2019 Chevy Colorado Said by Automobile to be “The Best Mid-Size Pickup Going Hard-Core”

In a pre-holiday piece about just how awesome they think that the Colorado ZR2 Bison is, Nelson Ireson of Automobile Magazine laments on how Tesla Motors has a famous “Ludicrous Mode” offered on its Model S sedans. Well-documented over the internet and YouTube, it is a performance-enhancing bit of software that allows the car to accelerate with mind-blowing power, and leave just about anything or anyone behind them in the dust. Nelson claims that the new Bison version of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 is “the off-road equivalent of Ludicrous Mode,” and heaps on the praise for the massively capable truck.

Part of the reason why it is ranked as the hardest-core of the Colorado clan is the upgrades beyond normal ZR2 specs: the rock sliders, skid plates, and crawling-ready damper turning prepare it for areas such as the most remote corners of Moab, or the Ozarks right here close to home. These upgrades make the truck durable even in the most treacherous off-road locations, and able to withstand the threat of obstacles that exist off-road. Already on the equipment list to withstand any dose of boulder or Baja-induced difficulty, are rocker slider bars, boron-steel skid plates, cast-iron control arms, an Autotrac transfer case, and electronically locking front and rear differentials.

On the outside, there's a new flow-through Chevrolet-lettered grille, fatter fender flares, AEV-designed steel front and rear bumpers, and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires. The unique AEV branding inside and out included embroidered logos on the seat headrests, and you really sense the excitement immediately that comes from being able to go anywhere a full-size truck can, while brandishing a smaller size that means it can go many places others can't. It truly is the truck that will be “whining and scraping at the garage door, begging to be let out to play,” encouraging a brand of hard use that will no doubt provide an enormous dose of fun.

One of the real differences between this and the standard ZR2 is that you don't have to worry about ventilating the oil pan, or providing protection for the most sensitive parts on a truck: the ones located underneath. “The Great Wide Open” is a distinction of terrain that requires a truck prepared for battle, not just built to get by. The seasoned staff at Jalopnik claimed that the skid plates really make a world of difference for a truly challenging off-road situation, and that this is the truck that can “be bashed over boulders without getting mangled.” They provided some cool details via cad form here that really give you an idea of how the extra equipment is situated, constructed, and ultimately protects the vital locations of the Bison. Ask us here at Jim Butler Chevy about the optional transmission skid bars, another weapon in the arsenal that keeps the ZR2 Bison proudly plowing through canyons and streams!

Wheels.Ca Proclaims 2019 Corvette ZR1 “Big Daddy of American Supercars”

Next year's Corvette has already been the topic of many reviews heaping on the praise, and the last one we got our eager hands on here at Jim Butler was by the staff at Wheels.Ca, who immediately billed the car as “completely captivating.” Stating that “long drives are a joy, and storage is bigger than Nickelback was a decade ago,” writer Brian Makee was convinced that it is just as comfortable and accessible as any nationally-ranked grand touring auto. There is the 6.2-liter LT5 small block up front, creating 755 horsepower, and 715 lb-ft of torque. Brian tested a model with a seven-speed manual, and was way more excited to pound the track with it then the automatic alternative.

To achieve the additional 105 horsepower, many changes were required: the LT5 has a much larger supercharger, a different cam, as well as much stronger connecting rods and crank. There is a quiet mode to calm the roaring exhaust a bit, but we kind of frown upon it: the plentiful decibels from the piping are a part of the complete package that will resonate well with the most die-hard of track enthusiasts. Unlike the highly charged Hemi V8s found in some Jeeps and Dodges, the LT5 has a different whine from the supercharger, and it’s a constant reminder of the outright amazing horsepower number you are drawing from during the drive.

The chassis begins with the standard suspension set up of the 'Vette, with double wishbones at all four corners, and the latest version of magnetic ride dampening. Very extra-large sized carbon ceramic rotors clamped by six piston calipers are the Brembo brakes found up front, with four-piston in the back. The wing is massive, and drivers out there who are dying to race-test the best in the land will want to spring for the ZTK track package option: it includes the front splitter end caps, as well as the tall rear wing, which has uprights bolted directly to the chassis.

One feature that greatly deserved an up-close look in this article was the electronically controlled limited slip differential. It works overtime to assure that the car is sure-footed and uses a variable format to carefully control the amount of lock being optimized in real time. Brian excitedly claimed that the body and wheel control is “impeccable” on the ZR1, and really took notice of the fact that the dampers are the latest gen magnetic ride, which can adjust to changing road surfaces in an astonishing fifteen milliseconds.

Steering is delivered via an electronically assisted variable ratio rack and pinion system, and Brian thought that turn in response is definitely sharper than any previous 'Vette model in existence. We invite you to visit us this holiday season here at Jim Butler, and see what it's like to “unleash all 755 horses:” wide-open straights and fast corners are going to be the most rewarding locations to drive, and truly bask in the well-honed machinery that is the 2019 ZR1!

2020 Corvette Sporting Mid-engine Muster: Recent Sightings at Nurburgring

Click here to view spy shots.

All of us on sales and service staff here at Jim Butler of St Louis have good reason to get excited when a car that has been under wraps of sorts for decades finally takes a giant and exciting step out into the spotlight! The stakes are upped drastically when the news at hand has anything to do with the Corvette, a high-performing and alluring beast that has blown the mind of many a car enthusiast over the years. Spy shots are still one of the primo methods of seeing some defining characteristics of what a car will look like before official release.

When the car in question is the C8.R-Spec Race 'Vette, there are bound to be many who are peering over any virtual and web-based shoulder they can, looking for clues to be found about just how badass and feature-rich this car will be. In the shots we recently got our hands on, the C8 'Vette had shed some of its loose-fitting camo, which just left a black-and-white wrap to hide the most important details. The engine shifted a considerable ways back behind the driver, but size specs have not changed all that much. Towards the front end, the intakes are very similar to what is found on the new ZR1, while the taillights in the rear reminding us of what you see on the current Stingray model.

The exhaust routing has been changed up a bit, seeing as how it has been more than 20 years since the exit point was situated in any location beside the exact center point of the rear bumper. Currently, engine configuration and transmission pairings are not known, but rumors have circulated as of late that the dual-clutch variety will be the raucous-and-ready resident caretaker. A recent video from Motor1US showed this same model heavily under wraps busting its chops on the Nurburgring, and its performance during the entire trial of the track is nothing short of amazing. The cornering is off-the-charts precise, and the always-abundant and spry on delivery third-to-fourth gear is where things always get pleasantly hair-raising and rebellious.

Dale Lomas of Road and Track knows that lap times at the Nurburgring “seem to be a new kind of cryptocurrency,” and recognizes that lap times are released by marketing teams, in controlled conditions, and slated for maximum effect. It has been said repeatedly that this is a vehicle that could boast 500 horsepower right off the bat, and the new flat-plane crank V8 with naturally-aspirated twin-turbo guises could offer up 600 hp and 800 hp respectively. The basis for the mid-engine platform is supposed to be the C7's aluminum spaceframe structure, and if a twin-turbocharging option ever comes about, output could rise to 800 hp. Production for this monumental and record-challenging number will take place at Corvette's home in Bowling Green, Kentucky: this American-built and always-motivated symbol of pride is going to take the world by storm when it finally rears its head!

Oakland Press Ranks 2019 Chevy Suburban at Top of the List in “Most Affordable” Category

Many consumers shopping have come to grips with the fact that owning a vehicle that is off-the-charts massive is totally alright. There are not many vehicles that can make the claim of being able to fit 9 comfortably, and many families are appreciative of the added boost in space. The review staff at The Oakland Press took a liking to the new Suburban model right away, due to their humorous take on not having any trouble at all finding it in the lot, and also taking a serious liking to the materials used that definitely rival those found in the GM Cadillac Escalade.

With the new Suburban, all passengers have plenty of leg and head room, the seating is very comfortable, and multiple charging locations are on deck to keep the necessary juice flowing to everyone's devices. The Suburban comes with either a 5.3-liter, V8 engine that offers 355 horsepower, or there is the potential to upgrade to a 6.2-liter V8 that is on deck to produce an astonishing 420 horsepower. The upgraded option is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, and even though this is a lot of vehicle to get up and moving around, the rewards are plentiful. A highly impressive towing capacity of 8,300 pounds is on hand to provide the hauling ability for just about anything you can imagine lugging behind you. Also, with all of those people you may have in tow with you, it is great to know that the infotainment system ranks as the most well-designed and simple to use in existence.

When you are touting these many potential passengers in your crew, safety features are going to be all-important, and next year's Suburban offers quite a few. Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Low-Speed Forward Auto Braking, Rear Vision Camera, and Tire Pressure Monitor are all working constantly to make sure that you feel protected and safe during every single mile.

The essence of the modern Suburban is not just perfect for soccer teams and the larger-than-average family cargo load; a vehicle this powerful can command its position when the desire to hit the open road with a sense of overwhelming freedom tugs persistently at you during your daily regimen. Magnetic Ride Control is the adaptive-damper system on board that provides the ultimate sense of stability during your cruise, and it has been perfected by the best engineers and track testing personnel in the business. This was the standard fare that gift-wrapped the driving essence of cars such as the Cadillac CT6, and the Camaro ZL1, greatly improving cornering response, and how comfortable everyone on board remains when you encounter any unforeseen bumps in the road! 

Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus Adds Awesome Interior, Other Calibrated Performance Goodies

 Due to customer demand, Chevy is ramping up the availability of the 6.2-L V-8 engine within its full-size SUV lineup, with the introduction of the Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus special editions. The 6.2-L V-8 was first made available on the 2018 Tahoe RST 6.2L Performance Package. All Premier Plus edition Chevy full-size SUVs, as well as RST Premier models with the optional 6.2L Performance Package, will also feature Magnetic Ride control: the key ingredient is the fluid within the damper, called magnetorheological fluid. MR fluid has magnetically soft particles suspended in a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid. The wheel motion sensors gather information from each wheel, and send it to the ECU, which then sends the appropriate amount of current to each damper.

36 percent of all Chevy full-size SUV special edition models are now sold with this  engine. Premier Plus gives both Suburban and Tahoe customers another well-loaded option to choose from, with the addition of several premium touches. Come visit us at Jim Butler soon, and well show you the benefits of a unique interior, with heated and ventilated Black/mahogany-colored leather-appointed front seats, surrounded by a Jet Black trim. 22-inch polished wheels also make their first appearance in Chevy's full-size SUV lineup with these special editions, and other cool features include chrome nameplate badging, a head-up display, and 8-inch diagonal cluster, cross rails, chrome power steps, an exhaust tip, and a Chevy-branded cargo organizer.

The 6.2-L V-8 is capable of 420 horsepower, and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers 3 state-of-the-art technologies: direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing- all on board to assure that the most power, torque, and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions takes place. The 10-speed automatic transmission incorporates smaller steps between each ratio, to maximize engine power during acceleration, and ultimately reduce engine revolutions at highway speeds. Magnetic Ride Control also is beneficial for delivering improved body-motion control during cornering, and a much more comfortable ride at optimum cruising speeds.

We are quite proud to stand behind and offer the new Tahoe, which Car and 

 Driver deemed “the full-size, body-on-frame boat hauler that rules the SUV world, with loads of high-tech features”. Not to be confused with a lifted minivan, the same writer lamented that the Tahoe is also “absolutely a proper truck underneath”. Ask us about the optional accessories for the Suburban RST: they push performance levels even higher.

 An available Performance Dual-side Exit exhaust system by Borla is now rated to improve exhaust flow by 28 percent, and help fuel economy greatly. The RST's optional Brembo performance brake package adds huge six-piston red caliper brakes, for massively-improved stopping power. Customer response has been amazingly positive for these new upgrades, and we can't wait till the models make their long-awaited appearance on the lot this fall! 

Road Show Excitedly Claims new Chevy Traverse is “Roomy, Feature-Rich”

 Here at Jim Butler of St Louis the past few years, we have watched the popularity of crossover SUV's grow with every waking moment. It is one of those categories that is as family-friendly as can be, and will always require a very stand-out contender to even make a dent in the stratosphere sales-wise. The 2019 Chevy Traverse debuted in 2008, and for the 2018 model year, and all-new, second-generation version was put out. Boasting seating for up to 8, two separate available engines, and receiving backing from a nine-speed automatic transmission, the knowledgeable folks atRoad Show blog thought that it would be a good choice to showcase in their characteristically glossy digital print version for the week.

The first engine choice is a 3.6-liter V6, which is rated for 310 horsepower, and 266  lb- ft of torque. If you choose to equip with front-wheel drive, it yields 18 miles per gallon city, and 27 mpg highway, while all-wheel drive versions can turn in EPA scores ranging from 17 to 25 miles per gallon. You may want to opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, with 257 horsepower, and 295 lb-ft, the featured power source for the RS trim level. Offered with front-wheel drive only, it is much more efficient in all ways than the V6, with EPA ratings of 20/26 mpg.

 The Roadshow write-up experts were quite excited about the luxury trims available for the Traverse: the Premier and High Country. The Premier trim builds on the LT leather with LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, the addition of more exterior chrome, a heated steering wheel, a power steering column, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and the very useful feature of wireless phone charging. If you opt for the High Country, it tops things off appropriately with features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, a sunroof, a power-folding third row, and the dependable and trusty towing package.

Writer Andrew Krok plainly states that “Chevy has a hit on its hands” here, due to the high level of in-car tech, driving dynamics that don't stale, and plenty of space available across all three rows. He was pretty excited about the second-row legroom, and claimed that a 6-ft tall person sitting behind another would be aptly comfy on an interstate journey. All three rows have USB ports, so you'll never have to worry about batteries dying while streaming via the onboard 4G LTE Wi-fi, which provides the medium to enjoy games, stream movies, and get necessary work done during the journey.

Andrew also claimed that during the shifting of gears, the Traverse's nine-speed automatic was “butter smooth”, whether shifting up or down. Come see us soon here at Jim Butler of St Louis, to check out how high-performing fuel economy, a solid ride, and space to do whatever you want will sway you wholeheartedly for next fall, straight into the throngs of Traverse country!

2019 Chevy Blazer Spied on the More Natural Side

Glances of the brand new for 2019 Chevy Blazer have been circulating for the most part with photos that were retouched, and under very prominent and skillfully-placed stage lights, and the natural version has not been brought to light until now. Spy photos that all of us at Jim Butler recently got their hands on caught a few examples of the new crossover on public roads, and they include the top-end Premier model, as well as the entry-level LT version.

The Premier was shown in white, and did not look as bulky as it could have with body color cladding. So many customers are excited about next year's Blazer: there's the possibility of a low-end trim like the LT being available, and the standard engine is a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, creating 193 horsepower, and 188 lb-ft of torque. There is an optional V6 making 305 horsepower, and 269 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is also standard, with the option of all-wheel drive systems available as well. What the Blazer truly is is a cut-down full-size pickup, with a flimsy removable fiberglass shell covering the bed and cab.

 Car and Driver lamented that the Blazer “is all Alan Jackson songs, T-shirts without sleeves, cutoff Lee Jeans, a cooler held together with duct tape, and inner-tubing on the Chattahoochee”, and this is a very good-looking, mainstream crossover, with the nose capped by a grille that looks a bit as if it came over from the likes of the Camaro ZL1. The basic structural elements are shared with the GMC Acadia, and the Cadillac XT5, and we believe that the five-passenger hauler with both rows offering decent room and well-shaped seats is going to immediately win you over after a test drive. The lower-spec models begin on 18-inch wheels, and go on up to 21.

Finding the right balance between a dignified day-to-day driver and aggressively styled and flashy weekend warrior should be a cinch: just look at the options sheet here at Jim Butler of St Louis, and we will guide you at every step of the way. The new Blazer is equipped with six USB ports, a glovebox that snaps open electronically, and all sorts of high-tech lane-keeping equipment dutifully on board. Any gadget-obsessed driver will immediately develop a solid love for the wireless charging pad, hands-free liftgate, and trailer-hookup guidance system, just in time for the 50^th anniversary of this widely-loved vehicle. TopSpeed.com claimed earlier this year that “All of Chevy's Detroit rivals have something to worry about”, and its aggressive front fascia, honeycomb-style mesh, and numerous upholstery options will solidify its path to precision on-and-off-road handling for every excited new owner.

Images courtesy of autoblog.com

Kelley Blue Book Stacks it Up: 2018 Chevy Corvette Vs. 2018 Lamborghini Huracan

The 2018 Corvette and 2018 Lamborghini Huracan are both two high-performing and handling, superior designed, and over-the-top exciting sports cars. All of us here at Jim Butler are proud of the Corvette's legacy: it has always been ranked with the world's best, and has also been chosen multiple times to be the pace car leader for the Indy 500. We fully admit that the Lamborghini has been deemed a bit more on the exotic side by some, with roots dating back to 1948, alongside the establishment of a high-ranking tractor company. The folks at Kelley Blue Book were good enough to do a close comparison of the two over the past month in an article, and provided details about differences in what the two have to offer.

First noting that “Both the Lambo and Corvette offer plentiful power”, the knowledgeable folks at Kelley Blue book deemed that the 'Vette is a bargain, especially at about a quarter of the Lamborghini's price. Also, the latest ZR1 rates as a supercar in its own right, as many corner-smart track hounds are proclaiming it able and having enough might to muster anything the racing world demands. The Corvette has the power source of a 6.2-liter V8, while the Lamborghini Huracan sports the 5.2-liter V10.

 Horsepower rating for the Corvette is 455 hp @6,000 RPM, as opposed to 602 hp @ 8,000 rpm for the Huracan. It's evident that the Corvette is the king in the torque category: with 460 lb-ft, it beats out the Lamborghini's 413 lb-ft performance. Touting familiar fare, the Lamborghini has an automatic transmission, while the 'Vette sports a manual 7-speed. The 'Vette now nails down 19 mpg in fuel economy, as compared to 16 mpg tacked on the petrol board from the Lamborghini. Both of these cars are similar in length: they both measure right around 177 inches.

The folks at the Jalopnik blog posted a video back in May of the ZR1 dusting the Dodge Demon at the drag strip, surprising those that new of its grave horsepower advantage. There are many St. Louis car buyers who are asking us about the upcoming Corvette: the ZR1 boasts 41 percent more airflow than the Z06, and Motortrend.com produced a great piece about what they deemed as “talkative tires, linear throttle response, and very ultimate acceleration”.

With a tested 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, come down and ask us about the ZTK Performance Package: it provides the addition of stiffer suspension tuning, and greater aerodynamic downforce via a flat undercarriage. We are consistently proud of the Corvette: The Lamborghini Huracan is absolutely no weak force within the auto realm to be reckoned with, but for the price tag, we assure you that the current model Corvette is sleek, stylish, and able to contend against the competition with a tremendous amount of track-poised power!

Raising The Bar Heftily on Crossover Design: 2019 Blazer Delivers Front-Running Utility

All of us on the sales and service lot here at Jim Butler have always loved everything about the Blazer, and have been eagerly awaiting its return. Coming next year, Chevy is excitedly raising the bar on crossover design, and is introducing the 2019 Blazer as the newest member of our SUV lineup within the last 3 years. With the addition of many various types of customer-focused technologies and unprecedented functionality, we are expecting to be flooded with inquiries and excitement about its release! We have been at the forefront of many automotive trends before, and were ahead of the curve when we developed spectacular vehicles like the Bolt EV, Trax, and Colorado.

The Blazer will secure a slot in between the Equinox and Traverse, and the first thing we have noticed on renderings and spy shots is the very strong appearance of the grille, and proportions that seem quite a bit more muscular right off the bat. Five-passenger seating with up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space is standard on the new Blazer, and when you are on a longer-than-average jaunt, the second-row seats conveniently fold flat. If you are looking into the possibility of getting a new Blazer, you probably are already an individual that is working with a larger load on average than most, and you'll love the available Chevy-first cargo management system, with a cargo fence and adjustable rail system.

Available engines for the new Blazer are the standard 2.5-liter and available 3.6-liter V-6 engines, both paired to a high-tech nine-speed automatic transmission. Looking into a lake or nearby campsite journey for the long-awaited weekend? The estimated max trailering rating is 4,500 pounds, when the available 3.6-liter V-6 is under the hood. When you are smack dab in the middle of pulling the jet skis or boat up to the dock for an afternoon of sun-drenched fun, the available Hitch View feature helps you align the trailer with the hitch, an ingenious additive that many on a hot fourth of July just a decade ago would have killed for!

After talking to many customers about their needs, it was obvious to us that a large  number wanted a vehicle that conveys a bit of attitude. It is definitely true that the new Blazer looks very commanding on the road, while fulfilling the constant need to be versatile and quench those who are thirsty for the latest in tech. The standard for the rims is 18-inch aluminum, expanding to 21-inch wheels when you select the RS or Premier trim level.

Wireless charging and six USB ports are available to make sure that the phone and tablets stay full of much-needed juice, and an 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen running off of Chevrolet Infotainment 3 is present to meet streaming needs, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. A far cry from the types of engineering present on the very first Blazers decades ago, the current model also sports Traction Select: it allows the driver to make real-time adjustments to the vehicle's driving mode to account for constantly changing road conditions, displaying dependability at its strongest, and a true sense of longstanding service.

Car & Driver Spills Mid-Engined Chevy Corvette Details

Instant track-hound status, primo power, and an unapologetically aerodynamic design: these are just some of the traits that anyone who has owned a Corvette will frequently enjoy. This past week, Car and Driver provided a detailed account of new details of the next-generation 'Vette, which include no manual option, and a hybrid trim level that has the ability to crank out 1,000 horsepower. They also claim that pricing won't be priced too far out of the unattainable stratosphere, due to fiberglass composite materials used for the body's construction, and the new generation carrying over a heavily-updated version of the LT1 pushrod engine.

The overall weight is expected to be a bit heavier than the current model's 3500 pounds, but the satisfying tradeoff is the extra 500 horsepower due to the LT1 engine's presence. It will definitely quicker than the C7, also courtesy of a very quick-shifting transaxle. This future C8 is also slated to be available with a 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8, that peaks at 9,000 RPM offering around 600 horsepower, as well as a twin-turbo version with 800 horsepower. The most exciting news gleaned from these tidbits is regarding the addition of 200 horsepower by surprisingly adding an electric motor to the mix: this mid-engined and front-motor Corvette will now boast a horsepower stat in the ballpark of the mind-boggling 1,000 mark!

The front of the car will be designed to handle maximum air intake, providing the ability to cool down the necessary elements that will no doubt be in high-performance mode in this savage and sleek new 'Vette. Car and Driver also claim that the mid-engine Corvette will be revealed sometime during the upcoming spring, and will be available alongside the existing C7 for a brief amount of time. A powered spoiler will also be located on the rear decklid, and tailpipes are relocated to the edges of the rear fascia, instead of the typical central location. Sources also say that the production car will most likely have a glass rear-window panel that is fastback-style, to properly show off the flex and prowess of the mid-mounted engine.

The new model will have a roof panel that is removable, and the steering wheel is of  the “Squircle” type, with a much more flattened top and bottom. This is definitely going to be one of the most significant events in the history of Chevy, and all of us here at Jim Butler are eagerly waiting to hear about any updates regarding this groundbreaking piece of news. One interesting direct quote from the original article is “Those expecting a carbon-fiber spaceship powered by an antimatter machine will be somewhat disappointed”; but we fully expect that this will remain a very attainable sports car, boasting abundance in the excitement of supercar performance.

Images courtesy of Car & Driver

Looking Back at 12 Months of Satisfaction: A Year's Log from a Happy Chevy Bolt Buyer

The time of year when plentiful heat and sunshine beat down is officially here in St Louis, and many of our customers as well as staff members are pondering just how much change our planet has encountered. We are not here to push any political views in the least, but we do all agree that on some days it's not too difficult to wonder, “Is our changing environment the root of all these drastic differences in weather patterns?” After observing this change in the Earth's condition, many of those purchasing new cars have desired to rely much less on gasoline. The experienced journalists on staff at Green Car Reports had one of their knowledgeable readers track to the last detail just how two newly-purchased Chevy Bolts worked out for him that year, and how they met his expectations during long journeys.

His choice of the Chevy Bolt was very instrumental in yielding a large savings on fuel costs, and he was able to nail down more than 300 miles of range during the summer months, even as the EPA rated the vehicle with a 238-mile capacity. Buyer Patrick Reid spoke in-depth about his satisfaction in regards to not sacrificing his hard-earned money to the fossil fuel industry, as cars that now use no gasoline, transmission oil, motor oil, filters, or power steering fluid are really making a difference in the much greener future of the planet. Scores of consumers out there have made the decision to not purchase an internal combustion vehicle, and while we will always remain steadfast for the gasoline-dependent segments of our vehicle lineup, have been encouraged daily by the rising number of customers who are making the switch that previously had not intended to.

Patrick and his wife drove off the lot with their very first Chevy Bolt in January of  2017, and excitedly made the choice to purchase another one in April of the same year. They both were overwhelmed in a major way by the performance, range, quality of construction, and versatility of the Bolt, as well as the amount saved in fuel costs alone. The vehicles they were replacing were a 2007 Chevy Impala, and a 2002 GMC Yukon. Each one of these two usually had around 15,000 miles annually put on them, with gas prices in their area hovering right around $2.70 a gallon. To illustrate the costs at hand to charge their new Bolts, their previous fuel expense was around $390 per month, and the cost to electrically charge the new pair was right around $85 per month.

After the year was over, they both had driven a combined total of 30,400 miles, and around 80 percent of the miles were derived from their own power source right in the garage at home. The cost for this power was around 11 cents per KW, and so they were able to save around $3,700 over the course of the year. Their goal for this money they had saved was to put it towards a college or vacation fund, or any other surprises that their life may throw their way. They discovered that with a healthy dose of pre-planning, the ChargePoint, PlugShare, and Chevrolet Apps have located enough level 3 charges for them on their longer drives out of town.

Right at the 170-210 mile mark seemed to be the most rational place to plan a charging stop, as well as knowing they had a backup charger within a close 20 miles range as a safe standby option. While they were back at home, they both had their vehicles plugged in at the same time, and the 20-amp garage charger did not suffer any issues with the 16-amp load duty. They were overly impressed with how rewarding their ownership of two Bolts proved to be, and swear by the fact that they both are just as fresh and zippy as they were the very first day when driven off the lot. We sincerely hope that you come down and be our guests this summer at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, and investigate just how much Bolt ownership can alter your entire savings and spending outlook, as well as rapidly becoming your most practical driving asset for 2018!

2020 Chevy Silverado HD Images Leaked Via Spy Shots

During the development and testing stages of a new Chevy truck model, it's no doubt that elements are kept heavily under wraps, and the next-generation Silverado HD is high in the ranks of this category. Here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, we are lucky enough to get our hands on a pretty steady stream of spy shots, keeping us properly up to date on details such as what the appearances of future models will be like, even if they are hidden under fairly heavy camouflage during their stealth outings. New shots have just been leaked to us to clearly show the GM putting both the Chevy and GMC versions of these very tough and able-to-haul pickups in their various body styles. The new Silverado HD appears to now feature a very prominent bar in the grill, resulting in a bit rougher of an appearance, and the photos we got our hands on suggest that both models will sport more tiers of lights.

At first glance of the underside, LED as well as fog lights appear to exist in the same place during the test runs, and the body cladding on the heavy side does not provide the ultimate look at the truck's front and rear stance, but the front fenders appear in the shots to be a bit more prominent than they were on past trucks. Another very noticeable difference between the GMC and Chevy versions is right at the front: the future Sierra HD appears to sport more bars in the grille, and the LED lights are positioned above, instead of below them. Currently, the exact specs of the powertrain alterations have not been made public, but the GMC and Chevy feature specific adjustments and tweaks that will greatly improve their hauling capabilities, one of the most important elements of truck performance.

There is supposed to be a hefty refresh in store for the Duramax 6.6-liter V8 diesel engine, while the base engine options will most likely be the 6.0-liter Gasoline V8. The dependable and smooth shifting duties are most likely going to be handled by the same six-speed automatic heavy-duty transmission, which is the same that Ram and Ford are still placing into their largest models currently sold. The Detroit or Chicago Auto Shows will most likely be the location where these two will make their first dazzling appearance next year, and we guarantee that attendees will be dazzled by their presence, jagged stance, and performance immediately.

The very well-versed and highly road-tested folks on staff at the Jalopnik blog claimed that after checking out a few spy shots for themselves, “ The new heavy-duty Silverado HD is coming for you in your nightmares”, and gave it props for bolder, larger overall size of the truck that resonate with a serious impression at first glance. Humorously claiming that the future Silverado is a vehicle that will effortlessly instill fear in the drivers of said little tin boxes such as the Fiat, their feature article in early April is a nod to how excited they are to see out brand of dependable and hard-working trucks work heartily on new models for the future. The difference in size is evident right away, and will no doubt be a large draw for this thoroughly tough truck line. Prepare yourself to be quickly won over and amazed: 2020 will arrive in no time, and so will the laundry list of chores you'll have on your list to turn over for this massively equipped and muscle-bound duo!

Images courtesy of www.motor1.com

Corvette ZR1 Selected As Proud Pace Leader For 2018 Indianapolis 500

The 2018 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for its yearly day of excitement and action once again: Sunday, May 27 will be this legendary race's 102^nd running. Everyone here on sales and service staff at Jim Butler couldn't be more excited about the Official Pace Car chosen for this monumental event: the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will be leading drivers to the green flag once again, in the thrill-packed spectacle presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. This is the 15^th time that a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29^th time a Chevy has had the prestigious duty. Back in 1948, a Fleetmaster Six convertible was vehicle selected as the race's honorary escort to the line.

No other vehicle has been selected as the leader to the flag more often than our prized Corvette, and to celebrate in proper fashion, the 2019 ZR1 and the other 14 Corvettes that have been selected to pace the 500 were on proud and prominent display last week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It makes sense that the quickest and most powerful Corvette ever made is going to get to pace what has long been “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, and many who are not familiar with its agile stance and mind-blowing abilities will get an opportunity to witness it in action.

The 2019 ZR1 Pace Car proudly features the LT5 Small Block 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, with 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission provides the goods for the gear duties, while the ZR1 is aptly able to streak through the demanding corners of any track. Ask us here at Jim Butler of St Louis how the ZTK Performance Package offers up the goods for you: it features an adjustable stanchion-mounted carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, and performance suspension.

The included Magnetic Selective Ride Control is the world's fastest-reacting suspension, that was brought to the high-performance market originally by Cadillac. There is a revolutionary fluid inside infused with magnetized particles, that respond to numerous different driving conditions and speeds. It is engineered at such a high level of precision, that it responds and reacts to each corner or bump in the road, and adjusts with lightening-fast speed and accuracy. The available Performance Data and Video Recorder for the ZR1 turns your vehicle into an advanced driving analysis tool. With just a few clicks, you can record every single important aspect of the drive, including 34 channels of various performance data. With the ability to complete the 0 to 60 mph trot in just 2.85 seconds, the ZR1 reaches a top speed of 212 mph, now rendering it as the absolute fastest Corvette of all time!

Chevy Colorado ZR2 Claims “Must Test Drive” Award From Autotrader Staff

As people come in looking for the new truck that fits them best here at Jim Butler, many are concerned with the awards and achievements that specific models have been able to secure. This past week, the 2018 Chevy Colorado had the opportunity to add largely to its growing list of awards, with its new recognition as a 208 Autotrader Must Test Drive Award winner. It was one of 12 different high-achieving vehicles slated for praise by the publication, and was the only pickup truck from the entire lot to be selected. Factors that winners were chosen for included interior comfort, materials, available technology, and quality of the ride. Autotrader also recognizes that the ZR2 is a true off-road machine, with a uniquely rugged vibe, and a vehicle that is consistently ready for nearly any element under the sun to be thrown in its way.

Chief engineer for midsize truck division Anita Burke quoted last week that her entire team is “honored by this recognition”, and thrilled that Autotrader has picked up on the versatile footprint and serious off-road capabilities of the ZR2. The truck is built strongly on the already very capable platform of the Colorado, and all Jim Butler customers who are looking for a great truck or off-road vehicle should hurry down to give it a satisfying test drive! This is a truck that combines the maneuverability and nimbleness of a mid-size pickup perfectly with a host of new off-road features and technology, and can be a valuable additive to your family or business vehicle assortment.

The three-and-a-half inch wider track is one way that the ZR2 is unique to a standard Colorado truck, as well as the addition of a suspension with a two-inch lift, directly from the factory. Other added extras include rocker protection, and front as well as rear bumpers that have been modified for very taught and dominating off-road clearance. You'll love the outright usefulness and tough functionality of front and rear locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the very first off-road truck application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology. This allows for extra flexibility that is tuned into the actual discs themselves, determining how much fluid flows between the chambers above and below the piston.

Four Wheeler editor Ken Brubaker wrote for his column this past month that “The ZR3 takes the capable Colorado platform to a new level, with a dizzying array of modifications including front and rear differential lockers, a 2-inch higher ride height, 3.5-inch wider track width, additional skidplating, 31-inch tires, and many more off-road centric goodies”. The ZR2 is also the truck that won the 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler, after extensive ramp travel and punishing track testing over 1,000 miles of different terrain. Hauling materials for work, navigating over a tight two-rock trail, or running over vast expanses at high speeds all may be on your agenda: come experience a test drive of the ZR2 here at Jim Butler of St Louis, with a vehicle that is truly “Must Test Drive” hailed material.