Chuck Hutton's Year-End Glance at Trucks: 100 Years of Tough Torque Performance

As we look forward to the New Year in Memphis, it always seems like there is never ample enough time to spend time with those closest to us. We hope that the last few holiday weeks have provided for you some time to get with those most important to you, and recall all of the great memories of holidays past. This is also the year when all of us dealers recognize that Chevy Trucks have successfully carried their namesake for an entire century! The actual twisting force that engines generate is known as torque, and over 85 million Chevy truck buyers have relied on this force to go about their daily business. Hauling different types of cargo, escaping into the wild if work has gotten too much to bear, and getting the jet skis to the lake are all some of the tasks that you can accomplish when you have just the right truck to take care of your duties.

Things have really developed in a major way since the 2.8-Liter, 4-cylinder engine featured in the first one-ton model back in 1918 roared to life. Its closest-related engine is the very standard 2.5-liter engine that you can now find in the Colorado, which is rated at 191 lb-ft of torque, and 76 lb-ft per liter. A whopping 480 percent power increase is at hand here, a sign of just how much promising and high-tech development has taken place since the very early days. Dominating the pack at the top of the truck heap is the contemporary Silverado 3500 HD Truck, which weighs in at a full ton. Two of the most significant advances in truck technology have been direct injection and turbocharging, which really led the way in the quest for Chevy truck engines ultimately being able to provide more torque.

The very first Stovebelt Six was released in 1929, and was a very iconic notch in history, in that it boosted the Chevy namesake and truck-load rating from 1 to 1.5 tons. The nickname came about because the external fasteners put to use are similar to the bolts that you see on some unique wood-burning stoves. They quickly became symbols of just how durable this engine is, and there were several more well-liked generations of Chevy overhead-valve straight-six engine that came about from this design.

Chevy's First Small Block V-8 was released during 1955, and in later days was known simply as the “Small Block”. Equipped with a 265 cubic-inch engine that produced 238 lb-ft of torque, it eventually evolved into the truck industry's architectures that stuck around the longest. A decade after this version was introduced was when the big block family made its debut, which really boosted performance level for the wide array of gas-powered trucks. A fun fact about it is that it is still around: the fifth generation of 2018 Chevy Trucks shamelessly puts it to apt use.

During 1987, Chevy made the very important choice of exchanging high-compression ratings for levels of technology that had been boosted drastically, which developed fuel injection in higher efficiency numbers. This very same year, torque in the small-block engine was boosted to 300 lb-ft. When the 5.7-Liter Vortec Small Block came around a few years later, it offered another 10% boost in this department. Direct injection and variable valve timing are two of the such well-developed gifts that keep on giving as far as trucks are concerned, and superb models such as the 2018 Silverado 1500 has seen a very exciting rating of 460 lb-ft of torque made possible.

Duramax Technology was first introduced in 2001, and was designed for Chevy's HD trucks. A new era of very high capability was brought about, and technological advances were on hand to push output even higher than before. Esteemed Car and Drivermagazine recorded the 0-60 MPH gallup in 6.2 seconds in a Silverado with use of a Duramax, the fastest time ever recorded for an HD truck. Seeing how the Chevy brand has evolved over the years has been a pleasure, and all of the staff here at Chuck Hutton in Memphis are eager to see the very heavy dose of swagger and style that the 2018 truck line possesses. So much has evolved since the original Stovebelt six rolled off the line, and we can't wait to see what another ingenious decade of production will provide!

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!