Swashbuckler Level Unlocked: Chevy Silverado ZR2 Masters the Mud Challenge on all Levels

Mud is just one of those things that makes trucks better. Here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we love the thrill we feel when we see a truck tear through the mud,  and the 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is one of the current off-road “bosses” that masters every challenge that off-roading in the mud can bring. It certainly leaves us wanting more!

The Road and Track crew took a ZR2 down to Southern California where it typically remains bone dry. Recent rain, however, changed the terrain drastically into a challenging “mud-scape”. The full-size Silverado ZR2 is the top-of-the-line sibling to the Colorado ZR2, which is already a well-loved midsize marvel within the Chevy realm. This is an off-road ready, four-wheel-drive, crew cab truck that is equipped to get any place that its 81.2 inches of width can persistently push through.

There is always competition for any trailblazing truck, and in this case, it happens to be from the Ford F-150 Tremor, Ram 1500 Rebel, and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. When compared to this trio, the Silverado is more civilized and can edge around urban areas before blasting off to dirt with a serious advantage. When it comes time to properly tackle the rural terrain and wander through the wilderness, it remains a full two steps up from the Z71 trim and one step above and beyond the Trail Boss edition.

Some of the design elements that were transferred over from the Colorado ZR2 are the extra-bulged hood with a black painted center, the cut-corner design of the steel front bumper, along with the very capable and awesome visible protective skid plates. There are also very cool red front tow hooks and the always-on-point Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers that provide quality unrivaled by any other unit in the market. Three cylindrical sleeves move within one another to repeatedly tune the rebound curves and compression of the damper. 

This makes for an incredible quality of sure-footedness off-road, and the expert-grade prowess that the truck displayed for this testing crew while they covered the challenging trails of Ventura County in December. Everything included added up to the perfect formula for moving the 420-horsepower and 460-lb ft of peak torque around the messy terrain, rendering the small block phenomenal in all ways when it comes to heavy-footing it through thoroughly soaked conditions. 

The Silverado ZR2’s approach angles are even better than on the standard TRX or Raptor, and the incredibly thick steel front bumper can withstand some intense brute force. The displays on board offer up a good view of the camera feeds surrounding the truck, along with the navigation and entertainment systems. There is still an inherently playful nature to this powerhouse of a rig, and the recent explosion in popularity of trail riding  is only bound to make an already attractive light shine brighter on this masterful work of All-American engineering!

Chevy Corvette Z06 Displays All-American Swagger as Motor Trend “Performance Vehicle of the Year”

For nearly 70 years, the Corvette has led the way in its segment with affordable pricing and a consistently all-American appeal. A car designed in Michigan and built in Kentucky, it had always had the looks that screamed “apple pie and baseball.”

The present C8 generation unleashed an exciting new level of Corvette capability, with even the base-level 455 horsepower model flexing its muscle. Motor Trend named it their “Car of the Year” for 2020, claiming that it set a new precedent for an affordable breed of exotic flair. This year’s Z06 brings to the table an additional 200 horsepower, some smooth aerodynamic work, and more additions to the Stingray’s already awesome formula. 

The Motor Trend crew got to work testing the new Z06 alongside a McLaren 765LT Spider, which is priced at nearly an astonishing half-million dollars! The Z06 proceeded to set the all-time figure 8 lap record. At a mere 2.8 seconds to get up to 60 mph, the Corvette Z06 positioned itself for the best ever in production car performance. Once you thumb the starter button, the engine comes to life with a brief crackle before a resonating and distinct hum that prepares you for the fun ahead.

The crew attested that things sounded much like a Ferrari during the early part of the ride, and as the rev climbs, things just get progressively more exciting! The Z06’s dual-overhead-cam 32-valve flat-plane crankshaft LT6 V8 is the prime ingredient here that competes with other legendary and high-performing supercars. It is the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever made, and there are six scavenging pumps on board for the dry-sump oiling system to handle greater amounts of pickup.

Drive mode settings have changed the way that everyone from entry-level to champion-grade drivers drive, and the Z06’s Tour mode provides all day-comfort and sleek ease. Flip things up a notch to “Track”, for an agile and detail-focused journey that allows you the best in exhilaration and blowing the doors off your own performance expectations!

2024 Chevy Trailblazer to be Officially Revealed Feb 8th

From full-sized trucks to economical crossover SUVs, the driving public is now enjoying a modern renaissance of offerings and cars for every type of buyer. GM Authority just provided the scoop on the current 3rd-generation Chevy Trailblazer, and learned that its mid-cycle model refresh reveal is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 8th.

Some of the items we expect are exterior styling revisions, brand new paint color options, new wheel designs, and a potential infotainment system update. Four of the new colors are Nitro Yellow Metallic, Fountain Blue, Sterling Gray Metallic, and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat. The first engine option is the turbocharged 1.2-liter Inline 3 LIH, rated at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful and potent option is the turbocharged 1.3-liter I3 L3T, cranking out 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. 

The U.S. News auto review team praised the 2023 Trailblazer for its generous seating space, cargo room, and standard features for a subcompact SUV. The Trailblazer offers one of the most responsive and engaging examples of driving within its segment. The Activ model provides a few off-road-ready extras that can allow for your destination to stray from "the straight and narrow,” adding an entirely different dimension to your weekend fun zone. 

Front-drive Trailblazers have 7.5 inches of ground clearance, and 7.6 inches with the RS. The all-wheel drive system also allows for what has been one of the most versatile and drive-enrichening additives of modern times: different driving modes. The Snow, Normal, and Sport settings change things up drastically and allow for a form of adjustability that is exactly what the driver of today’s regimen was missing just a decade ago. The RS Trim also features a flat-bottom steering wheel, designating a sportier and more aggressive aesthetic. 

Behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats is 25.3 cubic feet of the luggage area, offering up an even larger 54.4 cubic feet when folded flat. The base-level LS trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, active noise cancellation, cloth upholstery, and single-zone air conditioning. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integrations, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and one each of USB-A and USB-C ports.

The Driver Confidence package for the LS adds cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Stepping up to the LT trim brings heated side mirrors, roof rails, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, heated front seats, and an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat. The Activ and RS trims offer a technology package that includes adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and a premium 7-speaker Bose audio system to properly add depth and dimension to the exciting audio side of things! 

2023 Chevy Silverado Offers “Always Prepped for Heavy Lifting” Appeal, Well-Polished Luxury + Grit

Here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse we are anxiously awaiting Spring, daydreaming about new trucks and all the work that will need to be done when everything thaws! The Autoblog review team wrote about the 2023 Chevy Silverado last week and its annual updates, and were pleased with what turned out to be the “finest cabin in the segment” upon climbing inside. Even the LT trim has a luxurious look and feel, and the range-topping High Country knocks things out of the park with upper-end touches and finish.

There are many devout fans of the Chevy Duramax diesel engine, which packs even more of a punch for 2023 even being much quieter than one would expect. The Autoblog drive testing staff claims that the Silverado boasts the back-to-back experience needed for solid towing and hauling duties with a purpose. 

The High Country model now has the option to add a Jet Black/Umber interior color, and after last year’s drastic overhaul, the LT model looks and feels just as good as the previous High Country did. The overhaul also included a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrument display, with the digital gauge cluster brandishing a bright and crisp look that sunlight can’t’ drown out as much as on the old model. The 13.4-inch touchscreen allows for the operation of multiple screens at once, and the system is among the industry’s first to proudly run on the Android Automotive OS.

One of the first things test drivers notice about the Silverado is its slightly higher bed walls, along with the option of the MultiPro tailgate that makes loading easier than could ever be imagined on the trucks of yesterday. The all-important Payload stat ranges from 2,130 lbs on the 4x4 Crew Cab to 2,280 for the 4x2 Regular Cab, with the HD model proving to be an awesome and very capable choice for those who anticipate pushing payload limits on the regular. The base-level engine is a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four, which cranks out 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic. 

Standard on the LTZ and High Country is the 5.3-liter V8 which cranks out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, with a 10-speed automatic replacing the 6 and 8-speed options. These also now come available with GM’s more advanced Dynamic Fuel Management System, which chips in wonderfully at the job of nailing down good fuel economy numbers. The resident top dog is the 6.2-liter V8, with its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA estimated range of around 15 mpg combined, and 17 mpg minus off-road tires. 

The top-spec High Country now is equipped with adaptive dampers, and this group of seasoned auto bloggers was surprised at just how much love they had for the 4-cylinder model, which was an incredibly viable alternative to the very well-known and trusty V8. Their favorite, (as we all expected!) was the Duramax diesel. When you hit the pedal and the torque kicks in there is a rich quality that never fully backs off and provides all the rigidly defined “good stuff” that full-sized trucks have been loved for over the years!

2023 Chevy Bolt EUV Presides as Tight-Market Champion Claiming KBB’s “Best EV Under $35,000”

As many different customers from various walks of life consult with us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse about what their most feasible car choice is, 2023 has offered up one of the most budget-friendly and practical cars in the world! The Chevy Bolt EUV is the highest-rated electric vehicle under $35,000 after official ranking and test drives by Kelley Blue Book, along with the honors of being named the highest-rated electric vehicle under $35,000 by MarketWatch. 

Perfect for the times and now offering 247 miles of range with a sticker price of under $30,000, drivers will also enjoy a roomier backseat to weather the journey than the standard Bolt. Rear passengers climbing out of the EV for a quick sales meeting or property showing will enjoy the expanded legroom, one of the major deciding factors for the choice of the EUV over its close relative. The Bolt EUV’s top Premier trim also offers up the availability of Super Cruise, GM’s convenient hands-free driving experience. 

Multiple test drives from industry professionals have rendered the Bolt EUV sufficiently peppy and fitting for everyday driving situations that are heavy on the stop-and-go factor, thanks to conveniences such as one-pedal driving. The Regen on Demand feature offers up different intensities of brake energy regeneration, as the driver can simply click the shift paddle beneath the steering wheel to select their desired level. The EUV version is about 6 inches longer than the EV and boasts 16.3 inches of cargo space along with 56.9 cubic feet after the seats are folded. 

Up front is the domain where technology and the latest features really count, as first impressions during a test drive are making or breaking many of the latest and greatest models being released. There is an 8-inch driver information display and a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel that is simple to get situated above, and easily fit your knees under. Exterior styling has always been important in the auto industry, and when electrification was obviously going to become the norm, many engineers took a very close look at making the cars of tomorrow accessible and impressive. 

The Bolt EUV maximizes the visual capacity of a much smaller footprint with shorter overhangs and wheels, along with an extra dose of utility courtesy of standard roof rails. This year’s model allows for the sweet cosmetic upgrade of the Redline Edition, which changes up the chrome exterior elements to gloss black while adding a different touch on the alloy wheels and righteously rounding everything off with a black and red accent. 

One of the “favorite features” that all of us on duty here at the Powerhouse would recommend is the dual-level charge cord, which works with both 120-volt and 240-volt sources. The LT Trim starts things out at the entry-level with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, and a programmable Teen Driver key. The Premier Trim is the best means of getting upper-end satisfaction out of this efficient and savvy slice of futuristic prowess, with heated/ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, and rear parking sensors.