Colorado ZR2 Claims Cars.com's “Best Pickup Truck of 2018” Spot

Taking a close look at the events of the early New Year at the Powerhouse, it hasn't been too run of the mill, all things considered. We have seen some of the usual snowfall and ice, and a few weeks ago, it's true that you needed a pretty trusty vehicle to get through the different bouts of inclement weather we had! It has bounced back up to the 40s and 50s lately, and we couldn't be happier about that around the Powerhouse office. When this bit of extra-awesome “early melting” season happens, it is great to have a vehicle that you can always be positive will pull its weight through the mud, puddles, and other remnants of the wintrier season!

It's no coincidence that the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 was praised highly for the 2018 year, along with the Silverado 3500. Cars.com and PickupTrucks.com editors doled out heavy respect for the “almost perfect combination of passion and technology”, also claiming that it is quite possibly the most distinctive and individual vehicle to grace the automotive scene in years. To fully compete in the genre of off-road vehicles, one that just went along with the flow was not going to cut it, and this midsize truck line has definitely put those who ever doubted its appeal to shame. 300,000 units were sold in just 3 years, and the ZR2 namesake added very forward-looking technology as well as innovation to the recipe, to reach an entirely different and burgeoning group of customers that are consistently very passionate about off-road activity.

The ZR2 is truly a unique segment: it combines the ability to maneuver on a dime with a large assortment of off-road features, and the largest array of any baja-blazing technology for any vehicle in its category. Many potential buyers that come to visit us at the Powerhouse ask how the standard Colorado compares to the ZR2. It features a three and a half inch wider track, and a very sturdy and able suspension that sees a two-inch lift. Additional rocker protection has been added to give better performance over obstacles, and both front and rear bumpers have undergone modification to allow for better off-road clearance.

Whether it is a two-track trail, high-speed desert run, or just a daily drive around town, you know that you will always be massively covered in the ability and handling departments with the ZR2. Purely aggressive bodywork and locking front and rear differentials were other elements that solidified the ZR2 as a 2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year finalist. We invite you to take this perfectly-dimensioned truck for a spin, and see just how fitting it is for any contractor, outdoorsman, or full-fledged family that loves to jaunt off road a bit in their spare time. Trucks don't need to be the biggest in tow to pull their weight in retrospect, and the ZR2's ultimate showmanship and ability will be an asset to anyone looking for a poised-to-conquer hauler for the 2018 year!

Powerhouse Driver's Preparedness Feature: Winter Driving Tips From Chevy

Winter storms have been hitting Missouri and the entire nation with quite a fervor, and over the past few weeks, there has been more than the usual sound of ice scrapers and shovels! Sometimes there is nothing as pristine as a fresh winter snow, but after a few days, we admit it's a bit hard for some of us here at the dealership to stay positive! Even while we are rooting for spring, there are definitely ways to get through the winter a bit easier, and make sure that you stay safe in the car. If the powder is piling up as well as ice, you should follow some basic precautions to make sure that you arrive the way that your loved ones want you to arrive: safe and sound!

Keep an eye on the gas: bad weather is known for causing delays, so it is imperative to keep the tank more than half full at all times. Make sure phones are always charged, in case an emergency were to happen, and don't leave the car with less than a quarter tank overnight in frigid temps.

Thorough Prep: Make sure that you have completed any scheduled service, and that your battery, tires, lights, wiper blades, and other critical parts are completely ready for the cold season. Tire pressure can drop during cold weather, and it is very important to keep an eye on.

Consider Special Tires: Winter tires provide added traction in snow and ice, even for vehicles that are equipped with all and 4-wheel drive. If you know that you are going to be on the road frequently, making this investment can make life much easier for you when bad weather rapidly approaches.

Knowing the ins and outs of your car is more important during this season than ever. Review the manual sections about antilock brakes, traction control, and wheel drive options to make sure there are no sudden mysteries on the road. The myChevrolet app can also help you check the manual quickly!

Keep the car well-stocked: On top of the very handy ice scraper and snow brush, it's a very good idea to have a trusty snow shovel with you, and cat litter or sand. Jumper cables can help with power-zapped batteries, and a flashlight could be a big help if you end up stranded. Heavy blankets, a sleeping bag, and other cold weather clothing will also be essential in braving a passing storm, or surviving through an accident.

Maintaining your speed: if you happen to be stuck with the task of going uphill during very snowy conditions, it's important to leave ample room in front of you, and to maintain your momentum. Even if you become afraid, stopping in the middle of a hill can result in getting nastily stuck, and could result in losing control.

If you do happen to skid: DON”T pump the brakes rapidly. Look in the direction that you need the car to end up in, and try to smoothly steer that way. If you are driving a modern vehicle with antilock brakes, maintain hard pressure on the pedal, and let the ABS system take care of getting you to a safe and complete stop.

If you do get stuck: Depending on your car's clearance to the ground, you can try to gently rock yourself to freedom and safety. Turn the steering wheel left and right, hoping to eventually clear the area around the front wheels. If this doesn't work, a shovel may come in handy. Gently shifting back and forth between reverse and a low forward gear will help create a rocking motion that may free you from your predicament. If this does not work, it may be time to pick up the phone and call for emergency help!

Chevy Truck Line Dominates 2018 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards

Here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, many truck buyers proudly drive into the sunset with their new possession, eager to conquer the wild. Chevy trucks are a product line that frequently scoops up awards left and right, so any new achievement does not surprise us. But one recent achievement resonates with just a slight difference for the positive: the 2018 Chevy line had amazing showings in the 2018 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards. The 2018 Silverado HD was recognized for Best Resale Value for a Full-Size Pickup Truck, while the 2018 Tahoe earned Best Resale Value for Full-Size SUV/ Crossover.

The 2018 Colorado and 2018 Silverado both ranked in KBB.com's Top 10 for Best Resale Value. Recently celebrating 100 years as a provider of trucks, Chevy has built more than 85 million long-lasting and durable pickups. Every single one has a stamp of quality, which will continue to be a prime focus as the brand name moves forward. The all-new 2019 Silverado will make its public debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, exactly a century after the very first Chevy trucks were expedited to new customers. We know that you will love your new truck so much you won't ever want to part with it, but if anything changes, you'll feel covered when you want to trade up.

The Chevy Colorado is our mid-size pickup that is capable of off-road exploring, large-scale towing, and things like running family errands. This vehicle that now has the bragging rights of the best resale value was billed by Car and Driver as the “Swiss Army Truck”. It can tow a class-leading 7700 pounds, and has long been known as a solid go-to for a truly multipurpose pickup truck. Sporting two cab and cargo-bed styles that par with several powertrain choices, you'll be excited to take the Colorado for a drive to see how it will be an awesome boost to your family or work fleet.

The 2018 Chevy Silverado has a new 7.0-inch touchscreen that is now standard on all models, as well as a rearview camera for optimum safety. The system for monitoring tire pressure now includes a very handy tire fill alert, and the eAssist mild hybrid package is available nationwide. This is the option you want for a big step up in size from the Colorado, and you'll feel in complete control on the open road. In some of our past articles, we have discussed how Chevy trucks stand up to the competition, and that is just what we would love to show you on a test drive! With the added boost of knowing that your resale value won't be on the low end, you can confidently choose Chevy as your New Year's resolution!

The Formula For the War Against The Competition: January's Truck Scoop

During the New Year is when the time for battle is fierce in the car realm, and the full-size pickup market is one that is under high scrutiny. As we are in the trenches planning on how to make 2018 the best that it can be for the customer, we are fully aware that Ford closed out 2017 with quite a high number of sales. They had a bit of a choppy start with the F-150 last year, as the truck that was assembled with lightweight aluminum first hit the market. Our prized Chevy Silverado is set to debut in just a few weeks at the Detroit Auto Show, and is prepared to go on sale later this year. We have laid out a few important points about the competition here, and why we feel that our beloved Chevy brand is the fittest for your choice of purchase!

The Ford F-series has been around since 1948. When Ford rolled out the 13^th version 3 years ago, it had undergone some risky factors with a redesign, using lightweight aluminum in place of steel to shed weight, and improve fuel numbers. There has been a mid-cycle design refresh for the new year, and we know just how many are looking forward to getting their hands on a new one. The F-150 is what many envision as the perfect full-size pickup, and its crew-cab setup makes for easy hauling. Its large bed can move around some pretty hefty contents, and the towing capacity has won many customers over.

The 2019 Ram 1500 is favored for a generally low price considering its offerings, and we expect that price to carry over into the 2018 year. It has stood out in the past with its quite aggressive big-rig styling, nice interior, and suspension that is known for its sophistication. As far as the fervent battle at hand, the Ram's towing capacity is less than that of the 2018 F-150, or our current Silverado. That may improve with this year's model, but the Ram is generally known as the truck that lags typically into third place among the big 3. Still, it's a contender that needs to be constantly analyzed and recognized for its strengths, like its smooth ride and class-exclusive coil-spring rear suspension.

The 2019 Chevy Silverado's legacy may not be quite as long as the Ford F-series, but our brand's truck line dates back a century. The Silverado is now headed into its fourth generation, and really shines with its 4G LTE WiFi connection, and easy-to-use infotainment system. Sleek new styling, as well as a lighter and more functional bed will lure many into ownership of this first-rate truck. Unlike the F-150's strategy of using aluminum bodywork to trim pounds, next year's Silverado cuts weight with the use of mixed materials. Come to the Powerhouse and ask us about the Trailboss variant: it's a very specifically heavy-duty trim that takes the equipment found in the Z71, and cranks up the productive heat with two additional inches of lift!

2018's Sensational Truck Showdown: The Powerhouse's Battle Plan

As the New Year bears down on the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, many of our customers are comparison shopping for cars and trucks to help them ring in this festive time. The coveted pickup category has long been the U.S. Auto industry's hardest-fought sector, with stakes high enough to deem many different investments for manufacturers practical, and every gain gets a bit of notice. Ford, Chevy, and Dodge are all undergoing very heated competition, and the temperatures will definitely rise during 2018 as the brand look for various strategies for their trucks. Last month in Texas, we made quite a bit of noise by showing off the redesigned Chevy Silverado, with the promise of it being leaner and meaner for the New Year.

We fully admit that one of our other very rough and tumble competitors is also FCA: Dodge is introducing its full redesign of the Ram 1500 since the 2009 model. Then, late in 2018, they will introduce the Scrambler, which is the first midsize Jeep pickup in around 20 years. As trucks battling each other have reached a mode of truly hyper-competitive nature, and consumers are on the hunt for improved comfort, fuel economy, and higher power. The three main brands for trucks are actually each going their own way when it comes to powertrains and materials: they are not just same versions of each other with a different company stamp on each one.

The full-size pickup market segment has grown 5.5 percent through November, while light trucks, crossovers, and SUVs are up around 4.7 percent, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Pickups have truly become king: The Ford F series has long been the nation's top-selling vehicle for decades, with our beloved Silverado coming in at number 2, then followed by the Ram pickup. Since they were redesigned and given an aluminum body, features have been added such as a 10-speed transmission, a Raptor performance variant, and trim levels with higher-end offerings. For the first time since 2011, Ford will begin building Ranger midsize pickups in the U.S. Later during the year. These are set to viciously go head-to-head with our Chevy Colorado model, the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, and the GMC Canyon.

FCA is slated to reveal the details about the redesigned Dodge Ram 1500 during the Detroit Auto Show, and spy photographers have been spreading around leaked photos of its new styling after a gust of wind literally blew the cover off of a pre-production model this fall, cluing us into many secrets. Under the hood, the Ram will have well-upgraded engines, complete with a 48-volt mild hybrid belt-start generator system to improve fuel economy, as well as suspension systems that have been greatly improved. It should also come in at a lighter weight, have a larger crew cab, and come with the latest version of FCA's Uconnect infotainment system to go with a revamped interior.

We are more than proud here at the Powerhouse about how the Chevy Silverado 1500 measures up to the competition. Standard rear-wheel drive as well as a 4.3-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque is situated on board. Many of our West Lynn customers who have days that demand more than just enough to get by will want to check out the 6.2-liter V-8: it is backed with an 8-speed automatic, and pumps out 420 hp along with 460 lb-ft of torque. You have a lot to choose from as far as body styles: a regular cab with standard or long bed, double cab with standard bed, and crew cab with short or standard bed. Our well-cared-for horse in the fierce truck race of 2018 can also two between 9,500 and 12,500 pounds, depending on which configuration and powertrain is put to use!

Powerhouse's Prime Chevy Year-End Roundup: Sporting 100 years of capability

As the year draws rapidly to a close, it is time to reflect on the way in which Chevy Trucks have chiseled their way through the landscape successfully for the last hundred years! Torque is the actual twisting force that an engine generates, and over the past decade, Chevy Trucks have generated the torque that over 85 million new truck purchasers have relied on daily. Pulling boats and trailers, hauling cargo through beautiful cities like where we reside in West Lynn, and impromptu fishing trips are just some of the fun that can be had with a truck that you select just right for your needs.

Things have really progressed since the one-ton model from 1918, which featured a 2.8-l 4-cylinder engine that provided a rather meek 45 lb-ft of torque. Its closest-related engine is the very standard 2.5-L engine now situated in the Colorado, which is rated at 191 lb-ft of torque, or 76 lb-ft per liter. This is an astonishing 480 percent power increase, a sign of just how far along things have developed since those earlier days. At the very highest end of the powerful spectrum is the contemporary Silverado 3500 HD truck, weighing a full ton, and with an available Duramax 6.6-Liter Turbo Diesel V-8. Vital advances like direct injection and turbocharging help contemporary Chevy Truck engines on their quest to provide more torque per liter, meaning customers are able to haul more when all is said and done.

The First Stovebelt Six was introduced in 1929, and was an outstanding option for the times, in that it allowed the Chevy namesake to increase its work-truck load rating from 1 ton to 1.5 tons. The nickname came from the type of external fasteners that are similar to the bolts on wood burning stoves. They quickly became known as symbols of the engine's durability, and there were several more generations of Chevy overhead-valve straight-six engine conceptualized from this design.

Chevy's first small Block V-8: During 1955 is when Chevy introduced its revolutionary overhead-valve V-8 engine. In later days it was widely-known as the “Small Block”, and was equipped with a 265 cubic-inch engine producing 238 lb-ft of torque. This was a model that later evolved into one of the industry's most long-lived engine architectures. Ten years after the Small Block was first introduced, the big block engine family made its debut, which really boosted performance level for the entire realm of gas-powered trucks. One awesome fact about it is that it's still around: it is enjoying its spot currently situated in its fifth generation of 2018 Chevy trucks.

When 1987 Rolled Around, Chevy made the choice to exchange high compression ratings for boosted levels of technology, developing electronic fuel injection resulting in higher efficiency numbers. Torque in the small-block engine was boosted to 300 lb-ft during 1987, seeing a 10% increase a few years later, thanks to the 5.7-L Vortec Small Block. It has been exciting to watch what technologies like variable valve timing and direct injection have provided for the performance factor of trucks: in the current 2018 Silverado 1500, an astounding rating of 460 lb-ft of torque has been made possible.

Duramax Technology was introduced in 2001 for Chevy HD trucks, and rang in a brand-new era of very high capability. Technological advances pushed output higher, and currently the second-generation iteration available in the 2018 Silverado HD lineup has an output of 910 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver recorded 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds for a Silverado powered by Duramax, the quickest time ever laid down for an HD truck. It's been amazing to sit back and look at how the Chevy brand has evolved in terms of trucks, and everyone here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse is eager to see the heavy dose of thunder the 2018 truck models will bring to eager owner's hands!