17th Annual Alzheimer’s Benefit Car-Truck-Tractor Show – First State Chevy

A few snap shots of the 17th Annual Alzheimer’s Benefit Car-Truck-Tractor Show hosted by the Redmen of Delaware and Delaware Bay Area Hot Rods. Saturday May 14th here at 1st State Chevy in Georgetown, Delaware. We had a great turnout and beautiful weather. Check out some of the contestants whips…

Thanks to all who came out and joined us here at 1st State Chevy. To date, these events have rasied over $135,000.  We are already looking forwad to next year.

Do you like surf fishing with your Chevy? Which Bowtie works best on the beach – First State Chevy

Mike Marvel surf fishing a Delaware beach

Here on Delmarva, surf fishing on Saturday and Sunday afternoons has become more and more popular with both locals and tourists.  You are able to enjoy a day of fishing, sun and fun while having everything at your disposal right in your 4WD vehicle.  With so many AWD and 4WD options in Chevy’s line-up, lets take a look at which models would perform best gliding across the soft sand and dune crossings.  We will hit points such as GVWR, ground clearance, cargo room, and best practices for the best performance.

9. Chevy Equinox

AWD V6: GVWR: 5,300lbs  Cargo Volume: 63.7 cu. ft./31.5 cu. ft.  Clearance: f:6.9 in r:6.9 in Passengers: 5

Ground clearance and AWD can be a concern for anyone attempting to take it on the beach. I would certainly not suggest an Equinox for any inexperienced drivers.  Those who know what their doing can make the Equinox work for them, but I personally wouldn’t recommend it if you are a frequent beach goer.

8. Chevy Traverse

AWD V6: GVWR: 6,459lbs  Cargo Volume: 116.4 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft.  Clearance: f:7.2 in r:7.2 in Passengers: 8

Ground clearance and AWD can be a concern for anyone attempting to take it on the beach. I would certainly not suggest a Traverse for any inexperienced drivers.  Those who know what their doing can make the Traverse work for them.

7. Silverado HD 2500 4WD 6.6L Turbo Diesel

  • Reg Cab: GVWR: 9,900lbs  Cargo Volume: N/A./75.5 cu. ft.                   Clearance: f:9.75 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 3
  • Ext Cab: GVWR: 10,000lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.          Clearance: f:9.75 in r:8.5 in Passengers: 6
  • Crew Cab: GVWR: 10,000lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.               Clearance: f:9.75 in r:8.2 in Passengers: 6

The Heavy Duty Silverados work well on the beach, especially if you haul a slide in camper for weekend stays.  Drivers should have some experience driving on the sand before tackling it with a heavy duty pickup. The weight of the pickup takes some getting used to when starting from a stop. The Diesel engine also produces so much torque, it can very easily bury itself before you know it. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

6. Silverado HD 2500 4WD Gas

  • Reg Cab: GVWR: 9,500lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.        Clearance: f:9.5 in r:13.10 in Passengers: 3
  • Ext Cab: GVWR: 9,500lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.          Clearance: f:9.3 in r:12.50 in Passengers: 6
  • Crew Cab: GVWR: 9,500lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.                 Clearance: f:9.0 in r:12.10 in Passengers: 6

The Heavy Duty Silverados work well on the beach, especially if you haul a slide in camper for weekend stays.  Drivers should have some experience driving on the sand before tackling it with a heavy duty pickup. The weight of the pickup takes some getting used to when starting from a stop. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

5. Tahoe 1500 4WD

4WD V8: GVWR: 7,300lbs  Cargo Volume: 108.9 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft.  Clearance: f:10.5 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 9

The Tahoe provides room for up to 9 passengers, but you can easily remove the 3rd row for plently of cargo room to load up beach essentials. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

4. Suburban 1500 4WD

4WD V8: GVWR: 7,400lbs  Cargo Volume: 137.4 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft.  Clearance: f:10.5 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 9

If you want to haul a large family with a lot of cargo across the sand, the Chevy Suburban is your best choice. You can haul up to 9 people and still have room inside for the cooler, umbrella, towels and much more. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

3. Silverado 1500 4WD

  • Reg Cab: GVWR: 6,400lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.  Clearance: f:9.5 in r:13.10 in Passengers: 3
  • Ext Cab: GVWR: 7,000lbs  Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft.          Clearance: f:9.3 in r:12.50 in Passengers: 6
  • Crew Cab: GVWR: 7,000lbs  Cargo Volume: 53.2 cu. ft./N/A                 Clearance: f:9.0 in r:12.10 in Passengers: 6

Best truck on the road hands down.  The Silverado is no slouch on the beach either.  I am on my third Silverado and have been driving on the beach for 20 years without a seconds trouble. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

2. Colorado V6 4WD Z71

  • Reg Cab: GVWR: 5,150lbs  Cargo Volume: 44 cu. ft./N/A                     Clearance: 11.2 in   Passengers: 3
  • Ext Cab: GVWR: 5,300lbs  Cargo Volume: 44 cu. ft./N/A                       Clearance: 11.4 in    Passengers: 5
  • Crew Cab: GVWR: 5,300lbs  Cargo Volume: 37 cu. ft./N/A                     Clearance: 11.4 in    Passengers: 6

With the Z71 package on the Ext Cab, the Colorado is the lightest vehicle with the highest clearance and widest tires available.  If we were to evaluate on drivablity across the beach alone, the Colorado would be the winner hands down.  What it lacks in passenger and cargo space it makes up for in drivability.

1. Avalanche 4WD

4WD V8: GVWR: 7,200lbs  Cargo Volume: 45.5 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft.  Clearance: f:9.10 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 6

Versatility, The Chevy Avalanche is by far the most versatile vehicle in our line-up. With the ability to extend the cargo box up to 8 feet you can easily toss in a surfboard for the trip.  The covered cargo box will keep stuff high and dry if the weather turns foul. Bed side storage can double as a drink cooler with drains holes in the bottom, just throw in the ice.  You also have the ability to move up to 6 people on the trip and still have plenty of space to bring the necessities.  Performance across the sand is no issue for the Avalanche. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

Fuel Economy is Everything

Tensions in the middle east, political decisions in the US, and a struggling economy have resulted in gas prices rising to an all-time high. Pushing $5.00/gallon in most states fuel economy has become a major deciding factor for car buyers. Chevy has worked to provide customers vehicles with the size and performance they have been accustomed to along with excellent fuel economy. Below Chevy offers 6 models with and EPA rating of 30 mpgs or higher.

Chevy Sonic: 40mpg

Chevy Cruze: 42mpg

Chevy Malibu: 37mpg

Chevy Impala: 30mpg

Chevy Equinox: 32mpg

Chevy Volt: 94mpge*

They also offer trucks and SUV’s with available V8 power and extra cargo/passenger room while keeping competitive fuel efficiency.

Chevy Traverse: 24mpg (8 passenger)

Chevy Tahoe: 20mpg (8 passenger)

Chevy Suburban: 20mpg (8 passenger)

Chevy Silverado: 21mpg (10,000 lbs tow capacity)

Chevy Colorado: 23mpg

Here at 1st State Chevrolet we carry Chevrolet’s full line of vehicles including the Volt and Corvette.  We have a vehicle to fit you no matter what your needs may be. Log on to www.1ststatechevy.com to search inventory, get more information and price quotes.

*Understanding MPGe, watch the quick video below!

45th Anniversary Edition 2012 Chevy Camaro

In 2012 Chevrolet introduced to us the 45th Anniversary Edition Chevy Camaro. Available as a Coupe or Convertible in the 2SS and 2LT trim levels. There are no performance upgrades, the beauty is in the details. Here at 1st State Chevy we’re going to take a quick tour of the special edition Camaro and point out some of those unique details for all that are interested.

The 2012 Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition comes in Carbon Flash Metallic with brilliant Red/Medium Charcoal 45th Striping. It features High Intensity Discharge headlamps with LED Halo Rings, 20″ deep silver painted aluminum wheels, and various interior accent stitching and logos.The striping sets the 45th Anniversary Edition apart with an old school tribute.

The 20″ deep silver painted aluminum wheels are reserved only for the 45th Anniversary Edition.

Upon opening the door you see the 45th Anniversary embossed door plate.

Before you take over the driver’s seat, check out the embroidering.

The stitching keeps the same theme with red,white and blue. It quickly becomes one of your favorite features.

It continues onto the leather wrapped shifter…to finish off some the special details you’ll find special edition logos on both the steering wheel and dash.

The special edition 45th Anniversary Camaro takes the high-line 2LT and 2SS trims to a new level. Tasteful and not over done, the 2012 45th Anniversary Edition Camaro is sure to be a favorite among collectors for years. If you wish to see more, take a look at a walk around video tour below…

Nitrofill – How does Nitrogen in my tires help?

Why Nitrogen? Fully inflated tires are safer, perform better, last longer and give you better gas mileage. Inflating your tires with high-purity nitrogen can help you maintain your tires recommended level of pressure 2-3 times longer than air.

Benefits:

Smoother, safer ride – Properly inflated tires allow the control you need for a safer, smoother ride. With under inflated tires, you have less contact area between tire and road surface, less braking & steering control and a greater potential for blowouts.

Fuel Mileage – By maintaining proper tire pressure, you reduce tire resistance and this creates less drag, allowing you to obtain desired fuel mileage. MONEY SAVER!

Tire Life – Some tire manufacturers claim the use of nitrogen extends the tire life by as much as 25%. Under-inflated tires wear prematurely due to uneven road contact. Because nitrogen is moisture free, the tires’ rubber will deteriorate more slowly than damp compressed air. Also, no moisture will lead to no corrosion on the wheels.

Convenience – With nitrogen filled tires, you won’t have to refill as often.

Print out a coupon for $15 off and Schedule an appointment to get Nitrofill!

Has the 2013 Chevy Malibu arrived already?

Of course, and for good reason!  Just arriving off the truck yesterday, we take a look at the newly redesigned 2013 Chevy Malibu ECO. Inside and out, we’ll show you why Chevrolet couldn’t wait to start production on a sure thing.

At first glance it shows some resemblance to its cousin the Regal. It’s aero dynamic design, sharp lines, and smooth appeal are a far cry from its 2012 predecessor. Pictured above in White Diamond Tri-coat, Chevrolet has given the 2013 Malibu what it needs to fit in a luxury car market without the luxury car price tag.

When they designed the rear of the 2013 Malibu, they drew some inspiration from none other than the late-model Camaro.  The appearance plays part in the overall performance of this newcomer.  They made it clear that the current Malibu’s body style was at the end, marking a 4-year run.  The redesign didn’t stop with the outward appearance. Was you sit down in the driver seat, you find a mixture of Cruze and Equinox technology paired with upscale design.

Accent lighting throughout the dash makes you feel as if you are behind the wheel of a $70,000 sedan.  The steering wheel models the Cruze and Equinox with the ability to control everything at your finger tips.

It’s gauge cluster features blue glowing faces that are easy on the eyes. At the bottom left, you’ll notice the ECO gauge that makes it easy to maximize your fuel efficiency. The color screen driver information center looks and works just like that of the Chevy Volt and allows you to monitor performance and condition.

The 7″ touchscreen radio display with available navigation was adopted from the Volt and Equinox is paired with MyLink technology allowing you to control the car with simple voice commands.  Whether you want to make a phone call, change the radio station, or the cabin temperature, your voice is in control.  We all know keeping your hands on the wheel is essential to driving safely.  Connect to an ipod, Pandora internet radio, or any other musical device and view album/artist/song information on the large color screen. Shift the car into reverse and you have a 7″ screen to view where you are headed with the rearview camera system.  After many requests, the Malibu and Cruze now both have the optional built in navigation at an affordable price.

The center console of the 2013 is like none other in its immediate family.  It’s deep dark wood grain accents, chrome trim, and accent lighting add to its luxury status.  A simple switch engages the parking brake and a control atop of the shifter is a switch for a manual shifting mode at the control of your right thumb.

Now as you may have noticed in the first paragraph, this is the ECO model.  This is the only model in production until later this summer. With that said lets talk about performance.  The engine is a 2.4L 4 cylinder with eAssist. What is eAssist?

The 2013 Malibu ECO with eAssist uses a lithium-ion battery and electric motor to help propel the vehicle from the start. It also uses the wonders of regenerative braking to keep the battery charged. So is it a Hybrid? No, not exactly. Reason is, when you step on the accelerator, the 2.4L engine works in conjunction with the electric motor to provide immediate horse power through the drive train. Try spinning tires in a full hybrid…it won’t happen.  Once at highway speeds and cruising the electric motor will work intermittingly with the engine to provide maximum fuel efficiency.  The aerodynamic under carriage panels and over all body design work with the eAssist technology to gain 37mpg highway.

When you compare its speed, handling, and performance to its predecessor it is quite evident that Chevrolet is making strides.  The 2013 Malibu ECO is priced well under $30,000 and is in full production as of now. The other 2013 Malibu models will reach production by mid-summer.

Getting to know a 2012 Corvette

Take a look inside a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe. Chevrolet’s prize jewel has kept American car lovers captivated for the last 59 years. We have seen the ’Vette evolve from a classy little two-seater to a muscle bound super car. It goes head to head with European power for a fraction of the price. There is no feeling like being behind the wheel of this American classic. Join Josh from 1st State Chevy for a walk around of our newest addition, a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe.