2019 Blazer: Revamping a Classic With Cutting-Edge Crossover Design

All of us car enthusiasts here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis have for years loved everything about the Blazer, and have been eagerly waiting for it to return. For the 2019 year, Chevy is excitedly raising the bar on crossover design, and will be proud to introduce the 2019 Blazer as the newest member of our trusty SUV lineup! Now sporting the addition of various customer-focused technologies and top-of-the-line functionality, we are positive that we will be flooded with inquiries and excitement about its coming release! We have been proudly right at the forefront for scores of popular automotive trends before, and retained our place far ahead of the curve when we developed spectacular vehicles like the Bolt EV, Trax, and Colorado.

Securing a slot in between the Equinox and Traverse, one of the first things that are  very noticeable on the Blazer is the grille's very strong appearance, and proportions that are much more muscular, with a stature that is ready to conquer the road. 64.2 inches of cargo space is standard on the new model, and five (even tall) passengers fit comfortably. If you are embarking on a longer-than-average journey, the second-row seats conveniently fold all of the way flat, and you'll have room for multimedia equipment, camping gear, or a larger grocery haul when needed. 

 If you're looking into the possibility of getting a new Blazer, you are probably an individual that is working with a larger load on average than most. The available Chevy-first cargo management system provides a cargo fence, and adjustable rail system, providing a great way to make sure that all of your extra carry-on items get to join the journey. There are two available engine choices for the new Blazer: the standard 2.5-liter, and available 3.6-liter V6: both are paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and will have the might and able muster to deem the new Blazer an instant success.

If you are looking into some much-needed lake time or campsite journey during the  weekend, you'll be stoked about the 4,500 lb trailering rating, existing in full effect with the 3.6-liter V-6 option. There is always one time during the lake trip that can be the most nerve-wracking: when you are backing up the boat to the dock. The now-available Hitch View feature helps you align the trailer with the hitch, and lets you put to use an ingenious addition that many on a hot holiday weekend just a decade ago would have given up the precious contents of their coolers for! When you begin to closely examine things in the tire department, you'll be in awe of the with state-of-the-art 18-inch aluminum wheels, expanding to 21-inch wheels when you opt for the RS of Premier trim level.

 You won't have to put any tablet or phone on standby in the new Blazer: wireless charging and six USB ports are available to make sure that everything you need is constantly full of juice. For any inclement weather you may encounter in the Memphis Metro area, you'll quickly become fond of Traction Select: it allows you to make real-time adjustments to the vehicle's driving mode to account for constantly changing road conditions, deeming it a dependable and destined-to-be first choice for any adventurous urban commuter!

Chevy Midsize SUV Spotted in Southern Europe During Extreme Heat Testing

Spy shots are one of the elements we rely on most to keep us posted regarding models coming up in the near future. Sometimes it gets a bit mundane scoping out the details on cars that are partially covered up with camouflage and other usual visual deterrents, but some of the finepoints have to be kept secret until the final releases to the press and ultra-exciting unveilings at auto shows! The spy photographs we have just gotten out hands-on here at Chuck Hutton appear to have caught Chevy's new midsize crossover during multiple test runs in southern Europe, where it was seeing how well it fared in the most extreme of heat conditions.

Rumored to be sporting the “Blazer” namesake, the model will be positioned between the small Equinox, and the powerful and sizable Traverse. The very narrow headlights and grille slats can be noticed popping out from underneath the camo, and a flatter nose as well as very upright rear end are pretty consistent with the rest of the lineup's appearance. At first glance, it seems like those on the hunt for a midsize SUV will be very pleased: from a side stance, the future Blazer lobs pleasantly over to the larger size visually, conveying a trusty vibe and ability to seat passengers comfortably. The new model will most likely be situated on the Chi crossover platform, which is used on the new GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT5.

We'd bet that the engine choices would be the standard 2.5-liter inline-four, as well as the optional 3.6-liter V-6 engine, paired aptly to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This will be a welcome competitor to rise up against the Ford Edge, and Nissan Murano, and the Blazer is expected to debut during the Los Angeles auto show in late 2018, or the Detroit auto show in January. This year during the first quarter, sales of the Traverse and Equinox were up more than 30 percent, as consumers begin to fully embrace the idea. What's not to love? You can easily navigate through urban traffic, have space all the way in the back for everything ranging from groceries to sports gear, and benefit from a beefed-up array of safety features to protect you on the road.

The driver will have the choice of front-or all-wheel drive, and the overall look promises to be a bit more sporty and chiseled than past versions of the blazer. Inside, rumor has it that there will be the cool circular air vents that were found in the Camaro, and a steering wheel similar to what is in the Silverado. The S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy were marketed by Chevrolet and GMC, from 1982 – 2005, spanning two generations.

Many were extremely excited when the mid-90's Blazer was the unanimous winner of the Motor Trend Truck of the Year. At this point, a design had been adopted that was a bit less rugged, which is what we feel the 2019 version will possess as well. Everyone here at Chuck Hutton will do our best to keep you posted on the Blazer's details and release, while customers again will get to enjoy the thrill of daily drives with an SUV that has demonstrated timeless reliability and form!

An SUV of Choice for the Young, Savvy, and Sensational: Chevy's 2018 Equinox

If there is one group of car buyers that we feel we need to really stand up and take notice of for all their hard work, it is most definitely young professionals. We recognize that there are many out there in Memphis who are making important choices for your life after school, holding down numerous jobs, and getting the opportunity to display your burgeoning talents with every single stride you make. With very diverse and talented individuals on the hunt for the ultimate vehicle for their daily needs, Chevy has really upped the ante in the SUV category, and the newly redesigned Equinox is perfect for those who are constantly on the go.

There is space for 5 to fit comfortably, and the new design for the Equinox has the features and force to edge past the competition on all fronts. This is the best SUV on the market to rival competitors such as the Rav-4 and CR-V, with much attention in the engineering department allocated to making sure the most active type of driver has an engaging experience. For the type of driver that takes more than just the occasional long trip with the family, the state of Tennessee is one ideal location for anyone experiencing the most intense cases of wanderlust. The scenic areas towards the East by the Meeman Shelby Forest area provide some great days full of rock climbing, and opportunities to load up the Equinox full of friends and gear.

The lighter weight is one of the first traits that anyone driving the new Equinox will notice: 400 pounds have been shed from the SUV, and this tightens the all-important turning radius by 2.5 feet. Every single inch of the 63.5 cubic feet of space in the Equinox is utilized to its fullest potential, to assure that every needed person and last tool needed for whatever task is in front of you will be included on the trip. The 60/40 seat folding option allows much more open space for anything from a summertime outdoor picnic, to impromptu camping trips, or quick escapes from the metro to see the sunset in a more secluded locale.

The 1.5-liter turbo engine averages 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and if you are on the hunt for more muscle, the 2.0-liter doles out 252 hp, while the gas-consuming element is kept at an average of 24 mpg. For those who like to move around often, and do so with a certain amount of style, this is the ultimate budget-friendly vehicle, still offering the flair and safety features of those much higher up the chain for the price. The full selection of active safety tech on board included safety alert seat, forward collision warning with following distance indicator, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

For the times during the journey when the mile markers are not entertaining anymore and some on board entertainment is appropriate, the 7-inch touch screen is now standard, with an 8-inch available for those who want a bit more substance in their screen stance. Car and Driver claimed that the Equinox is “Expertly damped, with well-controlled wheel motions, and no sense of body float”. Every emerging young new professional's dream SUV is available for test drive right now here at Chuck Hutton: come visit us during the first kiss of summer, and check out the many ways it will meet, as well as surpass your driving expectations!

1000-Horsepower Capable C8 Corvette Plans Outlined by Car and Driver

Instant high-speed status, intensely-focused power capability, and one of the smoothest designs in existence: these are just a few of the traits that anyone who has owned a Corvette gets to enjoy, drive after thrilling drive. This past week, Car and Driver provided an in-depth account of new details that will wow many from the next-generation 'Vette, which includes no option for manual transmission, as well as a hybrid trim level that has the ability to generate a startling 1,000 horsepower. The pricing won't be too far out of the attainable zone, thanks to composite materials made of fiberglass used for construction, and the new generation's model seeing the inclusion of a heavily-revamped version of the LT1 pushrod engine.

The final weight is expected to be a bit heavier than the current model's 3500-pound tally, and the very rewarding tradeoff is the extra 500 horsepower gleaned, thanks to the presence of the LT1 engine. It will be quicker than the C7, with the quick-shifting transaxle playing a large part. This future Corvette C8 is also going to have the 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 as an option, that peaks at 9,000 RPM, and cranks out 600 horsepower. There will also be the choice of a twin-turbo version, that puts out 800 horsepower. The detail that will most likely excite the hardest core of 'Vette fans is the horsepower addition: with the electric motor added to the mix, this mid-engined and front-motor beast will now have the bragging rights of a startlingly high 1,000 horsepower stat!

The front of this wicked and groundbreaking new Corvette will be designed to process and handle the maximum threshold as far as air intake goes, offering up the ability to cool down the necessary elements that will no doubt be in high-performance mode at all times in this savage and stealth new contender. The good folks atCar and Driver also claim that the mid-engine Corvette will be unveiled sometime during the upcoming spring, and will be sold momentarily alongside the existing C7. The rear decklid will be the location for the powered spoiler, and tailpipes are now relocated to the edges of the rear fascia, instead of the previous central spot. Other sources say that on the production car, a fastback-style rear-window panel will be in place, to fully display the muscle and agility of the mid-mounted engine.

The roof panel on the new C8 is removable, and the steering wheel has a flattened  bottom and top, of the “Squircle” variety. Constructing a vehicle with this much horsepower is going to undoubtedly be one of the most significant events in the history of our brand, and all of us here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis are eagerly waiting to hear about any updates about this powerful and iconic new release. The original write-up from Car and Driver stated that “Those expecting a carbon-fiber spaceship powered by an antimatter machine will be somewhat disappointed”; but we fully expect that this will remain a very accessible sports car, blending the most modern of design elements with the potential for more raw power than any Corvette has ever had before.

Estimating The Value of Electric Power: A Customer's Year Spent With The Chevy Bolt

Since the days of abundant sunshine and heat have begun their yearly cycle here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis, many of our staff members and customers are realizing just how much our planet has changed. We are not here to talk politics in the least, but we all agree that there are some days where we collectively think, “Is this our environment that is causing these quick and drastic changes?”. One great reason to embrace the drastic switch that has been made to electric is to appreciate not being reliant on gasoline, as we never know what the future holds on the planet. The knowledgeable staff on duty at Green Car Reports had one of their most frequent readers track just how the two Chevy Bolts that he bought worked out for him over the course of 12 months, and how they worked out during lengthy road trips.

His selection of the Chevy Bolt was very useful in reaping a large savings on fuel costs, and he saw more than 300 miles of range during the summer, even as the Bolt was rated at just 238 miles in this category by the EPA. Longstanding Chevy customer Patrick Reid told of his satisfaction regarding the fossil fuel industry, which he was excited about not ponying up any more money to. Cars that use no gasoline, motor oil, transmission oil, filters, or power steering fluid allow for a much greener consumer footprint, as many have made the decision and taken steps to alleviate the need for an internal combustion vehicle. Chevy still is proud of the quality vehicles we produce that are still dependent on gasoline, and while we will continue to be steadfast for that segment, we are still pleasantly surprised by the number of customers who are making the switch that never before thought they would.

Patrick and his wife purchased their first Bolt EV in January of 2017, and another one in mid-April of the same year. They both have been amazed by the performance, versatility, range, quality of construction, and money saved in fuel costs since the purchase. The Bolts that they raved about replaced a 2007 Chevrolet Impala, and a 2002 GMC Yukon. Each of these vehicles usually saw around 15,000 miles a year put on them, with annual fuel costs adding up to around $4,700. Gas prices in their area hovered around $2.70 per gallon. To illustrate the costs they used to incur against the cost to charge their new vehicles, the results are monumental: fuel at one time cost the couple around $390 per month, yet the electricity expense to charge the new Bolts was just around $85 per month.

After a full year had passed, they had driven a combined total of 30,400 miles, and around 80 percent of these driven were derived from their own garage-generated power. The cost for this power was around 11 cents per KW. Their ultimate goal was to take the $3,700 they had saved on gas costs, and put it towards a college or vacation fund, or any other emergencies that life threw at them. They found that via a bit of advanced planning, the PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Chevrolet Apps have located enough Level 3 chargers for them available on their planning routes, to make these types of trips a possibility, without the hassle of figuring out the most convenient place to recharge the vehicle. They would always try to plan the necessary charging stops at around the 170-210 mile mark, and scout out a proper backup charger within 20 miles. 

At home most of the time, they had both vehicles plugged in at once, and their 20-amp garage charger suffered no issues at all with taking on the duty of the combined 16-amp load. Claiming just how satisfied they were with their purchases was of high importance to this couple: they reflected that both of their Bolts have the exact same ride quality now as they did the very first day of purchase. Come be our guests at Chuck Hutton, and see just how much a Bolt can change your entire savings and spending outlook, to quickly become your most amazing family driving asset for 2018!

2019 Silverado Spotlight: 8 Trims + Various Engine and Transmission Combos

The customers that we see at Chuck Hutton of Memphis on the hunt for a perfect truck understandably have questions about the many different trims available to them. Next year's Silverado model will sport 8 different trims, paired to six engine and transmission combinations. Everyone from a hard-working contractor to busy family will be able to pinpoint the version that will perfectly tailor their needs for performance, modern technology, and long-lasting value. Over half of these models will be equipped with some of the most advanced V8's in Chevy's illustrious history: these are heavily-updated versions of the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management, which utilizes 17 different modes that are standing by to deactivate cylinders as needed.

The brand-new RST and Silverado LT both have the all-new for 2019, very advanced 2.7-Liter turbo engine that is on deck to replace the 4.3-liter V6, as the brand new standard. It is now equipped to offer 22 percent more torque, higher fuel efficiency, and a larger power-to-weight ratio than found on this year's model. There is also now the option to satisfy many hard-working men and womens' demand for diesel: the new Duramax 3.0-liter inline six turbo number is slated to be available early next year. Each available combination of engine and transmission is based on one of three very focused consumer profiles: High Value, High Volume, or High Feature. The High Value profile is for customers that are seeking full-size truck capability, but still are leaning towards a very affordable price tag. Within this segment, the Work Truck, Custom, and Custom Trail Boss trims offer some trusty and durable engine and transmission combinations.

The High Volume profile was conceptualized with customers in mind that have needs smack dab in the middle of the truck market's offerings. Much like the hard-working residents of the Heartland itself, the LT, RST, and LT Trail Boss trims are there to offer spot-on efficiency, performance, and the best in new technology options for the driver. Now standard for the RST and LT, the all-new 2.7-liter Turbo with Active Fuel Management and stop/start technology is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Now standard on LT Trail Boss and also available on LT and RST is the updated 5.3-Liter V8, mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission, and the all-important Dynamic Fuel Management.

If you are on the hunt for a truck that is upper-end and premium in all ways, the High Feature profile is sure to be appealing: the LTZ and High Country trims offer the absolute highest levels of performance in existence. The entry-level Standard trim now has the updated 5.3-liter V8, Dynamic Fuel Management, and stop/start technology, paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. You can also opt for the updated 6.2-Liter V8 on this available trim level, paired with the 10-speed transmission.

Every single model boasts more efficiency in aerodynamics and weight class than their predecessors, and there has not been a compromise in fuel efficiency to reach the ultimate goal. To really stake a firm claim as the most dependable and durable pickup on the road, the Silverado has been rigorously run through more than 475,000 validation tests, and a whopping 7 million miles of road testing, before the very first model makes its way off the production line!

2019 Chevy Silverado Spy Shot Update: Hastily Caught Without Being Under Wraps!

Here at Chuck Hutton of Memphis when spring makes its appearance, trucks are about the hottest topic in existence. Camping trips at spots like Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park and Southfork Resort are going to be gearing up for lots of action soon, and being fully equipped with a vehicle like the Silverado will be choice. The very rugged, able and above-par 2019 Silverado was already shown to the public at this year's Detroit Auto Show, but a few questions were left a bit out in the open. There were some loose ends regarding the RST trim level, and it is now shown prominently in a few spy shots release to us this week.

The main differences are within the body-colored grille: it now has gaps that are much narrower in the center bars. Bumpers now have body color, and the fog lights have chrome guards that bear more similarity to the design of the grille. The tailgate possesses the Silverado's style, but receives the awesome RST trim badge. The pictured test truck also sports a 4x4 sticker, making the announcement of its four-wheel-drive availability. It's still plausible that there will be a few more performance upgrades to the RST, within this trim that was first introduced on the Tahoe and Suburban. We recognize how important it is to have a very durable, sturdy, and reliable truck for daily duties, hauling, various chores around your property, or getting the trusty toys out to the lake.

Reserving the lighter aluminum for construction of the hood, doors, and tailgate, the 2019 Silverado is a bit unlike competitor Ford's F-150, that now features the use of aluminum into the construction of the cab. Trimming weight while improving size has made many trucks the devices we only dreamed of decades ago: there is supposed to be as much as 450 pounds trimmed from the 2019 crew-cab V8 compared to the previous year's model. This includes 88 pounds removed from the frame, and another 88 from the body. The wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than the current truck's, and 1.6 inches is added to the overall length. Legroom in the rear is up: it is now 43.8 inches, up from 40.9 in this year's model.

All cab configurations for the 2019 get a bed with almost seven inches of extra floor  width, and a brand-new power-operated tailgate allows passengers to have easy access, with a button mounted right in the cabin. The newcomer to the power lineup is a diesel-powered, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six. When you add some excitement to your spring by visiting us here for a test drive, don't forget to check out the LTZ and High Country Luxury trims: the LTZ provides leather seating surfaces and power-folding outer mirrors, while the High Country gets a two-tone grill, standard power tailgate, and chrome running boards. Further solidifying its stance as a truck that never loses its luster, KBB.Com awarded the Silverado in the Top Ten For Best Resale Value for 2018!


Images courtesy of Auto Blog