2024 Chevy Silverado EV Graces Leader Board in Range Battle with 450 mi. 1-Iron

While truck buyers closely look at their options as the age of electrification is on us here at Jim Butler Chevy of Saint Louis, “how far they can go” is one of the predominant considerations. As press releases hit the wire and the experts begin their analysis, the American consumer has been eyeballing the fierce range battle that rages between the 2024 EVs. The Chevy Silverado EV will now be able to go further on full charge than was initially expected, with the base-level work truck trim seeing an EPA-estimated range of 450 miles.

Previous reports from Chevy estimated a range of 400 miles for the WT, as well as the more powerful RST model. The RST model is equipped with a 200-kWh battery pack, but it still isn’t quite clear what power source the WT uses to get its extra boost in range. The Car and Driver review team contacted a Chevy spokesperson for an answer, but for now they would only confirm that it was a result of the certification by the EPA and an extreme focus on testing and development.

The esteemed General Motors team also sent a press release to automotive experts nationwide that laid out some of the goodies regarding available technology for the 2024 Silverado EV WT. One of the highlights drivers have loved is the OnStar Connected Plan, which provides you with a comprehensive account to keep an eye on your battery level, charging data, and other vital diagnostic reports on your EV's all-around health. The HD surround vision with trailer view camera provision is an additional view from the rear of the trailer that provides an invisible landscape of sorts to aid with assuring you are on point during high winds or heavy hauls.

When electrification first became a blip on the radar about seven years ago, dealers like us here at Jim Butler that have access to a consistent stream of valuable data struggled with the vision of what charging would be like in real life. The DC fast charging option for the 2024 Silverado EV lays down an estimated 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, which makes life for the daily commuter unbelievably easy and efficient. The Traffic Sign Recognition feature will complete the lightning-fast yet very important task of relaying information displayed on the sign directly to the driver on your instrument cluster.

Getting out into the wild and properly enjoying an awesome truck such as the Silverado can also involve enjoying the comforts of civilization, and there are 120-volt power outlets in the bed, E trunk, and front console. You can use these to power bug zappers, electric grills, extra stereos for the tailgate, or any other devices that will make your camping that much better. The onboard blind zone steering assist uses some very high-tech cameras and sensors to monitor an area of up to 10 feet behind and immediately adjacent to the truck, preventing many varieties of urban and off-road incidents that you want to avoid.

The Work Truck trim is scheduled to be the first made available to fleet customers as early as this summer, with its all-wheel drive dual-motor potent powertrain cranking out 510 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. After this initial launch, there is an entry-level work truck model in the works for dedicated fleets that will boast a 20,000-pound towing capacity. You’re also going to love the Hitch Guidance With Hitch View, which displays a centered guideline on the Rear Vision Camera view to help with aligning your hitch to your trailer. Be sure to contact us today to find out how you can get your hands on this all-new truck!

4 Reasons The 2023 Trailblazer is Summertime’s Park and Rec-Ready Crossover

Customers looking for a great model to test drive at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis have many reasons to get excited about spending their summer with the appealing and affordable 2023 Chevy Trailblazer. While it makes great strides to be noticed in a sea of bland, a few key features allow it to stand out among the rest. Fitting within the smaller-sized segment of the lineup, it’s still large enough to have space for five and a bit of cargo room. 

Here are four things we love about the Trailblazer that give it an edge and allow it to proudly reign as a summer fun and to-do-list slaying machine!

Fresh updates render it easy on the eyes: The Trailblazer’s bold new color selection and two-tone appearance options allow for a cool visual pop, much like the holiday fireworks we will be admiring in just over a month! This color scheme also comes with a white roof that gives it an appealing and personal shine. Many of our competitors have admittedly stepped up their game in the family-friendly crossover realm, but with the Trailblazer, we can firmly attest you’re going to love its all-around look. 

The 3-cylinder turbo packs a potent punch: we know that most compact crossovers out there in the market today incorporate their unique variation of the standard 4-cylinder engine build. It is not the most common occurrence to come across a vehicle with an odd number of cylinders, but that's another way that the Trailblazer boasts a unique character. This 1.3-liter turbocharged engine cranks out 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque and allows for a few thrilling escapades on twisty roads you’ll want to check out nearby. 

It’s open season for off-road fun: Many drivers out there today are looking for an urban get-around vehicle with a unique and fun streak. This year's Trailblazer now comes with the ACTIV trim, which adds some vital features to render it fully trail ready. Protective skid plates, sport terrain tires, and a suspension lift all bring excitement about rolling up your sleeves and kicking up some dust. Drivers of all types are now exploring the thrill of off-roading, and these extra accessories will make this prospect fair game.

Selectable all-wheel drive for the terrain win: Another way that the Trailblazer stands apart from the competition is its selectable all-wheel drive system. This allows users to toggle between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, depending on if they are after a boost in fuel economy or improved traction. Pure rear-wheel drive can be engaged if you wish for a bit of raw excitement, and full all-wheel drive functionality is a great advantage in bad weather. Having both options at the touch of a button gives an advantage and a sense of unique versatility.

The days of summer bring us so many unique opportunities to get outside and have fun, which is what any busy family is looking forward to after the work week is behind them. We know you'll love the accessibility and budget-minded approach of the Trailblazer, and the exhilarating arrival of a new vehicle in your driveway is the most rewarding way to beat the heat!

2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD ZR2 Fit for Moving Mountains, Fully Crushing Workday Demands

 

The folks who are coming to Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis looking at trucks are looking to find the ideal rig for big jobs. We’re talking mountains of dirt, shuttling lumber back and forth all day, and surveying areas offering challenging terrain. The 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD is poised to arrive on the scene boasting an excellent means of making it through the tough stuff while spending much-deserved time off kicking up dirt.

The ZR2 joins the tough-as-nails heavy-duty lineup, exclusively available on the 2500 HD model configured with the Crew Cab body style and standard-size cargo bed. There'll be no mistaking it when it comes rambling in your direction, with this gigantic grill featuring all new “flowtie.” There are now also different moldings around its wheel arches, red front tow hooks, and unique CR2 badging that identify it as a segment-leading off-road conquering machine.

A few items of the awesome standard equipment are 4-wheel drive and an Allision 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s also the choice of the 6.6-liter V8 or Duramax diesel for power. The first option cranks out 401 horsepower, with the ideally smooth diesel weighing in at 470 horses. With the gas engine, you’ll be able to nail down a 16,000-pound towing capacity, with the diesel topping out at 18,500 lbs. No matter which powertrain resides under the hood, each Silverado 2500HD ZR2 sports the benefit of add-ons crafted just for the task of tackling ruts, dirt, and other challenges provided by the trail.

35-inch Goodyear Wrangler territory M/T tires are fittingly mounted on black 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, which make their proud presence known as the first factory-installed 35-inch tires on a Silverado. They go hand in hand quite well with what is likely the easiest-to-spot ZR2 feature: the Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. These superhumanly capable shocks boast three separate spool valves to weather extreme off-road abuse and assist with staying well-composed on the road.

The ZR2’s suspension is lifted 1.5 inches to content with the pointed and consistently protruding terrain types driving surfaces offer up, and there’s also a set of revised front upper and lower control arms along with brand-new steering knuckles. Whether it’s intentionally driven over or not, the brutish obstacles that would make a limp rag doll out of some rigs are lurking out there in the wild, and the aluminum skid plate up front along with steel plating are poised and ready to guard the valuable transfer case.

The locking rear differential is the ultimate tool for managing traction, and every ZR2 has an Off-Road drive mode to roll up its sleeves properly and conquer terrain that would render the family sedan a total loss! Every collaboration that trucks have with AEV Outfitters has turned out to be pure gold, as this Montana-based aftermarket miracle-working team now heads up some operations in the Motor City. The Bison version of the 2500HD ZR2 brings steel-stamped front and rear bumpers with recovery points and winch accommodation in case the extreme fun ever leads to becoming stuck.

The Bison also is poised to attack the wild with a slightly steeper breakover angle than the standard ZR2, with the AEV model peaking at 29.8 degrees. There’s a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to complement the 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, which also provides the awesome modern marvel of the surround-view camera system. The fine and very hard-working personnel on staff at the GM assembly plant in Flint, Michigan will begin later this summer, prepping and fine-honing a solid and sensational outback-taming machine! 

2023 Traverse Reigns as “Three-Row Cargo King” and Bow-Tie Spring Segment Leader

 

After a look around at our surroundings in the current auto market here at Jim Butler Chevy of Saint Louis, it is evident that the mid-size SUV category has plenty of options to choose from. A model that defines itself as a winning selection needs some incredibly strong characteristics that separate it from the populated pack. The 3-row 2023 Chevy Traverse is slotted nicely in between the smaller midsize Equinox and full-sized Tahoe in the Bow Tie brand’s lineup, and any busy family or business owner on the go is going to love its segment-leading cabin space.

This model’s 2022-year refresh rendered it an even better choice for the midsize SUV segment, making it ideal for those needing a vehicle big enough to haul the family and get the practical chores of life done. All the Traverse models are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, with standard front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capability. Most of its V6-powered rivals crank out under 300 horsepower, with the Traverse blasting up to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds and racing through the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds.

The V6 pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and the auto start stop feature improves mileage with a smooth transition to the engine being fully kicked on. The Traverse can tow 1,500 pounds regardless of drivetrain, and you can opt for the Trailering Equipment Package that improves the capability up to 5,000 pounds. Hauling has never been so easy and supported by excellent technology as this: A trailer hitch, GMS, Hitch Guidance System, and a heavy-duty cooling system offer their form of upgraded assistance for the pull.

On the road, the Traverse’s suspension offers a soft characteristic that provides a smooth ride experience, along with a taught enough stance to deliver excellent cornering quality. The Traverse’s 2022 facelift shaped things up with a larger and blacked-out lower intake, new wheel designs, slimmer headlights with integrated turn signals, revamped fog light housings, and updated rear LED lighting. 18-inch wheels are standard in the LS and LT trims, and 20-inch aluminum numbers are equipped in RS, Premier, and High-Country models.

The base LS trim comes standard with a second-row bench seat for seating up to eight, while all other models are fitted with second-row captain’s chairs. The cabin provides room for adults in all three rows with 33.5 inches of third-row legroom and 39 inches of headroom. As you pack your loved ones in for the outdoor adventures, amusement parks, and sporting events the coming warm weather will offer, GMs Smart Slide second-row seats ease accessing the third row with a useful hatch that slides the second-row seat forward with one simple pull.

Even with the third row of seats in place, the Traverse’s cargo hold can fit up to 23 feet of necessary things for the trip, and with the rear row folded in this bonus convenience grows to 57 feet. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, with upper trim levels adding an 8-inch screen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2023 Traverse also received 4/5 stars from the NHTSA for its overall safety rating: along with its very handsome statures, functional cabin layout, and always-leading stance, it offers up a workhorse on the heftier side of things that has fared well during the test of time.

2023 Trailblazer’s Dazzle in Time for Coming of Spring with Remarkable Reliability Scores, Accessible Affordability

 

As the market has evolved so rapidly over the past few years here at Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, there have been enough entries in the crossover SUV category to make even the savviest spring shopper a bit confused. We promise that before you feel you are entirely in over your head, adjusting your gaze over to the budget-friendly side of things will always reward you in the long run. The 2023 Chevy Trailblazer was recently praised by the Motor Biscuit crew for its segment-leading performance and stellar reliability scores.

Incredibly stable performance for the price point it comes in at has ranked the Trailblazer as a top-choice for many no matter what their budget is, and it comes equipped with either a 1.2-liter or 1.3-liter turbocharged engine. Both powertrain versions are mated to a continuously variable transmission, and the J.D. Power auto editing team ranked segment-leading 86 out of 100 for reliability. Current buyers need reassurance that the model they are buying is built to last, and the Trailblazer has secured its spot in this regard with its stellar track record.

The Trailblazer’s interior stands out among many offerings with notable elements that allow for a bold statement and puts forth a first impression of being very spacious and comfortable. A 7.0-inch touchscreen comes standard on entry-level trims, with the option to move up in size to 8.0-inch. The Edmunds.com review staff praised the current-year model for consistently being “exceedingly competent”, consistently winning as being positioned a half-step ahead of the rest. Very satisfied buyers are thrilled with its small, easy-to-park size and excellent fuel economy.

Don’t let the smaller size fool you: the Trailblazer possesses enough punch to navigate urban hills and pass on the highway, with the all-wheel drive option sporting a more powerful engine. Audio controls and an intuitive touchscreen nicely complement the infotainment package that is very simple to operate. The Trailblazer exists as an attractive and winning option up against competition against crossovers such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Mazda CX-30.

The Edmunds.com testing team was very pleased with the nine-speed automatic transmission, which consistently keeps the smaller-size engine in a well-performing “sweet spot”. Accurate steering ensures driver confidence on various road types, and the front seats are very supportive and firm. The Trailblazer’s ride height is just a slight notch above a compact sedan, while being very simple to step into. Be sure to also check out the optional panoramic sunroof, with adequate headroom for all sizes of passengers.

The available high-definition backup camera works excellently even in low light, and wireless connectivity is standard for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-A and USB-C ports come as standard to keep front passengers fully connected and entertained during the drive. Fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 28 mpg during combined city/highway driving, with the 1.3-liter turbocharged engine not requiring premium fuel as a few others in its class. As the nicer weather brings about opportunities to ditch the confines of the city and head outdoors, the Trailblazer is one of the few subcompact SUVs that can dig right in and tow a trailer to make for the perfect weekend.

Seven Thrilling Decades of Domination: Why the Corvette is an Influential and All-American Icon

Few muscle cars have resonated so well with an entire industry as the Corvette has here at Jim Butler Chevy of St Louis. This sensational performance car has been winning over fans for seven exciting decades. This is a car that has gradually built its reputation with a very choosy fan base, ultimately becoming as much of an American icon as burgers, apple pie and baseball! The following are just some of the reasons that this car has so thoroughly embedded itself as a champion-grade contender in the high-performance category. 

It's the Choice of Space-Age Successors:

Chevy dealers in the 1960s definitely had keen marketing sense. It was clear to them that the ‘Vette’s image should be tied to the most forward-leaning and innovative of the future. Astronauts perfectly fit the bill, as this was the decade that witnessed the moon landing. Even though NASA specifically mandated that their astronauts could not accept gifts, Chevy offered one-dollar leases of the Corvette to admired astronauts such as Neil Armstrong and Alan Shepard. 

The Name Deriving From the Potent WW2 Warship: 

Car manufacturers in America have a knack for coming up with some of the most memorable names. “Corvette” is a name that commands attention as soon as it’s spoken. Named after a warship that dutifully protected global waters In World War II, it is synonymous with offering competition against the industry’s toughest and fastest muscle cars. 

What’s in YOUR Car’s DNA? Indy 500 Pace Flags for the Win

The first Indy 500 took place way back in 1911, and it has remained massively popular for over 100 years. It is the ultimate test of man and machine, with experienced drivers going head to head at speeds more than 200 mph to claim a win. The pace car for these events needs to be top caliber, and while there are admittedly plenty to choose from, the Corvette continues to be chosen for its fast performance, fan appeal, and thoroughly all-American image.

An Aggressive Rival For the European Bunch:

Admittedly, American cars are not always lauded for superior handling. Often, they triumph at off-the-line power and acceleration instead of cornering expertise. In fact, many expert car review teams have claimed that European options offer a superior track experience. Our beloved Corvette completely contradicts that opinion. The current C8 and other models such as the 755 horsepower ZR1 never disappoint when it comes to agility and endurance, with well-tuned suspensions, ferocious engines, and expertly engineered aerodynamics that offer up a true challenge for anything originating from across the pond. 

No Replacement for Displacement: Hefty V8 Power 

The Automotive World has changed quite a bit over the last three years, and we’ve realized that progress is necessary for a better tomorrow. Stricter regulations are being introduced to control emissions with new cars, and smaller engines are used more frequently than naturally aspirated beasts. While we recognize that some very impressive performance can be achieved with turbocharged units, the Corvette is living and breathing proof that a massive V8 always makes good in its ideal time and place.

Pure + Prized Power for the Price

This legendary American icon is not just set aside for high society. The Corvette has established itself as very attainable for the average citizen, which helps with this relatable association as a national icon. There are used modifiers all over these days such as the accessible and high-performing C4, and exhilarating ZR1. Some of these can be found for under $20,000, and in conditions that are just as sweet-looking as any other high-speed number spotted on the street!

Sized for the “Heart of the Market”: Spy Shots Offer Sneak Peek at 2024 Chevy Traverse Prototype

At Jim Butler Chevy of St. Louis, we love the pleasure of dealing with many different types of consumers that are on the hunt for their ideal new vehicle. For many, something on the larger-sized side of things hits the spot! In December of 2022, the car reporters from GM Authority reported that the all-new, next-generation Chevy Traverse will launch as planned for the 2024 model year. Internet and camera phones changed the auto market so much a decade or so ago, and spy shots always leave viewers with something awesome to look forward to.

The digital shutterbugs on duty in this case provided a first glimpse of this next-gen model, showing the public a few design elements they can expect regarding this larger, 3-row utility SUV. Camouflage is still common as models in the final testing stages are on the go, and at least this particular Traverse was spotted in body-hugging checkered camouflage, which is a bit easier to make details out with than the heavier vinyl alternative. 

At the front, there is a black grille with a prominent horizontal bar and a slightly different dual-tier headlight arrangement. The 2019 Chevy Blazer marked the beginning of a trend that saw this switched-up appearance, with its sport and aggressive influence noticeable at first glance of the new Traverse. Once production-intent headlights are installed, the front end will bear resemblance to both the Blazer and the 2024 Chevy Trailblazer. Just below the primary headlights, one can make out a set of front aero curtain intakes, with the side profile revealing a more boxy and upright shape. 

The large front and rear doors that render the current Traverse a very spacious ride still seem to be present, with the area directly between the C and D pillars remaining under full camouflage. This particular model rode on a set of black wheels, and boasted a unique dual five-spoke design. Black roof rails can also be made out, and in the rear, a close look reveals an exposed rear window wiper, placeholder tail lamps, horizontally oriented reflectors in the bumper cover, and trademark dual exhaust outlets. 

It's exciting to see the stealthily-roaming prospects of a vehicle that is definitely poised to dominate “the heart of the market”, with the potential to spar off well with the competition. Just below the Tahoe in size, the Traverse boasts some very trucklike qualities that many growing families and businesses are currently after. This full-size crossover is still expected to ride on a reworked version of the GM C1 platform known as C1-2, with production scheduled to begin in December of 2023. 

The 2024 Traverse will be built by the proud and hard-working crew at the GM Lansing Delta Township Plant, with potential buyers eager for its generous passenger room and segment-leading acceleration. As far as the 2023 models are concerned, the Edmunds.com review team enthusiastically recommended the LT Leather trim, stepping things up a stylish notch with the perfect balance of price and features in the lineup. RS trims and above now offer the larger 8.0-inch screen and navigation, and wireless charging is included on all trims above the base level.