Monday, August 21, 2023

A Glimpse of Heavy-Duty Greatness: The 2024 Chevy Silverado HD’s Work-Ready Innovations

 

Having trucks consistently on the mind here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis is how we always wrap up summer: even though we have just spent the warm months hauling, towing, and having the most fun weekends at the lake, there are now all the challenges of the fall to prepare for. More errands to and from school, harvest duty, and perhaps moving that nephew you haven't seen for so long could all be piling up on your agenda. The 2024 Silverado HD lineup is thankfully standing by soon to provide its unique brand of support. 

The lineup consists of the WT, Custom, LT, LTZ, ZR2, and High Country trims. The ZR2 arrives just a bit later but is aptly and expertly designed for the challenges of the trail and has been given the trail-lover’s “royal” treatment. You’ll be navigating over ruts, rivers, and many other challenges with segment-leading ground clearance, excellent skid plates, and very capable Multimatic shocks. Those who are always enjoying things much more under the cloak class of dark will love the new Midnight Edition for the High Country variant, which darkens up the protective plates, bumper, wheels, and grille that you’ll notice comin’ at ya right away!

The High Country is currently the best-selling model in the lineup, solidifying the fact that even during tight times, drivers love to hit the road with very useful and luxurious extras. A small dose of constructive criticism was drawn regarding the Silverado after the release of this generation's first model in 2019. The grille then simply did not possess lines that blended in quite as well, and the 2024 model has reworked this issue fantastically. The very large central strip that used to proudly display the CHEVROLET namesake has been toned down a bit, with the name now positioned smack dab on the hood, close to the intake. 

The work truck trim level is not just the entry-level number on the less pricey side of things, as it still offers a very simple, clean style with rugged wheels that are reminiscent of the burly 1970s Chevys. There is definitely something for every price range in personal taste, as the High Country is loaded up with unique chrome accents and much bigger wheels. Drivers have consistently been requesting that screens grow each year, and the 2024 Silverado has made the necessary changes to accommodate this wish!

From the LT trim on up, a brand-new dashboard features 13.4- and 12.3-inch screens manning the multimedia system on the digital instrument cluster. The new interface also introduces Google’s integrated system, providing access to assistant, maps, and Google Play. You can also look forward to just a smidge more eager horsepower from the 6.6-liter turbocharged V8 diesel, which now weighs in at 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Another addition that we guarantee truck lovers will notice is the ability to relax a bit and let adaptive cruise control handle business, even during towing duty. 

Drivers looking for an everyday-capable and still proudly large size truck will be delighted as usual, as well as those interested in the rugged demands of conquering rocks and untamed trails with the new ZR2 variant. J.D. Power is always a great source of wisdom and honest reviews, and multiple verified buyers claimed that the impressive torque from the diesel powertrain, progressive and easy braking, and stellar towing capacity simply ruled. Competition grows daily in the truck segment, and we are confident that the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD will tow, innovate, and impress well above the envelope! 

Monday, August 14, 2023

Unbridled Power in Motion: Exploring the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the Ultimate Stingray Marvel


Having a front row seat for all the ways that the Corvette has completely dominated the performance market has been amazing the past few years here at
Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis. The seasoned enthusiasts on the Top Gear staff realized aloud all at once this summer that “There has never been a road car with a more powerful naturally aspirated V8 than this.” Since its unveiling in a Tustin, California hangar in 2019, the new mid-engined Corvette has been frequently taking drivers’ breath away at first sight!

This 8th generation will forever be remembered as completely rewriting the history of the model, as Corvette guru Zora Akrus-Duntov finally witnessed his long-term wish and design masterpiece become a reality. To properly celebrate his innovative spirit and persistence, A “Z” button is on the steering wheel to unleash the customized performance settings. Before the moment when the ‘Vette finally was introduced to the public, many were skeptical about its heavier weight and very lofty aspirations. The model blasted onto the scene with everything it promised and changed the course of modern automotive history.

The Z06 performance edition boldly staked its claim on the production line as a 2023 model-year, and ferociously emitted a vibe of competitive and pavement-devouring charisma. The powertrain in question was the 5.5-liter LT6 V8, cranking out 622 horsepower. Stomping its foot down with the authoritarian and quite thrilling claim of being the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 currently in production. Not a single model in the segment can come remotely close to its raw power along with a fish-clenching 8,600 rpm redline. 

Immediately out of the gate, Chevy had stood firmly behind the claim that the Z06 would get up to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, eagerly serving up 1.22 G in boisterous lateral acceleration. To assure a reasonable stopping time and brake quality, it’s not just the usual suspects on duty here: you are bestowed with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes sporting red-finished six-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers in Edge Red. You’ll also have the gambler’s “double-down” element which is the stuff high-octane dreams are made of in the form of the Z07.

This additional option adds the marvelous carbon fiber high rear wing, finishing off the aggro-accelerator’s art lesson in a very sweet full-length dual racing stripes, and a Rapid Blue exterior finish hue. Other tasty selections on the revered menu are the Ultimate Performance option, along with the Z07 suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control. When put to the thick-skinned task of the quarter mile, the Z06 heartily nails it in just 10.6 seconds. When you’re rolling with the additive of the Z07 Performance Package, a sheriff-on-your-tail top speed of 200 mph is attainable!

The Z06’s sports body is wide enough to provide a comforting and high-performance home for 20-inch wheels at the front and 21’s in the rear, wrapped with the segment-leading Michelin Cup 2 R ZP performance tires. It also features optional carbon fiber rims courtesy of the down-under experts at Carbon Revolution. The result of a very ferociously- powerful setup boasts titanium intake valves and conrods, along with sodium-filled exhaust valves. With manners that “make it viceless”, the Z06’s intimidating headline figures render it consistently one step ahead of the pack. 

We hope you see us during the back-to-school season here at Jim Butler, where the ‘Vette along with other models like this shine. A very fitting final hurrah to the joys of natural aspiration, creations such as this will go down in history as fantastic, prone to exhilarating joy, and built with the most fun imaginable in mind! 


Monday, August 7, 2023

Unleash the Tailor-Made Beast: Design Your Adventure With the 2024 Chevy Silverado Configurator!

 

The persistent and quite drawn-out “Battle of the full-sized trucks” continues this summer nationwide and right here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, where the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 continues its awesome fourth-generation presence. Interested customers can head excitedly to the web and build their ideal Silverado with the configurator tool at Chevy’s website. The lineup consists of the Work Truck, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, ZR2, ZR2 Bison, LTZ, and High Country.

The durable and always game for hard work or play configurations include Regular Cab/ Standard Bed, Regular Cab / Long Bed, Double Cab, Crew Cab / Short Bed, and Crew Cab / Standard Bed. Powertrain options begin with the turbocharged 2.7-liter Inline 4 L3B gas engine and then step up to the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas engine. From there, things get a bit more powerful & worksite-prepped with the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L97 gas engine, and our very own personal favorite in the form of the 3.0-liter I6 LZO turbo diesel Duramax engine.

The ZR2 Bison sits proudly at the top of the lineup and derives power from the 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas engine. The 2024 year marks the addition of the second generation Hyrda-Matic 8L80 8-speed automatic transmission, with its reputation on the newly paved street as the ultimate in strong torque generation. GM Authority editor Alex Luft enjoyed an extended test drive earlier this year in February with the Silverado equipped with the Hydra-Matic 8L80, intermarket shifting was smooth, responsive, and just right for the truck’s larger size.

The Silverado presides as the well-rounded half-ton on the market that’s equally useful on the job site or when assigned pulling family road-trip tasks, with the U.S News.com team favoring the Crew Cab model for its ideal interior space and comfort. The Multi-Flex tailgate allows you to haul longer items, and very easily access the bed by quickly turning it into a practical step or very useful load stop. Plenty of passenger room, modern technology, and very suitable materials for the price make the Silverado 's interior an excellent space to spend any length of trip in.

An all-around competent track record along with very impressive off-road features and trims, it’s an expert truck lover’s primo pick when equipped with the 420-horsepower V8, which offers impressive muscle for just about any situation you could run into. The Silverado has always been notorious for handling like a smaller vehicle, feeling very composed around turns, and always shooting for a very favorable and minimal body roll quality. Higher trim levels boast the sharp 13.4-inch touch screen that is incredibly user-friendly and comes to the table with revamped graphics and a very top segment feel.

The Crew Cab boasts ample space to really spread out, with the front bucket seats offering segment-leading comfort and excellent outward visibility. 

  • The Edmunds.com car review staff praised the Silverado heavily for “delivering plenty, thanks to its robust towing capacities and enormous bed size”, and a range of different bed lengths that will undoubtedly satisfy anyone who has long loved the all-American pickup truck. 

  • Motor Trend remarked that the Silverado is loaded with “Exceptionally spacious bed options, clever rear bumper corner cutouts, and a six-function tailgate that isn’t just a marketing ploy.” 

  • Forbes magazine claimed that “Technology is a very strong point for Silverado with a right range of non-confusing capability.” 



Tuesday, August 1, 2023

2024 Chevy Trailblazer Unveiled: Larger Screens, Sophisticated Styling, Expressive Refinement

So many drivers here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis are looking for a daily driver that is practical and has the latest technology features, but may not always want to settle for anything dreadfully ordinary! Today’s auto review experts have agreed that many of the nation’s most popular brands are guilty of “cranking out crossovers” that don’t quite have the aesthetic and functional appeal that drivers are after.

During the days when muscle cars ruled the highways, it wasn’t just the large size and hellacious speeds that were the major appeal: the swooping visuals and well-assembled frames made drivers feel as if they were a part of something riveting and quite special. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer will be boasting some new revisions and styling for the surface, along with larger screens inside. Cacti Green and Copper Harbor are a sizzling pair of new available colors, and the RS trim will offer a new 19-inch wheel to blend in with its sportier design elements.

The front and rear-end designs are reworked, with different bumpers, taillights, grilles, and headlights to keep up with the changing times. The Activ trim is ideal for the enthusiasts out there that love everything off-road related and want to visually spice things up with a rugged flair. Inside, there’s a sweet 8-inch digital gauge cluster, with a larger 11.0-inch touchscreen situated in the center of the dash. This is an inch larger than last year’s 7.0 inches at the entry point, with the new screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 


The 2024 Trailblazer’s base engine is a refined and grid-ready turbocharged 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder with 137 horsepower, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The punchier and upgraded choice is the turbocharged 1.3-liter inline 3-cylinder cranking out 155 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. This is what makes the Trailblazer a bit different from the Chevy Trax, which only comes with the 1.2-liter powertrain.

TheCarconnection.com auto pros distinctly preferred the 2024 Trailblazer over the Kia Seltos, citing its flashy styling and high-tech infotainment system for providing the lead. The Trailblazer’s new front end’s headlights surround a much busier grille, with the quite large C-pillar remaining unchanged. Inside while prepping for trips, you enjoy a 25 cubic-ft cargo hold, which expands to 54.4 inches with the rear seats folded. The 2024 Trailblazer has received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, along with a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS.
5 months ago in Chicago, it was the 19-inch wheels on the RS trim that caught many of the attendee’s eyes, along with the new circular outer housing of the exhaust pipes. Inside, the color contrast and piped stitching on the RS trim were also a huge hit, and even the vents directly under the infotainment screen have a much more premium look. The deep storage cubby in between the two front seats is perfect for phones, chargers, or even the random journal/textbook. The inclusion of a wireless charging pad on almost every trim level is another bright spot in today's market: everyone here at Jim Butler feels that we still see way too many of our friends “hoarding the cord” during the drive!

The 2024 Trailblazer also sees an upgrade to a standard HD vision backup camera on all trims, giving you the best quality graphics even at the entry-level price point. Seeing one of the best uses of interior space in the industry, the rear seats offer 39 inches of legroom and 38 inches of headroom, which is quite impressive for the segment. As the days remain hot but back-to-school season is around the corner, we love looking ahead to check out next year’s exciting models here at Jim Butler, with the Trailblazer seeing exciting upgrades smartly across the board!


Monday, July 24, 2023

The Unstoppable Icon: A Closer Look at the 2023 Chevy Camaro’s Sales Surge + Power-Packed Performance

As we take an up-close look at the legendary Camaro here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis, it has consistently performed just as exhilaratingly and aggressively as it does on scorching hot summer tracks! After the second quarter sales statistics were made public, the Chevy Camaro enjoyed sales that surpassed both the fan favorite in the form of the C8 Corvette and rapidly approaching the competing Ford Mustang. The Camaro excitedly raked in a 110%  increase for the quarter, and 54% increase for the year.

The Camaro saw 9,557 units sold from April through June, and while many milestones can’t be avoided, the sixth-generation Camaro is indeed approaching the end of its life. So many die-hard fans of pure muscle are eager to get ahold of this vehicle before it rides boisterously into the sunset, with the LT and SS trims currently residing as the lineup’s heavy hitters in sales. The ZL1 boasts the most athletic stance and flex within the lineup, cranking out 650 horsepower courtesy of its 6.2-liter supercharged LT4 V8. 


Having the ability to nearly change the asphalt landscape around you with sheer brute force is making the ZL1 1LE track monster a bit difficult to get your hands on! Production for the 2024 model Camaro will begin soon, with both the Collector’s Edition and Garage 56 Edition making their own unique mark on this thrilling model.  The Camaro is one of those memorable automotive acquaintances that immediately makes an impression after any (previously) innocent bystander hears the pipes roar to life for the first time! It will outlast the current Dodge Challenger and Charger models by just a few months, as this lethal and competitive pair will see their production winding down just after the New Year. 

As many purists are beginning to feel a bit let down about losing such a celebrated automotive icon, the 2024 Chevy Camaro Collector’s Edition is set to make its commemorative and decorated introduction as well next year. It will be available for the LT/RS, LT1, and SS trims, and will come exclusively and salaciously dipped in Panther Black Metallic Tintcoat paint. Some very wicked Satin Black accent stripes along with 20-inch polished forged wheels round out this amazing “last of a legacy”. 


Those who choose the SS 1LE package and coupe body style will still get their hands on the show-stealing rear spoiler from the ZL1 Package. If you are itching to pull out all the stops and give yourself a chrome-laden package to never be taken for granted, the ZL1 trim is the one to nab here as well. It sees a limited production of just 350 units and comes exclusively in Panther Black Matte, which was the original paint offered on the Camaro for its very first release. Inside, each will boast a unique steering wheel badge with a geographical stamp representing where it was assembled. 

The current year’s Camaro model was highly praised by the KBB.com team for its stellar engines, great tech features, and quite affordable pricing considering its fantastic delivery. Thoroughly All-American and iconic, the Camaro has stuck to its roots with style as a muscle car for the masses. The Camaro uses a segment-leading chassis that is just the right size, and agile enough to dole out thrilling performance on winding roads. The 3LT trim injects a premium vibe with Bose audio, a rear camera mirror, a heads-up display, memory package, aluminum interior accents, and multicolor ambient interior lighting. 

Monday, July 17, 2023

Adventure Awaits: 2024 Chevy Traverse Raises the Bar for SUV Evolution

The Bow-Tie brand’s full-size crossover is now available to eager drivers here at Jim Butler of St Louis, featuring an anticipated sharp new design! This is the trusty 3-row model that is on point to complete everything on your to-do list if slightly smaller models such as the Tahoe just aren’t quite enough. GM Authority was the first to break the news that an off-road-focused Z71 will now be part of the lineup, with one of the teaser images from the spring showing the vehicle with Goodyear Wrangler tires, boldly showing off the Traverse’s trail-ready attributes by way of the Z71.

The 2024 Traverse roared onto the lot here just in time for sizzling late-July test drives with a fresh exterior design, featuring dual-tier headlights, forward-leaning C pillars, larger-diameter wheels, and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the entire cabin has been overhauled with more abundant space, and improved ergonomics. There’s a brand-new steering wheel and entirely new safety features, along with the futuristic and amazing hands-free GM Super Cruise feature. 

As always, the various residents under the hood are always a hot topic of conversation, and the 2024 Traverse will derive power from the turbocharged 2.5-liter Inline-four LK0 gas engine paired with the nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine cranks out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and we expect an improvement over the RWD Colorado’s 20/25 mpg city/highway. Four-wheel drive comes as standard with All-Wheel drive as optional, with the all-new Traverse riding on an updated version of the long-wheelbase variant of the GM C1 platform. 

While still a bit on the boxy end visually, the Traverse features sculpted fenders, scalloped lower door details, and a C-pillar inspired by the tail-fins featured on various airplanes. The neatly muscular build ends in the rear with thin taillights and a horizontal shape, along with a set of quad exhaust ports rounding out the appearance. The U.S News & World Report auto journalists ranked the Traverse as “excellent” due to its segment-leading standard tech, and driver-assist features. 

Overall, the new Traverse boasts a more rugged swagger, along with the firm promise that it’s equipped to head out on the trails for fun. The Z71 off-road-ready models replace the Activ trim, while the High Country and RS trims are dropped from the lineup. The Z71 will see you excitedly packing the camping or climbing ready gear courtesy of its inclusion of all-wheel drive, an off-road tuned suspension, higher ride height, all-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, and protective skid plates.

The Traverse is competing in the segment of aggressive challengers that includes the Ford Explorer timberline, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Honda Pilot trail sport, and Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. The large digital instrument cluster incorporates wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with over-the-air update capability and the 2 semi-autonomous driver assists. Available colors for the 2024 Traverse include Black, Olympic White, Sharkskin Metallic, Abalone White Pearl, and Radiant Red Metallic Tintcoat 1. 

Among the included features keeping the 2024 Traverse up-to-date and aligned with current expectations are Safe Exit Warning, the Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and Lane-Keeping Assist. The infotainment system on board is one of the most advanced on the market, with the large touch screen allowing you to control audio, navigation, and climate control. Worried about keeping everyone entertained on a long trip? The rear seat entertainment system is one of the best tools ever made for a busy family hitting the road! 



Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Summer Hauling by Way of Proper Pipes: 2024 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban to Feature Active Exhaust System

The large-sized haulers here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis always have a very special place in our car-loving hearts, and a prime display slot on our customer-friendly lot! GM is now poised to slap a fully-fledged refresh onto our full-size SUV lineup for the 2024 model year, with the promising light shining directly down on the Tahoe and Suburban. The GM Authority team has now learned that this mighty pair will also offer an active exhaust system, catering to those who have love for proper pipes market wide. The refreshed 2024 Chevy Tahoe and 2024 Chevy Suburban will boast the same dual active exhaust system that will soon be introduced on the 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500. This throaty new addition offers up a deeper and more aggressive exhaust note on demand, and will likely sound different depending on which drive mode is selected. The Tahoe and Suburban both offer a total of three powertrain options, including the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas engine, rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. There’s also the hill and suburban-sprawl conquering 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas engine, rated at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter I6 LM2 turbo-diesel Duramax engine, rated at 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to complete the entourage’s to-do list formidably. All three engines are paired with the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, and this potent pair is expected to introduce a completely overhauled cabin with a larger infotainment screen, new tech features, and the turbo-diesel Duramax engine to replace the current LM2 Duramax. The 2024 Tahoe is now in its fifth generation, with amazing driving dynamics and the benefit of still handling like a somewhat smaller vehicle. The Edmunds.com review staff excitedly claimed that the Tahoe has the potential to have the upper hand over the competition such as Jeep Wagoneer, the Toyota Sequoia, and the Ford Expedition. This 3-row SUV with V8 power can fearlessly top up to 8,000 lbs, and drivers love it for its boxy old-school SUV lines. The off-road-ready Z71 version is continuously ready for the rough stuff with its extra red tow hooks and cut-off front bumper. Even though the industry is changing rapidly, the Suburban is still faring well courtesy of its very useful bulk. The 2023 model saw the addition of GM’s Super Cruise level 2 autonomous driving technology, which offers the amazing benefit of hands-free driving on many digitally mapped-out highways and interchanges. Motor Trend claims astutely that the 2023 Suburban is the “hands-down champ for hauling gear and people”, with the optional magnetic dampers really making things glide wonderfully. It scored a stellar four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars or higher in every category except rollover resistance. Each Suburban trim above the base level gets a 10.2-inch display with Google Maps and voice assistant, Bose sound, and the busy tech-savvy driver’s favorite of wireless charging. Longer and larger than its predecessor, the Suburban now also boasts the rough-road-conquering addition of independent rear suspension. The Motor1.com auto review crew also reflected that “ticking the box for the diesel engine meets you with the utmost in efficiency.” The interior of the High Country trim is a very upscale exercise in greatness, with Mocha brown leather covers on the door panels, dash, center console, and infotainment surround.