Colorado ZR2 Sets Bar High By Being Named Cars.com's “Best Pickup Truck of 2018”

During the early part of the year, it seems as if there are many times the usual amount of information being sent to us via web regarding our favorite thing: Chevy cars and trucks! Many entities who have blogs are test-driving new vehicles, sharing their thoughts, and eventually, doling out awards. When customers are trying to decide which truck is right for them, they, in turn, will ask us about the vehicle's specific achievements, which we proudly talk about! The Colorado ZR2 was praised highly for its off-road ability and distinctive flavor, earning the top award for Cars.com's “Best Pickup Truck of 2018”.

The Colorado ZR2 was one of two Chevrolet nominees for the award, beating out our beloved Silverado 3500 for the top-contending spot. The potent and well-engineered ZR2 was heralded for possessing “the almost perfect combination of passion and technology”, and has defied those who thought it may not be successful, by selling more than 300,000 trucks in three years. To compete at a fully-fledged level in the off-road genre, launching a vehicle that was simple or ordinary would not work. Motor Trendalso gave the ZR2 the honor of being its “Truck of the year” finalist, excitedly naming it “A game changer in its segment”, and adamantly claimed that it “crushed any off-road challenge”.

We love to tout just how well the ZR2 has effectively combined precision handling and nimbleness qualities of a mid-size pickup, with a long list of new off-road features, and the most relevant technology of any vehicle in its category. Many who are coming to check out the New Year's options here at Orielly Chevy are wondering about how the new ZR2 measures up to the standard Colorado. It features a three-and-a-half inch wider track, and the suspension is lifted by two inches, which is very drastic real estate within the off-roading realm.

Other features exclusive to the ZR2 include front and rear locking differentials, available diesel option, and the first off-road application of the revolutionary and game-changing Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve damper technology. The damper is a tube full of oil, with a large metal plunger in the middle. As the fluid inside the shock is pushed up or down by the plunger, the resulting force can cause the disc to bend, which allows the fluid to move through the tube, and give a very precise method of control over the wheel. DSSV damping characteristics are predicted mathematically with special software, and it is a very calculated and exciting way of providing shock absorption. Owning a brand-new ZR2 can be your ticket to the most fun coming summer of off-roading ever, and this badge of approval from Cars.com solidifies this champion truck's outstanding high value! 

Swapping Parts With The 'Vette? 2019 Camaro Could See Seven Manual Gears

Tucson residents feel very blessed to live in an area that doesn't provide much in the way of an unbearable winter: ample sun, higher temps then much of the nation, and outdoor activities that can't be done in many other states abound. We still admit that many of us around the office here at Orielly are looking forward to spring: the rebirth of gardens, more sporting events, and opportunities to hit the wide open road are all included in spring's allure. This is when we begin to daydream about taking corners at high speed, and enjoying afternoon cruises in powerful cars such as the legendary Chevy Camaro.

The staff that works tirelessly on the Autoblog reporting circuit claimed last week that the 2019 Chevy Camaro SS will come with either a six or seven-speed manual transmission, as well as the standard 8-speed automatic. Sources from Autoguide say that there is a chance it could be the seven-speed from the Corvette, but there is reason to believe that it may not be identical. The Camaro actually puts to use a more standard engine-mounted transmission, so packaging is different, even if the TR-6070's various components complete the scheduled swap. The Camaro only has one 6.2-liter engine listed for release in 2019, which raises questions about future placement of the 650-hp ZL1 Camaro.

We expect here at Orielly Chevy that research and development is attempting to acquire a higher mileage number out of the release, and a triple overdrive cruising gear could be put to the test to accomplish the task. There also may be a chance that a fully new line of Camaro variant touting higher horsepower could be being developed. If that is the case, it would provide an excellent formula component for battle against Ford's Shelby GT500 Mustang, its sworn rival. One transmission type that was not talked about in any spec documents provided was the 10-speed automatic. Co-developed by GM and Ford, the Chevy first introduced it in the 2017 Camaro ZL1.

We expect the 2019 Camaro model to arrive with exterior styling that has been nicely changed up, and added equipment that may pave the way for a lower-priced, V-8 driven car. Spy shots we got our hands on last year appear to show the front and rear covered in camouflage, leading us to believe that a full exterior refresh could very well take place. A brand new grille up front and new taillights in the back are slated to appear, adding unique character as the Camaro model charges on for future development.

Some critics have stated that newer Camaros have not looked or felt different enough from older models, but it was important to our brand that the familiar look and feel lived on, even during periods of mass advancement. We will keep all of our blog followers updated on the news about the upcoming 2019 model, and will be filled with a tremendous amount of excitement: This is a vehicle that has been the champion contender for numerous victory laps over the years!

Chevy Truck Line Reaps Strong Finish in Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards

When customers come to talk trucks with us here in Tucson at Orielly, we admit we get overly excited to guide them through their current options. Heavy-hitting and capable vehicles such as the 2018 Silverado and Colorado are some incredibly prized possessions to drive into the sunset with, and getting rid of them for any reason does not often cross folks' mind. But one of the situations where anyone would consider a resale or trade-in is if they love the model so much, they want to capitalize on the excitement and features of a brand new one years down the line. When that time comes, it is great to have the confidence that your model won't leave you with empty pockets.

The 2018 Silverado HD was hailed for Best Resale Value in KBB.com's Best Resale Value Awards for 2018. The 2018 Tahoe was at the top of the list for Best Resale Value for a Full-Size SUV and crossover, solidifying its position as one of America's best buys in the SUV department. Chevy recently celebrated 100 years strong as a truck maker, and we've built more than 85 million very long-lasting and dependable pickups with extra emphasis on the utmost in quality. The all-new 2019 Silverado will make its public debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a full century after the first truck series was rolled out to the public.

Tons of accessible and useful technology, an amazingly quiet cabin, and standard 4.3-liter V-6 providing 285 horsepower as well as 305 lb-ft of torque are just some of the reasons that the 2018 Silverado is a standout choice for any Tucson truck lover. An EPA-rated 18/24 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive and 17/22 mpg with 4wd are what you get in the fuel department, and the optional 5.3-liter V-8 cranks out 355 horsepower, as well as 383 lb-ft of torque. For body styles, there is a regular cab with standard or long bed, double cab with standard bet, or available crew cab with a short or standard bed.

If the large tow number is what you are after in a truck, the Silverado can tow between 9,500 and 12,500 pounds, depending on the configuration of the body, as well as powertrain. Ask us here at Orielly Chevy about the Silverado Custom Model: new buyers are going wild over the heated side view mirrors, HID headlights with LED running lights, and elaborate OnStar Guidance. If you really want to properly celebrate Chevy's 100 years of manufacturing dominance, you can opt for the Centennial Edition: available on the Silverado LTZ Z71 crew cab models, it properly commemorates the feat. We particularly dig the exterior paint, 22-inch painted wheels with chrome inserts, and awesome looking chrome bowtie smack dab on the center of the steering wheel!

2018 Chevy Tahoe Praised for its Big + Bold Stance When Put to the test

After the holidays for everyone here in Tucson, it seems like things can get into a bit of a lull. You may not be the type that is looking forward to Valentine's day, and Christmas, as well as New Year's, has already passed. Trees and decorations are put away, School has for the most part begun again, and there is a bit of a sense of loss as schedules go back to their normal routine, and some feel there is not much to look forward to. If you want to pile a load of friends and family into the car and do something awesome, one choice pick is The Tucson Jazz Festival: running from January 11^th through January 21, it attracts jazz fans from across the country, and includes A-list venues such as the Fox and Rialto Theaters!

If you're looking for the right type of vehicle to pack many friends in and go, the new 2018 Tahoe is a large-and-ready rover that has been favored by many professionals and journalists already during this New Year. Matt Myftiu from The Macon Daily immediately was drawn to its stance, big tires, and perfectly-imposing grille. Packing all of those friends in to come along for the ride will be easy with the three rows in the Tahoe, and there is seating for up to nine people depending on the layout you choose. Another popular option leaves room for 7, with a captain's chair situated in the middle row.

Matt was impressed with the available cargo space in the Tahoe, known as one of the best-equipped with space available. When you fold down the third row into the floor, you are left with even more cubic feet to play with in your quest to fit luggage or anything else you need to move. The heated leather seats, quality materials in the interior, and attractive wood grain trimming were also specs that gleaned points for this particular test driver's fancy, as well as the high ride provided. Not every passenger on the road wants to be cramped into a box, feeling as if the slightest ding or gust of wind could spin them haplessly out of control!

During Matt's time driving the new Tahoe, a large snowstorm did happen to hit, and he felt it handled with ease, while exercising the usual caution for such conditions. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but opting for the 4-wheel drive setup will allow you to exude full confidence in scenarios that position you headfirst into heavy precipitation. The Tahoe is powered by a very-able 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec 3 engine, which pumps out 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Matt was taking the other newly available option of a 6.2-liter V8 for a spin, mated to a 10-speed transmission. The hills in and around Tucson will definitely be able to be climbed easily with this powerful vehicle as your newest addition, and a trip to Kennedy Park or Rose Canyon Lake will be a snap, as the towing capacity is up to 8,600 pounds! 

One Crazy Tucson Year-End Milestone: 100 Years of Crankin' Out Tremendous Torque

During Year's end at Orielly here in Tucson, we reflect on the fact that this is the time when we hope all of our customers have had great times spent with friends and family. We have had time here to glance back a bit at the brand we love to represent, and just how far Chevy has come during the last century. Putting able and tough trucks in the hands of more than 85 million new customers, Chevy has been at the grindstone looking for ways to improve every new model of truck with vigor. Driving off the lot with a new and capable model will allow you to tow the jet skis and boat around for the weekend, or give you the ability to escape from the office into the wild blue yonder at the drop of a hat if needed.

Torque is the actual twisting force an engine generates, and we will be the first and most proud to tell you that nobody does torque like Chevrolet. The increase in capability of Chevy trucks has been driven over the years by the very die-hard performance of several various engine families that share an elegant, overhead-valve architecture that contributes to torque production with lower RPMs, reduction in complexity, and packaging that is more compact. Here's a look at some of the most iconic truck models in Chevy history, and details on how each one has made their very own impact.

1929: The very first “Stovebelt” Six: First introduced back in 1929, Chevrolet's first overhead-valve inline-six engine was an entry that brought big torque to the market. It was very iconic, in that it allowed Chevy to increase its work-truck load rating from 1 ton to 1.5 tons. Taking up 194 cubic inches, its all-new design helped generate torque while keeping the rpm number low: 120 lb-ft at only 800 rpm. The very characteristic nickname was based on external fasteners that resembled the bolts on wood-burning stoves, but quickly became synonymous with the durability and longevity of the engine.

1955: The Coming of the First Small Block V-8: Chevy introduced their revolutionary overhead-valve V-8 engine, later to be known simply as the “Small Block”, in 1955. The original engine inside was a 265-cubic inch 4.3-L engine that produced 238 lb-ft of torque, and evolved into a staple of truck engines that proved to be one of the most enduring of all-time. About ten years after this small-block was introduced, the Big Block engine family made its debut, elevating capacity to an amazing level for all gas-powered trucks. To this date, the Small Block is currently in its fifth generation in 2018 Chevy Trucks, while the original Small Block and Big Block siblings still exist as high-performance crate engines.

1987: Before the 1970's, the increase of displacement and higher compression were among the least difficult of ways to build more torque and horsepower. When industry mandates dramatically affected the way that traditional power was built, it was time to trade in high compression for a better level of technology. The development of electronic fuel injection helped restore the torque from years past with a higher level of efficiency. During 1987, the Small Block engine regained its torque state of 300-lb-ft. Just a few years later, the 5.7-Liter Vortec Small Block was able to boost the torque generation another 10 percent. The “virtual ribbon” for the highest torque rating of any light-duty pickup goes to this year's Silverado 1500: the 6.2-L block is rated at 460-lb of torque, and direct injection, as well as variable valve timing, were factors for this success.

The Modern Diesel Era of Duramax began in 2001, when the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel was introduced. Sporting overhead valves and 520 lb-ft of torque, it was an all-new design that brought on a very exciting era of higher power. Due to amazing technological advances, it really upped the ante on torque output, and the second-generation that is housed in the 2018 Silverado HD offers 910 lb-ft of torque. This is an amazing 75% gain in torque from the early original. The good and well-versed experts atCar and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time in 6.2 seconds, which was the quickest tested time for an HD truck. The Eisenhower grade in Colorado is no simple feat to climb, and being equipped with Duramax helped with a TFL-Truck recorded time of this natural hurdle in 10:16.99 minutes!