Swashbuckler Level Unlocked: Chevy Silverado ZR2 Masters the Mud Challenge on all Levels

Mud is just one of those things that makes trucks better. Here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we love the thrill we feel when we see a truck tear through the mud,  and the 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is one of the current off-road “bosses” that masters every challenge that off-roading in the mud can bring. It certainly leaves us wanting more!

The Road and Track crew took a ZR2 down to Southern California where it typically remains bone dry. Recent rain, however, changed the terrain drastically into a challenging “mud-scape”. The full-size Silverado ZR2 is the top-of-the-line sibling to the Colorado ZR2, which is already a well-loved midsize marvel within the Chevy realm. This is an off-road ready, four-wheel-drive, crew cab truck that is equipped to get any place that its 81.2 inches of width can persistently push through.

There is always competition for any trailblazing truck, and in this case, it happens to be from the Ford F-150 Tremor, Ram 1500 Rebel, and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. When compared to this trio, the Silverado is more civilized and can edge around urban areas before blasting off to dirt with a serious advantage. When it comes time to properly tackle the rural terrain and wander through the wilderness, it remains a full two steps up from the Z71 trim and one step above and beyond the Trail Boss edition.

Some of the design elements that were transferred over from the Colorado ZR2 are the extra-bulged hood with a black painted center, the cut-corner design of the steel front bumper, along with the very capable and awesome visible protective skid plates. There are also very cool red front tow hooks and the always-on-point Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers that provide quality unrivaled by any other unit in the market. Three cylindrical sleeves move within one another to repeatedly tune the rebound curves and compression of the damper. 

This makes for an incredible quality of sure-footedness off-road, and the expert-grade prowess that the truck displayed for this testing crew while they covered the challenging trails of Ventura County in December. Everything included added up to the perfect formula for moving the 420-horsepower and 460-lb ft of peak torque around the messy terrain, rendering the small block phenomenal in all ways when it comes to heavy-footing it through thoroughly soaked conditions. 

The Silverado ZR2’s approach angles are even better than on the standard TRX or Raptor, and the incredibly thick steel front bumper can withstand some intense brute force. The displays on board offer up a good view of the camera feeds surrounding the truck, along with the navigation and entertainment systems. There is still an inherently playful nature to this powerhouse of a rig, and the recent explosion in popularity of trail riding  is only bound to make an already attractive light shine brighter on this masterful work of All-American engineering!

Chevy Silverado ZR2 Caught in the Wild on Video With V8 Power Up Its Sleeve

Going off-road is soon going to take on a new meaning for us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, with the upcoming 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2. Everyone has been eagerly awaiting the release of the new Silverado, and a video we found on MuscleCarsandTrucks.com shows the ZR2 roaming the wild with a V8 under the hood, confirming numerous rumors we've heard throughout the year.

The video portrays a Chevy Silverado ZR2 testing along with some other versions of the incoming truck, which are all updated inside and out. The new Silverado will be a revved-up rival for the Ford F-150 and Ram lineup in terms of off-road ability and all-around proficiency. This tester appeared to have around 35-inch tires and a nearly-certain residency under the hood taken up by the 6.2-Liter L87 V8. Under the camouflage, you can make out the outline of the rear bumper, and the front wheels appear to be exposed much as they are on the Colorado ZR2.

This model will prove to be more of a low-speed master at rock crawling instead of a high-speed Baja running drifter. All of this has its ideal time and place, since success at technical off-roading is all about approach angles and having the perfectly-tuned equipment on your rig. Brandishing the power of a V8 will give it an edge up on the F-150 Raptor, taking a work truck and giving it a thorough transformation into a more capable and diverse boulder-conquering icon. The staff on hand at MotorBiscuit.com reported back to us that there will also be a turned-up front bumper on deck to offer more clearance around the tires, and a large-sized skid plate to offer primo protection from any elements drastically making their way to the underbelly.

It appears that the new off-road model will have an enhanced version of the Colorado ZR2's spool-valve shocks, which would be a great addition for a desert off-roading. Long-travel suspension arms and a 5-link suspension in the rear would also help the truck possess the ultimate skills in terms of a fierce battle with rivals during competition. Missouri has a very special breed of terrain that is ideal for the four seasons of fun when it comes to off-roading, with snow, mud, and the splendor of the Ozarks at you and your truck's immediate disposal.

We've all been eagerly waiting for Chevy to put out a massively-loaded off-road model of the Silverado, and after seeing this video we're even more excited. Load up your gear and get ready for the adventure you've been looking forward to - the upcoming all-new 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 will be the optimal truck for rambunctious off-road fun.

Watch the video for yourself here.

2021 Chevy Suburban Dominates With Large Dimensions, True-Value V8 Power Fit For Any Trial

One of the longest-running names in the US Market, the Chevy Suburban, has been redesigned for 2021, and the upgraded vehicle clearly dominates in its category, especially when it comes to roominess. With class-leading cargo volume, the 2021 Chevy Suburban can accommodate a lot, and is the perfect choice for large families looking for more space. Not only that, but it boasts a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 alongside a highly juiced 6.2-liter V8, both with an abundance of power at any speed and placement.

The Cars.com staff tested the brand-new model and deemed the air springs along with the Magnetic Ride Shocks fantastic when it came to smoothness and harshness encountered during the ride. The brakes on the brand-new Suburban incorporate a by-wire system that uses an electric motor and are superior to older conventional types. While you are counting mile markers and enjoying everything the larger size of SUV comfort offers, safety features always make one feel as if they are in capable hands. The commanding and capable Suburban boasts a backup camera, automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning to assist with the helping hand of modern technology in this hard-working and class-leading staple.

The High Country and Premier trims both add the Enhanced Delay and Alert Package, which adds a 360-degree camera system, a full-time camera mirror with a dedicated washer, rear pedestrian alert, and a head-up display with class-leading pedestrian detection. Providing the best for drivers who tend to pack heavy is one of the Suburban's specialties, as anyone from accomplished golfers and busy contractors alike is going to find the new Suburban perfect for their ongoing spatial requirements.

There is an additional 2.2 cubic feet of volume behind the completely redesigned SUV's third row, and an extra 23 cubic feet when every seat is folded, seeing it roar into the finish line concerning the competition boasting a top-of-the-segment 144.7 cubic feet. The Premier and High Country trim levels are make long journeys instantly easier with massive comfort offerings, as well as the practical touch of being able to power-lower and raise the third row and collapse the second-row captain's chairs with buttons in the overhead console and liftgate.

When you're driving a vehicle that can haul this much, there are many uses for storage compartments that are out of any intruder's first line of sight. The power-sliding center console can be moved back 10 inches by pressing a rocker switch in the overhead console, which then opens up to an ideal flat surface good for valuable carry-on such as purses. One of the best reasons we can think of to choose a Suburban after a test-drive here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse in Linn, Missouri is its 7,800-lb+ towing capacity, coupled with features such as side blind zone alert for the trailer and an App in the touchscreen that allows for full control and viewing of anything you're currently hauling. We invite you to schedule a test drive today and try it for yourself!

2022 Chevy Equinox Praised by Kelley Blue Book for “Sporty Aesthetic and Very Handsome Design”

As Memorial Day is upon us once again here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, we most can attest that we have had a stranger and “confining” spring season than usual! As things begin to open up and families are out and about picking what vehicle would work best for them, we always have taken stride in finding out what the experts at online portals such as Kelley Blue Book have to say about how models perform in the long run.

This past week they took a close-up look at the 2022 Chevy Equinox, and immediately reflected that its standard active safety systems and 3,500-lb towing capacity were huge positive traits. New for this year are revised front and rear fascia’s, the sporty and aggressive RS trim added to the lineup, and the addition of a button to disable engine start/stop system. The standard 170-horsepower 1.5-liter is rendered by the review team here as adequate for daily needs, and if you wish there is the choice to upgrade to the 2.0-liter Turbo-4, cranking out 257 horses.

 

This is the brand we love to represents' best-selling SUV and sees massive competition in the forms of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. It is known for its ample interior room, handsome design, and attractive price that does a fine job of undercutting competitors. Automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are two of our favorite active safety features included on board, and higher trim levels offer adaptive cruise control. The control is based on information from powerful sensors that allow the vehicle to engage the brakes when it detects you are approaching another vehicle ahead, then gradually accelerate again when the flow of traffic is favorable.

The Kelley Blue Book staff suggests getting the AWD if you choose the 2.0-liter turbo, as this is where you avoid the sensation of the steering wheel enduring a tugging under hard acceleration. The ride is on the soft end of the spectrum for what any crossover would expect to have, and there is now a great solution for a past problem: it is now possible to defeat the idle start/stop system with the simple press of a button. Every new Equinox also includes a suite of active safety features such as forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and IntelliBeam automatic headlights.

Don’t forego your chance to check out the top-end Premier model as it now evokes upper-end style with French stitching, and RS models stand out on top with dark 19-inch wheels, a gloss black grille, and blacked-out badging with other elements. The Premier trim is where you get to enjoy the upper-end dash of the larger 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and hands-free power liftgate on deck to properly get the job done! As seen here there may be a slight delay in delivery, but we will keep you posted right here on the blog as to dates defining official roll-out and release.

2021 Chevy Suburban Z71Caught Roaming Off-Guard by Muscle Cars Blog

Big, Brawny and star-studded enough to have its very own mark on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chevy Suburban has been a long-time favorite of Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customers. The 2021 Chevy Suburban spotted by the staff at Muscle Cars offered up a visual treat that answers a few questions about the 2021 Z71 model, as they spotted one in a parking garage over the last week. It is 1.3 inches longer than before, and with the adaptive air suspension, the body seems to rise above the wheels for a nicely added factor of cloaked-in-secrecy intimidation.

The full-size SUV in this build configuration was not present during the December 2019 reveal at Little Ceaser's Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and a close look reveals Lone Star State license plates. Texas is where the Suburban is built, and every single day on the line the hard-working men and women who pride themselves in creating this amazing vehicle are now using the T1 platform. It saw its first appearance under the 2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with the differences of a longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension. This improvement in the architecture and design helps with cargo capacity as well as the dynamics you experience during every daily drive.

The standard engine in the 2021 Chevy Suburban Z71 will be a 5.3-Liter V8 that cranks out 355 horsepower. Those wanting to graduate higher from there can step up to the optional 6.2L V8 rated at 420 horsepower, and even a third Duramax 3.0-Liter inline-six turbo-diesel option for non-Z71 variants. This option is rated at 277 horsepower, and a super-sized 460 lb-ft of torque. Every engine option is paired with the new 10-speed automatic transmission featuring electronic shift control.

The interior of both the 2021 Suburban and Tahoe now enjoy new levels of premium with a 10-inch center screen, large tablet-style rear-seat entertainment screens, and the removal of the column shifter. The Z71 package features a rugged high-clearance front fascia that provides a much-improved approach angle, along with a pair of horizontally oriented tow hooks, and a large skid plate that has been granted the duty of protecting the “vital organs” of the truck from intense impact. The entirely-polished off-road rig rolls on 20-inch wheels and Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT all-terrain tires, and hill-descent control is also standard.

The all-new class-exclusive four-corner air suspension provides for drivers the advantage of three different driving modes all geared specifically for off-road performance. For tame graded  surfaces, the suspension can be left in “normal” height. When you begin to encounter ruts, the “Off-Road 1” selection gives the Suburban a one-inch lift. When you are feeling your wanderlust bordering upon the very high end of the adventuresome spectrum and are ready to hit the most demanding of trails, the “Off-Road 2” selection provides maximum ground clearance and incorporates active dampers to automatically make adjustments as bumps and ruts ahead of you change.

Chevy Took Home A Record 18 Awards Last Week

According to the latest Chevrolet news, they’ve had a pretty good week. Led by the all-new Bolt EV, which won five awards on its own, the brand scored an overall total of 18 awards in automotive and consumer media rankings this past week- a record for Chevy.

The Bolt EV, offering 238 miles of range on a full charge earned a spot on the 2017 Car and Driver 10Best Cars list, in addition to being named “Best New Car to Buy” by Green Car Reports, “Green Car of the Year” by Green Car Journal and “Best EV” by Car Connection.

“The Bolt EV is the newest example of how Chevrolet is driving the industry with leading technology matched with great design and the connectivity that makes customers’ lives easier,” stated Alan Batey, president of GM North America and brand chief, Global Chevrolet. “We’re innovating like never before with more choices for every need and these awards affirm the depth, breadth and value offered by Chevrolet’s lineup.”

To add to the awards, the Camaro 1LE was positioned on the Car and Driver 10Best Cars list for the second year in a row. The Corvette also made this list for the third time in four years.

Finally (we’re running out of breath), Consumer Guide Automotive awarded six Chevy vehicles with “Best Buy” honors and the Impala and Tahoe each received back-to-back Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award recognition in their respective categories.

Needless to say, we’re pretty proud of Chevrolet’s success, especially over this past week! Be sure to stop by Mid-MO Powerhouse to check out and test drive any of these award-winning vehicles for yourself!

Mid MO Powerhouse Introduces Breakthrough Program for First-Time Car Buyers

Simple New Auto Program aims to make first time car buying near Jefferson City a SNAP

For the recent college graduates in central Missouri from schools such as Mizzou or Linn State Technical College, buying a new car might be difficult, confusing or even a bit intimidating. The thoughts of which car to buy, how much the lease payments should be and where money for maintenance costs will come from could keep them up at night.

The Mid MO Powerhouse wants to make this experience as hassle-free and simple as possible with our Simple New Auto Program (SNAP). SNAP makes first-time car buying worry-free and is geared toward 20-somethings in central Missouri. Where should you buy your first car in Mid MO? At the Mid MO Powerhouse!

Our exclusive program offers low, all-inclusive payments for first-time car buyers such as recent high school graduates, college students and college graduates looking to buy a car near Jefferson City, Columbia and Linn, Mo. We have a variety of new 2016 vehicles to pick from on our six-acre lot, and if you see a car you like at our Fenton Chevy dealer location near St. Louis, you can pick one of those as well!

Here are examples of the benefits you could receive with a new 2016 Cruze Limited LS 24-month lease:

• No down payment required (excludes tax, tag, title and license)
• Two years of oil changes and tire rotations
• Two years of OnStar
• Remote keyless entry
• Bumper-to-bumper warranty for life of lease
• Courtesy transportation whenever you have a service appointment
• 4G LTE wireless Bluetooth (OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to the internet 4G LTE speeds, includes 3GB or 3 months OnStar Data Trial, whichever comes first; available 4G LTE Wi-Fi requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar subscription and data plan after trial)

Get started on your first-time car buying experience today with Mid MO SNAP! Visit midmosnap.com for more details and to sign up online! You can also call the Mid MO Powerhouse at 573-799-4618 or contact us online.

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