Car and Driver Names 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison “GM's Most Capable 4X4 Ever”

A feature from the well-versed and thoroughly-tested experts at Car and Driver this past week begins in a quite plausible scenario for trucks: the top crest of a hill in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It is definitely a challenge that most new trucks and SUVs can't handle, and this particular testing crew has attempted a couple dozen factory-fresh 4X4s within its tough wrath. Usually, the kickup or the ruts stop them in their tracks, forcing them to track their way back down the incline. If you can successfully crest the top, you're treated to a jaw-dropping and surreal view of the mountains. 

Until this particular day, this hill was only conquered by the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Ford F-150 Raptor, and the Ram 2500 Power Wagon. Now our prized Colorado ZR2 Bison is added to the list, with it's front and rear differentials locked and its armored undercarriage scraping along the jagged rocks, and this highly capable and flexed-out off-roader had no trouble with the precarious climb. After partnering with mountaineering masters AEV, many truck fans have been amazed at the protection from underneath, and very pure unwatered-down power to climb. Their work on the Bison began about two years ago, soon after the brand we so love to represent released the ZR2.

The truck's stance is still 3.5 inches wider than a standard Colorado's, and it stands two inches taller. The Multimatic Dynamics Suspensions Spool Valve dampers are still unchanged, with AEV's focus now on protecting the truck's powertrain and body. The front and rear bumpers see a burly and characteristic stamp, and five stamped down boron-steel skid plates reside at the heart and soul of the truck. The new skid plates have more strength and might then the ZR2's typical aluminum units, and the front bumper on the Bison is designed to accommodate a full winch, with outer portions that are replaceable.

The Bison package also includes larger wheel-well flares, AEV-badged floor mats and headrests, 12-spoke aluminum wheels, and a grille with the prominent “Chevy” badge. For just a little extra cost, ask us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse how you can spec the Bison package with either the 3.6-Liter V-6 or the turbo-diesel 2.8-liter inline-four, and you can complete your order right on the website. This is GM's only truck with locking front and rear differentials, and many are comparing the boron steel on the skid plates to a new development that was the equivalent of McLaren's carbon-fiber usage. The Colorado's chief engineer Darren Bohne was also the assistant engineering manager during the creation of the 2014 Camaro Z/28, and successfully brought the Multimatic shock technology from the road-course scalpel to this off-road triumph!

Chevy Blazer Beats out Honda Passport in GM Authority Comparison

Many individuals who walk through the front doors of the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse to narrow down their final decision for a new vehicle are curious to see exactly how it stacks up to others. The brand new Chevy Blazer RS has been turning many heads lately, and it has fit in rapidly and comfortably in the quickly growing midsize crossover segment. Car and Driver recently proclaimed the Blazer the superior champion over the Ford Edge, and this past week, Motor Trend ran a comparison test pitting it against the very popular Honda Passport.

These two crossovers are both quite similar on paper, but at one glance side to side, you quickly see that they were designed with a bit different traits in mind on behalf of both. The Blazer is well-infused with some All-American and classic Camaro vibe with the aggressive front fascia, sculpted sides, and different rear end. One of the main traits of the passport that really made a difference in this match was the fact that although it provides a very comfortable ride, it ultimately sacrifices flair and style in the name of utility. The Blazer provides a sportier ride, which will no doubt pleasantly surprise those who picked the current-crossover styled vehicle while yearning for the Blazer of yesteryear.

The Passport boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, making it a tough competitor against the Blazer's optional 3.6-liter V6 LGX motor that makes 308 horsepower, and 272 lb-ft of torque. Both vehicles offer nine-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel-drive, but the transmission on the Passport hinders its performance, making for rough shifts at low speeds, and a bit of unresponsiveness when laying into the accelerator. While the Passport admittedly offers a bit more usable space than the Blazer, Motor Trend gave it high marks for its powerful powertrain, composure behind the wheel, and awesome styling.

Since they knew that the Blazer would be a hit with car and truck lovers everywhere, GM is now at work developing a new three-row Chevy Blazer XL. It is already slated for definite appearance for the Chinese market, but its North American presence is still being debated. You can check out this contest the Blazer reigned superior in against the Passport here, and check back with us on this blog periodically for updates. The Consumer Reports staff really loved the footprint of Camaro inspiration at the front and inside, as the sporty vibe of this muscle car legend bodes well with the Blazer. Make sure you check out all of the trims: wheels range from a standard 18 inches on the RS trim to 21 inches on the Premier. If you are in the middle of the dog days of Missouri summer, you'll get some practical use out of the Blazer's key fob: you can even crack the windows with it before entering to let that sweltering heat dissipate! 

GM Authority Feature Highlights Automatic-Only 2019 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon

Many of the various blogs and news stories we have looked at over the past week here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse have been about vehicles with manual transmissions, and the fact that they are rapidly becoming obsolete. GM Authority reported this week on the loss of two more 3-pedal vehicles, and they just happen to be the 2019 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Chevy officially made the confirmation that the two manual models would be discontinued in a statement to Carbuzz, claiming that sales were not healthy enough to continue. We know how much purists who yearn for every drive have heaps of love the manual, but we still avidly attest that the transmissions of tomorrow AND today will leave you satisfied by means of an automatic shift!

Previously, the six-speed manual transmission for the Colorado and GMC Canyon came with only the Work Truck trim that was powered by the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and two-wheel drive. It was not available with the 2.6-liter V6 engine, 2.8-liter diesel, or 4-wheel drive. Now that the word is official, the Colorado and Canyon will still be offered with two automatics: a six-speed and an 8-speed. 2.8-liter diesel Colorados and Canyons will feature the 6, and the 8-speed will be found on 3.6-liter V6 models.

We are definitely excited about the introduction of the new ZR2 Bison model: it gets some new parts and accessories from the off-road gurus at American Expedition Vehicles that allow for more clearance, protection from the elements underneath, and rugged appearance. As MotorTrend reported last month, demand has been staggeringly high for the Bison, as they were snagged up at a breakneck pace after release. Cnet.com called it “an off-road animal” after a test drive, and had massive amounts of praise for the steel skid plates, front and rear differentials, transfer case and gas tank, and front mounting points for a winch.

MotorTrend's main test drive was completed on an off-road trail east of Phoenix, with washouts, rocks littering the path, and steep drops aplenty. At no time did it ever feel as if the limits of the ZR2 were even close to being approached, and the crew admitted that the off-road prowess of the Bison was likely far more than many average drivers will ever need. The Infotainment 3 system is located on an 8-inch touchscreen on top of the center stack, and rear passengers have access to two USB ports and a 12-volt outlet on the back of the center console. The staff of KBB.Com claimed that on their expedition with the Bison when they were close to getting stuck, the differential “worked like off-road magic,” and combined with the low-range 4-wheel-drive, made for the most serious yet practical off-roader ever designed!

Chevy Silverado HD Proudly Claims J.D. Power's Most Dependable Model Title

When studies concerning dependability come rolling off the digital presses, all of us here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse are always proud to see our vehicles on the favorable side of the list. The Chevy Silverado HD emerged victorious from the J.D. Power's 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study snagging up the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup category, leaving rivals such as the Ford Super Duty far behind. Overall, this year's study showed a 4 percent improvement in the overall dependability for three-year-old models across the board.

Even with this positive indicator dominating the study, J.D. Powers VP of global automotive Dave Sargent explained that automakers absolutely need to keep prioritizing customers if they want to develop deeper brand loyalty in the long run. Heeding the call of duty by valuing customers' demands and preferences is something that Chevy always excels at, and this heavy-duty truck offers a very high-tech interior for a connected and exciting experience behind the wheel. The 2019 model has been praised for its rapidly-changing technology features, and always providing the best safety features on the market for your constant protection.

When equipped with the Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 engine, you reap the benefits of 445 horsepower, and 910 lb-ft of torque. The maximum available two rating is situated at 23,100 pounds, when putting to use the 3500 HD Crew Cab 2WD DRW model and fifth-wheel hitch. Repeat buyers have told us time after time just how amazing the noise-dampening cabin materials are, assuring the ability to catch up on rest for passengers or enjoy the scenery in solace on longer trips. Ask us about the massive comfort factor provided by leather-appointed front seats, with heated and ventilated function for extremes in weather experienced during the journey.

USB ports, a 110-volt power outlet, and available wireless charging pad are other features to help you keep the necessary gadgets fully charged on the road, and you can enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity by means of an intuitive 7 or 8-inch touch screen Chevy Infotainment System. This is the awesome and powerful machine that the staff of Top Gear mag claimed is “pure, reliable, and every-day functional,” as well as having great appreciation for the new all-aluminum body. Also billed as “wildly more agile than the truck it replaces,” we guarantee that you'll immediately want to claim the Silverado as your own after a test drive. A Z71-equipped Trail Boss is capable of conquering steep inclines, worn roads, and fallen logs, another prime example of the absolute best in modern engineering and attention to massive detail!