New dawn for iconic North American models of Chevrolet
Chevrolet, like any other carmaker during the past few years, has borne the brunt of the raging pandemic. Worn and listless, the American carmaker had to face the harsh reality of a shut economy.
Nevertheless, hopes did not wane. Fast-forward to May of this year, the carmaker that was founded 112 years ago is now again standing on its own two feet and is making strides in our own local turf.
Since 1911, the bow-tie brand has been bringing its car-building expertise, and delivering quality products and services in more than 79 countries. And it continues to do so.
Here in the country, Chevrolet Philippines comes back from a lull with a force seemingly coming from the wings of a mighty North American eagle.
Recently, the company relaunched its North American models: Tahoe, Camaro, and Corvette at its Makati dealership along Chino Roces Avenue. With these iconic models on parade, the event—itself—was a statement that the brand is again ready to roll.
“Now that everything’s going back to normal, we’re making our brand stronger,” company executive vice president and director for marketing, Lyn M. Buena said in an interview.
“We’re bringing back the love and passion for Chevrolet,” she added.
Bulking up supplies
First, it had to take care of supplies of a number of its models.
Due to the “heavy blow” brought about by the global health crisis, that time, wherein economies were shut, movement and logistics were restricted, unit deliveries were coerced to be delayed.
This time, it made sure to address the issue, particularly for these North American models.
Chevrolet Tahoe
One is the Chevrolet Tahoe. This superb full-size sport-ute carries a stylish, yet aggressive stance that commands presence. Up front are its black grille with active shutters, high approach angle and integrated skid plate. It is capped by 20-inch machined aluminum rims, fitted with all-terrain tires.
Inside, refined premium comfort abound, lathed with a Jet Black interior. It sports an eightinch multi-information console, 10.2-inch Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose® Performance Series nine-speaker system, 10-way power with lumbar adjust driver and front passenger seats and power folding rear seats. Other creature comforts fill its roomy cabin, such as tri-zone automatic climate control and inductive wireless charging.
Under the hood of this behemoth is a 5.3L Ecotec3 V8 engine, mated to a 10-speed AT with electronic precision shift that delivers 355 hp @ 5600 rpm and 518 N-m @ 4100 rpm. Add to that the Auto 4WD with selectable drive modes, Magnetic Ride Control™ and Adaptive Air Ride Suspension that allow effortless traverse on challenging trails and various terrains.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is priced as follows: Z71 4×4 AT variant: P7,702,888.00 and High Country 4×4 AT variant: P8,692,888.00.
Chevrolet Camaro
Another iconic legend presented at the Makati showroom was the Red Hot Chevrolet Camaro RS.
Right off the bat, its bold and stunning presence is just sublime. From its sculpted hood, reimagined honeycomb grille, piercing LED headlamps, heritage-inspired LED tail lamps, illuminated sill plates, decklid spoiler and muscular flanks, it exudes inexplicable machismo. Five-spoke 20-inch machined wheels, meanwhile, serve as icing on the cake.
Inside, its cockpit is equally stylish and refined. At centerpiece is a digital pit crew of a head-up display, projecting data near the line of sight on the windshield, an eight-inch reconfigurable driver information center, and an eight-inch MyLink Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
At the heart of the Camaro is a 2.0L Turbo Intercooled all-aluminum engine, churning out 275 hp and 398 N-m of torque. It is then complemented with an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and high performance Brembo® brakes featuring four-piston calipers.
Like any other American muscle, it makes safety a priority. That’s why it’s packed with a slew of advanced safety technologies including StabiliTrak® System, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, lane change alert, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, tire pressure monitoring system and many others.
The Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L RS starts at P4,066,888.00.
Chevrolet Corvette
Now, relishing its place on the pedestal inside the Makati dealership is the Chevrolet Corvette Stringray Coupe. Just by gracing us with its glorious presence on that day was simply bliss. This demigod is truly otherworldly. It has been redesigned from the wheels up to give one that spine-tingling exhilaration to the bone.
At the onset, this next-generation Corvette pays homage to its heritage that is palpable with its awe-inspiring exteriors.
Inside, it features luxurious leather trims. Inspired by fighter jets, the racing-style steering wheel is paired with paddle shifters and a low forward cowl.
Powering it is 6.2L V8 engine, churning out 495hp, while galloping from 0 to 100kph in just 3.55 seconds.
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe is priced at P12,421,888.00
Available in particular dealerships
Now with more sufficient supplies, these North American models, according to Buena, will mainly be available in dealerships where they have more demand.
“The availability of these models will primarily be concentrated on our NCR and Cebu dealerships among the 15 we have nationwide,” she divulged.
MAIN PHOTO: The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe
