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!

Hitting the Roads Heavy for the Holidays: What Are the Most Common Stressors?

Drivers with with the very precious cargo of their families are coming and going from the Memphis metro area to many far corners this weekend, as the holidays hit. Millions of Americans are planning to hit the road, and return later in the weekend from holiday travel. Useful new elements of in-car technology are what can offer the truest peace of mind during travel, and parents typically bring an average of 6.6 mobile devices with them in the vehicle during long family road trips. A recent Harris Poll surveyed 1,063 U.S. Parents of children under 18, to explore the current state of the American family road trip.

Packing, traffic levels, and cost were the main concerns on consumers' minds when it came to traveling for the holidays, but another very important element followed closely behind: keeping passengers entertained while in gridlock. Right here in Memphis, we have seen just how crowded the interstates can become, and when you add the holiday element, there are many more cars on the road. In-vehicle technologies can allow the streaming of movies and playing of games when the reality of becoming stuck sets in. As far as other important results from the survey, more than half of American parents said that Wi-Fi/ internet connectivity would greatly make family road trips more enjoyable, and so it is the top in-vehicle tech feature on their long-term wish list.

We have noticed right here on the lot at Chuck Hutton how the vehicle really has become the new family dinner table, where memories are created and bonds can grow stronger. Director of marketing Steve Majoros stated last week that “As families prepare to hit the road this holiday to spend time with friends and family, they can depend on crossovers like the 2018 Chevy Traverse and Equinox to meet their needs”. Extra storage space, more USB outlets, and available 4G LTE Wi-Fi are items that are high on wish lists, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Nearly 3 in 10 parents who take family road trips but do not have Wi-Fi capability in their car say they would be more likely to take longer or more frequent trips if their vehicle was so equipped.

Chevy was the first automaker to offer 4G LTE Wi-Fi on its cars, trucks, and SUVS, and since 2015, has also offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility for the majority of its lineup. A visit to us on the lot here at Chuck Hutton can also leave you with knowledge about all of the great safety features available within 2018 vehicles: lane change alert, side blind zone alert, surround vision, and lane keep assist are some of the most practical and accident-preventing developments in existence. As you begin to crave turkey and pie, can't wait to hear about your nephew's latest achievements, and have the opportunity to catch up on football, features such as rear seat reminder will also give you peace of mind. Come check out the awesome vehicles that 2018 has to offer, and see to it that you have the means to keep the passengers updated on “Stranger Things” episodes while gearing up on the interstate for your yearly gathering.

First Impressions: 2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1 On “Car and Driver Cover”

When we first get our eyes on photo leaks here at Chuck Hutton, there is sometimes heavy camouflage cover, and all sorts of other obstructions to the view of the new auto under wraps. You can get a general idea about what the car will be like, but it is much better to see the whole thing point blank. Car and Driver surprisingly did that this month, by featuring the 2019 ZR1 Corvette on the cover, recently unleashed in the desert sands and skyscrapers of Dubai. Dressed in orange, the first impression we got of the car was that it looks quite a bit more aggressive overall than the current Z06.

There is now a very massive hood vent, new bumper, giant rear wing, and side-skirts. This is obviously a track-bound work of pure engineering magic, that should easily possess enough downforce to keep it close to the ground during proper performance sessions. This release is a vehicle that very obviously wants to lead the pack, and its many upgrades make the the fastest street car that GM has ever constructed. The previous ZR1 from 2009 boasted 638 horsepower, but now 8 years later, the Corvette team had to create a powerful successor.

Some customers were not impressed with the last ZR1's hood window, and deemed it a bit cheap-looking. This time around, the engine is not as much out in the open, with what GM calls a “halo” hood. The carbon weave is aligned perfectly with the body panel, but the intercooler cover has the freedom to move around while the engine is running, since it is an active part of the drivetrain. There are also two openings in front of the cover that allow for the exit of overly hot air from the engine bay, housing 8 high-performing and sinister cylinders.

To conjure up 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque from high octane and dense air, the ZR1's new pushrod V8 features a 52-percent larger supercharger than the Z06's LT4, and this is where GM puts their very first dual-injection system to use. If you stick to the standard wing offering, top speed is somewhere above 210 miles per hour, and for the first time ever, you can opt for the 8-speed automatic. If you ever do decide that you want to slow down, the brakes are mammoth two-piece carbon rotor pieces, that have fixed six-piston aluminum calipers at the front for prime performance. Come see us on the lot here at Chuck Hutton in Memphis, and check out this new ZR1: the collision of future elements with tried-and-true classic, resulting in a 750-horsepower speed-summoning beast! 

AEV Drastically Revamps The Chevy Colorado ZR2: Pack Your Adventure Kit ASAP!

Many truck lovers in the Memphis metro and nearby areas are going to very soon have good reason to rejoice. The Colorado ZR2 was already the perfect adventure machine: there is nothing better than packing a tackle box, lures, boots, and heavy flannels in preparation for the ultimate off-road adventure. When we saw just how capable AEV was of making a truly stellar upgrade to the ZR2, we paid close attention. The Jeep and Ram modification specialist has been on the cutting edge of the 4WD industry for 15 years, constantly pushing boundaries with design and innovation of already-awesome vehicles. Founded in Montana where conditions can be tough, their team has been consistent with delivering unbelievably rugged and useful turn-key versions of off-road vehicles.

This tan truck was recently revealed at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and features a newly-engineered suspension, as well as driveline components that provide an overall 1.5-inch lift. The 35-inch tires on this thing are jaw-dropping: from a distance or just a few feet away, they look like they could crawl right over gaping glass bottles. Power is derived from a 2.8-liter diesel engine, and we immediately fell in love with the front and rear off-road bumpers and skid plates covering the full underbody. We really appreciate the over-abundance of rugged touch-up done here: you even get a portable ARB refrigerator.

The roof-high expedition rack is mounted to the bed, and the black-on-tan appearance is perfect here. One thing our sales staff noted right away after seeing photos of the AEV ZR2 is the perfect blend of modern and standard tech: this thing still looks like a pickup, not a drone or robot. Another great feature is on the right side fender: a panel that provides auxiliary power, air compressor, and fresh water system is right there on board. This really is a truck that builds its appeal on spontaneity, and the journey ending up longer. You could spend a day as a contractor hauling, surveying, and digging, then decide to pitch a tent and enjoy the view. We know you could do that with many trucks, but the upgrades on this one are that special.

Some of the readers here on the blog may remember the action-laden “Fall Guy” TV Series: Lee Majors stars as a stuntman who moonlights as a very busy bounty hunter. There was a truck on that show that was like a more practical Bigfoot: a huge off-road beast that was definitely one of the most awesome vehicles on prime time during those years. We love how this AEV ZR2 evokes the same vibe, and it is now the baddest, sturdiest, most able rock crawler that exists. Come pay us a visit on the lot here at Chuck Hutton, and see just how awesome all of these features are. This is an exciting match made in heaven: once these rugged Montana natives got their hands on the ZR2, they ended up with a finished product that is revved up, immaculate, and ready to crawl! 

Hot Wheels' 50th Birthday Bash: 2018 Camaro Special Edition Release

Many diehard racing fans out there in Memphis and the surrounding area aren't ashamed of their age in one respect: many remember the year that Hot Wheels issued 16 car and truck models that would fit in a Matchbox car carrying case. The very high-speed club was represented well during this first year: the Camaro coupe, Firebird convertible, Mustang fastback, Cougar, and Barracuda were among the delightfully hand-held ranks. Around the world for the next 50 years, an estimated 41 million children (and adults) fell in love with all of the models, different tracks, and hours you could spend with friends in a delightful state of imagination and thinking about roaring thunder.

Next year at the Las Vegas SEMA Show, the 2018 Hot Wheels Camaro will debut, and will be available on coupe and convertible body styles. With this package, you get special “crush” orange paint inspired by the iconic orange flexible track, which has remained for the most part unchanged through the decades. There are orange brake calipers, seat inserts, and interior upholstery stitching, as well as gray forged 20-inch wheels that are a bit reminiscent of the ones that would spin for hours on smaller diecast models. There is also a unique grille with chrome inserts, a very cool ground effects package, dark-lens taillamps set in a black panel with the Hot Wheels emblem, and a 50^th Anniversary Hot Wheels badge on the steering wheel.

Camaro Coupes will be gifted with a unique spoiler, but convertibles have to retain their stock wing, because it uses needed radio, GPS, and telematics antennas for various communication and location duties. If the V-6 or V-8 street-legal Camaro doesn't quite satisfy your urge for a curve and track hungry beast, there is one option for a ride that offers up even more thunder: you can register for a third party's option to provide just 69 race and rumble-ready, sporting a different metallic “Supercrush” orange with a more detailed graphics package. These special edition cars will be fitted with a new 302-cubic-inch racing engine built for drag racing, and possess exceptionally high RPM capability.

The Custom Camaro was the very first among the original “sweet sixteen” Hot Wheels vehicles to be released 50 years ago, and it was available in 20 colors. Successful video games such as Hot Wheels World Race and Stunt Track Challenge were ways in which the brand successfully branched out to attract new fans, and this devilishly orange release is a great way to commemorate the legend. Last year, the brand opened the Race to Win Exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis to promote the 100^th Indy 500 race, and more adults have been collecting these fun toys than ever before. On rainy days in basements across the nation during the brand's first ten years of existence, many eager kids jumped, high-bank turned, and shot through loops with these fun little machines. If any of those happened to be you, you might want to celebrate by owning one of these high-octane and fully-charged charmers! 

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!