Multiple Reasons To Celebrate an Iconic Model: The Blazer Through The Years

Many turbulent and beautiful things were happening worldwide back in 1969: the world was changing so fast, that there was definitely a demand for rugged and powerful vehicles to commute, work, and play with. From free-loving hippies at Berkeley and the surf breaks of Southern California to the wooded areas right here in Tennessee, America was cultivating a love affair with the outdoors, even during the most history-changing times. The very first Chevy Blazer model was the true and perfect interpretation of “Truck blended with a car”, and combined the versatility of 4-wheel-drive with convenience options such as power steering and brakes. It was a trusty vehicle that paved the way for many various updates and innovations as the years went on.

In a USA Today feature this past week, there was a cool visual spread that portrayed just how consistently awesome the Blazer was, and many of us fondly remember it as “The vehicle that drummers loved”, since the back provided ample space for gear that needed to be transported swiftly from gig to gig. The photo spread then delved quickly ahead to 1992, but we were OK with that: this is when one of our favorites, the full-size Blazer, first was available. Sporting the addition of sidesteps, this easily became the #1 favorite vehicle for many and was optimal for use in heavy weather. A choice review on Cars.com deemed it as “Dependable, comfortable, and fun”, and it was a symbol of not only rugged American pride but the ability to jump off-road at the drop of a hat.

1992 was when the Blazer made the transition to the full-size C/K pickup, and it was forever streamlined. Square edges were rounded off, large expanses of tinted glass were brought in, and there were a few drastic improvements to the interior that made it immediately more user-friendly. The next year's model offered a 4-speed electronically controlled transmission, that closely monitored the rate of fuel injection, ignition timing, idle speed, and internal engine temperature. The 4-speed was much quieter, and there was still the presence of the 5.7-liter, 210 horsepower, V-8 under the hood. The towing rating was 7,000 pounds, and this version was introduced when consumers were beginning to switch to sport-utility vehicles as a viable alternative to the very popular luxury cars of that time.

1999 marked the introduction of the very awesome and able 4-door Blazer, and there was a limited-edition “Trailblazer' appearance package that was available as an upgrade to the LS and LT trims. Here you could now acquire gold-accented alloy rims and trim, along with some very cool upgrades to the interior and exterior. Passenger airbags were now standard, as well as headrests for the rear bench. A front grille that bore similarity to the Chevy C/K's pickup line was present to replace the older system that was made up of single-headlight, and 4-wheel disc brakes now became standard equipment.

As all of us in sales and service here at West Chevy are anxiously preparing for the release of the 2019 Blazer, we have also been fondly remembering the early S-10 Blazer from 1982: this was a sizable and sturdy model that was always ready for off-road fun, yet did not feature the same removable hardtops that their full-size counterparts at the time did. The 1.9, 2.0, and 2.2-liter types of diesel were all discontinued after 1985, then being replaced by the larger 2.5-liter engine. The V6 was equipped with a throttle-body fuel injection system for 1986, just in time to bolster improvements to fuel economy, and overall performance. The version on deck for 2019 feels a bit more like an SUV crossover, and some may be wondering if it will offer enough bang for the buck: we can firmly attest here at West Chevy of Knoxville that after one simple test drive, you'll be ready to claim ownership to this current version of the outdoor lover's flagship getaway hybrid!

The Need to Stay Awake in Knoxville: Chevy's Simulation To Combat Drowsy Driving

Many of the customers that have come to visit us and test drive vehicles have been amazed at the safety features they offer. We have been so excited to see very useful tools such as lane change assist, all sorts of varied cameras with many angles, and other new features that are blazing a path to near autonomy in the driving realm. It's not the notion that Chevy and other brands want their drivers to be lazy on the road, it's the preventative nature that collides with finite-honed technology to assure that a quick response is allocated for nearly any situation. Weather changes such as slick roads are particularly frightful, and having every tool possible to assist you during inclement trouble is a welcome comfort to anyone on the road.

Getting behind the wheel without enough sleep now accounts for nearly ten percent of crashes in the U.S., and as the summer driving season begins to roll out full force, Chevy engineers have gone to the time to develop a very unique concept to address this telltale safety hazard of drowsy driving. When you participate, weights are strapped around your wrist, chest, and ankles, and you notice right away that there is an added difficulty when you walk! During the test, a 20 mile per hour speed is maintained, and vision is taken away for literally just one second.

Every four seconds, the driver has a very intense one-second flash of different sensation, and one immediate outcome was that a driver lost control and hit a cone on the spot. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of adults admit to driving very drowsy, and a shocking 37 percent have fallen asleep at the wheel. One great tip from the professionals is that if you can't remember the last few miles or couple exits, it's time to be proactive and get off the road. It's great to have the ability to use your Chevy's technology to avoid drifting or other hazardous incidents that would disrupt your safe journey.

Within any busy Knoxville commuter's life, there are elements that can seem tough to control, gradually affecting our sleep cycle until it may seem too late. New jobs, changes in school, location, and any other family issues can add to the problem of someone who does not get enough rest, and this study showed just how dangerous that can be. If you DO find yourself in a situation where you feel as if you have pulled an all-nighter or are low on steam, look to your left and right, as well as behind you, even more frequently.

 Vehicles that are traveling faster than you are may make you prone to accidents, as well as sudden turns in the road. Some of our favorite vehicles such as the Traverse, Equinox, Tahoe, and Silverado all come with examples of the most well-thought-through safety precautions that exist. Part of the battle when it comes to the ultimate in road safety is up to you: natural supplements such as Valerian root and melatonin may help you reach a healthy sleep state, as well as an ample dose of exercise. If you find yourself stuck downtown relentlessly carving out your stake in the daily grind you can check out Charles Krutch Park: right in the middle of downtown Knoxville, you get some much-needed breathing room, and can attempt to chase away the worries of the cubicle while appropriately upping your heart rate!

Chevy Equinox: The Ideal SUV for Knoxville's New and Emerging Talent

Young professionals are one group of car buyers here in Knoxville that we feel we really need to give props to for all of their hard work and achievements. As spring now begins to turn pleasantly into summer, there are so many right here in our city who are making their toughest choices ever about life after school, holding down multiple jobs, and looking for the perfect opportunities to display their talents with every step they take. With very talented and unique individuals on the hunt for the ultimate vehicle for their changing needs, Chevy has really upped their game in the very popular SUV category, and the newly redesigned Equinox is perfect for those who have their daily lives full of many tasks.

There is space for 5 to be seated comfortably, and the new design for the Equinox has the features and attitude to fly past the competition in all areas. This is the most practical and punchy rival on the market to battle competitors such as the Rav-4 and CR-V, with much attention in the engineering department allocated to making sure that the most active type of driver has an exhilarating, yet practical experience. For the type of driver that needs to take more than just the occasional long jaunt with the entire family, the state of Tennessee is one amazing location for anyone experiencing the desire to find solitude or adventure. If you can't break away from the city, you can still have a blast on Sharps Ridge Memorial Park Trail: located in the heart of Knoxville, you still get an ample stretch of the legs, and opportunity to clear your mind.

The lighter weight is one of the characteristics that anyone driving the new Equinox will notice first: 400 pounds have been shed from the SUV, and this very noticeably tightens the turning radius by 2.5 feet. Every single inch of the 63.5 cubic feet of space in the Equinox is utilized to maximum potential, to assure that every passenger or very last accessory needed can be included on the ride. The 60/40 seat folding option allows a greater amount of open space for anything like extra sports gear, burgeoning photography business equipment, or demanding double duty at the next Nashville trade show.

The 1.5-liter turbo engine has no trouble averaging 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and if you are on the search for more flex, the 2.0-liter doles out 252 hp, with gas consumption staying the same, at an average of 24 mpg. The complete array of active safety tech on board includes safety alert seat, forward collision warning with following distance indicator, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

For the times when staring at the mile markers become tedious, the 7-inch touchscreen for infotainment is now standard, with an 8-inch available. Car and Driver claimed that the Equinox is “Expertly damped, with well-controlled wheel motions, and no sense of body float”. Every individual who is an emerging talent powerhouse will find a dream SUV in the Equinox, which is available for test drive right now with us here at West Chevy: come to visit during the first sunny days of summer, and check out closely the many ways this SUV is the perfect choice for you!

2019 Silverado Rides the Crest of Cutting Edge With Dynamic Fuel Management

One of the vehicles that customers are so excited about here at West Chevy of Knoxville is the all-new for 2019 Silverado 1500: as rugged, awesome, and high-performing as it is, there is another great quality that will draw many to it. This truck will offer the most advanced gasoline V-8 Engine in the brand's history, as updated versions of the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s sport this important feature. This revolutionary technology that enables the engines to operate in 17 different cylinder patterns is one of the best ways to optimize efficiency and delivery of power. This system was first introduced in 2005, and the technology has advanced greatly since then.

Small Block chief engineer Jordan Lee commented on the effectiveness of the process: “Dynamic Fuel Management enables only the cylinders needed to deliver the power you want, seamlessly delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy.” Active Fuel Management is another variation which alternates between 8-and 4-cylinder modes, and DFM incorporates the use of 17 very complex cylinder patterns. The greater number of cylinders constantly to optimize the delivery of power, and efficiency at all speeds. Part of the high-tech wonder and upper-level optimization of this system is regarding the electromagnetics: the electromagnetic system deactivates and reactivates all 16 of engine's hydraulic valve lifters, controlling the actuation of valves.

When a cylinder in this system is activated, the two-piece lifters use energy to collapse on themselves, which prevents them from opening the valves. When the cylinder reactivates, solenoids inside send an oil pressure signal directly to the control ports on the lifters, and the latching mechanism allows the valves to close and open at the right pace. What all this means for the lucky driver of the new Silverado is that the engine has the ability to operate more often, using a fewer number of cylinders. This saves fuel, and gives the driver a feeling of power on demand that comes from Chevy's Gen V Small Block V-8 engines.

The 6.2-Liter with DFM is the largest and most powerful gas V-8 in the segment, and is SEA-certified at 420 horsepower, while also paired with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Both of these transmissions have enhancements specifically designed to improve the quality of every single shift, and a centrifugal pendulum absorber torque converter, that reduces vibrations to improve smoothness, particularly when the cylinders are deactivating. These engines also feature stop/start technology that helps to save valuable fuel during traffic that is stop-and-go. Both engines will be built at General Motors' Tonawanda Engine Plant in Buffalo, New York, and the 2019 Silverado will go on sale this fall. Until then, feel free to come down and see us with any truck questions you have here at West Chevy, and we'll show you all of the features that are part of the Silverado's groundbreaking future!

Recent Spy Shots of 2020 Chevy Suburban Highlight New Shock Additive

Just after the major announcement that the Suburban RST is going to undergo a very massive change within the engine department, all of us at West Chevy of Knoxville have now been lucky enough to receive spy shots of the future Suburban. Many customers will be excited with its 6.2-liter V8 as it is, and via the photos, we were able to catch a glimpse of the suspension arrangement. We are fully aware that the Ford Expedition provides some pretty serious competition in the full-size genre, and it is highly likely that this led to the major upgrading of the shocks: the 2020 will be equipped with independent rear suspension.

Back in 1963, the legendary Corvette Stingray became the first modern automobile to have an independent rear suspension, which not even the coveted Ferrari had at that time. It was made up of two independently-acting springs that were solidly attached to the rear wheels. Unlike the rigid axle system, IRS does not include a solid rear axle rooting the two wheels together. Instead, each wheels is mounted and sprung in a fashion that is stand-alone, allowing them to move up and down when they sense irregularities in the surface. When one of the rear wheels has the misfortune of hitting a pothole or bump, the full effect of the motion is transferred along the axle to the corresponding wheel, which completes the job of greatly improving the finished product of a much smoother ride.  

Engine options are expected to closely mirror the 2019 Silverado, which may mean that a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder could be residing under the hood. The 2020 Suburban is based on the GMT1 platform, delivering all-new underpinnings and engineering. The weight difference is expected to be around 300 pounds lighter than the 4th-generation model, and will be made up of all new exterior and interior design elements. One of the most exciting things on board is the GM Super Cruise autonomous driving technology, which is an autopilot of sorts designed for the somewhat daunting task of hands-free highway driving.

The fundamental idea of Super Cruise is to use a very extensive group of LIDAR maps, that cover most major highways in the United States. When paired up with the radar in the car and other cameras, there is a situational awareness in place that currently beats out any other system on the market. It actually allows you to take your hands off the wheel, and there is a light bar that turns green when the time is right to do so. Mounted on the steering column is a small camera, that monitors the driver's eyes to make sure you are paying close attention.

During hundreds of miles of road testing, the Super Cruise never slipped out of lane markings, proving to be just as effective and futuristically fit  as “Kitt” was on the famed “Knight Rider” TV series! The Suburban for 2020 will continue to be assembled by GM in Arlington, Texas, and we will keep you posted at every step regarding any new information that comes our way. Two years is bound to go by quick, just as every milemarker will when at the helm of this sturdy, safe, and well-equipped Chevy make!

Images courtesy of Autoblog

2019 Silverado Closeup: A Peek at the Various Trims, Engines, and Gearbox Types

As spring offers up its beautiful months and later sunsets for Knoxville residents to enjoy, those who are on the hunt for the perfect truck understandably have various questions about the different trim levels available to them. Next year's Silverado model will sport 8 different trims, paired to six transmission and engine combinations. Whether you are a large family on the go, or contractor running your own business, you'll be able to pinpoint the version perfect for you, that meets your needs for performance, technology options, and durability. Over half of these models will be equipped with some of the most advanced V8's in Chevy's longstanding history: these are heavily-updated versions of the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines equipped with the Dynamic Fuel Management feature, which incorporates 17 different modes that are standing by to complete the task of deactivating cylinders during power output.

The RST and Silverado LT both offer the all-new for 2019, very advanced 2.7-liter turbo engine that is on deck to replace the 4.3-liter V6, as the brand new engine standard. It is now equipped to offer 22 percent more torque, higher fuel efficiency, and a larger power-to-weight ratio than is found on the current model. There is also now the option to satisfy many hard-working women and men's demand for diesel: the new Duramax 3.0-liter inline six turbo is supposed to be available early next year. All of these available combinations of engine and transmission are based on one of three very focused consumer profiles: High Value, High Volume, or High Feature. The High Value profile is for customers that are seeking the capabilities and features of a full-size truck, but are in the market for a lowered price point. Within this segment, the Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss offer some trusty and able engine and transmission combos.

The High Volume profile was designed with customers in mind that have their driving priorities right in the middle of the current market's offerings. Just like the hard-working residents of the heartland itself, the LT Trail Boss, LT, and RST trims are set in place to offer efficiency, pure performance, and the most savvy in new tech options for the driver. The all-new 2.7-liter Turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and is now standard for the RST and LT. The updated 5.3-liter V8 engine with Dynamic Fuel Management and 8-speed transmission is standard on the LT Trail boss, offering up a boost in power, and rugged capability.

If an upper-end and premium truck is what you are on the search for, the High  Feature profile is sure to be appealing: the LTZ and High Country trims offer the peak levels of performance now in existence. The entry-level Standard trim is now equipped with the 5.3-liter V8, Dynamic Fuel Management, and stop/start technology, while still mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission. You can also choose the even more powerful 6.2-liter V8 on this trim level, and up the ante with two extra gears and a 10-speed transmission.

All of these models boast more efficiency in aerodynamics and weight class than their predecessors, and the all-important fuel efficiency has not been compromised to reach the ultimate product output. To truly have a firm claim as the most durable and dependable pickup on the road, the Silverado needs to be put through 475,000 validation tests, and a staggering 7 million miles of road testing. Assuring that every single truck rolling off the line is in top shape and as safe as any vehicle can be, all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville are proud to endorse and offer great deals on next year's Silverado, the truck that will haul, carry, and mud-trail its way to victory every time!

2019 Chevy Silverado Spy Shot Feature: Caught Without Camo, Bigger Dimensions

Here at West Chevy of Knoxville, trucks are a very hot topic at the dealership when the wonderful months of spring come around. Nationally-ranked camping spots such as Cades Cove, Round Mountain Campground, and Indian Boundary Recreation Area are ready and waiting to quench your satisfaction for weekend enjoyment, and being equipped with a new Silverado for the journey would provide the excellent means of escape. The very trusty, able, and larger-than-life 2010 Silverado was already shown to the public at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but a few questions were left vaguely unanswered.

Now coming across our desk in the form of spy shots released to us this week, the main differences between the present and future models are featured within the body-colored grille, and the fog lights have chrome guards that bear similarity to the design of the grille. The tailgate has the same Silverado style, but now receives the badge of an RST trim to boot. The test truck pictured in the spy shots we received also sports a 4 x 4 sticker, making the distinct announcement of 4-wheel-drive existence. It's still believed that there will be a few more performance upgrades to the RST trim, which was first introduced on the Suburban and Tahoe.

All of us recognize how important it is to have a durable, reliable, and well-crafted truck for daily duties, hauling, various runs around your property, or transporting the two-stroke toys out to the lake. The use of lighter aluminum was reserved for construction of the doors, tailgate, and hood, a bit unlike the competing Ford F-150, who also incorporated aluminum use into the creation of the cab. Shedding of weight while increasing size has made numerous trucks the vehicles we could only dare to dream of decades ago, and there are nearly 450 pounds trimmed from the 2019 Silverado crew-cab V8. Among these are 88 pounds removed from the actual frame, and another 88 from the body.

The next year's model's wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer, and 1.6 inches are added to  the overall length of the truck. Legroom in the rear is more spacious, now up to 43.8 inches, a three-inch increase from this year's model. All of the cab configurations for the 2019 receive a bed with almost seven inches of extra floor width, and an ingenious power-operated tailgate makes for very easy access, with a convenient button mounted in the cabin. You can add a healthy dose of excitement to the wonderful months of spring by visiting us here for a test drive, and checking out some of the most feature-filled trim levels that exist!

The LTZ trim offers up leather seating surfaces and power-folding interiors, while the High Country receives a two-tone grill, chrome running boards, and the standard power tailgate. Known as a vehicle that always retains its value, KBB.Com awarded the Silverado in the Top Ten for Best Resale Value for 2018, solidifying its position as a truck that never inches downward as far as the all-important future worth factor!

Images courtesy of Auto Blog