2020 Chevy Bolt EV Range Now Boasts 259-Mile Range on a Full Charge

Looking over various press and web sources over the week is one of the best ways for us to deliver the goods in the form of news to you here on the O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson blog, and this week had no shortage of updates! When customers come to us asking about the purchase of an electric vehicle, the range always has an effect on the decision: this is the stat that ultimately governs how far you drive before you are once again stationary.

The folks on staff at Autoblog.com dutifully reported last week that the 2020 Chevy Bolt EV's range is now rising to 259 miles, up from 238 miles for the 2019 model year. What type of adjustments were made to provide the addition of 21 extra miles? First off, the energy of the cell electrodes were improved by making small but effective changes to the buildup of the cell chemistry. There were no physical changes made to the battery pack itself, as it still remains a 60 kWh battery pack. The competition is laid out with their stats up for display: the Soul EV's range is 243 miles, the Niro EV is at 239 miles, and the Kona Electric did nail down 258 miles.

The 2020 model will also boast new color choices: Cayenne Orange Metallic and Oasis Blue join the lineup, as well as improved cameras and a shiny new high gloss black grille as opposed to the current silver or black grille options. One thing that is so exciting with next year's model is that the consumer is obtaining more range for the same price as the current Bolt. After purchasing an electric car, the security of knowing that you can get through a week's commute without a charge is going to seal the deal and thought process for many.

The difference in having to recharge mid-route and making a trip without stopping is the tipping point for many who are contemplating electric, and we can definitely agree that the future for all-electric models is arriving fast. The majority of major car brands have pledged to drastically boost their fleet to include all-electric models within the next few years, and with events such as the all-electric eCopo Camaro working wonders on the drag strip during demos this year, all-electric power is going to steadily become less and less a concept derived from the past.

During your test drive don't forget to closely inspect the offerings of the Premier trim: on the current model, it adds roof rails, leather seats, front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, ambient interior lighting, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and the rearview mirror camera!

Car and Driver Conveys Their Astonishment and Adoration for the New C8's Top Speed, Low Price

This summer right here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson and across the entire nation, many intense ripples of excitement were felt as the release of the long-awaited C8 finally took place. Since the day of the unveiling, the many press and internet sources for everything auto-related have been eagerly covering every aspect of the new Stingray's performance and prowess. The Car and Driver staff was fascinated with a press release that originated from Chevy over the past month and claimed that while the C8 Corvette starts at under $60,000, the top speed is an astounding 194 mph.

Even though it seems strange off the bat, that top speed only applies to the entry-level 2020 Corvette. Models that are equipped with Chevy's optional Z51 performance package have a lower top speed, because the aerodynamic components included provide more downforce. Even if the Z51 kit does not boost the bottom line in the speed department, it is still going to stop shorter, grip harder, and be able to change direction more readily, and also brandishes additional engine and systems cooling for standing up to the intense wear and tear of the track.

The Z51 C8 Corvette is also the version that nails down the 3.0-second zero to sixty mph time, and all of a sudden, Car and Driver changes their stance for an instant during the article, claiming that since there really is no autobahn in the United States, top speed is not as important a metric as others. We have to admit we admire their sense of deduction: it is correct that the perks of the Z51 package need the buyer to closely pay attention and not just think of nailing down the best top speed stats out there.

The all-new mid-engine sports car is so much more than Next Generation: it has been completely redesigned from the ground up to deliver the optimum in thrills on every single drive. Only one single part has been carried over from the last generation, and the amazing all-new LT2 V8 engine is clearly visible through a rear hatch window. The Available Engine Appearance Package adds ultra-cool fiber components as well as LED lights to illuminate the engine, and stepping up to the 2LT trim adds available GT2 seats in Napa leather.

You can very intensely hone in and tailor your look with a choice of wheels wrapped in standard all-season tires. These very light 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels make for a greatly improved ride and reduced noise, and there are two available designs. When people sit in the new C8 for the first time, they lament that each button is exactly where it needs to be for sensible use, and with three seat combinations to choose from, there's definitely going to be one to be ideal for you!

Bose Puts Mammoth 14-Speaker Stereo in Hailed 2020 Corvette

There is much noticeable difference between the outgoing 2019 Chevy Corvette and the all-new mid-engined 2020 model: the engine is now behind the driver, there is no manual transmission option, and no chrome wheel options. But as the attentive staff on duty at Autoblog reported over the past week, one thing that remains the same is Bose handling the sound option, and they have now gone to great lengths to make the best-performing system they have ever built for a two-door sports coupe! The new setup boasts 14 speakers, the most Bose has ever excitedly equipped a coupe with.

Upfront there are 2.5-inch and 3.25-inch neodymium Twiddly speakers situated on the dash, with 4-inch neodymium wide-range speakers and three 3.25-inch neodymium Twiddlers in the rear of the cab. These components are part of what helps create a 360-degree experience, and to dole out appropriate bass levels, each door has a 10-inch Nd woofer. Instead of incorporating a box surrounding the woofers, Bose used the door cavity itself as the acting bass box to economize space. This amazing system is named “Centerpoint 2”, and it's tuned to allow listeners to be able to distinctly pick out each individual instrument.

Since the engine sound is now coming from the rear, the system had to be completely re-tuned to block it out. This technique that uses AudioPilot noise compensation technology has microphones embedded within the cabin to consistently monitor noise levels, and then the Bose-tuned algorithms adjust the original sound signal. This state-of-the-art new system is now offered as an option, with a 10-speaker system installed as standard. All of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson remember the days when a pullout system and a few 6 x 9's meant that you had one of the best car audio systems on the block: developments such as this have surely seen times change considerably!

While you're enjoying your music at a level of clarity and volume unsurpassed by previous models, don't forget to check out performance improvements such as the Z51 package that can be added to all levels. It paves the way to customization using carbon flash metallic-painted side mirrors, visible carbon fiber ground effects, and FE4 suspension with magnetic ride control. It is no secret that drivers on the much younger side of the spectrum are going to be drawn to audio prowess and engine power such as what the new Corvette offers, and the Teen Driving Mode lets parents in on the drive qualities the teen exhibits. An in-vehicle report card gives you information on driving habits and can limit certain safety features from being turned off, assuring that a high level of safety is attained while boisterously bumping the tunes!

Forbes Praises 2020 Traverse For “High Sense of Style, Fun, and Adventure”

David Hochman of Forbes was put to the task of completing a “reality check” on Chevy's promises about safety, comfort and driving finesse, and he did his duty by taking the 2020 Traverse along on a family reunion in New England. He was right that these were high-stakes conditions: his wife, son, grandparents, and sister-in-law as well in nephew were in tow. He started his analysis by claiming that visually, the Traverse is a crowd-pleaser, as a “Tahoe that's been working out at the gym.”

With chrome accents and very smooth contours, the vehicle has great cues towards sophistication, which he enjoyed the presence of while picking up his father in law. Once you are inside, split-folding second-row seats and second-row captain's chairs all have access to climate and technology control, and the curbside seat is capable of tipping up and sliding forward to provide very easy access to the third row. David billed the Traverse as an absolute “warhorse” due to its V6 engine, 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, and nine-speed shiftable automatic transmission. As far as technology is concerned, the “mobile command center” upfront was definitely appreciated, that can sync with Apple's CarPlay to access useful apps from the iPhone such as Google Maps and Spotify.

On top of the standard rear-view camera system, the Traverse now also has an available HD Surround Vision cam that puts to use multiple cameras for an overhead view that proves to be extremely useful for a vehicle this size. The teen in tow on this particular trip claimed that it was like having a drone following, and also loved the rear liftgate that opens when you slide your foot close to the super cool Chevy emblem on the ground under the vehicle.

As far as cargo, airbags are in place to protect pretty much every corner of the interior, including front and side-impact for driver and co-pilot, and inboard seat-mounted side-impact and head-curtain impact for all rows in the outboard seating positions. One amazingly useful feature is the Teen Driver system that mutes the audio on any device paired up to the vehicle if seat belts aren't clicked, and gives warnings when the vehicle tops a certain speed. New for this year, Chevy introduced the first Buckle to Drive feature in the industry, that reminds young drivers to buckle up before shifting into drive, ultimately offering peace of mind in regards to knowing that those on the younger side are paid close attention to during the drive.

To sum it up, this review claimed that the Traverse is the “four-wheel version of the best uncle you've ever had”. It has style, plenty of safety features, and always offers a sense of adventure on top of plenty of space. No one is ever going to feel cramped, and all of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson can agree that the ride definitely gets better with each family member. Come down and visit us during this back-to-school season and see for yourself just how ideal the Traverse and many other Chevy models are for your flourishing family this fall!

Motortrend Claims 2020 Silverado 1500 Diesel is “Most Economical Light-Duty Truck Out There”

How many miles you are ultimately going to nail down on the road is the all-important statistic that draws many towards their next auto or truck purchase. As far as the work truck category is concerned, there are many diehards out there who understandably think diesel is the only way to go, and all of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson agree that 23/33 mpg city/highway is impressive. The producers of the good word at Motortrend offered up a story this past week claiming that these numbers now put the Silverado ahead of the 2019 Ford F-150 diesel, a sworn and solid rival in the trenches.

If you opt for the 4-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive, the fuel economy on the Silverado diesel does drop to 23/29 mpg, but it's still ahead of the F-150 diesel at 21/28 mpg. At this point fuel economy numbers have not yet been announced for the new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, so we aren't positive that the Silverado will be the front-runner in all sectors, but are willing to bet heavily on it. When paired with the four-wheel drive, the Silverado can tow up to 9,300 pounds and has a max payload of 1,870 pounds.

Under the hood resides a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, cranking out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic. During a recent test drive, MotorTrend referred to it as a “sweetheart of an engine”, feeling peppy and high on the torque delivery factor. The diesel capability is up for grabs on the LT, RST, LTZ, and our favorite High Country trims. Deliveries of the 2020 Silverado with the turbo diesel engine are expected to take place during the fall. This is truly a truck with a solution for almost every need, sporting three cab types, two-bed lengths, and a wide range of options for every work task imaginable.

For years automakers have been in essence saying no to half-ton diesel pickups. They claim that costs will be too high, they won't sell enough units, and demand is simply too low. Many seasoned truck experts will just tell you to buy a three-quarter-ton with the big 6.0-liter V8, but the market was very responsive to the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel a few years back, and the positive acceptance has been abundant and bountiful. 

The excitement of throwing the Silverado into Sport mode provides alteration of the throttle input and transmission shift points and makes for handling more like its V8-powered counterparts. During your test drive you'll notice that the diesel is amazingly quiet, thanks to the added extensive sound deadening in the engine bay: it works overtime to minimize the noise that sometimes comes from the use of diesel power, a boisterous boost to the reasons why you'd want a 1500 at the top of the list for your next truck purchase!

C8 Corvette Unveiling Featured in Motor1.com: “End of a Very Long Road”

Even with tiny trickles of information being leaked out to the public via internet, it is certain that the excitement for the release of the C8 Corvette was not dampened one tiny bit! Christopher Smith of Motor1.com covered the recent release in-depth for the blog this past week and remembered placidly that it was three years ago when he caught his first blurry glimpse of an early C8 prototype, covered heavily in camouflage. As all official veils are finally off of the C8, the whole world finally gets a chance to literally “see what all the fuss was about”.

This is a true time of intense change for America's most iconic sports car, as there has now been brought to life the mid-engined model that was first proposed by Zora Arkus-Duntov more than 50 years ago. There have been many prototypes through the years, with a few of these coming so close to production, but nothing ever fully came into roaring and track-ready existence. With 60 years of pins and needles, the question that Chris asks within the blog is if it was all worth the wait, and claims that “all indications point to a resounding yes”!

The engine now taking up the space behind the passengers is a 6.2-liter V8, which derived from the LT1 that was the proud power source for the C7 Stingray. The mill is now named LT2, because of the design tweaks that were required for mid-engine duty, and the exceptional boost in power it enjoyed. The all-important horsepower stat resides at 490, with the ability to boost up to 495 after addition of the Z51 Performance Package. The claim on the table here is that the new Stingray can reach 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, easily running side-by-side with the absolute most powerful 'Vette in existence.

The inside view of the C8 was leaked a few times, but now it is on display for everyone to see what it's like. There is a pair of digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and a stately and beefy center console in between the passenger and the driver. In the center spine is placed an array of manual controls for the climate adjustability. When asked what the smartest addition would be off the ground, all of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson would have to recommend the Z51 Performance Package: it adds better brakes and cooling, the five extra Horsepower, and a retuned exhaust that is a bit deeper. Magnetic Ride Control is also available and can be controlled through the four driving modes carried over from the previous model, as well as two new ones.

“Z Mode” allows full customization of every single setting. C8's new digital vehicle platform and electronic architecture allow over-the-air updates for the C8's multiple computer systems. Even though the engine is now situated in the middle, the design as a whole is not in a completely different category from the C7, and the roof can lift on out for open-air driving. This article wraps up with the sentiment that “The Chevy Corvette could well remain the bang-for-buck performance champion of the world”, and this star-studded new vehicle's release is one of the most exciting automotive events of 2019!

Soon-To-Be-Released C8 Corvette's Squared-Off Steering Wheel Featured on Roadshow Blog

With the Corvette C8 reveal a mere few days away, every little scrap of content gleaned about this exciting new car's release has been sought after! We've seen the spy shots, heard many reasons why this is going to be such a great design, and now everyone on staff here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson is simply just waiting for coverage of the exciting day. On July 12, Chevy published the first official image of the 2020 C8 Corvette's steering wheel, a detail that many were excited to feast their eyes on.

It appears at first glance a bit more like what's on board the Ford GT than the outgoing C7 model: there are only two spokes on the wheel, each moving downwards to the logo flags in a flipped sense. Below each spoke is where the audio controls are, and a few limited switches are situated right on the spokes themselves. There is a fairly large space above the wheel hub that the Roadshow staff thought was a bit odd, but could be practical if there is the future existence of a very large digital gauge cluster.

Chevy also released an image of prior models' steering wheels just to provide an accurate idea of how much it has changed over the years. When you take a look back at the first- and second-generation Corvette wheels they are about as normal and straightforward as can be, but airbags and other elements would get in the way if they were to be replicated today. The last time there was a two-spoke wheel it was planted in the C4, which also sported a digital dashboard filling in the open space that was one of our personal favorites. It will be interesting to see just what Chevy does with the interior next, as everything else has been quite radical and pioneering in terms of this release!

July 18 at 7:30 P.M. Is when the C8 makes its debut, and you can actually follow along on the live stream here from GM! Some of the concepts that have come off the drawing boards since mid-engined became a thing are truly amazing: The 1964 Mid-Engine XP 817 shown here looks like what the most perfectly-cut diecast or “Hot Wheels” car would be: having all of the supercharged goods fully visible right behind the driver looks menacing yet smooth and vintage.

The curved accents on the 1986 mid-engine Indy Corvette concept are also futuristic and have a great sense of flow at a glance, and this was one attempt that looks a bit Ferrari-esque as does the C8 slated to be released this week. More than 60 years of engineers mulling over something that has finally become more than a daydream is exciting to any dedicated track fan, and this year makes the mark as one that will always go down in history regarding the Salacious and show-stealing Corvette!