Pre-Debut Sneak Peek Display Via Car and Driver: C8 Corvette's Steering Wheel

Since the debut of the new mid-engined C8 Corvette is coming “right around the corner” July 18th, we can attest here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis that every little last detail has been wondered about, and kept appropriately under wraps. Spy shots that are passed around from blog to blog are great and all: they are one of the only ways that auto dealers like us can get any idea whatsoever about upcoming models and the way they look. Situating the engine behind the driver was a change that will resonate through the auto industry for quite some time, and Car and Driver just released on their blog this week some photos of the steering wheel.

We're pretty sure that the squared-off shape will make it more comfortable to hold, and greatly improve visibility. The top sports a leather centering strip, and the proud Corvette logo is displayed on the hub. There will be no manual transmission for the C8, and paddle shifters are situated for the one-choice-only dual-clutch automatic. On the two spokes and around the hub you can clearly count 17 different buttons and predicted controls are cruise control, voice command, audio volume, and radio presets.

On the left spoke there appears to be a mystery silver button with the letter “Z”, and we all wonder if it is for a type of drive-mode selection. Z is actually the trailing letter of the alphabet that held much special meaning in the 'Vette realm, being previously used in names like the Z51 Performance package, and the high-performing and track ready ZR1 and Z06. Many out there in mainstream America do not yet thoroughly understand that this is by no means a new concept. This ingenious idea has been kicking around the desks and design tables of engineers for decades. We particularly love the 1964 Mid-Engine XP 817 prototype shown here, with its intensely-curved front end and way in which the pipes pop up behind the driver.

Directly below it, you see the 1976 mid-engined XP 882 AeroVette: even though some claimed it looked more like a paperweight then a capable and commanding track car, the similar curve seen in both the front and back was surely defining and very unique. After its star-studded reveal in California, the C8 will also grace the Concours d'Elegance of America in Michigan from July 26-28, along with the likes of other classic cars from Cadillac, Bentley, and Ferrari. It won't be long before the inner and outer details of the C8 are made public for all to see, and there will be some very lucky car aficionados with their hands wrapped around said steering wheel for good!

Why Editors Would Pick The 2019 Chevy Colorado Spotlight: Motor Trend's Mark Rechtin

As the customer of today looks online, on the dealer's lot here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis, and through advertisements highlighting price cuts for trucks, they inevitably narrow their search down to the truck that will best work for them. Experienced auto journalists for publications such as Motor Trend can tend to be a wealth of knowledge regarding the topic, based on sheer hours spent behind various wheels, and the ability to discern what's most important. Mark Rechtin right off the bat bills himself as “not the typical pickup truck buyer”.

He's a middle-aged Suburban Guy with a spouse, a house, and usually the type that ponies up nearly reluctantly to succumb to the latest offerings from the crossover SUV camp. Doing a bang-up job of poking fun at himself, he laments that loading up a Chrysler Pacifica minivan with two-by-fours “ain't exactly masculine”. Since midsize trucks are now the size and overall heft of what a full-size truck was around ten years ago, his first pick was the Chevy Colorado LT, in 2WD Crew Cab, Short Box trim with the segment's latest and greatest 308 horsepower 3.6- liter V-6. He eagerly proclaims that there are many great reasons why it won Truck of the Year in 2015 and 2016, as well as a more recent comparison test on “Gettin' grimy and dirty”!

Mark claims that the Colorado is perfectly rugged even before you get into ZR2 or Bison form, very capable, and always doles out a very predictable and smooth ride. Because of the integrated bumper steps, loading and unloading is a breeze, and with the V-6 and tow package is can haul 7,000 pounds of pure lake-toy or other lug-worthy commodity. He praised the interior of the Colorado immediately for being much roomier than sworn rival Toyota Tacoma's, and also for the layout of controls making perfect sense.

The intuitive infotainment system on board is one of the best in the industry, and tech-lovers everywhere will love the plentiful USB drives on deck. As we find ourselves once again situated smack dab in the middle of summer, the A/C on board the Colorado actually is known for immediately blowing the crystal coldest of the cold. One of the reasons why Mark picked the truck with over-the-top enthusiasm as his favorite was the way in which is effortlessly and flawlessly splits the difference of being a proper truck for work and just plain getting around, a trait that was hard to find in any truck some years back.

The 2019 models now also see the addition of second in-cabin microphone for passenger, and the addition of HD Rear Vision Camera as standard on the LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims. Like all second-generation units of the Chevy Colorado, the 2019 Colorado continues to ride on the GMT 31XX platform, shared with the GMC Canyon and Trailblazer. Trucks on the smaller side are a bit easier to park and maneuver, and this is the absolute perfect choice for someone who is finally ready to take the plunge and call a brand-new and properly-equipped pickup truck their own!

2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison V-6 Rendered “Utterly Unstoppable” By MotorTrend Off-Road Test

Scott Evans of Motor Trend was quite right this past week when he lamented in his most recent article that most Americans have probably only seen the bison in a picture of the west, or featured on a menu. These days, the most bison left are situated safely on private ranches and raised for food, but before this, they could be found all over the many areas of vast expanse in the U.S., Canada, and northern Mexico. It is a very proud and deeply-woven heritage, and one that is aptly fitting for the namesake of this year's Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison.

Even though bison are known to spend a fair amount of time standing around, they are most definitely capable of covering a large amount of ground in a pinch. The ZR2 is able to complete absolutely insane jumps and go wherever it damn well pleases for sure, and we'd think it is even more reliable than its tantrum-prone namesake. The full Bison treatment is courtesy of American Expedition Vehicles, the experts who began making pure magic when founder Dave Harriton started modifying TJ Wranglers for himself while a student at the University of Montana. Today, they are a success story with their engineering and design facility in Missoula, and an engineering/vehicle build/warehouse plant in Detroit.

It takes 7.2 seconds for the ZR2 bison to get to 60 mph, which is just a tenth slower than the standard ZR2. It carries its extra 144 lbs of weight extremely well, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have long known that the skidplates strategically placed on the Bison are the ultimate protectors of this well-honed and grunty number! While on the highways leading to the dirty and boulder-rich roads less traveled, the Motor Trend experts confirm that the current model's transmission is way more suited for the long concrete jaunts at 75 mph +.

What the review team really highlights well here is the way in which the ZR2 Bison feels all-in-all unstoppable. It truly possesses top-notch breakover, departure angles, and approach. With the added confidence that bumper reinforcements, locking front and rear differentials, and rock sliders offer, you simply don't ever have to worry about this dune-ready model ever not being able to get you through.

On another expedition carried through this summer, the same team took the ZR2 Bison on a trying off-road jaunt in the Mojave Desert: they encountered rocky hills, sandy riverbeds, and an ample amount of dirt two-track, and never once needed to use the differential locks. In this photo gallery, you can even witness the ZR2 Bison treading quite deep in the water: no terrain-derived threat can even come close to defeating this precisely-crafted and top-ranking rock crawler!

2020 Chevy Silverado HD Dominates Dodge Ram Heavy Duty in 18,000 – Lb. Towing Showdown

“The Great Pickup War” is one that is absolutely raging, and is completely affecting all brands and segments of the entire industry! We fully acknowledge here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis that much of Ford, Chevy, and Ram's assets have all been put to use heavily to roll out bigger and badder TV ads, and make sure that customers are aware of the features, upgrades, and stats such as towing capability. As we happily pointed out during our recent introduction of the 2020 Silverado HD, it can out-accelerate the new Ram Heavy Duty truck, even with the burden of an 18,000 – pound trailer in tow.

This data presented by those on staff at “The Drive” blog lays out the fact that a Silverado 3500 DRW accelerates faster from 0 to 60, 25 to 60, and 40 to 60 miles per hour than a Cummins – powered Ram 3500 DRW. Off the bat, the Ram boasts a higher torque figure than the Silverado, which one would think should make it more capable at

towing. The Silverado offers 910 lb- ft of torque on tap, while the Ram is the overall winner with 1,000 lb – ft. Despite the differences in actual torque, the Silverado claims a maximum towing capacity of 35,500 pounds, while the Ram is rated at 35,100.

Heavily upgraded drive-line components help the Silverado achieve maximum torque while in first gear, without the need to actually electronically limit torque. Both the Chevy and the Ram were compared at the Milford Proving Grounds, where both had an 18,000 – pound trailer attached, and then performed the acceleration tests. The Silverado got to 60 mph 2.6 – seconds quicker than the Ram by means of the more powerful high-output diesel engine.

More powerful than ever and jam-packed with smart technology, the all-new 2020 Silverado HD is designed and engineered from the ground up to take on the most demanding and rugged jobs. Built on the solid foundation of high-strength steel, this is the truck that offers up massive strength to handle the most daunting of tasks. It is thoroughly engineered with seven different types of steel, which each gauge having been very carefully scrutinized and selected to maximize capability for a truck that arrives off the lot poised to produce years of hard work. This amazing truck also offers an Integrated Power Takeoff Package on the Allison transmission and dual alternators on both engine options, making it easier to power commercial-grade accessories for the grind!

Feature Focus From GM Authority: 2020 Chevy Camaro LT1 Compared To the LT and SS

The warmer months have been officially here for some time now here for all of us at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis, and hearing cars such as the Camaro roar down the street always gives us a pleasant shiver along with a smile! There is nothing as thrilling as seeing and hearing one of the most classic muscle cars ever doing its thing in the wild, free to roar, roam, and race unhinged. The LT1 model is priced beneath sworn competitors in the form of the V8-powered Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang, and is also priced under the 2019 Camaro 1SS.

While certain features require buyers to bump up to 1SS and 2SS models, the point of the 1SS was to provide an option that was affordable to those out there who very understandably want the benefits of a Camaro with a V8 engine. The engine on the 1LT I4 is the Turbocharged 2.0 -L Inline 4, and the 1LT V6 features the Atmospheric 3.6-Liter V6 LGX. This LT1 is powered by the atmospheric 6.2-Liter V8 LT1, and the upgrade to the 1SS offers the same V8.

Horsepower resides at 275 for the 1LT inline 4, 335 for the 1LT V6, and 455 respectively for both the LT1 and 1SS. Torque specs when the dust clears are 295 for the 1LT inline 4, 284 for the 1LT V6, and 455 lb-ft for the LT1 and 1SS. To snag up Magnetic Ride Control you need the 1SS, and the LT1 and 1SS are also the two models that step up to Brembo 4-piston brakes: they are front only on the LT1, and both front and rear on the 1SS. The 1SS is the only model that offers up the summer-only tire variety, and the LT1 is the only model that does not offer availability of the 1LE Track Performance Package.

The 1SS model comes with an 8-inch radio screen, and all other three stock the 7. This is actually a very sensible way to get those who are hungry for a V8 to join the party: the LT1 makes do with a single-zone automatic climate system, and FE3 suspension, and the 7-inch touchscreen radio, but bestows the V8 inside for pure unadulterated power. One could obtain this model, dump a bit of their own money into it, and thoroughly enjoy a souped-up and very personalized ride. No matter what the various opinions are on the street about the front end that has changed a bit as of late, The LT1 is, by all means, a stripped-down model that delivers on the performance factor, all without breaking the bank!

It was during April 1965 that the reports began running within the automotive press that Chevy had successfully gone under wraps to produce a hefty competitor to the Ford Mustang, then code-named Panther. After many in the industry were a bit puzzled by the telegraphs and multiple press releases generated by that endeavor, an era was born, and the existence of the Camaro was given an amazing entry point. The spirit lives on with the desire that any track-hungry contender has to upgrade to the V8, and we stand firmly by the mantra that anytime is a great time to add more units of unparalleled power to the mix!

Motor Trend's Frank Markus's Opinion on The 2019 Blazer: “I'll take the Camaro of SUVs, Please”

The consumer of today asks themselves many questions during their decision, and since the popularity of the SUV has risen by epic leaps and bounds, which one they should buy is frequently at the top of the list. Frank Markus of Motor Trend is an engineer who has a large amount of love for cars and gadgetry and is also one who touts the belief that many of today's crossovers look very ugly and plain. He owns a place on a lake, and sometimes has the need to hitch up a rented trailer for landfill runs, or hauling various other items.

After illustrating quite well the factors that went into his very own “Decid-O-Meter 9000” including budget, Michigan location, and practicality, he thought that the decisive end result of the 2019 Chevy Blazer AWD Premier was fitting. The 3,500-pound tow rating was one of the traits that ranked the Blazer above the 2020 Explorer Limited Hybrid, and the sporty appearance of the Blazer also was a good match for his expectations. People are choosy about their car interiors, and why shouldn't they be? This is where they will be spending a lot of their “go time”, and their mood will reflect heavily upon the makeup of where they spend their time in transit.

Since the Blazer Premier offered the Maple Sugar and Black option featuring piping, stitching, grain, and gloss, it also met his wish of not having a dull all-black or all-grey interior. Frank also added the “Driver Confidence” package, which provides wireless charging for the iPhone 8, full adaptive cruise and forward collision mitigation, Intellibeam lighting, as well as compartment shade and net. Once he got out on the road for some serious testing, he immediately thought the handling was better and more responsive than on his beloved Hemi-powered 2018 Dodge Durango, and all-around quicker than the racy Ford Edge ST. All said and done, he felt like he was at the helm of a “taller, easier to see out of, vastly more useful V-6 Camaro”, and really felt  that he had found a perfect choice for his around-town driver.

Many of our repeat customers here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have asked us to point them in the right direction when it comes to looking at a crossover SUV. The current landscape offers many different choices, and each unique lifestyle poses different needs when it comes to a vehicle. The crossover The new Blazer effortlessly evokes the functional style of a family-friendly sports sedan, while at the same time providing a capable ride as a weekend-ready and fully-fledged SUV.

Once you have a look at the interior, it's true what many others who have completed a test drive say: the vent rings surprisingly have a pretty heavy bearing on the overall vibe of the vehicle. They bear a very close-knit resemblance to the sporty Camaro, and much attention to detail was laid out to have a finished result that immediately commands the onlooker's sight line. Make sure you check out the Blazer RS when you visit us here this summer: it is fitted with a quicker steering ratio, and well-fitting 21-inch wheels. With the back seat folded down, there is 64.2 cubic feet of storage, and the capability to get your family around town with ease while enjoying the muscle car design will no doubt have you sold on the current Blazer's swagger and stance!

Motortrend.com Confirms Smaller-Sized Chevy Trailblazer to Arrive in 2020

The return of the Trailblazer namesake has been dominating the web and newswires this year, as customers just like our loyal Chuck Hutton patrons nationwide prepare to have another option to choose from while browsing on the lot. Earlier this year, Motor Trend officially broke the news that the name was going to be brought back. Then in April, the Trailblazer's revealing took place during the monumental Shanghai Auto Show. At the time, it wasn't commented on regarding whether or not the Trailblazer would come to the states as well, but now it's officially been told that the Trailblazer will make it's return to the U.S. For the 2021 model year.

It was confirmed that the Trailblazer would slot between the Equinox and the Trax, and that automatic emergency braking with lane assist and pedestrian detection will come as standard. We are excited for the arrival of this great design that will enable a very thorough amount of personalization, and an RS trim that comes with a super cool and authentic two-tone roof as standard. More news will probably be heard at the Lost Angeles Auto Show in November, as everyone will be able to feast their eyes on the crossover that Car and Driver claims is “pleasantly boxy, stylish, and classic.”

It shares the same aggressive front grille tiered headlights, complex side surfacing, big wheels, and black body cladding of the Blazer, and it is expected to have a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is expected to be standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The folks on staff at Jalopnik rated this at first sight as a “Camaro face on a crossover body”, and we actually contest that we love this comparison! We love to brandish the fact that we think the Camaro is the best pony ever created by car engineers, and that it comes out on top of the Mustang when the serious street racers offer their own two cents!

Fans of vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler will want to pay close attention: this IS a legit savior for those looking for something that may be just a slight touch less off-roady. We know full well that the original Blazer was one of the vehicles that really defined its own niche with one of the most rugged flairs in existence: introduced during the 1969 model year, the K5 Blazer had “full convertible” removable tops until 1975, and many flocked in great numbers when the fullest-size Suburban came to market. Don't feel too upset about the fact that some are deeming the flavor of the coming Trailblazer a bit urban: this snug and capable crossover will be the perfect means of getting around Memphis and the surrounding areas without any snags: It's the perfect example of what happens when a legendary and trusty troubadour finds its way to excel in today's demanding market!