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Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Stealth Spy Shots Capture Refreshed Chevy Tahoe Patrolling the Wild in High Country Trim

Both the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban have long been very sought-after here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse! We are always eager to report on changes that customers can look for in incoming models, and the Motor1.com auto reporting team provided a few spy images on their website this past week of the Tahoe caught roaming the wild. The front and rear were covered in camouflage, but it appears to get a new dual-light configuration with separate headlights and daytime running lights. 

It's a bit tougher to see the changes on the grille, but the bold center strips of chrome seem to have disappeared. From the front view, enough details can be made out to see that it’s the High-Country edition, which provides a little luxury to rival competition such as the Escalade and Navigator. You’ll be spoiled with the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, 22-inch wheels, unique grille with bronze accents, surround-view parking camera system, and head-up display. 

We have not heard any solid details about interior or powertrain changes for the incoming model. If the updated Tahoe sees its official debut by the 4th quarter of this year, it will likely be released as a 2024 model. Stepping things up even further to the High Country Deluxe provides extra features like the Max Trailering Package, panoramic sunroof, adaptive air suspension, and power-retractable side steps. The Max Trailering Package should equip you for any tough haul with an enhanced cooling radiator, two-speed transfer case, trailer hitch camera, and integrated brake controller. 

This year’s model also provided the added benefit of Super Cruise on Premier and High Country trims, as well as adaptive cruise control now as standard on the High Country trim. Drivers love vehicles like this so much because they are great at hauling a large family around, easily towing toys to the lake, or fulfilling the role of an ultimate off-road vehicle. The magnetically controlled shock absorbers have been a game-changing addition for improving ride handling and capability as well. 

The major competition against the Tahoe is the Ford Expedition, the Toyota Sequoia, and Jeep Wagoneer. The Edmunds.com auto testing team had excellent things to say after spending 12 months and 20,000 miles with the 2022 model: their favorite feature that puts the Tahoe ahead of the competition was that the towing rating beat out the Honda Pilot’s. The V8 under the hood provided a “welcoming and rumbly attitude” and was there on the spot to move with a fair amount of authority. 

Regarding the transmission, another member of the review staff claimed that “there aren’t enough Os in smooth for this.” No shifts were rough or clunky in the least, with a few of the senior editors spending six hour shifts in the saddle and enjoying every minute. With all the seats folded, the cargo space is massive, and this has made the Tahoe a huge hit with growing families and businesses nationwide!


Friday, March 24, 2023

2023 Chevy Silverado RST Crew Cab Scales Things up For Spring With Brand-New Base Engine

2023 Chevy Silverado 1500

The 2023 Chevy Silverado has been winning over customers left and right here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse with its excellent range of towing and hauling features, long cabin, and selection of available powertrains. The diesel engine option now cranks out more power, and truck shoppers that are so well known for their brand loyalty are thrilled to test drive all of these new arrivals on the lot. The 2023 model’s diesel engine enjoys a 28-horsepower increase, as well as 35 lb-ft of torque. 

The GM Authority auto blogging team clued us in last week about the new addition to the RST Crew Cab, which is now ready to take on the challenges of work or the fun of weekend play with a new base engine. Up until now, Silverado 1500 Crew Cab models used the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter L84 gas engine, and the exciting new addition is the 2.7-liter inline 4 L3B gas engine. The 2023 RST Crew Cab models will still offer the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas engine, and the 3.0-Liter I6 LZO turbo diesel Duramax as an option.

The new engine cranks out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.3-liter V8 L84 joins the part with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. We are admittedly huge fans of the 6.2-liter V8 L87 gas engine, which is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, truly offering up the trusty driving experience that all truck owners are consistently after. The 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 rides on the GM T1 platform and is produced by the dedicated workers on duty at the GM Fort Wayne plant in Indiana. 

We loved what the Edmunds.com review team had to say after their test drive, as they reflected that “The Silverado 1500 stays true to its old-school roots, and the overall value factor makes it a top pick.” Acceleration and braking ranked as excellent, and their test model shot up to 60 mph in about 7 seconds at their official test track. Cruising around town, the transmission shifts were very smooth and made the most of the engine’s plentiful low-end torque. Another one of their favorite features was the optional ventilated and split-heated front seats ideal for extra comfort. 

The current year Silverado’s interior offered up the long-awaited upgrade that Silverado owners were requesting for years! Easy-to-use controls, a swift touchscreen and very large buttons, and plenty of space for adults in the crew cab are other highlights that attract many who are after the most capable and reliable truck in the segment. An available 13.4-inch touchscreen offers a wide range of capability, with a high-res screen that is ideally responsive and intuitive. The Google-powered voice recognition system allows for changing the station and adjusting the climate control. 

A commanding view of the road, ample power, and tough front-end styling are other Silverado traits that will immediately put a smile on your face, offering up the sought after full-size truck personality that is currently in high demand. The RST trim offers up very cool extras in the form of body-color exterior trim, 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED foglights and taillights, and a single-speed transfer case.


Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Celebrating the Quick + Capable: Why the Chevy Silverado EV is the Best Electric Truck for 2023

With the EV market heating up, each big manufacturer has added their own variant into the mix, and our loyal customers here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse can’t wait to test drive our very own. After the Silverado EV is officially launched, it will be the most budget-friendly EV of the bunch, all the while offering more power and range than the rest. This EV can tow just as much as its gas-powered sibling! We’ve put together a list of all the other reasons why the Silverado is most definitely the King of the Competition!

Segment-Leading Powertrain Potential

The 2023 Silverado EV will first be available in the entry-level Work Truck and top-tier RST First Edition. It is built on GM’s advanced Ultium EV Platform, which accounts for its excellent range and powerful performance. There will also be the choice of the same electric powertrain used in the Hummer EV, which offers multiple options for the driving range. The Work Truck version will crank out 510 horsepower and more than 785 lb-ft of torque, with the RST version bringing 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque to the table. 

“How Long Does the Fun Really Last?” All About the Range

On top of all the other stellar performance stats, the Silverado EV also nails down a 400-mile range, which beats the Hummer EV by about 70 miles. We are frequently looking into what the Ford F-150 Lightning has in its playbook, and it's currently working with about 320 miles of predicted range. Both the Work Truck and RST models will be able to use DC fast charging, at convenient speeds of up to 350 kW. This breaks down to about 90 miles of range in a lightning-fast ten minutes!

The “Ready For Anything” Benefits of Bi-Directional Charging

The Silverado EV can be had with the available Ultium Home accessory charging unit. It has up to 10 open outlets for a total of 10.2kW of all-electric output. This is incredibly handy for recreational needs, and can even keep the lights on in your house for about three weeks! As far as the age-old “doubling up” concept, you can also use an available accessory charge cord to allow the Silverado to even juice up your roommate or spouse’s SUV while you’re at it. And on future models, customers may be able to store extra energy to avoid sticker shock on their monthly home electric bill.

The Multi-Flex Midgate’s Stance on the Bigger Stuff

The RST First Edition is now equipped with the Multi-Flex Midgate, allowing you to easily make ample room for the next things you need to haul. You can simply open it up and expand your capability, while still having plenty of room for the rear-row passengers to be comfy. With the Midgate open, there’s a contractor-ready 9 feet of storage in between the tailgate and the cab. One of the sweet additions we’d definitely opt for is the custom Chevy tonneau cover, which will easily keep everything you’ve got safe from mother nature’s constantly changing elements. 

The Coming Convenience of Ultra Cruise

For now, the Silverado EV is equipped with Super Cruise, which offers up a hands-free experience even while completing towing duty. When the Adaptive Cruise Control is on and you’re on a compatible road, the symbol on the instrument cluster turns white, and you’re good to go after pushing a button on the steering wheel. Many expert car reviewers have loved their time on the road with this handy feature and are excited about the coming of its updated counterpart called Ultra Cruise. Technology is currently under development, but we’ll keep you updated here on the blog about its promising progress!


Monday, March 6, 2023

2024 Chevy Trailblazer Boosts Already-Strong Curb Appeal W/ Stylish Makeover

2024 Chevy Trailblazer

As buying trends ebb and flow here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, the models with the most practical appeal always stand out strongly. The 2024 Chevy Trailblazer was the topic of discussion on the U.S News car blog last week, as its recent facelift adds new safety and technology options, fresh colors, and a captivating new exterior styling. One of the features that are aligned perfectly with current demand is the larger 11-inch diagonal center display, along with an 8-inch diagonal driver information center. 

Just for starters, this addition is standard across all trims, which is quite an improvement over the 7-inch screens residing in earlier models. This bigger screen also features the Chevy Infotainment System, allowing for handy over-the-air software updates, built-in Google compatibility, Google Assistant, and the ever-useful Amazon Alexa. Apple services are also available in the 2024 infotainment system, which offers Siri’s assistance as well as Apple Music. The 2024 Trailblazers also provide the benefit of a Wi-Fi hotspot if you already have an active AT&T data plan, and the LT, ACTIV, and RS trims boast wireless charging.

The watchful high-tech eyes of Chevy Safety Assist are standard on all trims, and include automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, and lane assist with lane departure warning systems. You’ll also be cruising with full-on confidence courtesy of following distance indicator, forward collision alert system, and adaptive cruise control. It’s not just an “everyday and usual occurrence” when new colors are added to the mix, as this is an opportunity to make your Chevy stand out supremely. The 2024 Trailblazer adds Cacti Green, Copper Harbor Metallic, and Jet Black with an exterior Artemis accent. 

We know that it adds to the already foot-tapping excitement factor when there are new features to check out during the test drive, and the 2024 Trailblazer doesn’t disappoint! There is a new front fascia, trim-specific grille and lighting designs, standard push-button start, standard cruise control, and a higher definition rear camera now standard. The Motor Trend review team praised this year’s Trailblazer model for its ample cargo space and roomy second row, along with its 29/31 mpg city/highway fuel economy factor. 

The RS Trim extends a healthy nod of appreciation towards all things aggressive and sporty that came from decades of creating America’s favorite cars! It offers up black-out exterior trim, a modified mesh grille, chrome dual exhaust tips, and flashy 19-inch wheels. The Activ model is the one that confidently boosts your trail-conquering abilities, with sport-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension. Safety ratings are one of the most important qualities as consumers choose between many options, and the Trailblazer’s 2023 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. 

Standard equipment also includes one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a four-speaker audio system. You can double down on the sound experience with a premium Bose seven-speaker setup, with most everything in the engine bay remaining the same and powered by the turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder. A few extra additions of previously optional equipment will also now be included on all models, including push-button start, cruise control, and a high-def backup camera.