Exploring the On-Road Adventures of the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD ZR2

The 2024 Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 was officially revealed to truck lovers everywhere this past April, bringing an eager and distinguished face to an off-road ready and capable name here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse. Taking up cozy holiday and New Year’s residence with the Chevy Colorado ZR2 and the Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2, this truck will slot in as the big and burly terrain-conquering brute of the lineup, while boasting an admirable assortment of upgrades over the standard refreshed Silverado HD model.

The GM Authority crew offered a closeup look on their blog this past week, as they tailed a brand-new Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 that was decked out in Summit White paint. Much like the consistent snowfall we are expecting here in the ST Louis area over the season, it gives the truck a very clean and poised look while cruising down the road. Setting the stage for potentially high doses of splattered mud that will accumulate on the fenders after a well-deserved trek off-road, this 2500 HD Crew Cab body configuration is the only one of the lineup to offer the Silverado HD ZR2 trim level. 

There are a few notable style changes right off the bat, as eye-catching and appealing as the seasonal glow of the main street holiday lights right here in Lynn this month! There’s a new unique front grille, which sports the Chevy emblem centrally placed along the top dividing line. Much like stockings over the warm hearth, it included sweet red inner detailing, offering a unique color splash to complement the ZR2 emblem directly over the fenders. The 2024 Chevy Silverado HD ZR2 is also equipped with the ZR2 Bison Edition package, which adds even more superb goodies from the stream-and-canyon experts at AEV.

You’ll be confidently minesweeping or burnin’ down the nearest minimum-access fire road with ease courtesy of a new front bumper, matte black finish, small fog lamps, and tough-as-nails vertically oriented tow hooks. There are massive skid plates intact to protect all the valuables underneath, 18-inch wheels, a new rear bumper, and heavy-duty floor liners. Under the hood resides the true star of the holiday-themed show: the hefty 6.6-liter V8 LSP turbodiesel Duramax engine, which is now rated at 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque.

If you are looking to still “reign supreme with the reindeer” but are coming at things from a tone-down approach, you can opt for the naturally aspirated 6.6-liter V8 L8T, rated at 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The Jalopnik feature writers affectionately billed this rig as the “ideal end times vehicle”, with its ability to power through hell and high water while coming out with minimal battle scars on the other side. This is our way of heaping on the extra good stuff and giving buyers off-road-ready parts without the need for aftermarket purchases to feel fully prepared.

We’re talking about the expert-level “get unstuck” versions of unique steel pumpers, integrated winches and recovery points, distinct wheels, and interior trim. The most challenging of inclines won’t ruffle any feathers thanks to three-spool Multimatic dampers, an exclusive off-road performance mode, and 35-inch all-terrain tires. Mapping the ultimate route will be a snap with 11.8 inches of ground clearance, a 29.8-degree approach angle, and a breaker angle of 22.6 degrees. The Jalopnik crew were also quite confident in their boulder-navigating abilities courtesy of the various camera angles allowing for fine-tuned adjustments. 

If you happen to be in the market for a “do-all machine”, all of us here at the Powerhouse will be happy to see you this holiday season: we are thrilled you have chosen us to provide your vehicles for the past and very merry present!

Born for the Backcountry: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Unleashed for the Dedicated Explorer

As we have so much exciting news this time of year here at Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we are checking out future model specs and features while our own personal wish lists are dancing in our heads! Like reindeer themselves making their way over chimneys at night, the off-road-ready Chevy Colorado ZR2 becomes even tougher when it’s dressed to the nines with the Desert Boss package. If this isn’t quite adequate for the most diehard of all-terrain lovers, the 2024 model digs even deeper with the new ZR2 Bison.

The redesigned ZR2 from 2023 is an excellent living and breathing version of a capable and terrain-slaying midsize truck, and the fantastic news ahead on the holiday hearth is that 2024 will bring a new version that rocks even harder! The ZR2 model is a bit taller than the Colorado and is fitted with very beefy wheels and underbody protection. Front and rear light bars, winches, off-road bumpers, safari bars, and numerous cargo management features fulfill the duty of not leaving anything to the imagination as to what this vehicle’s “reasons for living” are. 

Just a few decades ago it was very difficult to conceptualize just how much a class-leading assortment of cameras could help someone in the pursuit of off-road adventure. The ZR2 boasts a category-exclusive underbody camera, which lets you bear detailed witness to every brutal scrape, battle scar, and abrupt bump. The 2023 Chevy Colorado showed up mountainside with several powertrain options, but the sole choice now is the 310-horsepower turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder. It’s a higher-powered version that is specifically tuned for 430 lb-ft of torque and paired with the same 8-speed automatic that comes across the Colorado lineup. 

To be properly primed for the challenges of the jagged and unforgiving wild, the ZR2 sees additional upgrades across the suspension lineup, boasting a high-performance setup with a stable and wider stance, Multimatic dampers, and a useful 3-inch lift. The payload rating is superbly situated at 1,050 lbs and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. The upgraded suspension is paired with Jounce Control dampers, which employ a piston inside the damper to provide resistance against hydraulic fluid and absorb excess energy. Ground clearance resides at 12.2 inches, and the all-important trail hound’s breakover angle resides at 26.9 degrees. 

Standard steel skid plates and rocker trim are the “Guardians of the Galaxy” as far as the underbody is concerned, assuring that the many ruts, ravines, and washout don’t dole out extreme damage. Don’t forget to check out the Desert Boss Special Edition package, which adds beadlock-capable wheels, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, very cool black exterior badging, a bed-mounted 40-inch off-road light bar, an off-road front bumper with a safari bar, and numerous other safety and comfort upgrades. 

As the trail maps are depicting your next dusty conquest and all the climbing gear is packed, the Flex Utility Package decks things out a higher notch with configurable bed rails and cargo tie-downs. The Recovery Package boasts the “getting unstuck” goodie of the winch, bed-mounted LED lighting, and a hard tonneau cover. The Motor Trend crew navigated a 3-foot near-vertical ledge, boulders the size of small sedans, and other massive obstacles that would completely destroy the average vehicle with the ZR2. On Johnson Valley’s infamous Chocolate Thunder Trail, they rendered their test drive as “valuable and up to the task, with excellent approach and departure angles for getting tires on top and over rocks.”

2023 Chevy Blazer Brings “Fiercely Styled, Smooth, and Spacious” to a Festive Gathering Near You

 

Bringing back the Chevy Blazer was an incredibly exciting accomplishment for all of us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse: this was one of those models that offered “everything and then some” for satisfied drivers. Car and Driver claimed that this year’s model was “Fiercely styled, smooth, and spacious for an SUV”, and celebrated its stance in an article that remembered the Blazer’s entry on the scene back in 1969. This was when the frame components swarmed over a good deal of the interior space, and the ride was quite close to ground level.

After living through a few interesting midsize incarnations through the 90s, this latest version arrived on lots here at the Powerhouse for the 2019 model year. Some new exterior colors round out its appearance, and wireless charging on all models adds to the productivity factor and high-tech allure. The Blazer EV has already snagged up Motor Trend’s quite prestigious SUV of the Year award for 2024 and competes with foes such as the Ford Bronco, Honda Passport, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4 Runner, Toyota Venz, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. 

This test drive crew was given the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which performed quite up to par and aggressively. Cranking out 308 horsepower, the Blazer roared onto highways nicely, even when a long uphill stretch was waiting for them. The Car and Driver team was able to nail down 6.6 seconds for the 0-60 time, with heaps of admiration given to the 9-speed automatic for operating at sheer capacity without drawing too much-unwanted attention to itself. The Sport, all-wheel-drive, and two-wheel-drive modes were equally productive and useful, with the Sport offering full-on engagement and a bit more thrilling composure. 

The rear seats are quite roomy and comfortable, with each limb of even taller passengers being able to completely enjoy the ride. The Enhanced Convenience Package provides the extra long-haul comforts of heated front seats, along with completely power-operated steering wheel adjustments, making each mile that much easier. The base 2LT package is a great entry point for most shoppers, offering convenience features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a remote start, and Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also very keen driver-assistance tech such as the “gentle guardian” in the form of lane-keep assist, and Chevy’s Teen Driver system. 

Drawing heavy inspiration from the Chevy Camaro, the climate controls are adjusted by very cool twisting rings around the vents. When equipped with the V6 engine and the optional trailering package, this Chevy can lug up to 4,500 lbs of extra lake fun or other recreational gear. The IIHS gave the 2023 Chevy Blazer the highest rating of “Good” in all six crash tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. 

The Sound and Technology package adds adaptive cruise control, enhanced forward automatic emergency braking, a surround-view parking camera system, a digital rearview mirror, a Bose 8-speaker stereo, two additional USB ports, navigation, wireless device charging, and 120-volt household-style power outlet. The Car and Driver crew remarked that the Blazer “shines brightly on the open road, with muscle-car styling that it punchily lives up to.” Nightshift Blue is now an available hue on the RS trim level, and there are brand-new choices of Fountain Blue, Sterling Gray, Copper Bronze, and Radiant Red.

2024 Chevy Blazer Stands Out in Crossover Market

 

It is not a secret that the crossover market is hotter than it’s ever been, with so many superior models here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse to choose from. The 2024 Chevy Blazer stands out immediately with its passionate design and aggressive stance, making itself difficult to ignore in terms of attitude and game-readily pleasant persona. In a time where many crossovers have become a bit stale, the Blazer has doubled down on a very spirited sense of adventure and thrilling engagement.

The 2024 Blazer is available with either front or all-wheel drive, with all but the base model deriving power from the robust & reliable V6 engine. The Blazer took quite a few very useful cues from the Camaro’s notable performance book, with the front commanding an assertive presence and assisting with a daunting vibe. Difficult to ignore and not falling prey to blending in too easily, this year’s Blazer has a wider grille design, narrower front headlights, new wheels, and new taillights. 

The base model offers the 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder that cranks out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and fares excellently for a spirited daily drive or family shuttling duty. The available V6 is good for 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, which the TopSpeed.com auto writing crew thought had a hum after stepping on the gas that is “simply lovely and fierce.” The V6 allows for very efficient passing authority, while also allowing those in the rearview mirror an audible snapshot of a sweet exhaust note as a temporary farewell gift! 

The V6 also adds a good deal of spirit to the package, along with charming extra grunt to pair with its looks. Competitors such as the Honda Passport and Ford Edge will have to succumb to a bit of disappointment as the Blazer leads the pack ruthlessly in the acceleration department! Regardless of if your frequent drives happen to be light or heavy, the Blazer has fared quite well at tapping into the Camaro’s pavement-pounding spirit. The crossover is also now equipped with a fully independent suspension that is well-tuned for optimal handling, guaranteeing confidence while on cornering duty.

The Blazer is equipped with two-way adjustable head restraints in the front and rear, along with the extremely adjustable and luxurious comfort of an 8-way power driver seat. On higher-end trims such as the 3LT and RS, the passenger enjoys the comforts of a six-way power seat. There’s plenty of space to fully stretch out for the back seat passengers, guaranteed to alleviate Thanksgiving excursion trip dramatics by a nice fraction! All the models with the V6 do a fantastic job of managing the all-important torque steer characteristic, as the all-wheel drive smooths out any instilled rough edges.

With all-wheel drive and the optional V6, the Blazer can haul up to 4,500 lbs, which even renders it fully eligible to tow its full weight. New for this year is a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center console, which outgrows last year’s 8-inch screens by a fair amount. You can cook up your own custom playlist on your phone, and then keep things properly juiced up with the available wireless charting feature. The onboard vehicle health management system is perfect for the habitual procrastinator or perpetually busy, as it is there for you as a reminder of vital scheduled maintenance.

2024 Chevy Trax Masters Affordable SUV Travel

The 4th quarter of the year is not just a time when ghouls, garnishes, and perfectly-trimmed turkeys are on our minds at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse! Many of the nation’s most esteemed auto publications are busy prepping their unique regimens of testing, so they can report back to consumers regarding models’ appeal and value. The Motor Trend crew were taming tracks and getting their tablets ready for their “2024 SUV of the Year” testing, where six traits that current drivers are looking for are thoroughly ranked. 

Eligible vehicles must be completely new or significantly revised, and they are rated on design, safety, efficiency, engineering excellence, all important value and driving performance of intended function. The 2024 Chevy Trax hit so many of the necessary benchmarks immediately while offering a very appealing SUV package at an entry-level price point that most automakers are beginning to flee. Many seasoned experts have wondered if the front-wheel-drive-only approach was going to render some categories as coming up short, but we were thrilled to find out that it was just the opposite.

The current generation is a bit longer than the slightly pricier Trailblazer SUV, with its very upright proportions also seeing drastic improvement and the reworking of a lower roof. At such an entry-level and inflation-friendly price point, one of the first questions we hear from people on our lot is what kind of powertrain resides ready for action under the hood. This is fitted with a 1.2-liter Turbo Inline-3 which cranks out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. The top-of-the-line Activ trim comes with 18-inch black wheels, a very cool black grill, and titanium-colored accents that complement the entire exterior nicely.

The Driver Confidence package offers the very modern and convenient Adaptive Cruise Control, and this crew loved their exterior dip of Cayenne Orange metallic paint. As they pulled away in their hue which was quite suitable for the Halloween week, they set off with the task of testing their Trax a bit off-road, which can punish even the fittest of vehicles. The steering was perfectly light and responsive, and they experienced minimal turbo lag when making the steep demand for all-out acceleration. The Trax’s affordability and excellent execution made it one of the first front-drive-only front-drive-only vehicles to advance all the way up the tier to the SUV of the Year finalist round. 

The clever packaging, cargo space, larger screen, fantastic value, and extra smooth driving experience add up for a massive success dominating the SUV of the Year criteria. The KBB.com team praised the Trax for its user-friendly tech, value pricing, and comfortably roomy interior. The suspension has surprised many with its sporty characteristic, with its stellar demeanor on quick turns and winding roads. It's an SUV with driving dynamics that are like a small sedan or hatchback, and the feature-rich touchscreen is aimed directly at the driver. 

The Trax also boasts best-in-class rear-seat legroom and 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Customers find this level of curb appeal phenomenal for the price, and other features such as following-distance indicator and high-beam assist are excellent for the busy urban commuter. Ideal for a recent grad, newlyweds, or anyone shifting into a promising and all-new time of life, the Trax is excellent at excelling in everything needed while keeping the new sticker price at a reasonable notch.