Testing Tucson's Off Road Offerings to the Max: 2017 ZR2 Sweet Spots + Overview

Since we live in a region that definitely falls under the category of rugged, trucks that love to

wander off the pre-fabricated path are in high demand. There is nothing quite like seeing a sunset at a place such as Charouleau Gap: we have so many great locations like this right at our fingertips. Desert cactus are a sure sign that you're getting close to a cool location to put your truck to the test, and see what it can really do. The Colorado ZR2 is an extreme off-roader, and GM hasn't tackled an able project like this since the hummer stopped production around 7 years ago. This is a truck that was not designed to be hulking and overbearing, but a machine that you can avidly dash over boulders and through sand with.

It comes with front, rear, and center locking differentials, 31-inch tires, and a 2.0-inch lift, as well as a track that is 3.5-inches wider than the Colorado Z71. As you are in an off-road domain really putting this vehicle to the test, we are going to tell you right off the bat what you can expect to be over-the-top kick-ass about this truck, and it is absolutely the shocks. They are Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve dampers, and their original purpose was to be for use in Indy and F1 cars. The Camaro Z/28 used a pair as well, and so giving them rigorous use on a truck gets tons of points for thinking righteously and thoroughly outside the box.

These shocks actually use a spring-activated spool valve, which provides more precise of a job done, and helps drastically to prevent overheating. The difficult mission of making the ZR2 into the image of what was envisioned called for an all-new version, with the two remote chambers that are located off the main cylinder to deliver the type and resilience of wheel travel that is required for off-roading. Multiple damping and rebound curves are offered as well, that allow Chevy to tune them in a way which allows them to function at top precision on a wide variety of terrain.

When you “make the leap” and catch air in this truck, you are really going to notice a standout element: it lands like gum. Not necessarily super glue, but the gummy feeling of calculated jumps during off-road happiness landing with hours of engineering expertise behind your last stunt. This truck immediately has the power to settle down and compose its prowess, ready to be put to the test again.

With 369 lb – ft of torque, this diesel is naturally at home in wild environments. You can pretty much tally up all of the other great essentials such as heated seats, great navigational features, and built-in Wi-Fi on this stunty and special ride. Supposedly, this awesome vehicle made it up the Rubicon without getting stuck or needing any assistance, a claim that the Hummer H3 Alpha could not sustain, after reportedly having difficulty getting frequently left behind during the same venture. This is a very unique toy for those who love to wander, and the greater Tucson area is among the best to put it to the test. Come see us at the dealership to find out how you can conquer the roads with the baddest new game in town... and experience the agility and prowess of the Colorado ZR2. 

Orielly Autos Up-close Analysis 2017 Chevy Cruze Diesel Delivers

It is fantastic to be sitting smack-dab in the middle of the season where many outsiders come to visit and see how much the greater Tucson area has to offer. You really get the chance to open up your vehicle of choice on our winding roads, and check out awesome landmarks in the surrounding area: the Santa Catalina Mountains and off-roading allure of Yuma lure many. The Cruze is not necessarily an off-road capable token of entry, but all the better to get there with: this is a very cool small sedan that has been doing an excellent job of commanding its share of the market.

After the recession when gas prices spiked, GM took on the task of attempting to win at the game of slightly small car manufacturing back, and all of our sales and service staff are ecstatic that they did. The timing for the Cruze's release could not be better, and new owners appreciated the extra dose of upper-end style it possessed. Three million units have since been sold globally, and what we are laying our eyes on today is a new for 2017, turbocharged 1.6-liter diesel four cylinder version. Equipped with either a nine-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual, the Cruze cooks up 137 horsepower, while also laying down 240 lb-ft of torque. This is what diesels are known for, and we wanted to show you some of the finer points of this release, after it was forced to navigate some murky waters during winter.

The first thing we noticed before we drove it is that no matter what your preferences are, you're probably going to enjoy it heaps more than the Cobalt, its predecessor. Erase from your mind any ideas of a featureless econobox that is simply not fun, because the extra flash packed into the Cruze is going to get you excited to drive it in a hurry. Even though the 8-second clocking of the 0-60 time isn't lightening fast, the Cruze's finest point is that it serves up pure excellence on the highway mileage factor. Right at about 52 miles per gallon, it also moves along like a larger car. This proved to cause us a lot of satisfaction, because we don't always like the unprotected feel of a tiny entity drifting along the very populated path of an interstate.

An important thing to keep in mind this year is that this is your only other choice besides VW in the diesel game, and the one that really offers a big-ride feel in a smaller-car package. You're also going to love the Infotainment options: for the price that the Cruze is, you don't always get this clean (and loud!) of a setup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB and AUX ports, connectivity for Bluetooth, Sirius XM radio, and OnStar Navigation with 4G lite are all here for the taking.

We actually will take the liberty of claiming that these offerings boost the Cruze's comfort (and functional) status up to a luxury category, which is nearly impossible at any other rung of this pricing point. A good amount of rear-seat space for whoever wants to join the caravan, as well as trunk space for a long trip or mega grocery haul are other good attributes for family consumers. If you want the regular gas version of the Cruze, you are welcome to go for it: but trust us, you're going to be won over with the features and dominant traits of the diesel. Come see us at Orielly Chevrolet this summer, and check out the practical yet fun ways that this car is going to completely win you over!

O'Rielly's Sizzling-For-2018 Showcase: The New Traverse's Performance Report

It's exciting to see that the Traverse has been completely overhauled this spring, and has an abundance of new tech and features to keep everyone comfy and entertained during the ride. Legroom plays a big part as to what passengers request when they are ready to spend on a new vehicle, and the all-new Traverse boasts rankings as good as it gets there. A maximum amount of cargo room, space for passengers, and numerous great safety features are all found in this midsize SUV that we predict to be screaming right off the lot in very high volumes! When it goes on sale in the fall, the Traverse will be the fourth crossover SUV with an update from Chevy within the last year, joining the ranks of the Trax, Bolt EV, and Equinox.

One of the things that we think you are going to love about the look is the influence it gains from full-size SUV's, but blended uniquely and expertly down to the appropriately smaller package. LED signature lighting and D-Optic LED headlamps are also going to do their own duty to win you over, and part of the real excitement here is due to the shape and appearance of the rear. It is surprisingly extended and noticeable, and is almost unapologetic when it comes to tying up the shape of the new vehicle. Many have tried to be as sleek, curvaceous, and outright hidden when it comes to rear extension, and the driver who has a long trip planned will enjoy the extra packing room.

There are two new trim levels added for the 2018 Traverse: Luxurious High Country and Sporty RS are offered to give the driver a choice for more personalized appearance and feel. The High Country Trim gives you leather brown appointments accented with suede, and included D-optic headlamps, standard twin-clutch, and third row seats that power fold. When you opt for the new RS package, you receive exterior cues that are blacked out, a black chrome grille, and 20-inch wheels to properly sense the element of the upgrade. Inside is available seating for up to eight passengers, and the wheelbase is longer than the current model. Boasting 98.5 cubic feet, the Traverse is said to be THE #1 vehicle when it comes to carrying capacity, and a sense of durable space.

When you are ready to load up and go explore a place close to you, the bowtie Chevy logo lamp illuminates the ground, showing where you can quickly place your foot to activate the hands-free powered lift-gate. In the second row, there is a split-folding seat, with a better version of the original Smart Slide feature. Everyone on board will have access to USB charging ports in all three seating rows, and phone and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel are placed perfectly.

Lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking, and forward collision alert are other features that will help greatly with your commute. A new 3.6L V-6 and 9-speed automatic transmission are the goods that help get you around, and you can count on nearly 10 percent more horsepower than the current model to back you appropriately. An estimated 25 MPG is standard for this type of SUV, and anyone bound for wet or snowy conditions will appreciate its engineering for all scenarios. We can't wait until this release hits the lot, and we'll be standing by to assist anyone with questions about how they can call this their next personal vehicle!

A Nod to the Sightings At Nurburgring: The New-For-2018 ZR1

Testing cars and seeing if they really have what it takes to measure up requires many hours, and a collective effort of very hard work. Diagnostics, safety issues, and the way the machinery used can withstand intended acceleration are all components of the formula that need to be considered. When it comes to how it behaves on the road, there is one place on the planet that is legendary, and tends to be spoken about both in very excited and hushed tones. Nurburgring is located in a lush area of Germany, situated close to legendary castles, and was the original home of the German Grand Prix after World War One.

Completed in the spring of 1927, the original track consisted of 174 bends, and was a true proving grounds where numerous racers displayed their talent. It was right here in 1961 that Phil Hall became the first ever to complete a lap of the Nordschleife track in under 9 minutes, and if every inch of track here could talk, it would clue you in to some of the most exciting moments in racing history. Over the past few weeks there has been a very exciting vehicle that has been spotted zipping around this legendary spectacle, and it's gonna seriously excite every customer and employee right here at O'Rielly. The 2018 ZR1 Corvette has been spotted here doing its magical thing, in light camouflage and with abundant promise of just how awesome it will be.

The rear wing is the first element that many will notice: it is definitely on the larger side, and is a bit like what is seen on the Dodge Viper ACR. We suspect that it is here to provide a heightened amount of downforce, an element that you'll notice right away when really putting this new Corvette to the test. The front air dam has lots of wide-open intakes, which will be needed for sure to cool down the powerful V8 that resides under the hood. It is suspected that the Corvette's incredibly souped 6.2-liter will be the engine of choice, and that this final entry in a line of stellar cars will be a milestone of sheer performance ability and enthralling fun to drive.

The 'Vette that was sighted at Nurburgring was sporting the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which are known for being incredibly lightweight, and having the use of some very big brakes to boot. The last model that came out in this category was capable of producing 638 horsepower from a very supercharged 6.2-liter LS9. Most of our contacts in the motor industry are telling us that the 2018 ZR1 will be shown to the public for the first time at an IMSA race, or the Corvette Museum itself, in Bowling Green Kentucky. This storybook location is a prime example of a place that anyone would love to test drive the new Corvette: collectors and racing enthusiasts alike will no doubt be ecstatic to see just how great this new vehicle is going to be. We have all loved spending decades following the legacy of a legend, and expect this 2018 release to be nothing short of spellbinding.

O'Rielly Chevrolet Future Snapshot: FNR-X Concept Report

Two years ago at the famed Auto Shanghai gathering, the blueprint for the Find New Roads, or FNR concept car, was released. Even though the reality of full production is still a little ways off, the "all purpose sports concept vehicle" is bound to appeal to anyone that is looking for an auto that plugs in, has a functioning powertrain, and adaptive suspension. Active aero features on the wheels are a definite drag reducer, and the overall exterior design is a combination of Chevrolet and other crossover prototypes. Fans of sporty cars will love the resemblance to the Camaro ZL 1, which is most evident while looking at the front end.

The way that the doors are rear-hinged provide more room for passengers to get in, which will be greatly noticed during quick airport pick-ups, or impromptu load-ins for soccer and school. We are ver amazed at the way that some of the proposed sketches have a bit of similarity to the types of modern flair you see in the drone market: some that have come out within the last year such as the Mavic have very smooth sight lines, and are a fraction of the size of previous models. One is also reminded of some of the craft from the new "Star Wars" series, and we definitely think that defined edges on the interior and an over-abundance of tech features are what many buyers will favor most about the FNR-X.

OLED displays and sensors that automatically detect which driver is behind the wheel are other definite wow factors that are included with this futuristic concept, a well as augmented reality readouts on a 270-degree projection. If one thinks back to films such as "Al" and "Blade Runner", we remember a bit about what we were shown a few decades ago regarding what the cars of the future will look like. Even though models such as DeLorean's DMC-12 loved to capitalize on the doors that swayed out, many were incorrect in assuming that the innovation of the far future was not going to follow suit. There are some elements that ARE derived a bit from cars of the past such as the DMC-12, but what is potentially most impressive abut the FNR-X concept is its channeling of natural elements along with the man-made.

The entire flow and function of the design has toned down substantially, and evolved into a concept that incorporates elements similar to feng shui: the early design was a bit insect-like, and all of the lines in the current version are a bit cleaner. What seems the most practical about it now is that it appears to be much less of a capsule design than what was seen at the Auto Shanghai Gathering two years ago, and the windows seem a bit more snug and less like an underwater submarine.

Earlier proposals had a 180-degree-swiveling seat where the driver could face the back passengers, and we are not sure if this will still be present in the new concept. We will keep you posted on the direction and future happenings as far as the FNR-X is concerned: when this idea is finalized and ironed out a bit, we predict that may will be more than excited about owning an auto that will do almost everything besides reach out and touch the stars itself!

Feature-Filled Rising Stars: Consumer Reports Praises The Cruze and Malibu

When you are in the market for a new car, there are a couple of elements that you will always deem the most important. If you are planning on having your family in tow while you drive, reliability and safety are always among the traits that will rank highest. We were happy to hear that the Chevy Cruze and Malibu were selected in the Top Ten Picks for Consumer Reports this year, an honor that solidifies these two more-than-hot cars a place in the spotlight. What it "takes to be tops" as far as consumer reports is a very exemplary score in the auto's category. Good road-test performance, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety are the four components that are scrutinized for the final pics of the lot. 

For each of the cars that are lucky enough to make it to the top of the Consumer Reports list, their performance is scrutinized heavily during more than 50 evaluations conducted at a 327-acre Auto Test Center. The ways in which the cars are put to the test involve very detailed instrumented track tests, to necessarily nit-picked assessments for comfort and overall convenience. The staff of this renowned publication tests cars daily, and has experience dealing with all types of cars and their quirks. As far as owner satisfaction is concerned, the staff at Consumer Reports has known for decades that it only takes a split second for a large-scale accident to occur. Keeping your safety in mind as a consumer is essential: no one would want to buy a vehicle that they though may let them down in that one dangerous split second that can define the future.

The owner satisfaction rating that resulted in the Cruze and Malibu coming out on top was based on the percentage of current owners surveyed that claimed if they had to make another car purchase again, this is the one that they would select. The latest subscriber survey that claimed if they had to make another car purchase again, this is the one that they would select. The latest subscriber survey dutifully collected data on more than 300,000 vehicles that were released in the last three years, and took a close look at the various features that made them stand up during the toughest of tests. The sales and service staff here at O'Rielly Chevrolet fully understands that you want the best possible means to complete your daily commute, have a little fun while you're at it, and know that you are riding in a vehicle that will extend its quality to go above and beyond to protect you and all of your passengers.

The Chevy Cruze is exciting for so many reasons: The cabin is incredibly attractive, and an ample amount of rear-seat legroom is appreciated right off the bat. It comes in compact sedan or hatchback, and is available in L, LS, LT, LT Diesel, and Premier trim levels. 15-inch steel wheels, awesome automatic headlights, remote unlocking, and a height-adjustable seat are just some of the amenities you'll enjoy with this power-packing and high-ranked new creation. The 2017 Malibu has more rear-seat legroom than past models, and is coveted for its upscale and very clean appearance. You are working with a 160-hp turbo, 1.5-liter four-cylinder power source, and six-speed automatic to efficiently get the shifting job done. With the offering of a hybrid Malibu, you can see 35 miles per gallon, and be more-than-confident about using an environmentally-friendly power source. We couldn't be more excited about the high reviews and rankings the Cruze and Malibu received from Consumer Reports: make sure you set aside time to pay us a visit, and learn just how exciting your daily commute and playtime can soon become.

A Roomy and 9-speed Primed Possession: 2017 Chevy Malibu 2.OT Premier

As cactus-laden sunsets and the inevitable call to explore the wild spreads through the Tucson metro like wildfire, the urge to have an awesome new midsize car will move many. Loading up a few buddies or loved ones and cruising for fun in this 9T50 nine-speed automatic will be a pleasure for anyone who gets behind the wheel of the new Chevy Malibu sedan. The new transmission is a replacement for the 8-speed automatic that is behind the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that packs a punch. New for this year are some well-adjusted trim features, some new exterior color choices, and a new Sport package.

Comparing it to last year's version, the horsepower is still right at 250, but the torque has increased by 2 to a final rating of 260 lb per foot. We guarantee that its gonna feel quicker than last year's while navigating city streets, and the extra gear in the transmission will make a noticeable difference. When you are looking at a punch and ultra-modern sedan such as the new Malibu, reports straight from the track are one inclination of how a vehicle will truly behave when you want to get to business and open it up. The 2.0-liter turbo version will hit 60 MPH in about 5.7 seconds, and will quickly conquer the quarter mile at just under 100 MPH in around 3.4 seconds.

This is a full .5 second faster in the quarter-mile than last year's model, and what you really have with this color is a model that does what many were not focusing on a decade ago or so: being able to handle any commute while truly ripping around with a bit of an edge. Increases in the fuel-saving game are one commodity that many drivers are looking for before the summer months, when prices may edge up a bit for gas. This model boasts an increase of 1mpg for the highway rating above last year's, at a time when many will appreciate what increases they can get.

Some reviews of drivers that have taken the new Malibu through locations like the canyon have billed it as "soft-sprung", but the overall tightness in handling in durability you get is right on the money for the pricing point. This is an optimal ride for a trip lugging four around, and everyone will be sure to have ample room. Hitting the road to Sabino Canyon or yearning for the desert breeze will be perfect reasons for you to hop in your New Malibu: it's a vehicle that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, along with OnStar 4g LTE to make sure the internet signal continuously thrives in your mobile domain. You'll also enjoy other higher-than-standard features like wireless phone charging, handy dual rear-seat USB ports, and an outlet that supplies 120 volts of power.

If you are looking for an above-average entry in the 4-door department that will make you passionately look forward to the next time you do anything from running errands to showing up for the first day at the new job, you'll love the feel of the new Malibu. If you happen to find yourself at a loss for directions for any reason, the Chevrolet MyLink will supply you with stellar navigation, along with an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio. The most positive points on here have to do with fuel efficiency, being awesome in many ways in the get up and go category, and this vehicle having the reliability and prowess of a brand that many have trusted for decades. Don't hesitate to find out how the staff here at O'Rielly Chevrolet can get you situated into the new Malibu, and see to it that spring has you celebrating by snagging up an amazing new ride.