Monday, March 20, 2023

Seven Thrilling Decades of Domination: Why the Corvette is an Influential and All-American Icon

Few muscle cars have resonated so well with an entire industry as the Corvette has here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis. This sensational performance car has been winning over fans for seven exciting decades. This is a car that has gradually built its reputation with a very choosy fan base, ultimately becoming as much of an American icon as burgers, apple pie and baseball! The following are just some of the reasons that this car has so thoroughly embedded itself as a champion-grade contender in the high-performance category. 

It's the Choice of Space-Age Successors:

Chevy dealers in the 1960s definitely had keen marketing sense. It was clear to them that the ‘Vette’s image should be tied to the most forward-leaning and innovative of the future. Astronauts perfectly fit the bill, as this was the decade that witnessed the moon landing. Even though NASA specifically mandated that their astronauts could not accept gifts, Chevy offered one-dollar leases of the Corvette to admired astronauts such as Neil Armstrong and Alan Shepard. 

The Name Deriving From the Potent WW2 Warship: 

Car manufacturers in America have a knack for coming up with some of the most memorable names. “Corvette” is a name that commands attention as soon as it’s spoken. Named after a warship that dutifully protected global waters In World War II, it is synonymous with offering competition against the industry’s toughest and fastest muscle cars. 

What’s in YOUR Car’s DNA? Indy 500 Pace Flags for the Win

The first Indy 500 took place way back in 1911, and it has remained massively popular for over 100 years. It is the ultimate test of man and machine, with experienced drivers going head to head at speeds more than 200 mph to claim a win. The pace car for these events needs to be top caliber, and while there are admittedly plenty to choose from, the Corvette continues to be chosen for its fast performance, fan appeal, and thoroughly all-American image.

An Aggressive Rival For the European Bunch:

Admittedly, American cars are not always lauded for superior handling. Often, they triumph at off-the-line power and acceleration instead of cornering expertise. In fact, many expert car review teams have claimed that European options offer a superior track experience. Our beloved Corvette completely contradicts that opinion. The current C8 and other models such as the 755 horsepower ZR1 never disappoint when it comes to agility and endurance, with well-tuned suspensions, ferocious engines, and expertly engineered aerodynamics that offer up a true challenge for anything originating from across the pond. 

No Replacement for Displacement: Hefty V8 Power 

The Automotive World has changed quite a bit over the last three years, and we’ve realized that progress is necessary for a better tomorrow. Stricter regulations are being introduced to control emissions with new cars, and smaller engines are used more frequently than naturally aspirated beasts. While we recognize that some very impressive performance can be achieved with turbocharged units, the Corvette is living and breathing proof that a massive V8 always makes good in its ideal time and place.

Pure + Prized Power for the Price

This legendary American icon is not just set aside for high society. The Corvette has established itself as very attainable for the average citizen, which helps with this relatable association as a national icon. There are used modifiers all over these days such as the accessible and high-performing C4, and exhilarating ZR1. Some of these can be found for under $20,000, and in conditions that are just as sweet-looking as any other high-speed number spotted on the street!


Monday, March 6, 2023

Sized for the “Heart of the Market”: Spy Shots Offer Sneak Peek at 2024 Chevy Traverse Prototype

2023 Chevy Traverse


At Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, we love the pleasure of dealing with many different types of consumers that are on the hunt for their ideal new vehicle. For many, something on the larger-sized side of things hits the spot! In December of 2022, the car reporters from
GM Authority reported that the all-new, next-generation Chevy Traverse will launch as planned for the 2024 model year. Internet and camera phones changed the auto market so much a decade or so ago, and spy shots always leave viewers with something awesome to look forward to.

The digital shutterbugs on duty in this case provided a first glimpse of this next-gen model, showing the public a few design elements they can expect regarding this larger, 3-row utility SUV. Camouflage is still common as models in the final testing stages are on the go, and at least this particular Traverse was spotted in body-hugging checkered camouflage, which is a bit easier to make details out with than the heavier vinyl alternative. 

At the front, there is a black grille with a prominent horizontal bar and a slightly different dual-tier headlight arrangement. The 2019 Chevy Blazer marked the beginning of a trend that saw this switched-up appearance, with its sport and aggressive influence noticeable at first glance of the new Traverse. Once production-intent headlights are installed, the front end will bear resemblance to both the Blazer and the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer. Just below the primary headlights, one can make out a set of front aero curtain intakes, with the side profile revealing a more boxy and upright shape. 

The large front and rear doors that render the current Traverse a very spacious ride still seem to be present, with the area directly between the C and D pillars remaining under full camouflage. This particular model rode on a set of black wheels, and boasted a unique dual five-spoke design. Black roof rails can also be made out, and in the rear, a close look reveals an exposed rear window wiper, placeholder tail lamps, horizontally oriented reflectors in the bumper cover, and trademark dual exhaust outlets. 

It's exciting to see the stealthily-roaming prospects of a vehicle that is definitely poised to dominate “the heart of the market”, with the potential to spar off well with the competition. Just below the Tahoe in size, the Traverse boasts some very trucklike qualities that many growing families and businesses are currently after. This full-size crossover is still expected to ride on a reworked version of the GM C1 platform known as C1-2, with production scheduled to begin in December of 2023. 

The 2024 Traverse will be built by the proud and hard-working crew at the GM Lansing Delta Township Plant, with potential buyers eager for its generous passenger room and segment-leading acceleration. As far as the 2023 models are concerned, the Edmunds.com review team enthusiastically recommended the LT Leather trim, stepping things up a stylish notch with the perfect balance of price and features in the lineup. RS trims and above now offer the larger 8.0-inch screen and navigation, and wireless charging is included on all trims above the base level.