At Chevrolet of Columbus, we truly care about each and every one of our customers. It’s been an incredible year of success in our brand new dealership facility, and to celebrate we are giving back to the community and our wonderful customers in big ways. This May is Customer Appreciation Month at Chevrolet of Columbus! We’re showing our thanks and our love to our customers in many ways this month. For starters, every single person who buys a vehicle this month gets the chance to spin our amazing prize wheel! Everyone who spins our prize wheel is a winner, from cash to car washes to gift card prizes, there’s a prize to please anyone! We’ll also be having a drawing for a chance to win a brand new 32” TV! Our drawing will be weekly, so there will be multiple winners throughout the month! Chevrolet of Columbus is also celebrating our customers by matching down payments up to $2,500, as well as offering great deals and savings on select Chevy models. Our appreciation celebrations don't stop there, either. Special dealership events will also be going on during the month, so be sure to stop by at Chevrolet of Columbus to experience customer appreciation month! Visit us today to learn more about our special events and prizes or visit www.chevyofcolumbus.com.
New Upgrades and Features on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
If you're an automotive consumer interested in driving one of the highest-quality SUVs on the market, your best decision is choosing the excellent Chevy Equinox. Although the Equinox has been one of the most popular SUVs on the market since it was first released in 2005, it hasn't had a major update in some time. Until now. The Chevy Equinox is back in 2018 and better than ever, providing consumers with multiple new features that make it one of the leading models in its class. If you've been thinking about purchasing a new vehicle, you need to learn about some of the new features offered by the outstanding 2018 Chevy Equinox. New Power Options When you're purchasing a new SUV, one of the most important features to consider is engine power, and this is an area where the Chevy Equinox has made the biggest improvements. The newest Equinox is leaving behind its old 2.4-liter engine and now offers three exciting new engine options. The base engine of latest Equinox is a 1.5-liter gas engine that is capable of producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. You also have the option of choosing a 1.6-liter diesel engine that provides 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Shortly after this vehicle is released, consumers will also be able to choose a 2.0-liter gas engine which can produce 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Technology In a modern vehicle, there is almost nothing more important than innovative technology features. For consumers that can't live without the newest, most cutting-edge technology, the Chevrolet Equinox makes for a fantastic choice. The technology options for this incredible SUV have been refreshed for more utility and enjoyment, making it hard to resist. For example, the Equinox now allows you to choose both a 7-inch and 8-inch touchscreen, both of which work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other new tech features available in the 2018 Chevy Equinox include a premium Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot ability. more Design While innovative features are a crucial part of choosing a new vehicle, an even more important factor is getting attractive exterior and exterior design. Perhaps the biggest improvements to this year's Equinox are what it offers in terms of style. Every area of this outstanding SUV has been updated to be as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as possible. On the interior of the Equinox you'll find a variety of features that make for big style. The instrument panel, for instance, is lower mounted for easier access. In addition, the seats of the Equinox provide a denim style fabric that make for a more durable, classic look. Also, the Equinox is now available with the bow-tie design you can find in other popular Chevy vehicles. The exterior of the Equinox has also been overhauled and provides a wide variety of new style features. These include such excellent options as projector beam headlamps, chrome trim, LED daytime running lights, and horizontal tail lamps. Make sure to test drive the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox when you want a high-quality SUV that is loaded with new and exciting features. Image via Chevrolet.com
4 Restaurants to Try During Your Next Trip to Indianapolis
If you're like many frequent travelers, then your vacation just isn't complete until you've sampled the local cuisine. Although you might not realize it, one of the premier cities to visit if you want a great meal is Indianapolis. This city provides a wide range of restaurant options, whether you're looking for a world-class meal or a quick bite to eat. Before you take your next trip to Indianapolis, it's important that you learn about some of the city's best restaurants where you can have a one of a kind meal. St. Elmo Steak House When you're planning a night out on the town in Indianapolis, you want to make a part of that night a high-quality meal that you won't soon forget. If this is what you're looking for, the best restaurant in Indianapolis is the St. Elmo Steak House. Located in downtown Indianapolis, St. Elmo is the perfect location for a tasty drink and a delicious meal. Before dinner, you can enjoy a signature cocktail at the 1933 Lounge. When it comes time to eat, you'll be able to choose from a variety of mouth-watering options, including their famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, a selection of fine steaks, and excellent seafood options. Bru Burger Bar For many Indianapolis citizens, as well as visitors to this fine city, there is no better meal than an old-fashioned hamburger. Anyone in Indianapolis looking for a great burger and a good time needs to consider having a meal at the Bru Burger Bar. At Bru Burger Bar, located on Massachusetts Avenue, you'll be able to choose from a huge selection of high-quality burgers. If you want a fresh take on an old favorite, you should choose one of the signature Chef Burgers, which include options like an Ahi Tuna Burger, a Melt Your Face Burger, and The End Burger. Bru Burger Bar also offers sixteen rotating beers on tap, signature cocktails, and a wide variety of bourbon, scotch, and whiskey. more Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza Nearly everyone likes a slice of pizza every now and again. However, if you're a frequent pizza eater, then this popular dish may have gotten a little stale. Fortunately, if you're visiting Indianapolis, you can get a new twist on this dish by paying a visit to Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza. In addition to offering a wide variety of sandwiches, Jockamo provides five categories of pizza so that you can find your perfect meal. These categories include Meat, Cheese and Potatoes, Chicken, Seafood, Vegetarian, and Hangover. Whether you have a pizza delivered or visit one of their many locations throughout Indianapolis, Jockamo is a restaurant you need to experience for yourself. Café Patachou If you're looking for a fresh, farm to table meal in Indianapolis, the only restaurant that you should visit is Café Patachou. Described by its owners as a "Student Union for Adults," Café Patachou is the perfect place to get a flavorful, healthy meal made from local ingredients. Make sure to visit Café Patachou during breakfast, where you can choose items like custom-made omelettes, a vegan Cuban breakfast, and croissant French toast. The next time you visit Indianapolis, make sure to visit any of these restaurants for a delicious meal. Image via Flickr by gnutar used under CC BY 2.0 /cropped from original
A Peek Into The Future Design of Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet will be introducing several redesigned vehicles over the next two years including the 2018 Traverse and 2018 Equinox that are featured on showroom floors now. Look for a newly-styled Chevy Silverado 1500 next year with an expected lighter, aluminum frame, a new engine, and many more changes. The Reshaped 2018 SUV's Both the Traverse and the Equinox have been redesigned this year to look more like a truck, but with the comfort of an SUV. Both vehicles feature a seven- or eight-seat configuration and fold down second- and third-row seats for more storage. The OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot is also available for both, along with the MyLink infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New safety features available on both are the Teen Driver program in which parents can receive a report that highlights areas where teens need to improve their driving skills. Both models come with forward collision alert, distance following indicator, lane keep assist, and lane charge alert, including blind zone alarm. The Equinox engine options offer an all-turbocharged, multi-engine powertrain lineup with an exclusive 1.6L turbo-diesel. Chevrolet is the first dealer in North America to offer this engine. A Well-Kept Secret The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is expected to sport many changes, although nothing has been confirmed. Industry scouts report the truck's body will incorporate more aluminum into an all new frame with LED lights and door-mounted mirrors. A new variation on the standard 4.3-liter V6 engine may be introduced with either a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or a 4.5L turbodiesel V8, both featuring the newly developed 10-speed automatic transmission. A six-cylinder diesel engine is also expected since Chevy now offers diesel for the Chevy Cruse and Equinox. more Across the Board Changes After reviewing data usage from drivers, Chevy will make the OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot available on all models. The OnStar basic plan includes remote vehicle services and the OnStar At Your Service marketplace for your mobile phone, plus different data packages. An unlimited data plan is also available for your Chevy. The 2018 Chevy Colorado has a new eight-speed automatic transmission available with a 2.8L Duramax Diesel engine. Both HID and LED headlamps are also offered. New exterior colors are available for the truck and most other models, replacing ones that were not popular among buyers. A Rally Sport Truck (RST) edition was just introduced for the Tahoe and Suburban. The RST performance package includes a 420-hp, 6.2L V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control with calibration, and an all-new Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission. A newly designed Camaro, which has not been produced since 1967, is in the works and includes a Z/28 version for 2019. There are hints that the new Camaro will feature a 6.2-liter LT5 DOHC V8 engine. Chevrolet, like all dealers, keeps most of the information on new models under wraps and will not let much leak until the actual release date gets closer. Don't forget to check out the already released 2018 models and keep in touch with your Chevy dealer to find out more news on the next generation of vehicles coming in 2019. Image "2018 Chevrolet Equinox" via Wikipedia Commons by Ryanandlenny used under CC BY-SA 4.0 / cropped from original
The Top 6 Must-See Summer Events Around Indiana
The state of Indiana features over 600 festivals and events across 92 counties. From award-winning cook-offs to re-enactments of iconic childhood programs your children can enjoy, Indiana has something for each day of the week. Here are 6 must-see Indiana summer events. Indy 500 Dates: May 15–28 Location: 4790 West 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222 What makes it fun: Known as the " Greatest Month in Racing," The Indy 500 is a historic event that features a family friendly environment with world-class racing talent. Experience the Indy Two-Seater as a passenger with an elite driver pacing the track at an exhilarating speed or get a ground tour of the track and the Hall of Fame Museum. General admission: $35 Jasper Strassenfest Dates: August 3–6 Location: 302 W. 6th St., Jasper, IN 47546 What makes it fun: Take the family out to experience German culture up close and personal at Jasper Indiana's 39th annual Strassenfest. Festival staples like corn hole will make an appearance, but the Strassenfest Parade steals the show with a full-on display showcasing over 200 years of German immigration and culture. General admission: Free! Unless you decide to take part in an event, then you'll have to pay a fee that varies depending on the event. Asian Fest Date: June 11, 2017 Time: 12–5pm Location: Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis What makes it fun: Asian food, games, and activities right in your community. This year will be the 10th annual event with a focus on Japanese culture. General admission: Free! Art House in the Red Room Film Series Dates: May 23–June 27, July 25, August 22 Time: 6–9 p.m. Location: Bartholomew County Public Library, 536 Fifth St., Columbus, IN 47201 What makes it fun: Art House in the Red Room is a monthly community film series of artsy, rare, foreign, and important films that will satisfy any movie lover's thirst for new and interesting stories on the big screen. This event is hosted by Kyle Willey every Tuesday. General Admission: Free! Carmel Fest Dates: July 3–4 Time: 3–10:30 p.m. Location: Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana What makes it fun: This community-sponsored event celebrates Independence Day in true American fashion with great food, a petting zoo, and live music synchronized with a fireworks display. The Freedom run will quench your competitive spirit while the "Hats off to America" 2017 Parade will fill you with patriotic vigor. General admission: Free! BBQ Rib Fest Dates: June 15–18 Time: 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Location: Headwater Park, Fort Wayne, Indiana What makes it fun: Snack on unbelievably delicious award-winning barbecue up and down the strip. Rock & roll and blues bands from all over the country offer an upbeat, fun atmosphere for the annual 40,000 "rib feasters" that descend on the festival. This is definitely Fort Wayne's biggest summer event. General admission: Free every day until 5:30 p.m. and $3 all day Sunday. After 5:30 p.m. it's $6 for adults (14 and over), $5 for seniors, and $4 for students, military, police, and firefighters with ID. Image via Flickr by momentcaptred1 used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
Revealed: Top Features of The 2018 Chevy Traverse
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse brings you greater driveability, comfort, and fuel economy than previous models. It's bigger this year, yet weighs 350 pounds less than earlier versions. This change increases fuel economy and despite the weight reduction, the Traverse can seat up to eight and still offer more cargo room than the larger Chevrolet Tahoe. New state-of-the-art safety features include Rear Seat Reminder and Teen Driver technology. Here are some of the other features to look for: New Interior With More Comfort & Storage The redesigned interior offers Standard Active Noise Cancellation for a quieter, more enjoyable ride. You can choose a seven or eight occupant seating design and both configurations have split-folding Smart Slide for second-row seats. There is increased interior storage space and larger bins plus spots designed for storing tablet computers and umbrellas. There is more storage behind the third-row seats and it includes an area beneath the cargo floor to store items out of site. The second and third seat rows also fold down to offer more storage. All 2018 Traverses come with the MyLink infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone projection systems plus an OnStar subscription and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi internet connection. Improved Power Train The 2018 Traverse comes with two options for the engine. The 3.6-liter V6 is standard and features a nine-speed automatic transmission, increasing the horsepower and torque over older models. It is rated for 5,000 pounds of maximum tow capacity. Drivers can also choose a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with the nine-speed transmission. Standard Traction Mode with both engines lets drivers make real-time adjustments for road or off-road conditions. The all-wheel-drive models can switch to front-drive as well. The special High Country edition has a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system that offers more power. more Safety Features to Improve Your Drive Two new safety features have been added this year. The Rear Seat reminder gives you a warning alarm if the rear doors were opened prior to driving the vehicle but not after stopping. This feature will help alert everyone if there are young children or pets in the car. The second new safety measure is the Teen Drive technology. Parents can set a program and receive a report detailing how the teen drove. Parents can then take the opportunity to let young drivers know what they need to improve on. Additionally, the Traverse is available with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. A lane departure warning will help you stay centered and blind spot monitoring comes with a rear cross-traffic indicator. Options to Choose From Options include the special Traverse RS Package with a blacked-out exterior and a black chrome grille, black Chevy logo, and dark-finish 20-inch wheels. The High Country package comes with a brown leather and suede interior, power folding third-row seats and polished 20-inch aluminum wheels. Chevrolet believes the new 2018 Traverse offers what a family is looking for in a crossover SUV. With this year's options, you can tailor the buying experience to fit your needs, while still getting many features of larger SUV's. The Traverse will fit well into the competitive world of crossover SUVs that is gaining popularity each year. Image via Chevrolet.com
Top 4 Secrets of Detailing Your Car Like a Professional
By learning to detail your own car, you can not only help maintain its value, but you also get to enjoy that new car feeling without the expense of hiring a professional detailing service. Here are the top four secrets of car detailing to get pro results with just a little elbow grease and a few inexpensive products. How to Properly Wash and Wax Washing the car not only makes it look good, it also helps keep the paint in top shape since dirt, sap, bird droppings, and other contaminants can cause surface blemishes over time. The first rule of car washing is never to wash a hot car. The best way to wash your car is by using the two-bucket system with a microfiber wash mitt and car wash soap. The two-bucket system keeps contaminants from getting back on to the car. The first bucket is for the wash water and the second bucket is for rinsing: place your mitt in the sudsy water, wash a section of the car, rinse your wash mitt in the second bucket, then go back to the first bucket to reload with wash water. The mitt picks up dirt so by rinsing in a separate bucket, you avoid re-circulating dirty water back on to the car. Rinse thoroughly and dry with lint-free cloths. Use an auto glass cleaner for getting showroom new-looking windows. Wax the car with a liquid waxing product, making sure the car's surface is cool to the touch before you start. Use a clean soft towel and apply the wax in sections. Once it turns hazy you can buff it with a microfiber cloth. A designated wheel cleaner spray will help make quick work of the gunk that accumulates. Just spray it on the wheels, let it soak for a few minutes, spray with the hose, then use a scrub brush for stubborn areas, if necessary, and rinse How to Vacuum Vacuum the car with a handheld vacuum. Special auto detailing attachments that can give you better results than your vacuum are available. Remove the floor mats first and vacuum them separately. For pet hair that won't vacuum up, put on a regular latex glove and rub your hand over the surface of the carpet. The static electricity helps get the pet hair unstuck so it's easier to vacuum. Make sure to move seats forward and backward so you can vacuum more floor area. more How to Clean the Upholstery/Leather Use a cleaning product specifically made for your interior. Whether it is cloth or leather, a specialized product will give you the best results. It's best to avoid cleaning the headliner, since the moisture and agitation can cause the glue to fail, resulting in a detached, sagging headliner. If it needs to be done, spot clean the headliner carefully, using as little moisture as possible. How to Clean the Dashboard and Hard Surfaces For the dashboard and other solid surfaces inside the car, use an interior spray cleaner such as Meguiar's Interior Detailer Cleaner. This is what detailing pros use - it will get rid of dust and dirt and it's safe for dashboard displays and touchscreens. By using these pro detailing tips, you can enjoy driving a sparkling clean car anytime. Image via Pxhere.com
3 Unique Historical Places to Visit in Columbus, Indiana
Located just about equidistant from Louisville and Indianapolis, many travelers speed right by Columbus, Indiana, on I-35 as they head from one city to the next. However, missing out on this town is leaving out an integral part of Indiana and the nation's history. If you're a history buff, it's a destination you can't afford to miss. Listed as the 11th most historic city in the country by National Geographic, Columbus really needs no introduction. Here are just a few of the highlights you'll get to see on your visit to this historic town. Bartholomew County Courthouse Designed by famed architect Isaac Hodgson, the Bartholomew County Courthouse is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Second Empire architecture in the country. Upon its completion in 1874, it was instantly hailed as one of the finest buildings in the West. A 154-foot clock tower is the masterpiece of the structure, and it's still in operation today. The courthouse still stands as the seat of government for Bartholomew County, but you're free to explore during normal business hours. It's just one of many buildings in Columbus that are on the National Register of Historic Places. more Miller House and Garden Completed in 1957, the Miller House and Garden is one of the more modern buildings in the city, yet it's also one of the most intriguing. Designed by Finnish neofuturistic architect Eero Saarinen, the home was the residence of J. Irwin Miller, who founded the Cummins Corporation, which still produces engines for auto manufacturers around the world. Obsessed with the allure of modern architecture, Miller sought Saarinen to build his home, and along with landscape architect Dan Kiley, who would go on to work on the ground of the St. Louis Arch, they developed one of the coolest looking buildings ever. Today, the building and grounds are owned by the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and tours are available to visitors. When you head inside the home, most of the furnishings and furniture are part of the original layout, adding to the experience, and letting you see what it was like in the life of one of Indiana's richest businessman. Columbus Architecture Bus Tour If you don't want the hassle of planning your own trip, or you don't want to miss any of the most popular sites, book a tour with the Columbus Architecture Bus Company. This tour allows you to sit in comfort as you're driven across the city to see some of the most important sites in the city. Your tour guide will also explain how a town of just 45,000 people became a center of world-class architecture, and how the city functions today. Tours are $25 for each adult and $15 for students. The tour lasts 2 hours, and make sure to book early, as many of these tours sell out, especially during peak season. Although Columbus is often overlooked, it's contributions to art and architecture are immeasurable. Make sure to stop by the next time you're in the mood for some history and buildings that are truly out of this world. Image via Flickr by amanderson2
The 2017 Chevy Sonic: Way More Than Your Average Compact
Economy cars aren't meant to combine style, agility, and efficiency in one package. Typically, they choose one or maybe two of these traits, and leave something to be desired at the end of the day. However, the 2017 Chevy Sonic isn't your typical compact. It takes all three of these aspects and intertwines them, providing an experience unlike any other. If you're searching for a vehicle that combines a handsome exterior, efficiency, and a well-appointed interior, there's nothing like the 2017 Chevy Sonic. Here's a glance at all it has to offer this coming year. Safety Specs Because of their small size, most compacts can't offer a robust safety package that you'd find in mid-sized or full-size sedans or coupes, yet the Sonic doesn't fall into this category. With a bevy of safety features, the 2017 Sonic earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it one of the safest vehicles on the road. With the available Driver Confidence Package, you'll have a plethora of safety amenities that include lane departure warning, forward collision alert, and rear park assist. These aren't a substitute for paying attention, but they are definitely a failsafe against other drivers or a momentary lapse of concentration. Fuel Economy Fuel economy is always one of the strong points of compact vehicles, yet the Chevy Sonic takes it to new heights. Under the hood, the Sonic sports one of two engine options. The stock engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that provides 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. What makes it more remarkable is that it 33 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 25 mpg in the city. However, it's the 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that really steals the show. Combining agility, speed, and efficiency, this engine offers 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque that combines with a stellar showing of 38 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city. Although it comes with a bit extra on the price tag, the turbocharged Sonic is well worth the investment in more ways than one. more Versatility of Your Choice While some compact vehicles boast versatility as their foremost attribute, the 2017 Chevy Sonic actually delivers on the promise. Available in both a sedan and a hatchback, the Sonic provides a preference that's unrivaled by other vehicles in its segment. Both options comfortably seat five passengers, while the sedan offers 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, putting it at the top of the compact list. If you want a bit more room for people or your stuff, opt for the hatchback. With this vehicle, you still have room for five with 18.8 cubic feet of space in the back. If you need more room, simply fold down the back seat to unveil an impressive 47.7 cubic feet. With that much space, there's nothing the Spark can't handle. Although some critics would say that Chevy has been out of the compact game for far too long, the Sonic is proof that the Detroit automaker is serious about becoming a player in the industry once again.
5 Famous Residents of Columbus, Indiana
Columbus, Indiana, is widely known as one the architectural marvels of the country. However, that's not all it has to boast. Throughout its storied past, there have been numerous residents that are famous for one reason or another. If you've ever wondered what individuals have called Columbus home, here's a list of the most notable residents of the Athens of the Prairies. 1. Jamie Hyneman There haven't been many television shows that were both educational and exciting, but "Myth Busters" proved to break the mold. During its 282 episode run from 2003 to 2016, the show proved that exploring urban myths and other ideas was indeed an entertaining idea. However, few know that the Jamie Hyneman, the beret-wearing, ill-tempered host called Columbus home. At 14, Hyneman left the town and hitchhiked across the country, growing up quickly, yet he never lost his thirst for knowledge, leading to the ideas that would eventually form "Myth Busters." 2. Chuck Taylor If you played basketball prior to the 1980s, or you were in the modern punk rock scene of the 1990s or early 2000s, chances are you've laced up a pair of Converse All-Stars. What you may not know is that Chuck Taylor, the creator of the famous shoe, made his own pair of kicks to play basketball at Columbus High School in 1917. Little did he know that he would become one of America's biggest shoe moguls. Today, his simple style isn't used for basketball, but it's a fashion statement that spans from high schoolers to celebrities. more 3. J. Irwin Miller One of the largest employers in Columbus, the Cummins Corporation is famous for creating engines for vehicles around the world. At the head of this international organization was J. Irwin Miller, who was one of the first CEOs of the company, running it for decades. After his retirement, Miller lived in his neofuturistic home that's now a tourist attraction owned by the Indianapolis Museum of Art. To this day, his legacy remains, and many of the employed people in the city owe their good fortunes to him. 4. Mike Pence As current Vice President, Mike Pence has etched his name into the fabric of U.S. politics. The former Indiana governor was born in Columbus in 1959 and graduated from Columbus High School in 1977. Though he no longer calls Columbus home, he does frequent the town where he lived during his youth. 5. Irving Howbert You may not know the name Irving Howbert, but he was one of the most influential figures in the Old West. Born in Columbus in 1846, Howbert moved with his father to the Colorado Territory in 1860. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was one of the founders of the city of Colorado Springs, which is now one of the largest cities in the state and home to the U.S. Air Force Academy. It's not every day that you find a city that's given birth to some of the most famous people in American history. Maybe Columbus, Indiana, is in a class all its own. Image "Jamie Hyneman" via Flickr by Genevieve used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
Need for Speed? Get Behind the Wheel of a 2017 Chevy Camaro!
There's nothing that embodies the true spirit of an American muscle car more than the Chevy Camaro, and in 2017, the legendary vehicle is back again for another chapter. Fresh off its victory as Motor Trend's 2016 Car of the Year, the Camaro doesn't receive a ton of cosmetic upgrades, but it does welcome some new additions to its lineup. If you have a need for speed and other cars just can't do the trick, make sure to get behind the wheel of a Camaro in 2017. Here's a glance at everything that makes it the sports car to have this year. The ZL1 When you win Car of the Year, there's typically no need to vastly change the product. However, Chevy introduces the Camaro ZL1 this year with performance and speed in mind. The results are nothing short of spectacular. Beneath the hood, the ZL1 gets the Corvette's mind-blowing 6.2-liter V8. With this engine, the ZL1 blazes up the road in remarkable fashion, sporting 640 horsepower and up to 650 pound-feet of torque. When you put the pedal to the floor, as long as you don't fishtail out of control, you'll go from zero-to-60 in a hellacious 4.1 seconds, hit a quarter-mile in only 12.3 seconds, and top out at a spellbinding 165 mph. With those times, there's really no substitute for the Camaro ZL1. more Amazing Power Even if the ZL1 is too much car for you too handle, don't feel as though you're left out in the dust. The Camaro still offers two other engine options, and each has more than ample power and agility to take you just as fast as you want to go. The stock engine is a gutsy 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's good for 275 horsepower and up to 295 pound-feet of torque. Not only does it give you loads of power, but it's also capable of taking you up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway and 22 mpg in the city, which are figures nearly unheard of in the sports car realm. If you want the mid-grade version, there's a V6 that should fit the bill. With a 3.6-liter engine, this Camaro sports 335 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough to get you where you need to go in a speed and style. Interior Extras You could just do peel outs and drive really fast, but without some fun interior amenities, the ride isn't nearly as enjoyable. Fortunately, the 2017 Camaro offers a diverse array of interior options that complement its reputation as a speed demon. A heads-up display shows you just how fast you're going and whether you need to ease off the throttle or push the vehicle harder. Other highlights include a wireless charging pad, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone integration, and an available Bose sound system so you can blare whatever music puts you in the mood for one hell of a drive. Sure, there are other sports cars on the market, but none can rival the Camaro. Bold looks, hot engine options, and an unrivaled driving experience are all part of what make the Camaro a true American icon. Image via Chevrolet.com
5 Columbus Destinations Perfect for a Family Outing
Can't find a place to hang out with the family that everybody can agree on? This list has some of the most fun and affordable destinations for family night our or a free day. Give them a look when you've nearly given up, because there might be something here that you didn't try or never heard of until now. Zaharakos If you're done visiting a park, museum, or other interesting place and want a sweet treat to finish the day, Zaharakos is a dream for both kids and adults. This restored ice-cream parlor and old-fashioned soda fountain unites the generations with good food, charming atmosphere, and a self-playing multi-instrument pipe organ. The restaurant even has its own museum, dedicated to the soda fountain and mechanical music from the old days. Zaharakos is open every day of the week from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. more The Commons Located along State Road 46 is a huge business center called the Commons, with an indoor playground and all sorts of events scheduled throughout the year. One of the best features of the indoor playground is a 35-foot-high climbing wall. If your kids are different ages, no worries, because the Commons playground is split into three separate zones with fun stuff geared toward toddlers, kids, and big kids. Mill Race Park If a picnic or nature walk is more your speed, consider spending a nice day at Mill Race Park. There are several walking trails suitable for all ages, an observation tower, a covered bridge, and more among the park's verdant landscape. There's also a beautiful lake and two rivers, with four separate fishing areas. Take note that Mill Race Park opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. every day, so it's great for staying a little late. Kidscommons If you're visiting the Commons or will be near it, consider visiting the Kidscommons Children's Museum, a three-story fun and educational building with high rock climbing walls, giant bubble wands, and a giant toilet and pipe system that kids can explore, "flushing" themselves through the complex pipes. Kidcommons is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m., with certain Mondays open on school breaks. General admission is $7 without an annual membership, a ten-visit pass with no expiration date is $50, and using the climbing wall costs $3. Blue's Canoe Livery Take the gang for smooth, easy canoe trips as you paddle in sync through beautiful rivers. Set very close to Columbus, this canoe tour company has three options: the beginner's Seven Mile trip, the Nine Mile trip, and the Two-Day Overnight trip where you sleep overnight in a campground. Blue's Canoe Livery recommends arriving a half-hour before the departure time. You can see the different prices, shuttle times, and trip times on their website. It's not easy to get a large group of people to agree on where to go, but it's never hopeless. We hope these five destinations have something to convince everyone in your family to go out and have some fun. Indoors or outdoors, Columbus has plenty of cool stuff spread around the city. Image via Wikipedia Commons used under Public Domain