Trailblazer's Potential Return Watched Closely by Motor1.com

As we become accustomed to what are most definitely the middle months of winter's wrath here at the Powerhouse, many of us on staff spend extra time huddled up with a warm drink, and reading online about developments and product news within our beloved auto industry. Many models that were once just a faint idea materialized over very long amounts of time, and after once just being a concept on the drawing board, finally roared to life and took up real estate right here on the lot. The folks on staff at the Motor1.com blog were a bit skeptical out of the gate when writing about the potential resurrection of the Chevy Trailblazer, and as every media outlet has to be thorough and analytical, we completely understand.

Beginning by stating that Mitsubishi is slated to bring back the “Eclipse” namesake on a crossover, editor Jacob Oliva claimed that he simply wasn't sure about the quality of what was on the way, much as movie critics are skeptical of remade classics. The sketches you can see here on the blog show what the rumors confirm, that it looks like Chevy is bringing back the Trailblazer name with the intentions of making it a crossover. It is no secret that sedans have been losing popularity by the year, and just like any entity, Chevy wants to hedge their bets safely, and crank out the type of vehicles that are in the most demand.

The Trailblazer will fill the spot in between the Trax and the Equinox crossovers, and it is still available in Thailand and Brazil. Consumers are bound to get excited for a rugged and very capable SUV that is built specifically for those who have the sudden desire to pursue off-road terrain. Chevy has specifically-designed styling cues that distinguish our brand from everything else on the road, and every time you awaken your senses by test driving one of our vehicles, you'll wholeheartedly agree. The electronic adjustable driver seat and available folding second and third-row seats are designed for complete comfort and maximization of interior space, and the Trailblazer will be an extreme asset for anyone embarking on a trip further than the daily drive.

The choice of trim level is one way to put a dose of extra personality into your purchase, and the Z71 trim selection will absolutely have the ability to turn heads: it offers a more aggressive set of decals, blacked-out enhancements and iconic badging. The 3.6-liter engine expected to be present in the Trailblazer delivers 275 horsepower, and will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. You'll enjoy the benefits of the now-common high tech features that make the Chevy namesake so awesome: available remote start, the much-loved Chevy infotainment system, hands-free calling, and multiple USB ports on board.

One of the thoughtful additions that drivers have been raving about as of late is the electrochromatic rearview mirror: it amazingly reduces glare by darkening automatically when tailing cars' headlights shine into your rearview, causing an annoyance that has distracted many during their travels! 

2019 Blazer Specs and Dimensions Detailed by Gm Authority

Many Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customers have been understandably pretty jazzed up about the release of the 2019 Blazer: some of the leaked stats from earlier this month were not correct in some circles, and the official specifications from Chevy dealer sales material have now been made public. Some diehard Chevy fans have claimed that they were a bit leery regarding the “crossover SUV” category that the Blazer occupies: this is the fifth generation of the Blazer namesake, which has its hefty and haul-ready roots dating back to 1969. 

The new model rides on the regular wheelbase variant of the GM C1 platform, and this year's model possesses eye-catching exterior design, well-integrated customer focused tech, and a level of functionality that is clearly evident during every single drive. At a glance, one can tell that many of the design elements are shared with the sixth-generation Camaro, an intense mix that would not have appeared nearly the same a few decades ago. The vehicle range consists of four trim levels, including the base L, three mid-tier Blazer trim levels, the sportier Blazer RS, and the top-of-the-line Blazer Premier.

New features for 2019 include the very useful in cold weather capless fuel fill, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a Cargo Management System. All of the wheelbase, height, front and rear track specs, ground clearance, legroom, step-in height, and more measurements can be found at the URL here. The well-esteemed and trusted folks on staff at Consumer Reports thought that the active noise canceling as standard on all trim levels was a great benefit, as well as the raw and glorious grunt of the 305-horsepower V6.

Maximum towing is rated at 4,500 pounds, and there is a useful “hitch view” within the rearview camera that gives you a closeup shot to make sure you are right on point. All trims come with the Teen Driver feature: something that was only dreamed about two decades ago, this is the way to fully track your younger ones, and generate a high-tech “report card” to allow them to continue safe use and/or insurance coverage. The Equinox received very competent reviews, and the Traverse was definitely something special: this was part of what ultimately paved the road for the creation of the new Blazer. Crossover SUV's are frankly quite a big deal in this market, and we are standing by to assist you here at the Powerhouse for your pre-spring selection!

2019 ZR2 Bison Given Hefty Props By Trucktrend.com For “Robust Capability” and “Rough Terrain Dominance”

Named for the largest and very agile mammal that exists in North America, the '19 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison completes the job of combining the strengths of the high-performance off-road ZR2 with a facelift from AEV, the world's dominating force in aftermarket parts supplies, and 4WD adventuring. Known for toughened up versions of Ram and Jeep vehicles in the past, they were happy to get their hands on a ZR2 for modification, and all of us here at the Powerhouse were waiting on edge for the results.

The folks on staff at the Truck Trend blog put together a crisp feature about this revamp over the past week, and they were anxious to showcase the full suite of off-road tech, including class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials, and multimatic DSSV dampers, off-road rocker protection, cast-iron control arms, and the very durable Chevy Autotrac transfer case. This is a truck that is made to target off-road and rock crawling enthusiasts who are looking for a pickup with higher capabilities, backed by a killer factory warranty. The addition of five specially-designed AEV skidplates constructed with durable high-strength stamped steel provides the undercarriage amazing protection.

Seeing to it that the oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and front and rear differentials are well protected, it transforms the ZR2 into a truck that is ready for rugged and rocky terrain. The front bumper is designed with extra-specific winch provisions as well as standard foglights, and the rear has integral recovery points placed inside the bumper. 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires sit below larger fender flares, and the AEV Bison logo is stamped on the tailgate. Once inside, you notice AEV logo embroidery on the floor liners, and front head restraints as well. One of the coolest options ever made for a truck is available through the good folks at AEV: a desert air-intake snorkel, upping the ante drastically for engine performance in areas where your wi-fi signal may not be the greatest.

The Truck Trend testing team first drove the ZR2 Bison on Phoenix roadways, gradually leading to a collection of hard-packed dirt trails, and technical sections of track in the Tonto National Forest. They raved about the new bumpers' ability to increase the approach and departure angles, and realized the primo power that the new skidplates have to make a difference in clearance and protection during the roughest of rides. Like the ZR2, the Bison is powered by a standard 3.6L V-6 engine, which makes 308 horsepower, and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Not only is this new truck able to completely dominate in the off-road environment, its tow rating is 7,000 pounds. We invite you down to the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse this season to check out the Bison for yourself: AEV's sheer mastery has definitely led to a legend in craftsmanship, that is poised to propel and crawl its way through the most remote destinations in existence!

2019 Chevy Suburban Premier Praised by Rolling Out Blog for “Style and Comfort”

Mid-Missouri Powerhouse customers are known to be pretty choosy about the vehicles they call their own, and we love helping each and every one of the hard-working individuals that come through our doors decide on the best car or truck for them. The 2019 Chevy Suburban Premier SUV continues to dominate among all full-size vehicles in its class, and the brand we love to represent continue to move forward with production of larger-bodied cars.

Massive towing power and the ability to haul nine adults around in complete comfort are huge selling points for the Suburban, which the Rollingout.com blog chose to feature this past week in a closeup look at its prowess and new additions. There is now the option to add the Rally Sports Truck Performance Package, adding to the adventuresome mix an upgraded powerful V8 engine, with the ability to make 433 horsepower. The base model still comes equipped with a 5.3-liter V8, but can be upgraded by choice to an optional 6.2-liter V8, that daringly doles out 433 horses as well. For its size, fuel economy is startling regarding the Suburban, that now averages 14 miles per gallon in the city, and 20 on the highway.

Some of the stand-out features that really make this SUV quite a bit more than just an everyday work vehicle are comfort and practicality boosting elements like perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-inch Bose speaker surround-sound audio system, and an 8-inch color touchscreen with voice recognition. Ask us about the optional front brake upgrade: this puts some absolute extra muscle into the stopping process by means of Brembo six-piston calipers and 16.1x1.3-inch rotors.

Magnetic Ride Control does a great job of guarding passengers against the harshness of the road, without leaving the car unguarded feeling like a vessel up against the turmoil of the Atlantic. The knowledgeable and savvy staff on deck at The Drive.com claimed after driving the new model that “in a world where crossovers are popping up under every rock, few cars can equal the capability of a well-equipped Suburban.” The sunroof, polished exhaust tip, power-retracting side steps, and rear Blu-Ray entertainment system are all other additives that will sway many with a growing business or family to get on board and snag a new 'Burban for themselves. We know full well that we are situated in an era where many vehicles are getting smaller and smaller, and also embracing electrification: the Suburban is one of the tried-and-true symbols of the best breed existing within the “King of the Road” status quo!

Urgent Powerhouse Pressroom Update: Details On Silverado 4500HD Shipment

Some news within the automotive realm is so urgent that you want to hear it as soon as it drops, and when it comes to trucks, there are many right here in Missouri “waiting for their place in line.” As of December 19, the Chevy Pressroom reported that they were on their way to dealerships, after first being revealed to the public during the NTEA Work Truck Show. These are designed to be the most customer-focused medium duty trucks of all automakers, and the Silverado medium-duty production launch beats a respectable record for GM's Commercial business, with a double-digit year-over-year sale increase projected.

U.S. President of GM Fleet Ed Peper claimed last week that “we listened to the needs of fleet managers, technicians, and truck drivers as well as dealers to design a truck that's easy to upfit, drive, own and service.” These new models are able to work for a variety of upfits, due to the straight and clean frame rail design, which has no brackets, rivets or welds to obstruct the way. Construction of highways and homes, landscaping, and power industries all have interest in these hefty and able-bodied trucks that are loaded with tech options and have the traditional Chevy seal of approval.

Offering customers a truly one-stop-shop that supports their business needs is what everyone right here at the Powerhouse and other Chevy dealers nationwide are after, and our prized 1500 features DuraBed, the most modern and functional bed of any pickup with best-in-class cargo volume in every bed length. These models also feature 12 fixed tie-downs, trailering technology that was once unthinkable, and very significant increases in payload and towing capabilities. There are two V8's available, and the diesel makes 910 lb-ft of torque, enough ample power for tasks such as moving around a build site, or excitedly getting the water toys out for a fun-filled weekend.

The Consumer Reports Quick Drive segment you can check out here recognizes what an excellent mobile workplace that these trucks have become, on top of how awesome it is to select from various bed lengths, drive wheels, and other trim arrangements. This video also showcases the prowess and agility of the Z71 off-road model as well as the practicality of the skid plates that work overtime protecting the valuable undercarriage. The added value of the optional easy-lift tailgate is highlighted well: from your uncle's couch to a fresh haul of wood, you'll gain quick access when time matters most. All Silverados sport the oversized mirrors and rearview camera, both essential for getting in or out of a spot in a pinch. One of our favorite features is StabiliTrak: it can automatically detect a trailer that is swaying, and apply all of the necessary brakes needed to bring it safely back in Line!