In-car Fuel Payment Service: The Future of Fast Fill-up Potential

Talking to customers who have spent many hours on the road has always given us ideas here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse about what would make life easier during long trips, or even the daily commute. Chevy recently announced that they plan to make it easier than ever to pay for your fuel at Shell gas stations nationwide. The two companies are teaming up to roll out the industry's very first embedded, fully-in-dash fuel payment and savings experience, courtesy of Marketplace. This is the auto industry's very first commerce platform for on-demand reservations, and a very high-tech and savvy way to purchase goods and services.

It allows for Chevy drivers to pay for and save money on fuel directly from the touchscreen already stationed on their dashboard as part of the existing interior tech setup. You won't have to swipe a credit card or use your mobile device, as long as you are at a participating Shell fueling station. Once you are situated within the Marketplace on the touchscreen, you simply press the Shell icon, and select the preferred location of your station. After just a few more taps on the screen, there is then a code generated that you use to activate the pump you desire, and begin fueling up. The payment is automatically charged to the payment method kept on file, and Fuel Rewards savings are applied to provide the considered discount.

This exciting and rewarding system is already in pilot phase in select markets, and the rollout for nationwide release is scheduled over the next few months. It will function in model years later than 2017, and provide a heightened level of convenience to anyone on the road. Just a decade ago, consumers were not sure how the technology would properly integrate to complete this task. We had seen the existence of smartphones, and some of them were able to text fairly quickly, as well as begin to browse the web. But to make this happen, existing user accounts had to be in a secure location, and coincide correctly with the fuel provider, with a seamless and speedy transaction.

We are excited to be able to stand behind our brand that is displaying such strides to make the journey more convenient in many ways. In conjunction with the ways in which self-driving cars are now being tested in the research and development stage, we acknowledge that many out there feel as if they won't really get to “enjoy” as much of the trip during a daily drive as we used to. But as the demand for a quicker, more efficient commute becomes more persistent, there will be inevitable changes made in the finished product of every model that comes off the line. Whether it just began to rain a bit, the kids are on the way to school, or your next appointment is coming up quickly, we guarantee that you'll love the option of paying from right inside!

2019 Corvette ZR1 Poised Proudly in Line to Lead Legendary Indy 500

The 2018 Indianapolis 500 is slated for its famed yearly day of high-octane action once again: Sunday, May 27 will be the 102^nd running of the legendary race. All of us here at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse couldn't be more excited about the Official Pace Car chosen for this monumental event: the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will lead drivers to the green flag that Sunday, in the action-packed spectacle presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. This is the 15^th time a Corvette has served as the official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29^th time a Chevy has led the field, dating all the way back to 1948, when a Fleetmaster Six convertible was the proud leader of the race.

It's simply amazing that no other vehicle as served as the leader to the flag more often than the Corvette, and to properly celebrate, the 2019 ZR1 and the other 14 Corvettes that have paced the 500 were on proud and prominent display last week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It makes sense that the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever made is going to pace what has long been “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, and many who are unfamiliar with its prowess and stance will get an opportunity to now witness it in action.

The 2019 ZR1 Pace Car features the LT5 Small Block 6.2-Liter supercharged V-8 engine, with 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission is the means of shifting while streaking through corners of the track, and opting for the ZTK Performance Package features an adjustable stanchion-mounted carbon-fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and performance suspension. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is the world's fastest-reacting suspension that was originally invented by Cadillac. It puts to use a revolutionary fluid infused with magnetized particles, put in place to respond to numerous different driving conditions and speeds. It is engineered with such precision, that it responds and reacts to each corner or bump in the road, and quickly adjusts.

The Performance Data and Video Recorder available for the ZR1 turns your vehicle into an advanced driving analysis tool. It just takes two simple clicks to record every single aspect of your driving, including real-time audio and video, and 34 important channels of performance data. It's great fun to relive your most thrilling moments from the track, and use the gleaned data to analyze every turn. Completing the 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds, the ZR1 reaches a top track speed of 212 mph, deeming it the absolute fastest Corvette in history. Seeing all of the incredible Corvettes that have been used as pace cars on the Indy 500 is a monumental reminder of the history of this legendary race, and Chevy together with IMS enjoy one of the longest-running bonds in motor sports.

2018 Autotrader “Must Test Drive” Hails Colorado ZR2 as Award Winner

The 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 had the opportunity this past week to add heftily to its growing list of awards, with its recognition as a 2018 Autotrader Must Test Drive Award winner. It was one of twelve announced by the publication, and staked the claim of being the only pickup truck in the group. Factors that winners were chosen for included interior comfort and materials, available technology, and ride quality. The truck we love so much was commended heavily by the publication for its “easy-to-handle dimensions” and “very cool off-road capabilities”. Autotrader notes that the ZR2 is a true off-road machine, with a uniquely rugged vibe, and is always ready for almost anything you can throw at it.

Vehicle chief engineer for midsize truck of GM Anita Burke lamented that her team is “honored by this recognition, and thrilled that Autotrader has picked up on the versatile footprint and serious off-road capabilities of ZR2”. This is a truck that built strongly on the already very capable platform of the Colorado, and all customers who are looking for a great truck or off-road vehicle should give it an eye-opening test drive. The ZR2 is a truck that combines the nimbleness and maneuverability of a mid-size pickup perfectly with a host of new off-road features and technology, and can be the key ingredient in any Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customer's vehicle lineup.

The ZR2 is unique to a standard Colorado truck in that it features a three-and-a-half-inch wider track, and a suspension with a two-inch lift directly from the factory. Rocker protection has been added for better performance over rocks and other gaping obstacles, and the front and rear bumpers have been modified for what is a better off-road clearance. You'll experience the usefulness and tough functionality of front and rear locking differentials, available diesel engine, and the first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology. The massive flexibility tuned into these discs, as well as the size and shape of the ports they cover, determines how much fluid flows between the chambers above and below the piston.

Four Wheeler editor Ken Brubaker claims that “The ZR2 takes the capable Colorado platform to a new level, with a dizzying array of modifications including front and rear electric differential lockers, a 2-inch higher ride height, 3.5-inch wider track width, additional skidplating, 31-inch tires, and many more off-road centric goodies”. The ZR2 also won the prestigious 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler, after extensive ramp travel index and track testing in over 1,000 miles of terrain. One of the elements that the judges liked best while really putting the ZR2 to the test was the protection of the underbody by means of the additional skidplating, and its ability to simply float over choppy sand or rough trails at speed, providing soft and stable landings when getting airborne. We'll be waiting for you here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, where you can check out this award-winning truck's connectivity features, including an infotainment system with full navigation, and 8-inch touchscreen!

Chevy Earns Valuable Honor of J.D. Power's Most-Awarded Brand

Folks that are visiting us at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse definitely have different questions for us when they come to find their ultimate vehicle, and some families have more specific needs than others. We are very proud of all the excellent safety features that you can now find on Chevy cars and trucks, and the many high marks we have gleaned from auto blogs worldwide about the quality of our product line's interior. Last week, Chevrolet was named J.D. Power's most awarded brand of 2017 at the J.D. Power Automotive Summit, where 6 various cars, trucks, and SUVs won a total of nine awards in 3 crucial studies. Vehicle Dependability, Initial Quality, and APEAL Studies were where Chevy vehicles had star-studded performance.

GM North American president Alan Batey claimed that “Chevrolet is winning with consumers because our designers, engineers, and dealers are focused on delivering great products and a great ownership experience”. The Vehicle Dependability Study examines major issues reported by owners of 3-year old vehicles, and ultimately determines which autos are the most reliable. Based on 2014 models, the Chevy Sonic, Camaro, Tahoe, and Silverado HD were deemed among the most reliable in the sector.

The Initial Quality Study does the job of measuring various problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership. Here, the Silverado, Silverado HD, and Chevy Sonic all were at the top of the list, displaying extreme prowess in excellence throughout the first three months of ownership. This is more of a crucial time during car ownership that some realize: even though autos are expected to perform superbly upon purchase, there are some defects and problems that owners very understandably want to steer away from.

The Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) measures owner's emotional attachment and excitement level across several categories. The Chevy Bolt and Tahoe dominated this segment, proving once again that Chevy owners can “consider their car their best friend”. Led by Chevrolet, GM has delivered 4 straight years of pickup sales leadership of mid and large-size trucks through last year, due to its strong 3-truck strategy. Last year our beloved Tahoe and Suburban accounted for nearly half of large SUVs delivered to all retail customers.

After the all-new Equinox and Traverse were launched, many worldwide agreed that it was the broadest and freshest lineup of crossovers for the last two years. Chevy is now definitely the leader in affordable, long-range Evs, with 43,646 Bolts and Volts delivered over the 2017 year. During the days to come, many will purchase an electric car that had previously never thought of doing so, and we believe that our options are the best on the current market. Product excellence is a trait that we really stand by here at Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, and we are happy to assist you during all steps of the purchase process!