroidered front row headrests, a floor liner package, and the rear-seat infotainment system with DVD player. With its roomy cabin, above-average fuel economy, and fun driving demeanor, the 2021 Equinox is sure to make a solid case to fulfill the role of your daily driver and continuously roadworthy companion!