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!

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!

2023 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss Model Defies Dirt + Double Lines with Larger Size, Improved Interior

Most truck enthusiasts here at Mid Mo Powerhouse have a specific list of characteristics they’re looking for in their next truck. While we waited for the official details on the 2023 Chevy Colorado, the staff on duty at Car and Driver did an excellent job of filling us in on all the features that truck lovers everywhere could look forward to. The newer model will grow slightly with a wider exterior design and have a greatly improved interior.

There’s a brand-new Trail Boss trim level for the 2023 Colorado, while the V6 and Duramax Diesel engines are replaced by the Silverado 1500’s turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four. This smaller-size yet potent package under the hood has a range of 230 to 310 horsepower, while delivering 430 lb-ft of torque. The official word right now is that the third generation Colorado will see a production start date in the first half of next year right here in the Show-Me State at GM’s Wentzville, MO assembly plant, where the GMC Canyon and current Colorado are built. 

The Car and Driver staff start things off by saying that the new 2023 Colorado succeeds greatly at having all the best ingredients and that its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine cranks out as much horsepower as the V6 in the competing Nissan’s brand-new Frontier. Since the previous model had become so popular, it made sense to offer the new one exclusively as the 4-door crew cab with the shorter 5’ 2” box. From the entry-level work truck trim up to the boulder-conquering ZR2 off-roader, this midsize marvel has been stellar at giving people what most people want and much more than they actually need. 

The new Colorado has 2.3 inches of width on the previous model, and each trim sports a 3.1-inch-longer wheelbase, with a shorter front overhang that is a great help with the off-road friendly 38.3-degree approach angle. All of us here at the powerhouse know that the Tacoma TRD Pro is very stiff in terms of competition, and it offers up just 35.0 degrees of approach as far as this constant duel is concerned. Many customers that are buying trucks with working hard in mind and playing even harder have towing capacity on their minds as a “must”, and the Trail Boss trim model is the segment leader with its 7700-pound rating. 

We assume that the all-important fuel economy rating will still weigh in at right around 19 city and 25 mpg, and this turbocharged 2.7-liter engine is equipped with stop-start technology and active cylinder management that senses when the time is right to save fuel, then limits combustion to only two cylinders. Included as standard equipment are the spray-on bedliner, 17-inch wheels with 33-inch mud-ready tires, front and rear electronic locking differentials, and extra protection underneath for the trials of the trail.

J.D. Power Ranks Chevy Silverado “Best Large Light-Duty Pickup” in 2022 IQS

We have always appreciated and admired the Chevy Silverado 1500 here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse, as it’s our signature breed of work truck, and a perfect vehicle to take on adventuresome weekend expeditions. Some customers who are looking for the truck that will best meet their needs have a checklist that they won't bend the rules on, and some are just happy to drive away in something that looks and runs amazing. For those that are always on the watch for awards and accolades, the Silverado is already having another successful year!

The Chevy Silverado 1500 has recently secured another bragging right: J.D. Power ranked it as the “Best Large Light-Duty Pickup”. The J.D. Power IQS is now enjoying its 36th year, giving the final word on major car brands and individual vehicle models with a final ranking based on responses from brand new vehicle owners. This 2022 study is based on return survey responses from over 84,000 individuals, all surveyed very early on after they purchased a new vehicle. 

These savvy consumers who provided their input were asked to answer 223 questions that ranked the vehicle’s quality based on nine important traits. Among these were powertrain capability, climate, accessibility of controls and displays, exterior, driving assistance features, infotainment, interior, seat comfort,  other features, and overall driving experience. Once these answers are calculated, J.D. Power provides a finished ranking using a metric that dictates “Problems Per 100 Vehicles”: the lower this score, the higher the vehicle ranks in overall quality.

Individual models were also grouped into very specific segments, with our prized light-duty Chevy Silverado 1500 taking the very top honors in the Large Light Duty Pickup category. The runner-up models in the segment include the light-duty GMC Sierra 1500, as well as the rival in the form of the Ford F150. The Bow Tie brand enjoyed the success of securing six segment wins total, including the Chevy Corvette as the premium Sporty Car win, The Chevy Equinox for the compact SUV, The Chevy Malibu as the midsize car, and The Chevy Silverado HD and Chevy Tahoe for the larger sized heavy-duty pickup and SUV segments. 

GM’s full-size truck category had also outsold the Ford F-series and Ram pickup during the second quarter of this year, continuing along with the GMC Sierra to be the best-selling manufacturer of full-size pickups in the nation. Adding to these high-performing and sought-after lineups, Chevy recently officially teased the upcoming 2023 Chevy Silverado ZR2 Bison made with the assistance of world-class field and stream (as well as Army-Grade engineering!) AEV Outfitters. After this, GM will refresh both the Sierra HD and Silverado HD, and for the 2024 model year, they will both gain updated exterior styling, overhauled cabins, along with more horsepower and torque for the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel.