Is A Chevy Colorado Bison In The Works?

 

According to GM Authority, General Motors has recently filed a trademark application for the use of the name “Colorado Bison”. The paperwork specifically states that the purpose of this name is for “motor and land vehicles, namely trucks.” Sadly, no other details were released but it surely opens the door for a few possibilities.

We don’t want to jump to conclusions, but we think the name could be pointing in the direction of an upcoming trim level for the Colorado… perhaps a fancy version. Looking at the statistics, there is a high demand for small trucks today, so packing profit into every model that it sells isn’t a shabby idea.

Another interesting fact to point out is that in the 1970s, Chevrolet built a brawny Class 8 heavy duty commercial truck with the same (and very appropriate) moniker, so a revival model could be something in the works. And considering the current diesel-powered Colorado has the highest tow rating in the small pickup segment, an even stronger version of the already tough small guy isn’t preposterous.

We’re just going to have to wait and see on this one but we have good news- the trail-ready Colorado ZR2 is headed this way soon! We’ll keep you posted on its arrival to Jim Butler Chevrolet in St. Louis, MO! 

Chevrolet's New Blue Line Series

Following last year’s Red Line enhancements, Chevrolet plans to release something similar at this year’s Nov.1 SEMA Show in Las Vegas- the Blue Line Series. Though last year’s line focused on the Chevrolet’s sporty character, the Blue Line Series stands for the lifestyle and personalization possibilities of the brand. Two vehicles will be used as the base of these unique concepts- the Malibu and Cruze RS hatchback- and will also feature newly-developed accessories specifically for them.

“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers,” stated Roger McCormack, director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner. We look forward to gauging public reaction at the SEMA Show and other venues.”

The two vehicles will feature Genesis White exteriors, which will be accented with blue-tinted windows, and slate-blue metallic painted 18-inch wheels. A few of the subtle add-ons for the Malibu include a rear diffuser, a black grille insert, black Chevrolet bowtie emblems, a rear spoiler, illuminated door sills and suspension lowering kit.

As for the Cruze RS hatchback, it will feature a chrome grille insert, suspension lowering kit, performance brake package and performance exhaust system. The interior will feature custom satin graphite accents on the instrument panel, shift knob and door inserts.

According to Chevrolet, some of the Blue Line performance parts and accessories will be available as soon as the end of the year. Others will be available by mid-2017. And good news- as long as your Chevy dealer, Jim Butler Chevrolet, installs them, your warranty will remain intact!

4 Road Trips To Take In Your Chevy Impala This Fall

Looking to take a little road trip out of St. Louis? There is no better time than the fall! Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway with some friends or a trip with the kids, we put together a few destinations that are suitable for both. So pack up your Chevy Impala and hit the road!

Kansas City, Missouri

With tons of parks, expansive boulevards, unique eateries, and a hip cocktail scene, Kansas City is a great place to head for a weekend getaway. Just about three and a half hour drive, this city will keep you occupied from the Country Club Plaza all the way to Westport. Shopping, art, and a Chiefs game are a “must” on the list of things to do in the City of Fountains!

Louisville, Kentucky

Looking to head south? Louisville will not disappoint! Just a four hour drive will bring you to Kentucky’s largest city and legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. Our suggestions- the Urban Bourbon Trail, which is centered around the city will guide you through the history of Louisville’s bourbon heritage and some of the world’s most well-known bourbon bars. Also be sure to stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the Muhammad Ali Center, Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is one of the best places around to visit if you want a weekend out of town with the kiddos. As an Ozark town in southwest Missouri, Branson has tons to offer and is only about a three and a half hour drive. Attend star-studded performances, spend a day at Silver Dollar City, and take in the beauty of the Ozark Mountains surrounding you… you won’t be disappointed with the gorgeous foliage!

Grafton, Illinois 

Just an hour drive, Grafton is a popular day-tripper destination located in southern Illinois right next to the good old Mississippi River. From ziplining to dining and even antique shopping, Grafton makes for the perfect day of relaxed adventure with your friends or the little ones. We highly suggest checking out The Loading Dock and Aerie’s Riverview Winery and Grafton Zipline Adventures for some run in the woods and awesome views!

An Up-And-Coming Military Spec Vehicle: The Colorado ZH2

Almost one year ago, General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) announced they would be working together in the development of an up-and-coming military spec vehicle, which is be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. These are fuel cells (often compared to a battery) that use both hydrogen and oxygen as fuel to produce electricity and water. From there, the electricity that is produced will power the vehicle and the water can be emitted or captured for other uses- which is great for harsh desert conditions.

The vehicle, called the Colorado ZH2, is based on a stretched version of the Chevrolet Colorado, but, back to the hydrogen cells, has many more modifications to make it military-ready. It features an Exportable Power Take-Off (EPTO) unit, which allows the hydrogen fuel cells to power equipment in remote areas with rough terrain quietly and of course, with zero emissions. Additionally, the vehicle runs much cooler, so thermal cameras are unable to detect it as easily.

Curious about the power? The ZH2’s drivetrain produces 174 horsepower. This feeds one motor which is linked to all four wheels, however, GM is thinking about giving each axle its own motor.

Though this particular vehicle will likely not be making it to public roads, Charlie Freese, leader of GM’s fuel cell program, says that fuel cells will be making their way into customer hands at some point.

GM is doing some pretty awesome things, if you ask us. But since we can’t get our hands on this ZH2, come check out the 2016 Colorado at Jim Butler Chevrolet in St. Louis, MO!

The All-New 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

The fresh and updated 2018 Chevrolet Equinox was introduced to the world on September 22nd- the day of the autumnal equinox. This compact SUV has been built to meet the needs of drivers and their passengers with a new design, lots of safety features, and all-new propulsion systems.

“We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’ve reinvigorated our car lineup with the Volt, Cruze and Malibu,” states Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. “We’re applying the same customer focus to grow our crossover/SUV business - starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.”

The spacious interior offers a down-and-away instrument panel and a lower windshield base offers an impressive outward view. And as for connectivity goes, the 2018 Equinox offers Chevy’s latest technologies, like the MyLink infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available advanced active safety features have been added, as well, like the New Safety Alert Seat, New Surround Vision, New Rear Seat Reminder, and Teen Driver technology.

The exterior has been revamped with sleek, muscular lines and subtle details that add an overall richer image to the vehicle. Chrome trim has been added to all models, in addition to projector-beam headlights and horizontal taillamps that define the Equinox’s wide stance.

Now with a range of three turbocharged engines, a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo and a 1.6L turbo-diesel, car buyers now have more say when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability of their Equinox.

“It is an all-new SUV from the ground up and one that takes on the industry’s biggest competitors with a stronger architecture, greater efficiency and more technology and looks great doing it,” stated Rick Spina, executive chief engineer.

The 2018 Equinox will go on sale here at Jim Butler Chevrolet in St. Louis, MO in the first quarter of 2017… We’ll keep you posted on its arrival!