Handling 2018 like a Boss With Darker Hues: Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Editions

In anticipation of the yearly SEMA convention in Las Vegas and its various releases and updates to all levels of the auto press, Chevy unveiled two new trim packages for the Colorado ZR2 pickup. The root idea of these themes is the blacking out of the all bright trim on both of these off-road beauties. The 4 x 4 ZR2 is the recipient of black 17-inch, 5-spoke wheels, black bow tie badges, and a sport bar with off-road LED lights, as well as super-cool ZR2 logos on the sport-bar sail panels. The Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition combines black trim pieces with black paint, while the ZR2 Dusk Edition allows you to pick what color suits you best for the truck.

Other features remain the same, including the hood and grille that defined the 2017 model's aggressive stance, as well as trimmed front and rear bumpers. Come pay us a visit on the lot at Jim Butler, and we'll show you the other awesome features of this package. Front and rear electronic locking differentials, hill descent control, and aluminum skidplate to protect the radiator and oil pan, Autotrac transfer case, modified rear axle with a 3.43:1 ratio, and a special setting for off-road driving are all also on board. You can pre-order these 2018 models withMidnight or Dusk Edition now, and the trucks will arrive on dealer's lots in another 5 weeks or so.

With segment exclusives such as Multimatic shocks, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and an available Duramax 2.8-liter Turbo-diesel engine, you'll leave any competitor haplessly behind you in the dust. Heading off-road is really the name of the game here: this is an avid hauling and work truck, but making your way far, far off the beaten path is the objective at hand. Many experienced jumpers have the ZR2 set in their sights, as the DSSV shocks are excellent at helping stick any landing. With 50 mm front and rear lift as well as skid plates and rock sliders, you are truly equipped to conquer anything that the off-road realm throws at you.

You'll love how the very aggressive approach, breakover and departure angles affect the handling of the ZR2, and we took a closer look at how it matches up to the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro V6. The torque capacity on the ZR2 is 369 lb-ft, and the Tacoma sits behind, at 265 lb– ft. The ZR2 has a full-size bed-mounted spare tire carrier, while the Tacoma is left without. The ZR2 has EZ lift and lower tailgate and 4-wheel disc brakes, two other features the Tacoma does not possess. Of course you'll also have Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as Android Auto for entertainment options, and we guarantee you'll be fully amazed with this rampantly rock-crawling, off-road conquering and able machine! 

Jim Butler's Broad Outlook For The New Year: 1st Quarter Additions To 2018

The buzz of fourth quarter at the end of a year always brings much promise and suspense regarding the next one: the holidays are right around the corner, and some models have already been marched onto the sales floor with confidence. Others have a more defined arrival date then during the summer, and orders for the newest and most feature-filled are starting to trickle in. Here's a quick glance at some of the great things that are slated to happen for 2018, and upgrades you can expect on a few of our delightfully usual offenders in the St Louis Metro!

The Colorado is removing nearly all of the bumper for ZR2 buyers, and adding knobby 31-inch tires, much longer front control arms and springs, spool-valve shocks, and a wider rear axle that better matches the currently larger front track. Efforts to keep the truck feeling light are realized and rewarded, and a gas V-6 as well as diesel option will not disappoint even the most experienced of off-road rock haulers out there.

The Corvette will see Carbon 65 special-edition Grand Sport and Z06 models celebrating the Corvette's 65^th birthday, with special gray paint, and many other carbon-fiber elements. An oversized rear wing and vents and slats that are noticeable all over the body are Chevy's effort to carry the brand illustriously and properly into the future of high-performance sport models. The ZR1 is going to be a major topic of interest: it goes on sale early next year as a sample of the sports car's long-running format with front-engine and rear-drive, before the plunge to mid-engine occurs.

The Equinox has been a tremendous hit with those in the market for a crossover, a segment that is growing literally by leaps and bounds every day. This new version is now available with a 170-hp turbo 1.5-liter inline-four, and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel is slated to join the existing lineup later during 2018.

One update that is the first in years will be with the Express: The Colorado pickup's optional 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine was added late in 2017, and there is an important replacement on the engine roster for this year. It's the Silverado's 4.3-liter V-6, which replaces the Express's existing 4.8-liter V-8. OnStar and hill-start assist are now also included as standard option for this popular full-size van.

A brand new and aggressive Rally Sport Truck Kit brings new exterior trim and 22-inch wheels to the Tahoe next year, and you can also opt for the Performance Package: with this you get GM's 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, and adaptive dampers originating from the GMC Yukon Denali, and the Cadillac Escalade. The new package also includes the new 10-speed automatic transmission, and the option to splurge for Brembo Brakes.

No longer do GM's very important and high-ranked three-row crossovers share sizes respectively. The new Acadia is smaller and much lighter than before, and the newer Traverse is situated with a longer wheelbase. There are interior packaging improvements that are there to give passengers more room, even though the cargo volume and legroom in the third row shrink just a hair. The latest infotainment gear is on deck to keep kids occupied, and updated active safety-gear is there for the best in modern collision avoidance. There is also now a 305-hp V-6, and every Traverse uses GM's new 9-speed automatic transmission. 

An All-American Favorite Newly Freshened Up: The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500

Truck buyers in St Louis and across the entire nation have been ramping it up a little bit in the “needs and wants” categories over the past few years, and it's understandable. As many projects ramp up in the realm of construction, development, and agriculture, the rig you use to get the job done right needs to be rugged, able, and filled with modern features. The powertrain options are highlighted by a pair of ultra-strong V-8 engines, and this bad boy on the block has the ability to tow 12,500 pounds.

The changes for the new year are admittedly a bit low-key, but when dealing with a time-proven classic such as the Silverado, we listen adamantly to what people have been enjoying while blasting through the fields, highways, and urban areas they need to navigate. Due to new government mandates, every model now has a backup camera, and the tire-pressure monitor has an alert that you can hear distinctly when pressure is filled to a safe level. Previously available only on the LT trim, you can opt for a cAssist package now on the LTZ. This is an awesome mild-hybrid system that has a single electric motor, but the catch is that it does not operate like a typical hybrid.

You can even get your hands on a commemorative Centennial Edition, available for 2018 only, that poignantly celebrates 100 years of trucks by Chevy. It adds a unique appearance, that includes the exclusive Centennial Blue paint color, and badging that is inspired by a decade of honest and hard-working heritage. Last year, the truck saw greatly improved towing figures, where the Silverado finished at the very top of the list. New owners got to see how the Teen Driver System could help with the younger members of the family gleaning their own place behind the wheel.

Come track us down at Jim Butler Chevy to see exactly which trim package is right for you: The Silverado 1500 can be designed to meet anyone's needs. The base WT model starts at around $30,000, and if you opt for the fully-loaded High Country level, you'll double that price, but reap the rewards of endless features. Adding either the All-Star or Texas Addition packages will give you some leaps and bounds forward within the comfort category: dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and remote start are all included.

Look into the mid-level LT: you can pair it with the crew cab, short bed, 5.3-liter V-8 and all-wheel drive, or even look into the Z71 Package. Featuring body-color grille surround, a trailering package, unique gauge cluster and interior, and suspension provided by world-class Rancho shocks, this is another way to boost the appeal and usefulness of your new truck, and feel on a daily basis that you are ready to conquer any hurdle, timber, or brush in your way!

Chevy Wholeheartedly Celebrates a Century of Trucks by Rolling out Silverado and Colorado Centennial Editions

During the 2018 model year, Chevy's truck business reaches a very epic milestone: it turns 100 years old. Just a few states southwest of us, the Lone Star State gala will kick off during the New Year at the Texas State Fair, smack dab in the middle of the very loyal truck-owners country. The 2018 Silverado 1500 and Colorado Centennial editions will be some of the main features of the show, available for all who labor the land around the clock, and those who want a trusty and true off-road plaything. Available as off-road-oriented Z71 models, a few of their standout features will be their Centennial Blue paint, and heritage-inspired bow-tie emblems adorning their front doors, tailgates, and grilles.

Ringed in chrome with placid dark blue centers in the place where one usually finds Chevy gold, the unique bow tie also portrays the word Chevrolet in a chrome script that dates back to some of the brand's earliest models. The 1918 One-Ton is one of those models, and it was inspired by vehicles used in plants to move parts and pieces from place to place. This now very dated vehicle was, in essence, a rolling chassis with an open cab, very open frame, and inline 4-cylinder engine. At the time, this was a very revolutionary means of transporting goods or people, and an iconic symbol of what the Industrial Revolution was able to produce for useful and durable vehicles.

Other additions For the 4-wheel drive, crew-cab-only Silverado version are 22-inch painted alloy wheels with chrome inserts, the LTZ trim level of equipment, and a chrome bowtie on the steering wheel. The mid-size Colorado Centennial is available as either a crew cab or extended cab, with optional four-wheel or rear-wheel drive. 18-inch wheels, a body-color rear bumper and grille surround, as well as chrome mirror caps and door handles, are further dressings that are present to set this exclusive edition aside from the usual. The 2018 Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71 sports a 5.3-liter V-8, and 8-speed automatic transmission.

The extended-cab 2018 Colorado Z71 4 x 2 is properly equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four and six-speed automatic, and also has the ability to step up to a crew-cab body, four-wheel drive, and the larger 3.6-liter V-6, along with the turbo-diesel 2.8-liter inline-four. All of us right here at Jim Butler have agreed wholeheartedly that 100 years is a big deal, and are also spreading the good word about other birth-day treats for those who are faithful to this legendary truck manufacturer.

For those of you who can't resist a day off spent with baited lure and cold ones, Centennial-edition runs of Phoenix bass boats have been introduced in commemoration, to match the pickups. Ask us how the nationwide rollout of the Truck Legends program can reward you with membership: free swag, a cool online community to chat with, and access to monumental Chevy events and experiences are all benefits of being signed up! 

Cruise Automation Department at GM Claims Self-driving Bolt is Ready for Mass-production

The residents of St Louis have always been tech-savvy, and when they come to ask us questions about cars here on the lot at Jim Butler, it seems lately that the future truly is already here. Many companies have shifted their focus to developing self-driving cars, but most have temporarily lost their way a bit, and over-compensate on sensors and software. This has left a bit to be desired in the actual outcomes of the car themselves. The automation subsidiary at GM has been working hard on its autonomous-driving software for quite some time, and now is giving attention to the actual cars that will put it to use.

The third-generation self-driving prototype has just been slated as ready for mass production, and it just so happens to be the funky and fun-to-drive Chevy Bolt. This updated version has new safety features that deem it able to operate in the real world without a driver, and our sales and service staff are watching this progress closely. The first Bolt autonomous prototypes began to be built and tested on public roads last year, and these were the first-generation attempts. The second-generation prototype was unveiled earlier this year, and they featured a greater sense of integration between the software and stock components of the car.

This car was created under the strong guise that relying on a human driver at any point was not an option, and for that reason, the electrical makeup is very different from a stock Bolt. It is said to closely resemble that of a spacecraft or commercial airplane. The 3rd-generation version can still be built on the same Michigan assembly line as its predecessors, which means that thousands of them could be produced in the very near future. This excites us greatly, because it would thrust Chevy way ahead of their rivals in the industry.

Ford is planning to launch their own self-driving cars, but at this point, production-ready designs are not completed yet. Waymo, Uber, and Lyft are working around the clock to develop autonomous systems, but some of their red tape involves the partnerships needed by automakers to really get things off the ground. The constant debate over what type of regulations will be put in place is definitely making some progress, but we will now see a new level of urgency as a whole. 

As new ways of thinking start to trickle into the entire industry, some may be a bit hesitant to embrace models that drive themselves. Things will begin to now change at a pace faster than ever, and we are constantly amazed at the present potential for the driver-less car to emerge someday soon! 

Mid-Engine Corvette C8 Zora Poised To be Offered Alongside C7 ZR1 Next year

An important news flash gleaned from The Drive last week attempted to clear the air on a bit of confusion in regards to the release of the 2019 Chevy Corvette. There has been speculation and multiple rumors about this release for decades, and at this point, the legendary sports car is all but last-rung confirmed to make the switch to a mid-engine configuration. The C7 ZR1 is slated to be the king of the pack, and being capable of producing over 700 horsepower. Back in April, we took a close-up look at how it had the masterful ability to set a Nurburgring record, conquering the 12.9-mile course in less than 7:30.

Both of these high-octane and very high-profile cars are expected to be paired together and sold as 2019 models, and continue to do so before the C7 is eventually phased out entirely. The C7 ZR1 will most likely be the last chance for drivers to experience the front-engine that is classically configured, in a patented rear-drive corvette that has led the pack for the last 60 years. The C8 Zora is the result of a long-standing strategy to go head-to-head with cars such as the Audi R8, and the Mclaren 570S, while potentially out-performing one of the most prominent names in sports cars: the Porsche 911.

There is a rumor among many that with the production of two different Corvettes during the same year, GM may begin to produce Corvettes away from the umbrella of the Chevy namesake. This would ultimately become its own brand of high-performance auto, and it is absolutely not something that we can confirm in any way, but raises many questions. Would our beloved customers at Jim Butler Chevy enjoy this iconic car line as much if it broke away and became its own entity? Whatever does happen, the new Corvettes are slated to go on sale during mid-to-late 2018.

Later down the road during the life of the Zora C8, the engine bay may even flirt with housing a twin-turbo V6, and many are disagreeing a bit about the general appearance regarding the rear of the vehicle. It does seem like there has been a pretty serious attempt to imitate a Ferrari when looking at proposed finished products, and everyone here on the lot seems to love it.

There is a bit of disdain as you scour the many auto blogs and articles available on this issue, and some feel that the techniques used to make the newer Corvettes modern were so drastic, that they lost a bit of the original aesthetic and soul along the way. All of us here in St Louis have been highly infatuated and engrossed with this brand for quite some time now, and couldn't be more excited to see just how the offering of this pair pans out. astronomical changes in the auto industry don't come without perseverance and much research: Our level of anticipation is at fever pitch to see these new Corvette's unveiled and dominating the track! 

Consistently Bold and Trail-Bound: Blazer Slated to Return During 2019

The Blazer was in all ways a hit with many who wanted a hardtop and durable vehicle, and a horse that was also able to lug around a sizable cargo. Many elements of the Blazer have been modernized as of late, but the vibe of a true trekker that is able to jump off road when needed is still the same. We have so many great locations near St Louis to have outdoor adventures: Elephant Rocks State Park is just under an hour and 45 minutes away. Here you can climb on and jump across boulders, and admire the otherworldly appearance and abundance of red granite.

Automotive News Reports stated over the last week that Chevy will revive this much-love name next year, with the addition of a new midsize crossover set to directly compete with the Nissan Murano, as well as the Ford Edge. We recognize that these are sleek and savvy new vehicles that are a bit reminiscent of what you would expect if you let an old school Tyco slot racing track model series collide with something from the “Tron” movie reboot a few years back. When you get a first glance at vehicles such as the Edge, it seems like they aren't really suitable for rugged use, but numerous test drivers claim otherwise.

The shared platform is going to be with the very latest GMC Acadia, and take its illustrious and noted place in line within the Chevy lineup between the Equinox and the Traverse. The Acadia is currently the best-selling model behind the Sierra pickup, and prototypes of the Chevy under thick camouflage have been spotted traveling on many public roads. The last Blazer was one that existed before the full-fledged Trailblazer, which had a strong run with consumers until 2009.

The original S-10 Blazers and S15 Jimmy were based heavily on the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15 pickup trucks, and many were sad to see the two-door Blazer model sales end in 2004. After a bit of confusion with flow and backend in models around 1994, Playboy Magazine hailed the 1995 model as it's hands down truck of the year, and it also took top honors in Motor Trend for their heralded truck of the year. This all-new 5-passenger midsize will be the first time the Blazer namesake has been offered since 2005, and should immediately cultivate memories of steep-inclined jaunts, as well as excited drummers: this was the vehicle of choice for percussionists' valuable cargo for decades.

At an estimated 194 inches, the new Blazer will sit at about ten inches shorter than the Traverse, and will also compete directly with vehicles such as the Honda Pilot. Come pay us a visit at Jim Butler to check out the front-wheel drive and all-wheel configurations, and see whether the 4-cylinder or V-6 option is best for you. We expect this new Blazer to share Chevy's current trim level options, including base LS, midlevel LT, and high-end Premier. We are excited to be a part of a classic this epic roaring back to life, and agree that the timing couldn't be better for the Blazer to rumble on to the lot.