All-New 2013 Chevy Malibu Gives Customer More

Chevrolet’s First Global Midsize for Customers in Nearly 100 Markets on Six Continents

• All-new exterior designed to stand out around the world
• All-new, dual-cockpit interior with more room, more quietness, more premium materials and content, and greater craftsmanship
• All-new, fuel-efficient, 2.5L four-cylinder Ecotec engine with next-generation six-speed automatic powertrain
• All-new ride and handling package engineered for best-in-class performance
• All-new, aerodynamically efficient shape and active shutter system save fuel and reduce wind noise 
• All-new Chevrolet MyLink in-car infotainment system integrates online services like Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®
• New radio face that articulates up and down revealing a six-inch-deep hidden storage compartment, a first for a U.S. midsize sedan
• New safety features including 10 air bags, lane departure/forward collision warning system and a rearview camera system 
• On sale in the U.S. in 2012

DETROIT and SHANGHAI – The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu made its global debut today, with simultaneous introductions in the United States and China – two of the nearly 100 countries on six continents where it will be sold. Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan will provide customers from Shanghai to New York and Sydney to Sao Paulo with expressive design, advanced technologies, ride performance and fuel-efficient powertrains.

“The current Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet. It redefined what an American midsize car could be,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.”

Product highlights for North American models include:

• All-new, fuel-efficient and powerful 2.5L four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic that lead Malibu’s powertrain lineup
• Expressive exterior design with a wide, athletic stance 
• Segment-best aerodynamics – close to those of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car – that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise, including active electronic shutters on select models
• All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment 
• New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® 
• European-influenced ride and handling traits 
• New safety features and technologies including 10 air bags, ultra-high-strength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system

Expressive and efficient exterior
“The exterior design of the all-new Malibu carries DNA from its sister vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette, to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director for GM exterior design and Chevrolet Brand Champion.

A wider stance, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive appearance. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.

Other exterior design cues include Chevrolet’s dual-port grille, projector HID headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges front and rear, and new Camaro-inspired LED dual-element taillamps. The look is complemented by a range of large 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels.

The new Malibu exterior is anticipated to be SAE-certified as one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in the segment, with a coefficient of drag (Cd) rating near Chevrolet Volt’s Cd of .280. Because of Malibu’s new shape and design, engineers were able to remove 60 counts of wind drag compared to the model it replaces.
Malibu also has electronically controlled and integrated active aero shutters (select models in North American markets) to improve aerodynamics and enhance fuel economy without sacrificing the exterior design.

Malibu’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aerodynamic performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. Whether the shutter is open or closed depends on engine coolant temperature and speed – for example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required.

Roomier, more refined interior
The new Malibu interior was designed to bring an element of sophistication to everyday driving, featuring an all-new dual cockpit design that creates an inviting, roomy and comfortable environment.

The increased width of the new Malibu means a more spacious cabin. Compared to the previous model, it has nearly 4 cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more shoulder and hip room.

The Malibu interior features metallic, chrome or wood accents located around the shifter, surrounding the center stack, around the instrument cluster and on doors and the steering wheel. Soft, ice blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel and in storage pockets. Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and strategic applications of noise-deadening materials add to Malibu’s interior refinement.

The Malibu also has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that articulates up and down to reveal a six-inch deep storage area behind its seven-inch touch-screen radio display – a U.S. first in a midsize car. Malibu will also offer a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system.

Malibu will include Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package at launch. It builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed.

MyLink features a high-resolution, full-color touch screen display designed to manage the number of steps required to complete a task. MyLink also adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smart phones, building on the Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevrolet vehicles.

All-new 2.5L powertrain
The 2013 Malibu features a global lineup of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines that complements its European-inspired driving characteristics.

An all-new Ecotec 2.5L dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine with direct injection leads Malibu’s engine lineup in North America. It is expected to be one of the most efficient of its size in the market. New features include enhanced authority continuously variable valve timing, variable-displacement oil pump and electronic thermostat that save fuel, while delivering V-6-like performance. It is estimated the engine will be SAE-certified at more than 190 horsepower (141 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (245 Nm). The new engine has noise-reducing features such as a cast exhaust manifold, steel crank, low-noise timing chain and direct mount accessories that contribute to a quiet-cabin experience.

The 2.5L is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency. They include changes to clutch controls and hardware that improves shift response and time. These changes enabled engineers to specify higher gearing to improve cruising efficiency while maintaining acceleration performance and driveability.

Driving experience
The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu delivers precise ride and handling. It has been engineered to be best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans.

Benefiting from continuous refinement of an award-winning global architecture, engineers have tested, tuned and calibrated the Malibu on rural roads, highways, freeways and GM validation facilities around the world.

Contributing to the Malibu’s ride and handling characteristics are:

• A solid body structure as stiff as any in the global midsize sedan market, allowing for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
• A premium steering gear for smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel 
• Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions
• Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, which are expected to deliver segment-best stopping distance
• An isolated engine cradle for tuned, refined feedback, without noise or vibration
• Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds
• Chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control. 

Safety features
When it comes to safety features, the new Malibu will be one of the best-equipped in the segment. The Malibu will also be pedestrian protection-compliant in all markets where it is sold, and for the first time in North America. Pedestrian protection design in the front of the vehicle reduces the chance of secondary collision between the pedestrian and engine block in car-pedestrian accidents.

The Malibu will also offer these standard and available safety features:

• Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags 
• Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact air bags 
• Driver and passenger knee air bags 
• Roof rail air bags with rollover protection 
• Available second-row head/thorax side-impact air bags
• Available lane departure warning system with forward collision alert 
• Available rearview camera system

OnStar is also included in Malibu’s safety features and includes Automatic Crash Response, as well as improved voice recognition technology, remote diagnostics, remote door unlock, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown and six months of uplevel Directions and Connections service that includes Turn-By-Turn Navigation.

The new Malibu comes in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, with 10 exterior colors and four interior color combination choices in North America, depending on the model. Malibu production in the United States begins in early 2012. It will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States. Pricing will be announced later this year.

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Chevy's MPG Leaders from Jim Butler Chevrolet

The Chevy lineup has been constantly improving with quality, performance and reliability but what a lot of people don't realize is that we have several class-leading fuel efficient vehicles!

The 2011 Chevy Cruze is the leader of our fuel efficient lineup with an astounding 42 mpg/hwy with the ECO trim. If you purchase a regular LT/LS you'll achieve up to 36 mpg/hwy which is still astounding gas mileage. The best feature of the Cruze is the available and standard features! Available Options and Standard Equipment include: Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Onstar, XM Radio and so many airbags that it was awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick!
View 2011 Chevy Cruze Inventory

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has remained competitive even after removing the costly hybrid model from the trim levels. It achieves 33 mpg/hwy with the 2.4ltr 4 cyl which makes it not only competitive with Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but it even beats the Ford Fusion. The Malibu has also been highly awarded and received many accolades.
View 2011 Chevy Malibu Inventory

The 2011 Chevy Equinox is one of our hottest selling CUVs, which is probably due to the great features, available All-Wheel Drive and the 33 mpg/hwy that it respectfully achieves on the highway! Not only is that a great achievement for a gas powered crossover, but the 2011 Equinox even conquers the MPG battle with the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid which only achieves 32 mpg/hwy. We know what your thinking....but the Equinox's 2.4ltr 4 cyl. also has 182 hp, which is more than any other competitor's standard engine. No Surprises! The Equinox is also an Award Winner and an IIHS Top Safety Pick!
View 2011 Chevy Equinox Inventory

2011 Chevrolet Traverse is a 7-seater crossover that has a 3.6L V6 that makes 288 hp and still puts up big numbers in the fuel efficiency category. The Traverse paces ahead of most of the competition but ties with Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander at 24 mpg/hwy.  The big difference is space, clearance, towing and true crossover capabilities. The Ford Flex is entirely way too low to the ground and the Toyota Highlander just doesn't have enough interior room to compete directly with the Traverse. On top of all that, the 2011 Traverse is also another Award Winner and IIHS Top Safety Pick!
View our Traverse Inventory

2011 Chevy Silverado and Hybrid model, first that is not a typo, Chevy does have a Hybrid Silverado that gets 23mpg/hwy! Chevrolet also has two more options, a fuel efficient XFE model Silverado (22mpg/hwy) and the Silverado Flexfuel 5.3ltr V8 can achieve up to 21 mpg/hwy (that is even a 4wd model!). No other truck in it's class will pick up those numbers with the same configuration and 4wd!
View our 2011 Chevy Silverado Inventory

After reading all of this, we think you probably get the picture, Chevy has a lot to offer and we even have some great fuel efficient options to fight those fluctuating gas prices. Visit www.JimButlerChevrolet.com today or stop by the store to see us at 759 Gravois Bluffs Blvd. in Fenton!

2011 Chevy Volt earns 10best rank by Car and Driver!

To put it simply, the Chevy Volt was far and away the biggest surprise to every editor at this year’s 10Best event. None of us imagined that nestling into the glass cockpit would bring the words “automotive bliss” and “electric vehicle” together in the same sentence. The smooth-riding Volt can’t shred tarmac like a VW GTI or infuse fun into the family-sedan segment like a Honda Accord or a Hyundai Sonata. Think of the Volt as smile-inducing Xanax for range anxiety—something all other EVs evoke. Canceling the range limitation from the EV equation doesn’t make it perfect, though. A tight back seat, limited cargo capacity, and a general lack of horsepower—though plenty of low-end grunt to merge onto the highway like you have somewhere to be—would normally eliminate a 3800-pound porker from contention. However, one would need to be driving straight through the Library of Congress to detect the ­switchover from EV mode to gas-electric hybrid operation. And maximizing the electric range by curtailing full-throttle or full-brake episodes brings its own kind of driver engagement. Best of all, its efficiency is unmatched, as long as interstate travel is omitted. One editor drove the Volt 101 miles in 18 hours (including a 10.5-hour charge) and only used one gallon of gas. That’s some seriously eye-opening arithmetic.

Contact Jim Butler Chevrolet for more information on reserving your Chevy Volt!

[Source:Car and Driver]

2012 Chevrolet Corvette-Centennial Edition- Coming to Jim Butler Chevrolet!

DETROIT – Chevrolet, founded by a racing pioneer 100 years ago, celebrates its performance heritage with the 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette, which features a sleek black color scheme, unique design elements and Corvette’s trademark sports car technology.

The 2012 Centennial Edition package will be available on all Corvette models – including Grand Sport, Z06 and ZR1 – starting this summer.

The special package was inspired by Chevrolet’s racing-bred foundation, which continues with Corvette’s international racing excellence and production sports car prominence.

“Racing and performance are the roots of Chevrolet, a tradition carried forward today by Corvette,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Centennial Edition not only celebrates our 100 years, it once again pushes Corvette forward for a new generation of sports car fans.”

Chevrolet will auction a Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in West Palm Beach, Fla., on April 9, with the proceeds to benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. It will be the 100th 2012 Corvette off the assembly line, with a vehicle identification number ending in “00100.”


The Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette expresses racing heritage, but does so with a sleek, modern, even sinister-looking appearance. The Centennial Edition package comes exclusively in Carbon Flash Metallic, with satin-black graphics and unique Centennial Satin Black wheels and red brake calipers. The wheels are constructed of lightweight cast-spun aluminum and include a thin red outline around the perimeter of its surface on the Z06. The wheels are specific to the respective Corvette models, including 18-inch/19-inch for Coupe, Convertible and Grand Sport; and 19-inch/20-inch for Z06 and ZR1.Magnetic Selective Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension and a technology advance initiated by Corvette, is included on all Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette models.

The Centennial Edition also features special badges that signify Chevrolet’s racing history. A graphic logo featuring an iconic image of Louis Chevrolet appears on the B-pillars, the center caps of the wheels, and the center of the steering wheel. The seat headrests also carry an embossed centennial logo.

Aficionados will note one other small detail: The historic crossed flags badge contains a small adaptation, with “100” in place of the traditional fleur-de-lis symbol, only for the Centennial Edition.

The exterior color scheme is reinforced inside the car, with the Ebony leather-wrapped instrument panel and doors complimented by red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, console and shifter.  Microfiber suede accents on Centennial Edition seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests were first used on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Limited Edition.

The Chevrolet Centennial Edition will be available on all Corvette models via order code ZLC. Pricing will be released this summer prior to the start of availability.

“Louis Chevrolet was a fearless racing pioneer who also designed our first car,” Scheidt said.  “Corvette is a natural fit to honor that legacy, while creating a compelling new package for sports car drivers.”

Barrett-Jackson auction details

Chevrolet chose to debut the Centennial Edition Corvette at Barrett-Jackson to enable the auction proceeds to go to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. The foundation supporting children and families dealing with cancer is a key partner with the American Le Mans Series, in which Corvette Racing is an integral participant.

The 2012 Chevrolet Centennial Edition Corvette Z06 (VIN 100) to be auctioned is based on the production 3LZ model with the Z07 performance package, new Z06 carbon fiber hood and CFZ carbon fiber package, which includes:

• Bose premium sound system, with one-year XM subscription, navigation and USB
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• Power-adjustable and heated seats
• Memory package, home remote, Head Up Display and power-telescoping steering wheel
• The Custom Leather Wrapped Interior Package, with leather-wrapped upper instrument panels, upper door trim panels and console storage cover and red contrasting stitching
• Z07 performance package, including Brembo ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control and 19-inch/20-inch wheels and Michelin tires
• CFZ package includes carbon fiber rockers, front splitter and roof

New Carbon Fiber raised hood option for Z06, which was introduced on the 2011 Z06 Carbon Edition.

The winning bidder will also receive the Corvette Engine Build Experience program – which   allows Z06 or ZR1 buyers to build their own engine alongside expert technicians – as well as the opportunity to take delivery of the car at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.

Visit Jim Butler Chevrolet's Inventory of Corvettes!

Will the Cruze Hatchback come to the U.S.?

Yes, there is a Chevy Cruze hatchback in Europe but it's not scheduled to come to the U.S. yet but will it? Looking at the market at the competition, the 5-door Chevy Cruze would have tons of competition in the U.S. which means there is a great opportunity for it to sell very well here. The Cruze actually looks really good as a hatchback 5-door, some vehicles can't pull that off.

View Jim Butler Chevrolet's Inventory of the Chevy Cruze!

[Source-Motor Trend]

Motor Trend is preparing for the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1

We at Jim Butler Chevrolet aren't the only people who can't wait for the beast to emerge! Checkout the teaser video from Motor Trend's upcoming test of the 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1!!

March Employee Spotlight - Rick Hagar

Rick Hagar
Special Finance Manager

We'd like to welcome Rick Hagar to the Jim Butler Chevrolet Team. Rick is a Special Finance expert with over 13 years in the St. Louis Automotive Business. He specializes in helping people in tough situations get a approved for the vehicle they need, and that is his favorite part of the job, seeing people drive off happy in a new or pre-owned vehicle they can afford.

Rick enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids. Their favorite family things to do are boating and dirt bike riding, especially around the beautiful lakes of Arkansas. Football is definitely at the top of Rick's list of sports to watch, and the Dallas Cowboys are his favorite team. 

Every car guy has his favorite car of past, and present, Rick loves Camaros! His favorite vehicle of the past is a 1969 Chevy Camaro and the 2011 Camaro SS, they both fill his need for beauty and speed.

Rick's words to live by "They say treat people they way you want to be treated, I say treat people the way they want to be treated"