Reveling in Tomorrow’s Future Today: Chevy Shines in Latest J.D. Power Tech Experience Index

As we approach the end of the summer season here at Jim Butler Chevy of Saint Louis, there are many opportunities to reflect on how resilient and recommended our brand has become! The GM Authority blog just reported last week the J.D. Power 2023 U.S Tech Experience Study had honored several Chevy models for greatness last week. The results are finalized by focusing on user experience with the latest in advanced vehicle technology as soon as it hits the market.

This year 82,472 owners of brand-new 2023 model-year vehicles were surveyed after a full 90 days of ownership. It all went down between February and May of 2023 and closely combined a thorough watch on the level of adoption of new technologies for each brand with superior standing in execution. Chevy ranked 6th among 18 brands studied, totaling nearly 500 points on a 1,000-point scale. The categories of infotainment and connectivity, emerging automation, convenience, and sustainability were closely looked at, with just 30 of the technologies making it to “advanced” status.

This renders full eligibility for the esteemed Advanced Technology Award. Both the Corvette and Tahoe were recognized as the premium model recipients of the Convenience Award, drawing praise for their segment-leading streaming-based entertainment technology. Both hailing from the mass market segment, the Chevy Tahoe was situated in a tie with the Hyundai Sonata, as drivers consistently love its “trademark SUV” flair with a full dose of highway-ready confidence. The Tahoe also rolled over into this year freshly equipped with Super Cruise technology, and “fulfills all missions admirably.”

Drivers on a mission for either a quick cup of coffee before rush hour or an all-out trip a bit further west to see the Royals or Chiefs will love how the Tahoe takes its duties seriously, with interior space being very comfortable even back in the third row. Cargo capacity is excellent for the class, and all the tech features on board are right up there with the best in the segment. The Tahoe RST Performance Edition borrows chassis bits from police-grade Tahoe models and enjoys a 13-horsepower bump to properly chase down the bad guys.

The 2023 Corvette comes in quite a few types, but the foundational and always-strutting mid-engined C8 was billed by TopGear.com as “a revolution, not evolution.” Even the standard LT2 boasts a 6.2-liter cranking out 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, potently driving the wheels via an 8-speed twin-clutch gearbox. The Z06 exists as the brilliantly “hardcore” version, with a masterfully retuned suspension geometry that delivers 165kg of downforce at 186 mph. The engine is the true star here, as it presides on the high-octane pulpit preaching the gospel of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8, ever.

Thrusting out all the well-chiseled and churning muscle it promised and bearing a very diverse and unexpected character, this year's Corvette has absolutely been one that boasts the exhilarating output we were promised all along. Costing “muscle car money and giving supercar performance”, it still doesn’t make you work quite so hard to consistently access it. Presiding at the top of awards and accolade lists is a common occurrence for our models here at Jim Butler but this instance rises a star-struck notch above the rest: when the “hammer comes down” and cars are put to the test face-to-face with each other, the numbers notoriously never lie!

A Glimpse of Heavy-Duty Greatness: The 2024 Chevy Silverado HD’s Work-Ready Innovations

 

Having trucks consistently on the mind here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis is how we always wrap up summer: even though we have just spent the warm months hauling, towing, and having the most fun weekends at the lake, there are now all the challenges of the fall to prepare for. More errands to and from school, harvest duty, and perhaps moving that nephew you haven't seen for so long could all be piling up on your agenda. The 2024 Silverado HD lineup is thankfully standing by soon to provide its unique brand of support. 

The lineup consists of the WT, Custom, LT, LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trims. The ZR2 arrives just a bit later but is aptly and expertly designed for the challenges of the trail and has been given the trail-lover’s “royal” treatment. You’ll be navigating over ruts, rivers, and many other challenges with segment-leading ground clearance, excellent skid plates, and very capable Multimatic shocks. Those who are always enjoying things much more under the cloak class of dark will love the new Midnight Edition for the High Country variant, which darkens up the protective plates, bumper, wheels, and grille that you’ll notice comin’ at ya right away!

The High Country is currently the best-selling model in the lineup, solidifying the fact that even during tight times, drivers love to hit the road with very useful and luxurious extras. A small dose of constructive criticism was drawn regarding the Silverado after the release of this generation's first model in 2019. The grille then simply did not possess lines that blended in quite as well, and the 2024 model has reworked this issue fantastically. The very large central strip that used to proudly display the CHEVROLET namesake has been toned down a bit, with the name now positioned smack dab on the hood, close to the intake. 

The work truck trim level is not just the entry-level number on the less pricey side of things, as it still offers a very simple, clean style with rugged wheels that are reminiscent of the burly 1970s Chevys. There is definitely something for every price range in personal taste, as the High Country is loaded up with unique chrome accents and much bigger wheels. Drivers have consistently been requesting that screens grow each year, and the 2024 Silverado has made the necessary changes to accommodate this wish!

From the LT trim on up, a brand-new dashboard features 13.4- and 12.3-inch screens manning the multimedia system on the digital instrument cluster. The new interface also introduces Google’s integrated system, providing access to assistant, maps, and Google Play. You can also look forward to just a smidge more eager horsepower from the 6.6-liter turbocharged V8 diesel, which now weighs in at 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Another addition that we guarantee truck lovers will notice is the ability to relax a bit and let adaptive cruise control handle business, even during towing duty. 

Drivers looking for an everyday-capable and still proudly large size truck will be delighted as usual, as well as those interested in the rugged demands of conquering rocks and untamed trails with the new ZR2 variant. J.D. Power is always a great source of wisdom and honest reviews, and multiple verified buyers claimed that the impressive torque from the diesel powertrain, progressive and easy braking, and stellar towing capacity simply ruled. Competition grows daily in the truck segment, and we are confident that the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD will tow, innovate, and impress well above the envelope! 

Unbridled Power in Motion: Exploring the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the Ultimate Stingray Marvel

Having a front row seat for all the ways that the Corvette has completely dominated the performance market has been amazing the past few years here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis. The seasoned enthusiasts on the Top Gear staff realized aloud all at once this summer that “There has never been a road car with a more powerful naturally aspirated V8 than this.” Since its unveiling in a Tustin, California hangar in 2019, the new mid-engined Corvette has been frequently taking drivers’ breath away at first sight!

This 8th generation will forever be remembered as completely rewriting the history of the model, as Corvette guru Zora Akrus-Duntov finally witnessed his long-term wish and design masterpiece become a reality. To properly celebrate his innovative spirit and persistence, A “Z” button is on the steering wheel to unleash the customized performance settings. Before the moment when the ‘Vette finally was introduced to the public, many were skeptical about its heavier weight and very lofty aspirations. The model blasted onto the scene with everything it promised and changed the course of modern automotive history.

The Z06 performance edition boldly staked its claim on the production line as a 2023 model-year, and ferociously emitted a vibe of competitive and pavement-devouring charisma. The powertrain in question was the 5.5-liter LT6 V8, cranking out 622 horsepower. Stomping its foot down with the authoritarian and quite thrilling claim of being the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 currently in production. Not a single model in the segment can come remotely close to its raw power along with a fish-clenching 8,600 rpm redline. 

Immediately out of the gate, Chevy had stood firmly behind the claim that the Z06 would get up to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, eagerly serving up 1.22 G in boisterous lateral acceleration. To assure a reasonable stopping time and brake quality, it’s not just the usual suspects on duty here: you are bestowed with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes sporting red-finished six-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers in Edge Red. You’ll also have the gambler’s “double-down” element which is the stuff high-octane dreams are made of in the form of the Z07.

This additional option adds the marvelous carbon fiber high rear wing, finishing off the aggro-accelerator’s art lesson in a very sweet full-length dual racing stripes, and a Rapid Blue exterior finish hue. Other tasty selections on the revered menu are the Ultimate Performance option, along with the Z07 suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control. When put to the thick-skinned task of the quarter mile, the Z06 heartily nails it in just 10.6 seconds. When you’re rolling with the additive of the Z07 Performance Package, a sheriff-on-your-tail top speed of 200 mph is attainable!

The Z06’s sports body is wide enough to provide a comforting and high-performance home for 20-inch wheels at the front and 21’s in the rear, wrapped with the segment-leading Michelin Cup 2 R ZP performance tires. It also features optional carbon fiber rims courtesy of the down-under experts at Carbon Revolution. The result of a very ferociously- powerful setup boasts titanium intake valves and conrods, along with sodium-filled exhaust valves. With manners that “make it viceless”, the Z06’s intimidating headline figures render it consistently one step ahead of the pack. 

We hope you see us during the back-to-school season here at Jim Butler, where the ‘Vette along with other models like this shine. A very fitting final hurrah to the joys of natural aspiration, creations such as this will go down in history as fantastic, prone to exhilarating joy, and built with the most fun imaginable in mind! 

Unleash the Tailor-Made Beast: Design Your Adventure With the 2024 Chevy Silverado Configurator!

 

The persistent and quite drawn-out “Battle of the full-sized trucks” continues this summer nationwide and right here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, where the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 continues its awesome fourth-generation presence. Interested customers can head excitedly to the web and build their ideal Silverado with the configurator tool at Chevy’s website. The lineup consists of the Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, ZR2 Bison, LTZ, and High Country.

The durable and always game for hard work or play configurations include Regular Cab/ Standard Bed, Regular Cab / Long Bed, Double Cab, Crew Cab / Short Bed, and Crew Cab / Standard Bed. Powertrain options begin with the turbocharged 2.7-liter Inline 4 L3B gas engine and then step up to the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas engine. From there, things get a bit more powerful & worksite-prepped with the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L97 gas engine, and our very own personal favorite in the form of the 3.0-liter I6 LZO turbo diesel Duramax engine.

The ZR2 Bison sits proudly at the top of the lineup and derives power from the 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas engine. The 2024 year marks the addition of the second generation Hyrda-Matic 8L80 8-speed automatic transmission, with its reputation on the newly paved street as the ultimate in strong torque generation. GM Authority editor Alex Luft enjoyed an extended test drive earlier this year in February with the Silverado equipped with the Hydra-Matic 8L80, intermarket shifting was smooth, responsive, and just right for the truck’s larger size.

The Silverado presides as the well-rounded half-ton on the market that’s equally useful on the job site or when assigned pulling family road-trip tasks, with the U.S News.com team favoring the Crew Cab model for its ideal interior space and comfort. The Multi-Flex tailgate allows you to haul longer items, and very easily access the bed by quickly turning it into a practical step or very useful load stop. Plenty of passenger room, modern technology, and very suitable materials for the price make the Silverado 's interior an excellent space to spend any length of trip in.

An all-around competent track record along with very impressive off-road features and trims, it’s an expert truck lover’s primo pick when equipped with the 420-horsepower V8, which offers impressive muscle for just about any situation you could run into. The Silverado has always been notorious for handling like a smaller vehicle, feeling very composed around turns, and always shooting for a very favorable and minimal body roll quality. Higher trim levels boast the sharp 13.4-inch touch screen that is incredibly user-friendly and comes to the table with revamped graphics and a very top segment feel.

The Crew Cab boasts ample space to really spread out, with the front bucket seats offering segment-leading comfort and excellent outward visibility. 

• The Edmunds.com car review staff praised the Silverado heavily for “delivering plenty, thanks to its robust towing capacities and enormous bed size”, and a range of different bed lengths that will undoubtedly satisfy anyone who has long loved the all-American pickup truck. 

• Motor Trend remarked that the Silverado is loaded with “Exceptionally spacious bed options, clever rear bumper corner cutouts, and a six-function tailgate that isn’t just a marketing ploy.” 

• Forbes magazine claimed that “Technology is a very strong point for Silverado with a right range of non-confusing capability.” 

2024 Chevy Trailblazer Unveiled: Larger Screens, Sophisticated Styling, Expressive Refinement

So many drivers here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis are looking for a daily driver that is practical and has the latest technology features, but may not always want to settle for anything dreadfully ordinary! Today’s auto review experts have agreed that many of the nation’s most popular brands are guilty of “cranking out crossovers” that don’t quite have the aesthetic and functional appeal that drivers are after.

During the days when muscle cars ruled the highways, it wasn’t just the large size and hellacious speeds that were the major appeal: the swooping visuals and well-assembled frames made drivers feel as if they were a part of something riveting and quite special. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer will be boasting some new revisions and styling for the surface, along with larger screens inside. Cacti Green and Copper Harbor are a sizzling pair of new available colors, and the RS trim will offer a new 19-inch wheel to blend in with its sportier design elements.

The front and rear-end designs are reworked, with different bumpers, taillights, grilles, and headlights to keep up with the changing times. The Activ trim is ideal for the enthusiasts out there that love everything off-road related and want to visually spice things up with a rugged flair. Inside, there’s a sweet 8-inch digital gauge cluster, with a larger 11.0-inch touchscreen situated in the center of the dash. This is an inch larger than last year’s 7.0 inches at the entry point, with the new screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The 2024 Trailblazer’s base engine is a refined and grid-ready turbocharged 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder with 137 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The punchier and upgraded choice is the turbocharged 1.3-liter inline 3-cylinder cranking out 155 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. This is what makes the Trailblazer a bit different from the Chevy Trax, which only comes with the 1.2-liter powertrain.

TheCarconnection.com auto pros distinctly preferred the 2024 Trailblazer over the Kia Seltos, citing its flashy styling and high-tech infotainment system for providing the lead. The Trailblazer’s new front end’s headlights surround a much busier grille, with the quite large C-pillar remaining unchanged. Inside while prepping for trips, you enjoy a 25 cubic-ft cargo hold, which expands to 54.4 inches with the rear seats folded. The 2024 Trailblazer has received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, along with a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS.

5 months ago in Chicago, it was the 19-inch wheels on the RS trim that caught many of the attendee’s eyes, along with the new circular outer housing of the exhaust pipes. Inside, the color contrast and piped stitching on the RS trim were also a huge hit, and even the vents directly under the infotainment screen have a much more premium look. The deep storage cubby in between the two front seats is perfect for phones, chargers, or even the random journal/textbook. The inclusion of a wireless charging pad on almost every trim level is another bright spot in today's market: everyone here at Jim Butler feels that we still see way too many of our friends “hoarding the cord” during the drive!

The 2024 Trailblazer also sees an upgrade to a standard HD vision backup camera on all trims, giving you the best quality graphics even at the entry-level price point. Seeing one of the best uses of interior space in the industry, the rear seats offer 39 inches of legroom and 38 inches of headroom, which is quite impressive for the segment. As the days remain hot but back-to-school season is around the corner, we love looking ahead to check out next year’s exciting models here at Jim Butler, with the Trailblazer seeing exciting upgrades smartly across the board!