Red, White & VROOOOM: ZR1 Tramples Mustang GTD

Mid Missouri Powerhouse drivers, buckle up: Chevrolet has just shaken up the performance car world. A few months ago, Ford’s Mustang GTD made headlines by blasting around the Nürburgring in a blistering 6:52.072 lap time, crossing the legendary 7-minute threshold and setting the bar for American supercars. Now, Chevrolet has rewritten that story with both the ZR1 and ZR1X Corvette models, and they’re not just rewriting it; they’re owning things here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse.

The Corvette ZR1X, an electrified hybrid rumbling with 1,250 horsepower, stormed the 12.9‑mile Green Hell in just 6:49.275, carving out the fastest Nürburgring lap ever recorded by an American vehicle. Behind the wheel was Corvette vehicle dynamics engineer Drew Cattell, remarkably, not a pro racer, but a GM engineer who knows this machine inside and out.

Poise, Power, and Pure Grit: Corvette’s Nürburgring Masterclass in Motion

Hot on its heels, the standard ZR1 with 1,064 hp laid down a lap in 6:50.763, driven by engineer Brian Wallace, and even the naturally aspirated Z06, with just 670 hp, delivered a strong 7:11.826.

What’s incredible here isn’t just the raw numbers, it’s the precision and poise these cars showed under pressure. We’re talking mid-engine balance, relentless grip, and a soundtrack that’s pure thunder at redline. The lap times didn’t happen by accident; they’re the result of years of fine-tuning, relentless testing, and one heck of a dedicated team that didn’t stop until the stopwatch said “goosebumps.”

But make no mistake, these aren’t just precision instruments; they’re beasts in disguise. The ZR1 snarls like an apex predator in launch mode, unleashing over a thousand horses with a fury that turns pavement into playground. Acceleration hits like a sledgehammer, pinning you to your seat with such force that your body is begging to catch up with the car. 

Red, White, and Ruthless: America’s Supercar Declares War on the Nürburgring

With torque delivery tuned for instant power and track aerodynamics that punch through air like a bullet, this machine isn’t just chasing lap records. It’s rewriting the limits of what a road-legal American supercar can be. The ZR1 is raw, vicious, and relentless, an untamed force wrapped in carbon fiber and purpose-built menace.

Chevrolet’s President Mark Reuss didn’t hold back: “No auto manufacturer has done a Nürburgring lap attempt like this before… We have clearly shown there is no limit to what our GM engineers and vehicles can accomplish.” These aren’t just fast times—they’re a statement of American engineering prowess.

That means the Mustang GTD now has some serious competition on its hands. Ford CEO Jim Farley himself chimed in with a defiant “Game on” comment, signaling that the rivalry is far from settled. Expect a response soon; this track war is heating up.

Why It Matters for Missouri Buyers

We fully understand that it’s not just about bragging rights. These lap records show what American cars are truly capable of, and they validate why the Corvette lineup remains such a compelling option for drivers. Whether it’s relentless highway runs, spirited weekend drives, or full-throttle engineering credibility, the ZR1 and ZR1X prove they’re built for far more than just parking the trailer.

Visitors to Missouri’s twisty backroads will immediately feel that race-bred balance: astonishing torque, precision handling, and track-born confidence, all delivered in a car you can drive every day. And let’s not forget, these cars turn heads just as fast as they turn corners. The presence, the profile, the roar of a thousand American horses, it’s enough to make even European exotics glance twice.

Ready to See What All the Hype Is About?

Want to experience this track star in real life? We are anticipating both the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X’s arrival soon. Come in for a hands-on look and even schedule a test drive to feel what it’s like to command the fastest American cars to lap the Nürburgring.

Steady, Strong, and Supreme: The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe’s Undisputed Rule

At the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we see the Chevrolet Tahoe as more than just an SUV; it’s a cornerstone of reliability and capability. Turning 30 this year, the Tahoe has evolved from its roots as the K5 Blazer into a full-size icon trusted by families, businesses, and fleets across the nation.

A Modern Take on a Classic

The refreshed 2025 Tahoe arrives with subtle exterior refinements, a new Duramax diesel engine, and a redesigned cabin loaded with big screens and smart organization. This SUV maintains its rugged, square-shouldered look while elevating the driving experience through technology and upgraded comfort.

Interior Designed with Drivers in Mind

The dashboard centers around a crisp 11-inch digital cluster paired with a sweeping 17.7-inch infotainment display, which is easy to use and visually commanding. Trailering controls and Terrain Mode options are intuitively placed to the left of the steering wheel, and the cavernous center console hides storage fit for serious gear. The High Country trim brings perforated leather, genuine wood trim, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system to deliver premium comfort and audio clarity.

Room for Everything and Everyone

With generous second- and third-row passenger space, accessible captain’s chairs, and cavernous cargo capacity, the Tahoe adapts to nearly any lifestyle, from hauling tools to carrying family trips with ease.

Power That Performs

Under the hood, choose between the smooth 5.3 L V8 or the brawnier 6.2 L V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb‑ft of torque. Towing capability reaches up to 8,400 pounds, making the Tahoe a serious heavy-hitter for hauling trailers, campers, and boats.

Cutting‑Edge Technology for Today’s Drivers

Advanced safety comes standard via Chevy Safety Assist, covering alerts and steering corrections. The Tahoe also offers available Super Cruise hands‑free highway driving, widely regarded as one of the best driver‑assist systems on the market. Magnetic Ride Control and Four‑Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (on select trims) refine ride quality over rough terrain and long distances.

Recognized for Safety and Reliability

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe earned the NHTSA 5‑Star Overall Vehicle Rating and received a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award for its strong crash performance and pedestrian detection systems. It also earned praise from J.D. Power for improved reliability and driver confidence over prior years.

Industry & Owner Feedback

Car and Driver commended the Tahoe’s ability to modernize without losing its identity: “The 2025 refresh updates the SUV without compromising its rugged essence.” With roomy seating, advanced towing tech, and an upgraded interior layout, the Tahoe remains a top recommendation among full-size three‑row SUVs.

Why the Tahoe Delivers for Missouri Drivers

• Safety You Can Trust: Top scores from NHTSA and IIHS underline the Chevy Tahoe’s commitment to protection.

• Reliable Performance: A choice of fuel or diesel engines, smooth shifting transmission, and robust towing confidence.

• Comfort and Utility: Strong front‑row refinement, smart cargo layout, and spacious seating for everyone.

• Smart Tech: Super Cruise hands‑free tech, big infotainment screens, and trail‑ready controls make it as modern as it is capable.

More Praise from Experts and Owners

Drivers across Missouri and beyond consistently rate the Tahoe highly for refinement, versatility, and comfort. Kelley Blue Book highlights its outstanding predicted reliability and resale value, while Edmunds calls it “a comfortable, confident cruiser” for daily commutes and long road trips. Owner surveys praise its user-friendly infotainment system, intuitive controls, and welcoming cabin ambiance.

More so, industry recognition continues to roll in: awards for towing performance, family-friendly features, and high customer loyalty scores reflect an SUV that delivers where it matters most. The Tahoe stands out for balancing impressive capability with daily usability, exactly what Midwest families, road warriors, and outdoor enthusiasts need.

Ready to Experience It?

The 2025 Tahoe proves that excellence doesn’t demand sacrifice; it delivers both power and polish. The Mid-MO Powerhouse is proud to showcase this capable and roomy SUV that blends tradition and innovation. Love innovation and style? One test drive in the Tahoe’s high-tech, luxury-inspired cabin, and you’ll see why it’s setting the bar for full-size SUVs.

From company fleets to executive travel, the Tahoe delivers unmatched versatility and reliability. Visit us today to explore how this SUV can elevate your business needs with confidence and capability.

Brawl in the Badlands: 5 Ways the ZR2 and Raptor Throw Down Off-Road

Here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we know what matters when it comes to off-road trucks: strength, capability, and dependability. And when you’re heading into the backcountry or winding through Missouri’s rough trails, only one midsize truck proves time and time again that it’s built for the challenge—the 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2.

The Ford Ranger Raptor might try to keep up, but when the terrain gets tough, Chevy consistently rises above. Here’s a breakdown of five key areas where the Colorado ZR2 leaves the competition behind.

1. ZR2 Pulls Ahead in Towing Confidence

Off-road performance is important—but so is the ability to bring your gear with you. The Chevy Colorado ZR2 confidently hauls up to 6,000 pounds, and even with the ZR2 Bison package, you’re still getting up to 5,500 pounds of towing muscle. The Ford Ranger Raptor maxes out at 5,510 pounds.

So whether you’re pulling a small camper, a trailer full of ATVs, or your fishing boat for a weekend getaway, the ZR2 gives you the confidence to tow more—without hesitation.

2. Power Is More Than a Number

Yes, the Ranger Raptor has more peak horsepower with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, but the Colorado ZR2’s 2.7-liter turbo-four delivers 430 lb-ft of torque—the exact same as the Raptor. And torque is what really counts when you’re climbing rocks, trudging through mud, or muscling your way up steep inclines.

The ZR2’s powertrain is balanced, smooth, and tuned specifically for real-world off-road control—not just flash. Ford’s high-output setup may shine in wide-open spaces, but on the tight, technical trails Missouri drivers face, Chevy’s precision-tuned setup gets the job done better.

3. ZR2 Bison: Built for More Than Just Looks

The ZR2 Bison package, developed in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), takes the Colorado even further into extreme-terrain territory. With AEV steel skid plates, beadlock-capable wheels, heavy-duty bumpers, 35-inch tires, and a bed-mounted spare, the ZR2 Bison is equipped for trails that other trucks fear to tread.

Ford’s Ranger Raptor comes with some factory off-road equipment, but it doesn’t match the refinement or rugged quality found in Chevy’s Bison setup. It’s not just about looking the part—it’s about delivering when it matters most, and the ZR2 delivers every time.

4. Suspension Designed for Real-World Trails

The Multimatic DSSV dampers on the Colorado ZR2 are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. Combined with a solid rear axle and leaf springs, the ZR2 offers unmatched control and stability on rocky, uneven terrain. When equipped with the Bison package, it achieves 12.2 inches of ground clearance—more than enough to conquer just about anything you’ll find in the Ozarks.

Meanwhile, the Ranger Raptor is tuned more for speed across open ground, with Fox shocks designed for desert racing. But when it comes to technical driving, rock crawling, and maneuvering through tight trails, the ZR2 simply has the edge.

5. Built for Missouri Adventures

Whether you're trekking through Mark Twain National Forest or navigating backroads near the lake, the ZR2 is tuned for the kind of driving Missouri truck owners actually do. With its balanced dimensions, superior trail capability, and thoughtful engineering, the ZR2 isn’t just a midsize truck—it’s a purpose-built machine for serious off-roaders who value control, durability, and smart design.

The Raptor may shout louder, but the ZR2 backs up its toughness with real-world performance, making it the smarter, more capable option in just about every meaningful category.

Final Take: ZR2 Leads, Raptor Follows

In this matchup, there’s really no question who comes out on top. The 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 brings a smarter build, more trail capability, better towing strength, and more practical off-road upgrades than the Ford Ranger Raptor. Chevy engineered the ZR2 to dominate not just on paper, but out where it counts—in the dirt, mud, rocks, and trails of Missouri and beyond.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Stop by the Mid Missouri Powerhouse today and see firsthand why the ZR2 doesn’t just compete, it conquers.

Turn Heads While Chevy’s RST Dark Essentials Package Silences the Competition

Here at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse, we’re all about bold moves, and Chevy just made one. Following the major refresh that rolled out with the 2025 model year, the 2026 Chevy Tahoe and Suburban return with subtle refinements, headlined by a dramatic new design option that’s sure to turn heads: the RST Dark Essentials Package.

Blacked Out, Boldly Built: Tahoe and Suburban Get a Dark New Attitude

This stylish upgrade gives these full-size SUVs a sinister new edge, blending sharp aesthetic details with a confident attitude. Available exclusively on RST models, the Dark Essentials Package is dealer-installed and brings a cohesive blackout look that enhances the Tahoe and Suburban’s already aggressive stance.

Key highlights include gloss-black 24-inch wheels, black mirror caps, and black nameplates, all wrapped in sporty all-season tires. Those massive 24s were originally previewed for the 2025 lineup but are finally hitting the pavement in 2026, adding extra presence to Chevy’s most commanding SUVs.

Style Refined, Strength Retained: 2026 Lineup Blends Looks with Legacy

In addition to the new package, Chevy is also refreshing the lineup’s wheel offerings. A few options from the previous year are being retired, making room for a new 22-inch bright split-spoke design that’s bound to catch the eyes of anyone who values standout style with their utility.

Mechanically, the Tahoe and Suburban adhere to the proven formula that drivers trust. You’ll still find the trio of powerful engine choices under the hood—including two robust V8s and an efficient Duramax diesel—giving you the performance, towing muscle, and long-haul confidence you expect. Built on the durable GM T1 platform and proudly assembled in Texas, these SUVs continue to deliver the space, strength, and versatility full-size buyers demand.

America’s Full-Size Favorites—And Drivers Agree

Across Missouri and beyond, drivers are raving about their Chevy SUVs. From family road trips to demanding job sites, the Tahoe and Suburban consistently earn high marks for their comfort, capability, and commanding road presence. Owners love the generous interior space, intuitive tech, and rock-solid dependability that Chevy has built its name on for generations.

For decades, Chevrolet has set the standard for full-size SUVs, and the Tahoe and Suburban carry that tradition forward with confidence. These vehicles aren’t just built—they’re built to last, with a legacy of toughness that’s backed by real-world performance and years of driver loyalty. The 2026 models simply raise the bar once again.

Award-Winning Confidence You Can Count On

It’s not just drivers who are impressed—industry experts have taken notice, too. Over the years, both the Chevy Tahoe and Chevy Suburban have earned a long list of accolades for safety, dependability, and overall performance. The Tahoe consistently ranks among the top full-size SUVs in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality and Dependability studies, while the Suburban has repeatedly been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best large SUVs for families, thanks to its roomy interior, cutting-edge features, and strong resale value.

Built to Win, Built to Lead

Chevrolet’s commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in every award these full-size SUVs bring home. From earning spots on Kelley Blue Book’s "Best Resale Value" lists to receiving praise for towing and long-haul performance, the Tahoe and Suburban have become benchmarks in their segment. Year after year, they continue to prove why they remain trusted names in driveways, on job sites, and everywhere in between.

If you’re ready to command the road with serious style, the 2026 Tahoe and Suburban with the RST Dark Essentials Package are ready for their spotlight. Come see them for yourself at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse—where bold drives begin.