First Glimpse of Bolt EUV Reveals a Humble, Eco-Friendly and Fiercely Capable Subcompact

One thing that the world has had to embrace lately in large doses is change, and the environmentally-conscious change coming soon regarding electrification is amazingly exciting! Right now the Chevy Bolt is the vehicle that has been the solo choice for electric power as far as GM for several years now. The incoming Bolt EUV will begin with the basic frame of the Bolt, then adding on for roominess and comfort, and last Wednesday GM offered the first glimpse of the model soon.

The new EUV will take its place in the lineup alongside a refreshed Bolt, and will share the nameplate's existing platform instead of the BEV3 architecture reserved for the Lyriq and others stomping their hooves in the competition line. The platform mates with the revolutionary Ultium battery packs, yielding a range of over 300 miles. In the video shown here, it is seen that the EUV is taller and longer than its hatchback relative. The overall profile and upper works bear some similarity to the Buick Encore GX, with a beltline and hood that are both relatively flatter.

The new EUV is also rumored to gain substantial growth in wheelbase and will be produced at GM's Orion Assembly next summer. The Bolt as well as Bolt EUV will be the first pair of Chevy models to have the Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist system, a gigantic leap forward into the exciting future of autonomous driving and the arrival of ingenious changes that will make their solid mark on automotive history. All of us here on staff at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis are thrilled to be waiting on the arrival of what will serve more as an electric SUV as opposed to a tall hatchback.

The longer wheelbase will make space for a larger battery than the standard Bolt's 66-kW-hr pack, one of the factors that up the driving range further than 259 miles. The incoming model will still be front-wheel drive only, as there are not currently plans to motorize the rear axle. A push-button gear selector and upgraded infotainment system are among the new features, and the entire vehicle is ringed with flat-black plastic cladding in the form of lower-body treatment. The Bolt EUV will also boast more legroom, headroom in the back, and cargo space.

Numerous EV fans were asking repeatedly about the arrival of one-pedal driving mode, and sure enough, this new model delivers on that one as well. After a short learning curve, it makes the driver feel more efficient and as if their mind can stray a bit (safely!) from the task at hand. The Bolt will also have been equipped with a new sensor array and camera, another hint towards furthering the move towards self-driving technology.

2021 Chevy Tahoe High Country's Felt Presence Is “Big, Broad, and Powerful”

Even as a movement for incredibly efficient and tiny-sized cars has gained steam within some circles, everyone here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis still appreciates the big-and-bad stature of a large vehicle that can appropriately command the road! The Tahoe is now new for 2021, and it boasts more third-row room, greater cargo volume, and generally enough space to handle any family or growing business's growth. Senior Editor and correspondent Robert Duffer took a lengthy test drive of the new Tahoe around some of southern Michigan's Metroparks on Lake Erie and along the Huron River, and immediately loved the way the large vehicle felt from behind the wheel.

 

A brand-new independent rear suspension works overtime to cushion uneven grades, and magnetic dampers with available air suspension let the new Tahoe glide in a way that ranked way better than seen in the competition such as the Nissan Armada  and Toyota Sequoia. The 2021 Tahoe grows 6.7 inches longer to now become nearly as huge as the last-generation Suburban, and now sees cargo room increase by a whopping 30%. The wheelbase is extended by 4.9 inches to improve legroom in the third row, and also increase cargo volume to 25.5 cubic feet. 

 

This makes the new Tahoe an ideal choice for anyone going on super large grocery runs or shuttling loved ones from the airport, and second-row seats that slide forward and back five inches also help the comfort of rearseat passengers. If you start to have the need for hauling more massive cargo, another manual handle collapses the seat and lowers nearly two inches to yield a flat floor for 122.9 cubic feet of maximum storage. There are also power-folding third-row seats that can be raised or lowered from the cockpit or the rear liftgate.

 

Up front, the steering-column mounted shifter has now changed to an electronic shifter positioned on the dash between the 10.2-inch touchscreen and the dash. The available power center console slides 10 inches back, covering up a hidden tray and lower storage level. This feature allows second-row riders to access another set of USB ports and cupholders, and opting for the tech package provides second-row passengers with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD entertainment screens as well as adaptive cruise control.

 

2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray Set To Lead the Pack as Official Pace Car for 104th Indy 500 Showcase

The very top level of American Championship Car Racing is an open-wheel, open-cockpit formula fondly known as “Indy-Car Racing”, awaited anxiously on every year by many of us and our customers here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis. The 2020 Corvette Stingray will handle the duty of taking the field to green for the 104th running this year, brandishing a specially-celebrated model for the occasion. It is a Torch Red coupe equipped with the optional Z51 performance package, accessory spoiler and ground effects package, Carbon Flash accents, GT2 bucket seats, and an Indy 500-themed livery.

GM President Mark Reuss himself will be behind the wheel, personally celebrating all that the Chevy namesake has contributed to the success of Indy 500 and other events. This Torch Red 2020 Corvette Stingray is definitely a world-class machine with the performance and speed that perfectly suits it to pace the “500” landscape. The Corvette has seen the honor of leading the Indy 500 field to green more than any other vehicle in history, seeing its first time at the Greatest Spectacle in racing was in 1978, since seizing the opportunity 17 times. 

The very first time a Chevy vehicle led the pack at the Indy track was in 1948 when a Chevy Fleetmaster Six convertible was given the honors. Situated just behind the Corvette is another Chevy masterpiece: the Camaro has also had its roots in motor racing and a close long-standing relationship with the Indy 500. Company co-founder Louis Chevrolet first met William C. Durant after being hired on by Buick as a racing driver and the two would later co-found the company together in 1911. Chevrolet himself went on to start in four Indy 500s, retiring in all but three of them, while his brothers Gaston and Arthur also made two Indy 500 starts each. 

Last year's Indy 500 was won by Chevy Team Penske driver Simon Pagenaud, and 11 times over the years has seen 9 drivers with Chevy engines combined to claim the title. The 104th Indy 500 will go green on Sunday, August 23, with coverage on NBSCSN at 1 P.M. ET. Last year the qualifying procedure was restructured a bit, as “Bump Day” and “Pole Day” were moved into the second day of qualifying and those who qualified in positions 10 30 on day one will be locked into the field. The weekend before the race, all cars are now entered into a blind draw to determine qualifying order. 

The fastest nine drivers from Saturday then take their own parts in the “Fast Nine Shootout”, and the qualifying order is based on the first run's slowest to fastest ranking. From here the quickest driver wins the sought-after “pole position”, and the remaining 8 lock in positions reflecting their times. We are thrilled to see the Corvette once again at the head of the line during such a spectacular event, and thankful to everyone out there helping make sporting events safe yet still sensational!

Liftoff In Lansing: 2021 Chevy Camaro Production Now Underway

 

Before any official announcement took place, reports began circulating some 55 years ago within the automotive journalist circle that Chevy was in the works planning a competitor to the Ford Mustang. Then going under the guise of the code name “Panther”, a few hundred telegrams that went out to esteemed auto writers then puzzled them, instructing them to keep June 28^th of that year free. On that very day, there was a live press conference in Detroit's Statler-Hilton Hotel, which was also the first time in history that 14 cities were connected simultaneously via phone line.

 

Chevy GM Pete Estes than announced the new car line that we have grown to love so much here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis: the Camaro. The 6th-generation model was introduced 4 years ago and saw a thorough refresh last year. GM Authority excitedly served up the scoop this week that production of the 2021 Chevy Camaro is now underway. It will continue to take place at the GM Lansing Grand River Plant in Michigan, the only plant in the world that exists to assemble our favorite muscle car and track-ready contender.

 

Production began on August sixth, And the 2021 Camaro will see a few different changes, like the new addition of the 10-speed automatic transmission to the SS 1LE Track Performance Package, which previously was only available with the six-speed manual. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will now see wireless capability, as well as being standard equipment on all Camaro models. We know just how strongly that auto purists feel about the coming of electrification to the fleet, and we understand! At this point, it is not quite clear what will happen to the Camaro after its sixth generation, but we can guarantee that even if more amps and volts are involved as a power source, it will still be startlingly fast.

 

As horsepower stats have risen and tech features have progressed monumentally, we all still love to rehash memories about some of the Camaros from the past that were our favorites, even as beautiful new models are where are main attention is focused. Introduced in 1970,  the second-generation Camaro was built through the 1981 model year and was based on the F-body platform. Road and Track selected the 1971 SS350 as one of the ten best cars in the world that year, and at the time this model won over thousands for its sheer brute attitude and looks that you just wanted to polish over time and time again.

 

Three years ago the 1LE performance package returned to the Camaro, increasing the quality of handling and performance on the track. This allowed for a top speed of 205 mph, and lap time on the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time of  7:16.4. It was also one of the first cars with a 10-speed automatic transmission, deeming it the most unique model in form. Since this year offered up its fair share of delays and surprises, we will keep you posted right here on the blog about when you can expect to see this new Camaro on the lot and get the pleasure of properly opening it up on the road during a test drive!

Future Features and Design Fast Facts: The Coming of the 2022 Traverse

Many of our most loyal customers here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis have long been asking about the new version of the Traverse: having had its best sales year ever in 2019, many are being won over by its practicality and comfortable ride. Now slated to be available during the third quarter of 2021, six safety features are now standard on all trim levels, as many other competitors will require upgrading to see them in their models.

 

The 2022 model boasts best-in-class cargo space, and completely designed front and rear fascias. Since its original debut in 2009, the Traverse has seen nearly 1.3 million units sold in the U.S., and it is the third most popular car on the Chevy brand list. There are now newly redesigned front and rear fascias, and new standard LED headlamps and tail lamps. The front grille has been updated, and there are 4 new wheel designs to choose from as well. You'll also see the availability of the Dual SkyScape 2-panel power sunroof with new rear power sunshade, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now boast wireless options.

 

There is a new available 8-inch diagonal driver information center, wireless charging pad to easily stay poised and ready while on the go, and USB ports are now in all rows. The standard safety equipment for all trims now includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert, intellibeam, auto high beams, and following distance indicator. The 3LT, RS, and Premier now come standard with Adaptive Cruise Control, and a new Safety Alert Seat is standard on the Premier and High Country. The front end now bears just a bit more resemblance to the Blazer, by incorporating the turn signal into the daytime running light.

 All Traverse models have three rows, and there is seating for 8 when configured with a 2nd -row bench seat, or 7-passenger seating when the second row is configured with captain's chairs. The 2022 Traverse is proudly made at GM's factory in Lansing, Michigan, where hard-working men and women oversee the process daily to assure that every vehicle rolling off the line is in the best shape possible. The new model has taken care of one issue that was heavily noted by customers in the past: below the gear selector is now a button to disable the idle start/stop system that shuts off the engine during stoplights.

The staff at Kelley Blue Book rated the layout and technology as “completely logical and simple to use”, and there is an optional 8-inch digital display in the instrument cluster that complements the standard central touchscreen display. The High Country trim could definitely be our favorite alongside the Premier: the chrome and 20-inch wheels do a fantastic job of rounding out a flashy appearance and vibe!

Chevy Blazer Sizzles During Summer Days As “Best Mid-Size SUV” in J.D. Powers APEAL Study

When the Blazer came roaring back onto the scene it was obvious to us right here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis that many were warming up to its aggressive stance, edgy personality, and still practical sense of functionality. Over the past week, we were able to celebrate another proud milestone of the product line: the 2020 model was the top-ranked mid-size SUV in the 2020 J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

 

This medium serves as a complement to J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study and it goes deep to gauge the amounts of excitement and emotional attachment that owners get to their cars. There are 37 different qualities that the vehicles are measured on, ranging from the feeling they get when they accelerate to the sense of luxury they experience right when they climb in the driver's seat. We would agree that these are very important traits to measure a car by, and that it reflects on the appeal and influence a brand possesses. 87,000 responses directly from owners of new vehicles are the data that is studied to measure if the new purchase is a hit or miss.

 

The Blazer was #1 in the study for non-premium SUVs and easily stood out against the competition with its powerful 308 horsepower 3.6-Liter LGX V6 engine. It also had a strong sense of style and individuality with its available RS trim, and perfectly sporty exterior appearance. The Blazer also scored a segment award – a defining sign that the development of the Blazer saw all engineering and development teams hitting a home run! While you are comfortably settled during your next drive you'll also have access to the popular infotainment system that the Edmunds auto review staff claimed, “was very attractive and always easy to use.”

 

There's is no doubt that the modern-version Chevy Blazer is one of the most distinctive and unique SUVs on the market, and it is not just inspiration derived from our very own Camaro: it was one of this year's releases that developed its own unique persona once on the lot. The Edmunds staff also recommends the Convenience and Driver Confidence package, which sees the addition of the 3LT's features while only lacking the leather upholstery. Other great features on the Blazer include a 360-degree parking camera, wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. 

 

We just read a review of a satisfied customer who purchased the 3LT model and loves the HOMELINK garage door opener feature along with all of the other goodies that trim level has to offer. They had taken a long trip and had encountered roads much rougher than they expected in a rural area and claimed the very capable suspension and steering got them to their destination. For the customers we have talked to that care greatly about appearance, the RS trim is the way to go: sleek, stylish, and deviant tones are all stacked up to strengthen and spice up the look!

   

Autoblog.com Details Chevy Electric Full-Size Pickup Boasting 400-Mile Range

The many different cars and trucks that are being released during present times always have us beyond excited here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of Memphis: over the past few years, we have seen amazing development in autonomous driving elements, suspension technology, and raw power. As thrilling as many great models such as the Camaro, Blazer, and Silverado are, many car enthusiasts out there have firmly set their sights on the future, where battery power is a sure bet. This week GM confirmed that one of the 20 electric cars it plans to roll out by 2023 will be a full-size, ready to haul and dig-in-deep full-size pickup.

The 2019 sustainability report was where the first solid clues of this future project, where it was also claimed that it will offer 400 miles of driving range on a charge. It is not exactly certain whether or not this is a model that is to be constructed as a greener choice for those who love the Silverado or it could arrive as its own stand-alone model. There are plenty of other projects like this in the works for the coming years, and it is safe to assume that they will all share a few similar components underneath.

Most of the power in this large number of the coming electric fleet is derived from the Ultium® battery technology that General Motors is currently hard at work developing. This is a pretty large jump: in 2019 the only electric car in the entire Chevy lineup was the Bolt, and the times are coming quickly where there will be a lot more options. Earlier in the year, GM CEO Mary Barra claimed excitedly that “we want to put everyone in an EV and we have what it takes to do it.” Charging time will be better with nearly every model as it has been previously, and there is a flexible global plan for distribution in the works as well.

GM now holds nearly 3,000 patents related to vehicle electrification, and the advances in actual chemistry for new batteries and motor configurations are there to enable us to make a larger variety when it comes to the vehicle of the future. Decarbonizing an entire brand's fleet is what will show ultimate leadership in the future, due to the current state of the environment and rapid pace at which experts tell us we need to change our ways.

The Ultium® batteries now under development will boast 60% more capacity for power than the current batteries used in the Bolt. There are also large-format, pouch-style cells that can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack which allows them to fit in multiple design types and various other power sources. These batteries are American made at a plant near Lordstown, Ohio that is currently under construction and will take up the size of roughly 30 football fields!