2018 Chevy Traverse RS Delivers Front-running Performance, Spirited Driving Experience

As the winter months progress here at Chuck Hutton in Memphis, many of our customers may have a certain vision of our daily regimen. We may be pictured huddling around the office table trying to keep warm, sometimes having a bit of snow to shovel, and having a bit more time on our hands than usual. While this is a humorous way to think of things, it is actually quite far from the truth! The New Year is a time when we will offer new financing options, admire new models as they pull on the lot, and are standing by to offer test drives for those of you deciding which vehicle is best for you.

One of the most feature-rich and exciting options for the New Year is the brand new Traverse RS. Loaded with goodies such as turbocharged performance and aggressive new styling, it adds a definite dose of thrilling-to-drive charm into the existing midsize SUV market share. With a concept based on the redesigned 2018 Traverse, the RS has a sprawling cargo room of 98.2 cubic feet, more in the way of tech options than the previous model, and an enhanced list of safety features to offer the optimum in protection for your passengers. Some Chevy fans noticed during years past that the Traverse line could benefit from a version that evoked a bit more of a street-inspired look, and this comfortable and astute vehicle has easily accessible and integrated options for every lifestyle.

The RS really stands apart from the everyday options out there due to the essence of the black grille, accompanied by black window trim, roof nails, and bowtie emblems, as well as a 20-inch aluminum wheel set accented perfectly by a dark Android hue. Firsts in production always do a fantastic job of helping a car stand out, and creating an image that is immediately appealing and cutting-edge. The RS is the very first in the Traverse family that offers turbocharged performance, which is the key to it's high-spirited and responsive-of-the-line driving experience. The direct-injected Ecotec 2.0-liter turbo engine properly completes the task of horsepower and torque generation, resulting in 257 and 295 lb-ft numbers respectively.

The designers has ingeniously wrapped the 2018 Traverse in sheet metal that adopts a more squared-off look, and the new front end has a larger hexagonal grille that is flanked by narrow headlights. There is a shedding of weight on the new Traverse that is 351 pounds, bringing it down a bit to the level of competitors such as the Pilot, and the Toyota Highlander. Come pay us a visit to see if the 7 or 8 passenger configuration is best for your needs, and check out the other awesome features included such as Remote Keyless Entry, a real lifesaver if you are running late or warming up the engine. Many are also raving about the added safety feature of a 360-degree camera on board: it can really provide peace of mind for anyone to give the area around you a thorough check before backing out, and assuring that everyone around you is out of harm's way!

2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1 Destroys Ford GT's Record at Virginia International Speedway

The winter months here are not as snow-packed as they are for some of our counterparts up north, but our customers get time to play out many different automotive fantasies in their head. Road conditions may change, temperatures tend to be cooler, and many are eagerly waiting for the time of year when the engines roar plentifully, and precious driving time on the track is doled out! The Virginia International Speedway has long been a proving grounds for many models, and a heavy anchor on the East Coast for the best in racing action.

The home of events such as the Pirelli World Challenge, MotoAmerica Championship of Virginia, and Grassroots Motorsports Magazine's Hyperfest Tire Rack Car Challenge, this is a great spot to check out some high-octane action, and get to see how involved these skilled drivers get while navigating through the demanding concrete twists and turns. Last year, the Ford GT Supercar set a record for a production car lap, and this year, our champion-in-waiting 2019 Corvette ZR1 aced the task of one-upping that record! Chevy was recently out on the track doing what we do best via company test driver Jim Mero, and the 755-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8 was able to blaze a time of 2:37.25 for the 4.1-mile circuit. This was a 1.37-second advancement of the GT's previous time, and an achievement that everyone here at Chuck Hutton was rooting for all along.

Both the Ford and Chevy were cars of showroom spec grade, with no ultra-unique enhancements in the performance department. The ZR1 had the extra addition of the $2,995 ZTK Performance Package, adding the boost of summer-only tires, a track-focused tune of the suspension, and a downforce-producing aero kit. Rumors that we have heard flying around the office and on the web claim that GM could be working on a mid-engine supercar to replace the Corvette next year, due to some opinions of those who wonder if it may have reached the limits of performance for a design with the use of a front engine.

Road and Track claimed excitedly last year that this is the “fastest street car GM has ever made”, and the well-proven “True King of the Hill”. The two very noticeable gaping openings in front of the cover work overtime to complete the task of extruding hot air seeping out of the engine bay, and the ZR1's new pushrod V8 proudly sports a 52-percent larger supercharger than the Z06's LT4. The currently claimed top speed of the ZR1 is around 201 miles per hour, and anyone with hefty track experience will notice the difference in handling via the 355 section rear tires.

You'll be amazed to see the specs and pure road prowess of this car that even has an available Performance Data Recorder: you can closely monitor every inch of your performance, allowing you to perhaps someday be as agile and dominating as the driver who nailed down this lightening run in the 2019 'Vette!

Cars.com Proudly Hails Colorado ZR2 As “Best Pickup Truck of 2018”

The large variety of websites and blogs out there that cover cars and trucks always have their hands full during the beginning of the year! As new models come out, their specific highlights, new trim levels, safety features, and overall driving characteristics are all topics of interest for readers worldwide. Knowing where a car leads the pack is very helpful for any new buyer, and can eventually sway anyone who is on the fence to purchase the car that is best for them. We have already had many people come talk to us here at Chuck Hutton about the new options for trucks, as they begin the process to purchase.

The Colorado ZR2 was officially selected as Cars.com's “Best Pickup Truck of 2018”, as editors doled out heavy praise for the truck's “almost perfect combination of passion and technology”. Claiming that it is also quite possibly the most distinctive vehicle that has come along in years, it is obvious that this trusty truck we have all come to love so much here in Memphis has made a long-lasting and esteemed impression on car professionals. To fully compete in the off-road category of the market, launching an ordinary and complacent vehicle was simply not going to cut it. The line of Colorado trucks has sold more than 300,000 models in three years, and ZR2 incorporates futuristic technology that has reached a very savvy new group of off-road enthusiasts.

When you take the time to pay us a visit and test drive this fantastic new model, you'll see how it does a great job of combining the maneuverability of a mid-size pickup with new off-road features, and the largest arrangement of technology of any vehicle in its segment. The ZR2 features a three-and-a-half-inch wider track, and two-inch lift in suspension. Rocker protection has been added to provide a higher level of performance over obstacles and rocks, and the front and rear bumpers have been modified for better clearance in off-road scenarios.

Other exclusive features that you'll find on this apt and able rock crawler are front and rear electronic locking differentials, option for diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology. It may be very technical rock crawling on tight two-track trails, high-speed bursts in open spaces, or just the daily driving routine that has spurred your interest in the ZR2. It is known to deliver very high performance in all of these scenarios, and Car And Driver claimed that “its torque makes the ZR2 a one-pedal drive when the transfer case is shifted into low range”. Come check out the 2018 model that provides something for every truck enthusiast, and marvel at Chevy's best-ever release of a competent and crawl-ready mid-size machine!

2019 Camaro May Offer the Seven-Speed Manual Gearbox From the 'Vette

As the slightly colder months are bearing down on Memphis, many of us around the office are definitely thinking about spring. Although it does not fare as difficult here as it does for some of our counterparts up North, we are definitely starting to envision budding flowers and greener grass. What are some of the other activities that are lumped in with the turning of seasons? For one, thoughts about taking corners at very precarious speeds in cars like the iconic and legendary Chevy Camaro is going to get anyone with a bit of winter blues into an uplifted mood! The folks at Autoweek blog recently reported that the 2019 Chevy Camaro SS will come with either a six or seven-speed manual transmission, as well as the standard 8-speed automatic.

Sources from Autoguide say that it could very well be the seven-speed from the Corvette, but it may not be identical: The 'Vette uses a Tremec TR-6070 transmission, mounted in the rear. The Camaro uses a more standard engine-mounted transmission, so the packaging will have to be slightly different, even if the TR-6070's various components make the transition over. The Camaro has only one 6.2-liter engine listed for 2019, which paints a bit of a questionable picture about future placement of the 650-hp ZL1. We speculate here at Chuck Hutton that Chevy is looking to get higher mileage numbers out of it, and a triple overdrive cruising gear could well accomplish that feat.

There is also a chance that maybe a fully new line of Camaro variant with higher horsepower could be in the works. If that were the case, it would provide a more-than-suitable rival for Ford's Shelby GT500 Mustang, which is scheduled to appear around 2019 as well. One transmission type that was not talked about in any spec documents provided were the 10-speed automatic. GM and Ford co-developed the 10-speed gearbox, and Chevy first introduced it to the driving public in the 2017 Camaro ZL1. Ford has equipped more with 10-speed this far, and the F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator all use it currently as well.

We expect the 2019 Camaro model to arrive with tweaked exterior styling, and may switch up its equipment enough to make way for a more affordable V-8 driven car. Previous spy shots gleaned from last year seem to show that since the front and rear were both covered in camouflage, a full exterior refresh will probably be expected. New headlights, a new grille up front, and new taillights in the back will most likely be included. We know full well that some critics thought that the newer Camaros have not looked different enough from older models, but it was important to Chevy that the familiar look and namesake lived on, even during advancement. We will keep you posted on all of the news surrounding the upcoming 2019 model, and will be fending off a fairly large amount of excitement: This is a vehicle that has been the formula for numerous victory laps over the decades!

Chevy Trucks Finish High in Best Resell Awards Via Kelley Blue Book

Customers in Memphis at Chuck Hutton are always proud to drive home in a new vehicle, and embark on a new beginning during their adventures on the road. We have always been in awe of just how trucks can make the daily drive seem like that awesome adventure, instilling a sense of rugged pride and durability on the road. Chevy trucks once again enjoyed an excellent showing in the 2018 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards! Now, we know that once you get your hands on a brand new Silverado or Colorado, that reselling it will be the last thing on your mind, as these are some of the finest machines in existence. But, sometimes life happens, and you also may encounter life events down the road that will make you adapt to pertinent vehicle changes for your lifestyle.

The 2018 Silverado HD was recognized for Best Resale Value for a Full-Size Pickup Truck, while the 2018 Tahoe earned best Resale Value for a full-Size SUV/Crossover. The 2018 Colorado and 2018 Silverado were both ranked respectively in KBB.com's “Top 10 for Best Resale Value” honors. Our trusted brand has built more than 85 million dependable, long-lasting pickups with high emphasis on quality and longevity, which will both continue to be top priorities in the lineup as we move forward. Fully boxed frames, roll-formed high-strength steel beds, and Duralife brake rotors are just some of the features that make our trucks so coveted and in high demand.

USA Today was excited about the Silverado's new stance and swagger: just this week they claimed regarding the recent version: “Make it bigger and brawny enough to climb Pike's Peak, but shed hundreds of pounds so it can maneuver through the skinny streets of Back Bay Boston”. Now sporting 8 different trim levels, we have taken a close and careful look at what customers from every segment need from various trims. The owners of trucks have a much deeper attachment to the vehicle than other types, and they tend to hold onto them for much longer.

Rather than a wholehearted conversion to aluminum materials, Silverado engineers put to use many various metals and methods. Hydroforming, roll forming, and tailer-rolled blanking were employed to produce a truck that weighs nearly 450 pounds less than the one before it. Check out the more muscular styling of the Silverado when you test drive one here at Chuck Hutton, as well as the six engine and transmission combinations all available for the new truck. Planning for resale down the road doesn't necessarily sound like part of your new purchase mantra, but it's great to know that the value will be hovering steadily if you do!

New Year's Formula For Battle With the Competition: Memphis Market Movement

During January at Chuck Hutton, we definitely have to spend time in our respective “war rooms”: this is when all of the competition lay out their plans to dominate their markets for the year, and any battle plan is full game! Ford, Chevy, and Ram will all have revamped full-size pickup trucks in the US market this year, and the stage is set for a true showdown during 2018. Ford and Chevy have gone head-to-head for years, with Ram products still following closely behind. Our prized Chevy Silverado is set to debut in a few weeks at the Detroit Auto Show, with plans to go on sale later this year. Following are a few important bullet points about the competition, and why we feel our brand fits the bill to cross the finish line!

Last year, Ford was able to celebrate its first year of full sales for the brand new F-150 pickup truck. The best-selling vehicle in the US for over 40 years, they closed out last year with a very large dose of success. However, last fiscal season provided a bit of a bumpy start, as Ford brought this creation to market, assembled with lightweight aluminum. The F-series has been around since 1948, and when Ford rolled out the 13^th version 3 years ago, a massive redesign took place. In many customers' eyes, this is the quintessential full-size pickup, but here at Chevy, we feel that our Silverado can ultimately stop this sizable contender dead in its tracks!

The Dodge Ram 1500 is definitely does have loyal fans within its base crowd worldwide. Big-rig styling that is fairly aggressive, a modern-feeling interior, and bonus points in the suspension department are all highlights for this truck. It's important to note that the towing capacity on the current model is less than that of the 2018 F-150, or our current Silverado. This is the very important name of the game for some customers, as the bottom line for some are the size of what you can lug behind your new purchase. The new Rams are slated to have grilles not quite as tall, hoping to improve aerodynamics.

Just this past week, Business Insider was excited enough about the near future's events to begin an intro with, “Behold, the 2019 Silverado!”. The auto industry will get its first real look in Detroit in just a few weeks, but Chevy let some experience its new vibe in Dallas late last year during a pre-reveal. Our truck lines date back an entire century, and the Silverado namesake is now headed into its fourth generation. Just one of the many areas where we know we lead the pack as far as competition is with the 4G LTE WiFi connection, and very easy-to-use as well as up-to-date infotainment system. Check out just how awesome the Silverado Custom model is: with it you snag 20-inch aluminum wheels, body-color grille surround, locking tailgate, front two hooks, OnStar Guidance, a 7.0 -inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as power adjustable and heated side view mirrors.

The range-topping High Country model sets you up with chrome running boards, chrome instead of aluminum 20-inch wheels, front and rear body-color bumpers, spray-on bed liner, heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats, power-adjustable pedals, and a touchscreen display that is 8 inches. As far as safety, it is also important to keep in mind that the 2018 Chevy Silverado received the highest overall safety rating from the NHTSA, which is five stars, for every single body style. With Teen Driver and rear view camera standard on all models, you'll be in the know if the younger drivers in your entourage are doing things safely, and if there are any sudden movements in your back-out zone!

                                         

A Close-up Glance at Chevy's Revamped Entry in the Large Club: 2018 Tahoe

The holidays have come and gone with their high level of excitement, and as the dust settles over the city of Memphis, many of the trees are down, and ornaments put away. There are still many fun things to do during the month of January, so you don't feel as if you are hibernating through the early part of the year. The 2018 International Blues Challenge will be held from January 16^th to January 20^th, taking place in venues located along historic Beale Street. It will come to a close with the finalists performing at Orpheum Theater on January 20^th. This is a chance to experience the vibrant culture of Memphis that is the reason many of us chose to live here, and you may want to bring an entourage of friends along for the ride!

When it comes to a brand new vehicle, the good news is that you can still choose something like a truck-based full-size SUV, and revel in your selection. We know that consumers are going bonkers over the smallest and skimpiest cars ever made, and that some of our counterparts and competitors are pushing the idea of traveling in less-than-large confines. The staff at Macomb Daily recently had writer Matt Myftiu weigh in on a few lengthy drives with the new Tahoe. It's true that there's nothing subtle about the Tahoe, and Matt liked the seating for up to 9, with very impressive cargo space that the Tahoe boasts.

The Tahoe is a great vehicle for those that want to ride high. You'll definitely be looking down at others on the road, and this added space as well as confidence feels good while barreling down the highway. It derives power from a a 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec 3 engine, which pumps out 355 horsepower and 383 lb – ft of torque. There is now a more powerful 6.2-liter V8 available, which is what Matt took for a spin. This one is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the other base engine is paired with a 6-speed. Rear wheel drive is standard, but opting for the 4-wheel drive setup is highly recommended to get the full navigational potential out of the Tahoe, especially if snow or ice is anywhere remotely in the forecast.

Matt averaged around 15 miles per gallon in the city, which is right on par with the Ford Expedition, a fierce competitor in the same category. The Infotainment system fared well during this test drive, and many customers have told us that they love Chevrolet MyLink. The voice controls work effectively, and volume control buttons are placed behind the steering wheel where the fingers naturally rest. Rearview camera comes standard, an excellent guide for getting you out of the garage or wherever you may need the vehicle to rest when the day is done. The Tahoe is truly a rare breed, and it's the perfect choice for someone who may feel that they are not getting what they need from the Traverse or Ford Explorer. Power, Tech features, and rugged capability in all road conditions are all included with this awesome and full-size vehicle you are able to check out right here at Chuck Hutton!