Next-Generation Chevy Models May Roll in on Airless Tires

Through the years, there have been some beautiful rims spinning on Silverados, Camaros, and Blazers rolling down the street in style. Michelin has announced they are working with GM to develop airless tires for a next-generation Chevy Bolt electric model, expected to be available to the public in just a few years.

While this could potentially mark the end of over 130 years of traditional tires, it also could also mark the end of deflated or punctured tires. GM is working on a wide variety of electric vehicles, including ones in an affordable price range like the Bolt. Both Michelin and GM have tested the airless tire on current-generation Bolt cars.

The disadvantages of filling tires with pressurized air have been evident for quite some time: air can leak, and every tire can be punctured by harsh elements on the road. Tire makers have spent over a century coming up with ways to minimize punctures and keep air inside tires, and Michelin’s airless tire design poses the natural reliance of flexible ribs for spring action. 

There are a few reasons why tires without air haven’t been used on passenger cars much during the last century, as pressurized air is good for off-roading. As these masters of their sport navigate the trail, they reduce the air pressure in the tires, which allows the tire to flatten out and create a larger footprint on the terrain they have set out to conquer. Michelin is trying to make sure that these new tires behave with many of the same properties as traditional air-filled tires.

Lawnmowers and other off-road vehicles such as ATVs use what is known as the X Tweel, which is said to have a longer lifespan than regular tires and wheels and offer a ride without as much additional bounce. How will consumers accept all this drastic change? We think that they will love avoiding the hassle and time-consuming mess of a flat tire! 

Chevy Bolt Production to Resume During January 2022

Electrification has been in many automotive headlines over the past year, as the final blueprints for energy-saving vehicles nationwide are becoming an exciting reality. The Chevy Bolt EV and EUV are now scheduled to resume production during the final week of January after the auto industry experienced a chip shortage which led to a slight pause in production.

This affordable and fun electric commuter has good range, L1 and L2 charge cords, and the convenience of level 2 charging installed for the user at no cost. When the Bolt first hit the market, it was named the 2017 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Now, it is mostly popular as a commuter car with a 259-mile range from its 65-kWh battery. 

The finely-tuned chassis along with a comfortable and controlled drive allow it to stand out among other available choices. You’ll be sitting in high-quality seats in a spacious interior along with a push-button gear shift that allows for more room. The 10.2-inch touchscreen features completely refreshed graphics while fitting perfectly in the dashboard. The EV also enjoys the convenience of one-pedal-driving mode, with regenerative braking ensuring you don’t need to use the brakes to slow down.

The Bolt EV is now available with a dual-level charging cord that is compatible with both Level 1 and Level 2 outlets with the Level 2 charging speed increasing to 11 kw. The driver faces a new 8.0-inch fully digital gauge cluster, and the hatchback’s rear cargo space will still offer up 17 cubic feet and up to 57 cubic feet with the seatbacks flat. Along with standard automatic high-beams and front pedestrian detection, the hatchback also can be outfitted with rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera system to provide a watchful eye. 

The models of the future will be offering the best in clean-sourced power perfect for the daily driver. During the efficient drive, you’ll enjoy the protective features of standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning and automated emergency braking, and available adaptive cruise control. 

Autoblog.com Details Chevy Electric Full-Size Pickup Boasting 400-Mile Range

The many different cars and trucks that are being released during present times always have us beyond excited here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis: over the past few years, we have seen amazing development in autonomous driving elements, suspension technology, and raw power. As thrilling as many great models such as the Camaro, Blazer, and Silverado are, many car enthusiasts out there have firmly set their sights on the future, where battery power is a sure bet. This week GM confirmed that one of the 20 electric cars it plans to roll out by 2023 will be a full-size, ready to haul and dig-in-deep full-size pickup.

The 2019 sustainability report was where the first solid clues of this future project, where it was also claimed that it will offer 400 miles of driving range on a charge. It is not exactly certain whether or not this is a model that is to be constructed as a greener choice for those who love the Silverado or it could arrive as its own stand-alone model. There are plenty of other projects like this in the works for the coming years, and it is safe to assume that they will all share a few similar components underneath.

Most of the power in this large number of the coming electric fleet is derived from the Ultium® battery technology that General Motors is currently hard at work developing. This is a pretty large jump: in 2019 the only electric car in the entire Chevy lineup was the Bolt, and the times are coming quickly where there will be a lot more options. Earlier in the year, GM CEO Mary Barra claimed excitedly that “we want to put everyone in an EV and we have what it takes to do it.” Charging time will be better with nearly every model as it has been previously, and there is a flexible global plan for distribution in the works as well.

GM now holds nearly 3,000 patents related to vehicle electrification, and the advances in actual chemistry for new batteries and motor configurations are there to enable us to make a larger variety when it comes to the vehicle of the future. Decarbonizing an entire brand's fleet is what will show ultimate leadership in the future, due to the current state of the environment and rapid pace at which experts tell us we need to change our ways.

The Ultium® batteries now under development will boast 60% more capacity for power than the current batteries used in the Bolt. There are also large-format, pouch-style cells that can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack which allows them to fit in multiple design types and various other power sources. These batteries are American made at a plant near Lordstown, Ohio that is currently under construction and will take up the size of roughly 30 football fields!

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!