Mountains, Mudslinging, and More: Z71 Off-Road Trim Takes Center Stage in Tahoe, Suburban Sales

Our full-size SUVs have always been a customer favorite here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, as many drivers are looking for large-scale people movers to get the job done! The Tahoe and Suburban both offer six very sweet trim levels, with a variety of different styles and features to hit the road with. There’s the entry-level LS, the mid-range LT, the trail-ready Z71, the sportier RST, the upper-end Premier, and top-of-the-line High Country.

This assortment offers up many different features that have added to our brand’s appeal for so many decades, but there’s one trim level that stands out from the rest as far as popularity. Chevy marketing exec Todd Brown claimed that the Z71 trim level accounts for 23 percent of the total vehicle sales of this sturdy pair, which could be surprising to some. For the 2024 model year, some of the Z71’s highlights include two front-mounted red recovery hooks, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and the all-protecting performance front skid plate. 

The adaptive air ride suspension allows for on-the-spot adjustments that assist with off-roading and challenging terrain, and 4-wheel-drive is included as standard. Demand for the Tahoe and Suburban’s Z71 models is expected to increase over the next year, since GM is offering both models with a 3.0-Liter I6 LZO turbodiesel Duramax. This powertrain is a replacement for the 3.0-Liter I6 LM2 turbodiesel and cranks out 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque minus a long crank. You can take things to the next level with the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 L84 gas engine, proudly affixed to the GM T1 platform.

The 2024 Suburban comes equipped with a massive interior, high towing capacity, and newly revised infotainment system. The Suburban has been in continuous production longer than any other vehicle in the nation. The Suburban is 15 inches longer than the Tahoe, with an incredibly useful 16 cubic feet of additional cargo room behind the 3rd-row seats. This has long been known as America’s quintessential hauling king and remains a strong contender for any operation that deems itself a full-fledged fleet. 

So many drivers love that the Suburban is one of the most spacious vehicles out there that isn’t a van, while also exuding so much more personality than other large SUV models. Here, this popular Z71 trim offers uphill descent control, a unique front fascia to improve ground clearance, and a very stunningly cloaked black and dark chrome exterior trim.

The 2024 Tahoe is incredibly popular for its spacious cabin, excellent technology features, and wide variety of engine choices. It is rugged and yet still very well domesticated. The Z71 trim is perfect for this vehicle which is a workhorse with a dutiful penchant for wandering in the wild. Without completely over-reaching, the Z71 treatment adds the cool extras of chunky all-terrain tires, the skid plate, and a distinctive honeycomb grille.

The Tahoe also snagged up the honors of the “Best Large SUV of 2024” from J.D. Power and remains a strong choice for anyone wanting to carry a lot of people or bring a trailer along for the fun. For the ultimate in off-road preparedness, the Off-Road Capability Package also offers adaptive dampers to take on the ruts and ravines of the wild.

2021 C8 Corvette Convertible Celebrates 18th Outing As Prized Pace Car During Indy 500's Summer Sizzle

After blowing the minds of many car experts who were eagerly waiting for the first mid-engined Corvette to debut two years ago in a California hangar, the rabid excitement and amazing performance of the C8 lives on this summer! During the legendary Indianapolis 500 last weekend, the C8 enjoyed an honor that the Corvette has previously been selected for 18 times: pacing the eager and pavement-hungry lineup while being propped up dauntingly on display.

This year the honors went to a striking 2021 C8 Corvette stealthily brandishing an Arctic White finish with black and yellow accents, which also happened to be the first convertible 'Vette to pace the Indy 500 since 2008. The Corvette is very iconic and unique in each model type and trim, but this particular head of the class wore a very awesome stripe package and stingray decals, with the addition of integrated strobe lights in the taillights, front louver, and headlights. This allows for the convertible to do away with the slight eyesore of a traditional light bar, and the car made an illustrious showing with its 6.2-liter engine mated with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

During the Motor Trend team's testing sessions, the convertible managed to pipe it rapidly on up to 60 mph in a stunning 2.8 seconds and galloped through the quarter-mile at just 11.1 seconds. Everyone on sizzling summer duty here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse expects a slew of much more powerful C8 variants to come in the future and evolve over time just as the C7 line did to be fully prepared for pace car duty.

The Stingray took the job for the stunning C7's debut, followed up by the Z06 two years later, and then the Grand Sport before the grand finale in the blisteringly fast form of the ZR1. The Cnet auto review team spent a solid few weeks on the road with the C8, and were astonished at how incredibly quiet it was with it up in the cabin, yet fully embraced the noise of the highway once it was down. They also noted that with the well-engineered heated seats, you could rock this number with the top down for many months after the glorious days of summer!

With the modern marvel of the mid-engined layout, the available power for the C8 from layman's terms is never overwhelming, and the amount of focus the cockpit has on the driver feels as if a figment of 2001: A Space Odyssey collided perfectly with the greats of European supercar engineering. Coming in at an “absolute performance bargain” against the likes of the twice-as-pricey Acura NSX, reclaiming your social freedom this summer will be a snap with a vehicle as sensational as this!

2020 Chevy Traverse Enjoys Milestone Roll-out in Lansing: It's #3 Million and Going Strong

A 2020 Chevy Traverse that just rolled off the line at the General Motors' Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant today could easily be the most memorable one that has ever been built! It's already decked out to the 9s because it is a Premier Redline Edition, with a finish in Silver Ice Metallic. This vehicle gets to boast quite a claim to fame and unique luster: it was the three millionth vehicle to roll of the Lansing Assembly line since the plant opened 13 years ago!

The very first vehicle built at Lansing was a white Saturn Outlook, and it rolled off the production area on May 24, 2006. The one-millionth vehicle was a GMC Acadia Denali built in November 2011, while the two-millionth car was a Buick Enclave in August 2015. GM's Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant now employs 2,500 employees during two shifts to construct the Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave. When you meet us here at the Mid-Missouri Powerhouse for a March test drive, you'll immediately realize that the strong-selling Traverse is the vehicle that offers a best-in-class cargo of 98.2 cubic feet and an overall vehicle score of 5 stars courtesy of the NHTSA.

Make sure to check out the Redline Edition: it adds a sporty touch to the Traverse with details such as Black and Red badging, 20-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels with Red accents, and black Chevy bowtie emblems, grille, foglamp bezels, window, trim, and roof rails. The power source is a 3.6-liter V6 that cranks out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, and the turbocharged 4-cylinder will no longer be offered as of 2020.

The plant's Executive Director Mike Trevorrow claimed during an interview last week that “Our workforce is second to none, and every time the transporters head out to dealerships across the country, the hard work and pride of everyone at Lansing Delta Township Assembly goes with them.” Seeing a massive resurgence of manufacturing employment and vitality has made the entire state of Michigan robust and full of pride once again, and that pride is resembled in every single new model that lays their fresh tires down on ready pavement.

The Mylink infotainment system has been replaced with infotainment 3, and the very useful

Teen Driver feature now includes a reminder to buckle your seat belt before shifting into gear. The Traverse can seat seven or 8 people, depending on whether you choose a model with a bench seat in the second row, or with captain’s chairs. Cargo space is ranked at 23 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which is enough room for more than a dozen pieces of valuable carry- on. If you fold down the second-and third-row seats, the total is upped to 98.2 cubic feet. As always, you’ll enjoy the long-term benefits of a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/ 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2019 Camaro Troop-In-Development Spotted Poised For Testing Outside Proving Grounds

Many diehard Camaro aficionados were ridiculously excited about the sixth-generation edition that went on sale two years ago, as more diverse and powerful variations on the style we love so much progressed. Compared to previous generations, the sixth-generation Camaros were 2.3” shorter, .8 “ less wide, and 1.1 “ shorter in the height department. Even though the equipment and engine remained nearly the same, boasting a 200-lb lighter frame was one of its most innovative traits. A ZL1 trim level with a supercharged 6.2-L V8 was available for this year’s model, as well as a grill opening that is found much lower. Wider front fenders that do the job of accommodating slightly larger tires proved to be a prime selling point, as well as unique rockers and Magnetic Ride Suspension to assure you of a steady journey.

Right here in Columbia, scores of our customers tell us how excited they get when they hear the roar of a well-adjusted Camaro, and they have long been a car that is capable of satisfying many demographics. Just recently, a barrage of Camaros covered in camouflage was spotted outside of GM’s Milford Proving Grounds. Our carefully gleaned sources told us that present for the roundup were nearly every style of the prominent brand, from the entry-point 4-cylinder on up to the strong and snarling 650-horsepower ZL1.

There should be a noticeable difference in front and rear fascias on the models up for release just two years down the road, but the center section so far looks to be unaltered for the most part. It’s hard to say exactly what type of styling we’ll see during these early stages of development, but updated lighting in the front and rear should be present, to complement other recent changes to the body. When a car that has as much prowess and raw history as a Camaro goes through any sort of upgrade, many of its avid drivers request more pulling power.

The 2019 Camaros should effectively gain a few valuable notches in the power department, and there could be a chance that a DOHC V8 may be under the hood. The 10-speed automatic should continue its presence in many new Camaro models, and in the days to come, we’re sure that more sneak peeks will show fans just how the appearance and special features are coming along. Seeing as how the current output from a 6.2 -liter V8 is 650 bhp and 650 lb-ft of torque, we can only assume that the newer models will be avidly racing to one-up the current 0 to 60 mph time that you can achieve.

Past available features such as suede steering wheel, short-throw shifter, and three-piece rear spoilers will most likely be offered for future models, and we can all agree that two years can pass by quickly: Come check us out on West Main St. in Lynn to see how you can get situated with a late-model Camaro ASAP. This vehicle is so much more than just a direct competitor of the Mustang, and one that you are going to love owning for all the years you get to call her yours. Production just returned proudly to the United States 5 years ago, and owning one is a tradition that hardworking men and women across the nation will take the highest level of pride in.

Mid-Missouri Horde on Horsepower: 2018 Chevy Tahoe Rally Sport's Truck Package

The Suburban has long been the vehicle of choice for those who crave a rugged ride that will simply not back down to any challenge. It's not just for those who want to venture into the wilderness: the Suburban as well as the Tahoe have been loyal workhorses for those in the telecommunications, broadcasting, and construction industries. If you are now looking for a durable vehicle that can serve you well with an awesome appearance, look no further. Buyers interested in either of these supreme vehicles have the option with the Rally Sport Package to do some awesome upgrading, and see just how fun their new purchase can be in the very near future.

You can add a Borla performance exhaust to the vehicle for starters, which drastically adds to the pleasantly gruff growl. It can even increase engine horsepower and torque throughout the RMP range, which allows for quicker acceleration when suddenly needing to pass another vehicle. Creators of the "Cat Back" performance exhaust, this is a brand whose name has been held in very high regard since 1978. Working hard to improve the performance of the vehicle, this upgrade will make those who love to roar through the streets with a bit of muscular boost behind them.

You can also acquire the 6.2-liter V8 found in the Silverado with the Tahoe's RST, which boisterously belts out 460-lb of torque alongside 420 horsepower. Having a towing capacity of 8,400 lbs is sure to inspire those out there who are needing to secure anything from timber to to giving a tow, and you can even opt for the V-8 package for the Tahoe. When you make the choice to select the V8, you are opting for the same version of the 10L80 10-speed automatic that is under the hood of the Camaro ZL1, and the Ford F-150 Raptor.

The driver will enjoy taller gear ratios that provide more space between the speeds, and you will notice the drastic difference right away in shift tuning. The 6.2-liter also brings into use the GMs magnetorheoligoical suspension: a technology that goes hard to work to help the driver by adjusting the shock absorbers of said vehicle in real-time. There is actually a monotube damper filled with magentorheological fluid, located on each single wheel, and an electronic control unit responsible for the job of coordinating the entire system.

By choosing either of these awesome upgrades, you are assuring that you have a highly precise and extremely fast response ride. Your vehicle will truly have the potential to "draw" force-velocity curve, and the poise and control you will notice as a result is guaranteed to have you excited to get behind the wheel every single day. Here on the lot in Linn, we can show you how to utilize these upgrades to the best of your ability, and how to get behind the wheel of an awesome new ride right away. There are many trails off the beaten path to be explored, and many outdoors projects that have your name written all over them: the mountains and valleys of Missouri are always waiting to be conquered.

Mid-Missouri Milestone Consumer Report: Cruze and Malibu's Scorching Scores

The April 2017 issue of Consumer Reports was the authority for many who are wondering exactly which kind of car they should splurge for this year, and all of the reasons why its better than others. To be in the coveted "Top Pick" category for this well-followed publication, a car model first and foremost needs to have a great score within its own category. Road-test performance is key in selection, because many consumers want to know just how durable their car is when put to the test. Predicted reliability and owner satisfaction follow behind closely, because those that are reporting on how the car worked out for them are definitely an authority regarding how others would enjoy driving it.


Mapping out the finer points of how a car will behave for you and if it will meet your needs and budget is what Consumer Reports is all about, and the Chevy Cruze as well as Malibu enjoyed landing a spot on their Top Ten Picks this season. You may be planning on many weekend jaunts in the Mark Twain National Forest, or have a need for a car that can get you to work quickly: finding one that ranks high in safety is going to be of the utmost importance. For starters, all cars recommended by Consumer Reports must perform satisfactorily in accident-avoidance tests, which are administered right on their very own track. These are set up to provide top-notch protection for occupants, based on crash tests conducted by the government, as well as the insurance industry.

Having the means to predict how trouble-free new cars comes from studying the actual problems that are reported by subscribers in an annual survey from Consumer Reports, and many rely on this data before they make their next purchase. We are excited to be offering vehicles that push the envelope as far as performance, and meet the customer's needs every day as far as safety. When you are out there working hard for your family and other loved ones, you as a consumer want the stamp of approval that will assure you your choice is safe. The 153-horse turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a very hefty additive that keeps you quick off the line, while still just a touch on the conservative side.

You're going to love the attractive cabin, plenty of rear set legroom, and Teen Driver mode that you can put to use on the Cruze. Fully redesigned last year, this car has a big emphasis on technology, as it comes with a touchscreen radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a rearview camera to help you out of any tight parking situation you may find yourself in. 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, and a MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch central touchscreen are all other features that you're gonna love on the Cruze, a sedan that oozes sporty while proving it's practicality seamlessly. Come check out the car that earned the prestige and ranking of one of the best in the nation, and decide for yourself the other fine details of your next purchase!

Congratulations to Chevy!

Chevrolet is victorious! Three of their vehicles: Camaro, Bolt, Corvette, made it on the list of 10 Best Cars of 2017 by Car and Driver!

 To qualify  for Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars list, the vehicle must be:
• Less than $80,000
• Must be either a returning winner, all-new or significantly revised

To win the vehicle must be a good value, excel at its given mission, and critically, deliver a pleasurable driving experience. We only want the best of the best for our Jefferson City drivers so stop by  Mid-MO Powerhouse today to test drive your new Chevrolet! http://bit.ly/2lPlY7J

Ready To Redline Your Chevy?

It’s BACK!!! In response to the positive feedback in 2015, Chevrolet has decided to introduce the Redline special edition to a large number of their vehicles. Get excited St. Louis because this may be one of the largest and, if we do say so ourselves, on the most SPECTACULAR special editions that Chevrolet has ever released.

“Redline is another example of Chevrolet bringing SEMA concepts to showrooms,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet, in a statement. The SEMA show has proven to be a great way to identify customization trends in the industry, and quickly apply those trends to our most popular Chevrolet models.”

The Redline Special edition will add black wheels with distinctive red hash mark, black nameplates outlined in red, blacked-out grilles and black Chevy Bowtie logos. The Silverado and Colorado Redline will also come with red tow hook, while the Camaro’s front wheels will feature black hash marks.

This special edition package will be available on the Cruze LT, Malibu LT, Camaro LT and SS, Equinox LT, Silverado Double Cab LT Z71 and Crew Cab LTZ Z71, Trax LT, Traverse Premier, and lastly the Colorado.

The Redline special-edition will be available for ordering later this year. Until it’s available check out Mid-MO Powerhouse for all things Chevy!

Winter Weather Driving Tips!

Sorry folks, but Punxsutawney Phil has decided on a few more weeks of winter weather! There’s no need to worry because Chevrolet has a few simple tips for Jefferson City drivers. Mid-MO Powerhouse is here to help you prepare for any bad weather on the roads with a few simple tips:

1.     Get comfortable by removing all bulky clothing so you have full mobility for complete   control.
2.     Leave a pair of appropriate driving shoes that do not have bulky soles in your vehicle. This will allow you gauge how much pressure you are placing on your petals.
3.     Turn your heat down so you do not become drowsy.
4.     Be aware of the outside temperature. The most dangerous temperature range is between 24-34 degrees Fahrenheit.
5.     Be aware of how the winter conditions affect your traction! Snow gives you about 50% less traction while ice gives you about 75% less traction. Slow it down, break early, and be aware of your surroundings.
6.     Clear your car of snow and ice so you can see properly.
7.     Ensure your tires and battery are in good shape.
8.     Carry along kitty litter just in case you get stuck.

Remember: do not travel if you do not have to! Just in case you do, always keep your car winter weather ready! Schedule your service appointment today at MidMo Powerhouse!

It’s Chevy Truck Month!

Turn your workspace into your playground with a new Chevy Silverado 1500! It’s versatile enough for every aspect of your life, offering the perfect balance of work and fun for all Mid-Missouri drivers.

The 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 is offered in three different cab styles; regular cab, double cab, and crew cab. Model and trim levels include:

• WT – available on all three cab styles and configurations
• LS – available on all three cab styles and configurations
• Custom – offered exclusively on the double cab – 2WD and 4WD
• LT – offered in 1LT and 2LT trims; 1LT available on all three cab styles and configurations and 2LT is available only with 4WD
• LTZ – offered in 1LZ and 2LZ trims on double cab and crew cab; 1LZ offered in 2WD and 4WD; and 2LZ offered in 4WD only
• High Country – offered exclusively on the crew cab – 2WD and 4WD

All styles are offered with 4Wheel Drive, which is perfect for all your off-road adventures! The 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 comes standard with six air bags, StabiliTrak electric stability control, trailer sway control and hill-start assist.

Some new features of the 2017 model include 12,500-lbs of towing capacity, standard Teen Driver features, low speed forward automatic braking (added to the available Enhanced Driver Alert Package), capless fuel fill, and new exterior colors (Graphite Metallic and Pepperdust Mateallic).

It’s Chevy Truck month so it’s the perfect time to stop by Mid-Mo Powerhouse in Jefferson City, MO to pick up your new Chevy Silverado!

Uncovered 2017 Chevy Bolt Spied Before January 2016 Public Reveal

Electric car fans will get one last glimpse at the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, Chevy’s upcoming all-electric offering, with the latest spy shots. Earlier this year, the Bolt had been spied under camouflage, but the most recent pics from Brian Williams of SpiedBilde capture the Bolt completely uncovered.

The original Bolt concept may have taken some by surprise at the Detroit Auto Show back in February, and perhaps Chevrolet raised a few eyebrows when it said the Bolt would be fast-tracked to production. Less than 12 months later, the Bolt is already showing off production-ready models. The 2017 Bolt is slated for a public reveal at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in early January 2016.

A spoiler-like canopy on the rear is one of the most noticeable differences on the exterior. Other subtle changes include a larger front-quarter window and similar gloss trim to the 2015 Volt. While the Bolt expects to share a similar chassis as the current Chevy Sonic, the Bolt is expected to be labeled as a CUV, giving the booming segment a definite jolt.

When comparted to the Bolt concept from earlier this year, a silver exterior paintjob has been switched out with the orange. No spyshots of the uncovered interior have been divulged yet, so Bolt fans will probably have to wait until its public debut at the CES for the full scoop.

The 2017 Bolt is slowly taking shape, and Chevy’s all-electric vehicle is expected to go on sale in all 50 states. If you’re in central Missouri and have been looking for an electric American car, the Bolt will fill that need.

Looks are great, but what matters with electric vehicles is the EV range. Chevrolet claims the Bolt will have 200 miles of electric driving range, and the competitive price will make it a viable option for eco-concerned drivers.

Stay tuned to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse’s blog, social media and inventory for information and updates on the Chevrolet Bolt! To learn more about new Chevrolets near Jefferson City, Linn, Hermann or Columbia, MO, contact the Mid MO Powerhouse today online or give us a call at 573-799-4616.

Shop new central Missouri Chevy inventory!

A Welcome from the Mid Missouri Powerhouse to Central Missouri

Jim Butler Linn Chevrolet strives to serve MidMo with the service that makes us a powerhouse

To those in Jefferson City, Linn, Hermann, Columbia and central Missouri looking for a Chevy dealer, let us be the first to say, “Welcome.”

Welcome to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, Jim Butler Linn Chevrolet. The Mid Missouri Powerhouse is the newest Chevrolet dealer in central Missouri, and we aim to make Mid Missouri into the powerhouse fans that St. Louis has become for more than three decades.

As we take our talents westward, we are ready to take the former Carroll-Rhema Motors in Linn, MO, to the next level. As the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, you can be sure that we will offer you the unbeatable powerhouse deals, trade-in offers and GM-certified service that made Jim Butler Chevrolet the No. 1 Chevy dealer in Missouri.

With the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, Central Missouri Chevy fans should expect to see the inventory available for Linn, MO, nearly double. The six-acre lot at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse will be home to the highest-awarded trucks, SUVs and sedans in America. The Mid Missouri Powerhouse will have the best selection of new and quality pre-owned vehicles in a 100-mile radius.

We know that Caroll-Rhema Motors earned the respect of the central Missouri community, and we aim to keep earning your respect and valuable business. And as a member of St. Louis’ Most Trusted Automotive Family, the Mid Missouri Powerhouse will work closely with Jim Butler Chevrolet. If you’re in Jefferson City or Linn, and you see a vehicle at our Fenton, MO, dealership, we can have it delivered to the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

This isn’t a takeover or a rebuild. We see it as an opportunity to give the good people of central Missouri even more options when choosing a new Chevrolet or pre-owned car, truck or CUV. We are happy to add the staff of the Mid Missouri Powerhouse to our dynamic team, and we hope you’ll make us your first, next and only choice for a new Chevrolet in central Missouri.

We invite you to shop our new inventory and see what you like. The name may have changed, but the quality and service you’ve loved for years will only get better and better.

Thank you,
The Mid Missouri Powerhouse