Close Encounter With Mid-Engined Corvette: Spy Shots Gleaned Via Motor1.com

Christopher Smith of Motor1.com was excited to share the details of his brief encounter that revealed a few crucial details regarding the new mid-engined Corvette. Originally posted by our friends over at MidEngineCorvetteForum.com, there is a new spy video up on Youtube that gives a fresh look at the new supercar. You can see after viewing here that there is a small lip spoiler at the rear, and the car seems to be sporting LED daytime running strips directly above the main projectors.

The testing model is still sporting fairly heavy camouflage up front, which is the case with many spy shots, and some other sets that have come across here at Chuck Hutton show smaller intake openings that angle pretty squarely under the car. The head-on view also provides a perspective on the much larger side intakes. They are a just a bit difficult to make out until the cameraman steps outside for a better look. The Detroit Auto Show did not have much in the way of Corvette news, but many think that the car may make its arrival at the New York Auto Show, or possibly during the spring months at a stand-alone event.

The current C7 model is enjoying a new model reveal at the Daytona Rolex 24 event happening right now, where a handful of the world's most achieved racers have designed their own particular variants. Another interesting article found here from Topspeed.com also speculates that there will be a stand-alone event with the exciting release, since Chevy didn't happen to bring anything new under their sleeve to the auto show in Detroit. GM Authority claimed earlier this year that there was a “complete re-engineering effort” underway to sort out some pertinent electrical issues that the C8 was having, and that after this was successfully completed, the new Corvette would be put into full production status.

While this may be disappointing for those most eager to check out the formal reveal of the blisteringly-fast and track-ready C8, the delay is quite understandable. Even though the Corvette has been built for decades, the mid-engined version has not, and it is one of those items in the automotive world that needs to be perfect before it begins being picked apart by buyers and the scrutiny of the media. One thing to keep in mind is that the mid-engined 'Vette has been in the making for almost 60 years astonishingly, so just a touch more of a wait shouldn't be too excruciating. Expected to be one of those cars that is perfect in every way, we are positive that many 'Vette lovers in Memphis won't be disappointed, and we will keep you posted on new details at every step of the way!

Medium-Duty Chevy Silverados Coming “First Off The Line” Detailed by Pickuptrucks.com

Starting the year off with a brand-new truck is something that surely requires a hearty celebration. Once you pull off the lot here at Chuck Hutton as a proud new owner of a truck as fantastic as the Silverado, you're going to want to have somewhere ideal to show it off a bit! Rolling up to the Antiques and Garden show down the road in Nashville would be a great way to check out the capabilities of your prized new rig: the longest-running, most prestigious and largest event of its kind in the country, the Antiques And Garden Show of Nashville is celebrating its 29^th year from February 1 to February 3.

Attracting some of the most renowned designers, speakers, and exhibitors from around the globe, this is an amazing opportunity to browse wares from more than 150 art, horticulture, and antique dealers. The folks working the newsroom at the Pickuptrucks.com blog this week provided an inside scoop on the brand-new Class 4, 5, and 6 2019 Chevy Silverados that are now rolling off the production line in Springfield, OH after completion. These are the first-ever truly medium-duty Silverados in the expansive product line, sporting an interior similar to that of the Silverado 2500/3500.

These models have a stronger and taller exterior presence, and all three of them will offer a chassis-cab edition, as well as a box-delete option. Any busy contractor or construction outfit will be able to outfit their Chevy pickup just the way they want it, and these primo workhorses are outfitted with the same turbo-diesel 6.6-liter Duramax that was offered in previous models. There are now features such as a tilt-forward engine cover that provides easier access, a diesel exhaust fluid tank, more choices for wheelbase, and a location for the two battery boxes right outside the driver's door that is easy-to-reach.

Filling a gap that was created by the departure of the Zodiac and Top Kick, all of us here are excited about the resurgence of mid-size Silverados and their completion. The editorial staff at KBB.Com deemed the Silverado HD as an “extremely tough, and fiercely capable heavy-duty pickup truck,” and really hit the nail on the head when they claimed that the new Silverado models consistently an example of front-running reasons to be truly proud of your deep-rooted brand loyalty. Many experienced test drivers have loved how the trailer-sway control does a superb job of keeping everything perfectly in line, and the cabin offers the utmost in a noise-free environment. We encourage you to check out the tremendous torque offered up by the very muscular turbocharged V8, as it will convince you to choose this as your ultimate means of “not staying still for too long.”

Consumer Reports Hails 6 Chevy Models in Annual “Best American Cars, Suvs, and Trucks” Awards

When you are on the hunt for the absolute best vehicle for your business or family, Consumer Reports has long been a benchmark for everyone in the industry to measure themselves by. The various ratings can be sorted and filtered many different ways to figure out which car is best for you in a price range or category, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton heartily admire those wanting to “Buy American” for 2019. To score the ribbon for the win as a Best American winner, the overall score factors in road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. We were proud as ever that six Chevy vehicles made the list, providing a star-studded showing in this all-important test of reliability.

The Chevy Sonic hatchback and sedan took honors for the best subcompact car, as it offers a relatively comfortable ride, as well as a very quiet cabin. Extra features such as keyless entry and push-button start, as well as heated seats and steering wheel, are other first-rate selling points. A 7-inch touch screen as standard as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are other reasons that this car is accessible, practical, and alluring.

The Chevy Cruze snagged the winning spot for the compact car category, and one of the main reasons why was the way in which it offers up big-car qualities. A very quiet interior and comfortable ride, as well as the stop/start feature that reduces fuel use during idling, are all reasons why the Cruze won over the Consumer Reports staff. The safety features available on the top Premier trim are where the Cruze really packs a punch, and offer the best in show for your protection on the road.

The Chevy Bolt took home the honors on behalf of Consumer Reports for the best compact Electric Car, and it is known as the first relatively affordable EV to have a robust driving range. The battery offers 250 miles of power, and where it resides underneath the car's floor adds to its planted feel, even though it has a relatively tall stature. A full charge takes ten hours while putting to use a 240-volt connector, and just about every single person who has test driven it wildly favors its aggressive acceleration qualities.

The Large Car sector is quite an interesting one: even though many wants and needs have shifted towards SUVs and trucks as of late, if a consumer really wants the benefits of a large car, they are going to strive to find exactly the right one for them. The Chevy Impala was no doubt the best choice for this category winner, as it is quiet, comfortable and always fun to drive. The Consumer Reports team billed the handling as “secure and responsive,” and it is truly amazing to see how the Impala expertly blends everyday functionality with high-end luxury accents.

The Chevy Corvette Stingray is robustly and loudly something special: it derives its power from a 6.2-liter V8 that generates 455 hp, and purists have fallen in love with the 7-speed manual transmission. It easily swooped up the winning slot for best sports car, and hardcore track hounds love the ability to step up to 650 hp by means of the Z06. All-aluminum construction plays an integral role in optimizing strength and weight savings, and handling of the Stingray has been rated as top-notch by many. Truly the continuation of nothing short of a legend, the Corvette trumps other sports cars playfully, and with a sense of foreboding and superior seniority.

The Large SUV category could quite well be billed as the most important to dominate in for any vehicle as of late. While easily offering up space for seven passengers and their gear, the towing capacity of the Suburban is ranked in a category that others simply can't touch. The touch-screen infotainment system is very easy to use, and one of the best features of the Premier trim is dynamic ride suspension, which greatly improves handling response, and overall comfort of the ride. Incorporate the higher-powered 6.2-liter V8 for more muscle, and get a taste of how you can really inject the roar of primo power into your daily driving regimen!

2019 Corvette Stingray Showcased in Autoweek as “Delivering Fun by the Bushel”

Managing editor of Autoweek Robin Warner once embarked on the thrilling journey to become a professional race car driver, and knows his way around many engineering scenarios, tried-and-true tracks, and elements of new car technology. This past week he took on the task of telling the in-depth tale of how the 2019 Corvette Stingray handles: this two-seater coupe that punches way above its weight in performance is the key competitor that is up against the BMW M4, Mercedes AMG C63S, and all-too-familiar Porsche 911.

All of us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis were excited to read about the experience he had with the Stingray that arrived decked out with the Z51 package: it includes slotted brake rotors, an electronically locking limited-slip differential and cooler, higher performance summer tires, and a multimode exhaust. The exhaust system fulfills the task of bumping up power and torque by 5 hp and lb-ft respectively, and also sports the added benefit of the Performance Data Recorder. This additive is the true track nerd's dream: it fills you in on the status of lap times, engine rpm, gear speeds and wheel speeds.

For a car that delivers up this much amazing raw power, next year's Stingray is quite comfortable, and understandably can more than lend a small hand in livening up the regimen of the daily commute. In spite of the Z51 suspension, the dazzling and sporty new Stingray is also equipped with magnetic ride control, which keeps the car planted on the roughest stretches of road and absorbs sudden bumps that come with the turf. This is a 460 hp car, but even the most experienced of drivers needs to remember that it is only pulling around 3,300 pounds, which immediately renders it top-notch quick in any challenging scenario it is presented in.

After driving the new 'Vette around for awhile Robin lamented that we too often downplay the importance of fun in our lives, and next year's model “delivers fun by the bushel.” The folks at Autoblog avidly claimed that “You don't always need a supercharger” in regards to this model, and we admit that the high-powered Z06 and ZR1 are two of the most amazing and awe-inspiring vehicles ever created. Senior Editor John Snyder recognized that you have to work a bit to wring out all the available power, which is a fun and very driver-focused challenge. Crisp, aggressive, and staunch styling are qualities that make the Stingray a killer option, and we strongly encourage you to check out the car that Autoblog also claims instills more confidence than the Camaro, and is also the “best looking 'Vette since the 1960's!”

Ward's Ten Best Engines List Hails Silverado's 6.2-Liter V8, Praises Dynamic Fuel Management

As Christmas trees are being taken down and ladders are being hauled out to remove the festive lights of the season, many thoughts will turn to the raw and unadulterated power of newly available trucks. There is nothing better than knowing that you have a trusty vehicle on hand that you can not only rely on, but also know has the best of the best in safety features and technology offerings for productivity. The most reliable trucks in the world are guaranteed to win multiple awards, and so we are not surprised that the 2019 Silverado is once again adding to its large stack of hailed recognition.

Now added to the Wards 10 Best Engines Award segment, the 6.2-Liter V8 makes use of industry-leading Dynamic Fuel Management, or DFM, to save fuel without skimping on power potential. This truck is a true example of how engineers continue to put in precious overtime to find ways to improve overall efficiency, without exchanging a valuable performance commodity in return. To drive the pickup down the highway, it only takes as few as two cylinders, and the only thing the driver notices is fewer stops to spend hard-earned cash on filling up at the pump. In regards to the stiff competition, WardsAuto editors take every all-new or improved engine situated in production vehicles in the U.S. That have a starting MSRP less than $64,000. The vehicles are then carefully scored on torque, technology, fuel economy, and characteristics of noise.

These are the first two V-8's available with the revolutionary Dynamic Fuel Management technology. Featuring a startling 17 cylinder patterns, the system can greatly optimize efficiency, and level of power delivery at all speeds. This game-changing and very modern means of delivery was introduced in 2005, and the true amazement factor lies in the method of power disbursement: the best balance in power and fuel economy that exists. The 6.2-Liter with DFM is the most powerful gas V-8 in its segment and is manufactured in New York at GM's bustling Tonawanda engine plant.

The 2019 Silverado sports a wheelbase that is up to 3.9 inches longer, and an overall length increased by 1.6 inches. This allows for more cargo volume, and more interior room allocated for every single cab length. One massive achievement that really delivers the “wow factor” is its weight: it now weighs 450 pounds less than the outgoing model. The review staff on duty at Boston.com claimed that “nothing beats sheer size” when it comes to trucks, and praised next year's model for its noticeably larger stature.

Writer Liz Kim also thought that the shoulder, leg, and headroom were of the “amazing” caliber for rear seating, and also praised the practicality of the lightweight aluminum power-down tailgate. When you come to pay us a post-holiday visit here at Chuck Hutton, don't forget to check out the 120-volt power outlet in the bed of the new Silverado, precise steering during a test drive, and tie-down hooks rated to handle 500 pounds of force! Many hard-working men and women will love the dual-tiered glove compartment as well as rear under seat storage, and the bottom rear seat cushion flips up to provide the optimum in usable cab-cargo space. We tend to stand by what we deem is the best and most durable here in Memphis, and the coming Silverado is going to be making waves with those who need nothing short of a fully-fledged and tech-laden tank in their possession!