Road Show Blog Covers 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray Convertible's Fall Arrival

When the most awesome and spellbinding combination of raw power and dazzling appearances makes its way proudly into the current landscape of automobiles, a convertible version is going to no doubt be heavily sought after. During the end of July, there were a few teasers on Facebook regarding a C8 convertible's arrival, and at the time, it was said that the story would continue this fall. Assembly plant manager Kai Spande mentioned recently in a video taken during the National Corvette Museum's annual bash event that the convertible is set to arrive “in the October time frame”.

The presentation centered around the construction of the mid-engined Corvette prototypes, and had an involved question and answer session. This is the point where the convertible is mentioned, although various specifics are not lain out. This video captured the Stingray convertible with camo covering up what appears to be a folding hardtop roof and other design elements at the rear of the car above the engine bay. Still images taken from the video show the absence of the engine cover to show various new bodywork elements and vents, but the car looks pretty much the same.

The drop-top Stingray will most likely brandish an identical 6.2-liter LT2 V8 that makes 490 horsepower, the same as the C8 Corvette coupe. There will still probably be the optional Z51 package available as well, which boosts the horsepower up by 5 and adds Michelin PS4 performance tires, performance suspension, adjustable threaded spring seats, and larger brake rotors with Z51 graphics. You'll also receive enhanced cooling systems, and electronic limited-slip differential with a specific axle ratio, front brake cooling inlets, and a unique rear spoiler and front splitter.

The taillights and exhaust layout are the same as on the coupe, and a recently leaked document indicates that the C8 convertible weighs 102 pounds more than a coupe minus the Z51 package. If the C8 convertible coupe does debut in October as indicated, then all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis would expect to see the convertible version roll onto lots for sale during early 2020. Having it available by spring would be ideal timing to have the first round of buyers be able to enjoy the thrill of the wind on their face at high speeds, which the C8 is no stranger to: the 3-second mark has been the hovering point for the 0-60 mph ignition time. Other videos are floating around that show it executing a blisteringly-surreal 194 mph top speed, which means that this bargain-priced track contender can hang haughtily with the meanest and most finely-chiseled on the globe!

2021 Chevy Suburban Spy Shots Via Motor Authority Reveal Vital Clues

The Suburban is one of those vehicles that all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have a lot of respect and reverence for: makes such as this on the larger side that can transport and haul have won over customers in high volumes. A prototype for the redesigned Chevy Suburban has recently been spotted and shown to us by the good folks on staff at Motorauthority.com, and they now make public a few different clues about what we can expect from the upcoming full-sized SUV.

Chevy is now in the process of completely redesigning the models from its full-size fleet around the T1 body-on-frame platform for incoming SUVs and pickups. This platform is the result of continuous evolution of the existing K2 design, and rightfully exchanges steel for aluminum in the ever-important quest to shed weight. This may result in the ultimate shedding of close to 300 pounds, and the T1 platform made its debut last year in the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. There is a lot of camouflage gear on this prototype spotted lately, but the design of the face looks to have a lot of similarities from the latest Silverado truck.

The angle of the C-pillar can also be made out through the camouflage gear, as well as the namesake graphic located on the taillights. You can also clearly see that there is an independent rear suspension instead of the current model's solid unit, and this should greatly improve all aspects of the ride. When it comes to models that are slated to arrive soon, we are always on the lookout for what engines will be on board. Everyone who wants to be in the know is curious as to what power sources will be at the helm, and as far as the Suburban it looks like Chevy's new 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 could be a contender, as it as already been announced for the Silverado.

A 5.3-liter V-8 would be another very sensible offering, possibly even with the more advanced Dynamic Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology that can take action and regulate the firing of the engine between its 8 respective cylinders. At the very top of the range would reside the 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower, and 460 pound-ft of torque that is currently available in the Suburban RST trim. One of the coolest models ever after taking a solid look back in time is the 1964 Chevy Suburban Carryall: we love everything about the grille, solid-bodied-stance, and ready-to-conquer essence of this large-sized blast from the past. The Premiere Plus version has always had the pleasure of sitting at the top of the line comfortably: It is the upper-level addition that provides for you sported standard cross rails, chrome power steps, chrome exhaust tips, and the new polished 22-inch wheels!

Loving The New C8? Motor Trend Weighs in on Faster Variants Coming Soon

Every year attendees can feast their eyes on the many different types of 'Vettes as they participate in the Woodward Dream Cruise: it is the world's largest one-day automotive event, drawing 15 million visitors and 40,000 amazing cars from around the world. This annual caravan to Detroit scrolls past some of the sites of Michigan's very first classic drive-ins, such as the Totem Pole that opened back in 1954. Motor Trend caught up with the C8's chief engineer Ed Piatek at a Dream Cruise event, where they were able to nail him down on just what may be in store for the future of the C8.

 

The base Stingray now sports a pushrod 6.2-liter small-block V8, and the updated LT2 makes 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Adding on top of that the performance exhaust with the Z51 package stacks five more horsepower on the galley, as well as 5 more pounds per ft of torque. Launch of the base car itself for starters was very exciting for him, because it has been more than 60 years since Chevy began to closely study the physics of shifting the weight of the engine to the rear axle. The outgoing C7 was a phenomenal car, but had recently reached a tapped out state and had achieved its maximum performance level on all fronts.

With the engine in the rear, Piatek detailed how the use of horsepower can be much more efficient and gives the 2020 Corvette “more bandwidth” right out of the gate. Taking a close look at the current generation car with 460 hp and the 0-60 time, you can add 300 horsepower to that number, and the 0-60 time does not improve that drastically. With the new C8, you start with a somewhat lower 0-60 tie, but also sporting 20 percent more of the mass on the rear axle and wider tires in the rear, so the opportunity to have an astonishingly high powered car exists.

When asked if he had any concerns about the potential of the C8 completely maxing out, Piatek did claim that he felt it was “a long way”, and reminded us that the outgoing 2019 Corvette ZR1 with the LT5 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is rated at 755 horsepower, and 715 lb-ft of torque. The Eaton supercharger for the 2019 ZR1 is situated at 2.9 inches taller than the blowers that were in the 2009 ZR1, or the 2015 Z06.

Don't forget to ask us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis about extra goodies for the C8 such as the front suspension lift system, which can hike the nose of the car hastily up when you reach a low curb or steep embankment. The release this year was so exciting because it offered up a prime chance for Chevy to innovate while pushing the envelope and the arrival of the C8 will forever mark 2019 as a game-changing milestone in auto history! The low entry-level pricing point, onboard arsenal of available power, and newfound stance with the engine's location have been key components during this groundbreaking release of a long-awaited champion.

FleetOwner Blog Highlights 2020 Chevy Silverado's 33 MPG Highway EPA Rating

Touting the highway fuel efficiency of a sedan but delivering the capabilities of a full-size truck is an amazing accomplishment, and one that we are so very proud of the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 for nailing down! Brandishing the new 3.0-Liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, the EPA has rated fuel economy at 33 mpg highway and 23 city in rear-wheel-drive models. The recent FleetOwner blog highlighted just how good the new Silverado model is as it brandishes an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, while also boasts a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds and a max payload of 1,870 pounds. These two hefty traits can easily meet the day-to-day demands of about 90 percent of light-duty truck buyers.

The engine onboard utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to put to optimum use every single drop of fuel as well as making use of changes to its architecture to make the Silverado larger, more aerodynamic, and lighter than before. This is the first light-duty diesel offered in Chevy's arsenal since 1997, and our very first inline-six for the full-size, light-duty category. Every bit of expertise we have thoroughly gleaned within the realm of diesel was employed by engineers to assure that the all-new 3.0-Liter Duramax Turbo-diesel engine offers the strong performance levels and long-lasting durability that our hard-working customers need every day.

The key components are made up of durable material such as iron cylinder liners within the aluminum engine block, a forged steel crankshaft, and blended silicon/aluminum pistons that provide greater heat resistance and reduced expansion. During development, the engine underwent extreme real-world and simulated testing to make sure that the highest standards of performance and durability were achieved in the finished product. This is an engine that provides an inherently balanced configuration for low noise and vibration characteristics. It features an aluminum block for weight reduction, an 84 mm x 90mm bore and stroke, four valves per cylinder and dual-overhead camshafts.

There's a new active thermal management system onboard that provides quick warmup for propulsion components, ultimately making for more efficient operation. The exhaust brake is available in tow-haul mode and can provide additional driver confidence when towing, a rugged and dependable duty that the 1500 is known for excelling at. The driver-selectable stop/start technology enhances fuel economy by shutting off the engine at stoplights and other increment situations, which is a massive help in saving fuel. When this very useful and game-changing feature is engaged and the driver takes their foot off the brake, the engine automatically restarts. The new diesel option does a first-rate job of rounding out the all-new Chevy Silverado 1500 offerings here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis, where we hope we see you for a test drive during the fall season!

GM Authority Reveals Blazer's Influence in Captured 2021 Chevy Traverse Spy Shots

A brand-new batch of spy shots on the GM Authority blog this week revealed the mid-cycle enhancement of the upcoming 2021 Chevy Traverse, which appears here to sport the design of the 3-row full-size crossover similar to the rest of the brand's offerings. The front and rear fascias now mimic the design of the latest Chevy Blazer, a model that all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis are happy will continue to stoke inspiration for the design of many future endeavors.

The very latest 2020 model year of the Chevy Traverse saw the discontinuation of the RS-exclusive turbocharged 2.0-liter LTG I-4, which was replaced by the naturally-aspirated 3.6-LFY V6 offered in other Traverse models. The very first-generation Chevy Traverse saw production in 2008 for the 2009 model year, and saw 8 years of rolling off the line. The 2018 model year was when the second-generation model was introduced, and it is one of those vehicles that has had customers consistently excited with its many offerings and aggressive stance since its early origins.

Situated up front on the 2021 refresh, there is a two-tiered lighting arrangement that is also similar to what is seen on the Blazer, with new, thin, upper LED lighting, in addition to a pair of lower projector beams. In the rear, the 2021 Chevy Traverse refresh will offer new tail lamps, providing a more detailed and unique inner tail lamp graphic. It's still a bit hard to tell what engine type/other tech offerings will be included on board, but the new model should make its debut early next year along with all of the important fine details.

This mid-size SUV is loved for its combination of a car's smooth ride and responsive handling with the added enjoyment of a crossover's high position and storage capability. It is currently available in front – or all-wheel drive, in LS, LT, RS, Premier, or High Country trims. The current model's High Country trim is also where you receive the twin-clutch AWD System with automatic-locking rear differential, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

Opting for the Premier trim gives you 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, hands-free power liftgate, 8.0-inch touchscreen, heated and cooled front seats, wireless charging, navigation, and the music lover's epic enjoyment of Bose audio! We'll keep you updated right here on the blog regarding  any news concerning the 2021 Traverse, and its family-focused performance + daily-driver-friendly qualities.

2020 Corvette Stingray's Earth-Shaking Engineering: The Science of Zero to Sixty in Three Seconds

Due to the mid-engined layout alone, many car professionals knew that the 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray was going to offer mind-blowing performance and aggressive acceleration in standalone form. Even fans we had kept close touch with here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis that had been in the loop for years regarding development were astonished by its 0-60 mph time. When equipped with the Z51 package and performance exhaust, this 495-horsepower mid-engined marvel gets there in a mind-blowing 2.92 seconds. To gain the proper perspective on the matter you have to realize that today's 755-hp Corvette ZR1 can accomplish this, but the price tag is nearly double.

Engineering expert Jason Fenske dedicated a full episode of Engineering Explained to provide the inside scoop on just how Chevy got there, and at such a lower cost factor. A car needs a pretty massive amount of power to achieve a 0-60 mph time, and the 6.2-liter V8 situated in the middle completes the horsepower task. Next, the car needs a transmission that shifts quickly, and the C8 Corvette tackles this problem with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. It shifts lightening-fast and has rations that keep the engine properly within its power band, but the most prominent advantage of the DCT is that power delivery between gears doesn't halt, and the car is always acceleration with the throttle at fever pitch.

Tires are another huge factor when it comes to track times that smoke and sizzle with a frenzy, and this is where the calculator is busted out. The frictional coefficient of the tires that are mounted on the new Corvette, Michelin PS45 rubber, at a rate of 1.336 gs. This helps solve the puzzle of the force equation, being the absolute top of the rim for maximum force that the car can accelerate. Force is the result of the frictional coefficient of the tires multiplied by the weight pushing down on the tires.

Under the guise of a 40/60 front/rear weight distribution, a center of gravity similar to that of the C8's, and taking into consideration factors regarding the car's new wheelbase, there's a solution for the quickest possible acceleration time. That figure sits at 2.76 seconds with a max acceleration of .99 Gs. The outgoing base Corvette model sits at 3.31 seconds, with the max acceleration at .826 Gs. Jason also claims here that the quickest possible acceleration with stickier tires is an astounding 2.5 seconds, which could be accomplished with a future Z06 or ZR1.

The 2020 Corvette's brand-new layout could also pave the way for a braking distance even shorter than the Porsche 911 GT2 RS's 87 feet from 60 down to 0 mph. There is something to be said for a car that is so entirely all-American, laced with raw power, and is as visually stunning as the new mid-engined 'Vette. We have to admit that it's almost unthinkable to ponder what would have happened if the go-ahead for this design would have occurred years ago: track enthusiasts and would have been at the edge of their seat, and heavily devoted to the cause. There's been a lot to be excited about this summer regarding the C8: this is one display of engineering expertise and prime patience level that is off-the-charts and stunningly poised to make a memorable mark in automotive history!

Mid-engined 2020 Corvette Hailed by Car and Driver as ”An Engineering Moonshot”

It's undeniable that all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have been waiting for the C8 Corvette's official arrival even more intently than a golden retriever watching for their beloved owner by the window! The seasoned car specialists on duty at Car and Driver provided an in-depth look at the C8 on their blog this past week and wondered aloud if the job of playing with this new toy will exceed the 60 or so years of anticipated excitement surrounding its release.

Since it's mid-engined, it bears resemblance to amazing and eye-popping autos such as a Ferrari F8 Tributo or a McLaren 720S, with some sweeping visual lines that put it in a completely separate category right off the bat from the outgoing C7. There's no manual transmission this time around, which we know some purists won't greatly appreciate. Believe it or not, the very first 'Vette back in 1953 only offered an automatic, and the current model sports an 8-speed dual clutch made by industry masters Tremec. Leaf springs are finally completely a thing of the past, and all four corners are on coil springs between control arms.

While situated in an entirely new location in the frame, the V-8 itself is a pretty familiar staple: dubbed the LT2, most internal grave details and fundamental structure remains the same as the LT1's. The engine now breathes from the rear, courtesy of stainless steel exhaust manifolds, and every model has a dry-sump lubrication system. The ante is upped aggressively to 495 horsepower for total output, with 470 lb-ft of torque. The word on the street and deep in the pits is that the Z51 Performance Package allows the C8 to complete the zero to 60 spring in less than 3.0 seconds, which easily makes it one of the fastest Corvettes ever built.

The center tunnel of the C8 is aluminum and does away with the rails in favor of an advanced backbone structure. The rear bumper beam and underbody close-out panel are the two carbon fiber pieces that made it to production, and minus the top, the C8 is 19 percent torsionally stiffer than the C7, while also having about 100 extra pounds of weight. The FE1 is the base trim, built to be an aggressive everyday driver for those who “don't need a hero engineered into their shock absorbers or summer-only tires”. One step up from that is the FE3, which provides the Z51 Performance package, electronic limited-slip differential, larger brake discs, while still holding on to conventional shocks.

The top trim is the FE4, which takes the FE3 kit and adds the modern engineering feat of magnetorheological adaptive dampers. The front fenders still finish to that characteristic peak, and the hind end swells out before tucking almost indignantly in. The face has a bit of new unique flavor with the engine-coolant heat exchangers on the C8 mounted on each side of the nose. We have really appreciated the raw enthusiasm that has been so evident in regards to this release, and Car and Driver's wrap on the feature was the sentiment stemming from individuals who have just been gifted something profound as they claim that “it's time to rip this thing open and play hard. Very, Very hard.”