Chevy Bolt Proves Itself as Tucson-area Treasure, Sets Electric-Vehicle Range Record

As we are still poised in the abundantly sunny days of Arizona living, primo driving locations such as Grants Pass are choice locations to put it in gear and go. A very scenic locale to test any car's acceleration and turning ability, it is lined with awesome overlooks, and is a perfect place to catch a cactus-lined sunset. This ruggedly breathtaking creation through the pass was begun in 1883 by Thomas Gates, during a search for a shortcut through the Tucson Mountains. Around 3000 cars a day pass along this site, and a new Chevy Bolt would be a great medium to explore this exciting landmark with.

This plug-in hatchback recently gleaned the huge accomplishment of topping out in the Consumer Reports' Electric-Vehicle Range Record, after beating all other models in a head-to-head test. Around 250 miles on one charge is the achievement, and this is a game-changer of epic proportions for those living in a busy metro such as Tucson. Even If you are driving up to 50 miles a day, you really have some room to feel at ease with in the charge category, which usually takes just above 9 hours. The Consumer Reports Auto Test Center is situated in very rural Connecticut, where there is ample space and terrain types to really see what a car can do when opened up.

This able and savvy team tests around 60 vehicles every year, and drives them tough through a total of about 900,000 miles. The staff of nearly 30 spends a large amount of time doling out track ratings, evaluations, and deep analysis of every car tested. Many publications write about cars that are being loaned to them, but the staff at Consumer Reports makes it a point to purchase every vehicle in question, allowing them full reign to explore the options available, and really put in the hours as far as performance. Each vehicle is taken for an initial 2,000 break-in miles over several weeks, and then layers of testing that explore the car's performance in much more detail are applied.

There are elements of mixed driving in the test, but the majority of it is done at a very constant 65 mph on the highway. All tests are done with the A/C and heater off, and after the tallies have run their course, the Bolt ranks #2 just down the line from the Tesla Model S, which is quite considerably more expensive. Completely re-inventing what an electric vehicle can be, you are going to love how the Bolt can provide on average up to 25 miles of range per hour charge time, and can even use GPS to activate according to preset times. The battery chemistry works hard to enhance heat resistance, allowing the battery to use power to cool it down. With outstanding proportions and details to catch even the most discerning eye, this latest honor for the Bolt will best provide the reason for you to secure your unit, and definitely do so on the double!

Sabino Canyon and Beyond: Ultimate Destinations for Your 2018 Chevy Traverse

Tucson is one of those cities that is special for an abundance of reasons: the consistently warm climate, nearby areas with cactus and red rock to enjoy the landscape, with many parks and lake locations to put a true SUV to the test. Sabino Canyon is a desert oasis located in the Coronado National Forest, and is about the most awesome nearby place there is to spot wildlife. During the winter and rainy seasons of the summer, beautiful pools of water form in the unique outcroppings here, and you can spot Palo Verde trees, as well as Cholla and Prickly Pear cactus varieties.

Deep in the heart of northern Mexico during 1887, an earthquake took place that dislodged a large section of massive boulders, which came crashing down to finally rest in the valley below. In 1905, the Forest Service began overseeing Sabino Canyon, and during the depression, jobs were created by the building of bridges over Sabino creek, as well as the dam. Access to cars is restricted, and once you arrive, hiking by foot and taking their tram are the most practical means of seeing the Canyon and what it has to offer.

For expeditions such as this, a vehicle like the 2018 Chevy Traverse is more than ideal: it is recently been redesigned from the ground up, and offers seating for up to eight. If you are currently in the market for a dominating machine that can haul and transport a large family or work crew, the upped level of trim choices features the L, LS, LT, and Premier options, along with the all-new sporty RS, and top-of-the-line High Country level of trim. The Redline package is also another new option that offers a more blacked-out appearance, and very awesome new red accents.

While racking up top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests, the Traverse really holds its own as a vehicle that is less cumbersome in tight spots than the Suburban, from the brand we all stand behind with full confidence. The Premier model comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, very stylish power-folding mirrors, blind spot monitoring system, a rear-cross traffic alert system, and forward collision warning. Inside, you'll find premium leather upholstery, driver memory settings, an 8-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and full-fledged navigation system.

The Traverse lends much proof to the notion that “The biggest is best”, and features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 281 horsepower, and 266 lb-ft of torque from the LT and LS trim models. You're going to be blown away with the Premier model's dual exhaust outlets, and the smooth shifting flow of the 6-speed automatic transmission. In all but the Base LS model, buyers have a choice of standard front-wheel or optional all-wheel drive, and you'll be exploring all of the best the Tucson area has to offer at an estimated 18 MPG. As the sun sets in the desert and the heat eases just a touch, the Traverse is gonna be the prime contender to help you kick up some desperado-influenced dust!