3 Dashing Chevy Pace Cars Decked Out in Blue Will Dominate Daytona Race Weekend

All of us here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis are eagerly looking forward to the annual return of racing, as this particular year it will provide a sample taste of outdoor freedom that we are all so hungry for! A perfect solution for cabin fever, even watching on TV will give us an extra-special sense of seasonal victory, as temps have plummeted lately across the nation and snow has blanketed much of the Midwest. Last weekend, Chevy had three matching pace cars ready for high-speed excitement during the thrilling races on tap at Daytona International Speedway.

Each one of the cars runs on the 6.2-liter small-block V8, and will proudly display the C8 Rapid Blue Paint color, a great-looking fan favorite. The first of the trio is a Silverado 1500 RS, with a 420-horsepower EcoTec3 V8 that was on-site during the Camping World Truck Series' NextEra Energy 250 on Friday, February 12. The next day the boisterous and brawny 2021 Camaro SS 1LE was the chosen pace car for the Xfinity Series 300, and the Corvette Stingray had the honors on Valentine's day for the Legendary Daytona 500, leading the way for poised Camaro, Mustang, and Camry stock models eager to cross the famed finish line. 

Numerous times in history pace cars become sought-after collectibles when a manufacturer issues one as a coveted special edition, as the brand we love to represent has done many times in the past. One unforgettable model was the 1978 Indy Pace Car Edition Corvette sporting a two-tone black-over-silver paint job and the 1998 Corvette with the distinct and memorable purple and yellow color scheme. Another of our personal favorites was from many years back cast splendidly as the 1969 Indy 500 Chevy Camaro with orange stripes over a white-on-white convertible body. 

If you are a fan of the Rapid Blue color, you can add it to your very own 2022 Camaro, as it is joining the option list for the new year. On the inside, the current Camaro design is a composite blend of old and new, with the dashboard's design in place over the cluster and chrome interior trim pieces appearing as if they are sourced from our favorite classic muscle car of yesteryear. Opting for a larger 8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad, navigation, and premium Bose audio system are ways to excitedly enhance the drive on this car that excitedly brandishes the 6.2-liter V8 that produces 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. 

Other trim levels come armed with power under the hood sourced from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 that provides the next step up generating 335 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, and the hefty supercharged V8 that generates 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The ZL1 is the proper track hound's dream model that physically defines “having everything” over the top, with adaptive dampening, wider tires, manually adjustable front suspension, and its precisely-allocated 650 horsepower. 

2021 Chevy Blazer and Ford Edge Face Off in Red-Hot PostBowl Rankings Showdown

Everyone here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis agree that this Is the perfect time of year to be properly fired up with competitive spirit, as the two highest-performing pro football teams in the nation squared off against each other this past weekend on the field. February is also a month when customers are reporting back to us about how their newest purchases have been performing, and which features and trim levels they are benefiting from most. The bloggers at Motor Trend put the two highly-competitive and athletically-stanced Ford Edge and Chevy Blazer crossovers to the test while comparing their features, and letting you know exactly which one figuratively scores the touchdown in the customer's eye. 

They are roughly the same size, both have two rows of seats, and have similar four and six-cylinder engines. Our prized Blazer was revitalized in 2019, and the second-generation Edge came out 4 years earlier. The Edge offered a larger standard infotainment system new for 2021 and offers the now-expected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Both the Edge and Blazer earn five-star safety ratings from NHTSA, a plus for busy families who want to be sure that every drive offers the highest level of protection and doesn't leave any “what ifs” regarding always arriving intact and sound. 

As far as design and appearance, this comparison acknowledges right away how the Blazer is anything but bland and comes strongly out of the gate with pony-inspired design cues. Once inside you are reminded of what it's like to drive its close relative in the form of the Camaro, marking the Blazer as the ideal “passing and running yard gain” dominator in the showdown. For anyone who wants to arrive brandishing a currently-stylish edge and added confidence, we undoubtedly proclaim the Blazer as the compliant and comfortable choice with a perfect dose of fist-pumping aggression.

The Blazer is also priced lower at the viable entry point, and the V6 approaches the pivotal redline interval with an excited and eager attitude that makes the most mundane of errands a blast. This particular cold winter's comparison rendered the Edge as the more sensible commuter's choice, with the Blazer coming in as the sure-fire winner for the buyer whose daydreams tend to wander towards open throttles and taking tight corners with the music cranked. 

Online car experts Edmunds reflected after several test drives that the available Convenience and Driver Package is well worth the addition with heated seats, a programmable power liftgate, auto-dimming side mirrors, and rear cross-traffic alert. As we have sourced the best reviews and expert opinions to keep us up to speed on what is trending and the various traits that make crossovers stand out from the crowd, most who are solidly in the loop of automotive know-how have favored the Blazer's RS Trim: it provides the muscular V6, 20-inch black-painted wheels, a programmable power liftgate, upgraded touchscreen with navigation, 120-volt power port, and heated steering wheel.

Track-Focused and Sizzling Asphalt-Ready Corvette Z06 Due By The Balmy Days of Summer

 

As soon as the 8th-generation Corvette was officially shown to the public in a large California airline hangar, everyone here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis watched intently as auto media experts and drivers alike rapidly fell for it. Since it was such a well-received and exhilarating release, there is now an entire array of increasingly powerful Corvettes that will be coming out over the years, and the staff on duty at Gear Patrol suggested quite officially that we could see a brand-new Z06 by July of this year, or even sooner. 

It had circulated in official circles that “it's not a project anymore” regarding its completion, and we would be led to believe that the Z06 model could see the fast-track regarding production. A finely-honed focus on-track performance and power would be the exhilarating result of a 5.5-liter naturally-aspirated V8 with a flat-plane crank similar to what is found in the Ferrari as well as Shelby GT350. The Stingray is a valuable benchmark to use as an entry point illustrating just how much the entire Corvette line has to offer, and the Z06 is where the delicately-prepared supercar racing numerous laps around the track shines through with a fervor. 

As the seasoned crew on duty at Car And Driver reported last week, the anticipation is building in massive amounts for this mightier Z06, as the flat-crank V8 on board is going to sound unlike anything that has come before it. With close attention paid to the aerodynamic factors that adjust to provide maximum downforce and cornering ability, it is pretty much guaranteed to be lightning-fast when navigating a straight line. As soon as the C8 came out drivers were excited about the characteristics of the cabin layout that made it so driver-focused, and the Z06 will include a 12.0-inch fully digital gauge cluster, a heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, and wireless charging.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen on board supports Chevy's Infotainment 3 Plus system, and there will be the choice of a standard 10-speaker or 14-speaker Bose system to properly amp up the driving mood in an already-potent and longstanding classic that is the king of the highway and track continuously in its own rite. Years ago drivers would re-live every hairpin turn and straightaway acceleration jaunt by telling stories to their friends who may or may have not always believed them, and now the Performance Data Recorder can stake the ultimate proof and claim to the majority of your exploits. 

A few images captured at Grattan Raceway snagged up recently just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan provided a close-up look at the side of the car, where we fully admit that Chevy was pretty adamant about hiding the brake package residing behind the actual design. It has also been disclosed to us that the engineering team is considering making the telltale sound of the exhaust pipes even more resonant with a center-mounted exhaust option, guaranteed to provide the greatest and most dedicated fans of the Z06 even more to savor every single time it bellows up after turning over!

2021 Chevy Corvette Takes Top Honors as Motor Authority's “Best Car to Buy”

The luxury and performance vehicle market has recently seen many changes. Vehicles such as the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S have been electrified, yet still provide ample acceleration and exhilarating power. We almost saw one of these electric vehicles, the Ford Mustang Mach-E win Motor Authority's "Best Car to Buy for 2021" badge this time around, but the 2021 Chevy Corvette proved itself to reigned supreme and claimed the title.

Clearly, the new Corvette we love so much here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis proved to the testing team that it was more fun to drive, provided outstanding value, and easily beat the Mach-E out due to perfectly grippy summer tires, outstanding braking capabilities, and cooling systems created specifically for the tough tests of the track. The Corvette became the car that so many want to own by being true to its roots alongside a completely new mid-engined placement and a noteworthy V8, paired with an in-depth tuning crusade to render it a model that could “read your mind” as you engage deeper at every step.

This particular auto features writer enjoyed his first laps in the new 'Vette at Spring Mountain Powersports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, first noting an amazingly stable rear end, and the inability to lose grip on any corner. The brand-new layout also provides the 'Vette with straight and obvious sight lines and makes it easier to place on the track during high speeds. With the seat situated closer to the car's center of mass, the precision of steering was immediately compared to that of a Ferrari, with lightning-fast turn-in and a very efficient front/rear weight balance.

With an increased amount of weight over the rear wheels, the new 495-horsepower Corvette gets to 60 mph is just 2.9 seconds, attaining a neck-and-neck presence with the 755-hp C7 ZR1. Some who see this car for the first time don't even realize it's a Corvette, as design cues from the most famous European supercars command massive attention and allude in all the best ways to the most prestigious cars on the planet. When the back is lifted and you can see the engine in all of its glory next to all the carbon fiber, it's something new that you don't get with older models.

The squared-off steering wheel is an excellent interior design element that encourages the most calculated of hand placements for the track, and the entire setup offers a clear view of the digital cluster just behind it. Some of the most experienced test drivers in the world claimed that of everything they drove this year this was the model they had the most fun with, and that the world's auto-loving masses will remain consistently impressed with its ability to quickly disperse power to the pavement. It's not just the obvious theme regarding “how much cheaper this amazing car is then others”: having a front-row seat to its greatness clues one into the many rewards of the closest-knit and hardest-working design team of the past decade.

Daring to January Daydream: What A Chevy Blazer Activ Would Look Like

Every time a new customer is envisioning their perfect car or truck, different trim levels and special editions come up as ideal ways to add a unique and personal touch. The Activ level has been offered for several models to offer an off-road variant without every single element of added gear and has proven to be very popular on the Chevy Trailblazer. The GM Authority blog released their proposed renderings of what an Activ trim for the Blazer could look like during the fall, with nice black detailing, chunky all-terrain rubber, and black five-spoke wheels.

Power would be derived from either the turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4 LSY or the naturally-aspirated 3.6-Liter V6 LGX gas engine, offering both torque-vectoring and all-wheel-drive as standard. What is Shown Here has a pretty aggressive stance in the name of wishful thinking, and if this ever materializes the front end may have a slightly different appearance allowing for an improved approach angle. The GMC Acadia AT4 is another model that offers more of an off-road appearance without the addition of every single element needed for capability, sporting a characteristic grille, badging, and black chrome exterior accents. 

One feature the Acadia has that a Blazer Activ trim could see is the 17-inch gloss black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, as well as a very capable AWD system and unique front fascia like the Trailblazer Activ. Since demand has been steadily on the rise for crossovers, a trim like this could eventually see a home in every crossover we proudly offer here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis. As soon as the new Blazer came out last year, people seeing it in showrooms everywhere appreciated how it took it upon itself to leave its truck roots behind and shares much more in common with the current style of a crossover. 

Battling sworn rivals in the form of the Honda Passport, Ford Edge, and Hyundai Santa Fe, this year the Chevy makes automatic emergency braking standard on the 2LT Blazer and continues to draw appeal with sharp handling, a 4,500-pound two rating, and some definite nods to muscle-car themed charm. RS versions also receive an all-wheel-drive system that spreads the power across the rear end for the best response. All Blazers sport the 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and are proudly manufactured in the USA at the Spring Hill, Tennessee plant. 

The side view reveals a canopy-style roof with blacked-out pillars, and we love the perfectly sport multiple cues taken from the Camaro. Be sure to pay extra attention to the delightfully raspy quality of the exhaust you find on the RS edition and the 308 horsepower at the top of the range you can get from the 3.6-Liter V6, coupled again with the 9-speed transmission. 

Check out the pictures here. 

GM Design Wonders Aloud If Development of C9 Corvette Could Be Underway

From 2014 through 2019, the C7 Chevy Corvette didn't have as long a run as some 'Vette's did, but was well-remembered for good reason. Last year when the C8 arrived at the glee of the general public and car enthusiasts worldwide, completely astonished onlookers in a California hangar witnessed an earnest dose of mid-engined and mechanical mastery. Everyone here at Jim Butler of St Louis have always wondered if Chevy designers could already be hard at work laying the foundation for ideas that pave the way for an amazing automotive sequel. 

General Motors Design posted a sketch on Instagram over the past week that could be a rendering of what an early C9 concept could appear like. It's highly possible that it could also be an early draft of the C8, but we do not think our beloved bowtie brand will return to front-engine design. The side air vents look a bit similar to what's in place on today's Vette, and a built-in rear spoiler and front fenders are a bit more prominent than what is found on the C8. There are other questions about whether or not the C9 could be all-electric, which is a possibility since the hybrid version of the C8 is due to arrive within the next few years. 

A 1,000-horsepower 'Vette known as “Zora” with all-wheel drive and several electric motors is also in the works, and since GM has recently pledged to pursue an electrified future with other prominent vehicles such as the GMC Hummer EV, the Corvette may definitely fall under the clean-power guise as well. Since Chevy already called it quits to the longstanding tradition of a front-engine design, getting rid of traditional combustion means of power may be what's in store next. 

The Current 2021 C8 has snagged up a 10Best award for 2021, as its two-seat cabin is spacious and the performance has been deemed worldwide as spectacular. The Z51 package provides stunning capability on the track, and any Corvette can now also be ordered with a new gray-and-yellow interior color scheme and Full-Length Dual Racing Stripe package with stripes in blue, orange, red, or yellow. The astonishing  6.2-liter V8 cranks out 490 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Z51 package's dual-mode performance exhaust adding 5 more hp to the mix. The current C8 boasts a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.8-seconds, and has also been commended for its interior design that delivers a driver-focused concept appropriate for such a defined and dominating performance model! 

Higher-Performance Power as Holiday-Ready Protocol: 2021 Blazer Receives 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine As Standard

The latest 2021 Chevy Blazer celebrates its arrival as the third year for the all-new crossover, and has seen some feature updates that are sure to see all of our customers here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis brimming with holiday curiosity! One of the major changes is with the power source, which will now see the turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4 LSY gas unit offered as standard. Front-wheel drive is now standard on the top-of-the-line Premier trim, and AWD is available with either the V6 LGX or this newly-introduced engine.

This new Inline-four produces 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Higher fuel economy ratings are sure to instill a sense of New Year's Cheer as the incoming Blazer model will see 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined when equipped with front-wheel-drive. There are also some awesome new colors to pick from in the coming Blazer's lineup: Iron Gray, Pewter Metallic, Cayenne Orange, and Cherry Red Tintcoat are some of the options to dashingly deck out the exterior.

Whether you are dealing with holiday-prone snow or the well-groomed roads of summer, the 2021 Chevy Blazer also now gains new safety features for protection through the Chevy Safety Assist Package. This long-awaited crossover that Car And Driver claimed is “perfectly sporty, engaging, and without even slight compromise” also received praise for the 2LT trim level, which can tow 4500 pounds when equipped with the trailering package. The four-cylinder models can tow up to 1500 pounds, and this has been deemed by many other auto experts as the most responsive and confident crossover in the entire segment. 

During two recent test drives in the hilly outskirts of LA, the Blazer was quick to respond and confident on the twisty sections of road, and the four-cylinder engine provided more might off the line than a slew of competitors. The 18-inch wheels provided a very smooth and quiet ride and displayed a fluid characteristic at lower speeds. The RS model came to a stop during braking testing a 165 feet from 70 mph, and getting up to that speed is certain to  be an outright blast in this design that draws inspiration from the legendary and track-poised pony in the form of the Camaro.

Other great features such as ambient interior lighting and heated and ventilated front seats are a welcome addition, as well as 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64 cubic feet with the seats folded. Each Blazer comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and can also be upgraded to be equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot, 8-speaker premium Bose sound system, built-in navigation, and wireless charging. Key safety features to assure that you are arriving to deck the halls with all of your health and vigor are forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.