2020 Chevy Bolt Deemed by Kelley Blue Book As “Alluring, With Excellent Extended Range”

Since electrification is an issue that sees varied opinions and is changing every day, we field all kinds of questions here at West Chevy of Knoxville about vehicles and functionality. The first question we get frequently is one that makes sense for anyone contemplating a purchase: “How far can it go?”. Some of the biggest concerns that cross the customer's mind regarding electrification are charging time, and the fantastic news of the year is that the 2020 Chevy Bolt now has an enhanced range of 259 miles, up from 238 miles in the outgoing model.

Last year's range was admittedly still impressive, and many reviews claimed that conquering the urban (or suburban) workweek would be a snap at something like an estimated 10 miles a day back and forth. As Kelley Blue Book reported this past week, the stiff competition such as the Hyundai Kona Electric was causing Chevy to know they had to up the ante in the distance war. Next year's Kia Soul EV is expected to have a range of 243 miles, while the Nissan Leaf Plus will brandish 226 miles.

This range enhancement was thanks in part to tweaking the cell chemistry of the lithium-ion battery cells, successfully nailing down the gains without having the change the actual size of the pack. Other new features for 2020 include a high-definition rear-view camera, second-generation digital rearview mirror, and better charge times in cold weather. To provide a proper demonstration of the Bolt's new range, automotive media pros were invited to drive from Tacoma, Washington, to Portland, Oregon. A direct route would have been an easy 145 miles, but the plan was shaken up a bit by a route that totaled 95 miles more than that.

The Kelley Blue Book driving team noted that during the entire trip, the manner of the Bolt was “compliant, crisp, and well-behaved”, and driving in L mode meant seldom use of the brakes. While slowing to a complete stop, the deceleration energy is allocated back into the battery, an amazing feat even by today's standards. During this trip, there were a few elements of planning that simply did not add up to a perfect expose, and some of the units had to employ the use of a DC fast-charging station in Kelso.

This trip was in NO WAY a complete fail! Some of the drivers were using the heat instead of other options, and not all of them were familiar with how you can optimize range in the Bolt. Furthermore, this was to illustrate how the car performed “under the gun”, or with only 9 miles to spare in the end. The Bolt is a fantastic choice for those who are ready to embrace the future of electrification as it meets the needs of the present, and begin the tapering down of daily gasoline dependence!

Chevy Colorado's Future watch Closeup: Changes on The Horizon for 2021

As the signs of fall are all of the ways upon us here at West Chevy of Knoxville and our competitors work double-time to keep their truck offerings fresh, the Colorado mid-size pickup is looking to see some changes for the 2021 model. You'll notice a few tweaks to the appearance to visually differentiate between the ZR2 and Z71 trim levels, and all 2021 Colorado models from the basic Work Truck up to the ZR2 will see a revised front fascia.

There will also now be the ultra-cool appearance of the embossed Chevy logo on the tailgate to replace the traditional bowtie, with the LT and WT models seeing a different design in gold and the Z71 getting black. The Z71 and the ZR2 will get an attractive new Sand Dune metallic paint color and the ZR2 will now come standard with red tow hooks. At this point, it does not appear that there will be any mechanical differences for the 2021 model, but we may receive more information as we get closer to the holidays. We fully understand the love that so many of our customers and friends have for the fuller-sized Silverado, but there is nothing as exciting as scaling it down and jumping in the smaller Colorado for an adventure and abundant helping of fresh air.

The Colorado Crew Cab is a more fuel-efficient alternative for those who don't need anything bigger, and it sports a still-impressive towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The 2020 model saw Tire Fill Alert becoming standard through the range, as well as the locking tailgate now available on the Work Truck trim. The LT trim now gains the previously optional EZ-lift tailgate as standard, and the Z71 model is now eligible for the Safety Package.

You'll enjoy a very stable and well-planted ride, that still offers up more than sufficient acceleration even with a bed full of cargo. We have always appreciated just how firm a competitor the off-roading ZR2 is when put to the test against the Toyota Tacoma TRD, and how it is a powerful enough choice to blast over rocks but still do just fine during the usual commute. The Crew Cab's rear seats can split and fold, providing for interior cargo space. There's also a large area beneath the seats to stow more goods, and traits such as this are the ones that breathe a heavy dose of day-to-day usefulness into the truck. Come see us this fall and while we are waiting on the 2021, see which version of the Colorado can suit your budget and set of duties! 

2020 Silverado To See ZR2-Type Upgrades For Offroad Action

For the serious off-road enthusiasts that we interact with so frequently here at West Chevy of Knoxville the truck of choice for wandering off-road has always been the Colorado ZR2. It's a no-brainer since it brings Multimatic spool valve shock-equipped suspension, racing program and factory-backed aftermarket upgrades to the table, allowing you to not just embrace but attack the great outdoors. As great as it is, we are beginning to realize that there are many out there who wish that the full-size Silverado was blessed with a bit of off-road magic.

That time has now arrived, and the Silverado has been slated for some upgrades that should lurch over river ford and rock quarry to reach production. The new race truck will now compete in the 1200 Stock class of the Best in the Desert series and was developed in cooperation with Hall Racing, the experts who had a hand in the ZR2's existence. The Silverado is based on the LT Trail Boss with the optional 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission and sports significant tweaks to the suspension and chassis. It features a long-travel suspension with larger versions of the ZR2's spool valve shocks on top of jounce shocks to help protect the truck from the damage large bumps dole out.

The skid plates covering the vital mechanics are the off-road truck's #1 defense against destruction, and 35-inch tires replace the 32-inch stock tires that come on the Trail Boss. There as of now has not been an official announcement regarding the release date for these parts but there is a good chance that they may be available directly to consumers. After brandishing the upgraded ZR2 race truck, Chevy offered some of the parts as accessories to ZR2 owners, so the same may happen in regards to the Silverado.

Chevy's chief engineer for performance variants lamented last week that “Offroad racing is just brutal on vehicles, and a single race puts more wear and tear on trucks than most vehicles will experience in years. That makes offroad racing a valuable test bed to evaluate new components. What we learn while racing informs everything from future performance parts and accessories to GM Defense products and production vehicle changes”. Nothing is ever a full guarantee in the current auto and truck landscape, but we are pretty sure that in the very near future, Silverado owners will be making sure the last gulp of coffee has been downed from the sample in the cupholder, looking at boulders and red rock with glee, and lurching off the road most traveled!

2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison Test Drive Proves It to Be Most Off-Road Ready in its Class

Auto journalist Gary Gastelu has completed in-depth tests of just about every type of vehicle in existence, and we knew that he was going to enjoy getting his hands on the pre-customized Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison. All of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville have long admired the work that American Expedition Vehicles has done on cars for years now. The Brute Double Cab was an amazingly-built Wrangler Unlimited that was converted into a pickup, and a close look at its custom accessories let one know that they could work wonders with something such as the ZR2.

The raw goods are a steel set of bumpers with a winch mount in the front, wide black fender flares, black 17-inch alloy wheels, a Chevy branded grille, and five boron steel skid plates. All the additives mean about 200 extra pounds added to the truck, but it is evenly enough spread so the balance is not too upset. Gary immediately billed the ZR2 as “the most off-road capable vehicle Chevrolet has ever made”. Thanks to front and rear locking differentials, a two-inch lifted suspension and Multimatic “spool valve” dampers the truck is capable of anything ranging from high-speed off-roading to taking jumps and crawling over obstacles such as rocks.

The official ground clearance for the Bison is 8.9 inches, which at first may not sound impressive but is measured under the suspension mounts instead of right in the center of the truck. The Bison is available in extended and crew cab versions and with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel. As Gary began his test drive he thought that the control layout was spot-on, and what it is missing in luxury elements is ideal with off-road handling in mind.

This video does a great job of getting all of the ways underneath and showing us the five boron skid plates that prevent the underside from taking a severe beating during off-road duty. The track that the Bison was tested on was far from a breeze: rocks of all sizes were strewn all over, and you see the truck navigate a massively washed out puddle turned-into-stream. Gary is even shown catching sizable air on a tabletop, putting about everything you could imagine to the test during landing. The bison is a rather limited-edition truck for the 2019 year, but we want to invite you to the lot here this fall: check out the full range of trucks for sale, and see which one will be the perfect fit for your growing family or business!

2020 Chevy Silverado Midnight and Rally Editions Introduced Alongside Texas State Fair Excitement

Many loyal Silverado buyers here at West Chevy of Knoxville have proven to us over the years that special editions are wildly popular, and with a new year's model already making its way onto the lot, there are a few standout choices already available. Chevy is officially bringing back the popular Midnight and Rally editions to the 2020 Silverado 1500, and they were shown at a very fitting location as they made their debut at the State Fair of Texas.

Both treatments add a healthy dose of darkness for those who want a unique way for their truck to stand out. The 2020 Silverado 1500 Midnight Edition is offered on the LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss trims and brings a more rugged appearance to this truck that is already focused on off-road performance in a major way. It adds black 18-inch wheels, badges, grille, bumpers, exhaust tips, steps, and the signature bowtie. The recovery hooks hold on to their same red hue, contrasting perfectly against the stealthily dark other elements.

The LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition sees its power source from a 6.2-liter V-8 that produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This trim also stands apart due to the very high-intensity LED headlamps with daytime running lights and darkened bezels. The Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss Midnight Edition is available with either the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and the six-speed automatic or the 6.2-liter V-8 paired to the 10-speed.

The Silverado 1500 Rally Edition is pictured here in white and was developed exclusively for those who desire a more urban appearance. It is currently offered on the RST and Custom trims and is available in Black, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, or Summit White Exterior paint. The Rally Edition holds on to the body-colored grille, but also sees the addition of black stripes on the hood and tailgate, black bowties, black badging, black exhaust tips, black assist steps, and ultra-cool black Chevrolet lettering on the tailgate. The RST Rally Edition includes black 22-inch wheels, while the Custom Rally Edition rides on black 20-inch wheels.

Both Rally editions are available with the 2.7-liter turbo-four engine mated to an 8-speed automatic, but the RST Rally Edition can also acquire its thunder using the 5.3-liter V-8 or the 6.2-liter V8. Both editions will be available to order next month and will see release dates at dealers later this year. When asked for candid honesty, most of us here in the service bays and on the sales lot prefer the Midnight: the capability to enjoy off-road destinations is choice. But if you come down to visit us for a test drive of the Rally Edition, you'll still fall in love with its specific blend of street swagger and metro-area friendly makings!

An Off-Road Beast Even Greater Than the ZR2 Bison? AEV's Plans to Double Down

By very obvious leaps and bounds, the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is the most off-road capable mid-size truck offered within the entire ranks of the automotive market! With an expertly-laden boost from Montana-based experts American Expedition Vehicles, the standard ZR2 underwent a drastic transformation with hot-stamped boron steel skid plates, as well as steel rail protection on both side skirts and bumpers. It provided so much protection and clearance that it enabled the Colorado to conquer the utmost in unforgiving terrain.

Locations such as the red rock deserts of Arizona and punishing trails of Mt. Moab come to mind when brandishing a truck equipped with these goodies! Here in Tennessee, we have Windrock Park, the largest privately owned riding area in the nation. Known for always keeping the rider in mind, they offer more than 300 miles of trail riding and hiking, camping and events. This is one of those places that means it if it says “extremely difficult” on a trail grade: dangerous cliffs and large boulders are just a few of the things you'll encounter while on course here.

When asked exactly what they had in mind to even further prepare the Bison for the tests of the trail, AEV Marketing Manager Matt Felderman said that a bigger tire kit is in the works. The ZR2 Bison Tray Bed that was displayed at Overland Expo West had a set of our new high-clearance fender flares which allow for a 35-inch tire and zero lift. There is a lower center of gravity at play, and the driver can take full advantage of everything that went into the ZR2 suspension, as well as the addition of a bigger tire. These larger tires were first pushed as an idea during the initial development of the AEV addition, but at the time just did not seem feasible.

The development team wanted a bigger tire than 31 inches, but there were a completely different set of tests for this one-two-thousand unit build, and millions would have been spent on the research and development end. Actual pricing for the 35-inch tires and high-clearance fenders have not yet been officially announced, but AEV will be proudly displaying two Colorado ZR2 Bison pickups with the special package this November during the 2019 SEMA show.

Many will want to take note that AEV also now offers other ZRT Bison components straight off the shelf: you can order bumpers, winch mounts, and high-strength hot-stamped boron steel skid plates “ala carte”. Once you get a slight taste of an upgrade variety that can rapidly up your trail hound status, it becomes addictive and could be the ultimate “gateway” to this amazing and expertly-designed package that prepares you for the demands of the off-road trek!

Motor Trend Reveals 6 Cool Extra “Easter Eggs” Within the 2020 Chevy Corvette

The very excited staff of Motor Trend were the first lucky media outlet in the world to test the first production mid-engine Corvette, and they admitted that they savored every second. So much excitement and attention on the many automobile blogs out there is understandable: now that the engine is situated behind the driver, many new possibilities open up. In this particular feature, the crew tells us here at West Chevy of Knoxville all about some “secret gems” that make the new Corvette even that much cooler. 

The Logo is Hidden on the Speaker Between the Seats: The center speaker located between the two seats is where the Corvette logo is, but it takes a bit of a search to find it. You can see the flags from certain angles because of the way the speaker holes are drilled, but once you are inside the pattern is only visible from a very specific distance.

Opening the Frunk From the Front: Since the engine is now behind the passenger and driver, the Corvette has ample space in the front for a front trunk. You actually don't open this frunk from inside: there's a super cool button hidden a little way above the left air vent that will open it. Much like the rear trunk, there is a proximity feature so you can open it when the car is completely locked, and even if the key is tucked in your pocket.

Hold the Unlock Button on the Key, And the Windows Will Open: If you happen to be out on a particularly hot day, there's a shortcut to getting the windows to lower. Just like other Chevy models, the windows will automatically lower if you hold down the unlock button on the remote key.

More Flags on the Rear Window: These look so awesome when contrasted against red: The Corvette C8 has the traditional pattern of black flags on the rear window that faces downward. This tradition began with the Corvette C7, and continues now in the 2020 model. These flags have a bit more of a V shape, following suit with the C8's updated logo.

The Trunk is Soft-Close: Even though it sometimes feels good to release some aggression by slamming a trunk shut, this one will close with ease! After gently closing the hatch, there is a soft-close system that will make sure it closes snugly without the need to push terribly hard.

The Top can be Secured in the Trunk: Once the top is off, two latches keep the top well-secured. The top pops off easily, and once it's in the trunk you can still store other items alongside it if you need to. Every single blog and news story we have seen regarding the C8 has been derived from a sense of amazement and wonder, as it has been a real dream come true to see this idea finally “leap to life” off the assembly line!