2018 Update: ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Editions Darken Hues For Off-Road Domination

Here in Memphis, there are plenty of off-road opportunities to occupy the hungriest of mud-spitting truck fans. Wooly's is one location that is open Saturdays and Sundays, and is not for the newbie on the block in terms of skill level. This is a place where you can get stuck quite easy, and an option such as the Colorado ZR2 is the perfect medium to get you to the finish line. In anticipation of the annual SMA convention in Las Vegas, and its usual upcoming barrage of releases and info for the press, Chevy unveiled two special trim packages for its toughest off-road contender.

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition and Dusk Edition actually are two variations of the same theme, which takes the bright trim on this amped and able off-road truck and blacks it out. When you opt for the package, the 4 x 4 gets black 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, black bow tie badges, a sport-bar with off-road LED lights, and ZR2 logos on the sport bar sail panels. Opting for the Midnight Edition combines these black trim pieces with black paint, while the Colorado ZR2 Dusk Edition gives the buyer the choice of any other paint color you want.

With these packages, you also snag front and rear electronic locking differentials, hill descent control, an aluminum skidplate to protect the oil pan and radiator, and an Autotrac transfer case, modified rear axle with a 3.42 : 1 ratio, and a special off-road setting. Many customers ask us in what ways the ZR2 is better than the Raptor, one of Ford's best selling models. For one thing, drivers are loving the smaller size. Even though small is not always perceived as better in the truck realm, size is not your friend when you are making your way on the trail. The ZR2 is also available with a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel engine, rated at 186 horsepower, and 369 feet of torque.

Even with its standard V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission, the much smaller and lighter ZR2 has the ability to stretch a gallon of gas much further than the raptor. The EPA has rated the ZR2 at 16 mpg for city driving, and 18 mpg while out on the open highway. Standard front and rear electronically locked differentials are included on the ZR2, which is the only mid-size truck that has both. Come down and chat with us this fall on the lot at Chuck Hutton, and see about the package that is right for you. These off-road trucks are useful as a tool to help boost fun time on the weekends, blow off steam, do a little hauling, or for a contractor who may need to get through a tight spot every now and then. 

Chuck Hutton's 2018 Update: Spotlight on the New Models Movin' On In

The fourth quarter of the year is always a lively time here in Memphis, and one that is full of boot-quivering excitement. Announcements have been made about the models moving in, and customers are able to look over upgrades and new features. Many families come talk to us about being the provider of good tidings for those on their holiday wish list, and we are always more than pleased to help people bestow gifts. Here's a list of what to expect for the new year, and features that will be on some of the available goods.

When you opt for the ZR2 package on a 2018 Colorado, you now get the removal of most of the front bumper, and very able and knobby 31-inch tires. There are also new spool-valve shocks, larger front control arms and springs, and a wider rear axle to match the widened front track. Definitely a competitor for the likes of the Ford Raptor, you'll fall in love with this rock-hopping, trailblazing truck right away.

The Corvette is slated to enjoy its 65^th birthday during 2018, and both the Carbon 65 special-edition and Z06 models celebrate this commemoration with ultra-cool new gray paint, carbon-fiber gadgetry, and the spirit of a champion contender built upon legends of fury and speed. A 700-hp plus V-8, very large rear wing, and new vents and slats all over the body all work together to keep this new Vette set current and appealing. This is a truly iconic vehicle, and everyone here at Chuck Hutton thinks that the updates are appropriate to keep it functional, dominating, and appealing.

The downsized and midsize crossover categories are some of the most popular that exist in the marketplace: scores of new car owners are choosing these for their family's lineup. The Equinox is also available with a 170-hp turbo 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, and later in the year, a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel will join the ranks of the lineup. There are some great lease options on the Equinox, and the mpg stats are enticing many to snag one up!

The full-sized Express was another Chevy model that had been unchanged for years, and it will receive an update for the 2018 mile marker. Late this year, the Colorado Pickup's optional 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel was added to power the van, and next year there will be a swap from the Silverado: the 4.3-liter V-6 will now be inside. OnStar and hill-start assist will also be standard, and this will be a great addition to any tour, limo company, or exploration business that is in need of an able fleet.

Cruising in a new Tahoe for 2018 will offer the new option of the very aggressive Rally Sport Truck Kit. This exciting addition offers new monochromatic exterior trim, and the very ready-for-dust-and-forest 22-inch wheels. If you opt for the new Performance Package, you will stealthily acquire GM's 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, and adaptive dampers from the finely tricked-out Cadillac Escalade. The newly-added package includes a 10-speed transmission, with enlarged and grippy Brembo brakes will run you a bit extra.

As far as the very able and high-selling Traverse is concerned, GM's three-row crossovers don't share their basic dimensions anymore. The new for 2018 model rides on a longer wheelbase, and has a few new glowing packaging improvements. Passengers will immediately notice more space, and the latest infotainment options to keep occupied. The 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is exclusive to RS models, and all others come with the 305-hp V-6. Those who spend many hours on the open road will appreciate its new nine-speed transmission: seamless shifting and a very visually appealing design are going to move many units of the Traverse next year! 

The Delight of Putting on Memphis Miles: 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500

Tennessee and Trucks have many various reasons to go hand in hand with each other: we are one of those locations that is blessed with an abundance of very hard-working men and women who give 110% on their respective job sites every day. Right here in Memphis, many customers looking for the truck that will complete their fleet will see us on the lot at Chuck Hutton, and pick our brains for tips on what make and model would work best for them. The Silverado 1500 is a very capable and powerful truck, and is truly the model that provides the F150 with the most competition in sales and overall longevity.



Its powertrain options are highlighted greatly with the use of a 6.2-liter V8 that provides 420-hp, and the ability to effortlessly tow 12,500 pounds. The changes that have been made for the 2018 model are a bit low-key, but still add greatly to the ease of operation and value of the the truck. Every model now has a backup camera, as new government mandates have wanted. The tire-pressure monitor has an audible alert to indicate when the air pressure is filled to a safe level, and the eAssist package is now optional on the LTZ trim level, while previously only available on the LT trim category. A commemorative Centennial Edition which celebrates 100 years of Chevy trucks is also available for next year's model line only.

For the 2017 year, there were improved towing figures, which boosted the Silverado to the top of its class in the pulling category. For many boaters, construction professionals, and those who are constantly needing to have goods on the move, this is the most important selling point of all: how much the tough guy can pull. Last year's model was actually the first time that Chevy's Teen Driver System was included. This is a great opportunity to fully monitor, take time to improve on, and make changed to your teen's driving skills. As insurance rates have risen drastically in many metro areas across the nation, it is a great idea to constantly be making sure that your teens are displaying the best driving habits, across the board.



When you come to visit us on the lot at Chuck Hutton, we can show you how the Silverado 1500 can be outfitted to fit just about any type of need you have for a new truck. The base WT model starts at just around $30,000, and the fully loaded High Country finishes for just around double that figure. If you settle for something smack dab in the middle, you can opt for the LT, and pair it with a crew cab as well as a short bed. You'll have hours of open-throttled enjoyment with a powerful 5.3-liter V-8, and all-wheel drive to help navigate you through any tough road scenario.

Opting for the Z71 package gives you the added boost of features such as body-color grille surround, headlamp bezel, and 18-inch wheels that are equipped to get you through nearly any kind of terrain. The trailering package will be a great help to anyone who hauls horses, produce, off-road vehicles, or any other type of cargo that you want out of harm's way. It's a thrilling experience to drive the Silverado 1500 with its premium suspension: this package also included the addition of Rancho shocks, to assure that every bump in the road goes through a form of post-modern quality assurance!

100 Years of Trucks: Silverado and Colorado Celebrate With Release of Centennial Editions

Over the next year, the Chevy's truck business turns 100 years old, and the Texas State Fair will be the site of one major celebration in the deep heart of truck country! Headlining the celebration is the rugged presence of the 2018 Silverado 1500, and Colorado Centennial Editions. Currently available as off-road Z71 models, this duo of commemorative trucks sport the heritage-inspired bow tie emblems on the tailgates, front doors, and grilles that have become so recognizable among truck lovers nationwide.

These durable and tough haulers will please any contractor, avid off-roader, or urban commuter looking for a change right here in Memphis: ringed in chrome with dark blue centers where the traditional Chevy gold is usually present, the unique bow-tie is a throwback to some of the earliest trucks ever made. One of these is the 1918 One-Ton, which seems primitive by today's standards, but at the time, was a massive presence at the tail end of the Industrial Revolution. Both trucks also feature 100-year badges on the chrome tow hooks, front doors, and floor mats.

If you are checking out the four-wheel-drive, crew-cab-only Silverado version, you'll quickly notice the 22-inch painted alloy wheels with chrome inserts, and yet another chrome bow tie on the steering wheel. There is a choice of crew-cab or extended cab, and rear or four-wheel drive on the mid-size Colorado Centennial, which is further spruced up with 18-inch wheels, a super cool body-color rear bumper and grille surround, as well as chrome mirror caps, door handles, and body moldings.

Official pricing has not yet been announced, but we expect to see the option add about $3000 to the initial price of either truck. We are situated at a junction in the auto industry where many things are changing quickly, and there will be shift towards electric power: all of us here at Chuck Hutton lament that you will have to pry powerful and able trucks like these from our cold, dead hands!

There are some other pretty cool birthday tie-ins for this commemorative and important time for Chevy: Phoenix Bass Boats are going to have a Centennial-edition run, as well as the ultra-useful 24-foot enclosed inTech trailers. Both of these are specifically designed to match the trucks, and it was just announced that a custom 1967 Chevy C-10 show truck will be on display to wow viewers at the SEMA show. Visit us this fall to see how our legendary brand's Truck Legends Program is being rolled out nationwide: it rewards the most loyal of owners with cool swag, an online forum, and premium access to front-line Chevy experiences and events. There's nothing as reassuring as hearing the roar of a powerful truck early in the morning, and knowing that she's got your hard-working back for the duration of the day!

Motorist's Milestone: Self-driving Chevy Bolt Now Ready for Mass-production

Memphis is a metro area that is big on tradition. From “Memphis in May” to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, there are many events here that have created solid roots within the community, and an enormous sense of pride among residents. From days a few decades ago when you could pull in and tell the attendant to “fill her up” with unleaded, one can really look at the current climate and marvel at just how things have changed. There are many companies out there that are offering self-driving cars, but within the past few weeks, Chevy made some noticeable advancements in this territory uncharted by some.

Many companies have been attempting to develop self-driving cars, but the majority of them tend to focus on the sensors and software needed to perform the job, and the car itself loses a bit of appeal in the end result of the formula. GM's Cruise Automation subsidiary has been working hard to perfect and implement the software needed for the job, and lately has finally had more time to shift their attention to the vehicles that will use it. The Chevy-backed entity just announced that a third-generation prototype is ready for mass production, in the form of the already well-known Chevy Bolt.

The biggest differences in the third-generation model were highlighted by Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt in a Medium post: there are now enough safety features and redundancies that the developers feel it could operate at full capacity without a driver. The first Bolt autonomous prototypes were being mulled over just before GM bought Cruise last year, and at that time they had begun being tested on public roads. Things then began moving at a breakneck pace, as they do in many instances regarding the current auto market! Earlier this year, the second-generation prototype was unveiled, and there was a much greater integration between the autonomous driving hardware and the stock components present in the Bolt.

The biggest difference between the second and third generations was the addition of redundancy and safety systems that really solidify the ability to complete fully driver-less operation. The electrical architecture is now much different than one would find on a stock Bolt, and closely resembles that of a commercial airplane, or even a modern spacecraft. The biggest buzz right here at Chuck Hutton has been regarding the potential for mass-production: now that the 3^rd prototype seems to be fully-fledged, Cruise and GM could theoretically manufacture as many as thousands of models if needed. GM is ahead of the game at this point: Ford is planning to launch their own self-driving cars, but have not completed designs that are production-ready.

Tech companies Uber and Lyft are in the process of system development, but still need to work through some red tape with automaker partners to place the technology in cars. Some of the groundwork for the future that is left is simply regarding what happens when a self-driving car is mass produced: who will confirm that it is safe to hit the road on a daily basis? This is an exciting time to be alive, and to be watching the auto industry, period. We are proud to provide and service the brand that is making the most giant leap forward to the future, and that appears to for now be the front-leading contender in the driver-less auto race!