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!