The Science Behind the Comfort

The 2014 Chevy Impala has been praised for its smooth and comfortable ride, and seats that welcome the driver in and lets them know they are in for a better driving experience. But what makes these seats so comfortable?

High-tech tools like seat pressure mapping systems and a multi-part mannequin that feeds data into a comfort dimensioning system are helpful, but Chevrolet believes there is no substitute of an element of human fine-tuning, or putting some butts in seats.

General Motors’ engineers who understand biomechanics, psychology, quantitative research and ergonomics applied all of these disciplines to help make the seats comfortable in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

Each car segments customers want more or less support and rigidity in their car seats. Cars that are used for commuting have a different “sweet spot” than cars that are used for track racing. And finding that sweet spot doesn’t come easy.

For the new Impala, volunteer seat testers ranging from short and small females to tall and heavy men and everything in between, spent hundreds of hours and logged thousands of miles in prototypes of the redesigned sedan to evaluate seat comfort.

Chevrolet Car Interiors

Seat testers typically rate every aspect of the seat: cushion, backrest, lumbar support, headrest and side bolsters at every 60 minute interval of driving time.

“Developing comfortable seats is both an art and a science,” said Jill Green, GM seat comfort lab manager. “Knowing how to translate a physiological impression into tangible design elements is the art, and knowing how to execute the design is the science.”

Seat tester evaluations alone would have been insufficient to achieve the results the 2014 Impala has. That’s where high tech tools like Oscar, the mannequin-like tool made of steel, plastic and aluminum come in hand.

State-of-the-art digital pressure mapping technology was used to scan the rear-end impressions of people of all shapes and sizes over the seat surface, creating a map with more than 4,600 data points. A laptop used the data to generate graphics illustrating how occupants sit in the seat statically versus when driving.

The result of all of the testing and evaluations was an Impala that has caused car reviewers to notice the attention paid to the comfort of the seats.

“After hours in the driver seat, we found ourselves just as fresh as we were before we set out,” wrote Mark Takahashi, automotive editor, Edmunds.com. “The outboard rear seats have enough head- and legroom for the average adult male to remain comfortable for extended trips as well.”

After reading what went into just the seats of the Impala, we imagine you want to sit in one and see what it’s all about. There’s no better place to do so than at Westside Chevrolet. Visit our showroom and “Grab a seat!” at 23001 Katy Freeway in Katy, Texas or give us a call at 1-888-285-7051 today!

The 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Smokes The Competition

2014 Chevrolet Camaro z28

Most people do not know what the Nurburgring is.  It is a German race track that most European automakers use as the gold testing for their cars.  Well Chevrolet just announced that the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 outpaced the new Porsche 911 Carrera S with a speed of 161 MPH.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Interiors

Did we mention that this was accomplished when the track was wet?  Yes it was actually raining when the test was done.  They actually believe they could have gone faster on a dry track by at least a couple of seconds.  The Camaro generated 1.05 g of cornering force.  This handling is nothing short of jaw dropping.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Interiors

Chevy has definitely moved to the top of the pack with this muscle car.  It is leaving the competitors in the dust.  The engine in this bad boy has 505 horsepower and is 300lbs lighter than the normal Camaro.  No wonder it moves so well.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 White

If you are like me, you can’t wait to get behind the wheel.  You may not be able to take it for a spin at the Nurburgring race track, but you will enjoy cruising in it anywhere life takes you.  For more information come by Westside Chevrolet at 23001 Katy Freeway Katy, TX or give us a call at 1-888-285-7051 today!

Chevy Tahoe - features explained

The Chevrolet Tahoe is easily identifiable and one of many vehicles in Chevrolet’s all-star line-up.  “No Limitations” is the slogan of the Tahoe, and it lives up to the tagline.  The Tahoe has the strength and capability to pull off anything, from the hustle and bustle of your daily commute to weekend excursions.

 

The Tahoe is a full-size SUV, combining the hard working aspects of a full-size truck with family oriented features as well.  The Tahoe is perfect for towing up to 8,500 pounds and can serve anyone with a heavy-duty lifestyle.  The seating for 9 can safely transport you and your family plus some friends anywhere you want it to. 

The Vortec 5.3L V8 engine delivers 335 lb/ft of torque and uses Combining Active Fuel Management technology and the Vortec engine’s efficient air-to-fuel mix gives impressive horsepower without sacrificing fuel economy.  Variable Valve Timing controls the valves during intake and exhaust, enabling the vehicle to use even less fuel, garnishing 21 miles per gallon, much better than competing SUV’s.

Inside, the Tahoe continues to deliver.  You can equip available features such as a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, available heated and cooled seats, second row heated seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe doesn't only seat up to 9 people, it allows all of them to ride in the utmost of comfort.  Tri-zone manual or automatic climate controls cools and heats all the rows in the spacious vehicle.

Six standard airbags keep the occupants of your vehicle safe in a collision and the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and 4-wheel antilock brakes helps you stay on the road when slippery conditions are present.  These features are standard on both 2WD and 4WD vehicle, plus Proactive Roll Avoidance engages automatically to help reduce the risk of a rollover crash and the standard Tire Pressure Monitor lets you know when tire pressure levels are less than optimal.  Couple all of this with OnStar Automatic Crash Response standard for the first six months on all Tahoe’s, you are automatically connected to emergency assistance in the event of a collision. 

Bottom line is the Tahoe is a safe, hard-working, spacious, and efficient full-size SUV, and is the perfect addition to any family.  You can add affordable to the list when you visit the professionals at Westside Chevrolet who will help you determine the right model and work with you to stay within your budget.  Visit our showroom at 23001 Katy Freeway in Katy, Texas or call 1-888-285-7051 today!

2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country

Do you work hard as well as live the high life? Then you need a truck that can do both, you need the Chevrolet Silverado High Country.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country

If James Bond drove a truck, this would be what it’d be. Elegance and luxury meets brute toughness in the Silverado High Country edition. The High Country features a chromed-out front grille and rides on a set of 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, and both the side-mirror caps and door handles have been chromed out and ready to shine as well. That’s a lot of swag, and the Silverado is the perfect match for it.

Inside, the High Country comes standard with exclusive saddle brown leather seats and instrument panel, and beautiful wood trim, heated and cooled front seats, an eight-inch touch screen with Chevy’s MyLink entertainment system, complete with Bose Audio.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country Interiors

The F-150 King Ranch and the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn can now be found curled up in a corner somewhere, shaking. Experts stated that it is clear that the fresh Silverado had it all over the aging Ford in terms of interior styling, quality, comfort, and features.

Under the hood, you can find a new 6.2-liter V8 engine, dubbed EcoTec3. EcoTec3 produces an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, all while delivering great fuel economy thanks to a combination of cylinder deactivation, direct injection and continuously variable valve timing.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country Logo

All luxury trucks have begun looking for a place to hide as the Chevrolet Silverado High Country will be arriving in showrooms soon. For more information about Chevy’s new heavy hitter, visit Westside Chevrolet at 23001 Katy Freeway in Katy, Texas or give us a call at 1-888-285-7051 today!

2014 Chevrolet Impala - the head turner!

The +Chevrolet  Impala is all-new for 2014 and it has been turning heads everywhere from consumers to the top vehicle experts who see vehicle after vehicle each and every year.

Families searching for a roomy vehicle that doesn't consume a lot of gasoline will find the Impala right up their alley.  The ride, acceleration, and handling is exceptional in every way.  If you’re taking the family on a road trip or just making the daily commute you’ll be pleased with the comfort the Impala offers.

Chevrolet Impala

The muscular and smooth exterior is very pleasing to the eye and the interior boasts quality materials, imaginative design, and class-leading comfort.  There is enough room for 5 adults to ride comfortable and the cargo capacity has a generous 18.8 cubic feet.

The Chevrolet MyLink on-board infotainment and communications system has been praised as the most user-friendly in any vehicle and has the ability to link to compatible smartphones and Bluetooth wireless technology to stream music and entertainment through the Pandora Internet Radio mobile app.  Or you can cruise down the street while listening to commercial free programs with SiriusXM Satellite Radio. 

Chevrolet Impala - interiors

The standard safety equipment on the Impala includes four-wheel disc brakes, four-wheel anti-lock brake protection; emergency braking assistance electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability and traction control; xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps; +OnStar  emergency communications system with air-bag deployment notification and stolen-vehicle tracking system; as well as 10 air bags.

Bottom line is the Chevrolet Impala  is definitely a vehicle designed to impress and deserves to be on the list of anyone shopping for a new sedan. We have a lot of Chevrolet Impalas at our lot and if you want to get a closer look at this amazing vehicle and test drive it come visit us.

 Westside Chevrolet

23001 Katy Freeway

Katy, TX 77450

888-285-7051

A salesperson's insider guide to buying a used car

When it comes time to purchase a vehicle, it can be stressful, particularly for customers who looking to purchase a used vehicle.  After all, how do you know the car is exactly as advertised, or that it’s going to be reliable down the road?

Even when you purchase a car used, you’re still making one of the biggest purchases a person makes in their life and you’re putting yourself on the hook for a good deal of money.  When you’re searching for the perfect car for you, you may want to avoid cars for sale by owner.  After all, when you’re making a purchase like this, one of your main concerns is peace of mind.

Don’t let yourself get taken in by any fast talkers, we encourage you to do your research.  Here are a few tips, courtesy of Westside Chevrolet, that will help you on your path to finding your perfect vehicle.

First, determine your budget.  Be mindful of various factors that affect how much the vehicle costs.  For instance every few months you’re going to have to change the oil and do routine maintenance.  Make sure when budgeting how much of a payment you can afford you don’t cut it too close and leave room for the months when it’s time to purchase new tires and things of that nature.

Westside Chevrolet - Houston TX

Second, look for variety.  Dealerships that offer limited options should be avoided.  In the world of used vehicles, you want a plethora of choices.  At Westside Chevrolet we have a wide selection of vehicles because we don’t just want to sell you a car, we want you to get THE car.  The car that is perfect for all your needs from everything to cargo space, features, and gas mileage.

Third, look for special features only reputable locations can provide.  Perhaps you see a car with a for sale sign parked on the corner that you like.  Once again, it’s impossible to know if you can trust it.  If you visit a reputable dealership you can be assured that all of the vehicles are rigorously tested to ensure top quality.  And you’ll even be able to find certified used cars, which come with remaining warranty, and a service center on location for extra peace of mind.

We hope these tips help you in finding the perfect used car you’re looking for, whether it be from us, or not.  Westside Chevrolet cares about the people in our community and we want everyone to find a reliable vehicle that will serve to get them and their family where they’re going safely.

Westside Chevrolet

1-888-285-7051