Gear Patrol's Take on the 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD: “Tow, Haul, it Does it All”

Jack Chinelli of Gear Patrol lamented right off the bat during a feature about the new 2020 Silverado that many are excited to see it hit the trail with some shiny new tech, as well as a complete redesign from front to back. It also now flaunts the optional Tech Package that brings aboard 8 cameras to help see better and will definitely help haulers and hard-working truck lovers who have been wondering where this miracle has been all their lives!

Heavy Duty models will arrive on the lot in five different trim levels, with many additional options. This article astutely claims that the turbodiesel V8 would be the sure-fire engine of choice and that this is the truck on the market to select if hauling is your job. We all fully agree that it would also serve as “the perfect mate to a racecar's trailer”, and “the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the Florida-Georgia line”. During this in-depth review of the new Silverado, it was agreed that a truck's mission is to always act as a multitool on wheels, and a mobile office, as well as status symbol cloaked in longstanding loyalty.

It is also clearly stated here that the Silverado's bar-behind-the-bowtie is the rig's trademark signature, and just like the evolution of auto design itself has become much more. The maxed-out turbodiesel V8 turns out 910 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, mated to a 10-speed automatic. The Gear Patrol test crew began driving the Silverado HD Duramax at 3,600 feet above sea level, situated in the challenging high desert of central Oregon. They chugged another 2,000 ft up Mount Bachelor while lugging a trailer packing 9,300 pounds, and had no difficulty at all finding available power to forge up effortlessly. At speed, the Silverado is poised and doesn't possess any of the clacking and tapping anyone would expect from a diesel.

The side-view mirrors are mounted to the door instead of the A-Pillar, a feature exclusive to the HD model, greatly helping with the all-important visibility factor while towing. Your back-to-school and pre-football season visit to Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis would not be complete without a demonstration of the Advanced Trailering System technology: it puts to use six cameras around the truck and an additional two accessory cameras for the trailer, offering up the potential to provide 15 camera views.

The “invisible trailer” feature combines images from two of the cameras on duty to make it look as if you can see right through the trailer with the 8.0-inch infotainment screen. Finalizing their analysis by stating that this is the “device that makes heavy-duty truck life easier than ever”, the crew from Gear Patrol rendered the incoming Silverado as a dream machine that can “Tow, Haul, and do it all” with ease, vigor, strength, and robust resilience!

GM Authority Covers 2020 Chevy Malibu Six-Second 0-60 Achievement

GM Authority doled out the story on the official acceleration specs for the engine options for the Chevy Malibu this past week, and the results of the 0 – 60 climb will excite anyone who's looking for a feature-rich new vehicle this fall season! The 2020 model offers a brand new exterior design, a longer wheelbase, and lighter curb weight. The engine options are a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, and optional turbocharged 2.0-Liter 4. The Malibu that has the relatively new turbocharged 1.5-liter I4 LFV produces 160 horsepower at 5,700 rpm, and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 RPM.

This power is sent to the front axle by use of a continuously variable transmission, which is on board now replacing the 6-speed for the 2019 model. This LFV propels the base model Malibu to 62 mph in 9.3 seconds. According to fueleconomy.gov, this Malibu with the turbo 1.5-liter nails down 29 mpg in the city, and 36 mpg on the highway, which is a notable 32 mpg average combined. It sports a spacious interior with plenty of front-seat headroom, brisk acceleration and a hybrid trim, and one of the easiest-to-use infotainment systems out there.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder LTG offers up 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and replaced the 1.5-liter's CVT with the GM nine-speed automatic transmission, and brandishing this extra allocation of power under the hood, this Malibu hits 60 mph in “just over six seconds”. Every one of us on sales and service duty here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis has witnessed the exploding popularity of the crossover SUV variant over the past few years, this is one very persistent sedan that possesses the unique charm, practicality, and safety features that appeal widely to the young professional on the move.

Dissecting The Mid-Engine Corvette's Dominance: Motor1.com Discusses 0 to 60 in Under Three Seconds

The good folks on staff at Motor1.com insinuated in an article this week that they wondered if it was sheer witchcraft that allowed the 2020 Corvette Stingray to get to 60 mph in under three seconds and if any of our most prominent design team members were sitting on the roof of the Renaissance Center conjuring spirits. The current ZR1 and McLaren 720S are two cars that can pull off the same feat: the C7 needs 755 horsepower to get there in 2.95 seconds, and the Mclaren calls for 710 hp to nail down a 2.8 – second run.

 Many out there are wondering just how the well-received and long-awaited Corvette can accomplish a similar feat while having 200 less horsepower than either of these two cars, and Engineering Explained's Jason Fenske descended upon his dry-erase board and camera to explain to the masses just how the new 'Vette pulls it off. Surprisingly enough there was no witch's brew or powerful spells involved in the process, but the first element that helps greatly is the aggressive gearing and intelligent design of the Corvette's first dual-clutch transmission.

The new Dual-clutch transmission ensures continuous torque through each ultra-quick gear change, and applies the 6.2-liter V8's 470 lb-ft of torque repeatedly across two gears. In the video shown here, the all-important weight distribution factor is discussed: the 2018 Corvette had a 50/50 weight distribution, whereas the new mid-engined model has a 40/60 distribution level. A great attempt at simplifying the math regarding max acceleration G's is carried out here: 1.3 Gs is the frictional coefficient in regards to this year's new Corvette. Based on where the engine lies and its weight distribution, it is shown in detail here how the last Corvette model could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds.

Some other math is presented that leads up to the conclusion that with every favorable element there is possible to fight the acceleration battle, the new Corvette could have a 0-60 mph time of just 2.76 seconds. The last ZR1 model's supercharger contributed greatly to its center of gravity, which may have added the very slightest factor of lag, and our educator excitedly shares with us just how awesome it is that the new mid-engined 'Vette is only half the price of some of its souped-up predecessors. 

As far as tires, all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis were watching closely as the ZR1 and Z06 had grip levels around 1.4 for the frictional coefficient, and this was another additive that helped immensely with the lightening-fast 0 – 60 time. The Corvette is one of the best vehicles in existence in terms of braking, another true asset when you are out on the track in a blaze of glory. The science behind speed is quite fascinating, and this feature was an eye-opening lesson in the various means that are used to assure the new Stingray is the undisputed leader of the pack!

Autoblog's Take On 2020 Chevy Corvette C8: “Leading a New Era For The Sports Car”

As the scorching months of summer are absolutely upon us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, many of us are reveling in what is the biggest automotive event in years. The staff on duty at Autoblog were surely right when they heralded the coming of the new C8 by saying that “few things in the automotive landscape have been as long-awaited as the mid-engine Chevy Corvette”. After many long years of illustrations, covers, dreams, and deep speculation, the C8 is finally a reality.

Introduced in a large hanger in California last week by astronauts Scott Kelly and Mae Jemison, the 2020 Chevy Corvette receives a 6.2-liter LT2 naturally aspirated V8 engine that makes 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque with the optional exhaust. Minus the sport exhaust, you are still looking at 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, and all C8's operate by use of a dry-sump oil system. You can see the motor through a 3.2-mm glass pane, and the 8-speed dual-clutch Tremec Transmission is the choice for resident gear duty. The unofficial word for most in the auto world is that the 0-60 mph time is under 3 seconds, no surprise for a menacing and track-hungry contender such as the C8.

Addition of the Z51 package adds a suspension that can adjust ride height and stiffness. There is now also Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 as an option with the C8, and the same Z51 package also adds a splitter and large rear spoiler, which brings to the plate an additional 400 pounds of downforce. The Z51's added aero also contributes to a very aggressive look, and many have been happy that in a sense it still has some basic similarities to the C7.

Most important of all is the actual structure of the C8: to assure the price remained on the low end, a carbon-fiber tub was scrapped in favor of aluminum. Everything is constructed from aluminum except for two carbon pieces for the rear bumper beam and an underbody panel that runs along the bottom of the center tunnel. A GPS-enabled nose-lift feature can now be programmed to automatically lift, and we're excited about the trunk space that can contain a TSA-approved carry-on bag as well as laptop bag.

Since there is not a longer hood out front anymore, the cockpit has been scooted forward 16.5 inches further than the C7, and there will be a right-hand drive model for the diehard fans outside of the States. Carbon fiber and aluminum trims are now available, as well as six different interior color choices. The C8 is now slated to go into full production at the Bowling Green plant later this year, and we'll keep you posted right here on any additional pricing as well as other details!

Chevy C8 Corvette Slated to be The Star of the Show During Concours D'Elegance

Car and Driver excitedly provided us the important scoop this week bout the brand new Chevy C8 Corvette's official appearance in Michigan during the Concourse d'Elegance of America. This exciting appearance is part of a public seminar featuring head design chief Michael Simcoe to be held on Saturday, July 27, but you can also see this amazing new car on Sunday, July 28 which is the day of the concourse event. Here the public will get a chance to learn in-depth about the many challenges and long process of development for the C8 Chevy Corvette.

This car that was so long and highly awaited in the making was revealed Thursday in California, and this event in suburban Detroit is likely to be the first opportunity for many to see the exciting new mid-engined work of art. Former Corvette design chief Tom Peters will also be on deck as a guest, and Saturday seminars will also include F1 Mavericks author George Levy, sure to be a thrilling highlight for those in attendance at the yearly concours at the Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth, Michigan. Widely known as one of the top three track and machinery events in the nation, this is the perfect place to provide close-up looks for so many that have followed the progress of the C8 for the past few years.

Show-goers will also be able to feast their eyes on Rolls-Royce motorcars, 6 V-16 Cadillacs owned by collector of the year John Groendyke, and a very in-depth devoted circle covering the history of alternative powerplants such as steam cars, turbine, and electric. There will be other legendary specimens on had such as a 1971 Datsun 240Z and a 2001 Dodge Viper GTS ACR, as well as a “Cars and Coffee” event that drew nearly 1000 cars up for display last year. You can also opt to join the group as they embark on a motoring tour up to Flint Michigan, and check out the all-British car show on site.

During the media preview staged in front of the Michigan Central Station, event chairman Larry Moss spoke of the deep ties in the automotive community in the Detroit area and how economically feasible this particular Concours of America is when compared to other similar events. Grand Marshal Wayne Carini from Chasing Classic Cars will also be on-site participating in select weekend events, and former Car and Driver editor-in-chief Don Sherman will be presented with a Lifetime achievement award. You can check out the website here for the full schedule of exciting events, and we'll keep you posted here on the Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis Blog about the event's success and most memorable moments!

Soon To Be Released C8 Corvette Caught Flaunting its Chops at Famed Nurburgring Track

This is the summer when everything changes in a major way for the famed Corvette, and the C8 roars out of the gate in confidence for good. This video was shot recently of final testing at the Nurburgring, and this past week Motor1.com showed us here some new angles of the model. All of us on staff here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis have not seen any evidence of the car at the Nurburgring since summer of 2018, and being able to brag about how much faster the new generation is on the track would absolutely be a prime asset for the marketing team!

This monumental machine is expected to debut with a 6.2-liter V8 making around 460 horsepower and incorporating a dual-clutch gearbox. It's quite possible that a dual-overhead-cam V8, Cadillac's 4.2-liter twin-turbo Blackwing V8, and eventually even a hybrid variant cranking out nearly 1,000 hp could later join this lightening-fast lineup. The exciting debut takes place on July 18 in Tustin, California, where Motor1.com will once again be present to cover the release. Standing at 17 stories tall and 1,000 feet long, the twin blimp hangars constructed in 1942 here are a few of the biggest wood structures ever made.

Production for the C8 will take place in the plant that consistently brandishes All-American pride with quality in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Prototypes of the mid-mounted 'Vette saw their way onto design tables and other forms of conceptualization as far back as the early 1960s and could have been potentially been cleared for production around 2007 if the Great Recession had not occurred. As early as 1955 Corvette production developer Zora Arkus-Duntov was convinced that a mid-engine platform was preferable. Two years later, the Corvette was forced to drop out of the Sebring 12-hour race in 1957, because driver John Fitch's feet were being burned by the exhaust pipes. Zora then immediately began to ponder the logic of placing the heat source behind the driver.

At GM's Milford Proving Grounds test facility in mid-2016, heavily-camouflaged C8's were first caught in action by photographers on the hunt for spy shots. Sources then told the Detroit News that GM was pouring nearly $800 million into the assembly plant at Bowling Green and another paint facility to successfully create the new car. All of us high-performance fans are so excited about the mid-engined Corvette being able to stay alive and survive the brand's shift in priorities to crossover SUV production.

Next January, the Daytona 24-hour race will see the debut of the C8 racing version, set to do battle with other mid-engine competitors such as the Ferrari 488. In the supercar world of today, we understand fully that purists still have a high amount of love for the manual transmission, but the crazy fast automatics of today simply provide less complication without the need for designing a mid-engine transaxle. A legend will surely be born just six days from now in California, and the C8 will surely have the stamina, stealth aggression, and speed chops to instill fear in any ferociously-sworn rival on the track!

2020 Silverado 2500HD First Drive Impressions: “A Solid Ride, and Mind-Blowing Towing Capability”

As the war between all things truck heats up in dire competition during late summer, the brand-new 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is going to be sporting many new changes, and the Edmunds.com blog provided an in-depth feature about it this past week. All of us on staff here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis agree that the most exciting order of business is the very first one listed: Last year's base 6.0-liter Gasoline V8 sees its replacement of a 6.6-liter V8 that cranks out 401 horsepower and a whopping 464 lb-ft of torque. There is also the option of a 6.6-liter V8 Duramax diesel: the six-speed automatic has now been replaced with a 10-speed, and the results are a hefty 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque for specs.

Extra power results in better hauling and towing ability, but there's much more to the 2020 Silverado 2500HD than the shiny new powertrains: all of the frames have seen greater lengthening and straightening, and it's most noticeable in the crew cab's back seat as the rear legroom has grown by 2.5 inches. The bed is much wider than that of the competition inside, and you can get plenty of use out of the 12-standard tie-downs. All four corners of the bed provide easy access to them, and extended towing mirrors are standard across the board on all 2500 HD trucks.

The Advanced Trailering System offers up to 15 views through 8 cameras, including “Transparent Trailer”: this is one that appears as if you are looking back at traffic through a trailer composed of crystal-clear glass. The hauling and towing features are what Chevy has gone after the most aggressively with the incoming 2020, and the extra space in the crew cab will come in handy when you are conducting weekend rec duty instead of weekday work.

The testing team on duty at Edmunds claimed that the way in which the front end stays composed when put to the test of driving over bumps and challenging washboard dirt roads was a key ingredient in this winning and burly engineering formula! The competition in the forms of Ram and Ford incorporate solid-axle front ends, and the Chevy 2500HD now rides on front independent suspension, featuring very long low-mounted torsion springs.

These improvements in suspension also are noticeable in the steering element: the Silverado 2500HD uses recirculating ball steering to handle the craziest of loads, and the LTZ and High Country trim levels us Active Hydraulic Assist, which provides a much more natural buildup, and a very centered feel that is more like rack-and-pinion. One other standout element of this amazingly-built truck is the transmission: the way in which it downshifts to hold speed on downgrades is class-leading, and you really do feel the difference during every inch of the drive!