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.
Monday, April 29, 2024
True-Life Fuel for Thought: The 2024 Chevy Traverse's EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Unveiled!
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.
Monday, April 22, 2024
Suspension-Expert Animation: 2024 Chevy Silverado Fox Factory Edition Challenges RHO, 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
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Seize the Season: The 2025 Chevy Tahoe's Muscle & Capability Make Spring Unforgettable
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!
Monday, March 11, 2024
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!Tuesday, March 5, 2024
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!”
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
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.