Chevy's All-New Blue Line Series For SEMA 2016

 

Last week, Chevrolet gave us a preview of the all-new Blue Line Series before its official debut at the Nov. 1 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Similar to last year’s Red Line Series, which highlighted Chevy’s sportier characteristics, the Blue Line Series represents the lifestyle and personalization possibilities of the brand. The Chevy Malibu and Cruze RS hatchback will be used as the base of these concepts and will also feature newly-developed accessories specifically for them.

“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers, states Roger McCormack, director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner. We look forward to gauging public reaction at the SEMA Show and other venues.”

Both vehicles will feature a Genesis White exterior, contrasted with blue-tinted windows and 18-inch wheels painted slate-blue metallic. The Malibu will feature add-ons, like a rear diffuser, black grille insert, black Chevrolet bowtie emblems, a rear spoiler, illuminated door sills and a suspension lowering kit.

As for the Cruze RS hatchback, it will feature a chrome grille insert, performance brake package and performance exhaust system, and a suspension lowering kit. Inside, custom satin graphite accents will be placed on the instrument panel, shift knob, and door inserts.

We know you’re going to want some of these enhancements for yourself. According to Chevrolet, some of these Blue Line performance parts and accessories will be available towards the end of this year. Others will be available mid-2017. Even better news? As long as your Chevy dealer, Chuck Hutton in Memphis, TN installs them, your warranty will remain intact!

Could The Colorado Bison Be In Chevy's Future?

A recent post from GM Authority states that General Motors has recently filed a trademark application for the use of the name “Colorado Bison”. The paperwork states that the purpose of this name is for “motor and land vehicles, namely trucks.” Unfortunately, no other details have been released but it definitely opens the door for a few possibilities.

Don’t hold us to it, but we think the name could be pointing to an upcoming trim level for the Colorado, likely a fancy version. According to statistics, there is a high demand for small trucks in this day and age, so packing profit into each model that it sells is a step in the right direction.

Even more interesting is the fact that in the 1970s, Chevrolet built a burly Class 8 heavy duty commercial truck with the same (and quite appropriate) moniker, so a revival model could be in the works. The current diesel-powered Colorado has the highest tow rating in the small pickup segment, so an even stronger version of the already tough little guy isn’t totally unthinkable.

This one is just a waiting game but good news- the off-road ready Colorado ZR2 is headed our way soon! We’ll be sure to keep you posted on its arrival to Chuck Hutton Chevy in Memphis, TN!

Chevy Cruze Available With Manual Diesel Option Next Year

Chevrolet has recently announced that the new Cruze will be available with a diesel option paired with a manual transmission next year, proving that GM is taking big steps towards the diesel market. The previous Cruze diesel was only available with an automatic so this marks a big change. In addition to this, a six-speed manual transmission in the hatchback will be available. Both versions are available with a new nine-speed automatic.

It was confirmed by GM that the Cruze would be receiving the same engine found in the 2018 Equinox that we told you about a few weeks ago- the 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel. Though the output of the Equinox is 136 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, it has not yet been announced what the output of the Cruze’s version will be. It has, however, been reported that it could hit up to 50 miles per gallon on the highway.


As we mentioned earlier, it is obvious GM is trying to bust its way into the diesel market- which holds many advantages. And although we have awhile until the other models come out, we hope you will come check out the 2016 Colorado diesel at Chuck Hutton Chevy in Memphis, Tennessee!

4 Fall Road Trips To Take In Your Chevy Equinox

Fall has officially made its arrival and what better time to take a road trip than now? Whether it’s a weekend getaway with some friends or a fun-filled family trip with the kiddos, these places offer a little something for everyone. So pack your bags, jump in your Chevy Equinox and hit the road!

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri is well worth the five hour drive and the perfect place to take the kids for a fun-filled weekend! The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country and completely free to enter. Other free attractions include The Science Center, The St. Louis Art Museum and even Anheuser Busch Brewery Tours. Though not free, The Magic House and City Museum (a giant jungle gym that adults love too) are also highly recommended. Visit The Hill for some dinner and don’t forget to check out the Arch while you’re there!

Oxford, Mississippi 

Just a 90 minute drive from Memphis, this quaint university town offers unique shops, a great restaurant scene and lots of historic landmarks. Be sure to check out Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner’s home- Rowan Oak and get in the action at an Ole Miss Football game! Stroll around the Oxford Square in the evening- lit up by store fronts and surrounded by the sounds of blues or jazz. Planning on staying the night? This town has plenty of hotels and bed & breakfasts to check out!

Village Creek State Park

Village Creek State Park is located in Arkansas and the state’s second largest state park in land area. With five trails and two lakes, this is one of our favorite places to set up camp and check out the fall foliage all weekend long. Horseback riding and golfing are two other popular activities at this park… there’s no time to get bored!

Nashville, Tennessee

About a three hour drive, this city rings true to its nickname- “Music City”. In Nashville, you will learn about the history of country music and have the opportunity to visit all of the different places associated with it- like the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, and Bluebird Cafe. Music Row, a popular street in Downtown Nashville, is filled with music clubs and “honky-tonk” bars where live performances are almost constantly taking place.

The 2017 Silverado HD To Offer The Redesigned Duramax Engine

On Thursday, Chevrolet announced that the redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-6 turbo-diesel engine will be offered on the 2017 Silverado HD. With a 19 percent increase in max torque over the current Duramax 6.6L, the engine now produces 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft of torque. This is the best engine of its kind yet.

In addition to the power updates, the turbo-diesel’s performance is even quieter and smoother than before. At idle, the engine noise has been reduced a whopping 38 percent.

“With nearly 2 million sold over the past 15 years, customers have forged a bond with Duramax diesel based on trust and capability,” stated Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The new Duramax takes those traits to higher levels.”

The new Duramax will share the bore and stroke dimension of the current Duramax 6.6L, but will be using an entirely new GM-developed control system. Despite this new control system, the engine’s signature low-rpm torque production has not changed, still offering 90 percent of peak torque at 1,550 rpm and sustaining through 2,850 rpm.

“Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at a lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway - with or without a trailer.”

The 2017 Silverado HD will be headed to Chuck Hutton Chevy in Memphis, TN shortly, so be on the lookout!