Laying Claim to the Best of the West: Chevy Colorado 4WD LT

With the New Year rapidly approaching towards the residents of Memphis, there are a multitude of fun events happening to get you in the mood to celebrate. If you're itching to go to something fantastic to show off a purchase like some new wheels, one super event will be The Party Life: a New Year's Experience. This gala has live entertainment, old Hollywood glam décor, Hors D'Oueveres, Ball Drop, as well as a Midnight Champagne Toast. You can also ring in the night with a happening gala at The Historical Daisy Theater: there are 3 fully equipped bars, sporting custom light fixtures from a local artist. If you happen to have had any bad memories from 2017, you can cut them away on the brand new dance floor, and marvel at the jumbo chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

Many of our customers are constantly telling us why they have a lot of love for trucks. Over the last week, LA Times writer Charles Fleming was on assignment driving and learning about the finer points of a 2018 Colorado Redline 4wd LT, and he was definitely fond of its size first off. Claiming that one quality of many 2017 models was that “Climbing into the driver's seat requires a stepladder or running leap”, the easy, somewhat sedan-like handling Colorado was a pleasure to drive. This truck has dimensions that are a bit similar to a Ford F-150, but the stepping-in point is where the difference is: it is a very noticeable two inches lower, sitting right at around 22.

The article claims that the Colorado was incredibly easy to park, and gives props to the usefulness of the very high-tech backup camera. This is a truck that is a stand-out choice for anyone who has to navigate on streets of a narrower variety, and was even billed by Car And Driver as the “Swiss Army Truck”. The four-wheel drive and 3.6-liter V-6 engine are paired with Chevy's 8-speed automatic transmission, and this mid-size pickup has a towing ability of around 7700 pounds. What everyone will love about the ready and able Colorado is it's the true “Do everything” vibe of the crew cab, offering plenty of available speed, and still being lethally off-road ready.

Heated exterior mirrors are available as well as an “Active Tow” system: it is a great help to the driver by aligning the pickup when reversing, and is standard on all V-6 models. To commemorate Chevy's 100^th anniversary, a special-edition package is available to those getting the extended and crew-cab Z71 trim. Here you score a color-keyed grille and rear bumper, spray-in bed liner, chrome exterior bits, and very tough and ready 18-inch wheels. Ask us here at Chuck Hutton how the Colorado LT trim can set you up: crew cab, standard box, 3.6-liter V-6, and all-wheel drive are all included. It also provides seats for five, all-weather capability, as well as stellar towing and acceleration abilities, and would be the ultimate impressive rig to plant under any (outdoor) Christmas Tree!

Carbon Fiber Use On the Horizon: Chevy Silverado's Future Engineering Plans

As the future of truck production calls for many different types of materials to streamline the process and promote durability, many hours have been spent in development for potential solutions. According to Automotive News, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado will definitely incorporate both aluminum and carbon fiber in their beds in years to come. Our customers at Chuck Hutton are perpetually in love with tough trucks, and constantly tell us what a blast they have during demanding days on the job, or weekend off-roading with both of these excellent vehicles.

Carbon Fiber is both greater in strength, and lighter in weight than steel and aluminum, and it does take a bit more time and funds to produce. Where trucks really benefit with this material is that they are able to reduce weight to improve fuel economy numbers, without sacrificing the qualities that make trucks durable and rugged. During 2015, the sworn rival in the form of the Ford F-150 made the switch to aluminum, and the choice proved to be highly successful. Automotive News went on to say that next-gen trucks will launch with predominantly aluminum beds, and a couple years later, carbon fiber will be incorporated into various designs.

Higher-trim models will be the first to see high use of composite materials, but lower-spec trucks could see the drastic change just a few years down the road. Every Chevy Silverado now has a backup camera, and very useful audible alert to indicate when the air pressure is filled to the recommended level. You can now get the eAssist package on the LTZ, which was previously only available on the LT trim. Opting for the Z71 package gives you 18-inch wheels, a hefty trailering package, and incredibly durable off-road suspension with Rancho shocks. 

We'll be happy to show you the commemorative Centennial Edition: it celebrates 100 years of Chevy Trucks, and includes exclusive Centennial Blue Paint color, as well as badging inspired by proud decades of heritage. The Silverado 1500 can be customized to fit virtually every personal need and taste. The mid-level LT trim dishes out the crew cab, short bed, 5.3-liter V8, as well as all-wheel-drive, and is an excellent middle ground location for features and price. 

The future of manufacturing is due for some changes, and if you are a truck customer, you'll be in for some great surprises in the name of sturdy frames, powerful engines, and amazing safety features like Forward Automated Emergency Braking!  

Meet Marketplace: Your Solution To An Easier Day

While Memphis has a better average commute than the rest of the nation, every second shaved off makes life easier for the daily drivers out there.

GM has done a lot to make their vehicles take the stress out of the morning drive. From interiors comfort to fuel efficiency, but how easier would your drive be if you could order and pay for your morning cup of coffee right from your dash?

That’s where Marketplace comes in. Marketplace is a commerce platform right on your dash which allows you to breeze through some of your daily stops. Need to make a drive-thru run? Market place has you covered. Forgot to make dinner reservations for your anniversary? Marketplace can save you. In a strange area and the low fuel light shines on? Marketplace can quickly locate the nearest station for an emergency fill up.

Marketplace was designed with another purpose in mind. To further strengthen relationships between consumers and the brands they’ve grown to trust, especially with their brand of vehicle. Marketplace users can receive unique GM offers just for being valued consumers. These offers include anything from discounted oil changes, lower repair costs and, discounted GM accessories.

Some may be thinking, is it safe to do this all while driving? The answer is yes. GM has and always will place user safety as a top priority. Marketplace selects the offers it sends you based on your location and interaction with third-party vendors. This is to ensure your time won’t be wasted with essentially junk mail, and you’ll only be sent what you’re likely to use.

Not every commute issue is solved. You may still face the occasional traffic Jam, get stuck behind a big-rig the whole way, but here’s hoping the time you save with Marketplace you’ll find yourself ahead of your commute’s occasional nuisances. 

Sixty Years Of Performance: The Birth Of A Legacy

The post-war era of 1957 was in full swing. As technology and the world around us ever changed, so did the vehicles of the era featuring bigger, fuel-injected engines and more exotic tail fins and other exterior promotions.

One particular event stood out which really took the automotive world by storm. The birth of the Chevrolet Corvette.

The first-generation Corvette was unlike anything the world has ever seen and laid the groundwork for generations of high-performance vehicles to come. The 1957 Corvette was available in two packages, the 684 Heavy-Duty Suspension “Big Brake” package, and the 579E “Airbox Package.” The “Airbox Package” was only limited to 43 units, and featured unique options like a special sealed air intake system which drew cold air from the front of the engine compartment. That denser, cooler air helped the car reach its full potential during long race tracks.

Witnessing an Airbox Corvette is about as rare as witnessing a solar eclipse, so if you’re fortunate enough to witness one in person you’ll have to consider yourself quite fortunate! From the first to seventh generation Corvette of today, it just goes to show the automotive world that Chevrolet will always continue to innovate and improve while sticking to their grass roots. We’re certainly excited for what the future will hold for the Corvette and the racing world!  

2018 Camaro First Look: Redline Package + High-Line Performance

Memphis residents have no doubt been coming in high numbers to ask about the features of the new Camaro. Incredibly fierce good looks, prowess and high ability on the track, and a very recognizable stature are all reasons why buyers have flocked to this muscle car for decades. It has always been the true rival of the able and snarling Ford Mustang, and is also a model that has undergone many changes over the years. The folks at Road Show have long been experts on car features, culture, performance, and fan forums, and this month their seasoned writer John Wong took a spin in the new Camaro SS, to tell readers just what he thought of its abilities and handling.

His first impressions were wildly positive: he enjoyed putting the test to the 6.2-liter V8 under the hood, that relentlessly dishes up 455 horsepower, and 455 lb.-ft of torque. He exclaimed that the rev-matching function of the SS is “excellent”, and enjoyed ease-of-use with the steering-wheel paddle. Navigating the track or daily commute has never been better for Camaro fans in the tire department: 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires provide a wide rubber grip. This grip is so capable and well-designed, that it helps with the generation of power needed for the initial off-the-line surge, which is a key ingredient in the excitement and success that the Camaro line has been known for since day one.

John greatly enjoyed the handling of the Camaro while bombing around back roads, and noted that the Brembo Brakes with 4-piston front and rear calipers were responsive, and definitely more than capable enough to slow the fairly weighty SS down smoothly. This powerful car has long been sought after by those who crave speed and raw domination, but the daily commute is also a concern for those getting ready to purchase. As far as the 2018 Camaro goes, the various settings available at the driver's fingertips can make things easier. Quickly toggling to the touring setting offers a ride that is well-paced, but still provides comfort. The steering lightens up noticeably, and the suspension provides a bit more compliance for a ride that is well-suited for slinking through traffic.

Decking out the new Camaro with the Redline Package will provide very cool blacked-out features for your new ride. Some available packages in the past have not added quite the vibe that this one does: you get blacked-out dark finish tail lamps, bowtie emblems, mirrors, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. There are some flair-adding front fender decals with red accents, and it has a bit more of a leering attitude right when you lay eyes on it. Infotainment options are handled by the Chevy Mylinks System, which boasts an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as the controls to a rockin' 9-speaker Bose audio setup. You can make and receive calls, get text message alerts, and enjoy many other very convenient features while your mobile device is not even in your hand.

The folks at Road Show let it be known that they also thought the interior was far superior to models from the past, and the option for heated steering wheel will delight those out there who have to get a jumpstart during the chillier of mornings. Weighty and responsive steering through corners, the same attitude and poise that Camaro has always possessed, and the promise of owning an iconic piece of American auto history are all great reasons to look into ownership. Celebrating decades of front-running manufacturing quality, 2018 is the perfect time to add a legend to your lineup: we'll be waiting to assist you here at Chuck Hutton when the time to supercharge your driving mantra comes!