TopSpeed Dishes up the Scoop on C8 Chevy Corvette's Latest Renderings

Here at O'rielly Chevy as Thanksgiving season makes its gradual transformation into the Christmas holidays, we are always making great strides to keep our customers informed on the happenings of new models coming down the pipeline, and in this feature, we'll showcase one that is anything but ordinary. The highly-anticipated mid-engined Corvette has been kept under a bit of lighter camo recently, allowing for a slightly more clear view of the finished product. The Topspeed.com blog offered up some renderings this past week of what the new C8-generation Corvette will look like, and our first impression is that it is going to be one incredibly souped-up, red-hot ball of feisty fire!

The images you can check out Here lack some of the details you see when it comes to a straight-up photo of the car, but they are nonetheless pretty helpful at paving the way for a clearer idea of what the car's character will seem like off the bat. The C8 surely appears to be a tough competitor for the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracan, and McLaren 720S. The new model has a midship engine layout, which results in a shortened nose, longer mid-section, and far more space between the seats and rear wheels. The rear fenders see bigger vents now, which are longer and wider to pave way for the new engine's robust residence.

The front end still has the same V-shaped hood and nose, and the swept-back headlamps bear likeness to those on the C7. In the rear is where you see a quite heavy reconfiguration: each taillight has pretty big vents, and the center-mounted exhaust has been foregone for a more usual quad-pipe layout with exhausts situated on each side of the diffuser. The C8 is rumored to sport a base model powered by a 6.2-liter V-8, from the C7 Corvette, and a mid-range model with a twin-turbo, 4.2-liter V-8 borrowed from Cadillac. There is a 5.5-Liter V-8 in the works that will astutely top the range, by generating around 850 horsepower. Just as many other car lines have conceptualized, there are plans to pair the 5.5-liter V-8 to an electric motor, for an output totaling around 1,000 horsepower.

The amazing and awe-inspiring C8 is scheduled to debut in 2019, most likely in the Motor City during the annual January auto show. Car and Driver deemed the C8 “heart-stopping,” and also fully recognized that alternative power sources will be in the planning stages for the time when regulations will clamp down a bit more aggressively in the realm of fuel use. Having the engine moved behind the cockpit clears space for a potentially all-electric motor to drive the front wheels, and by 2020, a 4-wheel drive Corvette hybrid may not be a far off dream.

Many aficionados have given much thought to where the fuel tank will reside. GM is likely to stow away the C8's gas tank in a center tunnel, where it could share said space with plumbing elements for cooling. The new C8 is likely to incorporate an aluminum space frame, with carbon-fiber and magnesium elements also added throughout to help with weight reduction. Right here in Tucson and via many dealers nationwide, the buzz is unmistakable. Any time there is talk of a new 'Vette, the most knowledgeable track hounds in existence know the weight of words, wisdom, and the ultimate stock of race-ready downforce!

Consumer Reports Provides 2019 Chevy Silverado Trim Selection Guide

Over the past month, the very knowledgeable and seasoned staff at Consumer Reports bought the new Chevy Silverado 1500 LT, with the intention of listing the trim levels, and a guide on how to select the right one for you. Some of their general advice right off the top was to get a Silverado with power-adjustable pedals, allowing drivers with various heights to adjust all pedals as they need. Running boards are also an item high on the priority list, because climbing in and out of your brand-new Silverado is a snap once they are added in the mix.

The Silverado RST is the trim level that this article deems as absolutely the most sporty, and the leather seats are where you really notice the upgrade in terms of interior comfort. The highly truck-savvy and well-appointed Consumer Reports writers thought that the power-release tailgate was an awesome feature, with its ability to be lowered from in the cab, or by use of the key fob. This trim level is a great choice if you want the looks and vibe of a sporty truck, but still need it to be able to do a bit of “Just-above-light-duty” work for you.

The Silverado LT Trail Boss offers up the feature of a very cool 2-inch lift kit straight from the factory. This offers much better ground clearance, and makes it looks like a much tougher and able off-road contender. Specialized terrain modes designed just to get you through demanding off-road situations with a snap. The absolute head-to-head contender with the likes of the Ford Raptor and Ram Rebel, its sense of elevation and extra clearance really prepares you for the areas near O'Rielly Chevy of Tuscon that are close to cactus and sand, as opposed to uneventful and routine highway drives.

The Silverado LTZ comes powerfully equipped with GM's exhilarating and brawny 420-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine, mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the combo that Consumer Reports called this “as satisfying a powertrain as GM has ever made for a pickup,” and a 5.3-liter, 336-hp V8 is offered as standard. It comes equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and is the perfect daily driver with tons of great features for any truck enthusiast. This is where things begin to really feel upscale, and its a spectacular truck buy that one could never regret.

RST, Z71 Trail Runner Models On Deck to Add Off-Road Lineup Flex

As those looking to purchase new trucks come down to meet us here at O'rielly Chevy and ask about various features, many of them want to know just how we are faring with our steadfast rival in the form of the Toyota Tacoma! In order to assure that the Colorado truck line retains competitive and spry, there are two new special editions on deck for 2019. The RST and Trail Runner models both feature flow-through Chevy lettering on the grille, very similar in design to the Colorado ZR2 Bison. The Trail Runner is based on the Colorado with the Z71 off-road package, and incorporates the same underbody protection from the ZR2.

You get to be the off-road ready recipient of Goodyear Duratrac all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels, an automatic locking differential for the rear axle and functional rocker protection are included as standard equipment now. The RST does not feature a small-block V8 as is the case with the Tahoe RST and comes with a choice of three apt-and-able power sources: the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, 3.6-liter High Feature V6, and a 2.8-liter Duramax 4-cylinder turbo diesel.

Branching off heftily and adding to the LT trim level the Colorado RST adds monochromatic detailing that adds a stately compliment to the black beltlines, as well as body-side moldings. There is a black bowtie on the back, and 20-inch wheels are the largest ever offered, as the low gloss black makes them unique from other options on the market. The Colorado is the revolutionary and amazingly powerful truck that helped re-ignite the mid-size truck segment as a whole, which saw a 27 percent increase during the two years leading up to 2017, when customers began to culminate a new vision for what they expected out of their truck, and also inspired competitors to massively step up their research and design game.

The writers at the esteemed Jalopnik blog loved the new grille on the RST, and all of us here at O'rielly loved the overhaul that AEV has done with on the ZR2: they made it so incredibly off-road ready, that it would make any rugged-and-ready contender's head spin. The trademark trick Multimatic DSSV dampers that offered a large dose of off-road prowess were one of the elements that won so many over on the Colorado family in the first place. When it comes to the world of off-roading and 4 x 4's, there sometimes is never such a thing as “enough” and these two new additions to the lineup assure that the next time you veer off the beaten path, you're going to be lean, mean, and ready to tackle the tremendous hurdles of the Tucson-area wild!

O’Rielly High-Performance Feature: The Drive Offers First Impressions of 2019 Camaro SS

The buzz on the street almost always circles back to a few similar topics when it comes to the models that aren't really for daily errands: the ones that are there to open up and test twisty roads with! A lot of questions have been thrown around regarding the 2019 model, and its sixth-generation upgrade. Some bits of technology saw themselves carried through from the ZL1 variant, and there also a few other key changes that will leave anyone who loves to spend their downtime burning through corners on the track excited.

Some of the first new changes are on the front end of the SS and with the 10-speed automatic transmission, which The Drive blog contributor Kyle Chermoca got to test on the mountain roads of Malibu. A perfectly scenic and challenging location for the task, this is one of the most fun places in the nation to drive a high-performing car, while taking close note of performance and functionality of new features. Combined goals of shedding weight, making the suspension tougher, and adding new tech features all were completed with flying colors. A rear mirror camera is one of the useful safety features this year, and another quality that our loyal Camaro fans will notice right away is the lower pricing on the base LS model.

The SS benefits predominantly from a significantly lower curb weight, better overall balance, and more standard added features. The SS is where most conversations drift towards, however, and it is not surprising in the least. Paired with the reliable and burly LT1 V-8 and the 10-speed automatic transmission, it is one of the few passenger cars in current existence that sports a double-digit gear count. Even though the transmission was co-developed with what some see as our sworn enemy Ford Motors, there are some features that are unique to the new SS. The controls, software, and other ingenious add-ons help the Camaro version stand out, giving it unique flair and character.

One of the things we really want Camaro lovers to check out up close and personal is a new function called “Liftfoot Gear Hold”: specifically for use in Sport and Track modes, it prevents excessive shifting by holding the gear you are in when you lift off the throttle. Kyle from The Drive also had the privilege of taking the Camaro SS up the Pacific Coast Highway, and noticed two stand-out qualities that he really was excited about. This is a car that is pure genius to have include a convertible options, and during heavy testing, the automatic transmission never felt like it was constantly hunting for the correct gear.

Back in 1966, “Panther” was the code name devised for the Camaro, a very sleek and sneaky creature that is always ready to pounce. The 2019 Camaro SS is one high-performance car that will always inspire, captivate, and conquer over its rivals time and time again: we are excited to show you all of the many reasons why getting your hands on a brand new model will stoke strenuous excitement into every single second of driving this powerful new pony!

Corvette Online Showcases New Options for Color on the 2019 Corvette ZR1

Click here to view the interior colors

Every year when Chevy releases the new options for the Corvette, there are many reasons to be excited, especially if you have your sights set on the new ZR1. It is now easier than ever to customize the interior to suit your tastes, and the good folks at the Corvette Online blog showcased this week the new color options that will be available on the upcoming model. While the exterior of your car is the first thing that onlookers see when you glide (or blast) past them, the interior is what you are going to be staring at when you are en route every day.

The ZR1 now has six options to pick from: you can opt for the classics such as gray, jet black, or Kalahari, which is a subtle khaki color, or you can choose to up the ante with another new color such as Adrenaline Red, which is the perfect visual essence of what many picture when they think of the 'Vette's timeless allure. The darker Spice Red, or Jet Black interior with orange stitching are also on tap to give your brand-new ZR1 a different type of flair. You also have the ability to choose the seat trim materials that will give your ZR1 an ultimate custom look.

If leather is the look that suits you, the ZR1 comes with three custom trim options for the interior and seating. There is the perforated Mulan variety, perforated Napa leather, or leather with microfiber inserts. You have not experienced a truly soft and show-worthy quality until you have experienced Napa: it is one fine choice for the car; if you are a fan of the way lovely leather boots feel, the Mulan variety may be up your alley. Once you have chosen the perfect interior and trim, the final step is deciding on an exterior that matches. There are ten options on the upcoming model to choose from, and you can select something that matches, compliments, or has a totally different contrast from the interior color you've picked.

The ten colors offered with the ZR1 this year are

-Black

-Shadow Gray Metallic

-Blade Silver Metallic

-Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat

-Torch Red

-Sebring Orange Tintcoat

-Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat

-Elkhart Lake Blue Metallic

-Arctic White

If any of these colors don't happen to appeal to you right away, there are still some incredible options! Check out any local options here in Tucson for a custom vehicle wrap: this can help you protect the paint beneath, which raises the trade-in or resale value of the car. The fierce 6.2-liter V8 pushes a startling 755 horsepower to the rear wheels, and went from zero to 60 in just 3.1 seconds during Car and Driver's official speed tests. The official testing staff from said magazine put the new 'Vette through rigorous punishment at the Texas Mile, topping out at 183.3 MPH, and “not once feeling guilty.” Check out the available goods on the new 'Vette here at O'rielly soon and decide whether or not the targa or convertible body style is right for you. Port-and direct-fuel-injection system combine, and cylinder deactivation is not in existence anymore, along with Eco and Weather drive modes.

Chevy Silverado Turbo 4 Billed as “Having Your Cake and Eating it Too” By InsideCarNews

InsideCarNews reported on their blog this week about the need-to-know details regarding the 4-cylinder Chevy Silverado Turbo 4. The big news is the EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, as well as the 23 mpg on the highway with the use of a rear-wheel-drive model. The 4.3-liter V6 that was the standard on the Silverado prior to this did not have quite the same boasting power, and savings in the emissions categories should be monumental. While sporting more cab space and cargo volume, the new Silverado with the 2.7-liter Turbo engine weighs about 380 pounds less than the previous entry-level model.

All of us at O’Rielly Chevrolet are excited to show you just how this Silverado with the new engine beats out the estimated 19 mpg city for the Ford F-150 XLT, and can also tie the fuel economy estimate for the Ram 1500 3.6-liter V-6 mild hybrid. Deeming it a traditional case of “having your cake and eating it too,” the writers at the InsideCarNews blog recognized the immediately-obvious advantages of having the 4-cylinder model eagerly hit the pavement and not guzzle so many precious pump-rationed necessity. Built on the Spring Hill, TN assembly line, this engine will be available in midline LT and RST trims, and will serve as the entry-level powertrain in those respective models.

The long-stroke forced-induction inline-four is an all-new unit that is paired exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with an electronic wastegate to aid in keeping lag down, the staff of Car and Driver were appreciative of the engine's gusto, which performed as good as any other naturally-aspirated power source. While idling, on the go, or restarting from a stop by means of the automatic stop/start system, there was also not much noticeable vibration during drive testing, as a smooth ride ranks tops on many new truck buyer's wish lists.

Efficiency measures are now the mark of a vehicle that is ready to progress with a solid and steady pace into the future, while shedding the negative stereotypes and performance records of the past. The use of an aluminum block helps make for an engine that also weighs in at around 80 pounds less than the 4.3-liter V-6.  Saving fuel in pickups can result in conserving more fuel on a national basis than the introduction of fuel-efficient smaller cars, that may nudge out another small car that was already nailing down acceptable gas mileage numbers. On board is also a new dual-volute turbocharger housing, that has two separate inlets for low and high RPM response. An all-electric water pump reduces engine drag, and Active Thermal Management can direct heat as well as cooling for faster warmup, more efficient combustion, and high-load cooling.

Chevy Silverado 3500 HD LTZ Specs Revealed Via Motoring Blog

Completing the HSV's very impressive, able, and five-model Chevy Silverado lineup, the 3500HD LTZ is an integral component and powerful entry into the very hot heavy-duty pickup market. This prime display of power and rugged ability will share the same engine and transmission as the 2500HD range, including a 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine. Complementing the 3500's load and towing capabilities are a long list of other features that will make anyone on the hunt for a die-hard truck happy.

The staff of the Motoring blog provided a nice look at the trucks on their website this week: Inside, you get heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats, power-adjustable pedals, and dual-zone climate control. There is also a heated steering wheel, audio and cruise controls, and fully adjustable rake and reach. The 8.0-inch infotainment screen with MyLink functions and 7-speaker Bose stereo boasts the usual Bluetooth functionality, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for compatible phones.

Safety features have become more awesome and advanced than ever, and useful tech such as proactive roll avoidance and traction control are of great help, as well as electronic trailer sway control, and hill start assist. The hill start assist feature is simply one of the best things in existence in the truck business: it works to prevent rollback on an incline by holding the brakes while you switch between the brake itself and the acceleration pedals. Sensors in the vehicle are used to detect when a vehicle is on an incline, and then once you press the accelerator, it releases the brake. Front, side, and curtain airbags are joined by proactive safety features, including a forward collision alert, lane departure warning, front/rear park, and a reversing camera.

Back in 2015, these heavy-duty trucks received stronger cargo boxes, new exterior styling with greatly improved airflow, and a renovated interior as well. Being able to tow 20,000 pounds is no small feat: just about any task imaginable will be a cinch with this type of muscle backing you. It's not just the typical Tucson-area fun of jetskis at the lake or any other off-road adventure that beckons you: O'rielly customers will definitely begin to recognize that this is the model you want if you are toiling over timber, or any other tremendous and weighty good that needs hauling.

Come pay us a visit and check out the truck that Consumer Reports themselves billed as having an “incredibly smooth Allison 6-speed transmission,” and see just how far you can step up your game with this amazing and durable new truck that ranks high in owner satisfaction as well as the all-important reliability factor!