Monday, January 27, 2020

Carbuzz Features Leaked 2021 Chevy Equinox Blazer-Inspired Facelift Shots

It was two years ago that the redesigned Equinox was released to the public, and leaked photos gleaned via Carbuzz last week confirmed that this very popular crossover will get a facelift for the 2021 model. Heavily borrowing on cues from the Chevy Blazer, the front features brand new headlights with a split design, as well as a bumper that has seen some tweaks and a smaller grille. The side profile still looks identical to what is seen on the current model, and the rear sees updates in the form of a new bumper, and redesigned taillights.

The leaked photos are of an RS model featuring black-out parts such as a darkened grille, wheels, and mirror caps, as well as a quad exhaust system and more aggressive-looking front bumper. It's safe to assume the engine in question will be the same 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine seen in the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. While situated in the Trailblazer, this one cranks out 155 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, but it is not clear if this engine will carry over the US variant. In the States, the Chevy Equinox is offered with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

GM Authority and a few other media outlets claimed that there was the possibility of a high-performance model, but solid evidence of this has not yet materialized. For a higher-performance version, a plausible candidate for the engine could be the all-new 2.7-Liter I-4 L3B Turbocharged engine, that has found a home in the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500, and 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. In these trucks, the L3B engine makes 310 horsepower, and 348 lb-ft of torque, which would most likely only drop slightly when dropped into the Equinox.
The cabin may also see minor updates and new active safety features, but the infotainment
technology should carryover unchanged from the current, pre-facelift model. There were other spy shots seen here from Motor1.com that may show the eventual production version, showing a white model with the facelift. All of us here at O’Rielly Chevy of Tucson have paid close attention to the fact that the Equinox was the only American crossover with ranking in the top 10 best-selling vehicles last year, and so that’s why this refresh was not too intense, as to not upset what is already working out well. Come to visit us for a test drive of the Equinox soon and experience the well-crafted and durable crossover that is the perfect way to begin your New Year!

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Stats Closeup Comparison Via Car and Driver: 2021 Chevy Tahoe Vs. GMC Yukon

The very latest Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon have just lately been announced, much to the delight of large SUV lovers everywhere. Both are slated to come out this summer as 2021 models, and the only real difference between the two was the badge. For these models, when you closely compare as Car and Driver did on their blog last week, you'll find some unique styling cues and features. After checking out this comparison, you can base your choice on which aesthetics and personality bits suit you best.

The two vehicles ride on GM's newest T1 truck platform, which also is present under the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. Both brands' new SUVs are larger than their predecessors on the outside and have more space on the inside. The Yukon and Tahoe get a 10-speed automatic transmission across the board, with three engine choices. The base engine is a 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and there's also a 6.2-liter V-8 cranking out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both are brought over from the last generation of Yukon and Tahoe, but the new versions brandish smarter cylinder deactivation systems and stop/start systems.

There's also a third engine choice: a turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline-six that made its first appearance on the Silverado and Sierra pickups. This engine delivers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with the ability to post a 30-mpg highway EPA fuel-economy rating. The Yukon is now the recipient of an advanced drive system dubbed Active Response 4WD, which puts to use an electronic limited-slip differential that manages all-important traction and power distribution levels. This system is also used in the very performance-rich scenarios of the Corvette and Camaro and is one trait that makes the Yukon the better choice for off-roading and low-grip situations.

On the new models, the only similarities in the exterior design are the nearly identical top-down and side views. Other than that, the grille on the Tahoe is wider, and the headlights are now much narrower and higher up compared to the Yukon. In the rear, the SUVs now sport markedly different liftgates and taillights, which were nearly identical on the outbound models. For the Yukon on every trim except for the high-end Denali, the climate control panel, screen setup, and switchgear are the same on both SUVs. The differences lie in the badges on the steering wheel, interior color schemes, and trim materials themselves.

There is a completely different dashboard setup on the Yukon Denali, as the screen now sits lower on the dash and there are two larger HVAC vents just above it. The Denali model also boasts much nicer leather and wood materials. After you visit us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson for a test drive, you'll also notice that both SUV models include optional air suspensions, 15-inch head-up displays, active grille shutters, and a list of safety and driver-assist features. When spring hits, there will be nothing more satisfying than having the family in tow while enjoying the best in comfort and go-anywhere quality that this pair offer up with pride!

Monday, January 13, 2020

GM Authority Celebrates 2021 Chevy Silverado Carhartt Edition With Live Photo Gallery

When special editions for a vehicle are released, everyone here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson would have to agree that it presents a great opportunity to reflect on greatness and longstanding pride. The Chevy Silverado is one of those trucks that greatness and excellence are descriptive of, and a longstanding partnership with Carhartt immediately made sense. This production-ready special edition truck delivers on a concept that debuted at the 2016 SEMA Show and revels in a flair that this ultra-cool work apparel company shared a vision and ultimate venture with.

The folks on staff at GM Authority put up this cool gallery showing highlights of the unveiling, and you can get a close-up digital walk around this special edition that is based on the Silverado 2500HD LTZ Crew Cab model. It comes with the optional Z71 Off-Road Package and is offered only in Mosaic Black Metallic paint, which is the perfect choice to blend with the Carhartt gold pinstripes. The traditionally huge grille up front is all black, and so are the front and rear body-colored bumpers. There is Carhartt badging on the doors and tailgate, as well as exclusive two-tone leather upholstery finished in a Jet Black/Carhartt Brown combo inside.
The headrests have Carhartt badging embroidered into them, and the footwells are lined by-all-weather floor mats sporting the Carhartt logos. A special leather treatment was created just for this edition, creating the unique two-tone seats for the truck. This Dearborn, Michigan-based brand has long been a popular staple in the work wear realm, and on scores of construction sites and railroad hubs nationwide. The family-managed and owned company has been at the forefront of developing rugged and reliable work wear since 1889. When the concept vehicle was first shown at SEMA, the exciting response from consumers exceeded the expectation of both Chevy and Carhartt.

This top-notch apparel company so popular among carpenters, mechanics, and road crews will now be hailed in a special partnership as the “Official Workwear of Chevy Trucks”, as Chevy employees will be proudly sporting Carhartt apparel during numerous events over the years to come. Both brands have more than 100 years of history rooted in the Motor City, and both brands have a reputation for always delivering the best in durable and quality products.
Carhartt’s first product ever was the bib overall, which was an immediate success. These are
both brands that are focused on creating products that are practical, ready for inclement
weather, and built to last for years: we couldn’t be more excited about this very cool special edition, and the many miles diehard fans can’t wait to put on it!

Monday, January 6, 2020

GM Authority Provides 2021 Chevy Suburban Dimensional Details

Alongside its close cousin the Tahoe, the 2021 Chevy Suburban was revealed to the public early last month. The next-generation Suburban included increases to the exterior dimensions as well as big gains to interior dimensions as well. All of us here on sales and service staff at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson agree that for the most part, this is what is asked daily of a 3-row SUV: space for people and their cargo. The knowledgeable folks on staff at GM Authority had a great blog feature this past week honing in on the exact dimensions and positive changes made for the new model.

Taking a close look at the exterior, the new Suburban adds inches in almost every single way possible. The wheelbase sees a massive 4.1-inch increase, now up to 134.1 inches. This is mostly due to the presence of the new T1 platform, which replaces the k2 platform on the outgoing model. Overall length saw a gain of 1.3 inches, width by 0.6 inches, and the overall height was increased by 1.3 inches. Only two exterior dimensions saw shrinkage: the front and rear track by 0.2 inches and 0.4 inches.

Second and third-row legroom both saw increases of 2.3 inches and 2.2 inches while first-row shoulder room is up by 1.45 inches, and third-row shoulder room up by 1.15 inches. The first and third-row hip room sees a positive gain as well, at an additional 0.2 and 0.7 inches each. Passengers and drivers alike that have been choosing the Suburban for years know that once you start traveling long distance, every single gain is noticed during miles of really wanting to sprawl out and be comfortable. The second-row hip room is down by just a very small amount, losing just 0.05 inches. This article truthfully claims that cargo room is king in this segment, and the 2021 Suburban does show increases behind every row.
The feature here also offers up some great interior and exterior photos of the incoming Suburban, as well as detailed tables of all the size changes. Behind the grille of the Chevy sit active shutters that can be adjusted to improve aerodynamics, ultimately boosting fuel economy. Taking a step forward from past layouts, the cabin is now styled more like an upscale SUV than the Silverado truck.
The center dash now houses a 10-inch screen that boasts features such as WiFi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. On the 2021 model, the push-button controls for the transmission are now directly to the left of the screen. Beyond room, the seats actually will see more adjustability, as the second-row can now slide forward and be adjusted for comfort as well as cargo storage.