One of the most popular electric vehicles is back and with a starting price of $28,995 including the $1,395 DFC charge will be one of the most affordable EVs on the American Market.

Chevrolet had promised to have the new Bolt under $30,000 and will start with shipping a mid-level LT model Bolt starting at $29,990 with an entry level Bolt later in the 2027 model year at $28,995. The Bolt will join the Chevrolet family of EVs that includes Equinox, Blazer and Silverado EVs.

The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt is equal in size to the 2024 Bolt EUV, there will not be a smaller version below this. The 2027 Chevrolet Bolt will have the following:

• GM-estimated 255 miles of range
• Peak charging speed of 150 kW+, more than 2.5x faster than the previous Bolt EV. Charges 10% to 80% in 26 minutes with public DC fast charging
• First Chevrolet with native NACS charging port
• New, sporty RS trim
• Larger 11.3-inch-diagonal infotainment screen for navigation, playlists, and entertainment apps like Angry Birds, HBO Max, and more through Google built-in, plus a larger 11-inch-diagonal driver information screen
• Available Super Cruise driver assistance technology with more hands-free miles than ever before
• More than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features6 including Intersection Collision Mitigation, Rear Automatic Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking
• Refined new interior with open console and all-new passenger dash storage
• Multiple USB-C ports and available wireless phone charging
• Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bi-directional capability

The 2027 Bolt will use the X76 electric drive train that is already well used in other GM EV models such as the Equinox. This allows the Bolt to offer the most advanced EV powertrain to date. The Bolt benefits from a blended regenerative braking system for even more efficiency. Whether or not the driver engages One-Pedal Driving mode, software in the Bolt prioritizes technology that returns braking energy back to the battery for improved range. The braking system has been optimized for consistent pedal feel during both regen and friction braking, a key improvement over the previous Bolt.

The Bolt has one of the most modern driver and center infotainment systems along with Super Cruise using the Google apps store and google maps. In keeping with what customers have asked for, when parked or charging, the 2027 Bolt offers premium in-vehicle entertainment apps like Angry Birds, Chrome, GameSnacks, HBO Max, Tubi, Prime Video, and more, so you can stream, game, or browse the internet from your dashboard. And the list of apps available for download via Google Play keeps growing.

The Bolt has plenty to love as for the 2027 model year, they have updated the fast charging to 150 kW a huge upgrade over the original 50 kW and with most drivers charging from home, it has an 11.5 kW onboard charging controller allowing you to charge with ease overnight. The system also comes V2H or Vehicle to Home bidirectional allowing for the Bolt to power your home when the electrical panel is properly equipped. GM also listened to customers of the earlier generation Bolt about the need for physical buttons and less touch screen as well as wireless charging. 

For those that like specification sheets:

BATTERY SYSTEM: 

• Type:     Rechargeable energy storage system 
• Battery Chemistry:    Lithium Iron Phosphate in prismatic can cells
• Battery Rated Energy:    65 kWh
• HVAC System:    GM Energy Recovery (heat pump) for active cabin and battery heating and cooling
• Warranty:    8 years / 100,000 miles of battery coverage

ELECTRIC DRIVE:

• Type:     Single motor and gearset
• Motor:    Permanent magnetic drive motor
• Power:    210 hp 
• Torque:     169 lb-ft
• Final Drive Ratio (:1):    11.59:1

CHARGING:

• AC Charging:    11.5kW capable
• DC Charging:    150kW capable
• CHARGING TIMES:
• 120V (1.4 kW):    Approximately 4 miles of range per hour of charge
• 240V (7.7kW Dual-Level Charge Cord):    Approximately 26 miles of range per hour of charge
• 240V (11.5 kW)2:    Approximately 40 miles of range per hour of charge
• DC Fast Charge (Public):    10% to 80% in 26 minutes

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:

• Front and Rear Suspension:    Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut-type with direct-acting solid stabilizer bar 
• Rear Suspension: Compound crank (torsion beam) with coil springs
• Steering Type:    Column-mounted electric power steering
• Steering Ratio:     16.7:1
• Turning Circle, Wall to wall (ft. / m):     37.7 / 11.5
• Brake Type:    Four-wheel disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic; partially regenerative
• Brake Rotor Size (in. / mm):
  • 11/ 276 vented (front) 
  • 10 / 264 solid (rear)
• Wheels:    17-inch aluminum
• Tires:    Michelin 215/50R17 all-season

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS:

• Wheelbase (in. / mm):    105.3 / 2675
• Overall Length (in. / mm):    169.6 / 4307
• Overall Width (in. / mm):    
  • 69.7 / 1770 (without mirrors)
  • 80.1 / 2035 (with mirrors extended)
• Overall Height (in. / mm):    63.9 / 1622
• Track Width (in. / mm):    
  • Front: 59.5 / 1511
  • Rear: 59.5 / 1511
• Ground Clearance (in. / mm):     5.6 / 141

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS:

• Headroom (in. / mm):    
  • 1st row: 40.0 / 1016 (without sunroof)
  • 1st row: 39.1 / 992 (with sunroof)
  • 2nd row: 37.8 / 960 (without sunroof)
  • 2nd row: 37.8 / 960 (with sunroof)
• Legroom (in. / mm):    
  • 1st row: 44.3 / 1124 (max)
  • 2nd row: 39.1 / 993
• Shoulder Room (in. / mm):  
  •  1st row: 54.6 / 1387
  • 2nd row: 52.0 / 1320
• Hip Room (in. / mm):    
  • 1st row: 51.3 / 1304
  • 2nd row: 50.1 / 1273

WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES:

• Base Curb Weight (lb. / kg):    3776 / 1713 
• EPA Passenger Volume (cu. ft. / L):     96.6 / 2735
• Cargo Volume1 (cu. ft. / L):    
  • 56.3 / 1594 (rear seat folded)
  • 16.2 / 458 (behind rear seat )

SAFETY & DRIVER AWARENESS FEATURES:

• Airbags: Frontal and seat-mounted side-impact for driver and front passenger, and roof-rail mounted head-curtain for outboard seating positions. Includes passenger sensing system for front passenger
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (includes tire fill alert) 
• Standard Safety: Content includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Side Bicyclist Alert, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist and IntelliBeam auto high beams
• Standard Safety Alert Seat and Rear Seat Reminder
• Available Tech Package. Content includes HD Rear Vision Camera Mirror, HD Surround Vision, and Traffic Sign Recognition  

First added to the gas Silverado in 2019, the Trail Boss trim is one of Silverado's most popular trims. Adding Trail Boss to the Silverado EV is just a natural evolution for the model.

Trail Boss Off-Road Upgrades

Silverado EV Trail Boss comes with a factory 2-inch lift with coil spring and hydraulic shocks giving the truck a 24% higher ground clearance than the standard EV. Exclusive to the Trail Boss is a new Terrain mode that unlocks sharper 4-wheel steering allowing for extra maneuverability at low speeds. Sidewinder mode from the RST model allows all four wheels to turn the same direction to move the truck diagonally at low speeds.

Special looks include a high-angle approach front fascia, standard 35-inch all-terrain tires with unique 18-inch wheels, a unique interior, and red front tow hooks.

In Trail Boss form, the truck is only offered in extended and max range battery sizes. Even with the 2-inch lift, Chevy claims the same 410-mile range for the Extended and 478-mile range for the Max. Max towing tops out at 12,500 lb. with a 2,100 lb. max payload. The Max Range battery pack also offers up to 725 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque when Wide Open Watts mode is selected.

Refreshing the Rest of the Lineup

All Silverado EVs also get some driver assist updates when equipped with Super Cruise. Super Cruise can now navigate the truck to the correct lane for your route when using the integrated Google Maps app on Super Cruise-capable roads. When not on a Super Cruise enabled road, the system will work in hands-on mode, centering you in your lane and adapting to the speed of the vehicle ahead of you. Super Cruise will automatically take over once you reach an enabled road.

For trucks equipped with Adaptive Cruise, the system can now automatically adjust speed based on posted speed limits.

Chevy is ending the RST trim starting with the 2026 model year with just WT, LT, and Trail Boss trims available going forward.

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss joins the lineup this summer with a price of $72,095 for the Extended and $88,695 for the Max Range. Prices include destination charge.

See all photos in the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss photo gallery.

Related Coverage

• Offering up to 492 Miles of Range: The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV
• Silverado Electric Pickup to Have Four-Wheel Steering
• Chevrolet Silverado EV ZR2 Off-Road Race Concept Tackles the Mint 400
• Ask Me About: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss Crew Cab

What matters is on the inside, right?  Luckily, the Corvette already sports a sexy exterior, but for 2026, Chevrolet updated the interior to address some of the common complaints in the latest iteration of their legendary sports car.

The biggest news is that the wall of buttons between the driver and passenger has been moved to a more conventional location under the screen, though not all buttons make the jump.  Some functions such as heated/cooled seats are now controlled from the central touch screen. And screens they are aplenty! The updated infotainment screen increases in size to 12.7-inches diagonal, a larger 14-inch diagonal driver information cluster, and a new 6.6-inch diagonal auxiliary display to the left of the steering wheel.  The drive mode selector has been relocated in line with the gear selector which opens up spaces for a new wireless phone charging pad, complete with a cover to keep the phone in place. 

The new left-side auxiliary screen display gives dedicated access to trip information or performance management. All three screens features sharper and more vivid graphics. The animations have been made smoother and cleaner. Drivers can select their preferred layout or allow the system to adjust automatically based on drive mode. The Performance Data Recorder's user interface has been completely redesigned to take advantage of the new, larger screens.

For 2026, four new colors are available on all models:

• Sky Cool and Medium Ash Gray with Habanero accents: Monochrome cool grays with unexpected pops of bright Habanero
• Santorini Blue: Vivid shade of blue that is both vibrant and electric
• Very Dark Atmosphere: Rich chocolate brown paired with Jet Black and Natural Tan accents
• Ultimate Suede: Jet Black suede interior customizable through Adrenaline Red, Santorini Blue, and Competition Yellow accent stitch colors and matching seatbelts

Customers can even spec a mixed seating option in Asymmetrical Adrenaline Red, with a racing-inspired Adrenaline Red Competition driver’s seat and a Jet Black GT2 passenger seat. The Ultimate Suede interior brings sueded microfiber to nearly all interior surfaces.

Other new changes include:

• A new, available electrochromic roof, which allows customers to change the tint level of their targa roof glass at the press of a button – selecting between full, medium, and low tint options.
• The button to activate Charge+, which enables E-Ray drivers to replenish battery life more quickly or sustain battery charge for a track session, has been relocated to the steering wheel. Located just below the Z Mode button, Charge+ now has a more prominent location for ease of use.
• Two new exterior color options are available for all models: Roswell Green Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic.

Twenty miles from Birmingham England in Royal Leaminton Spa, England GM has their global design studio, an advanced design studio that is tasked with creating special projects for the divisions of GM. In this case, the UK design studio was tasked with creating the first of three Corvette Concepts that will usher in the C9 next generation performance car. GM's global design network spans studios in Detroit, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Seoul. Prepare for a year of Excitement!!!!

These concepts will be revealed throughout 2025 showing the inspiration that is to come to the future of performance driving. This Corvette Concept 1 is the start of driving ideation, innovation and collaboration across the GM global family. This first concept is to show the working production scale of Cadillac's electric vehicle business in Europe and to prepare the launch of Corvette sales across the UK and Mainland Europe in 2025.

Michael Simcoe, Senior VP of Global Design had this to say:

"Our advanced design team’s mandate extends well beyond creating production vehicles. While they collaborate within our global design network on production and concept vehicle programs, these teams are primarily tasked with imagining what mobility could look like five, 10, and even 20 years into the future and driving innovation for GM."

Using a blank-page approach, the UK studio acknowledged the long history of the corvette nameplate and how it has been leveraged to introduce experimental cars, concepts and prototypes that push the boundaries of automotive design and engineering, and the new UK design concept is no exception. The production team knows that no production intention is behind the concepts, but that these working prototypes are to gauge customer reaction both positively and negatively to the style, design elements and potential production pieces.

Simcoe stated: “As part of the Corvette creative study, we asked multiple studios to develop hypercar concepts, which we’ll see more of later this year. It was important that they all pay homage to Corvette’s historic DNA, but each studio brought their own unique creative interpretation to the project. That is exactly what our advanced design studio network is intended to do – push the envelope, challenge convention and imagine what could be.”

Drawing inspiration from the aviation industry in stealth fighters, the UK team incorporated iconic design elements of the Corvette with a futuristic clean form plus muscular shape to what the Corvette could be.

Pointed out as one of the most unusual and significant aspects of this concepts design is the inspired centerline focus of the front which is inspired by the Split Rear Window of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. This feature is a singular vertical central spine that is also an acting structural element in the roof, providing a panoramic view of the road and surroundings.

This design includes a two distinctive auto body design. The upper half capturing classic Corvette design elements. The lower half focused on the future of technology, including EV battery technology embedded into the structure and aerodynamic elements that are designed to channel air efficiently without the need for wings or spoilers.

Concept technical specifications and assumptions:

Body structure:

• Additive manufacturing body structure
• For low mass, manufacturing efficiency, part count reduction and driving agility
• Halo roof structure with wind shield center spar

Body panels:

• Additive manufactured structure exposed for light weight authenticity
• Part integration, panel count reduction

Closures:

• Full wrap around side glass to deliver Apex Vision
• Powered wing door design

Aero-Duality:

• On-road efficiency and on-track performance in harmony
• Fan assistance and active ducting to redirect air over and through the vehicle
• On-road: flowing forms, functional intakes and vented surfaces
• On road: air directed through vehicles to fill its wake, increasing efficiency and range
• On track: like an aircraft wing, aero surfaces reconfigure, dorsal fins deploy and spoiler venting creates aero vectoring to enhance cornering performance
• Sculpted underbody, lowered ride height and fan assistance delivers ground effect

Chassis:

• Racecar inspired, package efficient, pushrod suspension set-up

Interface:

• Windshield center spar augmented display

• 1033mm tall / 2178mm width / 4669mm length (40.66 inches tall x 86 inches wide x 184 inches long)
• 22inch front wheel / 23inch rear wheel
• 127mm (5 inches) seat height – race car inspired

 

Chevrolet is proud to announce the Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck as part of the Hall Racing Team lineup. This truck will take part in the notorious Mint 400 off-road race event. This truck will join the existing race teams Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks as a three-truck race team and the EV ZR2 will compete in the Open Production EV Class.

Chevrolet has state that there is no better testing ground than the unlimited outdoor race events such as the Mint 400. The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept uses 98% GM Production parts showcasing the incredible capabilities of GM trucks. This concept race truck follows the same ZR2 winning formula of the Hall Race Teams ICE trucks.

• Lifted, front and rear suspension with specific off-road tuning that continues to deliver on the pavement
• Multimatic damper technology
• Locking differentials
• Underbody skid protection

The Silverado EV ZR2 Race truck concept came together in five months of development. The EV ZR2 take the Silverado to a new level of performance in that the truck has 37-inch BF Goodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires, tri-motor electric propulsion system that creates 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque more than earning it's right to wear the ZR2 badge.

Racing of the EV ZR2 has already help develop more than 44 off-road performance parts that owners can buy from the dealerships parts department to enhance their truck. 

The Silverado EV ZR2 reveal starts the launch of a summer of fun with Chevrolet introducing the first off-road EV Silverado in the form of the 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss edition. This truck will come with an OEM factory installed lift, 18-inch wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires and red tow hooks. This allows the truck to have 13-inches of front and rear wheel travel. The truck will also come with a new Terrain mod giving the truck increased maneuverability in tight spaces.

Pricing and further information will be released soon leading up to the summer on sale date.

Chevrolet has revealed ahead of the DAYTONA 500 the Chevrolet Blazer EV.R prototype which is an example of their dedication to test, and explore new technologies as they learn how to apply the technology to both racing and production version auto's.

Chevrolet has been a leading contender in NASCAR with proven V8 technology as they pushed to continually look for better ways to improve power, durability, and efficiency in then transfering that knowledge back to production vehicles that show up in the showroom.

The Blazer EV.R prototype delivers 1,300 horsepower from three six-phase electric motors that instantly rev up to 15,000 rpms, power with a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery pack.

Blazer EV.R is built on NASCAR's Next Gen chassis and suspension componentry. The EV.R transmits the power via a programmable AWD system with Good Year Racing Eagle tires. This auto is inspired by the Blazer EV SS, a production vehicle that will be the pace EV at DAYTONA 500 2025. The Blazer SS EV will have 615 horsepower with a 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

Testing the Blazer EV.R prototype was Justin Allgaier, Team Chevy Driver of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. To quote Allgaier:

“There are so many things you don’t think about until you’re in the car actually testing it. I’m used to knowing my speed through gearing and listening to engine revs, so I had to totally change how I judge corner entry speed. With this platform we’re learning how to strategically adjust regenerative braking, which has a big impact on braking sections and cornering balance."

To quote the press release:

“This program was a great opportunity with NASCAR to design a new crossover utility vehicle body and bring forward design elements from our Blazer EV SS,” said Phil Zak, executive director, Chevrolet Global Design. “The EV.R prototype offers lower and wider proportions and was designed with aerodynamics and performance in mind.”

With Testing done at this point, GM and NASCAR wanted to show off the auto at the upcoming DAYTONA 500 where one can find the Blazer EV.R on display in NASCAR livery.

Walmart is making one of the largest InHome delivery services changes of any company. By the end of 2024, the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 electric van will be deployed in the Austin, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Northwest Arkansas, Orlando and San Francisco Bay delivery markets reducing the footprint of CO2 output as they increase the efficiency of their InHome delivery services from Walmart stores. This reduction in carbon emissions along with providing a safe, efficient and comfortable vehicle for delivery will improve the groceries delivery experience. 

Those associates who have been trained and are already using the BrightDrop 400 vans have stated they are impressed with the 360-degree HD surround vision camera system, blind-zone steering assist, battery range, reliability and maneuverability. Walmart provided these takeaways from the initial pilot:

• The vans easily navigated congested roads and dense neighborhoods. 
• Automation features such as auto-closing doors boosted efficiency and improved the associate experience. 
• The low-step ergonomic design allowed easy entrance and exit of the vehicles, allowing for swift and efficient last-mile deliveries. 

From freezing cold to hot humid places, the BrightDrop delivered on a superior solution for real-world use over the pilot program that led to this massive roll out of delivery vans. The BrightDrop 400 are built at the Canada CAMI Assembly plant, built with advanced safety features for ultimate alertness, safety, low step-in height to ease of driver egress and a large info display allows each driver to have the ultimate driving experience with safe delivery of customers purchases.

More details on the BrightDrop electric commercial mobility can be found here:  Chevrolet BrightDrop Website 

Chevrolet has announced the 2025 Silverado EV pickup truck and stated that customers in 2024 stated the following two barriers to purchasing an EV Pickup, Range and Price.

For the 2025 model year, Chevrolet has introduced the LT trim, a more affordable package to the launch edition RST package and is expanding the WT offerings.

Let's kick it off with keeping to the bullet points of what is in the Silverado EV LT pickup truck:

• 300 kW DC public fast charging
• Standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, with accessory 22-inch wheels available later in the model year
• Unique lower front fascia and uplevel exterior lighting, including illuminated front gold bowtie
• Standard 17.7-inch-diagonal center infotainment screen paired with 11 inch-diagonal driver informational center
• 12,500 lb towing5 capacity and 1,800 lb payload
• Up to 765 lb-ft torque and 645 horsepower7 with Wide Open Watts mode
• Available in six exterior colors, including trim-exclusive Blue Smoke Metallic
• Standard Multi-Flex Tailgate
• 408 miles of range1 on a full charge

A Premium Package is available later in the model year and adds the following features:

• Available Multi-Flex Midgate, which offers up to 10 feet and 10 inches of load floor when paired with the standard Multi-Flex Tailgate
• Available Super Cruise8, the only hands-free advanced driver assistance system to offer hands-free trailering, will be active on about 750,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2025
• 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels
• 390 miles of range1 on a full charge

The Work Truck or WT trim offers the following:

• With 492 miles of range1 available on the Max Range Silverado EV Work Truck, the range leader in electric trucks can now go even further.
• The Work Truck continues to be available to commercial customers and will launch with a starting MSRP of $69,4952 for the extended range battery pack, offering 422 miles of range1.
• More choices will be available for Work Truck – including a new Slate Gray exterior color.

For the 2025 RST Silverado EV trim:

The Silverado EV RST will be available with two different battery pack options and offers a max range of 460 miles.

The 2025 Silverado EV RST also includes Sidewinder as standard equipment. Sidewinder, one of Silverado EV RST’s standard four-wheel steering modes, allows all four wheels to turn in the same direction and move the truck diagonally at speeds up to 20 mph. The feature, selectable from the infotainment screen, gives drivers a new way to conquer everything from rugged terrain to tight parking spaces.

The RST is available in six exterior colors, including trim-exclusive Zephyr Blue Matte Metallic.

A quick breakdown of the horsepower and torque by trim line:

The hottest and most competitive segment in the auto industry is the compact crossover, with every mainstream brand fielding at least one or more entries.  Fresh off updating the Trax, Trailblazer, Blazer, and Traverse in the last two years, Chevy is circling back to update its bread-and-butter Equinox.  Equinox's current platform came out in 2018 with a mild nip-tuck in 2022.  For 2025, the Equinox gets a major redesign, inside and out, on the same platform.

The headliner for this release is the new ACTIV trim. Representing a ruggedized version of the Equinox, the ACTIV has a unique front fascia, blacked-out badging, 17-inch machined aluminum wheels,  a Maple Sugar / Black interior scheme, and an available white roof.

The current LT and RS trims also each have distinctive front fascias, a C-pillar shark fin, All-LED lighting, and several wheel choices up to 20 inches for RS.  The RS is also available with a black roof.

The Equinox's interior has received a major refresh focusing on tech.  New is an 11-inch diagonal, reconfigurable instrument cluster and an angled 11.3-inch infotainment screen featuring Google built-in.  CarPlay and Android Auto device mirroring will be offered.

The gear selector has been moved to the steering column in a stalk on the right side of the wheel, opening up room for more console storage in the center. All models have standard heated steering wheels and front seats.  RS buyers get a flat-bottomed steering wheel and can add ventilated front seats and rear heated outboard seats.

The Equinox comes standard with a host of automatic detection and reaction systems, including:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
• Following Distance Indicator
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• IntelliBeam

Additional standard safety and driver assistance features include:

• Side Bicyclist Alert
• Rear Vision Camera
• Rear Seat Reminder
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Rear Park Assist
• Enhanced Lane Keep Assist

The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder carries over from last year's model, producing 175-horsepower at 5,600 RPM.  Torque and transmission specifications vary by driveline with the front-wheel drive models producing 184 lb-ft and routing through a CVT while all-wheel drive models make 203 lb-ft and use a traditional 8-speed automatic. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds. View the gallery below to see more of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

Expect the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox to be available in mid-late 2024.

Chevy announced the pricing of the upcoming 2024 Traverse, and hold on to your wallets because it just got a lot more expensive to buy a big crossover from the bow tie brand.  The 2024 Traverse will start at $39,995 for the base MSRP, an increase of $3,580 over the outgoing 2023 Chevy Traverse LS FWD.

What's new for that $3.5k? There is the massive new 17.7-inch infotainment screen, over 10" larger diagonally than the prior units. Plus, there is more power from the 2.5-liter inline-4 with 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, a slight increase over the 310 horsepower of the old V6, but a significant boost over the V6's 266 lb-ft of torque.  There was a gear dropped as the 9-speed drops to an 8-speed unit, but with the extra torque, we doubt owners will notice.

At the top end of the lineup, Chevy has phased out the High Country and Premier trims, instead offering the off-roading Z71 trim and a sport-oriented RS model.  A first for the Traverse, the $47,795 Z71 trim isn't just an appearance package and adds actual off-roading capability with a 1-inch increase in ground clearance, a widened track, off-road dampers, all-terrain tires, aluminum skid plate, Terrain Mode control, Hill Descent control, and a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system.

The tippy top of the range is the RS, starting at $55,595 and getting practically all of the options from the lower trims, it also sports 22-inch wheels, a firmer sports suspension, blacked-out exterior trim, a flat bottom steering wheel, and standard one-touch folding second row and power-folding thirst row seating.

The Traverse has always been one of the largest cargo capacity crossovers available on the market and that continues to be true with a 98 cubic-foot max cargo capacity.

If you like the current model better, it will live on for a while as the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Limited.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse will be built at GM's Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan and will go on sale early this year.

It's the end of the road for the Chevrolet Camaro. The final Camaro was a ZL1 1LE with a manual transmission. As of now, there are no images of the final Camaro. Chevy didn't tell a spokesperson from Motor1 whether they would keep it or sell it to a customer. 

 A Chevrolet spokesman said in a statement "Camaro is a passion product. It has developed a fan base worldwide and brought people into Chevrolet dealerships for generations. The sixth generation specifically represented athleticism and composure – exuding confidence on the road and dominance on the track."

Chevy had previously announced in March 2023 that the Camaro would retire after the 2024 model year. The final edition for the Camaro is a 350-unit Collector's Edition. ZL1 Camaros come with Panther Black Matte paint and the unit number. Lower trim levels receive a Panther Black Metallic paint with satin black stripes. 

The current Camaro ran from 2010 to 2023. Throughout the years it had various inline-four, V6, and V8 engines. The Camaro ZL1 has a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 creating 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. It came with either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic. Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a replacement for the Camaro. 

Chevrolet’s refreshed 2025 Tahoe and Suburban are getting updated technology and safety features. Some of these updates come from the Silverado EV. These SUVs will come with a 17.7-inch touchscreen along with an 11-inch driver’s display. Once optional safety features such as adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert, and side bicyclist alert are now standard.

Along with the updated tech are two new features. The first one is called Connected Cameras. Standard on the RST, Z71, Premier, and High County, allows owners to see various exterior and interior angles. This also records crashes and thefts. OnStar service will be required, along with a subscription. GM’s hands-free Super Cruise will be available for LT, RST, Premier, and High Country.

Tahoe and Suburban will have the same trim levels as before. These are LS, LT, RST, Z71, Premier, and High Country. A 5.3-liter V8 is standard on all but the High Country trim level. Standard on the High Country and optional on the RST, Z71, and Premier is the 6.2-liter V8. While the 5.3-liter V8 produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft, the 6.2-liter V8 makes 430 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. An updated 3.0-liter inline-six turbo diesel makes 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft. Every engine gets a 10-speed automatic.

Both SUVs come with animations for turn signals and approach lighting. Two new colors include Cypress Gray and Lakeshore Blue Metallic. RST and High Country trim levels get 24-inch wheels. While the Suburban can tow 8,200 pounds, the Tahoe can tow 8,400 pounds. Pricing has yet to be revealed. 
 

GM Chairperson and CEO Mary Barra announced during GM's Quarterly earnings call that Chevrolet next-generation Bolt will come on the Ultium platform continuing to offer great affordability, range and technology.

The next-generation Bolt which has had record sales and some of the highest customer satisfaction and loyalty scores in the industry, especially among conquest sales will come to market using the Ultium and Ultifi technology advancements according to Barra.

The Bolt and Bolt EUV are driving EV adoption sales currently and Chevrolet is planning to continue this trend.

Barra stated during the earnings call that drawing on the Ultium and Ultifi technology will help GM accelerate the timeline to market and that an announcement of the next-generation Bolt will be done at a later date. With the Silverado EV, BLazer EV and Equinox EV launching this year, that the Ultium Bolt will join the family very soon.

According to GM, from the introduction of the Mass production of the Bolt in 2017 to Q2 2023 production has been a success. While parts supplies during the pandemic limited sales, the Bolt and Bolt EUV have clearly picked up. Sales of the Bolt from 2017 to 2022 are supplied by Statista.

Barra announced that Chevrolet had a 17% increase in sales with the Bolt / Bolt EUV making up 13,900, a 101% increase in sales over the same period last year. Adding success to Q1 Bolt / Bolt EUV sales of 19,700 gives the Bolt sales of 33,900 for the first half of the 2023 calendar year.

GM has stated that they are excited for the Chevrolet family of electric vehicles to build on the bolt sales with the Next-Generation of Ultium Bolt.

The performance off-road mid-size pickup truck war has turned into a hot war in 2023.  Ford has recently released their 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, and Toyota introduced an all-new 2024 Tacoma with an incredibly capable Tacoma TRD Off Road. Back in 2018, Chevrolet teamed up with American Expedition Vehicles to the 2019 Chevy Colorado Bison ZR2 to the Colorado lineup. 

About a year ago, the all-new 2023 Colorado was released, and while there was a ZR2, the Bison was not part of the announcement.  Today, Chevy remedied that by announcing a new Chevrolet Colorado Bison ZR2 for 2024. 

The Bison starts with the ZR2's longer wheelbase and high-output 2.7L turbo producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque and added new segment exclusive Multimatic front and rear jounce control dampers, 17-inch bead-lock capable wheels with 35-inch outer diameter mud/terrain tires, and boron steel skid plates. All of these add-ons combined with a best-in-class approach angle (38.2 deg.), departure angle (26 deg.), and breakover angle (26.9 deg.)  combine to make the Bison ZR2 a true off-road king of the class.

The 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison joins the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison in dealerships later this year.

When Chevrolet initially took the wraps off the Silverado EV last year, GM had estimated up to a 400 mile range based on its own calculations.  As the Silverado EV has made its way through development, it went for EPA certification and came back with 50 miles more than GM's estimate.  With this new EPA certification, the Silverado EV has an over 100-mile advantage over its only on-sale competitor the F-150 Lightning Extended Range (320 miles). The Silverado EV will launch first in WT trim with this 450-mile range in the next few weeks. Soon after, a less expensive WT model will launch with a 350-mile range.  All Silverado EVs will be available with DC Fast Charging up to 350kW with the ability to take on 100 miles of range in as few as 10 minutes.  WT models will have 510 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft of torque.

Following up sometime in the fall of 2023 will be the RST First Edition model with a currently estimated 400-mile range. We say "currently" because the RST is said to be available with the same 200kW battery pack in the WT, but also gets a significant power boost to 754 horsepower and 786 lb.-ft of torque in WOW mode, so we'll need to wait till it gets back from the EPA.

Naturally, these ratings will translate directly into the GMC Sierra Denali EV as well.

Let's start off with the Key Points of what is brought to the HD truck line with the ZR2 option.

• Race-proven off-road technologies include DSSV dampers, a factory lift and more to create Chevy’s flagship heavy-duty off-road pickup
• HD ZR2 builds upon Silverado HD’s already impressive roster of HD truck features to accomplish the toughest work with smart trailering tech and formidable powertrains
• A ZR2 family complete: HD ZR2 creates trio of flagship, off-road performance pickups
• Silverado HD ZR2 Bison surprises with ultimate off-road capability, in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles

 The off-road capability synonymous with Chevrolet’s ZR2 badge debuts for the Silverado HD with the introduction of the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 – the brand’s flagship heavy-duty off-roader. Elevating the Silverado HD’s off-road credentials to even further heights, the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 Bison debuts as part of the Chevy trucks family as well.

Chevrolet will soon offer a trio of flagship, off-road performance pickup trucks for anyone ready to explore the trails in Colorado ZR2, Silverado 1500 ZR2 and the first-ever Silverado HD ZR2.

Both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison bring race-proven technologies and enhanced off-road capability to the refreshed 2024 Silverado HD lineup, with the specialized ZR2 Bison featuring unique equipment from premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer American Expedition Vehicles, for those seeking the ultimate capability in their adventures.

“The all-new Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison provide the off-road performance our customers have come to expect from a ZR2, with the towing and payload capabilities our HD customers demand,” said Michael MacPhee, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing. “They also expand the Silverado HD lineup, offering more choices for customers to find the perfect truck for work and off-road adventure.”

Offered exclusively in the 2500 Crew Cab configuration — with the standard 6.6L gasoline engine or available 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel — the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison leverage Chevrolet’s off-road racing success with a defined set of upgrades built from proven off-road prowess. Whether that’s crawling trails, tackling tough terrain or towing adventure toys on the weekend, the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison can handle it all.

The Silverado HD ZR2 does this without sacrificing on-road comfort or heavy-duty truck capability, embracing the same hallmarks that make the Silverado 1500 ZR2 a winning combination.

As for capability, the max payload for the Silverado HD ZR2 is 3,397 pounds (gas engine), while the max trailering rating is an impressive 18,500 pounds³, when equipped with the available Duramax Turbo-Diesel to ensure owners don’t have to leave behind any part of their adventure – big or small – when hitting the trail.

“The Silverado HD ZR2 is for those who want it all: For when you need to haul equipment to the jobsite during the week, then the camper and family off the beaten path on the weekend,” said Sahar Nasif, program engineering manager, Silverado HD ZR2. “It’s for those who want their tow rig to be just as cool as the toys it’s hauling.”

The HD ZR2 is instantly recognizable with the ZR2 family’s front grille, which represents the expressive styling the ZR2 family of trucks values. Unique wheel opening moldings featuring integrated mud guards, ZR2 badging on the grille bar and a higher stance further strengthen HD ZR2’s image. Both trucks also wear the “flow-tie” emblem. The suspension is raised approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm), front and rear, compared to other Silverado HD 4WD models.

Its off-road-capable features and content also include:

• Specific front upper and lower control arms and specific steering knuckles
• Multimatic DSSV Dampers
• Larger steel transfer case skid plate and front aluminum skid plate
• Rear e-locker
• 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires mounted on 18 x 9-inch aluminum wheels.

HD ZR2 also includes a new Off-Road Mode, which incorporates learnings from the Colorado ZR2 and Silverado 1500 ZR2. When engaged, it adjusts various vehicle calibrations, such as the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control, to optimize their performance for off-road driving. In addition, Off-Road Mode alters throttle progression and transmission shifts, and the locking rear axle does not have a speed limitation.

HD ZR2 Bison: AEV collaboration raises the off-road bar

The HD ZR2 Bison was developed in collaboration with AEV to provide a factory package for the most avid off-roaders. It builds on the HD ZR2’s standard features, adding:

• Exclusive gloss black, 18-inch AEV wheels
• Distinctive cut high-approach, stamped-steel front bumper with integrated recovery points and winch provisions
• Unique stamped-steel cut rear bumper with recovery points
• Tough, stamped steel underbody skid plates for the front of the vehicle, steering rack, exhaust and transfer case

Bison models also receive unique exterior badging and other identifying cues, including the AEV logo on the front-seat head restraints.

Additionally, both the HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison benefit from the functional features shared across the Silverado HD range, including the DuraBed cargo box that optimizes every square inch for maximum cargo capability, the corner step rear bumper, BedSteps, power tailgate, a 120-volt power outlet, available six-position Multi-Flex tailgate and more.

IN FOCUS: Race-Proven Multimatic DSSV dampers

Redesigned interior with ZR2 flair

The HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison also feature the 2024 Silverado HD lineup’s redesigned interior. Built for excellent work-ready functionality and next-level technology integration, the cabin boasts features HD truck buyers expect with a blend of premium materials and off-road prowess, as found in the Silverado 1500 ZR2.

The interior’s dark trim accents complement the Jet Black and Graystone leather-appointed surfaces. Care also went into selecting materials that are simple to wipe clean after a day in the dirt.

The instrument panel houses a best-in-class 13.4-inch-diagonal infotainment¹ screen and expansive 12.3-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center that become the focal points of the driver’s command center. The infotainment screen and other controls are also canted toward the driver, strengthening the command center perspective. Smart, off-road technology includes an available 15-inch Head-Up Display with an off-road inclinometer and HD Surround Vision⁷ for the Silverado HD ZR2 and HD ZR2 Bison.

A redesigned wireless phone charger⁴ area as well as a flow-under console, which offers the spaciousness of a bench seat while retaining the functionality of a center console, round out HD ZR2’s efficient use of interior space.

Coming in Q3 2023

Production of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison begins later this summer, at General Motors’ Flint Assembly plant in Michigan¹⁰. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.

Starting January 2024, the final sixth generation Camaros will come off the assembly line at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant.

Available in coupe or convertible versions, this latest generation will come in the traditional RS, SS and ZL1 packages. Chevrolet has announced that this 6th generation collectors edition will offer Magnetic Ride Control on the SS and ZL1 1LE editions. The 1LE is a track-focused package giving one a street-legal, track ready 650 hp Camaro.

Scott Bell, VP Global Chevrolet made the following statements: “As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee and race fan.”  “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.”

The total run of 2024 Camaro RS and SS will have this special Collectors Edition package as will the very limited run of the ZL1 Camaro. Chevrolet says more information will come out about the 2024 Camaro Line with Collector's Edition Package closer to the start of pre-orders summer of 2023.

Since going on sale in 2014, the Chevrolet Colorado has only seen minor styling tweaks and updates.  For eight years the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 were the primary engines available with the interesting and fuel-efficient 4-cylinder turbo diesel. 2018 was the best year for this model's run, with Chevy selling 134,842 Colorados, but sales have dropped since then as new and updated entries in the form of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier have hit the market.  In 2022, the Colorado and its Canyon brother were officially the oldest mid-size trucks on the market.

For 2023, Chevrolet has completely redesigned the Colorado with new looks, interior, and a simpler engine lineup.  Gone is the 4-cylinder/6-cylinder/Diesel choice, replaced instead with the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder Turbo that has been doing duty in the Silverado and Sierra since 2019.  The engine will be offered in three power options: the base 2.7-liter Turbo with 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, the 2.7-liter Turbo Plus with 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

The engines have received upgrades for 2023 including a stiffer engine block, 30% stiffer crankshaft, as well as diesel engine materials for increased durability. The new base engine offers 18% more horsepower and 36% more torque than the outgoing 2.5 liter 4-cylinder, while both of the higher output engines out power and out torque both the V6 and diesel predecessors. No matter which engine tune you choose, you get a 2nd generation of the previously offered 8-speed automatic with refinements for smoother shifting and quicker downshifts.  Fuel economy ratings haven't been made available yet, but we expect the higher output engines will beat the outgoing V6, while the base engine will probably lose some efficiency in favor of the additional power.

The chassis is all new with a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase than the current Crew Cab model with a short box.  The front overhang has been shortened to improve the approach angle. The Trail Boss trim gets a 2-inch factory lift and a 3-inch wider front track, while the ZR2 gets a 3-inch lift on Multimatic DSSV dampers and a 3-inch wider front track. Ground clearance on the ZR2 is up to 10.7 inches.

An available GM-estimated range of up to 320 miles on a full charge, the 2024 Blazer EV offers multiple distinct trims, multiple range options and a choice of FWD, RWD or AWD configurations giving customers more choices with a seamless EV experience designed to complement virtually any lifestyle.

This was one very interesting press release as Chevrolet chose to use Inforgraphics to highlight the details of this affordable Mid-Size EV.

Blazer EV highlights include:

• Driving range options up to an available GM-estimated 320 miles on a full charge (depending on the trim)
• 11.5 kW level 2 (AC) charging and standard DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW, depending on the model, which enables approximately 78 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates
• Large, intuitive 17.7-inch-diagonal customizable infotainment touchscreen
• Full LED exterior lighting, with choreographed walk-up/walk-away animation on RS and SS models
• Beautiful, spacious and sustainably crafted cabin made with soft-touch materials
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology for compatible roads
• Advanced safety features intended to inspire confidence, including Reverse Automatic Braking⁶ and Advanced Park Assist

One interesting way of conveying information is in the Chevrolet B-Roll videos that they post on the Chevrolet Media center and that most news sources never show or point too. Here is the 12 minute and 55 second details on the Blazer EV.

On top of this is the various images that Chevrolet released. Clearly, Chevrolet is planning on this Blazer to be used in far more ways than most might think about as just a consumer.

The 2024 Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle in Sterling Gray Metallic

Interiors seem to be a decent focus for Chevrolet, while the all black is still available, they do have a few two-tone interiors with a red/black two-tone at initial release.

There has been much discussion on the balance of buttons versus all touch screen and here Chevrolet seems to have listened to the market in offering a balance of buttons for basic items from the steering wheel to the immediate dash so that one does not have to hunt into the menus to find how to turn on basic AC or Heat, etc.

One thing that this writer has come to dislike in various cheap ICE auto's and especially in Tesla is the center stack only screen. GM from Cadillac down to Cheverolet seems to feel safety of a screen right in front of the driver is still the safest way to get instant info rather than looking down and to the right.

17.7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen is the focal point of the cabin and the command center for the vehicle’s infotainment system and additional features. A large 11-inch-diagonal color Driver Information Center in the instrument cluster complements the central touchscreen.

Additional interior highlights include:

• Two-row layout with ample spaciousness and storage options, thanks to a flat floor enabled by packaging of the Ultium Platform
• Standard ambient lighting with personalization function on RS and SS trims
• Unique RS and SS trim and design cues, including blue and red contrasting stitching on the RS, and sueded microfiber seating on the SS, with Adrenaline Red seating surfaces and available Argon Orange accents
• Heated and ventilated front seats on RS and SS, along with heated rear outboard seating positions that are standard on SS and available on RS

Till today, we have only seen hints of the Blazer EV in the Radiant Red Tintcoat and now we have seen the Sterling Gray Metallic on the Police Pursuit vehicle so one can assume a solid white and black version will also be colors for the Blazer EV as well as another color they announced Iridescent Pearl Tricoat for the Blazer EV RS.

The Chevrolet Blaser EV 2LT will have a Galaxy Gray Metallic paint color.

Chevrolet seems to want to let the world in via their sky roof and also still keep decent space in the rear.

The Blazer EV is based on the Ultium Platform with performance cues inspired by the Camaro and Corvette. Where Cheverolet has in the past let folks down with their SS (Super Sport) badged autos, here the inspiration has come through as the AWD Blazer SS will live up to the performance of a legendary SS with 557 HP, 648 lb-ft of torque with the WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode engaged, delivering a 6-60 sprint of less than 4 seconds.

As Scott Bell, VP of Chevrolet has stated:

 “Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.”

“The Blazer EV SS has the soul of a true sports car,” “And while it represents the pinnacle of performance for Chevy’s EV lineup, all models offer stirring capabilities that will surprise and delight true performance devotees.”

Lifestyle Technology

The 2024 Blazer EV brings in things that many have only dreamed about in watching the Jetson cartoon show.

From the latest technology in charging, infotainment and driver-assistance technology, these work together holistically according to Chevrolet offering greater convenience, comfort and confidence to the customer as they transition to an all-electric future.

Many have come to enjoy the push button start in GM auto's, with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, push button start is a thing of the past as driving starts with hands-free start. With the key fob in the auto with you via your pocket, purse, etc. all one has to do to start driving is push the brake pedal after closing the door, the 2024 Blazer EV is ready to go.

Technology highlights include:

• Powered-opening charge port door: It features a powered opening when the door is pushed
• Navigation to charging stations and route planning: Through the MyChevy app, this feature helps locate and plot routes to charging stations
• Regen Braking: This feature can convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s forward momentum into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack to maximize the driving range. It also includes One-Pedal Driving, which can slow the vehicle to a full stop, using only the accelerator pedal
• Available presence-based liftgate: For convenience, the tailgate can open hands-free when the key fob is recognized by the sensors at the rear of the vehicle
• Available Super Cruise: The industry’s first true hands-free driver-assistance technology, allowing drivers to travel hands-free on compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada
• Safety Features: Reverse Automatic Braking and Advanced Park Assist are part of the standard Chevrolet Safety Assist suite that also include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lan Departure Warning and IntelliBeam.

GM EV strategy is to keep your auto current from end to end with OTA updates on all hardware and software allowing owners to continue to upgrade and personalize their autos like never before.

This technology continues with the Ultium Charge 360 system that starts by having an onboard 11.5 kW AC charging module for home charging and the ability to support public high-speed DC charging.

Pricing

Yes, the one thing many folks have stated over the last few years is that EVs are for the Rich, most cannot afford them. Here Chevrolet has placed the Mid-size Blazer EV to have a starting price of $47,595 for the 2LT and $51,995 for the RS. Both will go on sale at the start of summer of 2023. The SS will follow later in 2023 with a starting price of $65,995 followed by the lowest price version, the 1LT and the PPV fleet model both on sale Q1 of 2024. The 1LT will have a starting price of $44,995

Chevrolet announced today that July 18th will the day they drop the curtain on the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer EV.  This will be an all-new, all-electric midsize crossover built on GM's Ultium platform.   Ultium is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solutions to provide flexible battery and powertrain solutions for any size of vehicle.  Ultium was initially released in the GMC Hummer pickup.

The Blazer EV is set to go on sale in Spring of 2023. That same year, Chevy will also launch the Silverado EV and Equinox EV while Cadillac is launching the Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan.

In addition to the Blazer EV trims, Chevy is planning an SS version to rival the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition.  While we don't yet know the specs, expect a target near the 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque the Ford has.

Chevrolet has expanded their PPV or Police Pursuit Vehicle catalog by adding the 2023 Silverado available in crew-cab, short-bed, four-wheel drive. Ed Peper, U.S. VP of GM Fleet stated “We are constantly having conversations with customers and evaluating how we can better meet their needs,”

To this end the Silverado has joined the PPV family and with the following highlights:

• Crew-cab
• Short-bed - 5 foot 8 inches long
  • Available Tri-Fold tonneau cover
  • 12 standard weld tie downs
  • Standard corner-step bumpers
  • Optional multi-flex tailgate
• Four-wheel drive
• 355-horsepower 5.3L v-8 engine with Heavy Duty engine air-filter
• 10-speed automatic transmission
• Six-piston Brembo brake front calipers with 16-inch rotors
• Certified PPV Speedometer
• 20-inch black steel wheels with 20-inch Goodyear all-terrain speed-rated tires
• 46.9 feet turning radius
• 9,300-pound towing capacity
• Heavy Duty package
  • Z71 off-road package Rancho shocks
  • Locking rear differential
  • skid plate package
• Optional 2" lifted suspension for 11.35" ground clearance and 25.9 degree approach angle
• Upfitted supported
  • Auxiliary wiring circuits for easy installation of wiring to connect the trucks horn and siren
  • Surveillance Mode circuit that allows an upfitter to easily install lighting control.
  • Five upfitter switches for simple linking to the controls used most frequently
  • Optional delete of front center seat for customized cockpit
  • LED or Halogen spot lamps
• Truck is equipped with standard head and taillamp flashers
• Standard 220-amp alternator
• two 120-volt outlets to help devised stay powered while away from the base
  • Optional upfitter switch bank
    • Three 30-amp circuits
    • Two 20-amp circuits

The PPV Silverado is a safety first approach as it comes standard with the following safety features:

• Chevrolet Safety Assis Package
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Following Distance Indicator
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Front Pedestrian Braking
  • IntelliBeam Headlamps, operates high beams at speeds above 12 mph until approaching auto is detected
• Protected Idle
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear Park Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert

To Quote their Press Release:

Here to Serve
Chevrolet first introduced the Tahoe PPV in 1997. Over the years, Chevrolet has continued to listen to officers and expanded the PPV portfolio to meet the needs of the modern-day police force. General Motors organized an official Law Enforcement Product Council over two decades ago to learn directly from officers how they can effectively perform their duties behind the wheel. Ranking law enforcement officers and civilian fleet managers make up the council, and all have been instrumental in Chevrolet’s police vehicle programs over the years.

The 2023 Silverado Police Pursuit Vehicle and the Special Service Vehicle will be available beginning late summer 2022 in the United States and Canada.

Chevrolet’s First Pursuit-Rated Silverado Joins Forces with the Legendary Tahoe PPV

Per a recent story on thestreet.com titled "Who Can Afford a Tesla, Ford or Chevy Electric Vehicle?" they state that the median salary of $51,480 before taxes for 2021 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This would tend to imply that of the 2 million EVs that Ford and Chevrolet both say they will build and sell by 2026 is going to be hard as the current math for a 2022 Chevy Bolt with a starting price of $32,495 based on a 72 month loan with a $2,500 down payment would require an income of $72,000 a year and has you paying a monthly $452 payment.

A Ford Mach E with a base price of $44,995 requires an income of $101,000 a year with a monthly payment of $606 on a 72 month loan with a down payment of $4,500

Tesla is even more expensive when you look at the recent starting price of $47,690 which would require a yearly income of $111,000 with a 72 month loan, $4,500 down payment and a monthly payment of $652.

With the recent spikes in gas prices, more people have been interested in electric vehicles, yet the current prices are out of reach of most people even on used EVs. Then take into account the spike in raw meterials such as nickel and that ends up boosting EV prices again.

No entry level EV is priced under $30,000 that is equal to an ICE in range. The Chevrolet Bolt comes close, Nissan is selling Leaf's below $30,000 but with a battery range of just over 100 miles that many feel is not doable when compared to a equally priced ICE auto.

Tesla CEO Musk promised a sub $30,000 EV and has FAILED to deliver. He now says auto driving is the future, not individual driving.

Ford has promised an EV for all income levels, but at this time has not shown anything yet.

GM has stated that the Chevrolet Equinox Electric will be a game-changer. This EV will be based on their flexible Ultium Platform that supports Ultium battery packs of 50 kWh to 200 kWh with a motor combination that runs from 235 HP to 1,000 hp depending on EV.

GM has stated that this Electric Equinox will be available in FWD or AWD and will be available on the market starting Fall 2023 with a range per charge of 300 miles.

We have only seen this computer-generated interior that GM released at the start of the 2022 year.

The above video showing the exterior of the actual Chevrolet Equinox EV is exciting and proof that GM is moving forward to deliver on the promise of EVs for all.

With war in Europe, parts shortages globally, Price increases across the board on everything, this brings up the very real question of "Can GM CEO Mary Barra deliver still on the race to electrification for all?"

Many various OEMs and startups have announced EVs from entry level to luxury level. Can anyone deliver on that promise?

Many here at Cheers and Gears have also debated the lack of Style and inspiration for autos in the 21st century over autos of past yore.

What do YOU think of Chevrolet Equinox EV from a style standpoint?

Chevrolet - YouTube

Who Can Afford a Tesla, Ford or Chevy Electric Vehicle? - TheStreet

Chevrolet founded in 1911 in Detroit, one of the world's largest car brands, available in 80 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020 is proud to offer a glimpse of the all-electric Chevrolet Blazer SS. 

This will be Chevrolets first Chevy EV to feature a performance SS model for the masses. The all-electric Blazer SS will make its debut later this year and will go into production and be available for purchase starting Spring 2023.

More info on Chevrolet Models can be found @ www.chevrolet.com  

Chevrolet Previews the All-Electric Blazer SS

GM's comprehensive action plan was outlined today to ensure customers can safely and confidently drive, charge and park their Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV. Including both hardware and software remedies this action plan will be put into immediate effect.

The bullet list of the action plan:

• LG battery cell and module production resumes with updated manufacturing processes
• Battery Module replacements to begin in October
• GM to introduce new advanced diagnostics software.

LG plants in Holland and Hazel Park, Michigan have resumed production with added capacity to provide more cells to GM. The new battery modules will begin shipping to dealers in mid-October focusing on taking care of the existing customers first, then dealers and finally getting production back up and running.

To quote GM press release on the root cause:

The root cause of the rare circumstances that could cause a battery fire is two manufacturing defects known as a torn anode and a folded separator, both of which need to be present in the same battery cell.

LG has implemented new manufacturing processes and has worked with GM to review and enhance its quality assurance programs to provide confidence in its batteries moving forward. LG will institute these new processes in other facilities that will provide cells to GM in the future.

GM upon replacing the battery packs, these battery packs will have an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty or 8 year/160,000 KM limited warranty.

GM will within approximately 60 days will launch a new advanced diagnostic software package that will increase the available battery charging parameters over existing guidance. This software will be a dealer installed diagnostic software package.

Customers can call the Chevrolet EV Concierge 1-833-EVCHEVY Monday thru Friday 8am to Midnight, Saturday & Sunday Noon to 9pm, or can visit  www.chevy.com/boltevrecall  and customers can also contact their local Chevrolet EV dealer if they choose.  

Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Production Resumes (gm.com)

Chevrolet Pressroom - United States - Images (gm.com)

Four-Wheel Steer is a chassis feature that enables a vehicle to steer all four wheels, increasing agility and tight turning radius at low speeds. This brings improved handling and stability at higher speeds with outstanding trailering dynamics.

The Silverado electric pickup is designed from scratch and it harnesses the best of the Ultium Platform and ingrained with the Silverado's proven capability. Fleet and retail versions of the electric Silverado will be offered with a variety of customer options. Customers can receive the latest updates on the electric Silverado at one of these two web sites:

• Chevrolet Silverado | All-Electric Truck | GM Fleet
• All-Electric Silverado - Electric Truck | Chevrolet

Chevrolet was founded in 1911 and is one of the worlds largest auto brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020.

Chevrolet will be bringing to market the electric Silverado that will feature engaging performance, heart pounding designs, passive and active safety features along with easy to use technology at an outstanding value per their press release.

GM Corporate Newsroom - United States - EV News

Chevrolet Previews Available Four-Wheel Steer on Silverado Electric Pickup (gm.com)

General Motors has toyed with the idea of expanding the Corvette lineup, but has always gotten cold feet as there were worries that expansion would dilute the image. But a new report from Bloomberg says the company is considering this idea again, this time in electric form.

Sources say that designers are currently on "several Corvette-brand concept vehicles that target a wider range of buyers," that will "blend Corvette’s reputation for high-performance driving and rakish styling with creature comforts such as more interior room and storage." If approved, the new model would be electric and could arrive as early as 2025, utilizing GM's new BEV3 electric platform and Ultium batteries. The most likely candidate at the moment is a crossover, following in the footsteps of Ford with their Mach-E.

Not surprising, a GM spokesman declined to comment.

Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News (Subscription Required)

This week, Hagerty obtained a document from General Motors' executive director in charge of program management, Michelle Braun that says development on future car and truck programs has been paused due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But the document also mentions some intriguing information on upcoming powertrains for the C8 Corvette. Here are the details,

• Corvette Z06: 5.5L DOHC V8 known as the LT6 that will produce 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. No mention of any type of forced-induction.
• Corvette Gran Sport: 6.2L OHC V8 with a hybrid system that's expected to produce 600 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
• Corvette ZR1: Twin-Turbo 5.5L DOHC V8, dubbed LT7. Output is expected to be 850 horsepower and 800 pound-feet.
• Corvette Zora: The powerhouse of the C8, it will take the Twin-Turbo LT7 and augment with a hybrid system. This is expected to produce 1,000 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque.

Hagerty's report says the rollout of the new engines will begin in 2022 with the LT6, but the COVID-19 outbreak may push the plans back.

Source: Hagerty

At an event in Detroit this evening, Chevrolet took the wraps off the Tahoe and Suburban SUVs. We don't have specs yet to publish, but wanted to get the pictures out for you to see.  I will be updating the article as more details come out. 

Six different trims will be offered including the new High Country trim, an RST trim, and Z71 becomes its own trim line instead of being offered as a separate package. LS, LT, and Premier trims carry on. Engines are the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s, but the 3.0L Duramax will also be joining the lineup. The 5.3 and 6.2 now sport dynamic fuel management. All engines send power to the wheels through a 10-speed automatic. The Duramax is available on every trim except Z71.

The power ratings are:

• 5.3-Liter - 355 Horsepower at 5600 RPM / 383 lb-Ft of torque at 4100 RPM
• 6.2-Liter - 420 Horsepower at 5600 RPM / 460 lb-ft of torque at 4100 RPM
• 3.0-Liter Duramax - 277 Horsepower at 3750 RPM / 460 lb-ft of torque at 1500 RPM

The column shifter is gone, replaced with a new pushbutton design placed on the dash.  Thanks to a fully independent rear suspension, they both gain room inside. Magnetic Ride Control and an Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (available on Z71 and High Country) are available. The Air Ride suspension offers adjustable height of up to 4-inches at all four corners .

The dash sports a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment center standard. Buyers can opt for a rear seat entertainment system with twin 12.6-inch displays. Interior room is up; Tahoe sports 40 percent more third-row leg room and 66 percent more cargo volume behind the third row. While maximum cargo room is up 30 percent, the overall length increased only 4 percent. This is done on a wheelbase that is 4.9 inches longer than the 2020 model.  Suburban gets a 4.1 inch increase in wheelbase so that interior cargo volume increases 19 percent while overall length increases 1.3 inches.

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Chevrolet has released pricing of the new Trailblazer crossover that is coming to the U.S. market in early 2020.  

The base L model is the one that will start below $20k at $19,995. It comes with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, front wheel drive, and a continuously variable transmission.  Inside it carries a 7.0 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Standard on the L are 16 inch steel wheels with wheel covers. All-wheel drive is not available on the L.

Moving up to the LS model which starts at $22,495 allows you to option into all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. Opting for all-wheel drive also means you get a 0.1-liter engine upgrade to the 1.3 liter 3-cylinder that makes 155 horsepower.  Wheels are upgrades to 17-inch alloys.

The LT will set you back $24,595, again standard with FWD and the 1.2-liter unless you spend an extra $2,000 for AWD and the 1.3-liter. However, you can opt for the 1.3-liter on its own at the LT level. 

The Activ (pictured, top) which starts at $26,395 is billed as the off-road trim. It comes with a revised fascia with a larger grille opening, unique 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, changes to the dampers, and the 1.3-liter standard in both FWD or AWD models. This time, AWD costs $1,500 to select. 

Then there is the RS (pictured, right) which also starts at $26,395. It also comes standard with the 1.3-liter engine with a $1,500 AWD option. The changes to the RS are mostly appearance changes to make it look more sporty.

The Trailblazer goes on sale in Spring 2020.

People have been waiting decades for a mid-engine Corvette, now the wait just got a little longer; the C8 Corvette has been officially delayed.  You can blame the 40 day UAW strike and the fact that Chevrolet still has C7 Corvette orders to fulfill before Bowling Green can be switched over to build the new car. 

Once the C7 orders have been filled, the plant will be shut down for an undetermined amount of time in order for new tooling to be brought in and training on the new car is completed.  As of now, the scheduled start of production is February 2020. 

If you're currently a Ford Mustang owner or lessee, until the end of October there is $3,000 waiting for you on the hood of any 2019 Chevrolet Camaro.  Chevy's Camaro has consistently ranked third in sales behind the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang ever since the 6th generation model debuted for 2016. Sales fell further in 2019 after a disastrous redesign of the front fascia on SS trim models, down 7.6% year to date.  This despite the greater availability of 4-cylinder models and packages that put the V8 in easier reach. 

While the Camaro is down 7.6 percent, the Mustang has also fallen 10.1 percent and Challenger is down 11 percent year to date.  The Ford and the Dodge however sold 20,000 units and 10,000 units more respectively. 

Camaro sales were just 50,963 in 2018, down from a 2011 high of 88,249, and are on pace to be much lower this year.

Ahead of the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Chevrolet gave us a preview of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.  After the refresh, the Colorado will show greater differentiation from trim to trim.  All Colorados will feature embossed Chevrolet tailgates instead of the rear bowtie badge. The bowtie up front will be revised. 

The WT, LT, and Z71 will get updated center bars, lower fascias, and front skid plates for 2021. The WT and LT get gold bowties while the Z71 gets a black one.  

The ZR2 off-road variant gets a new look (shown above), and will be the only Colorado to get a lettered front fasica. 

The ZR2 continues to get Multimatic DSSV Position senstitive dampers, standard front and rear locking differentials, 2-inch suspension lift, 3.5 inch wider track, off-road rocker protection, cast iron control arms, autotrac transfer case, multiple skid plates, and now standard red tow hooks. 

Over 520,000 Colorado pickups have been built to date.

The Colorado will continue to be built at GM's Wentzville Plant and the 2021 will go on sale midway through next year. 

For 2020, Chevrolet is bringing back two popular special editions, Midnight and Rally.

The off-road focused Midnight Edition (shown above) is offered on LT Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss trims. It includes a 2-inch suspension lift, Z71 off-road package, skid plates, automatic locking rear differential, mono-tube off-road shocks, and 18-inch black painted wheels.  Completing the look is a set of red tow hooks, and duplicating the Trail Boss look, but in all black. The Custom Trail Boss Midnight Edition is available with either a 5.3L V-8 engine with six-speed automatic transmission or 6.2L V-8 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission. The LT Trail Boss Midnight Edition comes exclusively with 6.2L V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.

The street focused Rally Edition (right) is offered on the Custom and RST trims and features a sporty look, available in Black, Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic or Summit White exterior paint. The street-focused edition includes a body-colored grille, black Rally stripes on the hood and tailgate, black Chevrolet tailgate lettering, black badging, black Bowties, black exhaust tip(s) and black assist steps.

The Custom Rally Edition features 20-inch black painted wheels and the 2.7L Turbo engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The RST Rally Edition includes 22-inch black painted wheels and offers choice in powertrains: a 2.7L Turbo with 8-speed automatic transmission, a 5.3L V-8 with 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6.2L V-8 with 10-speed automatic transmission.

Chevrolet has canceled the Malibu Hybrid for the 2020 model year.  What? You forgot they even offered one?  It's not surprising. 

It's tough out there for slow selling sedans these days and the Malibu Hybrid was probably one of the slowest selling of the General's current lineup. The move leaves GM with no full hybrid vehicles at all in the lineup. This comes after the cancellation of the plug-in Chevy Volt earlier this year. The only electrified vehicle, for now, is the diminutive Chevy Bolt. GM is rumored to be working hard on an electric or electrified truck, and has plans to electrify most of the Cadillac lineup, even going so far as to promise the UAW that the Lordstown plant would reopen as a battery factory. 

The Malibu Hybrid used a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder and an electric motor combination to make 182 horsepower.  The sedan could drive on electric alone up to 55 mph, but it lacked a plug-in option.  It came only in the upper LT trim and started at $29,095 before delivery charges. 

General Motors is planing a range of updates for their full-size trucks starting in the 2021 model year, beginning with updated interiors. Also coming is a Silverado ZRX aimed to take on the likes of the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Ram 1500 Rebel.  The ZRX would come with an improved off-road suspension, special DSSV Dampers like on the Colorado ZR2, rear and front locking differentials, and improved approach and departure angles. 

If Chevy uses the same recipe they did on the ZR2, the ZRX will likely also get unique front and rear fascias.  One thing that isn't changing though is the powertrain. It's rumored that the ZRX will continue to use the same 6.2 liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque.  This is disappointing as the Raptor and Rebel TRX both get more powerful engines than their on-road counterparts. 

If these plans come to fruition, expect the Silverado ZRX to come out in 2021 as a 2022 model. 

Chevrolet has announced that for 2020, the Chevrolet Bolt will have a longer range between charges. The new maximum range on a full charge is now 259, a 21 mile increase over previous year cars. 

Chevy achieved this by making a small change in the battery cell chemistry. This allowed the team to increase range without changing the structure of the battery pack. The change increases the battery pack's capacity from 60 kWh to 66 kWh.  The drivetrain itself has not changed and remains a 200 horsepower / 266 lb-ft unit. 

Chevy is also offering two additional colors for 2020, Cayenne Orange Metallic (additional cost option) and Oasis Blue.

Chevy released the pricing information on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray today, keeping its promise of a sub-$60k price.  Pricing rings up at $59,995 including destination charge for the 1LT trim.  The Corvette comes standard with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission and an engine mounted dry sump oil system.

The 2LT  will start at $67,295 and adds things like a full color heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, performance data recorder, navigation,  side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert. 

The 3LT will start at $71,945, and builds on the 2LT with GT2 Seating with Napa and Mulan leather, custom leather-wrapped interior, suede-wrapped upper interior trim, and leather wrapped door panels. 

The price of the Z51 Performance package remains the same at $5,000 and includes performance exhaust, performance suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, front air splitter, rear spoiler, larger brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, and an enhanced cooling system. 

Customers can forgo the Z51 package and still get the performance exhaust for $1,195. This will boost the performance of the LT2 engine to 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.  The front suspension lift system is optional on 2LT and 3LT trims for $1,495. 

Customers will be able to personalize their Corvette with 12 different exterior colors, 6 interior color themes, six seat belt colors, two stitching packages, and three seat choices. 

Capable of a top speed of 194 MPH on the track, the Corvette goes into production in Bowling Green, KY later in 2019.

When the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette debuted a week and a half ago, there was some speculation that buyers might not go for it because of its mid-engine design or its outworldly styling.  Well the nay-sayers might just have to start cooking up their crow.   According to Michael Simcoe, GM's Design Chief,  the orders have nearly hit the first year of production numbers.  "It's nearly sold out. It's so close that it's bound to be sold out soon." Simcoe said.

Now the caveat is that Simcoe has not revealed what the planned production numbers will be, so we have no idea if it will sell at a higher or lower rate than the C7 Corvette. 

The 2020 Corvette Stingray comes with a mid-mounted LT2 V8 making an SAE certified 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque when equipped with an optional exhaust.  In Z51 form, the car can hit 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. Pricing will start under $60,000.

The Chevrolet Malibu will follow the likes to the Ford Fusion and Chrysler 200 by following them into that great nameplate junkyard in the sky after 2024 according to a report by Automotive News.  There is a possibility of an electric successor to the Malibu, but nothing is certain at this point.  An electric replacement would fit with GM's timeline to build 20 new EVs by 2023.   Before the ax falls in 2024, the Malibu could get one last face lift for the 2022 model year to help it through the final stages before retirement.  The Malibu is built in the Fairfax KS plant where the Cadillac XT4 is built.

This follows on reports that the Chevrolet Camaro will also die in 2023.  Other cars that are up for the chopping block are the Sonic after 2020 and the Spark after 2021.  The Bolt and Equinox will get a freshening next year.  With the Impala, Cruze, and Volt already dead, these changes will leave the Chevy brand without any sedans after 2024. With the Buick Regal also possibly canceled once the contract with PSA runs out, it may be that the only sedans available from General Motors will be from Cadillac. 

Once the diesel rolls out for the 2020 Silverado, it will take the title of most fuel efficient full-size truck on the market with an EPA rating of 23 City / 33 Highway / 27 Combined.  The 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder diesel generates 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.  The diesel is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and also features a start stop system.  In the Silverado, the price of the diesel engine is the same as upgrading to the 6.2 liter gasoline V8. It adds, $2,495 to the price of an LTZ or High Country model, or $3,890 to the cost of an LT or RST. Naturally, the engine will be available in the GMC Sierra as well. For those counting, this means the Sierra diesel is more efficient than the 4-cylinder diesel in the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. It is also a less costly upgrade than on the two smaller trucks, there costing $5,745 on an LT

GM is likely to hold the MPG title for a while as Ford's F-150 diesel was just released for 2019 and is rated for 22 City / 30 Highway / 25 Combined.  Ram hasn't sold their 3.0 V6 Ecodiesel since 2017, but it was rated at 20 City / 27 highway / 23 combined. 

Honda does not field a full size truck. Nissan does, but does not offer a diesel in their standard duty models. Toyota does not offer a diesel at all, though it is rumored that the next Tundra will be coming with a twin-turbo V6 hybrid. 

The Silverado Diesel arrives in dealerships this fall. 

The time has come for the Corvette to mid-engine architecture. 

Powering the Corvette is a 6.2 liter V8 LT2 making and SAE certified 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque when equipped with an optional exhaust system. In Z51 form, the car is expected to hit 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. The base output of the engine has not been revealed yet. The LT2 engine is based on the LT1 with a new aluminum block. This new engine features a dry-sump oiling system and three scavenger pumps to fight oil starvation in high-G maneuvers on a track. 

People looking for three pedals will be disappointed to find that no manual transmission will be offered.  Instead an 8-speed dual clutch automatic will take over shifting duties and likely execute them faster than any human could. The DCT is setup with a low first gear for quick take off and tall seventh and eighth for fuel economy. The gears in between are close ratio to keep the engine strongly in the power band.

Those who want a removable roof will be happy to find that option still there and can be stored in the rear compartment. There will be 3 interior seat options, six interior colors, six seat-belt colors, and two optional stitching packages.

The suspension is a double-wishbone design with oil over dampers, while the Z51 package gets magnetic ride control. A front lift system can lift the nose and use GPS to mark the location where you lifted the nose for future use. An electric brake system is more precise and is tunable by the driver. All Stingrays get an electronic limited-slip differential. 

The front trunk and rear trunk combined can handle 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The structure of the Stingray built from high-pressure diecast aluminum and has a carbon fiber rear bumper. 

Pricing will start at less than $60,000. 

Rumors coming out of Detroit are saying that the 7th generation Camaro development has been shelved, citing multiple sources from within General Motors, MusclecarsandTrucks.com reports. The current model will likely run until 2023 and then the nameplate will go back into the dustbin for the second time. 

The current car is based on the Alpha platform, the bases for the now canceled Cadillac ATS and CTS.  Their replacements, the Cadillac CT4 and Cadillac CT5 use a second generation of that platform called Alpha 2. The sources say that the Camaro will not move to the new Alpha platform. 

If the rumor is true, this will be the second time the Camaro has been canceled.  The last of the 4th generation, then known as F-Bodies, finished their run in 2002. Chevrolet revived the Camaro for a 5th generation using a cut down version of the Australian Zeta sedan platform. The current 6th generation car came out as a 2016 model and was lighter and slimmer than the 5th generation car.  The Camaro only sold 50,963 copies for 2018, a substantial drop from the 84,391 sold in 2012. 

Chevy unveiled the 2021 Trailblazer today, filling a space between the Chevrolet Trax and Equinox in the lineup.  This follows the recent release of the Buick Encore GX that fills a similar but more premium space. 

Picking up on styling from the larger Blazer and the Camaro, the Trailblazer takes an aggressive, sporty posture. Yes, there also will be an RS version, but no word yet on what powertrains will be available. 

Chevy is finally going to start offering active safety features as standard, something the competition started doing a few years ago. The standard active safety features are Front Pedestrian Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.  Optional will be Adaptive Cruise Control - Camera, Rear Park Assist and a High Definition Rear Vision Camera.

The 2021 Trailblazer will enter dealerships in early 2020. 

Chevrolet has updated the Camaro for 2020 with some new styling updates and packaging changes.  Most notable is the updated front fascia which received much criticism.

The new front end appearance comes for the SS model based on the Camaro Shock show vehicle that debuted at the SEMA show last fall. The Bowtie emblem is now higher on the grille, and the bar between the upper and lower grilles is now body color.

Also new is a new LT1 model that takes the Camaro LT trim and adds the 455 horsepower LT1 engine.  This makes the LT1 trim the most affordable V8 Camaro with a starting price of $34,995 including destination charges.  The LT1 will be offered in both hardtop and convertible configurations.

Other additions to the LT1 are the vented hood from the SS, black bowtie badges, 20-inch SS style wheels, and an available technology package.

Buyers of the V6 will also see a boost as the engine is now mated to the 10-speed automatic from the SS and ZL1.

Chevrolet has struggled with sales of the Camaro in recent years, often coming in third place in sales behind the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.

The 2020 Camaro with all of these updates will go on sale in Fall 2019.

According to GM Authority, the Chevrolet Traverse is dropping the 2.0T from the lineup and is already no longer available for ordering.  The move means that the only available powertrain for the Traverse is the 310 horsepower V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic.  

The 2.0T was introduced in the 2018 model year only on the RS model which had a slightly sportier flair than the regular Traverse.  We wonder though if this signals a move by Chevy to use the new TriPower 2.0T that is found in the Cadillac XT4 and was recently announced to be going into the 2020 GMC Acadia.  So don't be surprised if there is an announcement from Chevy soon. 

GM has been teasing us for years about the possibility of a mid-engine Corvette.  The confirmation of its existence came to light on Thursday when Corvette Chief Engineer and GM CEO Mary Barra took a spin in the camoflaged prototype through Times Square in NYC. 

The stunt was part of a promotion where GM will auction off the final C7 Corvette to benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a group that benefits fallen military members, first responders, and their families.  All of the winning bid will go towards the foundation which builds mortgage-free, accessible homes for military members and first responders.  GMC has raised more then $10 million for the foundation over the past 5 years.

Chevrolet will formally unveil the Corvette C8 on July 18th. 

In some ways, old-school General Motors is still around.  This time it is over the tone-deafness of placing a Mexican built product on display at Comerica Park in Detroit just months after announcing the shutdown of GM two plants in Michigan. 

GM said in a statement that it picked the Blazer, along with the Silverado, for display because the vehicle is brand new and the Blazer is an iconic American nameplate.  However, people are upset with GM for the pick of a Mexican built vehicle when two plants in Michigan,  Warren and Detroit-Hamtramck will be closing and thousands of jobs will be lost.

Now, just days after being installed over centerfield at the park, GM is quietly swapping the Blazer out with a new Chevrolet Traverse at the park fountain. GM said they wanted fans to enjoy baseball without the distraction and further added that the Blazer will add $500 million a year to the U.S. manufacturing economy. 

GM recently announced a $300 million upgrade to the Orion Assembly plant and the addition of a new Chevrolet EV just says after Trump criticized General Motors and Mary Barra for closing the Lordstown Ohio plant. 

Earlier this week, we reported that Chevrolet wouldn't be showing anything at next month's Detroit Auto Show, deflating the dreams of many that the mid-engine Corvette would finally be revealed. We found ourselves wondering if something happened that caused Chevrolet to rethink their plans.

GM Authority has learned from sources that a problem with the next-generation Corvette's electrical system has been found. The current system isn't able to carry the load necessary to support the necessary components in the vehicle. This will result in engineers making various changes to the system and suppliers to come up with new parts. This has reportedly pushed back the launch by six months.

GM Authority does report that this delay shouldn't prevent Chevrolet from launching the mid-engine Corvette as a 2020 model-year vehicle.

Source: GM Authority

If you were hoping that Chevrolet would bring the house down next month with the debut of the mid-engine Corvette at the Detroit Auto Show, we have some bad news for you.

GM Authority has learned from GM that Chevrolet isn't planning to show anything car or crossover related at the show. Motor Authority was able to confirm this report by speaking to sources who know GM's plans for future vehicles. It is expected that the Cadillac XT6 crossover will debut at the show.

Rumor has it that GM could debut the mid-engine Corvette at the New York Auto Show - the original 1953 Corvette debuted at the Motorama event that year in New York - or hold its own event to have the media focus on the new model and nothing else. The latter option seems the most likely to us.

We'll keep you posted if anything changes.

Source: GM Authority, Motor Authority

Al Oppenheiser is possibly one of the most important people working at General Motors being the chief engineer for the fifth and sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro. He helped bring back one of the most iconic muscle cars and make into something quite special. But Oppenheiser will soon face a new challenge.

Car and Driver reports that Oppenheiser will move over to GM's newly formed AV/EV organization to work on zero-emission-vehicle development. GM spokesman Michael Albano explained that they are moving "some of our best talent" to help work on their electrification efforts. Albano did acknowledge this was a lateral move, Oppenheiser would remain as a chief engineer.

"We have launched the final variant of this generation of Camaro, so the time is right" for him to move, said Albano.

What will be Oppenheiser's responsibility in this new position? Car and Driver says it will be "broader than one specific vehicle," meaning he'll be working on a number of vehicle styles.

Source: Car and Driver

General Motors made a big deal about a new 2.7L turbo-four that would be available on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500. This engine promises more power, better towing, and improved fuel economy when compared to the 4.3L V6 engine. But when the official fuel economy figures came out, the engine became somewhat less impressive.

The EPA rates the 2.7L turbo-four at 20 City/23 Highway/21 Combined for the 2WD variant and 19/22/20 for the 4WD variant. That isn't a huge improvement on the V6s found in the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.

• F-150 with 3.3L V6: 19/25/22 (2WD), 18/23/20 (4WD)
• F-150 with 2.7L EcoBoost V6: 20/26/22 (2WD), 19/24/21 (4WD)
• Ram 1500 with 3.6L V6: 20/25/22 (2WD), 19/24/21 (4WD)

"If you're delivering on everything, and you're getting the same fuel economy, the question is, 'Why?' " explained Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst at IHS Markit.

Officials at GM say the EPA ratings don't tell the whole story on the new engine. Like a diesel engine, " fuel economy will be better in the real world than its predecessor and will at least match comparable V-6 models from competitors," they said.

"I don't think we're done with the fuel economy piece yet," said Tim Herrick, executive chief engineer of GM's full-size trucks to Automotive News.

"Don't look at the label. We're as good or better than them in every step."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Chevrolet has announced pricing for the upcoming Colorado ZR2 Bison. Built with the help of American Expedition Vehicles, the Bison takes the capable ZR2 and adds some more features to allow it to go further in the bush. But it will set you back a fair amount of cash.

When it arrives at dealers in January, the Extended Cab will set you back $48,045. The crew cab begins at $49,645. Both prices include a $995 destination charge. That represents a premium of $5,000 to $6,000 when compared to the standard ZR2.

That price premium may seem a bit much, but it is going towards some proper upgrades. The includes new skid plates protecting key items such as the oil pan and transfer case; steel bumpers, and 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires. A snorkel will be available as an option.

It will be interesting to see Chevrolet can draw some buyers away from the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.

When one automaker comes up with an interesting idea, usually others will follow. See German crossover 'coupes' as an example. With Ford working on a hybrid version of the Mustang, it doesn't come as a surprise that Chevrolet is looking into this as well.

Back in August, a poster on the Camaro6 forum got a screenshot with a survey asking Camaro owners which powertrain they would consider if they bought a new sports car. Respondents were given the four choices listed below, or None of the Above:

• 4 Cylinder, 2.7L, Turbo engine, 310 HP, 25 mpg combined, 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds - $0
• 4 Cylinder, 2.0L, Hybrid Turbo engine, 365 HP (total system power), 30 mpg combined, 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds - $4,000
• 8 Cylinder, 6.2L, 455 HP, 20 mpg combined, 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds - $4,000
• 8 Cylinder, 6.2L, Hybrid engine, 545 HP (total system power), 24 mpg combined, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds - $8,000

There are few things to take note of,

• No V6 option is listed among the choices
• The turbo 2.7L is likely the same found in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Also, the 310 horsepower output is the same as Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost.
• The turbocharged 2.0L hybrid sees a one second drop in 0-60 mph time when compared to the standard 2.0L. Plus, the combined figure rises 5 to 7 mpg - depending on the transmission.
• The V8 hybrid setup only sees a 0.3-second decrease in the 0-60 mph run, but an increase of 4 mpgs.

We need to note that the results of this survey might not result in a hybrid Camaro.

"We routinely survey our customers across all of our vehicles on potential future technologies or features, but that doesn’t mean we are going to institute them,” a GM spokesman told Motor Authority.

But it is clear that GM is watching Ford closely with the hybrid Mustang. Who knows, maybe the next-generation Camaro will offer some sort of hybrid power?

Source: Camaro6, Motor Authority

Last month, Chevrolet announced the 2019 Blazer would begin at $29,995, undercutting the likes of Ford Edge and Nissan Murano. But Cars Direct has gone through the order guide and did some analysis. What they found out is that Blazer isn't as a good deal as Chevrolet is promoting to be.

Let's start with the base the Blazer L which begins at $29,995. CarsDirect believes this model "is likely intended mainly for advertising purposes." This is something we saw before when Buick launched the Regal TourX. The L model is also excluded from factory discounts. Most buyers will likely be pushed towards the 1LT which begins at $33,495 - $1,700 more expensive than the Murano S and $2,505 more expensive than the Edge SE. Both the Murano and Edge pack more powerful engines (Blazer uses a 2.5L four-cylinder with 193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque) and have the option of AWD. The Blazer can only get AWD on 2LT models and above.

The 2LT begins at $34,495 and adds the 3.6L V6 engine - 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. If you want AWD, be prepared to shell out an additional $2,700. Again, AWD is cheaper on the Murano ($1,600) and Edge ($1,950). 

Another disappointment for the Blazer is how much you need to shell out for advanced driver assistance features. If you want adaptive cruise control and front collision warning, then first you need pay $41,795 for the RS and then add $3,575 for Enhanced Convenience and Driver Confidence II Package. If you want automatic emergency braking, then you'll need to step up to the top-line Premier at $43,895 and add the Driver Confidence Package II for an additional $2,165. AEB is standard on the Murano and Edge.

Based on this analysis, it does make the Blazer a bit of a tough sell. We'll have to see how things play out in the coming months.

Source: CarsDirect

From 2010 to 2014, the Chevrolet Camaro was undisputed sales champion of the U.S. sports cars. But since 2015, the Camaro has been falling behind the likes of the Ford Mustang. At the time, Chevrolet officials were okay with giving up some volume to boost profitability. Unlike Ford which started focusing on lower-end models, Chevrolet decided to target performance-oriented models with high price tags. 

But this year, the Camaro has been outsold by both the Mustang and Dodge Challenger - the latter using a platform that is over a decade old. Chevrolet is now planning to fight back by focusing on the lower-end of the market, a place where Ford and Dodge have been making big inroads.

"Frankly, they've been eating our lunch. The low [transaction prices] of a four-cylinder ... that's where the bulk of the sales are and that's where our pricing strategy needed improvement. We plan to go head to head — and win," said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer of the Camaro to Automotive News.

Chevrolet has cut prices on the Camaro 1LS, 1LT, and 2LT as part of the 2019 refresh. They have also introduced a 1LE version for the 2.0L turbo-four to better compete with the Mustang EcoBoost. The 1LE brings a chassis package from the 1LE V6, 20-inch wheels, and a six-speed manual for only $30,995 (includes shipping).

"What's happening in the sport car segment, there's a lot more volume in the low-to-mid part of the market. We do a phenomenal job with our loaded SS's, and it's great business for us, but the reality is there's an awful lot of people who just want a great looking sports car somewhere in that $30,000 range, and that's what we're going to deliver," said Steve Majoros, Chevy's marketing director for cars and crossovers.

Karl Brauer, executive publisher of Kelley Blue Book said Chevrolet adding the 1LE package for the turbo-four Camaro will allow it to be better compete with the Mustang. But he also questioned whether Chevrolet went far enough with the 2019 refresh to address some of styling issues that have turned off some buyers.

"It doesn't hurt to have a lot of value for the money. I just wonder if that alone is the real stumbling block," said Brauer.

"It just doesn't have the personality that the other two cars offer."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

It has been some time since we last reported on spy shots of the mid-engine Corvette. Buy a new set of spy photos have come out this week and give us our best look at the next-generation model. 

The particular vehicle seen in the photos was being tested on Nürburgring and wasn't wearing as much camouflage as previous photos - hinting that development work is finishing up. The front end reminds us of the La Ferrari with a pointed nose, along with a fair amount of coolers behind the bumper. Large side air scoops provide cooling for whatever engine - likely a V8 of some kind. Towards the back, the Corvette retains the fastback shape and what appears to be a separate engine cover - possibly glass.

The heavily covered-up interior was also photographed. We can make out a screen of some sort, possibly navigation. There also appears to be a paddle behind the steering wheel, hinting the particular model is an automatic/dual-clutch transmission.

We're expecting to see the mid-engine Corvette debut sometime next year.

Source: Autoweek, Car and Driver

Back in December, we reported on General Motors' VIN decoder for the 2019 model year. One of the interesting bits was the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze getting a CVT. We speculated at the time that the transmission would appear in a Eco model. But when GM announced the 2019 Cruze in April, there was no mention of the CVT. The only transmission news was that the six-speed manual had been dropped. Was the mention of the CVT a misprint? Nope.

“There were a small number of Cruzes built with a CVT for fleet use only which is why the option is disclosed on the EPA website,” explained Katie Minter, Chevrolet spokeswoman to CarsDirect.

The CVT option doesn't offer any significant improvement in terms of fuel economy - it only raises the combined figure from 32 to 33.

Source: CarsDirect

Chevrolet believes that it gain more market share in subcompacts to full-size sedans as other competitors leave the market, most notably Ford.

"It's a pretty big opportunity for us. As other people are making noise about leaving the car business or thrifting back their portfolio, there's still business to be had there. It's just going about the business in a smart fashion," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet's marketing director for cars and crossovers to Automotive News.

While the car market in the U.S. continues to shrink as more buyers go for SUVs and crossovers, it still represents more than four million possible customers and an opportunity for Chevrolet to introduce itself to this group. Plus, compact and midsize segments still representative one in every five vehicles sold. Majoros believes that sales of cars have "hit the floor."

"There's still volume to be had there. We've done a nice job about taking a responsible approach to the product. If other competitors are leaving, we're very happy to pick up that business, and we'll certainly do that."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Whenever an automaker introduces a redesigned model or makes some significant mechanical changes, usually the fuel economy go slightly up. But there are cases where those numbers remain the same or worse, go down.

The New York Daily News reports that certain versions of the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro see a slight drop in fuel economy.

• 2019 Camaro V6: 1 mpg drop on highway with the manual (27 vs. 28 on the 2018 model), 1 mpg drop in combined with the 8-speed automatic (22 vs. 23)
• 2019 Camaro V8: 1 mpg drop on highway with the manual (24 vs. 25), 1 mpg drop in city with the 10-speed automatic (16 vs. 17)
• 2019 Camaro ZL1: 1 mpg drop in combined with the 10-speed automatic (15 vs. 16)

Other Camaros, such as those equipped with the 2.0L turbo-four remain unchanged in their fuel economy figures.

This is bit bizarre, especially on models equipped with the new 10-speed transmission. Some think it could be the Camaro's new face, which has received mixed reactions could be less aerodynamic than before. But if this was case, wouldn't all of the Camaro variants see some sort of drop?

Source: New York Daily News

Back in 2014, Chevrolet introduced a small delivery van called the City Express. The new little can was the result of a marketing agreement between Nissan and General Motors for Chevy to rebadge Nissan's successful NV200 small delivery wagon.   But where Nissan did well, Chevrolet faltered and the City Express languished on lots.  Typical sales months for the CE were in the triple digits while by comparison, Ford moved as many as five times that amount with its direct competitor the Transit Connect.

Automotive News reports that back in September, dealers were told to stop ordering them and as of February this year the last City Express rolled off the line and has already been scrubbed from the Chevy website. No word yet on if Chevrolet intends a replacement on its own platform. 

Source: Automotive News

Photo: GM, with Editorial additions by Drew Dowdell

The lengths that automakers go to with camouflaging vehicles continues to amaze us. Case in point, the first spy photos of the next-generation Chevrolet Suburban has hit the internet. General Motors has covered up every surface, including the underside. That's because the new Suburban appears to be ditching the solid rear axle for an independent setup. We know this as a spy photographer found the right spot where there was minimal camouflage and captured it.

Why is Chevrolet switching to an IRS setup? It might have to do with the new Ford Expedition which moved to independent rear suspension. A source told Autoblog that Chevrolet wouldn't have fit IRS because it was expensive, but plans changed when the Expedition made a big splash with it. Of course, IRS could have been in the cards for some time. Nevertheless, this setup will help improve ride quality significantly.

Engines are expected to mirror the new Silverado, which might include the new turbocharged 2.7 four-cylinder.

Source: Autoblog, CarScoops

Last year at the SEMA Show, Chevrolet teamed up with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) to produce the Colorado ZR2 AEV concept. This truck was fully kitted out for overlanding duties with a revamped suspension, new bumpers and skid plates, a snorkel, Warn winch, bed rack, and an air compressor. It seems Chevrolet is planning to make this into a production model.

Off-Road.com learned from a Chevrolet dealer that GM at their annual dealer meeting showed off a model called the Colorado ZR2 Bison. 

“The AEV truck they revealed looked nearly identical to the concept vehicle with some minor differences,” the unnamed dealer said in email.

The differences are most likely the absence of the bed rack and air compressor from the concept. What would likely carry over are the larger fenders, meaty off-road tires, upgraded suspension, and underbody protection.

The dealer also said that the Bison will be available at dealers soon according to Chevrolet officials at the meeting.

Source: Off-Road.com

A new report from the Wall Street Journal says the Chevrolet Sonic could be no more as early as of the end of this year. According to sources, the decision comes down to consumers veering more towards trucks and utility vehicles, and declining sales. So far in 2018, sales of the Sonic have dropped 21.5 percent. Overall volume has dropped by over two-thirds when compared to the Sonic's best sales of 93,518 units in 2014.

This could be more bad news for GM's Orion plant, home to the Chevrolet Sonic and Bolt. The plant already lost production of the Buick Verano in late 2016.

The report also notes that Ford will be axing both the Taurus and Fiesta according to sources close to discussions.

Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

NHTSA document filings are always interesting as they give us a possible look into the future into an automaker's lineup. Case in point, Jalopnik reports recent filings by GM list a model called the Chevrolet Bolt Incomplete. This is listed alongside commercial models like the Cadillac XTS. A GM representative confirms this will be going into production and said, "This is a new way for fleet customers to leverage the Bolt EV’s incredible range.” No other details were given by the representative.

But the folks at ChevyBolt.org were able to uncover a fleet order guide listing a few more details on the Bolt Incomplete.

• The rear seats will be removed along with the floor mats and air bags to make for a small cargo area
• Will not be available with either the Comfort and Convenience or Driver Confidence Packages to help with pricing
• 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in all-season rubber will be standard
• Production will take place at Orion Assembly before being shipped off to Knapheide Truck Equipment in Flint for the build out. It will then return to Orion to be sent out.

This could be the perfect vehicle for those doing local deliveries such as auto part stores.

Source: Jalopnik, ChevyBolt.org, GM Fleet Order Guide

About a month ago, we reported on a California Air Resources Board (CARB) document that revealed the 2019 Camaro could be getting a seven-speed manual for the 6.2L V8. At the time, speculation was that the manual transmission could come from the Corvette. But it appears this dream has been popped.

Last week, Bozi Tatarevic on Twitter uncovered that the document listing the seven-speed manual for the Camaro was marked as a canceled. A new document uploaded on the same day shows the 'Trans Type' being a six-speed manual and 10-speed automatic. CarBuzz speculates that the seven-speed transmission has been pushed back to 2020. Our guesses as to why GM pulled the seven-speed off the CARB document could either be that GM ran into issues with fitting the Corvette's seven-speed in the Camaro - the transmission mounts on the rear-axle in the Corvette while the Camaro mounts it at the engine. There could also be the issue of transmission being slightly too expensive for the Camaro.

Source: hoonable on Twitter, (2), CarBuzz

Tesla's production hell seems to be only getting worse than better. Various issues at their Freemont plant has caused the automaker to push back their goal of producing 5,000 Model 3s from late last year to June of this year. This, in turn, has caused some holders of Model 3 reservations to have their order pushed back to 2019.

“As we work hard to meet demand, we wanted to let you know that your estimated delivery timing has been adjusted to a slightly later window,” Tesla said in an email to customers.

According to Bloomberg, the new date depends on when the reservation was placed and what model was chosen. Tesla is trying to get the more expensive long-range battery model out first before starting production of the cheaper standard battery model. This has buyers of the latter model worried as they might not get the full $7,500 tax credit. The credit begins to phase out once an automaker has built 200,000, something Tesla expects to hit sometime this year.

The move has caused some reservation holders to take to various forums and Twitter to complain. Others are deciding to jump ship and buy a Chevrolet Bolt. Reuters reports that Chevrolet dealers in California are seeing a noticeable increase of Tesla shoppers interested in the Bolt.

“We’re getting the Tesla people who wanted their Model 3. We ask them, ‘What other cars are you interested in?’ They’re mostly Tesla. But they want the car now. They don’t want to wait,” said Yev Kaplinskiy of Stewart Chevrolet.

Kaplinskiy said they sold 15 Bolts last weekend.

Chevrolet is taking advantage of the delay by emailing some prospective buyers this week with the message of, “Bolt EV: Now available.”

Source: Bloomberg, Reuters

AutoGuide recently obtained a California Air Resources Board (CARB) document listing the pairings for the 6.2L V8 and various transmissions for the 2019 Camaro and Corvette. In the 'Trans Type' column, the Camaro is listed with M6, M7, and SA8. The middle one is the interesting bit as it hints that the Camaro will get a seven-speed manual.

AutoGuide believes the seven-speed in question is the one used in the Corvette. But there arises an issue with this conclusion. The seven-speed manual transmission for the Corvette mounts at the rear axle, whereas the manual transmission for the Camaro mounts at the engine. So GM could either figure out some way of finagling the Corvette's seven-speed into the Camaro or there is something else in the works. 

We'll be keeping a close eye on this.

Source: AutoGuide

The number of models that you can get with a manual transmission has been declining over the past few years. For the 2019 model year, there could be another one off the list.

The Truth About Cars has been going through General Motors' VIN decoder document for the 2019 model year. One of the items they have discovered is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze will lose the six-speed manual for both the gas and diesel engines. It also looks like a CVT will become available. The document doesn't list what model the CVT could go in - our guess is that it could be an high-mileage eco model.

Now, GM could change what is listed in the documents in the future. Under NHTSA regulations, an automaker can add new information on models up until 60 days before the start of production.

We'll keep you posted.

Source: The Truth About Cars
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

Chevrolet unveiled the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado today at an event in Ft. Worth, Texas.   The new Silverado features new, more aerodynamic styling, and will offer a broader range of powertrain options.  While details have not yet been released, expect the 10-Speed automatic co-developed with Ford to be available.   GM will increase its use of mixed materials combining steel and aluminum "in the right place" according to GM.  This is a subtle dig at crosstown rival Ford's all-aluminum body F-150.   Chevrolet and GMC are also expected to begin offering a carbon-fiber bed option, for additional strength and "added lightness".

One of the eight new Silverado models will be the TrailBoss (pictured), a trimline first featured on the Chevrolet Colorado Trailboss.  The Silverado TrailBoss combines the standard Z71 off-road package with a 2" factory lift kit, fully warrantied and backed by Chevrolet. 

The surprise release was originally expected to happen during the 2018 Detroit Auto Show next month, however with Ram poised to release their new 1500, perhaps Chevy was trying to steal some thunder.  We expect more powertrain details and other information to be released as we get closer to the Detroit Show.

Last night, a member of the Corvette Forum posted CAD images of what is purported to be the mid-engine Corvette. Those images would disappear later in the night, but not before someone saved them and uploaded them to imgur. 

Judging by the quality of images, we're guessing someone used their smartphone to take pictures of a computer screen. The images show off the engine and what looks like to be the sub structure. One of the members on the site, firebirdfan has an excellent breakdown of the images. Here are some of the more interesting details.

• No more transverse leaf spring, replaced by coils.
• Fancy shocks (can't really tell if they are magnetorheological or spool-valve)
• Engine appears to be an LT1 (no forced induction)
• A beefy transaxle (firebirdfan believes it could be for the automatic)

The question arises of whether these images are the real deal or not. We're somewhat doubtful they could be fake considering how much effort would need to put in to create drawings like this. But they could be an old design and Corvette engineers made some changes for the production model.

We'll keep you posted.

Source: Corvette Forum, 2
Image Credit: ZERV on Corvette Fourm via etbaumga on imgur

It is no secret that Chevrolet will be debuting a new Corvette ZR1. Numerous spy shots have revealed Chevrolet is going all out with a large rear wing, larger intakes, and distinctly shaped hood. We now have gotten our first look at the new ZR1 thanks to a leak.

Corvette Blogger got their hands on a leaked image of Car and Driver's December issue which has the Corvette ZR1 front and center. The model matches up perfectly with spy photos with the various aero bits and large air intakes. The cover also reveals the ZR1 will be packing 750 horsepower, but we don't know what engine will be providing that power (our guess is a supercharged V8).

Corvette Blogger also revealed that the ZR1 will likely debut in Dubai. A reader living in the UAE sent Corvette Blogger an invitation for a special celebratory event to mark the Corvette's 65th birthday on November 12th. A couple of outlets have confirmed this event by saying they will be going.

After the cover leaked out, Chevrolet released a teaser video of the new Corvette with the November 12th date.

Source: CorvetteBlogger, Chevrolet
(Author's Note: At the time of this writing, CorvetteBlogger is currently down. We'll keep you posted when it goes back up).

A fresh stack of spy shots of the upcoming 2019 Chevrolet Silverado has arrived and we have gotten our first look at the interior.

The picture reveals that the blocky dash design of the current truck is sticking around. The center stack design is similar to what you'll find in the GMC Acadia. It appears this mule is running a new version of Chevrolet's MyLink system with a new status bar along the bottom.

We also got some new clues on the 2019 Silverado's exterior. It appears Chevrolet is keeping the blocky profile shape. The front end gets new headlights with LEDs and a revised bumper.

We still don't know much about powertrains for the 2019 Silverado except that a 10-speed automatic that was jointly developed with Ford will be showing up.

Source: Motor Authority

We've seen spy shots of the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette in the snow and at GM's proving grounds. Now, we have a set of spy shots of a mid-engine Corvette at a McDonalds' drive-thru.

The pictures were captured by a Motor Trend reader in Cadillac, Michigan (northwest of Detroit). The test mule was undergoing some public road testing and it appears there was a current Corvette and what appears to be a Porsche 911. Despite the heavy amount of camouflage, you can make out some Corvette cues such as similar front-end styling as the current model and hood cutout. The double-bubble roof is present as is a set of new wheels that are presumed to be production ones.

We'll find out what Chevrolet has in store sometime next year.

Source: Motor Trend

We're now into the third week of the strike at GM's CAMI Assembly in Ontario and neither side appears to be budging. There are rising concerns that GM could be running out of the stockpile of the Chevrolet Equinox. GM's second-best selling nameplate.

According to data from Automotive News, GM had 43,453 Equinoxes (about a 41-day supply) at the beginning of this month. Chevrolet dealers sold 27,512 Equinox models last month. If this trend continues, there could be some serious problems towards the end of the year.

"That's going to be hard on Equinox to compete on such a limited quantity in such a hot segment. We would expect sales to pick up in the last quarter of the year," said Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst and director of pricing and industry analysis for Edmunds.com.

GM has been downplaying this issue since the strike started.

"We believe we have sufficient inventory and production to meet demand while negotiations continue and we continue to work closely with dealers to ensure customers continue to be well served," the company said in a statement.

A small number of dealers that spoke with Automotive News said their inventory of the Equinox models hasn't been directly affected, but that could change if the strike continues.

GM is ramping up Equinox production at two plants in Mexico - San Luis Potosi and Ramos Arizpe. The company declined to provide production capacity or change in plans due to the strike. But neither plant can compete with the output of CAMI. Through August, the two Mexican plants produced 40,017 Equinox models since production began in April. Compared to CAMI which produced an estimated 132,388 models in the same timeframe.

"We don't know the ramp-up at the other production facilities in Mexico. That's the X factor," said Caldwell.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

We have been hearing about Chevrolet adding a crossover between the Equinox and Traverse for about a year or so. This week, we have gotten our first look at this new model possibly wearing a well-known nameplate.

A spy photographer caught two Chevrolet prototypes testing alongside a Nissan Murano. How do we know they're Chevrolet models? You can just make out the emblem through the camouflage. The design is very much Traverse with a similar shape and large grille. The new crossover will use the same platform that underpins the GMC Acadia. Powertrains are expected to be a 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.6L V6. According to sources, the new crossover will have the option of three-rows to set it apart from competitors.

As for the name, Automotive News reports that it will be called the Blazer.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro has been lagging somewhat in sales when compared to the likes of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. Through July, Chevrolet only has moved 41,280 Camaros (down 2.5 percent). Compared to the Mustang which sold 50,814 (down 30 percent). The Challenger trails the Camaro but not by much - 41,243 units (up 2.6 percent). It gets worse when you compare it to last-generation Camaro. In 2015, the last year for the fifth-generation model, Chevrolet moved 77,502 models. A year later when the sixth-generation arrived, sales dropped to 72,705 models. 

To try and change the Camaro's fortunes, General Motors is considering making some changes to the lineup. Some of those changes will focus on the base and V8 models.

"I think we've got opportunities at the very low end of the Camaro range and some remix of some of the V-8 options on it so we don't force people to buy all the options with a V-8, just to get a V-8," said GM product chief Mark Reuss.

Reuss wouldn't go into detail about the possible changes or when we could see them.

Bringing down the price of the V8 is a great start. The 2018 Camaro with the V8 begins at $37,995 which is $4,800 more the Mustang V8 and $5,000 more than the Challenger. We could see a base V8 with smaller wheels, skip the infotainment system and have a radio, and other changes.

We hope Chevrolet is planning to make changes very soon as Ford's refreshed Mustang is just around the corner.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

It is no secret that Chevrolet is working on a mid-engine Corvette, especially when a set of spy shots clearly showing the vehicle came out last fall. A new batch of spy shots have hit the web and we now have a better idea of what it could look like.

The pictures reveal that the front end will look somewhat similar to the current Corvette with a pointed nose. There appears to be a curved windshield and a tapered roofline. Other pictures reveal the outline of the hood where the V8 engine resides.

Speaking of the V8 engine, there are reports saying the mid-engine Corvette will have three engines on offer - codenamed LT2, LT6, and LT7. We know LT6 is possibly a naturally-aspirated V8 with 700 horsepower and LT7 is a twin-turbo V8. LT2 might be a hybrid of some sort.

Everyone seems to think General Motors will unveil the mid-engine Corvette at the Detroit Auto Show next year. We'll be keeping a close eye to see if this happens.

Source: Car and Driver, Motor1

Later this year, you'll be able to pick up a Chevrolet Equinox with a 1.6L turbodiesel engine that promises an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. What hasn't been revealed is how much the diesel will set you back. But the folks at CarsDirect have uncovered it.

The diesel option will $31,435 for the LT and $33,930 for the Premier. All-wheel drive adds $1,750 to the base prices.

What do you get for the money? The LT comes with 17-inch wheels, cloth seats, a 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist. The Premier adds 18-inch wheels, leather seats, 8-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone climate control. 

For options, the LT can be equipped with the Sun and Infotainment Package that adds the 8-inch screen and a sunroof. The Premier gets the Sun, Sound and Navigation Package which as the name suggests nabs you navigation, Bose audio system, and navigation. There is also the Confidence and Convenience Package II for the Premier that brings forward collision alert with low-speed automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, 360-degree camera system, and more.

Source: CarsDirect

We have to admire the chutzpah put on display by a spy photographer when getting these shots of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.

A video shows one of them running up to one of the mules when sitting in traffic with a magnet in hand. The goal was to see if the bed was made out of aluminum - something we have been hearing about the next-generation Silverado. What the video reveals is that the Silverado mule is using a steel bed with a 'clang' of the magnet attaching to the bed.

Does this mean that the production Silverado and GMC Sierra will stick with steel beds in the next-generation? That is tough to say since we don't know how along GM is in the development cycle or if this particular mule's configuration will stay the same. 

As we mentioned, there have been rumors of General Motors doing an extensive weight-loss program for their next-generation trucks with aluminum being used for various body panels.

The spy photographer also notes that the mule had an auto stop-start system.

The next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are expected to arrive sometime next year.

Source: Left Lane News, Truck Trend
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

Whenever the Corvette plant closes it doors for public tours for a certain amount of time, it usually means some big change is coming to the model. 

The Bowling Green Daily News reports that starting next month, GM will suspend plant tours for 18 months. National Corvette Museum Marketing and Communications Manager, Katie Frassinelli tells the paper the suspension is for a reconfiguration of the assembly line and a new paint shop.

“The new paint shop at the plant has to be tied into the existing assembly line. The old paint shop is on the opposite side of the plant,” said Frassinelli.

It should be noted this is the longest time that the plant tour has been suspended.

Unsurprisingly, this announcement has caused many to wonder if the change is somehow related to the long-rumored mid-engined Corvette. Speculation has it that the model will debut at next year's Detroit Auto Show.

Source: Bowling Green Daily News

If it weren't for focus groups, the design of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox could have looked so much different.

Speaking to Automotive News, chief engineer of the 2018 Equinox Mark Cieslak revealed that focus groups weren't not impressed with the first designs of the redesigned model. They described the design as being bulky, 'not compelling', and looking a bit odd. If this was old GM, they would have gone forward with the design.

"Back in the day, we would have probably just kept going," said Cieslak.

"What we had on paper we felt was not going to win."

But this being the new GM where bean counters lost a fair amount of influence, the decision was made to go back to the drawing board. At the time, GM was scrambling to fix the Malibu as its redesign earned poor reviews and a drop in sales which likely played a part in this decision. They needed to get the Equinox redesign right as the model it would replace was very popular. There were concerns that this could cause the new Equinox to be delayed. But in the end, the team were able to design a new Equinox without falling off schedule.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Those who want some V8 muscle after the current Holden Commodore goes away have a new option from an Australian company. Motor reports that Crossover Car Conversions (CCC) has announced they can import a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and convert it to right-hand drive for only $150,000 AUD (yikes!).

What does this $150,000 AUD sum get you? First, it gets you the Camaro that will cost $79,000 AUD. Here is the rest of the pricing breakdown:

• Shipping - $5,000
• 5 percent import tariff - $3,000
• Luxury Car Tax (LCT) - $6209
• GST - $8200
• Conversion to RHD: $44,000

The process will take around six months with the conversion taking about eight to ten weeks.

But if you can hold off, there is the possibility of the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro arriving in Australia in 2021 or later.

Source: Motor

The Camaro Z/28 will be returning for an encore act and it might be using the next-generation of Chevrolet's small-block V8.

Car and Driver reports that GM is working on the next-generation LT engines, codenamed LT6 and LT7. These new V8 engines will lose the pushrods and two-valve combustion chambers that have been a key part of the small-block V8. Instead, the new engines will feature dual overhead camshafts, four-valve combustion chambers, flat crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and possibly dual injection (port and direct). For the Z/28, a 5.5L LT6 could produce 700 horsepower (that's without any sort of forced induction). 

Car and Driver speculates there could also be a twin-turbo LT7 that could be used in the next Corvette, high-performance Camaros, and Cadillacs.

The Camaro Z/28 could arrive next year as a 2019 model year vehicle.

Source: Car and Driver