A New Engine May Be In The Corvette's Future

Calling all Jefferson City Corvette enthusiasts! Although the current Corvette features the original Corvette formula, many changes are in store for the beloved sports car’s future.

According to recently leaked General Motors service documents, a new engine will be added to the 2018 Corvette. The codenamed LT5 engine is similar to the 6.2-liter V8 used in the current Corvette, however, the brand plans to drop the pushrod valve actuation, which has been in place since the ‘Vette’s birth over 60 years ago and switch to a dual-overhead camshaft, or DOHC layout.

General Motors has managed to do many impressive things with the current V8 engine used in the Corvette but the DOHC will allow the engines to rev more freely and give engineers a wider powerband to work with when trying to extract horsepower from an engine. This LT5 will likely provide a greater eagerness to rev and produce less low-end grunt than other Corvette engines.

This LT5 engine is expected to make its appearance in 2018, which is also around the same time the mid-engined Corvette will make its debut. We’ll keep you posted over the next 12 months. In the meantime, stop in and see us at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse in Jefferson City, MO!

The All-New 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

According to a recent Chevy press release, the brand is continuing its crossover and SUV lineup transformation with the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, which will debut Jan. 9 at the North American International Auto Show.

The all-new Traverse will feature a bold, sleek design and will seat up to eight passengers. The brand expects it to offer the best third-row legroom and cargo space in its segment. The vehicle will join the 2017 Bolt EV and Trax, the 2018 Tahoe and Suburban, and the 2018 Equinox, which was revealed in September.

“Nobody in the industry offers a broader, fresher lineup of SUVs and crossovers than Chevrolet,” stated Alan Batey, president of GM North American and brand chief of Global Chevrolet. “From the all-electric Bolt EV to America’s longest-running nameplate, Suburban, we’ve got something for every customer and lifestyle.”

In the market for a new SUV? You’re looking in the right place. Stop by and see us at Mid MO Powerhouse in Jefferson City, MO today!

Get Winter-Weather Ready With These 6 Tips For Driving In The Snow

Winter is swiftly approaching, and we all know that with the cold weather often comes that dreaded four-letter word… snow. Sure, snow is great when you’re cozied up in your home and don’t have anywhere to go, but unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. Driving in snow can be dangerous and our team at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse in Jefferson City, MO wants you to get to your destination and back home safely. Check out these tips below for driving in the winter:

Clear snow and ice off of your car before driving

This is an essential first step to take before you hit the road. Snow on your windshield can block your view and create unnecessary blind spots. Snow left on the roof of your car could slide down to the windshield while driving, completely blocking your view. It could also fly off, causing trouble for the drivers behind you.

Reduce speed

Tires easily lose grip of the road in icy and snowy conditions. Slowing down will give you more control and the ability to react if slippage occurs. Reducing speed will also lessen the impact if things should go wrong.

Accelerating, braking and turning should all be separate actions

Trying to brake while turning or accelerate while turning is the recipe for disaster in snowy conditions. Be sure to slowly apply the brakes while the vehicle is still going straight and gently accelerate when making the turn. Keyword: Gently.

Longer braking distance

Keep your distance from the vehicle ahead of you, and be sure to apply your brakes earlier than you would in dry conditions. Additionally, use much less pressure on the brakes than you normally would. Locking your wheels causes the vehicle to slide or skid.

Steer into a skid

Should the rear of the vehicle begin sliding during a turn, DON’T PANIC! Let your foot off of the accelerator and steer your vehicle in the direction of the slide. This will keep you in control.

Just because the road looks clear, doesn’t mean it is safe

Black ice is a layer of ice on the road that is typically mistaken for wet pavement and is often found on bridges, overpasses and shaded parts of the road. According to one study, trying to stop on black ice takes nine times longer than normal, leaving no room for error if you happen to come accross it. Keep in mind that if the road is wet and temperatures are below 32 degrees, freezing will occur. Just because a road looks clear of snow does not mean that it is clear of danger.

Chevy's First-Ever Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

Chevy has recently announced that their first-ever nine-speed automatic transmission has made its official debut in the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder 2017 Malibu and brought a few good things along with it, like an EPA estimated 33 mpg highway and even better performance.

“In addition to improved fuel efficiency, the 9T50 offers a strong overall balance of performance and refinement that customers will feel at all driving speeds,” stated Dan Nicholson, vice president of Global Propulsion Systems. “By the end of 2017, Chevrolet will offer four models with the new nine-speed.”

According to Chevy, the Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed will also be available in the 2017 Cruze Diesel and 2018 Equinox. It will support stop/start technology on all models, which contributes to even more fuel conservation.

“Everything about the new nine-speed is designed to maximize benefits for the customer,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Marketing. “It helps offer greater fuel efficiency in the city and on the highway, all with the world-class refinement that makes the drive quiet and smooth.”

The brand has sold about 205,117 Malibus in the United States this year, putting it on the path to have a record sales year with this vehicle. To check it out for yourself, be sure to visit us at Mid Missouri Powerhouse in Jefferson City, MO!