Supercar Slayer: The 2025 Corvette ZR1 and Its Tremendous 1064 HP Muscle

We have had so many reasons to admire the Corvette line here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis over the years! The Car and Driver crew cranked out a blog last week detailing the new Corvette C8 ZR1 and immediately knew they were dealing with something special. During their first dragstrip launch, the new mid-engined marvel blasted through the quarter mile in under ten seconds! When the time came to hit the pavement at Milford Proving Grounds, it nailed down a faster top speed than its predecessor.

The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 is the first Vette to boast turbocharged power, and the first production model to crank out over 1,000 horsepower! It shows up eagerly at the table with 1,064 hoof-pounding horses, rendering it the most powerful ever. The last C7 Corvette had made quite intense waves with its 755-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It’s insane to ponder that this new ZR1 has more power than a pair of C6 Z06s! These each yielded a 505-horsepower punch courtesy of 7.0-liter V8s.

The new ZR1’s other impressive other stat is its torque, which resides at a head-turning 828 lb-ft. The supply is also limited in the transmission’s first two gears to go easy on the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The engine has much wider gears, stronger input and output shafts, and a beefed-up oiling system to meet the demands of the track. The engine boasts a class-exclusive intake system with a cool Edge Blue paint hue and strengthened connecting rods.

There are brand-new head castings and pistons that allow a lower compression ratio. The LT7 also boasted a modern anti-lag system that helped stay on top of precision responsiveness. The C8 Z06 startled industry experts worldwide with its Virginia International Raceway Grand Course time. Here it was nearly a second faster than the old C7 ZR1 and snagged sixth place in Car and Driver’s all-time Lightning Lap results. Huge horsepower numbers don’t always pose a direct correlation with quicker lap times, but the new ZR1 has the muscle and the tuned hardware to compete with the world’s most ferocious supercars.

The 2025 Chevy Corvette ZR1 foregoes the front trunk for the addition of a flow-through hood. This provides much-needed extra downforce while also playing “crossing guard” for heat exchange. The side air intakes have a brand-new duct built-in to handle brake-cooling duty. The ZR1 also shows up eagerly on the scene with a convertible body style and a modern take on the traditional split window. There are also unique aero add-ons that provide up to 1200 pounds of downforce and allow for a top speed of 200 mph.

The braking system is composed of 15.7-inch carbon-ceramic rotors, made of heat mitigating material. The carbon-fiber roof lowers the center of gravity, and there are optional wheels with the same material that assist in shedding mass. The layout is natural and very driver-focused, with 12.0 and 8.0-inch touchscreens. The 3LZ trim adds a unique stitching pattern on the doors, and there’s a Habanero color scheme with a blue stitching option. This amazing beast’s production will begin next year at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky factory.

Camaro Swagger, SUV Versatility: Meet the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer

Models residing in the midsize SUV category here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis have always been known for practicality. As many satisfied customers over the years have shown us, this doesn’t mean that they can’t also provide much-needed excitement! The 2024 Chevy Blazer starts its well-rounded appeal with aggressive styling that is reminiscent of the aggressive and sporty Chevy Camaro. The Blazer backs up its cool look with handling to match and distinguishes itself from the competition in many other cool ways.

The review team from the Truecar.com staff praised the Blazer for its “sporty handling and styling”, along with the very potent V6 engine option. New for 2024, heated front seats are now standard on all models. You also have the choice of adding a Riptide Blue Metallic paint hue, and the new Blazer comes in four trim levels. There’s the choice of the 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS, with the 3LT existing as the sweet spot for many. The 2LT starts things off with some awesome standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, and remote start.

The cabin features comfortable cloth upholstery, a heated 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, a 4.2-inch information display, and dual-zone automatic climate control. You’ll also be enjoying the cruise courtesy of satellite radio, a 6-speaker stereo system, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, streaming audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and in-car Wi-Fi. There are other extra-cool additives such as roof rails, the 308-horsepower V6, a power liftgate, wireless device charging, remote engine start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 3LT trim steps things up with blind-spot warning, leather upholstery, very comfortable heated rear seats, a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, an integrated turn signal mirror, rear cross-traffic alert, a garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, roof rails, and a power liftgate. There are also available running boards, the powerful V6, a sunroof, and an amazing Bose audio system. For car buyers who want the added ideal protection of a power liftgate and blind-spot warning, the 3LT is the least expensive option equipped with these features.

The Premier is the trim where upper-end luxury begins to shine through! You’ll be rolling in style with 20-inch alloy wheels, memory settings for the side mirrors and driver’s seat, a hands-free liftgate, navigation, and a premium 8-speaker Bose system. The RS trim exists as the sportiest choice of the range, with the addition of the more powerful V6 as standard equipment. The standard engine is the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which cranks out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The V6 adds an excellent dose of energy, which adds a fair amount of zip to the Blazer’s handling. This is one of the most formidable and muscular engines in its category, boasting more horsepower than the competing Honda Passport.

Drivers have loved just how fun the 2024 Chevy Blazer is at every turn, with crisp acceleration and very agile handling. The Blazer’s EPA rating is 22 mpg in the city and 29 mph on the highway, with all-wheel drive lowering the highway stat to 27 mpg. The cargo capacity is 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The very useful wireless charging pad is available on the lower trims and comes as standard on upper models. The Blazer earned a top five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA, receiving the highest score of Good in all crashworthiness tests.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel: More Miles, More Muscle, More Adventures

All of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis love the “perfect pickup” conversation topic! Drivers everywhere are on the hunt for fuel efficiency, as it is a huge money-saving factor once you reach the pump. The bloggers on sun-scorching duty at Topspeed.com took a close look at the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 last week, which is now the most fuel-efficient diesel-powered pickup on the market today! The Silverado also offers very rugged exterior styling, and the most comfortable interior to boot.

The second their testing model pulled up and they climbed in, this crew

knew that it was a testament to our legacy of modern efficiency!

Whether it’s hauling large equipment to a job site or hitting the road

for the Ozarks, the 1500 is built tough to handle it all. Under the hood

is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax engine, which has made

a name for itself with its class-leading blend of power and efficiency.

This engine fearlessly cranks out 495 lb-ft of torque while delivering

the quietest diesel ride in existence!

The truck’s handling is quite nimble considering its large footprint,

which makes it a smart choice for both work and play. The official EPA

estimate is up to 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway, making

this truck one of the most economical options of its kind. Opting for the

all-wheel-drive option still yields 26 MPG. During rigorous real-world

testing, the Silverado consistently delivered top-notch fuel economy.

When it was time to hit the highway for long hauls, the diesel still lived

up to its EPA estimates.

The element that sets the Silverado apart from its bloodthirsty competitors

is its ability to remain efficient without coming up short in the performance

department. While it is becoming a bit tougher to spot a diesel while driving

in the wild, they are still very much alive and sought-after. Their reputation for

delivering front-running torque remains an excellent example of how

diesel technology has evolved and is still significant in today’s market. The

driving dynamics of a full-size pickup truck can have a cumbersome property,

but the Silverado has been able to offer up a very agile handling quality.

The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is integral for seamless gear shifts and top-notch fuel efficiency. With a towing capacity of up to 13,300 pounds, it can lug behind huge lake toys or a loaded-down trailer for your upcoming move. From the outside, the Silverado is all about grit and a tough stance, yet is surprisingly cozy inside. With very high-quality materials, a user-friendly interface, and abundant space, it provides a welcome oasis for any surveyor or contractor after a demanding day.

The star of the interior show is the extra-large 13.4-inch touchscreen,

available on the LT and higher trims. This makes it simple to access your

favorite apps, music, and find your next destination with GPS. Multiple USB

ports and wireless charging keep all of your gadgets fully juiced, and the

premium sound system will make the final leg back from the job site

sound better than ever.

The leather upholstery and heated seats of the higher trim levels ranked as the most comfortable the TopSpeed crew had ever encountered in a truck. The Motor Trend blogging team remarked that the “insane torque” from the diesel engine was scale-tipping and ideally intense. They were also thrilled with the combination of independent front suspension and twin-tube dampers from the Z71 package, which dealt with road imperfections, potholes, and hardcore expansion joints.

2024 Chevy Traverse Dominates the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L in All-Around Mastery

The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2024 Chevy Traverse are two of the Motor City’s most family-friendly midsize SUVs. The 2024 Chevy Traverse arrived here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis poised and ready for the year with the addition of 3-row seating! The 2024 Chevy Traverse is one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, with a practical third row of seats and class-leading cargo capacity. 

The Traverse boasts a huge advantage for busy families with its' minivan-like interior space. There is more third-row legroom and cargo space than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L by a considerable margin, and large adults can sit comfortably in the third row. This renders grocery errands that much easier, and GM’s Super Cruise is optional on the LT and Z71 trims. This allows for hands-free driving while your eyes are on the road, and it works on over 400,000 miles of North American mapped highways. 

The Traverse will also not let the Jeep win out when it comes to all of the fun off-road, as this year’s model claims the very first off-road-ready Z71 trim. This adds a standard twin-clutch AWD system, off-road suspension, a Terrain drive mode, and a very cool rugged appearance package. It also includes an 18-inch wheel wrapped in all-terrain tires. The Car and Driver staff praised the Traverse for its “reassuringly firm brake pedal feel and incredibly spacious interior.” Their review proved the Traverse to be a cargo and people-hauling champ with class-leading utility, and refined powertrain.

Even though the Traverse was once known for its handling on suburban blacktops rather than rocky trails, its new updates have an emphasis on capability. When people peer over the fence hungrily at the Jeep line they are impressed with its touchscreen game, but the Traverse now comes with a massive 17.7-inch model as a people-pleasing tool. A wireless smartphone charging pad and onboard Wi-Fi connection are also available, with an 11.0-inch digital gauge display as standard. 

The aggressive-looking RS trim now replaces the Premier and High Country models as the range-topper. Here you step into some very cool 22-inch wheels, a sportier suspension tune, and black exterior trim. All Traverses come with the same 315-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-boosted 4-cylinder, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Another category where the Traverse trumps the Jeep Grand Cherokee is with the features included in the second-trim spot. The LT adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, second-row captain’s chairs, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power rear liftgate, and roof rails for cargo. 

Going with the LT also adds the ability to add an optional sunroof, a Trailering package, and GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving feature. Another category where the Traverse confidently lurches ahead of the Grand Cherokee is a very specific focus for off-road mastery: the suspension damping is excellent for absorbing the extreme imperfections’ you’ll encounter while navigating the trail. The 2024 Traverse also hits 60 mph in as little as 6.5 second and can tow up to 5000 pounds with the optional Trailering package. The Traverse also rallies as a champion over the Grand Cherokee regarding cargo space, where it boasts a class-leading 97 cubic feet.

Sleek, Stylish, & Expertly Crafted: Why the 2024 Chevy Equinox is Turning Heads

Many drivers are understandably still on the fence about whether to go fully electric here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis. Each different model has many benefits, and making a final decision sometimes is best done after listening to expert opinions. The Carpro.com blog does an excellent job of helping customers decide and took a close look at the 2024 Chevy Equinox this past week. Their test vehicle arrived in the very sporty 2RS version and dipped in the “Red Hot paint” hue.

Writer Jerry Reynolds quickly noticed the sharp-looking body lines, and very stealth 21” black aluminum wheels. Many drivers who are looking for an EV are interested in models that still boast visual qualities that are a bit old school. This EV model is powered by an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery rated at 288 horsepower, with their tester as the all-wheel drive version. The range is 285 miles, which it accomplished with the AC fully cranked and while driving 75 mph. The single-motor two-wheel drive version sees a higher range of 319 miles.

The Equinox 2RS’s interior boasts two-tone faux leather seats with red stitching and red accents throughout the cabin. One of the coolest things the Equinox offers for an SUV in this price range is its 17.7” touchscreen. Outdoor temperature, battery range, speed, and odometer functions are all displayed on digital gauges directly in front of the driver, with the remainder of the big screen taking care of Wi-Fi, navigation, and Bluetooth duties. Some of today’s coolest developments are within the app realm!

The new Equinox boasts productive and groundbreaking examples such as Alexa, Waze, and the My Chevrolet app, which directs you to over 174,000 public chargers available nationwide. The testing crew took a close look at the back seat, as this is where passengers on longer hauls are situated. The Equinox has an excellent amount of leg and headroom, along with very useful USBs, air vents, and a 110-volt power outlet for charging devices. Folding the two back seats down provides 57 cubic feet of cargo area, with additional storage located directly under the load floor.

Customers who responded to surveys over the past few years had more features as standard equipment at the top of their lists, and here the 2024 Chevy Equinox EV wholeheartedly delivers! A power driver’s seat, remote start, heated front seats, rear seat reminder, ambient lighting, power liftgate, and LED headlights all are included with each trim level. The safety features that the cars of today are equipped with act as “ultimate guardians” within their own right: the Equinox fully comes through with gems such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian and bicycle braking, safety alert seat, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The designers of the amazing Super Cruise feature have gone to great lengths to make this additive stand out. They drove and mapped out almost 750,000 miles of different highway terrain across the nation. If you are on an officially approved road, you’ll notice a green light appear on the dash. You simply set the cruise control, enable the Super Cruise, and enjoy autonomous driving. If you want to change lanes, you simply have to turn on your blinker and the feature takes over and does all the work for you. This test driver’s verdict was that the sporty looks, excellent technology features, plush interior, and outstanding value render it one of the best examples of affordable and excellent modern fare!