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Paying Cash for a Used Car

First, think about your total cash budget. If you are paying cash, you should factor in extra costs such as sales tax. (Ron Westphal Chevrolet is located in Kendall county where our sales tax rate is the lowest in Illinois @ only 6.25%. This fact alone can save you hundreds of dollars compared to many of our nearby competitors in located in other counties) Also, don’t forget license plates fees. Let your salesperson know if you need to renew your license plates, if you will be transferring your license plates from another vehicle or if you will be getting brand new license plates. Other additional costs include document fees and other optional costs such as extended warranties or accessories.

Paying Cash for a Used Car doesn’t mean you can’t get an extended warranty. If you purchase a GM Certified vehicle a GM extended warranty is included at no additional cost. If your vehicle of choice is not GM certified-you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty through the dealer. Your Ron Westphal Chevrolet salesperson or one of our finance managers will be happy to explain your extended warranty options. GM offers a variety of plans ranging from basic warranties that provide coverage for the powertrain only (engine, transmission and drivetrain) up to bumper-to-bumper warranties that cover almost everything. Extended warranties provide peace of mind for both the buyer and seller but they are not mandatory. USED CAR FACT: There is no sales tax on extended warranties!

Ron Westphal Chevrolet strongly recommends test driving your vehicle of choice prior to purchasing. We even offer an extended overnight test drives for most of our vehicles. And, if you have a mechanic, family member or friend that you would like to consult prior to your purchase, just let us know. We want you to be happy during the entire purchase process so we will do our very best to accommodate any requests you may have. If we can assist you in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask.

You can reach our Customer Care Department at 630-898-9630. Feel free to browse our website.

Paying Cash for a Used Car – If you pay with $10,000 or more in cash the dealership may need to report the transaction to the IRS. See more information HERE.

*Insurance requirements for extended test drive: Management approval, must be 25 years or older with valid license and full coverage insurance. See Ron Westphal Chevy for details.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Changes boasts an all-new V-6 engine with more horsepower and torque than previous 2016 models. 2017 Colorado will be the only truck in it’s class with an 8-speed automatic transmission. These are the latest major changes since Colorado was introduced in 2015.

Chevrolet is planning to sell more than 160,000 Colorado pickup trucks in the first 2 years on the market. If you would like to see and drive a new or pre-owned Chevrolet Colorado please call our Customer Care Department at 630-898-9630 or check out our website or visit our showroom.

Colorado is one of the industry’s hottest-selling vehicles for many reasons. Cutting edge technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have really increased customer interest. And, Colorado is the only truck in it’s class available with a diesel engine.

Colorado’s other engines, it’s base 2.5 liter 4 cylinder and it’s optional 2.8 liter diesel engine will be unchanged for 2017. Other small changes for Colorado 2017 include a new 4-wheel drive selector knob on all 4WD models. And, Chevrolet’s Teen Driver mode is now optional along with heated seats that are no longer restricted to just leather seating.

The 2nd generation of Chevy’s 3.6L engine is completely new. The displacement is the same as last year but don’t let that fool you. The new engine offers improved variable valve timing for intake and exhaust. Another system improved for 2107 is Colorado’s direct injection. Direct injection eliminates the need for spark plugs and wires. Plus, for the first time Colorado with feature Active Fuel Management. Two engine cylinders will automatically de-activate under light throttle applications maximizing fuel economy. Horsepower increases to 308 at 6,800 rpm and torque is rated at 275 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

All all-new engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. GM created the Hydramatic 8-speed 8L45 transmission to replace the 6L80 transmission. The new transmission is approximately the same size and weight at the one it replaces but it offers a wider 7.0 overall gear ration spread versus the last year’s 6.0 ratio. The higher first gear ratio helps driver’s starter off with more confidence when pulling a heavy load or trailering while the lower rear axle ratios reduce engine rpm on the highway for improved efficiency and fuel economy.

The new 2017 Colorado weighs the same as last year due to extensive used of lightweight materials like aluminum and magnesium.

The new 2017 Chevrolet Colorado models are scheduled to arrive in showrooms during he fourth quarter of this year. For updates on 2017 Colorado arrivals, call our customer care team at 630-898-9630.

Currently Chevrolet Colorado makes up 23 % of the total midsize truck segment. Since 2015, the total midsize truck segment has nearly doubled from 1.5 percent of total vehicle sales to 2.4 percent. The average 2016 Colorado sells in about one month which makes it one of the fastest selling vehicles in the segment.

Chevrolet Colorado have been the most awarded midsize pickup over the past two years, including earning back-to-back Motor Trend Truck of the Year awards.

Parents Worry About Teen Driving More Than Sex

Don’t Worry About Teen Driving. Get a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe or Volt at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL.

In the month of August this year more than 360,000 teens will become eligible for a restricted driver’s license in most states – and with that, a lot of parents will experience new levels of stress.

What Parents Worry About Teen Driving The Most

Chevrolet recognizes this top concern for parents and, as a result, in addition to its suite of available active and passive safety features, offers Teen Driver Technology on 10 of its 2017 cars, trucks and SUVs. Chevrolet’s Teen Driver includes an industry-first in-vehicle report card that shows how the teen drove and provides a way for parents to discuss best practices.

“I, like many of our employees, am a parent of teenagers, so we personally understand the anxiety of having a teen driver in the house,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “And while we can’t control a teen’s behavior when they are in a car without a parent, Chevrolet’s Teen Driver Technology can remind them to buckle up and avoid speeding, while our other available active safety features can help to alert them in certain situations when they’re making less-than-perfect driving decisions.”

Worry About Teen Driving-How parents feel about their teen’s driving.

Teen Driver supports certain safe driving practices by muting the radio or the audio of any paired device when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. It also gives audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling faster than preset speeds, and allows parents to limit the maximum volume of the radio.

Additionally, available active safety features are automatically enabled and incapable of being manually disabled when Teen Driver is in use. These features may include:

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Keep Assist

Front and Rear Park Assist

Side Blind Zone Alert

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Forward Collision Alert

Forward Automatic Braking

Rear Automatic Braking

Front Pedestrian Braking

Stability Control

Traction Control

Daytime Running Lamps/Automatic Light Control

“As a mother of two, it’s extremely important to find solutions that can help young drivers on the road,” said MaryAnn Beebe, Chevrolet safety engineer. “Chevrolet developed this system as a tool that can give teens some additional coaching as they’re gaining experience. Driving on your own is a big milestone for teens, and Teen Driver helps to remind them to practice safe driving. And for parents, it’s easier to give guidance to your teen when you have some information on what they’re doing behind the wheel.”

The Teen Driver in-vehicle report card may keep track of the following, depending on the vehicle:

Distance driven

Maximum speed reached

Overspeed warnings issued

Stability control events

Antilock braking events

Traction control activations

Wide-open throttle events

Forward Collision Alerts, if equipped

Forward Collision Braking events, if equipped

Tailgating Alerts, if equipped

Teen Driver is a non-subscription-based service that remains with the vehicle permanently and is available on the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV, Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe and Volt. To use the safety technology, a parent must register their teen’s key fob in the vehicle’s system settings.

New for most 2017 models with Teen Driver:

Maximum speed limiter

Configurable audio volume limit

Additional report card information:

Traction control activations

Wide-open throttle events

Tailgating alerts, if equipped

Don’t Worry About Teen Driving.

Get a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, Colorado, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Suburban, Tahoe or Volt at Ron Westphal Chevy in Aurora, IL. Visit our website, call us at 630-898-9630 or visit our showroom today.

Source: Teen Driving, Not Sex, Drugs or Academic Performance, Tops Parents’ List of Concerns

All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel

All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel at Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.

All-new Intake System on 2017 Duramax Diesel

New for 2017, Chevrolet Silverado HD trucks feature a patented air intake system that drives cool, dry air into the engine for sustained performance and cooler engine temperatures during difficult driving conditions. The intake system underwent extensive testing based on the most challenging real-world driving conditions to ensure capable performance no matter the weather.

Looking for a new Diesel? Call our Customer Care Team at 630-898-9630 or Visit our Website today.

Source: All-new Intake System Feeds Duramax Diesel on 2017 Silverado HD

2017 Corvette Grand Sport

2017 Corvette Grand Sport Has Racing Roots

A ‘purist’ model that leverages a half-century legacy of motorsports success

GENEVA – With Corvette Racing in its DNA, the all-new 2017 Corvette Grand Sport is a pure expression of the car’s motorsports-bred pedigree. It was introduced today at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Like the 2015 Le Mans-winning Corvette C7.R GTE Pro race car, the new Grand Sport combines a lightweight architecture, a track-honed aerodynamics package, Michelin tires and a naturally aspirated engine.

The 2017 Corvette Grand Sport offers an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability – and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package.

Heritage-inspired design cues and exclusive features acknowledge the historic Grand Sport legacy, established in 1963 to take on the world’s best sports cars. Only five were built before a corporate decision suspending direct motorsports involvement ended the project.

“Racing has been part of Corvette’s essence for more than 50 years and that track experience has helped us build better, more capable cars,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development and Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “The global acclaim for the seventh-generation Corvette validates that direct link and the 2017 Grand Sport takes its track-bred technology to a new, exciting threshold.”

The Corvette Grand Sport coupe and convertible go on sale this summer in the U.S. and in the fall in Europe.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Lightweight architecture and track-honed aerodynamics
An engine offering an estimated 1.05g in cornering capability and up to 1.2g with the available Z07 package
Coupe and convertible available this summer in U.S. and fall in Europe
Grand Sport Collector Edition available later in model year

No holding back

Engineers adapted the chassis tuning, upgraded cooling systems, and performance technologies of the Corvette Z06 to give the new Grand Sport capability commensurate with its racing-derived history.

“We didn’t hold back with the new Grand Sport,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. “For the first time, buyers can equip the Grand Sport with a Z07 performance package – which adds carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin Sport Cup 2 summer tires, and carbon-fiber aero package that delivers true downforce.”

The result is a potent track car. In fact, the Grand Sport with the Z07 package is less than one second off the track record for the previous-generation Corvette ZR1 on the road course at GM’s Milford Proving Ground.

Content highlights for Grand Sport include:

Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires: 285/30ZR19 (front) and 335/25ZR20 (rear)
Specific Grand Sport wheel design: 19×10 inches (front) and 20×12 inches (rear)
Brembo brake system with (355 mm) 14-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in front and (340 mm) 13.4 inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear
Standard magnetic ride control, specific stabilizer bars and unique springs
Standard electronic limited-slip differential
LT1 V8 engine rated at (343 kW) 460 hp, with dry-sump oiling system and active exhaust
Seven-speed manual transmission with active rev match and available eight-speed paddle-shift automatic with specific performance calibration
Available Z07 package adds carbon ceramic-matrix brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires.

In addition to track-focused aero elements, the Grand Sport also features specific front fender inserts, a Z06-style grille and wider rear fenders – a distinctive design package that gives the car a track-ready attitude.

Grand Sport models are offered with the Stingray’s full exterior and interior color palette. An available Heritage package includes hash-mark fender graphics in six colors, with the hash-mark detail carried onto the interior’s brushed aluminum trim. Full-length stripes are also offered.

“The choices are almost endless,” said Harlan Charles, Corvette product marketing manager. “The packages take personalization to an unprecedented level, enabling customers to create their own Corvette Grand Sport statement like no other.”

Grand Sport Collector Edition

The Grand Sport Collector Edition features an exclusive Watkins Glen Gray Metallic exterior with Tension Blue hash-mark graphics, satin black full-length stripes, black wheels and a unique Tension Blue full leather and suede-wrapped interior.

The Tension Blue color is a bold, modern take on the hue historically associated with the Grand Sport. Inside, a three-dimensional representation of an original Grand Sport race car is embossed in the headrests and that shape is also used on an instrument panel plaque that carries a unique build sequence number.

The Collector Edition will be offered later in the model year in the U.S. and Europe.

Source: Chevrolet Pressroom – United States – Corvette GS

Chevrolet’s New Low Cab Forward Trucks

Chevrolet’s new Low Cab Forward trucks are now shipping to Chevrolet dealers across the country, marking Chevrolet’s return to the medium duty market. The new Low Cab Forward series strengthens Chevrolet’s expansive truck portfolio, which includes midsize, light duty and heavy duty pickups.

Chevrolet’s New Low Cab Forward Trucks at Ron Westphal Chevrolet

THE NEW CHEVROLET LOW CAB FORWARD TRUCKS

From the family of Chevrolet Commercial Vehicles, introducing the Low Cab Forward series, dependable trucks that deliver efficient hauling for businesses large and small.

Our extensive lineup includes the 4500HD, 4500XD, and 5500HD fitted with diesel engines, in Regular Cab and Crew Cab variations. The 3500HD and 5500XD with diesel engine are available in a Regular Cab configuration. Or go with the 3500 and 4500 trucks powered by the 6.0L V8 gasoline engine. The LCF series will have limited quantity and is available at select dealers only.

Download Spec Sheet

Downloa d Commercial Catalog

Whether you’re going from delivery to delivery, or jobsite to jobsite, the easily maneuverable Cab Over design, multiple upfitting options, tight turning radius, ample space, great accessibility to the engine, and mobile office features mean there’s a Chevrolet Low Cab Forward (LCF) truck up to the task.

Chevrolet’s New Low Cab Forward Trucks

Do you need a new Commercial Vehicle? Call our Fleet Manager, Scott O’Malley at 630-898-9630 today. Or, visit us online.

Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package

2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package V6 Green Westphal Chevrolet video.

When you take the best and make it even better, you elevate performance to a whole new level of excellence. The multi-award-winning sixth-generation Camaro is proving that with two new 1LE performance packages that look to raise the standard for track performance.

Chevrolet will offer two distinct 1LE performance packages: one for the 2017 V8 Camaro SS, and one for 2017 V6 Camaro LT Coupe models equipped with manual transmissions. This marks the first time the iconic package, initially offered on third-generation Camaro models in the 1980s, will be available in a V6 variety. No other competitor offers a V6 track package.

The new 1LE Performance Package looks to build on the legacy of its predecessors while helping Camaro attain even higher benchmarks on the track, said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer.

“The Camaro 1LE packages follow a recipe any track-day enthusiast will appreciate,” said Oppenheiser. “Start with a lightweight, stiff structure and then add higher levels of suspension stiffness and damping, more aggressive tires, higher downforce, more powerful brakes and more cooling. The result delivers better performance in all measures.”

A beautifully balanced daily driver, the V6 Camaro LT 1LE is also a beast on the track. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo^® brakes, and Goodyear^® Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE delivers an estimated 0.97 g in cornering grip, offering driver enthusiasts consistent lap after lap performance on the track.

“With a curb weight under 3,500 pounds, excellent front-to-rear weight balance and the precision of the FE3 suspension, the Camaro LT 1LE offers unmatched capability in its class,” said Oppenheiser. “As a result, it offers incredible performance for Camaro V6 customers.”

The V8 Camaro SS 1LE introduces the new FE4 suspension to the sixth-generation Camaro — a performance-oriented chassis system with specific tuning for the magnetic dampers, springs and stabilizer bars. The package includes a new segment-exclusive electronic limited-slip differential. Paired with exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires, lateral acceleration will exceed 1 g.

“The 2017 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS,” said Oppenheiser.

The 1LE Performance Package will be available late 2016.

Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package V6-Green The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2017, poised to set new benchmarks for attainable track performance.

Get your 2017 Chevy Camaro from Ron Westphal Chevrolet in Aurora, IL.

Call our Customer Care Team at 630-898-9630 today.

Tire Pressure Tips

Make sure that you have the correct tire pressure in all five tires. (In case you never noticed, there’s a tire in the trunk.) There’s plenty of debate about what constitutes “correct” tire pressure, but we suggest going by what your vehicle manufacturer recommends, which should be listed on the side of the driver’s door, on the glove compartment door, or in the owner’s manual. Don’t confuse the “maximum tire pressure” listed on the sidewall of the tire with the “recommended tire pressure” provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle. While it’s okay to inflate your tires to the “maximum tire pressure” number, “Recommended tire pressure” is the ideal pressure you want in your tires. If you’re carrying an extra heavy load, follow the recommendation for “heavy loads,” which is usually listed in the manual that came with your mother-in-law. (Or your car’s owner manual.)

Ready for some more high-school physics? Remember that tire pressure will increase as the outside air temperature rises. In fact, tire pressure will go up approximately one pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. So, tires that were at 35 PSI back in January when you drove to the slopes could easily be closing in on 45 pounds on a hot July day at the beach. Under some conditions that increase in pressure is enough to blow the tire! If nothing else, a tire that’s overinflated will wear prematurely and will cause the car to handle and brake poorly. Don’t count on your electronic tire pressure monitoring system to alert you to an overinflated tire, either — the warning light will only get illuminated when a tire’s air pressure is too low, not too high.

By the way, while you’re out there checking the air in those tires, toss that stupid pencil-style pressure gauge in the dumpster where it belongs and get an accurate, dial-type gauge.

You also have to remember friction. As you drive, there’s friction between the tires and the road. Friction means heat — and heat means an increase in tire pressure. So, here’s what to do about your car’s tire pressure: Check the tire pressure before you start driving. If the recommended pressure is 35 PSI, for example, it means 35 PSI before you start driving. If you check the tire pressure when you stop to get gas two hours later, it will be much higher than 35 PSI. If you check it at this point—after you’ve been driving–there is no way to know what the correct tire pressure should be. You’ll be tempted to let air out of the tires, because the tire pressure will be greater than 35 PSI. Do not do this, because the tires will be under inflated.

Call our Service Department today at 630-898-9630. Schedule your appointment online!

How it Works Automatic Parking Assist Video

The technology uses sensors on the front and rear bumpers to detect the width and depth of parallel and reverse right-angle parking spaces to provide hands-free parking help.

Looking for a vehicle with Automatic Parking Assist? Visit our website or call us at 630-898-9630 today.

How it Works Automatic Parking Assist Video — The SS Chevrolet sedan offers standard Automatic Parking Assist, a technology that uses sensors on the front and rear bumpers to detect the width and depth of parallel and reverse right-angle parking spaces to provide hands-free parking help.

The system can detect obstacles, gauge the size of a parking space, assess distance to the curb and calculate optimum steering angles for each parking space. The driver, following instructions on the Driver Information Center, controls the accelerator and brake while the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering. Signals sent from the sensors in the bumpers to the electric power steering rack allow the vehicle to steer itself into the space.

For parallel parking, the driver pulls alongside a parking space until the vehicle’s rear bumper passes the rear wheel of the car parked in front of the open space. The driver then shifts into reverse and the car steers itself into the space. The backup camera provides a visual indication of how close the SS is to surrounding cars.

The reverse perpendicular parking process works in a similar way. The driver presses the Automatic Park Assist button twice and follows instructions in the Driver Information Center to safely park the vehicle.

How it Works Automatic Parking Assist Video. Hope you enjoyed this post!

How It Works Chevrolet Automatic Parking Assist from Ron Westphal Chevy

OnStar 4GLTE cost reduced

General Motors is reducing the cost of its OnStar 4G LTE data plans by up to 50%, the automaker said today.

Since 2014, most GM models have come with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection if owners subscribe to OnStar after a three-month trial period, which is free along with 3 gigabytes of data use. After that, OnStar packages range from $200 to $350 a year.

What changes now is that a 1-gigabyte-per-month plan drops from $20 to $10. A 4-gigabyte plan now costs $40, and a 10-gigabyte-per-month plan comes down from $80 to $40.

“As more people embrace the technology, it brings down the cost of entry for all users,” said Laura Keck, OnStar’s subscriber marketing manager. “With these lower prices, we expect even more customers to use 4G LTE connectivity.”

GM partners with AT&T to deliver the in-vehicle connectivity.

OnStar 4GLTE cost reduced. Yay!

If you are looking for a vehicle with 4GLTE, please visit our website or drop by our showroom. Thanks!

For more information on the new plans and pricing, go to www.onstar.com/us/en/4glte-subscriber.html.