Corvette News...

DETROIT — Ever since Chevrolet promised in July that the 2020 Corvette would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds from just 495 hp, sports car fans, gearheads and others have been trying to solve the puzzle. How did Corvette engineers achieve such speed when most other performance cars need around 700 hp for that level of performance? The Shelby Mustang GT 500, for example, goes from 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds from 760 hp. The Dodge Challenger Hellcat takes 3.4 seconds from 707 hp.

Now we know. In a press briefing last week at GM's performance and racing center in Pontiac, Mich., GM engineers explained how they focused on maximum efficiency in all areas of the car's Chevrolet small block V-8, from the way it breathes to the way the oil circulates through the 6.2-liter engine. Weight reduction also plays a key role.

"Moving more weight over the rear wheels helps us get off the line quicker, but it's the integration between the powertrain and chassis that really takes the performance to new levels," Alex MacDonald, Chevrolet vehicle performance manager, said in a statement.

Separately, GM said last week that production of the midengine Corvette is delayed by the UAW's 40-day strike. Production was to begin in Bowling Green, Ky., by the end of 2019 but has been postponed to February.

Chevrolet Introduces First Hardtop Corvette Convertible

Chevrolet Introduces First Hardtop Corvette Convertible: Chevrolet Pressroom

Introducing the 2020 Corvette Convertible

https://www.chevrolet.com/upcoming-vehicles/2020-corvette?evar36=eml_chev_CorvConvert_1019_16038172446#convertible

New 2020 Silverado Midnight and Rally Editions Offer Personality on and off the Road

New 2020 Silverado Midnight and Rally Editions Offer Personality on and off the Road

Chevy Tahoe SS - Two Door Rendering

Description

The Chevrolet Tahoe SS Coupe is a true street truck. This model is designed as GM’s competitor against the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 and Trackhawk. Our Chevrolet Tahoe SS Coupe would be GM’s first Tahoe to be offered in a Super Sport trim. Our 2-Door Tahoe concept is redesigned with a SS style front fascia and rear bumper, as well as twin-turbos for increased performance. Accoutrements include custom exterior paint, premium interior leather, C3 Forged Wheels, high performance brakes, suspension, upgraded stereo, and WiFi.

Features

2-Door Conversion

SS Styling

Twin Turbochargers

C3 Forged Wheels

Performance Brakes

Options

Paint Color

Interior Color

Lower or Lifted Suspension

Upgraded Stereo

WiFi

Auto Insurance Tenative Numbers on the Chevrolet Corvette C-8

2020 Chevrolet Corvette C-8

We've delved deep into the details of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8, looking at everything from its power output to its price, optional packages, and cargo space. Now, it's time to get even further into the nitty-gritty by looking at Corvette C8 insurance rates. How much will the Chevy Corvette C8 cost to insure? We asked Penny Gusner, consumer analyst for Insurance.com and Insure.com, how average insurance costs for the new Corvette might change from the previous C7.

Auto Insurance

Will Chevy Corvette C8 insurance costs increase?

We'll have to wait for the new Corvette to come out and more data to become available before we know exactly how much the C8 will cost to insure. But we can certainly expect rates to go up. Part of the reason is that, as Chevy says, only a single part of the C7 has carried over to the C8 Corvette. "For an insurance company this usually translates to more expensive parts and labor, as there is not an abundance of parts laying around and mechanics must familiarize themselves with the new C8," Gusner says.

The 2020 Chevy Corvette Stingray is also more expensive than its predecessor. At $59,995, the starting price is up $3,000 from last year, and prices go way up from there—a 3LT trim equipped with the Z51 Performance package will run you more than $75,000. Expect the higher price tag to lead to higher rates because insurance companies will have to pay out more if the car is totaled.

While the comprehensive and collision portions of your rate are expected to go up, liability should stay around the same for the time being. Quick refresh: Comprehensive and collision cover damage to your car, and liability covers damages to a third party.

Right now, it's unclear if the Corvette's switch to a mid-engine design will affect insurance rates. "I believe that will be one of the items insurers will follow to see how the vehicle does in accidents and what type of claims are made and how much claim settlements are to see if that change should cause the rates to decrease or increase," Gusner says.

How much will insurance rates go up on the new Corvette?

Corvette C8 insurance rates could go up by as much as 15 percent. We could see average nationwide annual premiums of around $2,330-$2,400, Gusner says. To understand these costs, we have to look at previous Corvettes.

For the most part, insurance rate changes for the Corvette have remained consistent with the national averages for all vehicles over the last several years. Last year, rates for the base Corvette 1LT increased 7 percent, which is in line with the average nationwide insurance increase of 6.7 percent for all 2019 model-year vehicles. This brought the Corvette's average premium to $2,081. But because the 2020 model enters a new generation, expect rates to increase more sharply. When the C7 Corvette first arrived, rates for the vehicle increased a whopping 12.3 percent, more than the national average increase of 5 percent at the time.

According to Gusner, 2020 insurance rates are expected to jump by a smaller rate of around 3-4 percent. On top of that, the C8 model changeover could account for an additional 8 percent hike, Gusner estimates. So we could be looking at an overall rate increase of 12 percent from last year, which would put premiums around $2,330. It's possible that rates could increase at an even higher rate of 15 percent, Gusner says, which would bring premiums to about $2,400.

How will Corvette C8 insurance rates change over time?

The landscape could change when insurance companies start seeing claim data for the C8 Corvette. "If in the upcoming months and years this vehicle starts to be in more accidents and more liability claims are placed, rates will start to rise," Gusner says.

Remember we said that the liability rates are expected to stay the same? Well, that might not be the case forever. These rates could increase, Gusner says, if the new Corvette attracts a different type of buyer that drives differently from previous Corvette owners and causes more accidents. Another example: Rates could rise if the more rigid frame ends up causing more severe damage to other vehicles when the Corvette is in at-fault accidents. On the flip side, fewer claims and severe accidents could cause rates to drop. Other factors that will affect future Chevy Corvette insurance costs include fluctuating repair costs and changes to the purchase price of the vehicle.

What will rates look like on potential Z06 and ZR1 variants?

Of course, more powerful variants of the Corvette will cost more to insure. Currently, those driving the 2019 Z06 and ZR1 are shelling out an average of $2,475 and $2,550, respectively, for insurance. If the new C8 Z06 and ZR1 also receive a 12 percent hike, the rates would jump to $2,775 and $3,081.

Although these premiums are high, you could do a lot worse. According to Insure.com, the Nissan GT-R is the most expensive vehicle to insure for 2019, with an eye-watering average rate of $3,941. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Honda Odyssey LX, which boasts an average rate of just $1,298.

The New Colors of the 2020 Corvette Stingray

One of the many things that has Corvette Enthusiasts talking is the Color Palatte, both exterior and interior.

2020 Mid-Engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Starts at $59,995

2020 Mid-Engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Starts at $59,995

The 2019 Chevrolet BlazerOpens a New Window. sees the return of an iconic name for the brand's

 newest crossover, but something seems to be missing. Unlike the upcoming 

Ford BroncoOpens a New Window. or the Jeep GladiatorOpens a New Window., the BlazerOpens a New Window.isn't a rugged, off-road capable

vehicle, but instead a sportier, slightly smaller version of the Chevy TraverseOpens a New Window..

With room for only five passengers, the Blazer looks to take on smaller crossovers

like the Ford EdgeOpens a New Window. and the Hyundai Santa FeOpens a New Window., as well as the Nissan MuranoOpens a New Window. and

to some degree, the Jeep Grand CherokeeOpens a New Window.. To its credit, the new Blazer is an

attractive vehicle with loads of features and two engine options: a 193-horsepower

2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6. Slightly larger than the current 

Chevrolet EquinoxOpens a New Window., but not as long as the Traverse, the Blazer sets up camp in the

 middle ground between the two, offering consumers a sporty, midsize SUV with

plenty of room for all their stuff. On the flip side, a trailer tow rating of 1,500 pounds

for the front-wheel drive models isn't going to impress many, although that figure

 jumps to 4,500 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive and the V6 engine.

We also are not impressed that, unlike most rivals, the Blazer's driver assists

(think automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control) are options

only offered on the most expensive trims.

What's New for 2019?

The Blazer is all-new for 2019. Sharing a platform with the Cadillac XT5Opens a New Window. and the

 GMC AcadiaOpens a New Window., the Blazer offers buyers a sporty, 5-passenger crossover with

 more presences and features than the smaller Equinox, and a more sinister

 look than the family-sized Traverse. See the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer models for sale near you

What We Like

·         Camaro like good looks

·         Sporty driving attitude

·         Powerful V6 engine

·         Plenty of cool options

·         4,500-lb tow rating when properly equipped

·          

What We Don't

·         Optional driver-assist systems only offered on most expensive trims

·         Uncompetitive pricing

·         1,500-lb tow rating for FWD models

·         Lots of black plastic inside the cabin

How Much?

$29,995-$54,000

Fuel Economy

 

The 2019 Chevrolet Blazer offers a choice of two engines. Base models with

 the 193-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder are FWD only. This engine earns an

EPA estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Optional is a 308-hp 3.6-liter V6. Fuel economy for this engine is rated at 20

mpg city/26 mpg hwy with FWD, and 18 mpg city/25 mpg hwy when equipped

with AWD. There are two part-time AWD systems that activate only when

 wheel slippage is detected. RS and Premier trims get a more advanced, 

twin-clutch setup that can shuttle power to the outside rear wheel helping

 improve cornering. All models employ a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Standard Features & Options

 

The Chevrolet Blazer comes in five trims: L, L Blazer Cloth, L Blazer Leather,

RS and Premier. The L trim comes only with the 2.5-liter engine, the Cloth

and Leather offer the option of AWD and a V6 engine, while the RS and

Premier come standard with the V6 and offer the option of all-wheel drive.

The Blazer L ($29,995) comes standard with power windows and door locks, 

dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-in alloy wheels, cloth seats, hill start

 assist, an electronic parking brake, an 8-in color touchscreen with a rear

backup camera, 6-speaker audio with Bluetooth audio streaming, Apple CarPlay 

and Android Auto as well as 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot and OnStar. Also standard

 are two USB charging ports (one type-A and one type-C), cruise control, a

 tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, heated outside power mirrors, keyless

entry with push-button start, a spare tire inflator kit, HID headlights with

 auto on/off and seven airbags.

The Blazer L Cloth ($33,495, FWD) ($37,195, AWD) adds an 8-way power

driver's seat, a 4.2-inch color driver information center, 18-in compact spare tire,

 rear privacy glass, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors and

 SiriusXM satellite radio. A V6 engine is optional.

The Blazer L Leather ($38,695, FWD) ($41,395, AWD) adds the V6 engine,

 leather seating, heated front seats, a 6-way power passenger seat, blind

spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change alert, rear park assist

and a power lift gate.

The Blazer RS ($41,795, FWD) ($44,695, AWD) adds unique black exterior

accents, 20-in alloy wheels, black leather seating with Alcantara inserts, gesture

power lift gate, navigation, a 120-volt outlet, an 8-in diagonal color driver

information display and a heated steering wheel.

The Blazer Premier ($43,895, FWD) ($46,795, AWD) adds chrome

horizontal grille slats, unique 20-in wheels, Bose audio, heated and ventilated

 front seats, heated rear seats and a power adjustable steering column with

 memory settings.

Most options are bundled into packages and vary by trim. The Blazer Cloth

offers the Convenience and Driver Confidence package that adds heated front

 seats, remote start, a programmable power lift gate, roof rails, lane change alert

 with blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist and auto

dimming heated side mirrors.

The Blazer Leather offers the Sun and Wheels package that adds a panoramic

power sunroof and 20-in wheels.

The RS and Premier are the only trims to offer the advanced Driver Confidence II

 package that includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking,

 lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams, rear camera

 mirror, a wireless charging pad, a surround vision camera and the safety alert seat.

Safety

 

The Chevrolet Blazer comes standard with seven airbags, electronic traction and 

stability control, a rear backup camera and a tire pressure monitor. Additional

safety equipment varies by trim and includes blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision

warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic

alert, lane change and lane-keeping assist.

As of the writing of this review, neither the government nor the independentInsurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2019 Blazer.

Behind the Wheel

 

When powered by the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Blazer feels adequate, but not spectacular. It can accelerate and pass, but it doesn't do either with any sense of urgency. The situation doesn't get much better with four passengers onboard. Overall, the Blazer L has a fairly smooth ride, responsive steering and a quiet cabin.

 Body roll in the corners is minimal, comparable we'd say to that of the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano. The 4-cylinder can feel a bit jumpy at low speeds, making it difficult to get a smooth start from a standing stop. We also noticed the 9-speed transmission was slow to shift at times.

Move up to the V6, and it's a whole different story. The 308-hp engine fulfills the promise made by the Blazer sleek sheet metal, and when teamed with the torque vectoring AWD system, increasing towing from 1,500 pounds to 4,500 pounds

(requires optional tow package). Assisting with the drive is a mode selector thatadjust steering, shift points and throttle response to one of three settings: SportTow and Off-road. We like the V6 in the L Cloth and L Leather, and think this isthe best choice for comfort, power and value. While the RS is clearly aimed at the enthusiast driver, it's stiffer suspension and big wheel and tire combo produce a rather stiff, sometimes jarring ride.

Truck Wars are Underway!

The Truck Wars have opened a new diesel front.

When the 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel Silverado goes on sale in September, the Detroit Three will all offer diesel options for their 2019 light-duty pickups. On Thursday, Chevy planted its flag at the top of fuel efficiency hill by posting a best-in-class 23 miles per gallon city/33 highway/27 combined fuel-efficiency rating.

The 33 mpg highway figure for a rear-wheel-drive pickup tops the Ford F-150 Power Stroke diesel V-6’s previous-best 30 mpg highway, a big margin for fuel-conscious truckers on long-distance tows. The Ram 1500 diesel is rated at 20 mpg city/27 highway/23 combined.

The Silverado bests some compact diesel-crossovers in the U.S. market like the 2019 Mazda CX-5’s 31 mpg, and even outperforms the 2.0-liter gas engine in the Chevy Malibu sedan by 1 mpg.

Chevrolet said its 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel Silverado get 23 miles per gallon city/33 highway/27 combined. (Photo: GM)

“This is a significant achievement,” said Andre Smirnov of The Fast Lane Truck, an online truck publication. “It’s a big win for Chevy, and the fuel economy figures are also impressive for the four-wheel drive truck.”

In four-wheel drive configuration, the Silverado racks up best-in-class numbers of 23 city/29 highway/26 combined.

"Credit really smart engineering," said Silverado chief engineer Tim Herrick. "The diesel is a totally integrated package of aerodynamics, braking, a 10-speed transmission and engine technology that is inherently more balanced than other options."

The veteran GM engineer said the diesel battle is a watershed as the Detroit Three see an opportunity to put diesel's dirty reputation in the rear-view mirror with modern, clean and budget-friendly technology.

"Diesel technology has really progressed to be more quiet and responsive. We are looking to change expectations," Herrick added. "For our small-business and fleet customers, fuel economy is the No. 2 expense after people, and when they do the math, diesel makes a lot of sense."

The diesel landmark is needed good news for Chevrolet, which has fallen behind the Ram 1500 in pickup sales through the first half of this year: 256,777 Silverados compared to the Ram’s 299,480. The Ford F-150, meanwhile, continues its 40-year segment dominance with 448,398 units sold through June.

While industry observers expect the new Silverado to turn the sales tables on Ram as it ramps up production this year, the Chevy has opened to mixed reviews. While Ford continues to wow with high-tech features — and the smooth-riding Ram with its posh interior walked away with North American Truck of the Year honors — Silverado was panned by some media critics for a polarizing grille and uninspired cabin.

The diesel figures may help put the spotlight on Chevy’s engineering with the class’s biggest rolled-steel pickup bed and chassis light-weighting that saved 400 pounds over the previous generation.

Don’t count the competition out, however.

Despite trailing in gas mileage and horsepower/torque (the Silverado diesel bests the Ford 277 horses/450 pound-feet of torque to 250/440), the F-150 Power Stroke has the class’s best towing capacity with 11,400 pounds compared to the Silverado’s 9,300.

As for Ram, it has the oldest diesel in the segment, having led the trend towards fuel-efficient oil-burners back in 2014. The 1500 pickup is expected to show off its new, 3.0-liter EcoDiesel later this summer, which could better the current engine.

The Duramax diesel is made at GM's Flint Assembly plant and is the fourth powertrain in the Silverado lineup after a base 2.7-liter turbo-4, 5.3-liter V-8 and a 6.2-liter V-8 with the same displacement as the new mid-engine Corvette.

Mated to a 10-speed transmission, the Chevy diesel can be optioned over the turbo-4 for a $3,890 premium. It is available in higher LTZ and High Country trims over the 5.3-liter V-8 for an additional $2,495.