2020 Chevy Silverado HD Spied

It's no doubt that Chevy keeps trucks during development stages heavily under wraps, and the next-generation Silverado HD is one of the next on standby. The constant flow of spy shots keeps us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis as up to date as we can about what the appearances of future models will be like, even if they happen to be heavily camouflaged and covered up. New shots that have just become available to us show GM testing both the Chevy and GMC versions of these tough and ready-to-haul pickups in various body styles. The new Silverado HD appears to feature a very prominent bar in the grille that gives the truck a much rougher appearance, and the photos we saw suggest that there will be numerous tiers of lights.

Underneath, LED as well as fog lights appear to be present, and the heavy body cladding doesn't provide a perfect look at the truck's front and rear stance, but the fenders appear to be typically prominent. A noticeable difference between the Chevy and GMC versions are at the front: the new Sierra HD appears to have more bars in the grille, and the LED running lights are above, instead of below them. The exact specs of any powertrain changes are not yet known, but the Chevy and GMC feature tweaks for improving their hauling capabilities fairly substantially, since getting work done is part of the reason these models exist.

The Duramax 6.6-liter V8 diesel engine is expected to get a refresh, while the base engine option will most likely be the 6.0-liter Gasoline V8. Shifting duties will likely be handled by the same six-speed automatic heavy-duty transmission, which is the same that Ford and Ram are still placing in their heaviest-duty of trucks. The Detroit or Chicago auto shows will most likely be the site of these two to debut next year, and we guarantee that many hard-working and playing customers are going to immediately fall in love with them.

The folks on staff at the Jalopnik blog claimed after seeing a few shots themselves that “The new heavy-duty Silverado HD is coming for you in your nightmares”, and recognized that the “bolder, larger proportions of the truck will be instantly apparent. Humorously claiming that it will instill fear in the drivers of very small cars such as Renault and Fiat, their write-up in early April is an ode to how excited they are to see such a staple of hard-working American legendary power gain future models to their army. What will be instantly recognized here is larger size, which it has been proven is a major draw for this illustrious truck line. Prepare to be amazed and taken aback: 2020 will come quick, and so will all of the tough duties you'll have on your list to throw at this ready-to-conquer duo!

ZR1 Corvette Slated as Prized Pace Car for Legendary Indy 500

An event that is bound to get everyone who loves cars excited here in Memphis is the coming of the Indianapolis 500. Billed as “the greatest spectacle in racing”, it is included as part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which combines three of the most prestigious events worldwide, including the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We couldn't be more thrilled with the Official Pace Car chosen for this monumental event: the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will be the car chosen to lead drivers to the green flag that Sunday, in the action-packed spectacle sponsored by the one and only PennGrade Motor Oil.

This is the 15^th time that a Corvette has fulfilled the duty of official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29^th time that a Chevy car has led the way, dating back to 1948, when a Fleetmaster Six convertible was the selected leader. There has been no other vehicle at all that served as the leader to the flag more often than the Corvette, and to celebrate this legacy, the 2019 ZR1 along with the other 14 'Vettes that have Paced for the Indy were on proud display last week at the site of the Indy 500. It really does make perfect sense that the most powerful and quickest Corvette ever made is going to pace what is most likely the biggest race in the world every year, and many who are unfamiliar with the allure of this amazing car's potential will get an opportunity to now witness it in full-blown action.

The 2019 ZR1 Pace Car derives its muscle for the track from the LT5 Small Block 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, with 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque. The shifting under sheer track pressure is completed by the 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission, taking care of the task at hand while streaking quickly through the various corners of the track. Ask us here at Chuck Hutton how the ZTK Performance Package ups the ante: it adds an adjustable stanchion-mounted carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, and the aptly stiff and able performance-tuned suspension. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is the very first fastest-reacting suspension built in the world, originally brought to market from Cadillac.

This high-tech system uses a revolutionary fluid infused expertly with magnetized particles, that are put in place to respond to the many changes in different driving conditions and track speeds. It was engineered so carefully and with such a high level of expertise, that it can respond and react to every unique corner or bump in the road with lightening speed, and quickly readjust. The Performance Data and Video Recorder available for the ZR1 turns your vehicle into an advanced driving analysis tool. With just two simple clicks, you can begin recording every single aspect of your driving, including real-time video and audio, as well as 34 channels of performance data to show you how your driving was. It is a very useful tool to help relive your most thrilling moments from the track, and use the data to carefully scrutinize how to the the absolute most out of your next track run.

A high-performing beast that completes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in a startling 2.85 seconds, the ZR1 also has a top speed of 212 mph, now classifying it as the fastest Corvette in history. Seeing all of the world-class Corvettes that have been used as the flagship pace cars for the Indy 500 is a monumental of the long-standing history of this legendary race, and Chevy together with IMS enjoy one of the most iconic and solid bonds in motor sports. All of us here at Chuck Hutton will be watching the race this May, and will not be able to hide our happiness about once again providing another Pace Car contender! 

2019 Camaro Boasts New Track Mode, Next-generation Infotainment

Whenever the topic of next year's models are brought up around Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis, inquiries about the oncoming new Camaro are definitely some of the ones that fly around the most fast and furious. Consistently known for having an amazing balance of driving fun, value, and refinement, the 2019 Camaro is striving to reach even higher, with more of the design, technology, and choices for driving that customers are asking for. Always known for being relentlessly head-to-head with the Mustang, it has routinely been a high performer, hailed for making long-lasting memories, and fully throwing down when it comes to torque and horsepower delivery.

Next year's Camaro has some distinct differences in front-end styling between the LS/LT, RS, and SS, and the fascia, grille, and LED dual-element headlamps retain the styling within the front end, that has been heavily improved upon to be airflow-optimized. The SS-specific front fascia sports the open bowtie grille emblem, and the most diehard of Camaro fans will always really take note of the extractor-style hood, and the character that it evokes. When you come see us for a test drive of the LT, make it a point to check out the RS Appearance Package: it adds unique polished black grille, as well as Galvano Chrome lower inserts, new LED headlamps, a specific rear fascia sporting rear diffuser, and 20-inch wheels. All models for the 2019 year will have all new rear fascias, with specific diffusers on RS and SS, when equipped with Dual Mode Exhaust.

Successfully combining the over-the-top performance and excellent weight distribution enabled by the Camaro's 2.0-L turbocharged engine, the new benefits of the Turbo 1LE include a 6-speed manual transmission. The fully tailored chassis package, derived from the V6 1LE, offers up performance that can handle the highest amounts of healthy and not-so-healthy competition on the track. The carefully patented FE3 suspension has larger sized front and rear stabilizer bars, dampers that are specifically fine-tuned, and ingenious cross axis ball joints in the rear tow links, working full time to enhance a rigid and stiff feel. The very capable power for the Camaro is derived from a 2.0-L engine, with 275 HP, and 295 lb. - ft. of torque.

We'd all have to agree here at Chuck Hutton that one of the most exciting features of next year's Camaro is the new Track Mode: it is an additive that fully prepares the car for the trials, tests, and very constantly changing conditions of the various locations where “friendly speed contests” take place. The 2019 Camaro also offers the very awesome next-generation Infotainment 3, with all-new systems that provide an ideally optimized interface. Designed to replicate the productivity ability of a tablet or smartphone, you obtain cloud connection, voice recognition, and the very useful ability to enable vehicle software updates to automatically occur within the phone.

When you're reviewing your last trip or high-performance jaunt at high speed levels, you'll be thankful for the enhanced-for-2019 Data Recorder System, and the Standard Rear Camera Mirror on the ZL1 and 2SS models. The Camaro has truly proven itself as the “pony of choice” under all circumstances: we're excited to carry on a tradition of high-powered vehicles that do more thanpack a punch, and etch themselves deeply in any auto fan's memory banks.

Chevy Colorado ZR2 Wins Autotrader Award as Front-running “Must Test Drive” Vehicle

This past week, anyone in the Memphis area who is looking for the perfect truck had plenty of reason to look no further than the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Adding to its already hefty list of awards, it was one of 12 different high-achieving vehicles announced by Autotrader, with a new recognition as a 2018 Must Test Drive award. Factors that influence the publication's choice are interior comfort, materials, available technology, and quality of the ride. The fantastic ZR2 was given high praise for “easy-to-handle dimensions”, and “very cool off-road capabilities”. Autotrader notes that the ZR2 is absolutely a true off-road machine, and an automotive asset that is consistently ready for almost anything under the sun to be thrown in its direction.

Chief engineer for midsize truck of GM Anita Burke quoted last week that everyone on her team is “honored by this recognition, and thrilled that Autotrader has picked up on the versatile footprint and serious off-road capabilities of ZR2”. This is a truck that built very strongly on the already very solid platform of the Colorado, and every Chuck Hutton customer looking for a great truck or off-road vehicle should give it a sense-stirring test drive. The ZR2 is a truck that combines the easy-to-maneuver and nimble qualities of a mid-size pickup perfectly with a slew of new off-road features and technology. This is the perfect addition to your family or business lineup, and can complete any task from hefty hauling on up to rock crawling on the weekend.

The new ZR2 is a bit unique to a standard Colorado model, in that it features a three-and-a-half inch wider track, as well as a direct-from-the-factory, two-inch lift suspension. There is also the awesome additive of rocker protection, and front as well as rear bumpers modified for off-road clearance. You'll have the opportunity to experience the tough functionality of front and rear locking differentials, available diesel engine option, and the very first off-road application use of Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve Damper Technology. Extra flexibility Is tuned into the discs themselves, as well as the size and shape of the ports they cover, and is the determining factor regarding how much fluid flows between the chambers above and below the piston.

Four Wheeler editor Ken Brubaker wrote this past month that “The ZR2 takes the capable Colorado platform to a new level, with a dizzying array of modifications including front and rear differential lockers, a 2-inch higher ride height, 3.5-inch wider track width, additional skidplating, 31-inch tires, and many more off-road centric goodies”. The ZR2 is also the vehicle that won the prestigious 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler, after displaying top-of-the-line prowess during ramp travel, and over 1,000 miles of rigorous track testing on various terrain.

Judges gave major props to the way in which the underbody is protected by means of additional skidplating, and the ability to display excellent handling over choppy sand or rough trails at very high speeds. You may have the urge to run over vast and open spaces at dusty desert-defying speeds, or navigate over a tight two-rock trail: This year's ZR2 has the might and maneuverability for either task. We urge you to schedule a test drive with us here at Chuck Hutton, and check out other great features such as full navigation capability, and an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment accessibility!

J.D. Power's Heralded Badge of Most-Awarded Brand Goes to Chevy

Customers that are visiting us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis definitely have many different questions for us when they come to find their ultimate vehicle, and some individuals have more specific requirements than others. We have been very proud of all the excellent safety features that are now present on Chevy trucks and cars, as well as the high marks gleaned from auto blogs worldwide when reviewing out product line's interior. Last week, Chevrolet was proudly named as J.D. Power's most awarded brand of 2017 during the J.D. Power Automotive Summit, where 6 various cars, trucks, and SUVs won a total of nine awards in 3 crucial studies. Initial Quality, Vehicle Dependability, and APEAL Studies were the areas in which Chevy had front-running performance.

GM North American president Alan Batey claimed that “Chevrolet is winning with consumers because our designers, engineers, and dealers are focused on delivering great products, and a great ownership experience”. The Vehicle Dependability Study examines major issues reported by owners of 3-year old vehicles, and plays a major role in determining long-term reliability within the market. Based on models from 2014, the Chevy Sonic, Camaro, Tahoe, and Silverado HD were all deemed the top of the heap as far as reliable in this sector.

The Initial Quality Study completes the task of measuring various problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership. The Silverado HD, Silverado, and Chevy Sonic all were at the top of this list, displaying all-out mastery of excellence in reliability throughout the first very crucial months of ownership. This is a more important time during the life of a car than some realize: even though autos are expected to perform at a very high level upon purchase, there are some problems and defects that owners are going to want to avoid entirely.

The Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) measures owner's emotional attachment, and how excited owners get about ownership when thinking about their car across several different categories. The Chevy Tahoe and Bolt both dominated this segment entirely, proving once again that Chevy owners have every reason to truly consider their car just as important as their best friend. Led fearlessly and devoutly by Chevrolet, GM has delivered 4 straight years of strong sales leadership of mid and large-size trucks through 2017, due to a very strong 3-truck strategy. Last year our high-ranked Suburban and Tahoe accounted for nearly half of large SUV's delivered to retail customers.

After the Chevy Traverse and Equinox were launched, many worldwide agreed that it stole the claim to the freshest and broadest lineup of crossovers for the last two years. We love to tout that our brand is now undoubtedly the leader in affordable, long-range EVs, with 43,646 Bolts and Volts delivered to happy customers during the 2017 year. In the very near future, there will be many folks who purchase an electric car that had previously never though of doing so, and we believe that we offer the best choices on the current market. One trait we really stand by here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis is product excellence, and we will be happy to assist you during all steps of your 2018 vehicle purchase!