Monday, April 24, 2023

2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Fit for Moving Mountains, Fully Crushing Workday Demands

 


The folks who are coming to Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis looking at trucks are looking to find the ideal rig for big jobs. We’re talking mountains of dirt, shuttling lumber back and forth all day, and surveying areas offering challenging terrain. The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is poised to arrive on the scene boasting an excellent means of making it through the tough stuff while spending much-deserved time off kicking up dirt.

The ZR2 joins the tough-as-nails heavy-duty lineup, exclusively available on the 2500 HD model configured with the Crew Cab body style and standard-size cargo bed. There'll be no mistaking it when it comes rambling in your direction, with this gigantic grill featuring all new “flowtie.” There are now also different moldings around its wheel arches, red front tow hooks, and unique CR2 badging that identify it as a segment-leading off-road conquering machine.

A few items of the awesome standard equipment are 4-wheel drive and an Allision 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s also the choice of the 6.6-liter V8 or Duramax diesel for power. The first option cranks out 401 horsepower, with the ideally smooth diesel weighing in at 470 horses. With the gas engine, you’ll be able to nail down a 16,000-pound towing capacity, with the diesel topping out at 18,500 lbs. No matter which powertrain resides under the hood, each Silverado 2500HD ZR2 sports the benefit of add-ons crafted just for the task of tackling ruts, dirt, and other challenges provided by the trail.

35-inch Goodyear Wrangler territory M/T tires are fittingly mounted on black 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, which make their proud presence known as the first factory-installed 35-inch tires on a Silverado. They go hand in hand quite well with what is likely the easiest-to-spot ZR2 feature: the Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. These superhumanly capable shocks boast three separate spool valves to weather extreme off-road abuse and assist with staying well-composed on the road.

The ZR2’s suspension is lifted 1.5 inches to content with the pointed and consistently protruding terrain types driving surfaces offer up, and there’s also a set of revised front upper and lower control arms along with brand-new steering knuckles. Whether it’s intentionally driven over or not, the brutish obstacles that would make a limp rag doll out of some rigs are lurking out there in the wild, and the aluminum skid plate up front along with steel plating are poised and ready to guard the valuable transfer case.

The locking rear differential is the ultimate tool for managing traction, and every ZR2 has an Off-Road drive mode to roll up its sleeves properly and conquer terrain that would render the family sedan a total loss! Every collaboration that trucks have with AEV Outfitters has turned out to be pure gold, as this Montana-based aftermarket miracle-working team now heads up some operations in the Motor City. The Bison version of the 2500HD ZR2 brings steel-stamped front and rear bumpers with recovery points and winch accommodation in case the extreme fun ever leads to becoming stuck.

The Bison also is poised to attack the wild with a slightly steeper breakover angle than the standard ZR2, with the AEV model peaking at 29.8 degrees. There’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to complement the 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, which also provides the awesome modern marvel of the surround-view camera system. The fine and very hard-working personnel on staff at the GM assembly plant in Flint, Michigan will begin later this summer, prepping and fine-honing a solid and sensational outback-taming machine! 

Monday, April 17, 2023

2023 Traverse Reigns as “Three-Row Cargo King” and Bow-Tie Spring Segment Leader

 


After a look around at our surroundings in the current auto market here at Jim Butler Chevy of Saint Louis, it is evident that the mid-size SUV category has plenty of options to choose from. A model that defines itself as a winning selection needs some incredibly strong characteristics that separate it from the populated pack. The 3-row 2023 Chevy Traverse is slotted nicely in between the smaller midsize Equinox and full-sized Tahoe in the Bow Tie brand’s lineup, and any busy family or business owner on the go is going to love its segment-leading cabin space.

This model’s 2022-year refresh rendered it an even better choice for the midsize SUV segment, making it ideal for those needing a vehicle big enough to haul the family and get the practical chores of life done. All the Traverse models are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with standard front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capability. Most of its V6-powered rivals crank out under 300 horsepower, with the Traverse blasting up to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds and racing through the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds.

The V6 pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and the auto start stop feature improves mileage with a smooth transition to the engine being fully kicked on. The Traverse can tow 1,500 pounds regardless of drivetrain, and you can opt for the Trailering Equipment Package that improves the capability up to 5,000 pounds. Hauling has never been so easy and supported by excellent technology as this: A trailer hitch, GMS, Hitch Guidance System, and a heavy-duty cooling system offer their form of upgraded assistance for the pull.

On the road, the Traverse’s suspension offers a soft characteristic that provides a smooth ride experience, along with a taught enough stance to deliver excellent cornering quality. The Traverse’s 2022 facelift shaped things up with a larger and blacked-out lower intake, new wheel designs, slimmer headlights with integrated turn signals, revamped fog light housings, and updated rear LED lighting. 18-inch wheels are standard in the LS and LT trims, and 20-inch aluminum numbers are equipped in RS, Premier, and High-Country models.

The base LS trim comes standard with a second-row bench seat for seating up to eight, while all other models are fitted with second-row captain’s chairs. The cabin provides room for adults in all three rows with 33.5 inches of third-row legroom and 39 inches of headroom. As you pack your loved ones in for the outdoor adventures, amusement parks, and sporting events the coming warm weather will offer, GMs Smart Slide second-row seats ease accessing the third row with a useful hatch that slides the second-row seat forward with one simple pull.

Even with the third row of seats in place, the Traverse’s cargo hold can fit up to 23 feet of necessary things for the trip, and with the rear row folded in this bonus convenience grows to 57 feet. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, with upper trim levels adding an 8-inch screen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2023 Traverse also received 4/5 stars from the NHTSA for its overall safety rating: along with its very handsome statures, functional cabin layout, and always-leading stance, it offers up a workhorse on the heftier side of things that has fared well during the test of time.

Monday, April 10, 2023

2023 Trailblazer’s Dazzle in Time for Coming of Spring with Remarkable Reliability Scores, Accessible Affordability

 

As the market has evolved so rapidly over the past few years here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, there have been enough entries in the crossover SUV category to make even the savviest spring shopper a bit confused. We promise that before you feel you are entirely in over your head, adjusting your gaze over to the budget-friendly side of things will always reward you in the long run. The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer was recently praised by the Motor Biscuit crew for its segment-leading performance and stellar reliability scores.

Incredibly stable performance for the price point it comes in at has ranked the Trailblazer as a top-choice for many no matter what their budget is, and it comes equipped with either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter turbocharged engine. Both powertrain versions are mated to a continuously variable transmission, and the J.D. Power auto editing team ranked segment-leading 86 out of 100 for reliability. Current buyers need reassurance that the model they are buying is built to last, and the Trailblazer has secured its spot in this regard with its stellar track record.

The Trailblazer’s interior stands out among many offerings with notable elements that allow for a bold statement and puts forth a first impression of being very spacious and comfortable. A 7.0-inch touchscreen comes standard on entry-level trims, with the option to move up in size to 8.0-inch. The Edmunds.com review staff praised the current-year model for consistently being “exceedingly competent”, consistently winning as being positioned a half-step ahead of the rest. Very satisfied buyers are thrilled with its small, easy-to-park size and excellent fuel economy.

Don’t let the smaller size fool you: the Trailblazer possesses enough punch to navigate urban hills and pass on the highway, with the all-wheel drive option sporting a more powerful engine. Audio controls and an intuitive touchscreen nicely complement the infotainment package that is very simple to operate. The Trailblazer exists as an attractive and winning option up against competition against crossovers such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Mazda CX-30.

The Edmunds.com testing team was very pleased with the nine-speed automatic transmission, which consistently keeps the smaller-size engine in a well-performing “sweet spot”. Accurate steering ensures driver confidence on various road types, and the front seats are very supportive and firm. The Trailblazer’s ride height is just a slight notch above a compact sedan, while being very simple to step into. Be sure to also check out the optional panoramic sunroof, with adequate headroom for all sizes of passengers.

The available high-definition backup camera works excellently even in low light, and wireless connectivity is standard for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-A and USB-C ports come as standard to keep front passengers fully connected and entertained during the drive. Fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 28 mpg during combined city/highway driving, with the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine not requiring premium fuel as a few others in its class. As the nicer weather brings about opportunities to ditch the confines of the city and head outdoors, the Trailblazer is one of the few subcompact SUVs that can dig right in and tow a trailer to make for the perfect weekend.