Monday, April 29, 2024

True-Life Fuel for Thought: The 2024 Chevy Traverse's EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Unveiled!

2024 Chevy Traverse
After officially unveiling last July, the 2024 Traverse displays an amazing stride for its third and exciting generation here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis. One of its most “real-life appealing” updates is the new turbocharged engine, and many eager Chevy fans were waiting on edge to check out its official fuel economy estimates. Every mile counts when families feel pushed to the brink with rising prices, while there’s a sense of understanding that hauling people in numbers can still be a bit thirsty in the fuel-consumption department.

The latest figures show that 2024 Traverse models equipped with front-wheel drive are capable of 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. As any executive obsessed with stellar numbers can confirm, each of these estimates is slightly higher than the previous second-generation Traverse, while only excluding highway fuel estimates for all-wheel drive models. The Natural Resources Canada group had beaten the EPA to the punch and had published 2024 Traverse fuel economy estimates just ahead of the EPA. 

The efficient and versatile powertrain under the hood is the turbocharged 2.5-liter Inline 4 LKO gas engine, which cranks out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 LFY which is the source of juice for the second-generation Traverse, the new LKO is good for 19 percent more peak torque. The T
raverse
sets the mood for conquering any grocery list or unplanned after-school activity with ease courtesy of the capable G1 platform it rides on, with production duties completed by the hard-working men and women of the GM Lansing Delta Township Plant in Michigan. 

The Car and Driver crew recognized that previous versions of the Traverse have “been historically good at traversing suburban blacktops instead of treacherous trails, but the Traverse's 2024 update places a huge emphasis on capability. It remains a dependable and spacious option for the SUV segment, with the lineup also seeing the addition of the rugged and off-road-ready Z71 edition. The Z71’s twin-clutch AWD system will provide an excellent sense of stability and control that will no doubt excel at tasks such as smaller-size rock navigation and back-road balancing acts!

All Traverse models now come with a massive touchscreen, and GM’s awesome hands-free Super Cruise driving mode is available. The Z71 model flexes beyond the city limits bravado with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, unique 18-inch wheels, and the twin-clutch AWD. The aggressive-looking RS trim is the range-topping model with 22-inch wheels, a sporty suspension tune, and decadent black exterior trim. With the optional towing package, the 2024 Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. 

If you happen to be hauling a large family, the 2024 Chevy Traverse is set up perfectly thanks to its massive and roomy interior. All trims but the base LS come with second-row captain’s chairs, which have been praised for their luxurious long-haul comfort. With all seats folded down, the Traverse offers over 97 feet of cubic space, which can properly accommodate an outing to the Science Center or Jewel Box! A wireless smartphone charging pad and an onboard Wi-Fi connection are also available, and you’ll be keeping things 100% safe with high-tech features such as standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Monday, April 22, 2024

Suspension-Expert Animation: 2024 Chevy Silverado Fox Factory Edition Challenges RHO, Raptor

2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2
Drivers who love off-roading have many options in today’s market, as the major manufacturers have realized how the boulder-conquering craze can create top-selling models! Our very own Chevy Silverado 1500 here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis already has an excellent option in the form of the ZR2, which boasts the equipment and the polished chops to sway even the most experienced trail navigator. However, there still seems to be a bit of a void in the lineup for a high-performance model tough enough to take on the Ram 1500 RHO and Ford-F150 Raptor. 

Turning to the world’s renowned suspension experts seemed to be the fitting choice for releasing a class-ruling beast, as we have already trusted these standout pros for a custom Silverado’s A-list absorption duty. They joined forces with the off-road gurus from Brenthel Industries and got things rip-roarin’ out of the gate with their top-of-the-line 3.2 Live Valve Internal Bypass coil-over dampers. These rely on various inputs including the steering angle and the brake and throttle positions, which continuously adjust compression. As real-time conditions change quickly, this setup can snap to these adjustments in a split second.

There’s even a super cool toggle switch on the dash that allows the driver to quickly switch between several pre-programmed damping algorithms. A truck’s suspension is one element of off-roading that could be seen as the most crucial, as the jumps and jounces of a day’s work can be incredibly punishing. The included Baja Kits long-travel front suspension offers up to 15 inches of travel for both front and rear, along with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 sweetly wrapped around a set of 17-inch Method Race forged wheels. 

These see the truck rising to any mud-spattered challenge confidently with 88.5 inches of length total. There’s also the addition of a Whipple Supercharger to the Silverado’s legendary 6.2-liter V8, which bumps up horsepower output from 420 to 700. This incoming beast is all-wheel drive routed through the 10-speed automatic and 2-speed transfer case. The rear “impact zone” is equipped with a JE Reel driveline, and a full-width semi-float Dana 60 axle with a 3.73 gear set, along with an ARB Air Locker locking differential.

This very cool setup pushes compressed air against a seal to drive the internal clutch gear, which then can lock the side gears and internal spider. This increases overall locker speed by
40%, offering excellent traction on demand when needed. The design of the truck is also modified with custom steel bumpers and skid plates, additional lighting, and carbon-fiber body panels. There will also be a six-switch panel to control accessories and a serialized dash plaque for each model. 

Fox is currently accepting orders for the truck, with 500 of these massively equipped and mound-conquering machines coming with a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty. The current year’s Silverado was hailed by many for its top-notch performance, including the Autoblog staff. They praised it for its, “Top-notch interior, whisper-quiet diesel, and very useful MultiPro tailgate.” Here they also heaped on the love for the LT volume-seller, which is pretty darn great for factory-level candor. The Midnight Edition package is also available on the High Country, along with black power assist steps and LED lighting. The Duramax offers impressive and very smooth power delivery, along with the most impressive tow rating in the business!

Monday, April 15, 2024

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

 

Chevy Colorado

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!

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

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

2025 Chevy Tahoe
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!