Silverado Trail Boss Caught in Intense Drag Race Against the LTZ L71 Via Motor1.com

The new Chevy Silverado 1500 is now available in a large assortment of configurations, ranging from a simple work truck to the very luxurious High-Country model. The staff at Motor1.com has steered all of us here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis towards a scorching-hot new video from the folks at The Fast Lane Truck that compares and contrasts in the form of a good ole fashion drag race two versions of the same truck that both serve very opposite purposes.

The LT Trail Boss exists for the thrill of off-roading, brandishing features like a lifted suspension. The LTZ offers up amenities to make those on board a bit more comfortable, and with both sporting about the same price tag, the choice always comes down to the usual matter of personal preference. Each member of this dynamic duo comes with a 5.3-liter V8 that cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Trail Boss boasts a 10-speed automatic, and the LTZ has an 8-speed auto. The question at hand that this video put to the test is whether or not the truck with more gears possesses the necessary power to win an all-out showdown!

The two drag races that take place here dictate that the LTZ is the quicker of the pair. In the first race, the Trail boss driver is slower off the line, but the second time things look much more equal. The truck built for off-road duty ends up slightly behind its more luxurious rival from the same badge. The Fast Lane Truck also completed the task of doing a proper fuel economy check, with the route mostly traversing urban city streets.

As the staff at US News reported in their car section, one very healthy boast of the Silverado 1500 is that it has best-in-class towing capacity, as well as top-notch fuel economy with this year's new turbodiesel engine. It is also known for being one of the best handling and balanced rides to exist in the truck realm. New for 2020, the Maximum towing capacity was upgraded to 13,400 pounds, and you can make the choice from three large bed sized that provide plenty of space for hauling cargo.

One of the most useful options within the LTZ package is the Snow Plow Prep Package: for those of us that frequently see inclement weather, it brings to the table heavy-duty front springs, skid plates, a 220-amp alternator, high-capacity air filter, and auxiliary transmission oil cooler. The Max Trailering Package for the LTZ is one of the most ingenious additives for anyone who has a day of hauling ahead of them: here you get the added benefits of an automatic locking rear differential, an enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning, heavy- duty rear springs, and a trailer brake controller.

GM Authority Reports on Supercharged 6.2-Liter LT4 V8 Engine as a Possibility for Chevy Silverado ZRX

The upcoming Chevy Silverado ZRX may be the lucky recipient of Chevy's supercharged 6.2-L LT4 V8 engine, and the always-on-point staff of GM Authority offered up the details on their blog last week. It was reported here that according to TFL Truck, Chevy is hard at work on a version just for trucks of the supercharged 6.2L LT4 engine. It's set to make its way into the Chevy Silverado ZRX off-road pickup, our stealth competitor right here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis going up directly against the Ram Rebel TRX and Ford Raptor.

This high-performance engine that is already installed in the hefty pony in the form of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 cranks out 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. GM Authority is one of those rare publications that waits very stealth-like in the shadows until things become official to activate the digital ink, and when they first wrote about the Silverado ZRX it was during September of 2019 after they had uncovered a trademark filing for the name in late summer.

 

This exciting off-road model will share many similarities with the Chevy Colorado ZR2, offering up MultiMatic DSSV Dampers, trustier suspension, front and rear electronic lockers, and modified bumper treatments for improved departure and approach angles. The ZRX is also going to feature the GM 10-Speed automatic transmission, but there are many hints that could show how GM will offer a more powerful engine option in the future as well. This truck-specific version of the 6.2-L LT4 V8 is slated to be used in other Chevy full-size SUVs, and perhaps even in a performance-focused Cadillac Escalade with a supercharged V8.

When it comes to the construction and finishing of a killer truck, the question then looms regarding where will it be shown at its best and highest performance. The announcement was also made last year about the brand-new off-road racing program for the Silverado ZRX, boasting a Silverado LT Trail Boss with MultiMatic DSSV dampers leading the way in the Best of the Desert off-road series. This will be the hands-on experiment that will provide the answers on how to develop suspension and other components in the more demanding areas of the motor sports arena.

In spy shots that appeared on the web earlier this year, the dampers seem to bear Rancho branding, the outfit who also supplies the pieces for the Z71 Off-Road package on the Silverado. It is also expected to see the new model with a major interior upgrade, seeing improvements to the infotainment system as well as a re-tweaked center stack. What the ZRX will actually bring to the table is the existence of an off-road-ready model a bit bigger than the ZR2, protected heavily by the best skid plates in the business and a major face-lift for an award-winning pickup poised to dominate any boulder-strewn and dirt-laden landscape!

GM Authority Video 2020 Showcases how Chevy Silverado Durabed Makes Life Easy

The actual truck bed itself was one of the areas of prime focus for GM when developing the current-generation Chevy Silverado. The engineers on duty had a goal of creating a bed with best-in-class cargo volume, box depth and box length at floor, along with a segment – topping 12 fixed tie-downs and available power up/down tailgate, it is now described as “the most functional bed of any pickup” on sale out there on the market today.

 

GM and Chevy recently put together this video highlighting the many ways that the Durabed makes things easier for righteously excited new Silverado pickup owners just like many right here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis. It goes over in detail the Durabed's various sizes, construction materials, and the 12 fixed tie-down points. The short-box Durabed has 9 cubic feet more volume than the previous-generation Chevy Silverado's short box at a grand total of 62.9 cubic feet. The standard box has gained more than ten cubic feet for a total volume of 71.7, while the long box has grown by 12 cubic feet for a total of 89.1.

There are also nine optional movable tie-down points in the bed in addition to the 12 fixed tie-down points, for those that are seeking a little more in the lines of utility. The 500-lb capacity of these fixed tie-down points is double the capacity of what you find on last year's Silverado. Finally, the video highlights the extreme cool and handiness of the external power outlet, CornerStep rear bumpers, and available power up-down tailgate. The bed floor has been greatly improved using high-strength low-alloy, which lowers the weight but drastically increases the strength factor.

Even with an over sized work boot, using the corner step bumper makes getting into the truck bed much easier. The 2020 Silverado remains as one of the most recognizable pickup trucks out there, with plentiful customization options and a very stylized exterior. New for this year, the 6.2-liter V8 and 10-speed automatic transmission are now made more widely available across the lineup, and the Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six joins the ranks of the options list.

When it comes to the blissful thoughts of everything you ever dreamed about in a truck, the High Country trim really tops the list: here you enjoy a premium Bose sound system, heated steering wheel, rear park assist, wireless charging and a navigation system featuring turn-by- turn directions. On the exterior end, you will proudly brandish 6-inch chrome assist steps, 20-inch chrome wheels, and polished exhaust tips!

GM Authority Highlights 5 Major Differences Between the Three-row and Four-row Blazer

Last year, GM Authority provided the excursive report that a three-row version of the new Chevy Blazer was being worked on. Since it is now seen release in China, it is possible to thoroughly compare the different functions and features, which is what was done on the blog this week. Here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis, our customers have loved the way this new Blazer drew design cue inspiration from the likes of the Camaro, and how its edgier stance makes it a hit with young professionals and recent grads alike. Here are five of the major differences between the two that will help you make your final choice.

 

Exterior Dimensions: The most obvious difference between the three-row Chevy Blazer and the standard version is in the dimension department. Even though the seven-seat Blazer uses the same 112.7-inch wheelbase variant of the GM C1 platform as the tow-row model, it has an extra 5.4 inches of length, 0.28 inches more width, and 1.34 inches taller than the five-seat model. This is mostly due to a longer rear overhang and a longer roofline, which has a less-aggressive tapered stance than the two-row Blazer. The three-row Blazer has different proportions that also include larger rear doors and a more upright tailgate.

Interior: The noticeably longer body that the three-row Chevy Blazer brandishes has a direct impact on the interior appearance. The longer exterior footprint makes way for the Chinese-market version to gain its third row of seating, expanding the capacity to seven passengers. In addition, the three-row model now has a maximum cargo space of 69.6 cubic feet, which is 5.4 cubic feet more when stacked up against the two-row model. The location and design of the dashboard elements are practically the same as those on the North American model, the Blazer's floating central touchscreen for China is 10 inches diagonally, as opposed to the hexagonal frame and 8-inch display of the two-row version.

Powertrain: Both Blazer models have notable differences when it comes to power sources. The North American model offers three engine choices: two naturally-aspirated numbers (the 2.5-L I4 LCV and the 3.5L V6 LGX) on top of the turbo-charged 2.0-L I4 LSY. The three-row Blazer is just offered with the turbocharged 2.0L IF LSY, and all engines are paired with GM's nine-speed automatic transmission.

Trim Levels: The three-row Blazer in China is offered in three trim levels – base, Redline, and RS, with all three drawing a major emphasis on the crossover's very sporty character. The two-row Blazer here in the US comes in base, LT, (with 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT equipment levels), the sporty RS, and the luxurious Premier.

Availability: As of this writing, each version of the Chevy Blazer is manufactured in specific plants to drive supply to different markets. We are very excited to offer the vehicle that Motor1.com claimed has a “perfectly mean stance” and possesses an engine that feels “incredibly muscle car-esque in a straight line”. It takes this SUV an admirable 6.8 seconds to hit sixty miles per hour by means of the all-wheel-drive option – and the exhaust doles out a robust and resonant note on the way there!

GM Authority Highlights Second-Row Seat Fold and Major Space Addition in 2021 Chevy Suburban and Tahoe

Back in December the 2021 Chevy Suburban and 2021 Tahoe debuted as all-new, next-generation vehicles boasting a long list of updates and upgrades, and as an excellent college indie rock band from the plains of Iowa once sang, “There's always great appeal to a house of large sizes!” Among the new goodies to be excited about are a new cabin design that features second-and third-row seating that is a snap to fold down. The knowledgeable staff on duty at GM Authority offered up a blog feature last week that showcased a video depicting just how much extra space you can get in the new model if needed.

This video shows the second-row captain's chair folding down all of the way to the vehicle floor. The seats also can slide forward and backward inside the cabin as well as flipping up towards the first-row seats to offer simplified third-row access. Both the 2021 Suburban and Tahoe ride on the GM T1 platform and come equipped with the new independent multilink rear suspension. This is a massive improvement to the way the vehicle handles each time on the road, and also paves the way for a lower and flatter load floor which makes getting cargo and people in and out much easier.

With the addition of this lower load floor, both the Suburban and Tahoe seats could drop or squat to assure the cargo space stays flat when the third- and second-row seats are folded. With the load floor now flattened, it makes for more cargo capacity as well as an added 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. This is an extra 16.2-cubic-feet of cargo space behind the second row, and an extra 1.8- cubic-feet of cargo space right behind the third row. Here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis one of the requests we have had lately from families and small businesses out there trying their best to hustle is that “Space is the biggest commodity we could ever encounter!” 

Passengers will have more space due to an extra 10 inches of third-row legroom and this is the first time that the second-row seats can now slide forward or back by 5.5 inches. These are two big-and beautiful vehicles that we are excited to introduce in the Suburban’s 12- generation, and we are confident that the new platform will prove to be an enormous hit. When things begin to get better out there, the baseball games, soccer leagues, and barbecues are going to need hefty hauling; out their way, and the new Suburban will be the means to do so. The bloggers from Carbuzz.com also reflected that when it comes to these two numbers, “All missions are accomplished”, and that these heavyset and poised-for-prowess vehicles deliver on every single bullet point in existence!

2020 Chevy Corvette C8 Base-Level 1LT's Features Examined Close-up on Motor1.com

This year's Corvette 2LT and 3LT trim levels have been closely examined on the many blogs and internet news sources that have a love for all things car-related, and for very good reason! This amazing mid-engined model that has seen so many years in the making has been reviewed as completely iconic, game-changing, and has been billed as having the best interior of any Corvette that ever existed. Adrian Padeanu of Motor1.com took a close-up look this past week at what the base 1LT offers and put this video on the blog laying out all of the details.

Even without the head-up display, wireless charging pad, front-facing camera, and heated steering wheel, many who have taken the plunge and took this breathtaking machine for a spin have thought it appears a bit cleaner this way. On the shown model there is no Z51 trim, no magnetic ride, and the still very striking number makes its appearance in placidly stark orange exterior paint. The host first describes in detail how there is 490 horsepower generated from the 6.2-liter V8 engine. The transmission does also come with paddles, and it is stressed here that it in all ways is “exceptionally quick!”

The tires flaunt 19-inch rims in the front and 20-inch in the back, and the base-level trim does come with a removable top that easily clicks in place. You do also score GT1 seats on the entry-level 'Vette, which the review team agrees are absolutely “more than just OK.” They do a good job of showing the viewer here how everything on the interior facing the driver almost feels like an awesome fighter jet, and the steering wheel is calibrated just as one for racing would be. 

The driving modes available are touring, sport, and track, and track is where this crew claims the most fun is had. It's where the steering and braking really stiffens up, and you get to open up and embrace every bump and corner in the road. The Motor1.com expert on duty also claims that the Bose 10-speaker audio system on board is one of the best he's ever heard and that he was able to get it sounding “absolutely perfect.”

This base-level does not come with a rear-view camera, and even though that is more of a family-friendly safety feature we recognize it adds a feeling of safety and security. Everyone here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis has been amazed by the raw performance ability and power of the new Corvette, and this video does a great job of laying out just what you get when exploring the entry-level purchase! For most of us in the automotive sales and service realm, the new C8 was a definitive moment in history, and we love to relish every chance out there to explore the way it feels to push its limits!

Chevy Blazer Vs. Traverse Comparison Via Motor Trend: How do they Drive?

The Motor Trend team has tested the Chevy Blazer quite a bit since its release in 2019 and were very impressed by the RS trim at their SUV of the Year competition. Last week they decided to see how the Blazer stacked up against the larger 2019 Traverse Premier FWD, in some ways defying the typical comparison test. Since the Blazer and Traverse are not in direct competition with each other, it's not a classic stack up and showdown, but you will want to know which one is right for you.

Experienced writer Nick Yekikian says of the Traverse that it is “like a pair of Chuck Taylors – easy to live with and use every single day, but maybe not the best choice for any kind of exercise.” The Blazer, on the other hand, is illustrated by Nick as one that can “help you tackle the 5K” but has perhaps more limited uses as a result. One thing in common that both of these great SUVs have is that they are very similar in price range, as the Motor Trend crew compared the Traverse Premier and the Blazer RS.

There is quite a difference in interior that was pointed out here after investigation, as one issue to be immediately addressed is that the Traverse boasts three rows and seating for up to eight, and the Blazer has two rows and seating for five. As far as interior goes, this testing troupe regarded the Blazer as a “properly modern place to sit.” Climate controls are laid out in a straight line, and the temperature control knob on the larger side is so massive it's difficult to miss. The gauge clusters in the Blazer are a bit sportier, and the four-spoke steering wheel in the Blazer is has a bit sportier of an appearance.

Both vehicles derive power from 3.6-liter V6 engines, pared with nine-speed automatic transmissions. The Blazer cranks out 308 horsepower compared to the Traverse's 310 but finishes out ahead in the torque department with 270 stacked up to the Traverse's 266 lb-ft. Mainly due to its size, the Blazer is much easier to control than the Traverse, and you feel behind the wheel that the car will “do whatever you tell it to.” Even though the Traverse ranked a bit lower on the athletic side with this group, it needs to be addressed that you are carrying more people or cargo, and it is still surprisingly capable all-around for an SUV its size.

All of us on staff here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis would have to agree with Motor Trend that when you are making this decision it mostly depends on how large your family is and your daily driving habits. If there are fewer than five of you, the compact nature and competence of the Blazer is going to appeal to you and still be suitable and practical. You can test drive both of these outstanding SUVs here this spring and see which one meets your needs. We are going to go out on a limb and say that our personal favorite is the Blazer, with its slightly more aggressive stance and styling, but the task of having more to haul can be accomplished with the Traverse hands down, and with the same promise of safety, security, and longevity that every Chevy vehicle proudly offers!