Chevy Colorado 4WD LT: The Mid-Sized Gem Gleaning LA Times Praise

On any usual day around the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, we are listening to truck owners tell us the traits they love about their favorite possessions. Being able to haul large loads on a whim, jump off road whenever the urge calls, take a longer than average trip, or survey any piece of land are all huge pluses as far as our locals are concerned. Beautiful pines, Ozark summers, and gritty weeks at toil on the job are all characteristics of where we live, and we love it. With this in mind, do we really care what Latte-toting folks out in LA's opinions are? Actually, the answer is YES! Many people from different walks of life and the biggest cities out there actually “get it” like we do, and still fully understand what a customer would need from a truck.

Praise from some of the largest newspapers in the nation means that the brand we love to sell and support is winning over some of the best, brightest, and innovative minds around. Reporter Charles Fleming of the LA Times was adamant about the fact that “Climbing into the driver's seat requires a stepladder or running leap” for many of the 2017 pickups out there. The model he drove was a 2018 Colorado Redline 4wd LT, of the Crew Cab Short Box Variety. Having exterior dimensions roughly the same as a Ford F-150, the step-in height is where some of the difference lies: it is two inches lower, at around 22.

Charles reflected that the Colorado drove around town much more like a sedan than a truck, and was very easy to park. He also gave props to the backup camera, and stated that it was a great choice for those who have to maneuver on narrow streets, or crowded residential areas. The four-wheel drive and 3.6-liter V-6 engine are paired with Chevy's 8-speed automatic transmission, which easily enabled him to maneuver through a stretch of deep sand “without even breaking a sweat”. Three adults can fit in the back, and ample cup holders, device plug-ins, and head room make the Colorado suitable for the longer of jaunts on your upcoming to-do list.

As the rear seats fold up, you see handy storage area directly underneath, where the tire jack tools are also located. The LT trim line provided keyless entry, locking tailgate, power seats, and steering wheel that telescopes as well as tilts. Practicality is one of the biggest allures to this truck: you can drive it quite easily around town, take some dirt-crawling toys out for a weekend spin, and still have minimal trouble parking in a lot that sells those Latte's the LA folks are so fond of! Come down to the Powerhouse and check out this truck that is not only turning heads, but proving itself all over the nation, and ring in the New Year with a knockout deal on a new ride. 

Small Beginnings For A Big Legacy: The First Corvettes

There are fewer thrills in life than cruising the Mid-Missouri backroads in the driver’s seat of your Corvette. People have held that belief near and dear to their hearts for the past sixty years now, and we got a feeling that it’ll be passed onto a few more generations to come.

While the Corvette back then didn’t quite match the ferocity we see in today’s models, they were still quite the breakthrough for their time.

The generation one Corvette was available in two options. The 684 heavy-duty suspension package, known as the “big-brake package” and the more unique 579E Airbox Package which was limited to only 43 units. What separated the Airbox Package was a special sealed air intake system that drew cool air from the front engine compartment. That more dense and cool air helped the Corvette perform better on the track.

If you’re ever fortunate enough to witness an Airbox Edition in person, do take advantage as they’re a true sight to behold. It just goes to show that the masterminds at Chevrolet will always continue to improve and innovate, and we cannot wait to see what the Corvettes of tomorrow will feature.     

Introducing Marketplace: Your Solution To A Shorter Commute

Every morning millions of Americans wake up and head to their jobs. Some may be fortunate and have a short drive, while on average most of us are looking at a 51-minute round trip daily. That may not seem like much, but an hour on the road each day can add up after a while.

GM has been looking for ways to save you time on your daily drive, and that solution is Marketplace. Marketplace an innovative feature which allows you to fulfill simple daily tasks like ordering and paying for your morning cup of coffee right from your vehicle with the push of a button. From Marketplace you can also place a drive-thru order, set a dinner reservation on the fly, or even see where the nearest gas station is for an emergency fill up should the low fuel light pop up.

The purpose of Marketplace goes beyond trimming time off of your daily commute. GM wants consumers to build a deeper connection with the brands they’ve grown to trust, while also building a deeper trust with GM. Through Marketplace consumers will have access to special maintenance coupons and accessory discounts, just for being a loyal customer.

Even though Marketplace is entirely used while on the road, GM still places consumer safety at number one. Marketplace selects offers specifically based around your interests by analyzing your real-time stops and location. This is to ensure you won’t be bothered, and will only receive offers we know you wouldn’t want to pass up on.

Next Gen Chevy Silverado to Employ Use of Carbon Fiber

Here in West Lynn and the rest of the Mid-Missouri region, we always get excited in a major way when the holidays come near. 2018 models are for the most part on the lot, and all of our customers can have a look at the exciting features newer models have. Full-size GM trucks are absolutely a favorite among Powerhouse customers: they provide the ability to haul, navigate, and go off-roading through many difficult locations. The next generation of full-size rigs from GM will use aluminum and carbon fiber in the beds, while still holding on to steel as the material of choice for the cab.

Automotive News went on record to claim that the Chevy Silverado will incorporate both materials in their beds, although it may still be a few years down the road until it takes place. Carbon fiber is both lighter and stronger than steel and aluminum, but there are some development issues that require more time and money during production. One of the most important benefits is the reduction of weight that improves overall fuel economy. The addition of these materials is also a tactic to forego sacrificing the capabilities that make trucks able and rugged, that Chevy owners have long come to expect. The presence of aluminum in the Ford F-150 proved successful last year, and buyers expressed satisfaction with the handling factor and overall outcome.

The aluminum beds are expected to launch within a few years, and the presence of carbon fiber in the design is likely to be held off indefinitely. Higher trim models will most likely see the addition of aluminum first, with the lower-spec trucks embracing the change in future years to come. In current Silverado models, you'll love putting the 4.3-liter V-6 to work, which puts out 305 lb-ft of torque. Or, you can opt for the more powerful V-8s, which are 5.3 or 6.2-liter workhorses. The latter boasts 12,500 lb of towing capacity, useful during the balmy summer months when boats and RV's hit the roads in high volume.

We want you to come be our guest at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse this holiday season: there are so many different features to see on these great trucks. Ask us about eAssist; it's another amazing upgraded driver assistance technology that works overtime to improve overall fuel economy. All GM engine choices for half-ton models have active fuel management, as well as direct injection for extra fuel economy.

2018 Camaro Close-Up: Thoughts on Performance and The Daily Drive

Over this past week at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, many of us have been showing each other the review from Road Show on the web about the new Camaro SS. Seasoned writer Jon Wong weighed in on his thoughts about the potent new muscle car, after spending multiple sessions behind the wheel. Under the hood of the 2018 SS is a 6.2-liter V8 producing a drool-worthy 455 horsepower, and 455 Lb-Ft. Of Torque. Jon was immediately impressed with the rev-matching function on the 6-speed manual transmission, as well as the ease of steering wheel paddle operation ranking high on his approval list.

Throttle response and thrust were ranked superbly, and the writer reflected that the clutch pedal and fluid shifter gave him absolutely “nothing to gripe about” in the driveline. This new machine full of high performance and exciting power nails down 16 mpg in the city, and 25 mph on the highway. We recognize that these aren't the stats of some wildly miniature and popular crossover vehicle, but you have to consider that this is a member of the dragster and track club, and the driver is always rewarded with a sense of front-running freedom. Wide rubber on the tires delivers a ton of grip, and allow the driver to nail down proper power during the initial launch off the line.  

Switching to Sport and Track modes allow you to keep this 3,700 lb. Vessel of sheer strength flat, and a few laps will show you just why this car has been an American classic for decades. For those who drive off the lot with a raw and forceful sports car such as this, how it behaves on a daily drive is a common inquiry. After you toggle to Touring mode, you'll notice an immediate lightening up of the steering, and more compliance from the suspension. Bigger bumps in the road won't be felt by the passengers as intensely, and this is impressive, considering the relatively low profile on the tires.

Ask us on the lot here at the Powerhouse how the Redline edition package adds blacked-out features like 20-inch aluminum wheels, bowtie emblems, mirrors, decklid decal, and dark finish tail lamps. Just the right amount of attitude is conveyed with this upgrade, and the well-driven folks at Road Show asserted that the interior surroundings are much better than the previous generations. Chevy Mylink is the governing pulse of the Infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen controlling an ultra-capable 9-speaker Bose audio system. Capable of running both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the add-on option for navigation system is great for getting you to your destination on time, and by using the best available route.

With a heated steering wheel for chilly Missouri winters, wireless charging pad for your favorite tablets, and rear-cross traffic alert to better deal with any visibility issues, the 2018 Camaro is poised for high acclaim over the next year. Ask us about how you can also add Magnetic Ride Control Suspension, a feature that allows you to maneuver well on everything from the most demanding of winding roads, to the slow traffic rush hour doles out!