Rock, Roll, and Righteous Ride: Inside the Award-Winning Features of the Chevy Colorado ZR2

 

When it’s time to get the tools situated in the back after a long day’s work or prep one of the lake toys for a getaway, it’s quite easy for us to be reminded here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis just why the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is so incredibly awesome! Every little way that it makes life easier allows it to stand out tremendously apart from the competition, and it excels at making everyday life simpler. 

Both Edmunds and Motor Trend named the Colorado ZR2 their “truck of the year”, and a deep dive into its various features backs up this choice. It is beyond capable in every area you’d expect from a large truck, while also being fully equipped to take you so far off the beaten path you could lose your sense of direction! Pushing a bit harder into the boulder-crushing and canyon-traversing side of things, the ZR2 offers options for those who love to conquer the wild without sacrificing in the technology or luxury departments. 

In a market where large size seems to dominate the approval of manufacturers, a model that is a bit scaled-down off the bat can adequately draw attention away from the big boys such as The F-150 or our own Chevy Silverado. The features included are formidably practical while also providing the gritty extras built to bear down and take on the challenges of the trail. The “miracle workers from Montana” at AEV Outfitters have expertly forged five boron steel skid plates to protect the valuables on the underside. 

There is also a front skid plate and transfer case skid plate, fuel tank, and rear differential skid plates, along with AEV’s “secret-sauce simmered” stamped-steel front and rear bumpers. Ground clearance is such an important trait when dealing with the unpredictable ruts and washouts off-roading offers up, and the ZR2 is dressed to the nines in that aspect with a suitable 12.2 inches. There are 17 tie-downs in the bed to aid with tackling large loads, and the 35-inch tires built to traverse through the rough stuff are the largest in its class. 

The steep climbs, declines, and obstacles that off-roading provides can force the truck to suffer a rough bottoming-out episode. Unexpectedly damaging the undercarriage is another event you want to prevent when you have numerous hurdles in your path. The ZR2’s breakover expertly maintains its traction while traversing very uneven terrain. You’re also going to literally need to break out the tablet and “write home” about the comfort level the ZR2 now offers, beginning with five driver modes fit to take on any type of road condition. 

With an average of just 23.8 days on the market, the ISeeCars research group had recently expertly analyzed over 463,000 separate new and used vehicle transactions that rendered the Colorado ZR2 as one of the best-performing in the bunch. Receiving adequate warning of anything in your front or rear scope won't be a problem thanks to 10 onboard cameras, including underbody units to closely keep an eye on the rocks you’re currently crawling over. 

The ZR2 is surprisingly agile even with its large footprint, and is capable of a full-on impulsive tear through dunes or drag over sharp edges. Diehard truck lovers are going to appreciate the fact that Chevy really crammed everything they could into the finished product, while also performance testing them in the incredibly demanding Chad Hall Best in the Desert series. Also flexing hard with its 6,000-lb towing capacity and 364-mile range, this year’s ZR2 assures that your off-road experience is just as enjoyable as navigating the urban confines of asphalt!

Seize the Season: The 2025 Chevy Tahoe's Muscle & Capability Make Spring Unforgettable

Cargo capacity and all-around capability are two fierce and front-running traits that customers look for in a family vehicle here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis! With warmer weather and the permanent seasonal ring of the after-school dismissal bell on many families’ minds, the Car and Driver auto reporting crew offered up a very cool blog last week about their thoughts on the full-size 2025 Chevy Tahoe. Its stout frame and muscular engines have made it a segment-leading towing machine, ideal for day trips such as Klondike Park or some Zipline fun at the amazing and kid-friendly “Go Ape” encampment!  

There’s the choice of two quite amazing V8s along with a diesel inline-6-cylinder to put the final trimmings on what is such a hefty machine when it comes to hauling the heaviest stuff out there! The Z71 comes with extra goodies to render trail time no problem, along with seating for up to 8 agile and ready-for-anything explorers inside. Here the Car and Driver crew claim that when considering rival SUVs such as the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Jeep Wagoneer, drivers are going to be pleased with the Tahoe’s on-road refinement that is superior in all ways. 

If the Tahoe happens to not be large enough for any reason, the Suburban is consistently waiting to haul more of everything. The Tahoe received a mild styling refresh for the 2025 model, along with a 17.7-inch infotainment screen that can adamantly claim victory in the current “battle of the bulge” and screen size. The optional diesel inline-6 retains rugged and rightfully deserved popularity with a horsepower boost up to 305 and 495 lb-ft of torque. 

As technology offers so many amazing ways to keep a watchful eye on your vehicle, it’s great to know that you can be 100% on top of issues that once had to rely on crossed fingers and a very “under the radar” approach. Several towing aids are on hand to assist the driver, including a brand-new one that closely monitors each very important facet of tire health. Air springs are now available on the RST trim, and many new very cool wheel options have made their appearance across the lineup. 

Some of the 24-inch designs are the largest to ever be featured on the Tahoe, which effectively complemented the Car and Driver crew’s favorite Z71’s four-wheeled and rugged appearance. This tester model was a pre-facelift Z71 with the 5.3-liter V8, which the gang praised for its excellent acceleration and cabin that remained quiet even at highway speeds. The Tahoe’s tow rating consistently situates it in the same category as incredibly capable pickups, with the ability to lug 8,300 pounds rendering it a hill-ascending outdoor adventurer’s primo choice. 

Three rows of seats come as standard, with a wide center console perfect for wallet, key, tablet, and electric device storage. The middle of the trim selection provides appealing extras such as second-row captain’s chairs, the power rear liftgate, and a power-adjustable steering column. The cargo area is one “very all-in” stat that many families who have lifted nicely from the post-pandemic blues have scrutinized: the 2025 Chevy Tahoe offers a very spacious and excursion-ready 123 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded!

Plentiful Horses for Heart-Racing Thrills: The 2025 Corvette ZR1 and its Turbocharged Twin-Turbo V8!

We are always trying our hardest to keep up on prototypes that have been seen testing in the wild here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, as this clues us into the “greatness of things to come”! A few 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 examples have been spied recently in the U.S., with the solid promise of even more thrilling performance than the impeccable Z06. The most recent prototypes officially snapped on film were not at the first scene of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, but rather a familiar form of golden arches right here in the States.

Parked outside a McDonald’s and looking as ferocious as ever, a few photos snapped by Kevin Bayerlein on the C8 Corvette Owners and Friends group on Facebook depicted this ‘Vette. It boasted rear lip spoilers and the same fixed wing as the Z06, and all feature very aggressive front fascias with bold aero elements and smaller air intakes on the rear quarter panels. These are not seen on any other track-conquering version of the C8, with the ZR1 serving as the Corvette’s flagship version until a surprise “Zora” variant arrives on the scene. 

The ZR1 is slated to arrive with a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 cranking out as much as 850 horsepower, and 825 lb-ft of torque. This nudges it aggressively over the C7-generation ZR1, which roars ferociously out of the gate with 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque. Two different aero packages will likely be up for grabs, with the more track-focused of the pair one-upping the current Z06’s 736 lbs of downforce at a brisk 186 mph. 

The ZR1 uses the legendary Z06 as its starting point, cranking power output to an all-time high. This is the exciting entry point that allows for competition against the Lamborghinis and Ferraris from the valiant supercar club and is likely to spur an even more powerful hybrid model for arrival in 2026. The electric motor powering this capable beast should be able to push the Corvette towards the 1000 horsepower mark! The 2025 ZR1 will include a pair of capable turbochargers to the 5.5-liter V8 in the Z06. 

All this top-notch power will be sent to the rear wheels, where grippy tires will help dole out lightning-fast lap times. The ZR1 is also expected to keep the beefy carbon fiber brakes from the Z06 and blast rightfully up to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. With all the circumstance and hullaballoo from the C8 and its mid-engined mastery for the past few years, a fact that can slip one’s mind is that the C7 ZR1 is the most powerful ‘Vette in existence. From 1990-1995, the C4 ZR-1 was prominently nicknamed “King of the Hille”, due to its outright mastery of everything in the souped-up stratosphere. 

At the front, it’s easy to make out vents in the frunk lid, which are set in a classic ZR1-style black strip. This is most likely an aero feature that will allow for superior downforce, with “blade” vents that show up easily on a car with a white camo wrap. The Motor1.com auto review crew had concluded during a close look that the 5.5-liter’s exhaust note is very different from the 6.2-liter pushrod V8 present in the Stingray. With rumors of the ZR1’s epic sightings dating back to 2020, the incoming Chevy Corvette ZR1 may not exist as a bargain basement model, but it is a quite welcome and unbridled thunder on wheels! 

King of Capacity: The 2024 Chevy Suburban Commands with Power, Guts, and Proficiency

The 2024 Chevy Suburban full-size SUV proudly leads the large-sized truck class with industry-best cargo room, excellent powertrain choices, and the capability to move a good number of passengers and their gear. The Morningstar.com review team was eager to try out the stretched version of the “already-big Chevy Tahoe”, as this people-moving machine can accommodate up to 9. It’s simple to bring along gear for climbing, little league, church outings, or soccer with this Jim Butler Chevy favorite!

The Suburban offers a class-leading 144.7 cubic feet of cargo room, heartily beating out rivals such as the Jeep Wagoneer L and Ford Expedition Max. The Suburban enjoys everything about its large stance which boasts big power, backed fearlessly by a large selection of V8s or amazing turbo-diesel 6-cylinder. The standard 5.3-liter V8 offers the standard form of might to move this resounding road warrior while allowing for a towing capacity of up to 8,300 lbs. This is easily sufficient for an RV or boat to explore the almost 800 miles of tree-lined shores at Table Rock State Park.

The optional 6.2-liter V8 provides even more grunt and emits its legendary and enjoyable breed of sound when you get on the throttle. The diesel option offers the same 420 lb-ft of torque that the 6.2-liter does, while sincerely and stoically offering the best fuel economy of the group. Available on every trim except the off-road oriented Z71, it’s been a revered engine for years among truck purists! The Premier and High Country trims now offer the hands-free Super Cruise driving system, which works on over 400,000 primo digitally-mapped miles of roads in North America.

With the new switch to an independent rear suspension, this current generation of Suburban has a unique touch of refinement over prior versions. It also enjoys admiration from many diehards for its truck-like traits. The Premier and High Country trims also now come standard with captain’s chairs, while the LT trim steps things up nicely with leather-appointed upholstery and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s a 10.2-inch infotainment screen that quells the masses’ appetite for frequent upgrades to bigger and better things, along with the prowess of top-end models easily “rivaling an Escalade” with luxury touches such as heated and ventilated front seats.

Behind the third row is where a quite incredible stat in the large-sized auto realm is born, with 41.5 cubic feet of storage at your disposal. With both rows folded, there are 144.7 cubic feet, offering up enough space to fully claim the next extended weekend as ‘thoroughly adventure ready’. This is more than the rivals in the form of the Jeep Wagoneer L and Expedition Max, assuring that all the best additives for exploration can come along!

Since diesel engines have all but gone extinct, car fans love that GM still offers one in the Suburban. The fact that it’s so high-performing and all-around awesome will make it memorable for years to come. Cranking out as much torque as the larger V8 and managing up to 27 mpg on the highway, it remains as one of the features that allow it to stand out in today’s versatile truck offerings. Each trim above the LS also comes with a hands-free power liftgate, which is ideal when completing the weekend’s all-inclusive grocery or Home Depot run.  

We are standing by eagerly waiting to meet you this spring season here at Jim Butler, where the Suburban and many other thrilling vehicles are waiting for you to experience them. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a test drive of this model that Motor Trend called “The quintessential SUV, rich in sheer utility and boasting all of the extra-large stuff most shoppers prioritize!” 

Trail Tested, Class Trusted: The 2024 Chevy Silverado High Country's Dependable Durability

When it comes to test driving and selecting a new truck, the 2024 Silverado 1500 has so many capable and dependable options here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis! It has gained such an incredibly loyal following by being spacious and powerful, along with a form of versatility that's ideal for the challenges of everyday life. The Silverado is offered in a wide range of trims, with the High Country existing as the upscale and “top shelf connoisseur’s choice.” 

The U.S. News auto review crew took a close look at the High Country this past week on their blog and highlighted the abundance of space as a front-and-center feature. Once inside, you immediately sense the presence of the premium leather upholstery, which guarantees the High Country's resid
ence in the “country club” variety of today’s awesome truck offerings. Heated and ventilated front seats add another sweet dimension of comfort to the ride, while the dual-zone automatic climate control keeps you comfortable no matter what condition Mother Nature doles out.

Screen size has been getting larger and larger with each annual auto release, and the Silverado High Country follows that trend courtesy of its 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Another optional interior feature that we'd recommend in conjunction with the coming of spring is the power sunroof, along with the power-retractable assist cab steps. The High Country arrives standard out of the gate with GM’s 5.3-liter V8, which has been praised for its tremendous all-around performance. 

There are also the additional options of the 3.0-liter Duramax Turbodiesel or the upgraded 6.2-liter gas V8. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with these powertrains does a class-leading job of managing power while delivering very smooth and instantaneous acceleration. The Turbodiesel claims the most efficient spot, offering fuel economy estimates of up to 24 mpg in the city, and up to 29 mpg on the highway. The gas V8s follow closely behind, returning up to 17 mpg in the city, and up to 21 mpg on the highway. 

Tackling off-road terrain has become much more popular over the past decade, as everyday truck owners realized that slapping on some durable extras will properly equip them for the challenges of the trail. The Z71 Package handles this hefty business with its heavy-duty skid plates, hill descent control, and powerful air filter. The Silverado 1500 also has earned top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five out of five stars as a badge of honor regarding overall safety rating. Some standard safety features present in the Silverado 1500 include lane-keep assist and lane-departure warnings, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

The Topspeed.com review crew deemed the Silverado 1500 High Country as a major success due to its “Top notch interior, functional features and accessories, and stout engine options.” Taking to the highway will still boast a sense of smooth familiarity, as the body-on-frame characteristics have a huge sway on overall demeanor. Their testing experts also employed the Max Trailering package, which boasts an upgraded radiator, 220-amp alternator, a wider rear axle, revised shock settings, and heavy-duty rear springs. 

While this thrilled team was winding through corners, they maintained a sure-footedness that provided solid reassurance and excellent maneuverability despite the truck’s size. If you happen to overheat your brakes while carrying heavy loads or towing, the High Country will display a dashboard notification, and impose a 45-mph speed limiter until the situation cools down a bit. The optional Multiflex tailgate folds down for easier bed access and is particularly useful when loading large gear or quickly needing to hop inside the truck bed.

Embarking on Adventure + Igniting Excitement: Unboxing the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Creating the “Ultimate everyday SUV” happens to be an incredibly challenging business! All of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis have watched for quite some time as demand for screen space, standard features, and durability has risen to new heights. The 2024 Trailblazer greets any newcomer with a very roomy interior for such a subcompact SUV, along with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. 

Reigning as superior and always eco-friendly when pitted against the competition, the Trailblazer “does demographic battle” with the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V. The 2024 model year sees a mid-cycle update that includes new wheel designs and a revised front end. A high-definition rear camera and cruise control are now standard across the lineup, and the KBB.com team was won over by the Activ model’s off-road capability. The entry-level Trailblazer LS comes with manually adjustable front seats and the suitably luxurious 8-way driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar. 

One of the ways that the Trailblazer beats out the new breed of “dreadfully ordinary commuter” is with its screen space: there is an 11-inch infotainment touchscreen for each trim. As soon as infotainment became prominent in cars, drivers began to crave the size that they enjoy while on a laptop or other screen at home. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included across the lineup, as well as Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The RS, Activ, and LT trims feature the all-season savvy automatic climate control, and an immersive Bose 7-speaker audio system is optional on the Activ and RS.  

Higher trim levels boast chrome accents and higher-end colored trim, with a dash design that excellently draws attention to the larger screen and cluster. The Quality of seating material has gone up so very much in recent years, and we love to see the satisfaction that customers experience after seeing the faux leather on the RS and Activ trims! The RS trim breaks away from standard necessity and offers a sporty vibe with red stitched accents and stylish flat-bottom steering wheel. 

Abundant space in any crossover SUV is a commodity that makes for efficient airport runs, after-school sports, or welcoming spring with a few extra plants to brighten up the home. After folding the 60/40 split rear seats forward, the 25 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats increases to a segment-leading 54.4 cubic feet. Other additions for 2024 include standard cruise control on the base trim and push-button start on every model. 

Stepping up from the base LS to the LT trim adds tinted windows, keyless entry, and heated side mirrors. The latest and greatest safety features have saved so many lives on the road, and many of our customers here at Jim Butler have let us know just how much confidence they have in situations such as the bustle of rush hour. Blind-spot warning quickly alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane approaches your blind spot, and Rear Cross-Traffic Warning alerts you if a vehicle behind you is poised to cross your path. 

One incredibly satisfied buyer claimed on the Edmunds.com review forum that the Trailblazer was “efficient, excellent-looking, peppy, and performed like a junior Camaro!” Other buyers who were newly retired took the Trailblazer on its first trip and nailed down 30 mpg average while enjoying the comfortable ride and multiple convenient USB chargers up front. 

King-size Comfort, Midsize Charm: 2024 Chevy Colorado Remains Superb & Solid

The beginning of each year here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis offers many opportunities to sweep up the numerous awards this thrilling industry offers! As reviewers thoroughly test and tear up the roads respectively with the latest and greatest in tow, they eventually decide which cars, trucks, and SUVs are a solid and high caliber cut above the rest. The 2024 Chevy Colorado is a force to be reckoned with as the Autoblog.com team’s favorite “Midsize truck of the year.”

The Colorado offers a very robust drive with a potent engine, solid ride, and class-leading off-road variants heavily prepped for the obligatory trail tackle. The interior boasts an abundance of new technology that looks awesome while offering segment-leading performance. The base Colorado Work Truck can be acquired for an excellent and economical price, and the ZR2 is a class favorite due to its heavily equipped and boulder-smashing stance. The ZR2’s suspension and chassis are adequately primed for off-road conquest, and the Z71 offers the tops of confines for those seeking true luxury. 

The Colorado measures up quite well when it comes to spec comparison, offering great power and a 7,700-lb towing capacity, while also adding an AEV upgraded off-road trim for 2024 on the Bison model. This year also sees the truck foregoing the smaller 8-inch digital cluster to make the 11-inch version standard on all trims, and improvements have been made in appearance and quality that set it apart from last year’s version. Stepping things up on every trim to 11.3-inches gives drivers the growth rigs now needed to “keep up with the Joneses”, while offering simple-to-use controls.

Chevy has still stuck with the traditional and familiar hard buttons and knobs for items such as volume control, drive modes, and climate controls. The Colorado remains firmly rooted in the midsize class, with a crew cab that measures just 5’1” and power derived from a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, with 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque output. Every Colorado is paired with an 8-speed automatic, with official fuel economy weighing in at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The high-output version features a tow/haul mode that beefs things up nicely in the torque department.

The Colorado is situated on a body-on-frame pickup, with the ZR2 model’s spool-valve dampers offering a ride quality that can hang tough even during the most challenging of ruts and rivets! Another Autoblog review from last spring claimed that the “latest technology and compelling design makes the cabin look and feel less bare bones and like a well-equipped and capable daily driver.”

This review then excitedly became a fully-fledged beach day, embarking from Malibu down to Conejo Valley through a beginning interval of slow-moving traffic. The steering remained adequately weighted and responsive, and the truck performed fantastically on steep grades. The bed’s load and side heights made arranging and quickly lifting the various items from a Home Depot run a breeze, offering a very accessible and sure-footed errand-runner. After attempting a boulder-strewn valley in California’s famed Johnson Valley, the group also claimed, “You know ‘Dukes of Hazzard?’ Yeah, Bo and Luke would have LOVED to have this hefty thing!”