Tucson Coming Track Scoop: Camaro ZL1 to Rep Chevy During Next Year's NASCAR Blitz

Here at Orielly Chevy, we all tend to get a bit reverent and serious when the mere mention of a NASCAR event crosses the lips of anyone we know: the Florida heat, heart-pumping action, and die hard fans are just a few of the reasons why everyone loves coming back. We have just received news that beginning next season, the Camaro ZL1 will make an appearance during Daytona Speedweeks, the official and exciting kickoff for the 2018 NASCAR season. 

Last week, the powerful and snarling new blue coupe cruised down Jefferson Avenue Right in front of GM Headquarters, touting its official replacement of the Chevrolet SS, which has been the NASCAR fleet commander from Chevy for the last 4 years.

Jimmie Johnson showed up with none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself, who is going to be the lucky driver of the no. 88 Camaro during next year's season. Johnson rapidly declared that the ZL1 is a “monster” and that the raw torque and power behind the car are some of its most exciting attributes. Motor Trend claims that the German phrase “uberholprestige” has a lot of raw meaning when it comes to the new Camaro ZL1, translating loosely to “I'd better let the beast in my rearview mirror pass!”. The previously used SS model had scored an impressive total of 70 World Cup Series wins, and helped Chevy earn a record 39 NASCAR manufacturing titles.

Consumer Reports claims that the new generation of Camaro is “pleasingly familiar”, and “delight to drive”. Once you visit us on the lot, you're going to instantly get excited to drive this sheer masterpiece in muscle, with its V-8 producing a snarling sound and high thrust capability. Optimized air vents work to control temperature and the flow of air through rotational trim rings. Nice extras like a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and seating with aggressive bolsters are on hand to provide extra support when the g-force factor goes up, which you're bound to engage in this able and incredibly astute racer.

20” black wheels with red accents are part of the ZL1's instant visual appeal and provide for it the ability to adapt to any type of cornering, as well as various weather conditions. Darkened tail lamps, premium carpet floor mats with red stitching, and many other opportunities to customize the vehicle are all available after new purchase. 

Ask us how an intense adjustment such as an Exhaust Upgrade Package can work hard to reduce backpressure, and a Brake System Upgrade Kit can give you that much more command and prowess on the track. Whether you are poised to off on a high-performance and demanding track such as a NASCAR lap, or just taking a quick drive up to Kitt Peak National Observatory, the new Camaro ZL1 is sure to wow, impress, and curb your ultimate need for speed.

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!

It's Raining Awards, and The Camaro Rivals Moxie: 2017 Achievements Scorecard

 Our obsession with muscle cars is so very understandable: what is not appealing about a two-door coupe or convertible that can scorch the surface of any road? Add to that the way this formidable yet menacing beast has evolved into its current 6th-generation status, and you'll see why many dragster fans and speed demons are in love with the legendary brand. Ralph Nader touted the car in a bit of a negative light in his book Unsafe at Any Speed, and we're going to hurriedly admit that it has never worried us for even a split second.


The 6th-generation Camaro weighs 200 lbs less than the previous model, and now over 70% of its components are unique to the car, and not shared at the same time by any other GM product. When you visit us on the lot here in Tucson, ask about the ZL1 1LE package: it's tested to be three seconds faster during tests at the Milford Road Course, and top speed is rumored to be around an astonishing 198 mph.

When many drivers take their first look at a Camaro, they are sold. The potential for high speeds, amazing look, and strong presence in events such as the NASCAR Nationwide Series have allowed many to see just how versatile and all-around awesome this car is to own. J.D. Power and Associates named the Camaro the "Most Dependable, Midsize Sporty Car, Five Years in a Row," an achievement many would be proud to claim. This company conducts surveys of consumer satisfaction, product quality and patterns in buyer behavior in the auto industry. Primarily consisting of consumer surveys, they are known for digging up opinions with a globally-solid foundation.

Car and Driver is a world-class publication in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is popular for their slightly irreverent tone, and their general disdain for the SUV model-worshipping crowd. They listed the Camaro in their "2017 Car and Driver 10Best," an honor that even an established racehorse would be proud of. Published in Germany, Switzerland, the U.K. and Spain on top of the United States, they continue to be an authority on really stepping up and "telling it like it is" in terms of auto quality.

Kelley Blue Book nominated the Camaro last year for "Best Resale Value," a distinguished claim that counts in a very important category: dollars and cents. In a post-recession landscape, the bottom line still holds grave importance, and if you ever chose to get rid of your prized Camaro, you won't be left short-changed. Scorching from 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds, we don't know why you'd ever want to do so, but if the time comes, you'll know that you still have the ability to acquire some extra greenbacks.

As you blaze off towards the desert in a gorgeous Tucson summer night with a new Camaro, you're going to immediately see the effect of the massive upper and lower grille openings: it allows for the maximum cooling effect. The 3-stanchion spoiler increases downforce, and you're gonna love how the rocker moldings complete the out-of-this-world aero package. When the first Camaro rolled off the line in 1966, it was bound for stardom, and the awards received over the past year solidify its long-standing nature.

2017 Chevy Malibu Super Spotlight: Multiple Awards + Focus on Features

As families across the Tucson metro area look for the ultimate sedan to meet their needs, there are many different objectives they want to cover, and reasons they pick the car they do. Consumer reports weigh in heavily on decisions: some who are buying a new car appreciate reviews about the features from those with the same concerns as them. One great thing about the Chevy Malibu is the awards it has snagged up this year: With Available Front Automatic Braking, this car can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid a collision when traveling at speeds under 50 mph.

The Malibu was named as Top Safety Pick for the IIHS this year, an honor that is given after the vehicle measures up well in crashworthiness tests. These are regarding how well a vehicle has the ability to protect its occupants during a crash. The tests span five categories: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, roof strength and head restraints, as well as pulling down an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

Knowing that the Malibu fares this well will give any new owner peace of mind, and the confidence that their changes of safety are upped drastically during a collision. The fact that the Malibu is a bit larger in the long run helps with its safety ranking: when it boils down to it, a tiny car simply does not offer the protection of a sturdy sedan.

U.S. News and World Report awarded the Malibu Best Midsize Car for Families for 2017, as well as the Best Hybrid for Families. Owning the Malibu is not just to be liked, it's to be loved, and the car was constructed with the highest efficiency and engineering prowess there is. The aerodynamic sculpting and available LED daytime running lamps provide a sense of character for the Malibu that is unparalleled, and evoke a one-of-a-kind charm that you'll be proud to pull up in. To say that the Malibu is head turning is an understatement, and it is one of the most revolutionary and feature-filled vehicles out there today.

It is powered by a 1.8L hybrid engine, which offers 49 MPG around the city, and one very exciting feature is the Driver Efficiency Gauge -- it provides feedback on how your driving habits effect the fuel economy, and help you get the most out of every single gallon you put in. As of late, manufacturers and engineers in the auto industry have been making some truly earth-shaking advances, and the turn towards cleaner energy will change the face of new cars permanently.

Preventing collisions before they happen is one of the most important ways the Malibu can help your family: Front and rear parking assist as well as front pedestrian braking can be a lifesaver in more ways than one, and come to your aid in the heat of the moment. Lane change alert along with side blind zone alert will help anyone from a big city commuter to a country dwelling young coupe, as sometimes conditions and the drivers next to you change in a heartbeat.

Adaptive cruise control and front automatic braking are a few other ways that the Malibu promotes safety, and ease a healthy longevity into you and your passengers' journey, The 2017 Malibu is absolutely a car to get excited seeing us at O'Rielly for, and we wanted our followers to be fully aware of its award-winning past and future!

RST Special Edition Prepares the Tahoe and Suburban to Tremble the Tucson Streets

The Suburban and Tahoe are able and trustworthy vehicles: they are known for their excellent ability to haul, climb and transport anyone from the little league to the debate club in style. The RST is designed specifically for drivers who want the coveted and current street performance look, without having to skimp on the capability or other trusty qualities of this vehicle. You can now come on down to O'Rielly and check out how awesome a few new modifications are: when you opt for the Performance Package, it includes a 420-hp, 6.2L V-8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration and an all-new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.

The RST will be available on Tahoe and Suburban models during the fall this year, and is heavily inspired by trends prominent in the aftermarket arena. All of the previous chrome trim has been eliminated, part of what gives the vehicle a simplified and able appearance. The bod-color grille surround and door handles have also been changed as well as gloss-black grille and mirror caps, black roof rails, window trim, badging, as well as the trademark Chevy bowties. The RST also includes the very able and sturdy 22-inch wheels for traction, nicely gift-wrapped in Bridgestone P28/45R 22 tires.

Even though these vehicles are perfectly equipped to hit the road on an arid and sun-kissed Tucson weekend, there are also a few other upgrades that will make the RST even more appealing to you. There is an available Borla performance exhaust system that offers a 20 percent boost in exhaust flow, resulting in a 7-10 horsepower gain from the rear wheels. Some drivers are finicky about their braking capabilities and the RST also can be beefed up with a front red Brembo six-piston, fixed aluminum brake caliper package that provides an 84 percent increase in brake pad area. Duralife rotors feature a hardened surface that will allow you to come to a stop more quietly, and with less vibration.

When you come visit us to check out the Performance Package, we'll show you how you can heftily beef up your street presence with a stealth performance calibration Magnetic Ride Control, 6.2L V-8, and the brand new 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the first time ever that the Tahoe features the 6.2L V-8, and you'll notice right away the difference with delivery of 420-horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Don't worry if you're helping out your contractor buddy, or planning a spur-of-the-moment trip to the lake: the Tahoe RST Performance Package will have the ability to tow 8,400 pounds, and get up to 60 MPH in less than 6 seconds. There's even more reason to set your sights on these two popular vehicles this year, and see how excited you'll be to have fun in a brand new one right around the time school is back in session. The Fall brings the promise of abundant change, and the RST will no doubt supercharge your daily schedule.

Scorching Summer Energy-Saver’s Update: Chevy Bolt EV Arrives on Lots A Month Early

The long-awaited Bolt EV was supposed to go on sale in all 50 states during September of this year, but GM has altered their plans. Head Representative Fred Ligouri confirmed recent reports that the brand new Bolt EV will be released nationally during the scorching late summer month of August.

Drivers in Tucson that have been closely following the world of electric power will have a great reason to be excited: this is one vehicle that even gives Tesla a strong sense of competition. It’s known for being quick on its feet and ultra fun to drive, and it is a 10Best winner to boot.

When you come pay us a visit at Orielly and see just how awesome the Bolt EV is, you’ll be checking out a vehicle that is powered smartly by a floor-mounted battery. It provides lively juice for a 200-horsepower electric motor, which provides a 96 MPGe and a 75-mph highway range measuring in at 190 miles. The cabin is equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, and loaded with infotainment goodies such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE WI-fi for your passengers’ surfing contentment.

One glance at the Bolt EV makes it very obvious that this is a move towards a very mass appeal for the electric option, and it is capable of a 200-mile driving range. When you come visit us right here at Orielly, we can check to see if you qualify for a lucrative tax credit, softening the initial pressure of the purchase a bit for you. Car and Driver itself claims that the Bolt EV is “worthy of all the breathless hype that’s been showered on the Tesla Model 3”. During a road test that imitated a long highway road trip, the cruise control was set at 75, and the climate set to maintain a temperature of around 72 degrees.

That wore the battery down in about 190 miles, which is definitely not too bad, considering the state of electric cars just a decade ago. You’ll notice a very distinct level of chassis-tuning: that of the Bolt EV ranks right up there with the Malibu and Cadillac CT6. The steering is clean, the turning is avid, and the ride is just as smooth as you’d wish from an electric counterpart.

The default driving mode is the well-engineered preset that is designed for those who are used to gasoline engines, and there is a small paddle behind the left steering wheel spoke that increases the regenerative braking amount. When it’s held firmly, it can bring the car to a complete stop, and it should be noted that the car has to warm up a bit before it successfully can do this. At around 3500 pounds, the Bolt is heavy for a vehicle this size, but one must understand that it is pretty light for a car housing a battery pack of this type inside. If you need an awesome place to eat after driving, check out Cafe Poca Cosa: a grade A upscale cafe known for very creative flair, and a memorable Arizona stale of prime Mexican cuisine.

Safety features like a backup camera can never come in too handy: they prevent many accidents that can happen if backing up too quickly when you are in a hurry. Once you safely are on your way and engaging the pleasantly hot Tucson pavement, Sport Mode is the setting where you can feel that punchy acceleration off the line, but still leaves the driver with a sense of gutsy grip and control. The observed MPGe number definitely outperforms the Kia Soul EV, and has been deemed in an entirely different league than many other plug-in hybrids. Come see us at Orielly over the late summer months to experience how awesome the Bolt is: the future is already here as far as electric cars go, and is ready to be accessible + widely embraced.