ZR1 Corvette Chosen to Rally as Lead Pace Car for 2018 Indianapolis 500

One event that is bound to get every single O'rielly Chevy of Tucson customer excited is the coming of the heart-stopping and high-octane Indianapolis 500. Billed as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, it is included as part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which combines 3 of the most action-packed events worldwide, including the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of LeMans race. It is very exciting for all of us here at O'rielly to announce that the 2019 Corvette ZR1 will be the car chosen to lead drivers to the green flag during that exciting day, in the thrill-packed event sponsored by PennGrade Motor Oil.

This is the 15^th time that a Corvette has been awarded the ultra-cool escort duty of Official Pace Car since 1978, and the 29^th time that a car made by Chevy has led the way, a tradition dating back to 1948. This was when the stylish and then-brand new Fleetmaster six convertible was the leader of the pack. There has been no other vehicle at all that served as the status-hailing leader to the flag more often than the Corvette. To celebrate this very meaningful legacy, the 2019 ZR1 along with 14 other Corvettes that have paced during the Indy 500 were on display there last week. It comes as no surprise that the fastest Corvette ever in production is going to lead the pace crew for the Indy 500 once again, and those who were previously unfamiliar with the wide reach of this amazing car's potential will get a great chance to witness it up close and personal.

The true flex and power source for the 2019 ZR1 is gleaned from the LT5 Small Block 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine, sporting 755 hp, and 715 lb-ft of torque. Shifting is allocated by masterful means of the 8-speed 8L90 paddle-shift automatic transmission, getting the task at hand done with ease, while the ZR1 possesses the ability to expertly handle every single inch of the track. Here at O'rielly Chevy, we can show you how the performance package greatly enhances the ZR1: you'll enjoy the addition of an adjustable stanchion-mounted carbon fiber high rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, and world-class tuned suspension.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is the very first fast-reacting suspension built worldwide, and was originally presented to the high-performance club dutifully from Cadillac. It is an amazing system that uses a specific fluid infused with amazingly-engineered technology and magnetized particles, that are put expertly in place to respond to rapid changes that occur during various driving conditions. It was engineered with such precision and skill, that it can respond and react very quickly to every unique corner or bump in the road with an amazing level of accuracy, and quickly make the adjustments to perfect the ride.

It is also very revolutionary to have the Performance Data and Video Recorder on board of the 2019 ZR1: it converts the vehicle into a very advanced analysis tool for your driving. Every single aspect of the drive is recorded, including video and audio at real time, along with 34 different channels of performance data, to help review your last spin in depth. You are able to take an up-close look at the most thrilling moments from the track, and use the results of the data to hone in on lowering your time, or the way in which you want to handle the wheel for your next run. All of us on staff here at O'rielly will be intently watching the Indy 500 Race this May, and we are overly excited about once again being the prominent brand behind another offering of Pace Car contender!

2019 Chevy Camaro Upgraded With Thrilling Track Mode, Modern Infotainment

Since spring is absolutely here at O'Rielly Chevy, one of our favorite signs is the great response that the 2018 models have generated. We knew what many of the features would be around this time last year, and so we are now looking ahead to what the 2019 offerings will provide. Consistently known for having a balance of refinement, driving fun, and sheer value, the Camaro's 2019 model is striving to reach even higher, with more of the technology, design, and choices for driving that current customers demand. Known for many years as being relentlessly head-to-head in competition with the Mustang, it has always been a high performer, and hailed for making long-lasting memories, while fully slaying it in the horsepower and torque generating departments.

Next Year's Camaro has some distinct differences in front-end styling variation between the LS/LT, RS and SS, where the grille, fascia, and LED dual-element headlamps retain the styling within the front end, that has been heavily worked on for airflow-optimization. The SS-specific front fascia sports the grille emblem wit a very open bowtie, and the hardest-core of Camaro fans will appreciate the extractor-style hood, as well as the pleasantly sinister character it evokes. Visiting us for a thrilling test drive of the LT will make you want to test drive a new Camaro with the RS Appearance Package: it adds unique polished black grille, as well as Galvano Chrome lower inserts, brand new LED headlamps, and 20-inch wheels. All 2019 models will have new rear fascias, and any model equipped with the aptly snarling Dual Mode Exhaust will have specific diffusers on the RS and SS types.

It's a bit of a tough job to balance over-the-top performance and weight distribution, and enabled by the Camaro's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the outcome on the 2019 is purely fantastic. The new Turbo 1LE also includes a 6-speed manual transmission. A fully tailored chassis package is derived from the model of the V6 1LE, and delivers performance that works overtime to handle the highest variations in road conditions, as well as in a high-speed track situation. The carefully patented FE3 suspension is on hand dutifully to support larger front and rear stabilizer bars, well-tuned dampers, and cross axis ball joints in the rear tow links, working full-time to pave the way for a pleasantly stiff driving feel overall.

All of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson would have to agree that one of the most exciting features that next year's Camaro flaunts is the addition of Track Mode: it is an additive that can really make the car able to adapt to trials and constantly changing conditions of the different locations where the utmost need for speed may take a stronghold. The next-generation Infotainment 3 system is also going to be on board next year's Camaro, providing all-new systems that will utilize a completely revamped interface. What this design is best at is replicating the ways you can be productive with a tablet or smartphone, offering cloud connection, voice recognition, and the very useful ability to enable software updates in a snap via the web.

While you are going over your last high-performance speed dash on an open road, or recounting your daily urban excursion to plan a new route, you'll be thankful for the enhanced-for-2019 Data Recorder System. There is also now a rear camera mirror that is standard on all ZL1 and ZSS models, guaranteeing safety for you and your passengers, as well as anyone behind you while you are backing out and getting ready to hit the road. The Camaro has definitely proven itself as a car that is wild at heart, and continues to rally under many various performance circumstances. All of us here at O'Rielly are excited to carry on a tradition of providing high-octane vehicles. The Camaro has always been special, and 2019's version is going to be one for the books: this spring is going to be one stellar time to sit upright and lay down some much-needed rubber!

Chevy Colorado ZR2 Named as Autotrader's Best of “Must Test Drive Vehicles” for Trucks

This past week, any customers in the Tucson metro area who are looking for the perfect truck had just another reason to not look any further than the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2. Another hefty award was doled out to its already long list of achievements: its newest recognition was as a 2018 Must Test Drive award, one of among 12 different high-achieving vehicles. Factors that influence the publication's selection are interior comfort, materials, available technology, and overall quality of the ride. The high-ranking ZR2 was also given the highest in praise for “easy to handle dimension”, and “very cool off-road capabilities”. This is truly an off-road ready machine, and a vehicle asset that is consistently ready for almost anything in the terrain arena to be thrown in its direction.

Chief engineer for midsize truck of GM Anita Burke quoted on record last week that all members of her team are “honored by this recognition, and thrilled that Autotrader has picked up on the versatile footprint and serious off-road capabilities of ZR2”. This is the truck that built in very strongly on the already solid platform of the Colorado, and every Orielly Chevy customer looking for a great truck or off-road vehicle needs to give it a test drive ASAP! It is a truck that combines the easy-to-maneuver and nimble qualities of a mid-size pickup perfectly, with a slew of new off-road features and technology. The optimal addition to your family or business vehicle lineup, it can complete any task from a large haul, on up to weekend rock crawls in the wild.

The new ZR2 is fairly unique to the standard Colorado truck model, in that it features a three-and-a-half inch wider rack, as well as a direct-from-the-factory, two-inch lift suspension. There is also the very awesome trait of rocker protection, and the presence of front as well as rear bumpers modified for off-road clearance. A drive through some demanding terrain is the perfect time to experience the touch functionality and handy element of front and rear locking differentials, available diesel engine option, and the very first off-road application use of Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve Damper Technology. This provides extra flexibility tuned into the discs themselves, as well as the size and shape of ports they are covering, and is the determining factor governing how much fluid flows between the chambers on top of and below the piston.

Four Wheeler editor Ken Brubaker penned his thoughts regarding the ZR2's superior prowess over the last month, stating that “The ZR2 takes the capable Colorado platform to a new level, with a dizzying array of modifications including front and rear differential lockers, a 2-inch higher ride height, 3.5-inch wider track width, additional skidplating, 31-inch tires, and many more off-road centric goodies”. This is also the highly-coveted truck model that holds the claim to the prestigious 2018 Pickup Truck of the Year from Four Wheeler, after it displayed front-running prowess during ramp travel tests, as well as over 1,000 miles of rigorous track maneuvers on various types of terrain.

Judges for the publication who deem what is were thrilled with the way in which the underbody is protected by means of additional skidplating, and the overall ability to display excellent handling over choppy sand, or the roughest of trails at high speeds. You can navigate a very tight two-track trail with no difficulty, or crawl over rocks within any desert-like and vast open space. We hope you come down to schedule a test drive with us here at Orielly Chevy soon, and check out other great features on the ZR2 such as the capability for fully-led navigation, and an 8-inch touchscreen for all of your infotainment needs!

J.D. Power's Most Awarded Brand For 2017 Honors Goes to Chevy

Customers that are visiting us at Orielly Chevy of Tucson all have varying questions for us when they come to find their ideal vehicle, and some have more specific needs in mind than others. We are all very proud of the top-notch safety features that you can now find on Chevy cars and trucks, and the way-above-par marks we have gleaned from auto blogs worldwide about the high quality of our auto line's interior features. Last week, Chevrolet was named J.D. Power's most awarded brand of 2017 during the J.D. Power Automotive Summit, where 6 different cars, trucks, and SUVs won a total of nine awards in 3 crucial studies. Vehicle dependability, Initial Quality, and APEAL Studies were where Chevy vehicles had first-rate performance.

President of North American GM division Alan Batey claimed last week that “Chevrolet is winning with consumers because our designers, engineers, and dealers are focused on delivering great products and a great ownership experience”. 

The Vehicle Dependability Study examines major issues reported by owners of 3-year old vehicles, and ultimately determines which autos are the most reliable in the long run. Based on the best of 2014 models, the Chevy Sonic, Camaro, Tahoe, and Silverado HD were deemed among the most reliable within that category.

The Initial Quality Study does the job of measuring various problems that owners experience during the first 3 months they have a new vehicle. Here, the Silverado HD, Silverado, and Chevy Sonic were all at the top of the list, displaying all-time high in prowess of excellence throughout the first 90 days during ownership. This is more of a crucial time during ownership than many realize: even though autos are expected to perform great upon purchase, there are some important problems and defects that owners very understandably want to steer away from.

The Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study (APEAL) measures the owner's emotional attachment, and excitement about the car's performance across several various categories. The Chevy Bolt and Tahoe dominated this segment completely, proving once again that Chevy owners really can “consider their car as a best friend”. Led by Chevrolet, GM has delivered 4 straight years of pickup sales leadership within both the mid and large-size trucks through last year, due to a strong 3-truck strategy. During the 2017 sales year, the Tahoe and Suburban accounted for nearly half of large SUVs delivered to all retail customers.

After the all-new Equinox and Traverse were launched, many worldwide agreed that it was the broadest and freshest lineup of crossovers offered over the last two years. Chevy is now definitely the leader in affordable, long-range Evs, with 43,646 Volts as well as Bolts delivered over the past year. During the days to come, many will purchase an electric car that in the past had never thought of doing so, and we believe that our options are the best available on the current market. Sheer product excellence is a trait that we really stand by here at Orielly Chevy of Tucson, and we are happy to assist you during every single step of the all-important purchase process!