Graced With Potent Upgrades: How the Chevy Silverado Does Battle With the F-150

 

Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville has been diligent at keeping a close eye on the competition in the truck category, as we have great pride and trust in our Silverado line that provides the form and function that many hard-working men and women need to power through the day. As Ford is preparing to launch the all-new-generation F-150 for 2021, we are hard at work with updates to the Chevy Silverado 1500 to keep it sharp enough for rugged competition.

 

For starters, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Forward Collision Alert will be added to our full-size light-duty pickup. A new report from GM -Trucks gave us a heads up about some changes we previously weren't alerted to, as detailed in a new Consensus Report distributed to us through Chevy's US dealer network. These changes will be great news to anyone who uses their full-size truck for rigorous towing duty: there will now be Trailering Tech enhancements and Max Towing enhancements for the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder and  3.0-Liter Duramax diesel. The 2021 Silverado HD will see updates of what area the backup feed camera displays and a few other towing-focused changes.

 

As far as other updates to properly aid in the ongoing battle against the F150, we think the cooling system on trucks powered by either the 2.7-Liter turbo-four or the 3.0-Liter diesel could see an increase in airflow or overall capacity. Since towing is known to generate massive amounts of heat, cooling needs to be a carefully-examined issue, because it can provide a major restriction on a vehicle's maximum tow rating. Another potentially exciting changeup could be the torque curves seeing enhancement for improved towing on the Silverado 1500's 2.7-liter gas and  3.0-Liter diesel engines, by means of an elevated torque peak. 

For this year's model, 20-inch by 9-inch black painted aluminum wheels are now free flow on the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss, and 20-inch by 9-inch Polished finish wheels are now standard on the LTZ. Inside is the addition of Wireless Phone Projection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Sirius XM is now available on Work Truck models as well as standard on Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss models. More safety features added across the board will no doubt provide a strong draw for customers that are checking out all of their options in the truck realm, and sway them into choosing what is the best and most stylish truck out there!

 

For those who are on the hunt for a full-sized pickup with a unique design that you won't find elsewhere, check out the Redline Edition: It brings to the mix body-color front and rear bumpers, LED fog lamps and cargo lighting, unique front grille and bumper design, a front and rear lowering kit, illuminated bowtie emblem, and performance exhaust and cold air intake kit.   

GM Authority Hails 2021 Chevy Blazer 2.0-Liter Turbo For Fuel Economy Improvement

The buzz was circulating around the lot and offices quite heavily here at West Chevy of Knoxville when the new Blazer came out last year, and now there are even more great reasons to give one a test drive! The 2021 Chevy Blazer with the available turbocharged 2.0-Liter 4-cylinder LSY engine sees a boost in fuel economy to the current year's version. The EPA rated the 2021 Chevy Blazer with front-wheel drive and the 2.0-Liter 4-cylinder engine at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. 

Last year's model with the 2.0-Liter engine came in with the fuel efficiency ratings at 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive versions of the crossover also see a slight improvement. When equipped with the 2.0-Liter engine and AWD, the 2021 Blazer sees a return of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Both the AWD and FWD versions of the 2021 Chevy Blazer feature the nine-speed automatic transmission and the 2.0-liter engine is good for 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can also opt for stepping up to the 308-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 LGX engine, which is standard on Premier and RS models. 

For the new model year, the sporty crossover will receive four new exterior colors, a new towing package for front-wheel-drive models, and additional standard active safety features. Once upon a time, the Chevy Blazer was a very hefty, serious, truck-based answer to the Ford Bronco. It has now followed the path of more of a car-based crossover, and is a true member of the namesake's "performance crew". Eye-catching and aggressive, the new Blazer may not have been completely true to its roots, but for appropriate reason: it aligns well with the needs of a busy and growing family or young professional.

The Safety Assist package includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, following distance alert, and automatic high beams, and is now standard. RS and Premier trims feature Adaptive cruise control, and every version gets an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE in-car WiFi, OnStar, and 4 USB ports, including a USB-C port. The Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Venza are now the direct competition and form of rivalry for the Blazer, and we are confident with the low-end torque and peppy dynamic the Blazer delivers! 

We know that many of the families who love their recreation and lake time will love the VR2 trailering package for the new model: it brandishes a fierce cooling system enabling it to tow 4,500 pounds. Hitch Guidance with Hitch View is also present on the RS and Premier trims, and the ready-for-duty package tows 3,000 more pounds than the Blazers without it. The Blazer is perfect for anyone who needs city-driving functionality but "isn't quite ready to settle down", and enjoy the influence from the raucous pony cars found inside and out.  

Motor Authority Details Possibility of 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray R Special Edition

 Motor Authority Details Possibility of 2021 Chevy Corvette Stingray R Special Edition

The official report came down the line from Motor 1 last Wednesday that Chevy maybe now planning a special edition of the 2021 Corvette called Stingray R. Last weekend's IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar race that took place at Road America featured our very own Stingray pace car, and this could lead up to the preview of a special edition. The pace car brandished a large rear spoiler, red mirror caps matching the IMSA Corvette C8.R race cars, a black hood stripe, and what could be the clearest indicator: a front splitter with “Stingray R” text. 

It was also noted that leaked dealership information from March indicated to us here at West Chevy of Knoxville that there would be a special-edition 2021 Corvette in the making. The cosmetic changes on the IMSA pace car could easily carry over to the production vehicle, so many in the industry have concluded that a consumer-ready Stingray R could soon become a reality. This edition would absolutely be accepted with open arms and excitement, since Corvette Racing put on a 1-2 finish for its class at Road America, the team's third consecutive win. 

The famed C8.R will not be present at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans due to the current global conditions but will roar back for the French endurance classic in 2021. There are a few changes that are confirmed for the 2021 model already: the sports car will receive new color options, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Buckle to Drive feature that will not allow a shift out of park if the seat belt is not engaged. You now do not have to opt for the Z51 package to add Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the modern suspension and chassis technology that adjusts and adapts the shock absorbers in real-time response to changes in terrain to provide the best driving experience. 

These shots from Motor Trend show a few Corvette C8.R racers and white street-spec C8 that is sporting a unique graphics package, under the bridge at the famous Wisconsin road course near Elkhart Lake. You will also be able to choose from three new colors: Red Mist Metallic and Silver Flare Metallic for the exterior, and Sky Cool Gray / Yellow Strike for the interior. The 2021 model will also offer the first 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, making way for much faster shifting and greater power.    

The engine on hand  will be the 6.2-liter LT2 V8 with direct injection, variable valve timing, and active fuel management. To get the absolute most out of every single mile in this groundbreaking and much raved-about mid-engined beast, there are also six modes of drive selector: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, MyMode, and customizable Z Mode.

Chevy Equinox Celebrates Summer Victory As IIHS Pick Of “One of The Best Vehicles for Teens”

 

Many Parents we talk to that visit us here at West Chevy of Knoxville have expressed excitement, anticipation and perhaps a few jitters when their teenager begins driving! If the Chevy Equinox happens to be within your sights, there is going to be a lot to love about it; the Institute for Highway Safety has rendered the 2016 and up Equinox compact crossover as one of the best vehicles for teenage drivers from the perspective of safety and reliability.

 

The 2020 Safe Vehicles for Teens list identifies vehicles that they believe are the safest for teen drivers, and they know that not all families have a large amount of money to spend on their teen's first car. All of the vehicles on the list range from a little over $5,000 to nearly $20,000, so it covers a fairly broad spectrum of costs. To be included in the list, a vehicle must  have achieved the best possible rating of Good in the IIHS' moderate overlap front, roof restraint, side, and head restraint test, as well as an acceptable or good rating in the driver-side small overlap front test.

 

We have always known Consumer Reports to be an excellent source of information when it comes to finding out about vehicle reliability and if they are a good purchase choice. The vehicles on this list also had to receive the minimum rating from Consumer Reports with regard to emergency handling capability and reliability and achieve a certain minimum dry braking distance. Active safety features and overall crashworthiness also led to the 2020 Equinox being a Top Safety Pick, as well as the Teen Driver Technology on board.

 

By using the Teen Driver features the driver can turn to Buckle-to-Drive to make the seatbelt imperative, limit the vehicle's top speed, and even set audio volume limits for a quieter cruise. Fuel efficiency was another factor in the Equinox making this list. The standard turbocharged 1.5-Liter LYX 4-cylinder and available turbo 2.0-Liter LTG are both excellent in the mpg department, and the Equinox is also a relatively inexpensive vehicle to obtain used. The standard active safety features new for the 2020 model were forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

 

There is also a new Midnight Edition for the LT trim that adds black metallic paint, gloss-black 19-inch wheels, a black grille, black Chevrolet bowtie emblems, and black interior with leather-perforated seats. Other options available include a power liftgate, power moonroof, a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning.

Consumer's Key to Insight: In-Depth Comparison of The 2020 Chevy Traverse & The 2020 Dodge Durango

As your decision to purchase a new vehicle becomes a reality and it is time to make the final choice, it always makes sense to compare two similar models. Everyone here at West Chevy of Knoxville loves to provide support for the brand we have worked so hard to build up, yet we know that you need to be able to properly size our models up to the competition. The staff at Kelley Blue Book were getting into “comparison” mode this week themselves and took on the task of seeing how the 2020 Chevy Traverse stacked up against the 2020 Dodge Durango.

 

These two represent two different ends of the SUV offering spectrum: One of them offers up a modern platform powered by a V6, and the other has a bit more of a rugged chassis with the option to move up to a V8. What the KBB team had the most praise for regarding the Traverse was that it had excellent styling inside and out, had more than ample cargo space, very comfortable seating in all three rows for up to eight, and the handling was great were a vehicle its size. What they didn't like was the lack of features on lower trims and that safety features are only available as options: we do take these things into consideration and will note them as our future development teams go to work.

What was appreciated within just a few minutes of a test drive of our rival in the form of the Dodge Durango was the full-size capability in a midsize SUV, two V8 engine options, and a towing ability that is truly the king of the segment. One trait where the Traverse won over the Durango was maneuverability: within 15 minutes, the KBB crew deemed that the maneuverability of the Durango was not nearly as precise and competent as what the Traverse offers. The engine on the Traverse is a very quick V6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and the recommendation given here is to move up to the LS trim to get the features you want.

A favorite in the feature department is the rear-view camera mirror inside: you gain very easy access to a live video feed precisely 180-degrees behind the vehicle. If raw power is right up your alley, you would have a great appreciation for the two V8 engines the Durango offers on top of the standard V6. The tow rating of 8,600 lbs is higher, but keep in mind that you are dealing with a gigantic lurch of a vehicle with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both the Traverse and Durango don't have driver assists as standard, as some consumers are very adamant about seeing extras such as these on the lower trim levels, or without a forced add-on expense.

GM Authority Breaking News: 2021 Chevy Colorado Production Has Begun

Trucks have enjoyed a long and great run of appreciation, adoration, and off-road excitement at the hands of happy customers here at West Chevy of Knoxville. GM Authority has already broken the story of the beloved Chevy Colorado getting a refresh for the next model: there will be new front fascias, a new tailgate, a slightly-revised trim level structure, and changes to the equipment group structure. Even those updates were covered in-depth and the news just released that the 2021 Chevy Colorado production is officially underway!

Production of the 2021 Colorado started on June 26^th in the U.S. making the Colorado along with the GMC Canyon the first U.S. Built 2021 model year Chevy vehicle to enter the production phase. With production happening right now, there may be a few options and features that will not be available just during development's first phase. This includes the 2.8-Liter Inline-4 LWN turbo-diesel Duramax engine, the Crush color for all models, and the Sand Dune Metallic Color for the Z71.

Next year's Colorado features a trim level structure that has been entirely revised, with the base trim level that slotted below the Work Truck removed from the option list. Each model will now also get a very unique front-end treatment, and a brand-new debossed tailgate brandishing the Chevy script at the rear. You can see all of the other minor changes and updates here. Right now, we are being told that the current second-generation Chevy Colorado will exist for at least the next two years before it could see replacement by an updated version of the GMT31XX platform.

The next-generation model will see power derived from an engine like the turbocharged 2.7-Liter Inline-4 L3B gas engine. As the staff of Kelley Blue Book quickly recognized, the Colorado is the most customizable of any midsize truck, and they also gave high approval for the performance and raw energy the diesel option offers. Best-in-class towing, a completely refreshed exterior, and world-class comfort during the ride and handling are all other fine points of this rugged-and-ready beast. 

The Coming of the C8 Was Incredible: What's Coming Next Will be Earth-Shaking

With the engine situated for the first time behind the driver after decades of speculation and in-depth engineering, the new Corvette represented an enormous change for one of America's most iconic cars. As of now, there has not been an official announcement, there will certainly be much more powerful and faster Corvettes to come in the future, really catapulting Chevy into the realm of full-blown super cars such as Lamborghini and Ferrari. It is no shame that some have not considered us neck and neck with these high-end track-dominators as of yet, seeing as how Chevy products are a mere fraction of their price. 

 

In today's current base model, the 495-horsepower Stingray has many advantages when taking a close look at the Corvettes' new “rear mid-engine” layout. The entire car's weight is shifted, which improves handling through curves as well as speed in a straight line since the back wheels have more weight over them. Right away you notice how much closer you as the driver is to the perfect center of the driving experience. You are also seated a bit further forward, closer to the front wheels that are piloting the car.

With a lower hood minus the engine, the driver also gets to enjoy a more thorough view of the road ahead, which helps in droves during high-speed maneuvers. This design that was pondered and conceptualized for so long now enables engineers to create versions of the car with an abundance of higher power, and the ability to handle it on all counts. The current C8 brandishes 50 more horsepower than the outgoing model and has received very high accolades and raving reviews for handling, the feel of the interior, and spectacular value. 

We have been informed here at West Chevy of Knoxville that a high-performance hybrid is widely rumored to be in the design stages, but it has not been officially confirmed. A very long and narrow row of buttons graces the current C8's interior, creating a snug low wall between the driver and passenger, while the central touchscreen is also tilted towards the driver. There is no more manual transmission offered, and the automatic is quick, responsive, and smooth as anything many auto journalists have driven during their entire career.

Changing driving modes is done via a knob with a comfy hand rest above it, and plugs you straight into Tour, Sport, or Track modes at your whim. The seasoned experts out there have been excited about just how good this car corners, and how the Track mode adjusts the suspension and steering responsiveness to immediately adapt to the adrenaline-laced challenge. We will keep you posted here on the blog about the many ways in which the coming Corvette will be even more exciting and powerful, and the best medium to take on a “socially distanced” cruise at “speed of light” caliber!