Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Chevy Corvette Finishes as Second-Fastest Selling Vehicle During September


Spending an average of just 8.6 short-lived days on dealer lots before funding a buyer in September, the 2021 C8 Corvette Stingray has been incredibly popular as of late. Demand has been incredibly high, and the same will be true for the next model!

Production of the 2022 Chevy Corvette Stingray began at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant during the week of September 6, with a slew of exciting changes that characterize the brand-new model. You can have your pick of Hypersonic Gray Metallic, Amplify Orange Tintcoat, and Caffeine Metallic as far as awesome new colors, a new low profile rear spoiler option, and an IMSA GTLM Championship C8.R Edition Package to commemorate another thrilling year in motorsports. This limited version run of the 2022 Stingray is built to remember our winning season during last year’s WeatherTech Series.


This exciting edition that pays homage to our longstanding success is based on the 3LT trim with the 50 Performance Package and features a graphics package that nicely imitates the No. 3 Corvette C8.R and the No. 4 Corvette C8.R sister car. You’ll be scorching around the track with yellow brake calipers, black-painted Trident alloy wheels, Carbon Flash-painted exterior mirrors, black-painted side rockers, and splash guards. 

86 percent of the parts and vital components that make up the Chevy Corvette Stingray are produced at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky, and the standard 6.2-Liter LT2 V8 engine is made at the GM Tonawanda plant in New York State. Michigan has long been a hotbed of auto manufacturing, and the Corvette’s brakes are proudly produced by Brembo in Homer, MI.

Other new features for the 2022 model include the low rear spoiler and front splitter, Visible Carbon Fiber door intake trim, high wing spoiler with visible carbon fiber, and illuminated door sill plates. Under the hood, the Stingray sees updates to the fuel delivery and Active Fuel Management systems, as well as some fine-honed alterations to the engine calibration for improved emissions. The LT2 V8 will crank out 490 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque, and the optional Performance Exhaust boosts that 495 horsepower and 470 lb/ft. 


Wednesday, October 6, 2021

2022 Silverado Engine Lineup Features Four Unique and Ready-For-Business Variants


The refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 lineup features some awesome choices in the engine lineup! Three of them are gas motors that include a turbocharged 4-cylinder along with two naturally-aspirated 8-cylinder Small Blocks, and the fourth is a class-leading, industry-favorite turbo-diesel Duramax inline-six. 

All four of these are carried over from the 2019-2021 Chevy Silverado, and if you are looking for something on the smaller side, you need to check out the turbocharged 2.7-liter engine. Starting at the base level of offerings, the 2.7-Liter I4 L3B turbocharged gas engine made its first appearance in the fourth-generation 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. Many contractors, off-roading enthusiasts, and rig lovers will appreciate its 348-lb ft of torque at 4,000 RPM, as well as the torque boost from 348 to 420.


This engine uses technology used in diesel engines that makes for a more durable and long-lasting powertrain. It also lays claim to the most advanced valve train Chevy offers, and is known for its class-leading performance and high level of efficiency. Offering a maximum trailering rate of 9,600 lbs in a two-wheel-drive configuration, it is paired with GM’s 8-speed automatic that has also seen a few valuable tweaks for this year’s release.

The 5.3-liter V8 L84 gasoline engine proves its worth in heavy-duty vehicles such as the Silverado, Tahoe, and Suburban, and they feature an Overhead Valve pushrod design that is an integral part of the trend-setting Small Block configuration. The L84 is part of a completely revised version of the EcoTec3 group, and was at one time the solely available powertrain for the Corvette Z06 model more than four decades ago! 

The 6.2-liter V8 is where things get quite a bit more revved-up and powerful, enjoying its perch as the king of the hill while delivering an SAE-certified 420 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 460 lb-ft of torque. It is the only available engine on the 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2, and all models are paired with GM’s Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Don’t be fooled by the name of the “baby Duramax” that is used in full-size half-ton pickups and SUVs: it offers a great amount of low-end torque that makes it ideal for towing as well as segment-leading fuel economy.


Tuesday, September 28, 2021

2022 Chevy Bolt EUV’s Evolution: Larger, Faster, Eco-Sensical


When it was launched four years ago, the Chevy Bolt began its legacy as GM’s first all-electric vehicle for the everyday driver. A range above 200 miles, reasonable price, and spacious interior have all been attractive features, and the 2022 Bolt is bringing even more to the party!

First off, the Bolt EUV has a six-inch increase in overall length in the backseat, making it roomier inside than Ford’s EV SUV. The material quality and feel have been upgraded, and what began as an eco-friendly urban commuting model has now been updated with the brandished interior touches that are aligned a bit more with what the best luxury crossovers offer. 

The regenerative braking system in the Bolt EUV captures kinetic energy during deceleration, storing it in the battery so it can later be used as electric power. Drivers love this system, as it feels more natural than similar types in other EVs, and the one-pedal functionality makes for smooth stops without the need to touch the brake pedal. 


Using the 65 kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery used in the Bolt EV, the EUV has a predicted range of 250 miles, adequately equipping most urban commuters with enough juice to get through the week! Drivers also love that the Bolt EUV is easy to operate, and you don’t have to constantly take your eyes off the road to make changes to the infotainment or climate controls. 

At a cost much lower than competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Mustang Mach-E, the Bolt EUV has now added standard fast-charging capability, with a full recharge on 240 volts taking around seven hours. To sweeten the deal and encourage eco-safe driving, Chevy will now help to cover the cost of installing a convenient Level 2 home charger to qualified customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt!

The purchase of an EV could even qualify you for some state tax incentives. Charging your vehicle is as simple as plugging in your smartphone, and with 266 lb-ft of torque, the Earth-friendly and efficient power is there for you when you need it most!


Wednesday, September 1, 2021

2022 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Set to Sizzle With Revamped Suspension, High-Quality Interior


Last year’s thorough redesign of GM’s full-size SUVs was the most substantial over the last three decades, and all of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis couldn’t be more excited! The Suburban is cool and capable enough to attain star status, having its own prized spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and both the Suburban and Tahoe now have even more stellar reasons you should drive them this fall! Here are some of the choicest reasons that the Suburban and Tahoe are at the top of the list for Autoblog’s full-sized SUV selections. 

The available diesel engine is on deck to save you hundreds of dollars annually, and the technology features are perfect for what any full-sized SUV should be. Once inside, every trim except the base LS has the new 12-inch digital gauge display bordered by an old-school analog tach and speedometer. These trims also receive navigation as standard accessible through the 10.2-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Lane-keeping assist and parking sensors are also now standard, and Reverse Automatic Braking is added to the Enhanced Display and Alert package. 


We have had scores of excited customers inquiring about the 6.2-liter V8 engine option, and they are all going to be incredibly pleased with the results! The Z71, RST, and Premier trim levels will now offer this mightier option, and both the Suburban and Tahoe will feature an interior that is now completely different from the Silverado pickup truck. The dashboard is now lower and has detailing that gives the cabin the impression of more breathing room. 

Most trim levels have the 12-inch screen between analog gauges, with the option to upgrade to a 12.6-inch model to keep passengers in the rear entertained. Bigger SUVs still have a massive amount of consumer appeal and swagger, and the Tahoe grew by 6.7 inches of overall length along with 4.9 inches of wheelbase. The Suburban gained 1.3 inches of extra length, and the wheelbase expanded by 4.1 inches. 

When it comes to suspension, there are four offerings available: a fixed steel spring and shock system, an air suspension, a steel spring suspension without magnetic dampers, and an air suspension with magnetic dampers. The magnetic dampers offered the Autoblog team a glassy and smooth ride, incredibly limited body roll, and elimination of the shudders and sudden jerks that larger vehicles are susceptible to. The 6.2-liter V6 is a sweet spot for engine power, although many of the world’s reigning auto experts pick the total domination of the Duramax Diesel as the best choice. If one of the most important things you do is towing, rest assured that the diesel is strongest off the line and the most powerful accelerator to torpedo you and the entire troupe to the next stop! 


Tuesday, August 24, 2021

2021 Chevy Traverse Makes Best All-Wheel-Drive SUV List


Families and students getting back to school in the fall are always on the hunt for a safe vehicle with excellent traction and stability. This improves the car’s handling in the most challenging of road conditions, and provides an extra amount of might and muster if you like to occasionally jump off-road and tackle the challenges of the trail. 

U.S. News And World Report included the 2021 Chevy Traverse on its list of the 12 Best All-Wheel-Drive SUVs in 2021, solidifying its class-leading abilities for great driving when the weather gets a bit dicey. The list gave the 2021 Chevy Traverse an overall score of 8.4 out of 10 points, commending the vehicle for its available heated and ventilated seats to add comfort during the cold spells that are so common and uncomfortable during a midwestern winter. With the Drive Mode Selector, you can quickly choose between FWD, AWD, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road modes to efficiently conquer rain, snow, sleet, or ice!


Each trim comes equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque along with fully independent suspension making for smooth rides over rough terrain. If frequent trips to the lake are one of the ways you like to kick off the weekend, the Trailering Package provides the power to tow up to 5,000 pounds and transport a small boat or trailer. Inside you’ll find plenty of space, with seating for up to 8 and an impressive 23 cubic feet of cargo volume. 

New features for this year include active safety systems becoming standard equipment, redesigned front and rear fascias, and LED headlights and taillights. A bit larger than most of its competitors with a lower entry-level price point, the Traverse will always appeal to families who appreciate good bang for their buck.

Whether your daily missions involve shuttling the sports team, delivering food and groceries, or hauling your entire family on a trip, the latest model Traverse is capable and comfortable. It is also now possible to fully disable the start/stop system that shuts off the engine at stoplights. If this is not suitable for your style of driving, you can use a button just below the gear selector to the right of the electronic parking brake to temporarily disengage the feature.  


Monday, August 16, 2021

2022 Chevy Bolt EV’s Electrifying Appearance Heightened With Five Fresh New Colors


Many customers at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis are now shifting their vision towards electrification as automotive options become more Earth-friendly. The 2022 Chevy Bolt EV has a more futuristic and aggressively-stanced design, and there are five awesome new colors to choose from to boot. 

You can get the 2022 Bolt EV in Cherry Red Tintcoat, Silver Flare Metallic, Gray Ghost Metallic, Bright Blue Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, or Summit White. There’s a brand-new exterior design in place featuring an entirely new front and rear fascia. LED headlights have a nice flow down seamlessly to completely reworked fog lights. There is a reworked front grille completing the transformation, and a cool black bow tie representing the Chevy brand.

The GM BEV2 platform is the riding medium for the refreshed bolt EV, held on the single-drive electric motor producing 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The 65-kWh lithium-ion battery provides 259 miles of range per charge. In 2017, when many drivers had not yet embraced the convenience of electric power, the Bolt was named Motor Trend Car of The Year, as they hailed it for “better car quality, better package, much better handling, and twice the range.”


Chevy will cover the standard installation of Level 2 charging capability inside the homes of eligible customers who opt to lease or purchase the 2022 Bolt. The Dual Level Charge Cord has the capability of up to 11kW using the Level 2 charger and provides an extra 100 miles of driving range in just half an hour. 

There’s also a new 10.2-inch touchscreen for the dashboard and push button transmission controls where the shifter was previously located. The button for one-pedal driving mode is close to the steering wheel paddle. Another step in the direction of fully-autonomous operation, this enables the driver to effectively bring the Bolt to a complete halt by lifting their foot off the accelerator without touching the brake pedal. Perfecting the surface appeal needed for everyday consumers to take notice, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EV boasts efficiency, true long-distance comfort, and now five new colors as one of the original players in the game. 


Tuesday, August 10, 2021

2019 Chevy Equinox Resides At The Top On KBB “Best Used Cars For Teens” List


When the teenager in your house is asking you to finally pull out of the driveway in their first car, you may have already done a bit of homework regarding insurance rates and gotten anxious! There are a lot of costs that are involved when any teenager reaches that point, so you may be thinking about a used car to ease the financial strain. The Chevy Equinox has received another accolade from the seasoned experts at Kelley Blue Book, as it was named “best used cars for teenagers.”

As teens across America prepare to head back to school this August, it is important to remember that the dangerous crash rate for drivers aged 16 to 19 is nearly three times that for those 20 and older. KBB compared the Equinox against hundreds of different models to finalize their list of the most ideal vehicles for student drivers, while remaining focused on things like safety, fuel economy, and value. 


The 2019 Equinox LT was well-situated in the under $20,000 category, ranking highly among competition such as the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2018 Mazda CX-5, and the 2020 Toyota Corolla. 

This year, KBB determined that sports cars, larger trucks, and SUVs may push teenagers to up the ante and drive beyond their skill. Since these vehicles are larger yet have worse fuel economy, they should not be considered for teen drivers. Many of these vehicles will come with the burden of much higher insurance premiums and more potential for expensive repairs and accidents. 

As far as the current-model Equinox here at Jim Butler, it is distinctly styled with a sporty exterior and interior design that is an immediate hit with the younger crowd. Plush leather upholstery and dual-zone climate controls keep you comfortable during every trip, and the 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support is specifically designed for keeping you comfortable. The Equinox is ready for anything, and its 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down can fit any gear sophomores, juniors, or seniors need!