Snow and icicles are beautiful in theory – but when driving, it’s the last threat drivers want to encounter. Brought to you by Chapman Payson, we’ve outlined the benefits of all-wheel and four-wheel drive, to ensure that the remainder of your winter in Northern Arizona is safe and pleasurable.

First, driving either a four-wheel drive or all-wheel vehicle drive in the snow definitely gives an advantage as far as traction is concerned. Therefore, both cars are suitable for rain, sleet and snow.

The main difference

One of the biggest differences between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive is whether the driver or the car decides when all four wheels get power. With all-wheel drives the inlaid system sends torque to the different axles. Four-wheel drive gives the driver freedom, through levers and controls, to control all four wheels.

What type suits what driver is dependent upon their habits. First, let’s explore the differences of both more thoroughly.

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) is always “on.” Electronic sensors send power to all four wheels dependent upon the surface the vehicle is driving on – whether it be rain, snow or unaffected pavement.

For individuals who live in snowy/icy conditions, AWD vehicles are advantageous because they provide a safe amount of traction and prevent wheelslip. This protection is guaranteed without dealing with the buttons or levers in four-wheel drive vehicles. However, they are less gas-friendly.

The invisibility and easy operation of an AWD system are attractive assets. They are also easier to maintain.

Four-wheel drive

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is engaged manually.

With true four-wheel drive, the operator decides when they need the extra traction of all four wheels and (either by inside switch or outside wheel lugs) turns on the four- wheel-drive. When all four wheels are engaged the vehicle should not be driven on dry pavement. It is designed for rain, icy conditions, snow and mud.

What suits you?

For Northern Arizona drivers, car dealers in Payson note either type of driving experience could be of benefit. Choose your vehicle by the way you drive. Off-roaders will have a better, and safer, experience with four-wheel drive. For those who drive daily on snowy roads, the convenience of AWD may be preferable as it takes away the stress of knowing when to switch into four-wheel drive.

The trick to operating either system in winter weather is being constantly aware of your tire’s health. Be sure to check their pressure and tread with regularity to protect yours and other’s safety.

As winter approaches and the weather cools, the topic of winter tires becomes more pressing for denizens of the more rugged areas of Arizona.  Whether you have driven in winter conditions for decades or have only just begun to face down the challenge, Chapman Payson can give you the advice you need to select winter tires.

According to Edmunds, the first essential step to selecting the right tires is to appreciate the distinction between “snow tires” and “winter tires.”  “Snow tires” is a bit of a misnomer, as contemporary winter tires are designed to handle all sorts of winter weather – rain, sleet, snow, ice, salt, and extreme low temperatures.  If you believe that winter tires are only necessary for driving in snow, you may find yourself unpleasantly surprised the next time that you drive in sub-freezing temperatures.

All-season tires, although much improved in recent years, are composed of rubber compounds which simply are not designed to perform in extreme low temperatures.  Winter tires, on the other hand, are built to remain soft and provide traction in the cold.  Even if you do not often drive in snow, winter tires may be necessary to ensure safe driving through the winter months.

Winter tires also offer more aggressive tread patterns than standard tires.  Because many areas with colder climates also experience high levels of winter precipitation – rain, sleet, snow, and resulting mud and ice – winter tires are designed to force moisture away from the treads to prevent hydroplaning.  Deeper treads also provide more traction in muddy conditions in addition to retaining more grip on ice.

Some winter tires even include built-in or installable studs for use on more precarious roadways and off-road tasks.  Studded tires are no longer as prevalent in the winter tire market as they once were, largely because of improvements in rubber compounds, but they may be the right choice if your winter driving includes steep inclines, off-road ventures, or the use of roads which are not always clear.

Winter tires provide safety and reliability that all-season tires and tire chains cannot match.  For your winter tire needs, your local Payson Auto Center’s knowledgeable staff can provide all the information required to make an informed decision.

According to its manufacturers, the 2013 RAM 1500 is “Engineered to Move Heaven and Earth.”  Although it certainly has the power and fortitude to do that and more, the 1500′s enhanced sophistication is what truly sets it apart from other full-size pickups, as many RAM 1500 Payson customers have learned in recent years.

In case you are worried that the RAM of your choice will no longer be available for the new model year, rest assured: all eleven packages of the 1500 are being carried over into the new model year.  Whether you prefer a regular, Quad, or Crew Cab with rear- or four-wheel drive, any combination is available with short, medium, or long bed options.  With all of these options, and additional new features like rain-sensing wipers and power-folding mirrors, the 1500 should satisfy every owner’s truck needs.

Per Car and Driver’s review, the real changes for the 2013 iteration of the RAM 1500 line of pickups have little to do with the way the truck looks.  RAM engineers have issued a long-overdue replacement for the 1500 SLT’s base V8 engine of years past, now favoring the Chrysler Pentastar V6 (with 90 more horsepower and 34 lb-ft more torque).  The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 remains available as an optional upgrade and has even received an increase in horsepower over last year’s version.

Although it may seem contradictory, all this power comes with improved fuel economy across the 1500 line.  The RAM 1500′s best-in-class 25 miles per gallon highway efficiency is made possible by numerous new features, including automatically adjusting suspension, a speed/temperature triggered front grille shutter, and more.  The engine even stops itself when the truck stops, potentially saving a great deal of fuel while waiting at stop lights, stepping out to open and close gates, or accessing the Rambox to find a needed hand tool.  RAM’s “TorqueFlite8″ 8-speed automatic transmission rounds out the package, ensuring that the 1500 feels just as smooth as it does powerful.

Interested shoppers should contact Chapman Payson to learn more about the many improvements coming for the 2013 1500, as well as RAM’s many other dependable pickup trucks.

People buy cars for many reasons; to transport themselves, to transport their families, to buy a collector car, to drive a cool new car, to transport things for work, etc. Add in the needs of comfort and price and the decision becomes even more difficult. With more than 400 cars to choose from, how do you pick the right one for your specific needs and wants?

Take a look at this break down of types of cars available at Arizona Chevrolet dealerships and determine which car most fulfills your personal preferences and needs.

Coupe/Convertible: This type of car usually has the most expressive designs that will make a statement but their practicality is limited.

Sedan: Sedans are a perfect option for those who have kids or are planning on having children in the future, since four doors are almost a requirement. It also provides an alternative to a large vehicle while offering everyday usability.

Hatchback: when a fifth door is added to a car it usually a hatchback or station wagon, these cars offer additional space while not having so much weight. Hatchbacks have recently picked up a little in popularity among the U.S with manufacturers creating stylish designs; they’ve been extremely popular in Europe for years.

Station Wagons: Similar to hatchbacks, station wagons also usually have five doors and offer attributes of larger cars while remaining smaller. Also similar to hatchbacks this style has been less popular in the past but seems to be drawing appeal with more environmentally conscious consumers.

SUV/Crossover: SUV and crossovers tend to be heavier, taller, and slightly bigger versions of a hatchback or station wagon. They offer power for those who tow regularly or need to get through snow or rough roads. The downside is their fuel-economy, getting very low miles per gallon is almost inevitable with most SUVs and crossovers. They also do have a higher seat position which is a plus for some people, offering increased visibility and an ease of entry and exit.

Minivan: those with large families, or plans of becoming a large family, may turn to the easiness of the van. With room for five or more people, usually easily able to accompany eight passengers, the van is like a jumbo SUV. More cargo space and passenger room offered by vans equates to more comfort but offer little visual aesthetic or driving fun.

After determining which style of vehicle fits your needs head to Chevrolet Payson to check out the large selection of new Chevrolet models and see which one works best for your lifestyle and needs.

The program, which has already began at participating U.S retailers, includes two portions: “Love it or Return it” and “Total Confidence Pricing”.

Love it or Return it ensures customers that every new 2012 or 2013 model vehicle purchased can be returned with less than 4,000 miles driven and no damage, 30 to 60 days from the purchase date. So basically stated if you don’t love your purchase you can just return it.

The Total Confidence Pricing part of the program states that all 2012 model year Chevrolets will be offered at special preferred prices in addition to all current vehicle-specific incentives. Meaning the price you see is the price you pay, no questions asked.

“There is no better time than now to be a new Chevrolet customer” says General Manager of Freeway Chevrolet, Mike Cook. “Consumers who have been driving other brands or even older Chevrolet makes will not only find the Love It or Return It guarantee very attractive but they will also be pleased with the new design, technology and safety of Chevrolet”

With a solid new lineup of vehicles out, Chevrolets U.S dealerships are constantly working to enhance Arizona Chevy customers overall experience, which results in upgraded service, products and customer focused staff. By starting at the dealership level Chevrolet is clearly installing the image of quality to motorists around the world.

Last year Chevrolet sold 4.76 million vehicles around the world, which is a global sales record. In addition to that they are on track to have the best-ever first quarter sales in 2012. In the past two years, Chevrolet has grown faster than any other high-volume global brand and is the leading U.S brand for both passenger car and performance car sales.

Specifically the Malibu was recognized as the highest-performance midsize car according to the 2012 J.D Power and Associates initial Quality Study. The Silverado HD, Avalanche and Tahoe were all also ranked in the top three of their divisions. The Cruze Eco and Sonic were voted two of the Best Family Cars by Edmunds.com and Parents magazine. Finally Chevrolet as a brand had an improvement of 8 percent in its overall performance study.

So if any customer is on the fence about Chevrolet now is the time to take a 30-day test drive at the best Payson Chevrolet dealer, Chapman Payson.

The 2013 Chevrolet Volt will be bigger and better. The bigger part refers to the battery; the new battery will be able to go an additional three extra miles when driven solely on the battery. The new battery is not any heavier or larger, just “electrically bigger.”

Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah said improving electrical range was the number one request from customers. Three miles may seem like a minor improvement but it actually is incremental.  Ultimately it enables people to go gasoline-free in their daily driving, those miles add up over a week. Importantly, Farah said that the EPA made no major changes to the test procedures, so it is legit to compare the 2013 MPGe number to earlier ratings.

The extra range can also be attributed to different battery chemistry as well as the size, a 16.5kWh instead of a 16kWh. While the initial increase may seem small, new Chevy Payson drivers can expect incremental changes in future Volts. Bill Wallace, GM’s director of global battery systems engineering, added that they are constantly researching how to improve the energy storage and power of batteries, and the future looks infinite in possibilities for improving the battery systems.

Outside of the battery other changes in the Volt are minor. There is now an arm rest between the two back seats. A new power gauge in the dash that shows more information about how and where the energy being used is coming from, it displays how much is from the battery and how much is from the gas tank. There is also a collision alert and lane departure warning. The 2013 model will also have additional interior and exterior colors such as pebble beige and silver topaz metallic. Finally there are also all new sport alloy wheels.
The 2013 Volt goes on sale in August. GM said there has been no change in pricing or destination fees compared to 2012 model. For more information on the new Volt check out your Arizona Chevrolet dealer.

Hall Brothers racing is a Dodge sponsored racing team that is made up of the unique duo Raminator and Rammunition.

Both Raminator and Rammunition have 565 cubic-inch supercharged Hemi engines that can certainly take care of business, and the competition. The team is made up of Tim, Mat and their crew. According to their website, Tim Hall is now a four time MTRA “Mechanic of the Year,” while Mark Hall’s number of times winning the “Driver of the Year” award has increased to a record seven times. Raminator has won the coveted “Truck of the Year” six times as well. Add seventeen season point championships to this list and it makes for some pretty impressive stats.

Mark Hall was quoted saying, “You can never let your past success go to your head. We run against some great competition, and it is always anybody’s race. We just have to keep doing the best we can and see what happens.” Tim Hall agrees. “We have a lot of power in our trucks and great drivers in the seats. Our team feels very fortunate with our achievements and we just have to keep doing what we do!”

Mark Hall believes it takes far more than just winning races to be considered a true champion. He says it takes someone who is driven and truly enjoys the sport. Mark is the pilot of the famed Dodge Raminator. Hall not only races in a number of series and special events, but travels the country doing dealer appearances and charity functions.

Arizona Dodge fans should know that Raminator and Rammunition are both among the most feared opponents in racing. The Dodge factory backs both trucks and has allowed for significant performance gains, especially for the engines. Horsepower is the main advantage to the Dodge team since it translates directly into high-flying freestyles. The team is especially notable for ending Bigfoot’s run in the ProMT and the Special Events series, Bigfoot is a Ford backed racing truck.

For more information or to find out when the Hall Brothers are making a Dodge dealership appearance check out your Chapman Payson dealership.

In 2011 Chrysler refined its 300 series with a makeover, but unfortunately that makeover didn’t come with an SRT8 version. For 2012 that has changed, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 has been debuted and it is not only powerful but extremely good looking as well.

The new 300 SRT8 has an upgraded engine that oozes power. The Pentastar 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine produces 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, which is an improvement of 40 horsepower and 45 lb-ft from the 2011 300. Official estimates of a 0-60 time is said to be “in the high four-second range,” and a quarter-mile time of fewer than 13 seconds. The transmission of choice will be the carryover five-speed automatic, though paddle shifters will join the automatic to give drivers a couple options for gear selection. On top of that Chrysler’s high-end brakes manage to bring this undoubtedly heavy sedan (the last generation SRT8 tipped the scales at 4,046 lbs) from 60 mph to a stand-still in under 120 feet.

Any consumer would assume that all these power upgrades would lead to worse fuel efficiency but Chrysler has somehow managed to boast the SRT8’s fuel economy by 25 percent. They did so by using a new active valve exhaust system, which allows the big V8 to drop down to four-cylinder mode over a wider range of RPM. The 2012 SRT8 is expected to get about 24 miles per gallon highway.

Another upgrade useful to Chrysler Jeep AZ consumers is the Adaptive Damping Suspension, this tool gauges vehicle speed, steering speed, angle, brake torque, throttle position and acceleration to tone the suspension under any condition. Consumers have the option of either Auto or Sport setting which change automatically to determine ideal shock damping and ride comfort.

The 2012 300 SRT8’s outside is just as menacing as what is under the hood. The four-door is dropped by half inch and side cladding is painted in body color. The front and rear fascias are updated to stand out in comparison to other 300 models. The seven-spoke 20-inch wheels and slotted upper and lower front grilles easily allow it to stray from the look of the first-generation SRT8.

Inside, the 300 SRT8 features unique leather seating surfaces; a unique, heated steering wheel; and plenty of SRT badging to go around. Also present are the expectant carbon fiber interior trim pieces adorning the dash and doors. Functional upgrades include an Electronic Vehicle Information Center that can measure 0-60, eighth mile and quarter mile times as well as braking distances. Controls for the EVIC are accessed from the steering wheel, and all of the information is available on the large 8.4-inch LCD screen, which can also display information like steering and yaw angle, horsepower and torque outputs.

For more info on the 300 SRT8, along with information about the new 300S and 300C Executive Series, check out Arizona Dodge Dealer.

The new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 may be the best Camaro of all time; it certainly is the most powerful. Development engineers say that one-third of the ZL1’s parts are unique, compared with the current fifth-generation Camaro SS. All of those parts were upgraded to improve performance and has 54 percent more horsepower than the infamous COPO-option in the 1969 Camaro ZL-1.

Under the hood General Motors has put a supercharged, 6.2-liter LSA V8. The LSA has a more efficient intercooler which allows for better intake and exhaust flow. There is actually a 30 percent reduction in flow restiriction when compared to the Cadillac CTS-V. This results in 580 hp at 6,100 rpm and 556 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm for the ZL1, which is up 24 hp and 5 lb-ft from its competitor the CTS-V. The ZL1 also easily surpasses the LS3-powered Camaro SS by 154 hp and 136 lb-ft and moves to the top of the pony-car pecking order by edging out the 2012 Ford Mustang GT500 by 30 hp and 46 lb-ft. The ZL1 comes standard with a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual and added a twin-disc clutch. The ZL1s shifter was developed by Chevrolet and was optimized for a road course rather than drag racing.

The ZL1 may also have been dubbed the ‘ultimate’ Camaro for the fact that it comes complete with something you can’t get in a Mustang GT500 or Boss 302: an automatic transmission. The optional Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed is GM’s highest torque-capacity automatic offered and control algorithms are adjusted specifically for the ZL1. The automatic transmission prefills hydraulics for the next gear to speed upshifts and allows full manual gear selection, no automatic override. Chevy’s track numbers say the ZL1 automatic is quicker than the manual to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile (12.0 seconds vs. 12.1 seconds).

According to Autoweek’s review of the Camaro “The ZL1 gets a variable-rate steering rack, average ratio 16.1:1 and variable-assist electric boost. GM’s Performance Traction Management, adapted from the Corvette ZR1, includes launch control and allows the driver to tailor a range of electronic management systems, from traction to MRS to steering. Mode 5 lets the computer manage stability control only to optimize longitudinal grip. It’s intended to make all but 99th-percentile drivers faster than they would be with the electronics switched off completely.”

Chapman Payson drivers will also enjoy standard amenities that far outdo that of the GT500, including a transmission cooler, differential cooler and brake-cooling ducts, and specific optimized aerodynamics for high speeds. The upgrades continue on the interior of the vehicle with Alcantara dash trim and coordinated ZL1 logos. There are also Alcantara inserts in the power, heated front seats, red stitching in the leather and embroidered logos on the headrests. There is also a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, along with rear-park assist and rearview camera.

Even with all these luxury items, the ZL1 lapped the Nordschleife some 40 seconds faster than the Camaro SS, with a top speed of 150-mph-plus and an average of 88 mph. For more information on the Camaro ZL1 check out your Payson Chevrolet dealer.

Payson Chapman Dodge adds the new Dart to their compact car family. The Dart offers many features including a turbo engine that achieves 40 MPG, 12 different exterior colors, and advanced safety features all at a reasonable price.

The rumors are true – Dodge released the brand new Dodge Dartand it is available at Payson Dodge. This new addition to the compact family boasts beauty inside and out and is perfect for those looking for a reasonable price.

Under the hood the Dodge Dart has three engine options including a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder 160-horsepower, a 1.4-liter turbocharged intercooled 4-cylinder 160-horsepower, and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, 184-horsepower which utilizes the MultiAir 2 system that offers exhaust-gas recirculation that is more efficient.  All three engine options achieve an unadjusted gas-mileage rating of at least 40 mpg. There are three transmission options as well.  The standard option is a 6-speed manual design by Fiat Powertrain. There is also a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic version available for the 1.4-liter turbo. And finally, there is also a regular style 6-speed automatic option for all three engines.

Outside the Dodge Dart has pursued nothing but aerodynamic excellence, including a grille system that opens and closes automatically based off of the vehicles speed and engine-coolant temperature. There are composite panels that smooth out airflow and reduce road noise. The top of the Dart features a laser-brazed roof seam which eliminates roof-ditch moldings and results in a much cleaner look and reduces interior resonance. The Dart is available in twelve exterior colors, some of which include “Header Orange” and “Laguna Blue”. All of this comes at the sensible starting price of $15,995; it fits into almost any buyer’s budget.

“At Chapman Payson Dodge we go out of our way to ensure that we sell vehicles that offer a lot of features both in and outside of the vehicle and at a price people can afford. The new Dodge Dart does all of that,” says General Manager Buck Rogers.

A look at the interior of the Dodge Dart would leave anyone impressed. Not only do you have 14 interior and trim options but it also comes complete with ambient interior lighting. It also includes an 8.4-inch UConnect Touch Media Center with voice recognition, an Alpine audio system, a full-color seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, keyless entry and start, and a heated steering wheel.  There are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and ten airbags that come standard, as do the electronic stability control and electronic roll mitigation.

This car is definitely worth checking out! So come to Chapman Payson Dodge, the best selling Dodge dealers in Payson.