Archive for September, 2016
New V6 Engine, Transmission Provide Power and Efficiency
With a new V6 engine and 8-speed automatic, as well as an optional diesel powerplant, the Chevrolet Colorado remains the king of both power and efficiency in the midsize truck market for 2017. New Colorado trucks will be rolling into Chapman Chevrolet soon, offering buyers a chance to test drive last year’s Motor Trend “Truck of the Year.” “Customers made the Colorado an overnight success and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products,” according to the chief engineer for the Colorado project, Anita Burke. “That fast success has justified our continued investment in midsize pickups, introducing new features for our customers such as the class-exclusive diesel engine, advanced technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and now a class-leading V6 and 8-speed automatic powertrain combination.”
Powertrain Focuses on Driving Performance
Although the 3.6L displacement is the same as the previous model, the new V6 engine takes advantage of technology to deliver 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Colorado now has Active Fuel Management, allowing the truck to disable two cylinders under light load conditions to improve gas mileage. The 8-speed transmission has a wider gear ratio, providing more torque on the low end to get started and lower RPMs once you get up to highway speed. That equates to greater fuel efficiency. “For the new V-6 and 8-speed combination, we focused on improving everyday driving performance,” said Stan Ludlow, an engineer for the 2017 Colorado. “Drivers will immediately notice that it pulls harder when accelerating from a stop or passing on the highway; it is more confident pulling a trailer up a steep grade and it is more refined cruising at a constant highway speed.”
Colorado Sparks Boom in Mid-size Truck Sales
Ever since the Chevrolet Colorado was released two years ago, sales of both the Chevy and overall midsize truck market have boomed. Chevy is poised to sell more than 160,000 of the Colorado trucks in the first two years, accounting for a 23 percent market share. In the last 24 months, the total midsize truck market has doubled, prompting other automakers to jump onboard as America’s fascination for SUVs and trucks seemingly shows no end. Stay in touch with Chapman Chevrolet to see when the first of the 2017 Colorado trucks are due to arrive. Chances are it will once again be the most honored midsize truck on the market and a safe bet for those looking to solve their light to medium hauling duties.
Delivers 200-mile Range and Plenty of Performance
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric vehicle designed to eliminate range phobia, or the fear of being stuck somewhere when the battery runs out. Chevy says the Bolt, which will arrive at the Chapman Chevrolet showroom this fall, has a range of 200 miles. That’s more than enough for the average commuter to go to work, drive to lunch and even do some shopping before heading home for a recharge. Use the available 240-volt charging system and you can bring a completely drained Bolt back up to full charge in 9 hours, ready for another day of fun. Car and Driver magazine recently took the Bolt out on a test run, saying “the front-drive hatchback tears out of the hole,” and has no difficulty keeping up with traffic.
Bolt Walks Line Between Comfort and Handling
Chevy has gone to great lengths to satisfy both people seeking a comfortable ride and those who want to test the Bolt’s limits in hairpin turns. The rack-and-pinion steering gets an electrical assist to provide a solid response and let the driver feel the road. A firm ride keeps the body from rolling through curves and the special Michelin tires absorb the normal bumps of the road without transferring them to your spine.
Powerful AC Motor Runs on 960 Pound Battery Pack
The Chevrolet Bolt comes with a 200 horsepower alternating current motor that gets its power from a 60-kwH battery pack that rests in a large box under the floor. Regeneration is one way the Bolt has so much range, with about 40 miles of the estimated 200-mile limit coming from energy captured when the vehicle decelerates. Choose from four regenerative modes that adjusts the use of the brakes to deliver more or less current to the battery. A 10.2-inch center monitor not only provides your audio and hands-free communication, but also keeps you up to date on the latest vehicle information. You’ll know the estimated range you have left, and can watch as you change the energy usage through the way you drive. The Bolt also has 4G LTE Wi-Fi available, turning your electric vehicle into a mobile hot spot for you and your passengers to stay connected to the Internet.
Technology Helps Avoid Collisions
The Bolt EV has a wide variety of sensor and camera systems that help you avoid people, obstacles and other vehicles. A high-strength frame and 10 well-positioned airbags help keep the passengers safe in the event of a wreck. Stay in touch with Chapman Chevrolet to make sure you’re one of the first to give the new Bolt a test drive.
