GM Authority Celebrates Chevy Tahoe's 25th Birthday With Up-Close Look at 2021 Model

The Chevy Tahoe is preparing for its 25^th birthday celebration, and the folks on staff at GM Authority cranked out a cool feature this week taking a look at the new model. The original Tahoe was introduced for the 1995 model year and used a design to combine the maneuverability of a short wheelbase truck with the everyday practicality of a 4-door SUV. It was designed to ensure it could tow well and also go off-road, while also being comfortable enough to embark on a long road trip.

This proved to be a combination that the automotive-loving masses flocked to, and the Tahoe quickly became the best-selling full-size SUV in the nation and has held onto that title for 19 consecutive years. Originally intended to meet the demand in the all-purpose family vehicle niche, the Tahoe has also become commonly used as an anchor and high-performing fleet leader for law enforcement agencies. The Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle boasts a very high-output alternator and battery for running necessary onboard electronics, as well as upgraded brakes and suspension.

Right after the vehicle was released during the mid-1990s, police customers began to see the Tahoe's potential, and the Tahoe Police Package was created. December 10^th is the date we've been given here at West Chevy of Knoxville for when the wraps are pulled off of the next-generation 2021 Chevy Tahoe, which will ride on the GM  T1 body-on-frame vehicle platform. Both the Tahoe and next-generation Suburban will come with an independent rear suspension, and it's thought that the turbocharged 2.7-Liter L3B inline 4-cylinder and 5.3-liter L84 V8 engines will be employed in the vehicles, paired to the GM 10-speed transmission.

We're excited to announce that this model may be as much as 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing one, and it will also have improved 3rd-row configuration and usability. Autonomous driving features are some of the elements that are truly giving us an up-close peek at what driving will be like in the future. The “Super Cruise” feature that will be included in regards to the new Tahoe allows the driver to removed their hands from the wheel during long stretches of highway driving.

It uses cameras, GPS information, and radar sensors to steer and brake during highway driving, and is also capable of full-speed range adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Another change for the incoming models are what is included on the LT Signature Package: 20” by 9” chrome wheels, P275/55R20 all-season Blackwall tires, bright bodyside moldings, grille insert, polished exhaust tip, chrome recovery hooks, and chrome assists step kit are all included in the mix!

New Camaro Model Announced For Thrilling 2020 Nascar Cup Series

Last week the announcement was made that Chevy teams in the 2020 Nascar Cup Series would be driving the Camaro ZL1 1LE, which will be the fastest, most track-capable production Camaro of all time. This exciting and world-class car will replace the SS for the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series season, and so far this year, the ZL1 has produced seven wins. Chase Elliott has 4 under his belt, and Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, and Justin Haley all have one each.

With the new model, engineers went hard to work optimizing aerodynamic performance by using computational fluid dynamics, simulations, and full-scale wind testing to hone in and create the best track contender possible. The new ZL1 1LE is the absolute highest performer within the Camaro lineup, and the Chevy namesake has won a record of 39 NASCAR manufacturer championships, seeing 13 titles in a row from 2003 – 2015. Chevy drivers have achieved a record 31 championships, including Jimmie Johnson's record-tying seventh three years ago. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series will be the 72^nd season for the thrilling sport of stock car racing, and the 49^th season for the modern-era Cup Series.

The season will begin at Daytona International Speedway with the Advance Auto Parts Clash, the Gander RV Duel qualifier, and the 62^nd running of the sun-splashed Daytona 500. Just two weeks ago, it was announced that Go Fas Racing created an alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing to glean chassis, data, and technical support from them beginning next year. On October 16 of 2019, JTG Daughterty Racing announced that they signed Ricky Stenhouse JR to a multi-year deal, and three weeks later, Landon Cassil stated in an interview that he plans to stay put in the StarCom Racing no. 00 Chevy for 2020.

On October 1 of 2019, NASCAR officially released the rules listings for 2020. Among the

changes is the reduction of road crew members from 12 to ten, and teams with three or more cars are now limited to just three roster spots. This year after 21 years of being NASCAR's Premiere Fourth of July weekend event, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway will now move to August and becomes the final race of the regular season. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville is beyond excited to see how the most powerful Camaro ever fares during one of the most exciting pastimes in America, and we’ll keep you posted right here as the multitudes of Michelin rubber hit the pavement!

2020 Corvette Performance Numbers Wow Everyone, Including Chevy Engineers

Official data now confirms that the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray coupe equipped with the Z51 Package reaches the 60 MPH mark in 2.9 seconds and conquers the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 121 MPH. Even without the help of the Z51 pack, this year's new mid-engined Corvette makes it to 60 in 3.0 seconds, and still kills the quarter-mile at the same 11.2-second mark. We love this milestone in automotive history that allows the brand we love to  represent so much here at West Chevy of Knoxville the right to brag that it's the fastest base model in the vehicle's existence!

Alex Macdonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager, said that the performance of the 2020 Stingray has exceeded his expecatations, truly standing out as a milestone in history. One of the major changes from older models is that the engine now features revised camshafts that increase valve lift duration. There is now an overhauled intake manifold that the mill breathes through, which has an increased plenum volume. The new exhaust puts to use four-into-one twisted headers that are fabricated rather than casting, ultimately saving in weight factor.

The engine has a dry-sump oil system that uses three scavenge pumps that can cope with the demands of high  acceleration on the track. The low-profile oil pan also allows for a lower center of gravity, and the engine runs through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission gleaned from Tremec. The final drive, differential, controls system, sensors, lubrication, and cooling hardware are all packed into a complete unit through integrated construction. If you want to get an earful of the delightful exhaust, pulling both shift paddles behind the steering wheel allows the driver to free rev the powerplant while parked in neutral.

The transmission is governed by three driving modes: the smooth Touring, aggressive Sport, and peak performance range of Track. Just two weeks ago, the staff on duty at Car and Driver claimed it was even “More than the best Corvette Ever”, and that it definitely lives up to the heavily-generated hype surrounding its release. They had based their ecstatic opinion on the new ride after timed laps at Grattan Raceway outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they determined that the mid-engined model's handling advantage over the outgoing C7 was indeed very real. We invite you to come down after the holidays to check out just how 60.6 percent of the car' mass being situated over the rear tires is a game-changer off the line, and also boasts by far the best Corvette interior ever!

Motor Trend Puts 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 to Test, Rank it as “Heavy-Hitting Value Rich with Performance”

A half-ton truck powered by diesel was not exactly an idea that was born yesterday, but since there is so much fierce competition now for the top spot in the game, every major truck manufacturer has been making big moves to claim stakes. As all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville know, the Silverado is no stranger to this path, but had lately seen many mourning the continued sense of loss after the V-8 diesels disappeared within the Silverado lineup in the late 90's.

The trusty staff on duty at Motor Trend offered up a feature over the past week that was all about the challenge at hand rivals Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Ford F-150 offer up and the many ways in which the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 meets the challenge. When features editor Scott Evans drove the 2020 Silverado 1500 Duramax during its highly-publicized press launch, he then thought the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph would take around 8.7 seconds. But road test editor Chris Walton took just 7 seconds flat for the Silverado RST Duramax, happily pushing the envelope while sampling the new diesel-driven goods.

The 1500 Duramax 2WD is rated to tow up to 7,600 pounds, and while under near-capacity burden, still went from 0 to 60 mph in just 16 seconds. Test drivers reported a very smooth warmth from the engine at beginning growl as well as mid-point muster and also claimed that it pulls a trailer as if it weren't even there. The Motor Trend experts made one claim that we want every die-hard truck fan to hear loud and clear: the Ford F-150 lurched AND struggled under weight, and on a steep incline close to Davis Dam near the Arizona-Nevada border, the Duramax controlled power allocation and the trailer very well with everything the crew threw at it.

There were a few major changes made to the suspension for the 2020 model year, and all of the expert opinions on this test run claimed that the noise reduction factor was unbelievable: we guarantee you won't have the faintest clue you're sporting diesel power. In the end, it was performance factor and overall capability that made the Silverado stand out from the crowd as far as this feature was concerned and to properly sway burly truck lovers towards the diesel variant.

Brandishing an EPA-rated 33 MPG on the highway, there are so many good reasons to come down and get your eager hands on a new Diesel Silverado now. Just to put this in a bit of perspective for you, the 2019 Ford Fiesta ST is a sizzling hatchback that weighs under 3,000 pounds and has an engine half the size of trucks nails down 32 mpg when ousted to the open road. We will keep you posted right here on the blog regarding updates and news related to the 1500, and its ability to effortlessly conquer any obstacle, towing duty, or hovering hazard!

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!