Newswheel Highlights Benefits of 2019 Chevy Traverse new LT Premium Package

Crowded malls, the postal service slowing down on delivery time, making sure you have your list together, and maybe the occasional mishap with the weather forecast could be keeping you on edge during the holidays. Once the temperatures cool down a bit, the stockings are on the mantle, and a bit of snow starts flying, you can count on us to tell you what car or truck we think would be perfect for you and your loved ones for the New Year! Perfect presents don't just come in the form of gift cards, video games, and jerseys: a brand-new vehicle like the Chevy Traverse could be the gift of your loved one's dreams.

For next year's model, those on staff at The Newswheel blog featured the LT Premium Package in an article this week. Coming standard on the RS and LT Leather trims, it includes awesome additives in the technology department like satellite navigation software for the 8-inch touch-screen Infotainment system, a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system, and a 120-volt power outlet. Safety features that come with the package include a Rear Camera Mirror, and a 360-degree Surround Vision system, one of the tools of today that is truly the gift that keeps on giving, in terms of providing you a sense of ultimate safety and protection, when you most need it!

On the RS trim, the LT premium package offers up 20-inch Dark Android-painted alloy wheels, and on the LT leather trim, 20-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with Technical Gray pockets come as part of the package. Since the Traverse went through an extensive list of changes for this model year, the LT Premium Package is one of the few updates for 2019. However, there is also the addition of an automatically activated heated steering wheel, new 18-inch Bright Silver-painted aluminum wheels, new liftgate badging for the Premier, and new bright roof rails for the High Country and Premier trims.

We hope that you come down to include all of us here at the Powerhouse in your stocking-stuffing and gift-wrapping to-do list, and check out the vehicle that U.S. News claims is “a comfortable cruiser, and a spacious people and cargo hauler.” Abundant space is one of the qualities that customers with a growing family or business look for time and time again, and it will make you breathe a constant sigh of relief every single time you are loading up for the day's demands.

The Infotainment system was ranked as much easier to use than on the competitor Honda Pilot's, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come included on much lower trim levels, a definite plus when it comes down to the all-important purchase point for a car that can comfortably seat 7 or 8. As far as overall space, 23 cubic feet is the tally with all seats in use, and after the second and third-row seats are folded down, 98 cubic feet is still available. Tastefully yet truthfully stated, this is “still about the size of a studio apartment in New York City,” and the Traverse is consistently picked by those who are looking for convenience, durability, and the commanding presence of a sturdy medium to meet their daily transportation needs!

2019 Colorado ZR2 Desert Racer Conversion Kit: Priming For Off-Road Domination

Many die-hard truck fans and customers here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, as well as a majority of our staff members, would agree on a few various qualities about the Chevy Colorado ZR2. For starters, it is most definitely one of the coolest trucks you can buy for off-roading adventure hauls, but the DSSV suspension also makes it a great choice for daily driving. When the Bison was released, many Powerhouse customers were righteously thrilled, as the adventure-focused experts at AEV set their sights on the ZR2 to make it a tried-and-true boss of all things trail related. Anyone who is a true truck expert knows that customization and part add-on are key when building your dream machine, and the fun really begins during this selection process.

If you are looking to transform the ZR2 into more of a desert-racing contender, the good news is that Chevy now totally has you covered. Plans were just announced to offer a line of 15 factory race components that were originally developed for Chad Hall's race truck. During the past two years, Hall's was the truck that completed every single race in the “Best of the Desert” series, and pre-ran during the Baja 1000. That means that these parts have been tested through more than 10,000 miles of extreme off-road racing, and since the success of the ZR2, customers have been clogging email in mass numbers asking Chad for his personal touch and help while building their own ZR2.

It's wildly exciting to us that you can buy the same Chevy Performance Parts that snagged the all-important jaunt to victory in the desert, and after you add required safety equipment, you can build a pre-runner for Baja 1000 scouting, or a full-blown race truck with massive capability. The first integral part in the process is the 1.5-inch body lift, allowing for clearance of the many various elements that make their presence immediately known as soon as you make the choice to veer off the “road frequently traveled.” This group offering also consists of long-travel shocks, long-travel leaf springs, as well as an anti-wrap link system.

The ZR2 Front Jounce Shock System was designed specifically for newer ZR2 models, and consists of a nitrogen-charged hydraulic secondary suspension bump shock, intended for off-road use. It works overtime to greatly enhance gross vehicle motion control, increase suspension bump capacity, and provide extra muscle in the battle against bottoming out during extreme off-road conditions.

The Chevy Performance ZR2 Cross Car Beam System helps during the job of counteracting the loads from the ZR2 Rear Jounce Shock System by creating a strong structural beam across the frame. The Performance ZR2 Anti-Wrap Link System helps prevent axle wrap under acceleration, braking, and improves suspension control during extreme off-road conditions. To check out the complete list of parts that can complete the task of making your ZR2 ready for mass regions of challenges and heart-pounding adventure, go Here, and begin to plan your New Year's off-road excursion of mayhem! 

2019 Chevy Silverado Named Motor Trend Truck of The Year Finalist

The term “runner-up” doesn't ever have to purvey a sense of loss in the auto realm: with all of the stiff competition out there, we know that in most senses of the word, Chevy trucks ARE the number one choice! Many Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customers and others nationwide choose the Silverado for their workhorse and weekend pleasure hauler, and the 2019 Silverado 1500 showed much improvement over the third generation. When the staff of Motor Trend took it out and put it to the test, they had high levels of applause for the smoothness of its 10-speed automatic on Davis Dam, and various sections of highway.

We were excited from the get-go that the new 2019 model is up to 450 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and now has an expanded range of 8 models, and six different engine-transmission choices. Among these choices are the Trail Boss models with a factory 2-inch lift, making it a prime selection for those who want to hop off-road and explore the paths right here in Missouri that tend to have just a bit more mud splattered on them! The wheelbase is now up to 3.9 inches, and the overall length up 1.6 inches enables more cargo volume as well as interior room.

When you link up with us to see the goods here during the Thanksgiving season at the Powerhouse, check out the enhanced new front and rear suspensions on this awesome truck: they both incorporate new, lightweight components, including composite second-stage rear leaf springs on the LT model line. There are stronger tie-downs on the new model, and more of them. The Silverado now has 12 total fixed tie-downs, and overall strength has double to a pre-bending total force of 500 pounds. Check out all of the various themes available such as the Custom: it features 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, LED signature taillamp, and the powerful and perfectly-piped integrated dual exhaust.

If the regular cab is your pick for the new Silverado, it comes equipped with an 8' box, and double cab models are available with a 6' 6” box... while crew cabs come with a 5' 8” box, or the 6' 6” box. LED headlamps are available on the LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, and LTZ; LED high-intensity headlamps are available on the High Country model. The RST is your best bet for a bit more urban appearance, and offers body-color trim, full LED lighting, and up to 22-inch wheels.

If many hours of hard work and hauling are on your coming to-do list, you can opt for the Max Trailering Package: it features a 0.76-inch rear axle, 3.42 axle ratio, enhanced-cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier-duty rear leaf springs, and a 220-amp alternator as well as trailer brake controller. If your next tough task you need to tackle involves snowy, wet, or muddy surfaces, investigate the automatic locking rear differential feature: it reacts in milliseconds in low-traction conditions to instantly improve the most important element of any demanding trip: driver confidence. 

2019 Chevy Camaro SS's Frist Impressions Via The Drive: “Gallops With Gusto”

The Camaro is one of those vehicles that has absolutely gone under a high level of transformation as of late. Many diehard fans have been asking all of us here at the Powerhouse about the 2019 model, and it's mid-cycle refresh for the sixth generation. Some very key bits of technology were carried over from the very incredible ZL1 variant, and there are also a few other changes that will get anyone who loves burning corners during weekend days on the track, and opening up the throttle on the stretches of road that are desolate and inviting.

There is a brand new front end on the SS, as well as the 10-speed automatic transmission, which The Drive blog contributor Kyle Chermoca got to try out in the mountains of Malibu, a suiting and test-worthy location. The combined tasks of trimming weight, upgrading the suspension, and adding tech were all completed with vigor, and drivers can now enjoy a rear mirror camera as one of the ultra-cool additives this year. The pricing on the base LS model has gone down, and now really benefits from a lower curb weight, better overall balance, and more features added as standard.

But the SS has got everyone talking: it is paired with the robust and reliable LT1 V-8, and the 10-speed transmission is one of the few with a double-digit gear count that exists in the realm of passenger cars. Even though this transmission was co-developed with our stealthily-sworn competitor Ford, there are some unique features in the Chevy version: the software, controls, and some other fun add-ons help with its unique character. There is an awesome new function called “Liftfoot Gear Hold,” that is exclusively for use in the very high-octane Sport and Track modes: when you lift off the throttle, the gear you are in holds, to prevent excessive shifting.

Kyle also had the privilege of driving the Camaro SS up the Pacific Coast Highway and noticed two mighty traits that he really appreciated. The cabin sees a drastic improvement when you enjoy the ability to rapidly pop off the roof: this is one car that makes tons of sense to have come with a convertible option. And even though many experts out there who have spent thousands of hours with manuals thought they would disagree, when tested, this is an automatic transmission that never feels overbearing or like it is consistently on the hunt for the perfect gear.

When you get a chance to test drive a brand new Camaro, let us show you the new Shock color option, and updated fascia which sees the badge make its home in the original spot. This gives the front end less of an empty appearance and adds a new feel that is evident when you see the Camaro on the approach. The first code name for the Camaro was devised way back in 1966, gleaning its origins from a very stealth animal: the panther. This is one high-performance car that will continue to amaze its pursuers: next year's model is guaranteed to instill tremors and trounce anything in its path!