New Options for Darker Hues on Colorado ZR2: Midnight and Dusk Editions

All of us here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse love living in this part of the country. We are located in an area that requires the ability to haul, lift, and tow with ease, and many of us are fully truck-obsessed. And why shouldn't we be? Offerings such as the Colorado ZR2 are stirring the likes of writers from The Drive to claim that it “absolutely leaves you grinning ear to ear”. They should know the finer points about it, since they tested it on Gateway Canyon Resort's Baja track, and the Tabegauche Trail “playground” in Bangs Canyon, Colorado. Right when you step into this very able and agile truck, you notice the difference in length, and its smaller footprint leads to pure enjoyment.

In anticipation of the fun that many are going to have amidst the palms and high temperatures in Las Vegas at the annual SEMA convention, Chevy unveiled two super cool new trim packages for this awesome rock crawler. 

The Midnight and Dusk editions are two awesome variations of the same theme, which is to completely black out the bright trim. You get the truck properly topped off with black, 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, black bow tie badges, ZR2 logos on the sport bar sail panels, and a new sport bar with off-road LED lights.  

The Midnight Edition combines these trim pieces with menacingly dark black paint, while the ZR2 Dusk Edition is the choice that allows you to pack any other paint color your desert-wandering heart desires. Other usual features will remain unchanged, like the hood and grille, trimmed front, and rear bumpers for better departure angles. You'll get front and rear electronic locking differentials, hill descent control, an aluminum skidplate that greater protects the radiator and oil pan, and Autotrac transfer case. There's also a newly modified rear axle with a 3.42:1 ratio, and an off-road setting for optimum performance.

This is one ride that is going to always remain tight and very well-controlled through every off-road maneuver, and absorbs every single bump quickly. The vehicle would return to center travel without bouncing around for every driver we know that has tested it, and this is a cabin that has hardly any rattle. The sound deadening materials and 31-inch Goodyear Duratrac off-road tires are two more components that leave you immediately off-road ready, and able to conquer without any difficulty flare-ups.

Front bumpers are cut away for improved articulation, and the rear bumper steps are removed, since you'd probably crush them in a hurry anyways. The trucks most vital components are amply protected by the 4mm aluminum skid plates in the front, and you'll immediately feel snug in the cockpit, as you are getting ready to charge up your adrenaline properly for your next off-road challenge. 

Powerhouse Primer for 2018: What's in Store for Model Upgrades + Modifications

The fourth quarter of the year is definitely an exciting time for us here in Lynn! The year is finally winding down, and customers are coming in to ask us what the big updates are for upcoming models coming in the door. It can be a frantic time where orders are placed, and many are looking to get financed and out the door with the vehicle that works best for them. We are always beyond excited to help show people the benefits of ownership, and pick out a car or truck that will make things easier for their daily lives. Here is a snapshot of some updates the year will bring: we are excited to be your premium Mid-Missouri dealer annually once again, and offer the best and most reliable deals out there.

The Colorado has a bit of a bumper modification on the horizon for ZR2 buyers, as almost all of it has been whittled off. The ZR2 package will now offer very knobby 31-inch tires, longer front control arms, and spool-valve shocks. It also will have a wider rear axle to match the front track that has been widened. There are some truck critics out there that claim this model really isn't all that fast, but after a spin in the one that's on the way for 2018, we feel that the V-6 on board will be ample enough for your weekends off and thrill-seeking crawls in the woods!

There has been much attention and varying degrees of news surrounding the Corvette as of late, as the Carbon 65 special-edition Grand Sport and Z06 models celebrate the car's 65^th birthday with new gray paint, and carbon-fiber coolness. The ZR1 is going to be enjoying its last year with the car's long-running front-engine/ rear drive format before it goes to a mid-engine changeup. Lifelong fans will love the oversized rear wing, and the new appearance of slats and vents all over the body.

The popularity of mid and downsized crossovers has exploded over the last three years, and many have been coming down to ask us about the Equinox. For the coming 2018 year, it is available with a 170-hp turbo 1.5-liter inline-four, and a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel should join the lineup later in the year. This vehicle has a very highly connected infotainment system, and gas-powered variants with front-wheel drive are expected to nail down up to 31 mpg on the highway by use of the 1.5-liter, and up to 28 mpg with the 2.0-liter.

The Express has not seen an update in quite some time, and late last year, it inherited the engine from the Colorado pickup: an optional 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel to add some potential rev for this full-size van. Next year, the 4.3-liter V-6 from the Silverado will replace the current 4.8-liter V-8. OnStar and hill-start assist are also standard features now for this prime and timely people and cargo-moving machine.

The Tahoe adds a new and aggressive Rally Sport Truck kit, which brings monochromatic exterior trim, and very capable 22-inch wheels. If you opt for the Performance package, you obtain GM's 420-hp 6.2-liter V-8, adaptive dampers from the ditch-jumping Yukon Denali, and very stylish Cadillac Escalade. Brembo brakes understandably cost extra, but the new 10-speed automatic transmission is included in upgraded 2018 packages.

The new Traverse boasts some interior packaging improvements which give occupants more space, as well as 3rd-row legroom shrink. A 255-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is exclusive to RS models; all others come with a 305-hp V-6. A nine-speed transmission will now be standard, and Car And Driver gave this vehicle heavy praise for a very spacious interior, extreme infotainment options, and enjoyment you get from piloting a much larger-than-average crossover.

Mid-Mo. Powerhouse Spotlight: The Swagger and Timeless Substance That is the Chevrolet Silverado

For diehard truck owners, there are many instances of need that boil right down to the all-important issue of power. On the most demanding of days, there are times when a run-of-the-mill 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 might be just a bit lacking for the power needed regarding the next task in que. It is specifically for times like these that Chevrolet bolstered its Silverado HD platform all of the way up, to a 445-horsepower, 6.6-liter turbodiesel that has an output of 910-lb-ft of torque. On most 2016 models, these stats were 48 lower on the horsepower end, and 145 lb-ft regarding torque.

To see what it takes to appropriately get the job done, all of us on the sales and service staff here at the Powerhouse checked out what needed to happen. A new crankshaft, cylinder heads, pistons, wrist pins, turbocharger, oil cooler, and fuel system were all needed to see to it that bigger payloads in terms of power were fulfilled. There were many highlights in the engineering that also contributed to getting the job done: aluminum pistons with top-notch thermal fatigue properties, double layer water jackets to properly enhance cooling, and grow plugs controlled by microprocessors are just some of the features that help this truck substantially pile achievements. 

The current model Silverado can get a much more reliable of a start in cold weather, and the 6-speed automatic transmission has gained a well-revised lockup torque converter. A whopping 18,100 pounds of towing capacity is the bragging rights currently on deck for the Silverado, and the regular cab has a fifth as well as rear-wheel drive. As far as the entire towing process is concerned, the StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway is at your disposal, to keep things in place as you barrel down the open road. The very entry-point with base WT trim for the Silverado does have vinyl upholstery, and floor coverings.

At the higher end of the pricing spectrum for trims, the High Country edition offers a heated leather steering wheel, as well as bucket seats that are ventilated. When you check out the LTZ level, you get a real value for your money. Leather upholstery, climate control that is dual-zone automatic, and power folding mirrors are all useful features. You're also likely to find more USB ports and power outlets than you'd ever think you'd need: maybe you'll have a drone on hand for your construction business, or find yourself with the need to charge multiple devices at once.

Come and ask us about how the Silverado's Enhanced Driver Alert package offers lane departure warning and prevention systems, automatic high-beam control, forward collision alert with low-speed emergency braking, and a safety alert seat, as well as both front and rear parking sensors. As people become in more and more of a hurry every day, it is amazing how advancements in technology can aid them. You'll marvel at how competent, well-equipped, and sturdy the 2017 Chevy Silverado HD is: anyone who has a heavy haul or site survey ahead of them is going to be amply covered by the sterling and sufficient features of this cargo-conquering contender.

Mid-Missouri Spotlight on the Century Mark: Chevy Celebrates 100 years of Truck Production

The director of Exterior Design for Chevy trucks has a job that is challenging, fulfilling, and a true truck-lover's dream. Rich Scheer is the man with the plan in this department, and claims that the Chevy truck design studio is focused on “purposeful design”, that creates customization options for a very wide breadth of truckies everywhere. As he and many others at the top of the R & D team have looked back on the past century, they realized that Chevy designers have always been focused on the exact same goals since the beginning. In honor of this commemorative milestone, all of us here from the Powerhouse wanted to share a peek at some of the most Iconic Chevy models ever made!

The 1918 One-ton was the very first production truck from Chevy, and was heavily inspired by vehicles that were used in plants at the time to move various parts around. It is a definite example of form following function, and and was a rolling chassis. It featured an open cab, an inline 4-cylinder engine, and an open frame allowing customers to install the body that fit their unique needs. One very cool element of the design is its badge, which was a carefully crafted feature. The font, proportions, and dark blue color make for a very sophisticated bowtie, even by current standards.

The 1929 International Series LD was the very first Chevy truck to feature a closed cab. It created the future potential for what we now know as interior design elements today, and paved the road for more comfort-and style-focused features. This was a very drastic improvement from the previous model, and the closed cab with better styling was a very impressive step up. The color combinations on the cars and trucks from this period are still very impressive today.

The 1938 Half-ton was the first truck designed with the help of a fully-functioning Art and Color Department, which was hand-picked by Harley Earl. A period of time where trucks really began to have their own identity, the proportions changed quite a bit. The end result here was a longer and much lower truck, with very elegant, swept fenders, and a breath of new personality within the design.

The 1947 3100 Series was truly one of the most recognizable and iconic designs in automotive history. At the mere mention of a Chevy vintage truck, this is what many will picture right away. It was much sleeker, stronger, and bigger than ever, and the five-bar horizontal grille was much different from the vertical grilles of models past. The most recognizable qualities of the Chevy Truck were really born during this period, and the lamps are on the wide part of the vehicle, instead of further inboard. This really gave the truck a stronger and wider presence. Nearly perfect proportions are the main characteristic here, and this is a great design through and through.

The 1955 3124 Series Cameo Carrier was also known as the “Task Force” truck, and was Chevy's first design in the Fleetside category. It is a very elegant and tied-in shape, from front to back. This was the first truck from Chevy that is bumper-to-bumper, and the visually pleasant elements continue all of the way to the back of the cab. This was manufactured during a heydey of sorts for truck production, and owning even diecast models and miniatures from this time period is awesome. It just doesn't really get any more All-American than this period, and the styling is over-the-top awesome.

The 1967 C10 Fleetside has a unique type of wheel flare, and a line that flows away from the top of the bed line. There is a very excellent balance with the front of the vehicle, and a strong shoulder that tapers toward the rear. It is a feature that can tend to go wrong, but the designers of this time period did it just right. The Chevy bar on the front Fascia connects the bow tie with the headlamp center, which is a trait still in use today. Metallic paint was introduced right around this era, which does a great job of highlighting body lines not as obvious in earlier models.

The 1973 One-Ton Dually was the third-generation C/K square-body truck, and also the first crew cab dually to hit the market. Many experts consider this the first true modern Heavy Duty Truck, for various good reasons. This is when trucks began to be used for fun recreational trips as well as getting tough jobs done, and it is known for being a model that states its purpose plainly, upon first view. There are not a whole lot of extra bells and whistles here, but it is a solid and haul-worthy companion that many have been putting to the test, year after year.

The 1988 C/K 1500 was the first truck design heavily influenced by aerodynamics. It looked pretty well-advanced for its time, and many drivers immediately fell in love with the low instrument panel. The buttons had a very futuristic appearance, and still look edgy and futuristic today. Blazers also evoked some of this vibe with their use of tech setup, and it was one of the reasons why onlookers became hooked. A lot of the feel that came during this time period was perhaps lost for a little while, but has now been rekindled by the crossover SUV fad, and many truck models upping the ante on interior and tech offerings are currently making the rounds. 

Chevy Celebrates 100 Years Of Iconic Truck Design

Everyone loves milestones and birthdays: there are tons of reasons to celebrate, you can take a look behind you at the hard work you have done, and ponder how much better you will be in the future. Chevy trucks have been cranking out stellar vehicles for 100 years as of 2018, and it's definitely jaw-dropping to see how much things have changed. Improved torque and horsepower, tech options for media and music that ease the burden of a journey, and magnitude of awesome construction have all helped massively to morph the brand where it is. To properly celebrate this landmark moment, the festivities begin at a very All-American and hard-working locale: the Texas State Fair.

Here in the Lone Star region, the 2018 Silverado 1500 and Colorado Centennial editions will stake their claim, and be initially visible to consumers that will be rewarded with the pride and prowess of their release. They both have characteristic “heritage-inspired” bow-tie emblems on their tailgates, front doors, and grilles, and are ringed in chrome with dark blue centers in place of the traditional Chevy gold. The way this chrome script appears is a noticeable throwback to some of the earliest trucks made: one of them is the original 1918 One-ton. It looks like something from the set of “The Godfather” or “Once Upon a Time in America”: a robust and flat-yet-able old-school rig, that won't let you down when you are in a pressure-cooked pinch.

The crew-cab-only Silverado version provides the LTZ trim level of equipment, and the very awesome 22-inch painted alloy wheels with chrome inserts. There is also another chrome bow tie on the steering wheel, and enough rugged appeal to get anyone who has been stuck in a sedan properly excited about commemorating this outstanding line of trucks. The mid-size Colorado Centennial is available as an extended cab or crew cab, with rear or four-wheel drive. It's also got added layers of appeal when you factor in 18-inch wheels, a body-color rear bumper, grille surround, chrome mirror caps, door handles, and unique-to-model body moldings.

There hasn't been a whole lot of released talk regarding pricing for either model, but the additives should be on the even side of around $3000 to the truck's regular ticket. Here in West Lynn, we personally love being situated in what is “ultimate truck country”. The Lone Star State is truly great, but here we have hills, lakes, and an abundance of extreme off-road trails to put any able rig to the test. 

One of the things we are most excited about is the Centennial-edition run of Phoenix bass boats that will tie in with the hullabaloo: there is nothing quite as rewarding as spending a much-needed day off in one of these, calmly trawling for a fresh catch, and spending time with your best friends. We're excited to talk to everyone right here in the Mid-Missouri region about these exciting trucks: it has been proven over time that many achievements are worth rolling out the extra props for!