Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Inside EVs Test Drive Video Featuring 2019 Chevy Bolt EV Describes it as “Peppy and Outstanding”




The savvy and deep-digging staff of Inside EVs took the liberty of showing a video on their page with a drive test of the 2019 Chevy Bolt Premier this past week: the model had some cool upgrades like the mosaic black and contrast rims, and the driver reflected that at first appearance, it definitely looks like a “fun little hatch.” Not as bulky as the Equinox or sworn competition Toyota RAV4, all of us here at O'Rielly Chevy recognize that the Bolt still has a bit of an appearance that immediately categorizes it as from the electric camp.

As the years progress, we believe that development and design teams will definitely produce models that will have a bit more natural or rugged feel about them, as the electric car category is just now embracing its own identity. Coming from way up North in Canada, the test drive of the new Bolt was in the snow, where it would definitely have to prove its ability to maneuver in the most demanding of conditions. The intro on the infotainment screen once you get in is quite cool: much akin to the beginning of a movie in a theater, blue hues, and lush digital wizardry let you know right away that you are in a high-performing car that is on the modern side of the spectrum!



The touchscreen in the test model was about two or three inches larger than the traditional 8-inch or so version, and it appeared to really help evoke a futuristic touch. As the driver pulls off the lot, he laments that this is the first non-Tesla electric vehicle he has driven, and his first impression was that he was very surprised with the amount of peppiness and power the Bolt provides off the line. It was also noted that the seats are pretty small, perhaps even smaller than what you'd find inside the Camaro, but they are incredibly well-fitted, and a very good example of how a car with electric power in no way has to feel like it is trapping you in a box!

The large screen did not provide a sense of technical overkill that can sometimes plague any newer car, and does a great job of making you feel like you are driving a car that is in all ways technically equipped to do more than just get you from A to B. Many other reviews of the Bolt have claimed that when the true quickness of the car is noticed is when you are at speed, at say maybe around 50 mph on the interstate. When he hit a clear patch of traffic, the driver checked out this claim, and you can really see the result of his getting quickly down on the accelerator.



The highest level of surprise came from the amount of fun he had driving the Bolt: as soon as he switched to Sport mode when he had ample space, all he could exclaim after lurching forward was “Wow!” Check out the benefits to you and your family of electric car ownership this year, and prepare to have your opinions drastically swayed towards the side of the fence with power derived from spark rather then fuel!

Monday, January 14, 2019

Camaro and Corvette ZR1 Top “21 Quickest Production Cars Motortrend Tested in 2018” List




Every year when car performance lists of various sorts come out, here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson we are sure that our vehicles will make the list. It is always certain that year after year, our sedans and sports cars will make waves and dominate against the various forms of competition out there. Every year the folks on staff at Motor Trend take on the duty of testing more than 200 car, truck, and SUV varieties to properly evaluate every new vehicle there is on the market. From budget-priced compacts to the most luxurious high-end vehicles, they were on the hunt last year to find the quickest out there, based completely on the 0-60 MPH drive time.

One of the initial surprises came from the Dodge club: we fully recognize that the 2018 Challenger SRT Hellcat Wide Body is one fine vehicle, in literally all ways. But it placed 20th on the list, as a 3.9-second 0-60 time ultimately keeps it held back a bit on the list. What's mind-blowing is the difference one second can make: engineers and designers have been trying for decades to create the ultimate pony and track-commanding car that can blast through this particular endurance test, while still providing other features within the realms of tech and safety.




The most powerful Porsche 911 ever sold to the public snagged the number one spot: the amazing and incredibly powerful 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS nailed down a track time for the 0-60 mph trot that was simply astounding: a lightening-fast 2.6 seconds. Our prized Corvette ZR1 snagged the 4th place spot on this list of fearlessly fast contenders, coming in at a 3.0-second 0 to 60 mph gallop. The well-seasoned staff at Car and Driver proclaimed recently that “We went 183.3 MPH in the new Corvette ZR1 at the Texas Mile, and not once did we feel guilty.” With greatly noticeable power and chassis improvements over the Z06, you'll notice very minimal drawback downforce during speed runs, as well as enjoy the capability for the incoming Corvette to be perfect for daily drives.



Up a bit higher in the list is the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1: it pulls off the 0-60 sprint in just 3.5 seconds, situated in a comfy slot just above the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R. The quarter-mile time for the ZL1 sits at 11.5 seconds, and the automatic transmission it sports is the one to nab if you are looking to achieve rocket-fast speed while in a straight line. This is the always exciting, well-priced car that is a true legend in its own rite, which Car and Driver stated has “a glorious engine sound.” The supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 is good for 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, and half of the chassis performance is derived from aluminum-bodied spool-valve dampers.

The rear subframe and multilink suspension are now insulated with aluminum pucks, and the rear anti-roll bar can be adjusted to three different positions. Make sure to check out the available navigation system and carbon-fiber interior trim, two of the extras that up the level of excitement in a vehicle that already has a massive presence in the no-holds-barred racing category!

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Deemed “Jack of All Trades” By Canadian Voice




Here during the New Year at O'Rielly Chevy, we get to enjoy the task of going over the many different opinions that people have gathered about our awesome cars and trucks. From the smallest Eco-Conscious EV's to the biggest and burliest of able trucks, the many blogs, review sites, and forums on the web crackle with extra life during this time of new releases to rave about. “Autoreviewman” of the Indo-Canadian Voice wrote this past week about a test drive with the ZR2, the specialized off-road model that offers the best in boulder-climbing and Baja-running capability.

Powered by the 3.6-liter V6, the ZR2 has best-in-class horsepower with a rating of 308, and torque at 275 lb-ft. Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers with a 2-inch suspension lift and 3.5-inch wider track give not only a boost in off-road ability, but a drastic improvement in ride quality to boot. The review staff at work here quickly lamented that the interior was “large, neat, and well-apportioned,” citing the high-quality build and comfort factor as first-rate. The ZR2's suspension plays on DSSV dampers that have the much-needed ability to offer a good ride on paved streets without being jumpy, and body roll that is usually only attained by means of a well-placed lift kit.



Steering was ranked during this drive as “light and dead on center,” and the very cool 17-inch wheels on board are fitted with ultra-high performance 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires. The V-6 powered ZR2 delivered ample torque and acceleration, and proved themselves immensely on the Abbotsford driving area, on a section of rough trail in Canada where the off-road hardware and suspension made navigating the trails a cinch. Very quick response within the 4-wheel drive department and the very aggressive tread on the Goodyear Duratrac tires were two of the qualities that helped with churning properly through the demanding terrain.

The astute and able testing team from Road and Track were able to put the much-loved and off-road ready ZR2 to the task on the snow-covered stage roads at Team O-Neill Rally school, and immediately deemed it “the perfect rally truck.” This location features 600 acres of snow-covered New Hampshire backroads, and the shaved bumper, as well as perfectly-sloping skidplate, gave tons of clearance, with the fully exposed front tires making it much easier to climb directly up a rock face without damaging any body panel elements.



This experienced team really loved how no significant wind noise, no shudder when you hit big bumps, and car-like steering also factored into a driving experience that did not always feel like a truck, but provided all the capabilities and rugged duty ability of one. Ask us here at O'Rielly Chevy about the “Midnight Special Edition” package, which includes black emblems, 17-inch black wheels, and bed-mounted style bar and full-size spare tire, installed with care. It's amazing just how the spool-valve shocks can effortlessly brush off massive potholes, and also how the ZR2 feels as snug as a crossover SUV: this is one vehicle that anyone would want in their corner while wandering off the “grid-lain and organized” path.

Monday, January 7, 2019

GM Authority Features New Shadow Gray Metallic Color For 2019 Chevy Malibu



Recognized by the greats in car journalism as “coming with underhood hardware that has great fanfare,” the 2019 Chevy Malibu offers three of the most sought-after features that a car can possess. A restyled grille, new RS model, and all-new continuously variable automatic transmission are all on board for the Malibu now. A simulated shift program with seven ratios changes without any issues when the engine speed hits 5500 rpm and the revs can be dropped manually with the button on top of the gearshift lever. Car and Driver claimed that “There are some conventional automatics that could take behavior lessons from GM's CVT,” and now this exciting new offering from all of us at O'Rielly Chevy is providing three new exterior colors to choose from.

The GM Authority blog was excitedly doling out the news about the Shadow Gray Hue last week: Assigned the color code GJI and touch-up paint code WA-626D, it is the gray choice that sits opposed the Silver Ice Metallic variety. It is included in the base price of the 2019 Malibu, and available in conjunction with all interior color combinations and trim levels except for L models. This is currently our second-largest sedan, poised above the subcompact Chevy Sonic, and under the full-size Impala. Distinguished and Decadent just as a fine-tailored suit, the 2019 Malibu is bound to appear as sleek and stylish ever under the cloak of this well-stated yet lucid color.

Official fuel economy for this past year's Malibu was ranked at 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Make sure you inquire about the Premier trim: it gives you the more powerful 2.0-liter engine generating 250 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque, as well as a nine-speed automatic transmission. The testing staff on duty at Cnet.com Roadshow claimed that the Malibu has a “perfectly compliant ride,” and enough damping to easily smooth out any small ruts and bumps you encounter during highway driving. Outside picturesque Seattle on tree-lined roads, writer Steven Ewing called the Malibu “effortless, and pleasant to drive” while seeing how it behaved in the most open of spaces.

The brand new Infotainment 3 setup finds its way into the Malibu for the 2019 model, sporting an 8-inch touchscreen standard across all trim levels. It's a very high-res display with neatly organized and easy-to-find icons, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming standard. 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space is present in the trunk to accommodate any amount of luggage, and the RS features super-cool 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust ports, and blacked-out badges. Everyone here at O'Rielly is aware of the massive shift that has taken place steering folks towards crossover SUVs and trucks: there are many positive attributes of an able and sturdy hauling machine.

If a sedan is the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle, we guarantee that the car Autotrader called “Sophisticated, refined, and efficient” will be sure to ring in your New Year's with the confidence of a choice perfect for you. Don't forget to look into the hybrid version: it pairs a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined power rating of 182 horsepower. One of our favorite features is the very defined and muscular front end of the Malibu: as soon as it pulled onto the lot, we immediately deemed it beyond cool and confident! The base L model comes equipped with cruise control, automatic headlamps, and backup camera, and we are confident that you will agree competitors Honda Accord and Toyota Camry don't quite cross the finish line in terms of quality and resilience. 

Friday, December 28, 2018

Automobile Hails 2019 Silverado For Its Raw Domination During Delivery Duty




GM's very long-awaited launch of the all-new Chevy Silverado has had many customers right here at O'Rielly Chevy and nationwide very anxious. Todd Lassa of Automobile took on the task of driving a 2019 Silverado 4WD LT Crew Cab pickup for a weekend, on a trip around 140 miles out of Detroit to pick up a storm door and unload it at the summer cabin another 30 miles out. This was exactly the type of routine errand that many brand-new truck owners will embark upon, and a pretty good gauge of how the truck performs in a typical home improvement delivery situation.

He first begins by making it clear that he's not a truck guy, and that is completely understandable! Even though we have witnessed firsthand the staggering amount of appeal that trucks have commanded into their camp over the last five years particularly, many true auto aficionados crave the low-riding feel and track-gripping sensations you can acquire from driving a sedan. Nonetheless, the ability to haul, tow, move, and now jump directly off-road with more prowess than ever before is a powerful allure to many, and trucks keep flying off the lot here in Tucson faster than we can stock them. Todd does not require the full-size driving sensations that the Silverado provides in all ways to satisfy his pavement cravings, but he still dutifully pulled out of the driveway to start his trip.



The first thing he noticed was its incredibly smooth and quiet ride on the freeway, while at the same time appreciating the sensation of a jet taking off that you get when launching off the line. He praised the truck for its practicality and punch, and while he himself was not in need of the varied hard-duty functions of the Silverado, many contractors and other hard-duty linesmen and women nationwide are. We take pleasure in offering the 2019 version of the truck that Car and Driver deemed “Lord of the contractor,” as well as “good for the ultimate victory in the truck wars.”

Speaking of the good folks at Car and Driver, they took the RST model through Wyoming's Grand Tetons last year, and they were fully enthused about the uphill climbing power as well as recovering from small bumps and having well-weighted and accurate steering. Increased tow ratings and bigger bed are two of the traits that really made the Silverado the strong and spry competitor against the F-150 that it is. Whenever a crown is at stake, the race becomes fervent, and the Silverado has earned its stripes during 2018 in many ways. We are excited about the fact that the new Silverado is bigger, yet still lighter, and both existing V-8s now feature Chevy's new Dynamic Fuel Management technology.



This system employs 17 different firing modes and does the job of shutting down as many as six cylinders at will, depending on immediate torque demand. A trailering package with a bigger rear axle, radiator with more cooling capability, and revised shock tuning are all great elements on the table: come soon to check out this truck that fared so well on a winter's holiday urgent to-do run!

Monday, December 17, 2018

2019 Chevy Trax New Pacific Blue Color Highlighted in GM Authority




Check out the new color here

The addition of new colors for a model is always an exciting event for the holidays: as the decorations and festive lights begin to pop up all over the Tucson area, more options for the exteriors of brand new cars are also becoming options for your 2019 purchase. As the excitement of spiced eggnog and wondering what kind of gifts the packages contain that are arriving on the porch mounts, it is a very festive pastime to sit down with your loved ones and select the perfect new car. The 2019 Chevy Trax will now add three new colors to its selection: Dark copper metallic, satin steel metallic, and pacific blue metallic.

Included in the base price of the 2019 Chevy Trax, it is also available in conjunction with all interior color combinations, and all trim levels besides LS. The Trax is a subcompact crossover utility vehicle that slots below the equinox as our pride and joy in the “half-pint” department, and this was the second crossover to launch in its segment in the U.S. Last years revamp gifted the Trax with all-new front and rear fascias, the replacement of the LTZ trim with the Premier, completely revised interior, and a brand-new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.

For 2018, the Trax received a new Redline Edition model, and numerous positive changes in equipment level. Like all first-generation units, the 2019 model will continue to ride on the GM Gamma II Platform, which is shared with the Buick Encore, and first-generation Chevy Sonic. Billed as “comfortable and competent” by Car and Driver, it was also ranked highly for its commanding seating position, and very confident handling. Ask us here at O'rielly Chevy about the Driver Confidence package: this is where you get the added assistance of rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The expansive headroom gives an airy and spacious feel to the cabin, and the touchscreen mounted to the dashboard is a snap to use. Road testers managed to fit 18 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats stowed, and many customers that come to speak to us about a new purchase are excited about the five-star rating the Trax gets from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Available forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors are some of the integral reasons why it is ranked so high in the safety realm. Chevy also proudly stands by the complimentary scheduled maintenance offered for the Trax, which is not found all-too-common among competitors.

Ask us this holiday season how you can obtain the Limited Warranty that covers 3 years or 36,000 miles. The Powertrain Warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and Complimentary Maintenance is covered for 2 years, or 24,000 miles. Also available with 4G LTE capability, you'll have all sorts of entertainment and navigation ability at your fingertips when you climb aboard your brand new Trax!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

2020 Silverado HD High Country Revealed, Sporting Killer Design and Stance




The all-new Chevy Silverado HD has done a great job of expanding its renowned truck franchise with five distinct trim levels for the all-new Silverado HD, every single trim level offers a slightly different variant of design, features, and technology to fulfill the demands of HD owners. The days of a “one size fits most” option have long bitten the dust, as the need to be more personalized becomes a higher and higher priority.

Each of the Silverado HD models features very unique design details, including grilles that feature either the Chevy stamped bar, or highly recognizable bowtie with mix of black, body color, chrome, or the two-tone metallic trim that High Country models can claim as their own. Every fine detail of what customers expect, and how they will use their truck has been taken into consideration with the multiple types of available trims for the Silverado, whether it is pulling a trailer, or working on a construction site. The current High Country trim sports LED high-intensity headlamps, as well as chrome assist steps from wheel to wheel.



There is so much to enjoy about the user-friendliness and accessibility that the Chevy infotainment system offers, with its 8-inch diagonal color touchscreen, as well as embedded navigation. With the High Country trim, you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility, advanced voice recognition, in-vehicle apps, and personalized profiles to boot. The High Country trim level also sees the power tailgate as standard, and also offers heated and vented perforated leather-appointed front bucket seats as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

When customers come to talk to us about trucks, they are quite understandably concerned about safety: during any length of trip, it's great to know that you are covered in all ways while en route. Standard StabiliTrak stability control provides rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, and hill-start assist. Included with the High Country trim is Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Intellibeam automatic headlamp control and Following Distance Indicator are other great features: if the system detects no vehicle ahead, or the vehicle ahead is out of sensor range, dashes will be displayed, and the system displays a minimum following time of .5 seconds.



If a crash risk is detected, the safety alert seat technology will vibrate the driver's seat bottom, and the Lowe Speed Front Automatic Braking feature will apply the brakes to help reduce collision severity, if the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, and the system detects any possibility of a front-end type collision. As the Holiday season bears down on us here at O'rielly Chevy, we invite you to check out just how awesome these trucks are: you'll have to wait a while for the 2020 fleet, but we are happy to answer any pertinent questions we can, including delivery time from Santa's snowy sleigh itself!