GM Authority Spots 2023 Chevy Colorado Desert Boss in the Wild With “Borrowed Bison Goods”

We all enjoy being able to quickly check our phones or tablets to find out just about anything about a new or upcoming vehicle, and all of us here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse get especially excited when we find spy shots for those vehicles! In a very interesting new development, GM Authority spy photographers snapped a Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss prototype being tested with, surprisingly, the beadlock wheels from the upcoming 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison.

The shots you can see here clearly show that the wheels of the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss match the ones that had originally been teased in the photos of the ZR2 Bison prototype just before its official debut. It is a bit hard to discern exactly why the ZR2 Desert Boss prototype was sporting the beadlocks and it may be that GM is taking the time to thoroughly test the wheel and tire combo before it places them on the online configurator and beyond. 

One slight difference between the two sets of shots is that the Bison was wearing Goodyear Duratrac tires, while the spied prototype was hitting the pavement with Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT rubber. It could also be quite possible that the beadlock wheels may be a sweet add-on accessory option for the Standard ZR2, or even as a juicy component of the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2. The Desert Boss Special Edition package is an all-out banger for off-road enthusiasts, as its goodies leave you extremely well-prepped for any stream or boulder-strewn outing.

The package also steps things up a notch with an off-road front bumper complete with a safari bar, and a 40-inch roof off road light bar for illuminating summer Baja nights. Extras such as the tailgate and front Fender Decal Package step things up from entry-level ordinary, and the underbody camera alerts you to the many pitfalls (no, NOT like the 1980s video game!) that may spring up during the task. Ultimately, the 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is expected to be an indirect replacement for the 2023 Colorado ZR2 Desert Boss. 

The Bison sweeps confidently out of the gate with upgrades such as 3-inch LT315/70R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, long-travel Multimatic DSSV dampers, amazing hydraulic bump stops, and two inches of ground clearance above and beyond the standard ZR2. Engine duties are handled by the same powertrain (undoubtedly a good thing), with the 2.7-liter Inline-4 L3B Turbo High-Output gasoline engine cranking out 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The all-new Colorado will also quench the thirst that buyers have for the usefulness of the drive mode, with this model offering both the diverse Terrain and Baja settings to fine-tune your performance.

Unlike bed mounts on previous models, this one bolted the spare to an upright at the back of the cab, which frees up more space for cargo. We firmly believe that “to adventure is the human condition”, and one constant principle over the cycle of humanity is the need to roam. It has been so incredibly exciting to watch these rock-crawling machines find and keep their way within the current market, as everyone getting out of the city for the weekend have come in droves for the truck. We will keep you posted right here on the blog about any more sightings and updates regarding the Colorado, and all the other vehicles here at the Powerhouse that are primed for the alluring adventure and fun of the summer!

Top Speed Crew Hails 2023 Chevy Camaro LT1 as “Tremendously Fierce + Attention-Grabbing”

The Camaro has stood out as a class-leading contender in the exciting muscle car world and right here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse for over 40 years, wowing fans and curious onlookers alike with its ferocious performance and design. Its telltale F-body style type and distinct engine note rendered it an excellent choice to show off at car meets, where unanimous heaps of attention are always guaranteed. Even though the Camaro has changed drastically over the years, it still is the supercharged and aggro competition against the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. 

After the addition of several special editions and track-focused models, the Camaro has even lit up the roaring and rubber-bruised tracks at NASCAR events. There are many shapes and sizes to choose from, but there is still one glowing (and piston-pounding!) example that you absolutely must closely examine if you are on the hunt for adrenaline in its purest form. The 2023 Chevy Camaro LT1 comes with a set of features that the Top Speed blogging crew claimed makes it the BEST budget muscle car in existence.

The LT1 offers up its own recipe of power that is identical to the Camaro SS, courtesy of a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that cranks out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It’s perfectly mated with a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission as standard, with the option to upgrade to the efficient and very smooth 10-speed automatic. Bearing all this fierce gear as inspirational gusto, the Camaro can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds on the testing asphalt. The LT1 model is also fitted with Magnetic Ride Control, which ensures that the suspension offers up the highest quality of drive comfort. 

The launch control system that is included with the optional 10-speed automatic allows for lightning-fast starts, and a limited-slip differential aids with traction control while you accelerate. The Camaro LT1 managed to deliver 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 20 mph combined. What this review team along with many other experts out there praised was its perfect blend of a traditional Camaro with a modern aesthetic that makes stealing a glance impossible to hide. The LT1 model also comes with a neurodynamic body and an active diffuser that beefs performance up an even higher notch.

The standard audio setup is a 6-speaker sound system, and other great high-tech features include a rear-view camera standard, a keyless poster start button, a keyless entry, and a USB port for all the necessary devices. Among the safety features included as standard are airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The RS Package offers unique styling upgrades with wicked cool dark tint LED tail lamps, RS-specific grilles, black front and rear BowTie emblems, and a decklid-mounted lip spoiler. 

As gas-engine production is coming to an end, this is a fantastic time to own one of the finest muscle cars to ever scorch pavement and blast past checkered flags. Six generations of pure high-octane thrills were born and bred from this all-American classic, which was fondly admired by many as “Bumblebee” from the Transformers film franchise. The original 1968 Camaro Z/28 came out of the gate snarling with a unique emblem, thick racing stripes, and the very unique non-convertible model that wore on its sleeve just how much this car means business. We’d love to see you here this summer at the Powerhouse for a test drive of this or any other of our models, when the long and sunny days render primo pavement that is begging for attention! 

2024 Chevy Trax’s Redesign Renders a Sleek, Sporty, and Budget-Minded Masterpiece

 

We have recently seen a few articles circulating while on duty here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse reporting on the lack of budget-friendly crossovers on the market, and that there are so few left you can count them on one hand! The 2024 Chevy Trax has been completely redesigned from the wheels up, and full-on enjoys the honor of being the most affordable bow-tie model out there. The front end offers up a sportier and sleek look, and the wheelbase is slightly longer like its close relative in the form of the Trailblazer.

The various trim levels are lined up and poised for action depending on your preference, with the base LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Active models athletically flexed and at your service! You can properly celebrate summer’s arrival with a power sunroof on the 1RS model and up, and each model comes with the 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder that cranks out 137 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft of torque. Even with the lofty goal of assuring an inexpensive vehicle offers up the tech and safety goods consumers are hungry for, the interior provides a roomy and contemporary style.

The Activ and 2Rs trims are equipped with the new 8-inch instrument screen, and 11-inch infotainment touchscreen. The climate controls are not incorporated directly into the touchscreen and are easily accessible buttons and knobs directly below it. The LT and 1RS models come with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen along with a 3.5-inch driver info display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard across all models, along with go-anywhere Wi-Fi capability. The Trax’s current model boosted its exterior dimensions up a notch to add more legroom for rear passengers, with the rear seats offering better headroom than many other crossovers in the segment.

The Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue are two of the competitors the Trax must closely keep its eyes on during the fierce battle for attention among those in its category, with its road manners and price point allowing for a solid breed of market dominance. Each model comes with an expertly equipped tool to make each ride more peaceful: the noise cancelling feature pairs with an already-smooth engine to offer a hushed ride. Features such as a “sport” driving mode have been bypassed in the name of frugality, but suspension and cabin comfort are up to par just as they are on much pricier models.

The Driving.Ca auto review team was immediately pleased with the six-speed automatic, which is much more engaging than the industry’s typical offering of typical CVT. They also rated the transmission performance as “excellent”, with ratios excellently paired to the powertrain’s power delivery. The engine proved to be adequately torque-rich directly off the line, while easily conquering even steep grades for punchy acceleration. Also scoring high points for its great comfort factor, fuel efficiency, and practicality, the Trax’s two lowest trims still offer up heated front seats, USB and USB-C ports, and available rear park assist.

The 2RS, Activ, and LT trims offer wireless charging, a digital dash, adaptive cruise, and heated steering wheel. Successfully combining the practicality of a compact car and the utility of an SUV, the prominent grille and slim LED daytime running lights drew a healthy dose of influence from the sporty and quite popular reincarnation of the Blazer, and the new model rolls with a four-inch lower roofline and inch higher ground clearance. The Trax’s standard safety features include lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Midsize + Marvelous: 5 Things to Love About the 2023 Chevy Colorado

 

When any type of vehicle has remained the absolute same for quite some time, even diehard classics may need to take the course of a “slight refresher”. Here at the Mid-Missouri powerhouse the Chevy Colorado is one of our top favorites, as it proves consistently that you don't have to be the largest of the group to exude greatness at every mile. The 2023 Chevy Colorado is now officially hitting the scene with improved technology, more power, and better handling along with new features.

The expert rig reviewers at Cars.com posted a blog last week about 5 of their favorite qualities the Colorado boasts, and reasons why it’s time to pack up the outdoor gear and celebrate its top-notch skills!

Hefty yet Agile Handling for the Win: The lead auto editor for the team spent time in four of the five new Colorado trims on a trip out to San Diego, and it was impressed with the handling right away. Standing incredibly firm and upright when it comes to competition such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado offers up a very firm pedal and precise handling, which are excellent traits to have once you hop off-road.

Thoroughly Equipped to the Nines: Even the base models of this year’s Colorado come with very impressive and simple-to-use technology, including a bright and simple-to-use tech interface. There’s an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Google directly built in, and a very useful assortment of safety warning and control systems. Cold mornings made easier with remote start, a rearview camera with trailer hitch guidance, adaptive cruise control, and power seats are other features that anyone who loves extras will be thrilled with.

Decked Out + Innovative Interior: The base-level WT trim is very sturdy and reliable and is an excellent entry point for the discovery of a world-class truck! Here the interior is a bit basic, but as you move up the trim line to the LT and beyond, there are nicer materials and more exclusive color schemes. No matter which trims you ultimately settle on, you’ll find plenty of room to spread out. One modern luxury touch that every vehicle owner loves is an abundance of seat adjustments, providing a means for any sized passenger to achieve segment-leading comfort.

Powertrains for Premium Performance:

The Colorado’s base engine is now a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder that is good for 259 lb.-ft of torque, which is a 37-horsepower rise from the old Colorado’s standard engine. Available as an option on lower trims and coming standard with upper variants is another awesome creation from the 4-cylinder camp: the 310-horsepower, turbo 2.7-liter 4-cylinder with 390 lb.-ft of torque. These are both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and your choice of rear or 4-wheel drive. The short sprint up to 60 mph is just seven seconds even with the more powerful engine option.

NOT Pint-Sized: Primo Off-road Potential:

This year’s model offers the first-ever Trail Boss trim, which is based on the WT and then beefs things up heartily with the addition of standard 4WD, a 2-inch lift kit, the 310-horsepower engine, and either standard 18-inch or available 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. There are multiple drive modes to conquer any type of demanding terrain, hill descent control, and a surround-view option that allows you to enjoy your best version of a bird’s (or layman’s!) eye with up to ten different views. The popularity of escaping urban confines and asphalt has risen drastically in the past few years, and the Colorado is just the ticket to navigating the adventure-rich trails, streams, and boulders in the wild.

2023 Chevy Suburban High-Country Leads XXL Segment with Supreme Hauling Ability, Impressive Technology

 

Even though there have been so many various movements to shrink sizes, conserve fuel, and lessen carbon footprints worldwide, all of us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse firmly recognize that there’s still a healthy and deep-seeded need for heavy haulers. The 2023 Chevy Suburban is a widely appealing and capable family SUV that boasts not only the best in technology but the added luxury touch to sway buyers who are seeking the finer things in life.

The High Country is the top-of-the-line trim that blends innovative features, practical capability, and high-end touches to offer one of the most sought-after SUVs today. It’s all tied together perfectly with the powertrain presence in the form of an old-school V8-powered body-on-frame SUV, which results in the perfect balance of the future and the functional force of the past. Proudly kept on as one of the longest continuous-running nameplates in the industry, the Suburban traces its roots back to its introduction in 1934.

Bearing a strong resemblance and form of functionality to the original model, the 2023 Suburban can easily lug all your possessions, pets, and then some, along with towing a trailer to boot. Drivers have told us here at the Powerhouse that they love the outright capability of a truck along with the ride quality and interior trimmings of a luxury vehicle, with many claiming it’s the most capable vehicle out there right now. This year’s model also boasts independent rear suspension to offer first-class ride quality and interior comfort.

Making things easier during every drive has been a very innovative and useful benefit of today’s vehicles, and GM’s Super Cruise is an excellent means of taking the Suburban to another intelligent level. If your eyes are situated in an alert position, you’ll be enjoying hands-free driving on digitally mapped regions nationwide, saving valuable energy for your destination. The 6.2-liter ECOTEC 3 V-8 engine enthusiastically cranks out 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque, which is recognized as a significant upgrade over the 5.3-liter V8 that offers 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque.

This capable engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with a unique quality of smoothness and precision. This match made in heaven of a classic and high-performing engine with a very modern transmission is a pair that is consistently complementing each other during performance and makes the Suburban the ruling giant it is. This coveted display of ability is sufficient to throttle the 6,121-lb High Country model up to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.

EPA fuel ratings are situated at 14 mpg city and 18 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 16 mpg. With the expertly engineered aid of Magnetic campers and Air Ride, the 2023 Suburban High Country is widely known for offering the best ride quality of any currently offered SUV. As conditions change even within the frequently challenging confines of the city limits, you can add ground clearance on a whim for heightened capability. Once you are ready to park, the Suburban can lower down simply to make getting in and out easier.

On top of making the challenges of off-roading easier, the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension can lower the Suburban even while cruising at speeds over 65 mph to improve fuel economy. It also makes the Suburban a fully-fledged load-leveling master, even while handling massive cargo up to 8,300 lbs. If you are seeking an ultimate family car that is easy to live with and tough enough to meet daunting demands, the Suburban is a time-tested Powerhouse favorite!