Sleek, Fast, & Ferocious: The 2025 Corvette is Tomorrow’s Ultimate Driving Machine

“America’s Sportscar” is a title that the Corvette holds masterfully here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis! The writers on duty at the CarConnection blog dedicated an article to its mass appeal last week, stating first that its mid-engine layout and ferocious power is an amazing bargain even when held up to exotic cars. Its predominant competition is up against the Porsche 718, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Supra. Behaved enough for a sleek and agile daily driver, the Corvette scorches onto this year’s scene with the insane ZR1 model.

This scorcher digs its heels in and cranks out 1,064 horsepower, with new turbos situated directly on the powertrain. It’s a fantastic 5.5-liter V8 that was wisely snatched up from the previous Z06, along with its extra-wide body. Some sweet engrained aerodynamic extras allow for a top speed of over 215 mph, along with the optional ZTK Performance Package that cooks up more than 1,200 lbs of duty-ready downforce.

The quarter mile is toast in less than 10 seconds, and a spirited lap around the famed Nurburgring takes less than 7 minutes. The Z51 Performance Package now has a revised spoiler, and there are also two brand-new exterior colors to pick from. The C8 generation is an amazing means of meeting two exhilarating car categories halfway! It’s both an exotic supercar and a high-performing sports model, with an elegant appearance that still shows off its competitive spirit. It’s no surprise that the Corvette only seats two thrill-seeking occupants, who are separated by an arsenal of “flight controls” in the middle.

An increased weight hanging out over the wide rear tires allows for the new ‘Vette to throw its power around with a sense of grave efficiency. The base engine is a 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 490 horsepower, with the E-Ray doubling down on a 160-hp front motor to boot. The E-Ray’s setup delivers a pavement-blistering 655 horsepower, while the track-focused Z06’s V8 cranks out 670. All the new models incorporate a smooth and immediately responsive 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Stingray nudges up to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, while the E-Ray mans the deck in just 2.5. This year’s Corvette has impeccably sharp handling, minimal body roll, beefy brakes, and steering that’s as precise as it comes. That is in its base form, with the higher-trim models and performance packages providing even more high-output elbow grease. A few of the handy safety features it comes with are automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and rear parking sensors.

This menacing monster comes complete with very wide bodywork, and vents that flaunt its screeching intentions! The Car Connection crew claims here that it looks a bit like a Ferrari, but still approaches with the pointed front end of yesterday’s Corvettes. The cockpit is where the positioning and forethoughts of design come to fruition perfectly. A sloping line of controls is dividing the cabin, with all the essentials aimed directly at the driver. The design teams precisely tuned the front and rear double-wishbone suspensions to serve up unparalleled grip, and a centered presence when the road begins to wind.

The Z51 Performance Package adds larger 13.3-inch front rotors and 13.6-inch to 13.8-inch rear rotors. We’d recommend the carbon-ceramic brakes as a sweet performance-inspired add-on, which fare much better on the track. The Z06 proves to be the most track-focused Corvette to date, with a stiffer suspension and larger brakes. The Carbon Aero Package decks things out with a majestic wing spoiler, dive planes, and the commanding extra presence of 734 pounds of downforce!

2025 Chevy Silverado HD’s “Torque of the Town”: The Heavy-Duty Hero You Need for Big Jobs

A hefty towing capacity has long been a sought-after bonus for truck buyers here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis! While elements such as tech features and interior comfort define a truck’s long-term appeal, knowing just how much you can pull allows you to properly plan the workday OR much-needed lake visit. Chevy’s top pickup is available in the very capable 2500 and robust 2500 configurations and is in fierce competition with the Ford F-Series Super Duty and Ram HD.

The CarConnection review pros have long been letting readers in on their honest opinions about today’s offerings. They claimed post-test drive that the 2025 Silverado is “Big, brash, and immensely capable”, with a welcome amount of space and cool extra features. This category stands proud and tall and can be had in four-door extended, regular, and crew cab configurations, along with two available bed sizes. The Silverado’s muscular style has paved the way for it to become a resilient favorite, as it arrives on the scene prepared for the tough jobs.

LT and higher trims are equipped with a nice 13.4-inch touchscreen. Google built-in technology allows you to bypass Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The base-level 6.6-liter gas V8 cranks out 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, with the turbodiesel stepping things up massively to 470 horses and 975 lb-ft. This configuration provides the secret sauce for a 36,000-lb towing capacity, rendering it heavy-duty enough for the quarry or cross-country haul.

The 10-speed automatic transmission proved to be adequately up to the task, firing off rapid and precise shifts. Crew-cab trucks offer massive interiors with excellent space for five or six. This crew appreciated how the 2025 Chevy Silverado HD wore its bulk on its sleeve, brandishing a hood nearly five feet off the ground. The grille now features headlight trim that offers an appealing and modern look. The unique grille treatments are good at visually distinguishing each trim.

The Custom and Base WT models have a simple dash with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, with appealing buttons and innovative spots for small-item storage. Top-shelf versions such as the High Country boast luxurious wood trim and real leather, offering an appealing place to spend time. The ZR2 model offers amenities such as the American Expedition Vehicles-built add-on, which includes suspension components and Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers.

Beefy 35-inch mud tires tie the outfit together, along with a super-powered locking rear differential. The 6.6-liter turbodiesel is the way to go if demanding towing has a heavy presence in your daily regimen and moves with a dignified authority. It may not be an all-out drag racer, but it never encounters a problem while keeping up with the pace, even while lugging an XXL trailer.

When the all-important comfort factor was under scrutiny, this review crew gave high marks for the bed utility along with welcoming front and rear seats. When the air begins to get crisp and show signs of fall’s return, we sure hope tailgating is on your mind! The Silverado’s built-in tailgate speakers will ensure that you’re the provider of the best mobile party to root for your favorite team in style. 

The V8 That Overthrew Mount Washington: 2024 Chevy Silverado's Steep-Grade Mastery

We have all heard of many drives here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis that are not for the faint of heart! There are quite a few around here after the interstate ends and the fields eventually make their way to the Ozarks. The drive up Mount Washington boasts an average grade of 12%, and the world's highest-ever recorded wind velocity was right here during the Great Depression.

This is where many have lost their lives, and towers above the jaw-dropping changes of the leaves during New Hampshire Autumns. The Driving auto review team embarked on the paved road with sinisterly high winds afoot, bringing along the trusty 2024 Chevy Silverado High Country we all love so much. The visibility finally slipped away to nearly zero, and the staff writer had to keep one eye continuously peeled on the cliffs. This Silverado was equipped with the burly 6.2-liter V8, which cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

It held onto its composure like a full-fledged champ, with third gear being a sweep spot for ascent. Even with 4 adults on board, the truck made the 30-minute climb without any issues, reminding this crew all at once just how much V8s rock. They spent most of the time with the truck in Sport mode, with the active exhaust growling nicely as a professional race truck would. During the six-hour drive from Ottawa to New Hampshire, they enjoyed the benefits of the Dynamic Fuel Management system, which will shut down up to 4 cylinders at a time if it's not in the cards.

The truck's engine control module makes the ultimate decision on what cylinders should be active 80 times each second. This truck has SO many traits that the hard-workin' individual will greatly appreciate! There are handy box steps in the bumpers, along with a very deep bed that's excellent for hauling all the tools. 12 standard tie-downs ensure that nothing flies off unexceptionally during the journey. The camera system employs 8 different units to provide 14 separate views.

All of these are shown on the 13.4-inch center touchscreen, along with the very useful entire side of the truck and trailer. The Silverado pulled this group's 2,000-lb payload effortlessly, with hitch guidance and sway control proving their immediate worth. The 22-inch wheels are fitting for a work truck, and the 4Auto setting keeps a fitting handle on things while tackling demanding conditions. The crew encountered a “100% confidence” level in GM's engineering after experiencing zero wind noise in the cabin.

The adaptive dampers were able to take on broken pavement with ease. GM's groundbreaking hands-free Super Cruise technology is an excellent feature for navigating long journeys with confidence. As the group used the 12.3-inch configurable diagonal instrument cluster, they loved the depth, color brilliance, and clear display. While the team was hauling with ease, they kept reinforcing just how much they enjoyed the smooth torque! During their road trip, the truck behaved much better than competing models equipped with smaller-displacement V6s.

The GM Inside News blog praised this year's Chevy Silverado for its “top-notch interior, whisper-quiet diesel, and very useful MultiPro tailgate.” In case getting overly dirty is your thing, the quite awesome ZR2 model is excellent for navigating the trail. The Car and Driver experts reflected that the Silverado's range of configurability and powertrain selection make it excellent for the critical demand of job sites. We hope you come to see us here at Jim Butler this back-to-school season, and test drive the pickup whose capacity for hard work is hereditary!

The Advanced Allure of the 2025 Chevy Colorado Z71: Tech and Toughness Combined

Midsize trucks have built quite a following over the recent years here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis! The 2025 Chevy Colorado Z71 is the ideal mix of rugged functionality and technical sophistication. The Curated Texan blog provided a review this past week which praised its hard-working and go-anywhere demeanor. The exterior sports a bold grille, unique LED headlights, and unique blacked-out badges.

Truck customers have become more demanding regarding interior comfort, and the Colorado has kept up with this demand while remaining solid. It comes with heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen equipped with Google for navigation and connectivity. The Z71’s powertrain is the potent 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which cranks out 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive, offering smooth acceleration and a 7,700-lb towing capability.

This group’s Lone Star State test drive yielded perfectly weighted steering. Stability and well-weighted quality are two of the most sought-after qualities when it comes to steering. The new Colorado Z71 fully delivered on this front and is well-prepped for any form of off-road battle. It may not have quite the trail-ready flex of the ZR2, but it still arrives where the pavement ends with 8.9 inches of ground clearance. All-terrain tires and a limited-slip differential also render the Colorado adept at superior off-asphalt performance. Inside, the cabin has plenty of room, with a very sporty red and black trim interior design.

Size matters consistently now when it comes to touchscreen real estate, as drivers thoroughly enjoy their taste of “bigger and better” with each passing year. The Colorado Z71 is equipped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen, which is an immersive addition to the experience. A few of the life-saving standard safety features are standard automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. The Curated Texan team has no doubt had their hands on many of the nation’s finest trucks, and they praised the Colorado Z71 for its power and off-road prowess.

The Car and Driver crew praised the truck for its “superiority to its predecessor inside and out.” They also claimed that the base engine possesses a pleasantly raw punch, and results in a pickup as “American as apple pie.” The 2024 model made the Car and Driver’s “Editor’s Choice” list, as it displayed the build for driving to work as reliably as through tough mud. They excitedly claimed that its chassis and equipment support can commandeer even the bravest of off-road shenanigans. Weekend warriors will also love the Colorado’s ability to haul boats, campers, and even snow removal machines with ease.

The Motor Trend crew loved the Colorado’s tough exterior styling, upscale interior, and capable off-road variants. This midsize marvel managed to snag the publication’s highest truck honors twice. It successfully rules the segment populated with competition such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and GMC Canyon. Comfortable, capable, and properly modern are traits that all tie together this impressive and efficient model. The Z71 also offers 360-degree and underbody cameras. The Edmunds.com auto review crew favored the well-thought-out interior, with efficient and easy-to-find control buttons and knobs.