I Love Graff Okemos: January 2016

Friday, January 29, 2016

Vehicle Maintenance and Winter Car Care Tips at Graff Okemos

OKEMOS, Mich. – Winter is kicking into full gear now Michiganders, so if you haven’t gotten a head start on our winter car maintenance, now is the time to do it. Driving in winter involves ice, snow, salt, and dropping temperatures, which can all take a toll on your vehicle. With the right care though, you and your car will have a great winter season. On our website, we just launched a service area for vehicle maintenance and winter car care tips at Graff Okemos. These winter car care tips will not only extend the life of your vehicle, but also keep you safe all season long. We know how much of an investment buying or leasing a car, truck, or SUV is, so we’re going to help you keep it in tip-top shape.

On our Winter Car Care Page you can find more information on–

Tires: It’s important to know why winter tires work better than your normal tires. Your tires will make a big difference in winter driving because the treads are designed to maneuver through snow and ice. Read more about the importance on winter tires by clicking the link.
Batteries: Cold temperatures can decrease your car’s battery life. Normally, a battery is good for two to three years, so if your battery is getting old you may want to replace it. To learn more about the effects winter weather has on your battery, follow the link.
Brakes: Your brakes should be in tip-top shape every season, but it’s even more crucial in the winter. Your average stopping distance increases a lot when snow and ice are on the ground, so making sure your brakes work properly is important. Learn more about winter brake maintenance by clicking the link.
Oil Changes: By keeping up on routine oil changes, you’re increasing the life of your engine and car as a whole. It’s especially important to keep up on oil changes in the winter because of the effect the cold temperatures have on the oil. Take a look at the link to see a list of signs your vehicle needs an oil change.
Wiper Blades: Wiper blades are essential for safe winter driving. You need a clear view to maneuver the roads, and you can’t do that with worn out wiper blades. Follow the link to find a list of signs that your wiper blades need to be replaced.

Icy roads and cold weather can do a number on your vehicle, but with the proper care and preparation you’ll be driving safe and sound all season long. Make sure you take the right steps to winterize your vehicle by visiting our vehicle maintenance and winter car care pages online. Each page will break down the proper care you need to have your vehicle running great through the winter season. If you’d like an extra hand with your winter car care, schedule a service appointment with us online. We’re happy to take care of your tires, oil changes, car battery, brakes, and wiper blades at Graff Okemos.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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2016 COPO Camaro is Up for Auction to Benefit United Way

The 2016 COPO Camaro is Up for Sale to Benefit United Way

OKEMOS, Mich. – Chevrolet will be donating a hefty amount to a great organization this week by auctioning off a special edition Camaro. The 2016 COPO Camaro is up for auction to benefit United Way and the entire amount of the winning bid will go to the organization.

Not familiar with the COPO Camaro? It's a legendary muscle car built for drag racing. This Camaro is designed specifically to race in NHRA Stock Eliminator class.

The COPO Camaro get its name from the Central Office Production Order system, which was used in the 1960s for fleet managers to order an unusual combinations of parts. These COPO Camaros are one of a kind. Each is built by hand starting with the production hardware. Dealers normally use this system to put high performance powertrains into production Camaros.

Chevrolet and NHRA Funny Car driver, Courtney Force, created the car’s look with a red hot exterior, Courtney Force-signature graphics, and a red-accented grille trim. The 2016 COPO Camaro is actually the sixth-generation of a legacy that has been formed. This particular one was introduced at the SEMA show last November.

The carbon-fiber high-rise hood shields a 350 racing engine with a Whipple 2.9L supercharger. Inside the car you’ll find a chrome-moly roll cage, a five-point safety harnesses, bucket seats personalized with the COPO logo and Courtney Force’s signature, and a floor-mounted shifter for the THM-350 automatic transmission.

Courtney Force is very excited to pair with Chevrolet on this car saying, “I was extremely honored to work with Chevrolet and help design the 2016 COPO Camaro. The bright red color and the signature slash marks towards the back on the car bring a part of my Traxxas Chevrolet Camaro Funny Car to the COPO Camaro, which I think is really cool. The proceeds from this car go to a great cause and benefit the United Way, so it's an awesome project all around."

The 2016 COPO Camaro will be auctioned off on Friday, January 29^th at 7PM to the highest bidder. If you’re looking for something a little more budget friendly, come out to our dealership and test drive the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited, it’s a great car for every adventure.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Warm Up This Winter With These 6 Comfort Food Recipes

OKEMOS, Mich. – Michigan winters are pretty brutal with the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Although some Michiganders love snow activities like sledding and skiing, for some people the cold just isn't their cup of tea! If you’re one of those people, we have something else for you to indulge in – food! Just because you might be suffering during this winter season, doesn’t mean your stomach needs to. Try out these delicious recipes!

Warm Up This Winter With These 6 Comfort Food Recipes

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

Caramel Apple Crumble Pie

Crockpot Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Fajita Pasta

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

With these delicious recipes you’ll stay warm and full all season long! You can stay safe and warm this winter in a new Chevy too. At Graff Okemos, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle for you. The Chevy Cruze and the Chevy Trax are both great options.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Debuts

OKEMOS, Mich. – Have you had the privilege of laying your eyes on the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu yet? It gets better with age if you ask us. The Malibu made its initial debut way back in 1964, and through nine generations it continues to reinvent itself.

The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has been flaunting all of its assets lately at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, and we're definitely a fan! Quite different from its original debut in 1964, the new Malibu is completely redesigned. The ninth-generation Malibu is longer, leaner, and lighter. Inches have been added to interior legroom, fuel economy is higher than ever, and the 2016 model is 300 pounds lighter. Plus, a new Malibu new hybrid version is estimated to deliver 45 mpg combined.

You might be wondering how a car gets larger and lighter at the same time. Thanks to advanced technology, Chevrolet was able to utilize super-thin, high-strength steel throughout the Malibu's body structure to achieve both goals. The 2016 Malibu gets every more advanced when it comes to efficiency through a new Exhaust Gas Heat Recirculation system. Improving efficiency while lowering vehicle emissions, the system makes use of exhaust heat to warm the engine and cabin.

The reinvention continues on the interior of the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu too, providing drivers and passengers with a completely advanced experience. The sedan's sleek new console design connects users with Chevrolet's available in-car 4G LTE Wi-Fi abilities, as well as the automaker's complete suite of infotainment features.

When it comes to staying safe behind the wheel, the 2016 Chevy Malibu is available with GM's advanced safety systems and driver assist technologies, but a newcomer is also available for worried parents. The new Teen Driver function which allows parents to track information like maximum speed, miles driven, and active safety features engaged to keep their worries at bay knowing their teens are safe.

If you're interested in learning more about the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu or feel like taking it for a test-drive, stop by our dealership! Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Monday, January 18, 2016

4 New Chevy Cars on Display at NAIAS 2016

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Whether or not you're a Chevrolet fan won't be a factor in the level of your experience at the Detroit Auto Show this year. Thanks to four new Chevy cars on display at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, you'll leave Cobo Hall––where the show is held––imbued with a futuristic vision.

Four new Chevy cars on display at NAIAS 2016––the 2017 Bolt EV, 2016 Cruze, 2017 Cruze Hatch, and 2016 Malibu Hybrid––are clear game-changers for Chevy, General Motors, and, in general, the auto industry. Steering away from the traditional auto business model of producing minutely updated vehicles with small nuances differentiating them from previous generations, Chevy has its eye on the future and is drastically blending more efficient engine performance with artistically motivated design and modern technology. Welcome to the future:

2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV offers an impressive driving range of 200 miles on one electric charge, as well as an affordable price around $33,000. A partnership with LG Corp. has enabled GM to develop a litany of new technological features for the Bolt that will add additional value to the electrified vehicle.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

The new Cruze’s athletic build houses technology for 7 connected devices with available 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and is the first in its class to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those are the fun aspects of the new Cruze, but it’s also efficient with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg highway. With 10 air bags and available standard OnStar for the first 6 months, the 5-seater 2016 Cruze is also a safe haven for drivers and their passengers.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch

The hatchback provides ample room for extra storage thanks to its 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, made 42 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seat folded down. It's equipped with an EcoTec turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine with direct injection and start/stop technology. With the hatchback, the Cruze's former 138 horsepower gallops to 153, and its 135 ft-lb. of torque increases to 177. The hatchback is also lighter by 100 pounds as a result of its lean body design, and by 44 pounds as a result of the new EcoTec engine.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Inches have been added to the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid's interior legroom, its fuel economy is higher than ever, and the overall it's 300 pounds lighter than the previous generation. The Malibu Hybrid is estimated to deliver 45 mpg combined, partly thanks to Chevy utilizing super-thin, high-strength steel throughout the Malibu's body. The new Teen Driver function allows parents to track information like maximum speed, miles driven, and active safety features to keep their worries at bay knowing their teens are safe.

If you're unable to attend the Detroit Auto Show this year, you can view more photos of Chevy at NAIAS 2016 here. Looking for a new vehicle, or need vehicle service taken care of? Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Friday, January 15, 2016

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Impala Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– A practical sedan with style and incredible craftsmanship is the 2016 Impala you’ll want to know. Six trim levels, stunning aesthetics, and connectivity make the Impala a vehicle that will continue to impress down each road you travel. To see all the details on this impressive sedan download the 2016 Chevrolet Impala brochure.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Impala Brochure

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala comes available in the LS, 1LT, 2LT, 2LZ, CNG 2FL, and CNG 3LT trim levels. Full-size, front-wheel drive, with roomy seating for five makes this sedan a comfortable ride. Depending on the trim level you decide on, engine options include a 2.5L 4-cylinder or 3.6L 6-cylinder engine.

The 2016 Impala packs plenty of power with up to 305Hp and up to 264 pound-foot of torque. Not only does this sedan pack power, but style, too, with chrome details, stylish wheel options, interior French stitching and wood grain details, and LED headlights. OnStar, 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi, and Chevrolet MyLink with Bluetooth and full GPS navigation allow the 2016 Chevy Impala to stand out by offering drivers convenience and connectivity. You can see all the available features in the downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Impala brochure and decide what you’ll be bragging about to your neighbors.

When you’re ready to add some style and practicality to your driveway, stop by Hank Graff Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Impala. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Chevrolet Officially Debuts 2017 Bolt EV

OKEMOS, Mich. –– It was only in June when the first 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV sighting occurred and auto news outlets disseminated a few spy shots to the public. Shortly after, Chevy released a test-drive video of the electrified vehicle, followed by news that the Bolt EV would incorporate unique technology produced by LG Corp.

Now, Chevrolet has officially debuted the 2017 Bolt EV at the Consumer Electronics Show. It was an apropos environment to show off the electrified vehicle and promote its long-range capability and affordability.

Stemming from the suggestions and opinions of Chevy Volt drivers, the 2017 Bolt EV was created for EV-driving consumers with specific technologies in mind that make owning and driving a Chevy EV long distances more feasible than ever.

Making the driving experience more manageable through personalized solutions was a key factor in developing the Bolt EV. Thanks to innovative technology, drivers will be able to estimate driving range according to "the time of day, typography, weather, and the owner's driving habits," according to Chevy.

Other key features that come with the 2017 Bolt EV include Bluetooth low-energy, which connects an owner's smartphone to the car as they walk towards it, and many technologies supported by OnStar 4G LTE, making the Bolt EV a Wi-Fi hotspot.

With Chevrolet's official debut of the 2017 Bolt EV, other features, which you can learn more about here, were revealed, including:

10.2-inch MyLink color touch-screen display
Rear Camera Mirror
Surround Vision
All-new MyChevrolet Mobile App
EV Navigation Mapping
Gamification

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will be manufactured at General Motors' Orion Assembly facility in Michigan. Although a date hasn't been set for when we can expect the Bolt EV to arrive in Chevy dealership showrooms, we're anticipating the vehicle's release sometime later in 2016.

Looking for a new vehicle, or need vehicle service taken care of? Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Unveiled Before Detroit Auto Show

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Each year, automakers tease the public with glimpses of or hints at new models they plan to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. But for 2016 Chevrolet went a step further and fully unveiled their 2017 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback before the Detroit Auto Show.

What's become one of the most laudable sedans in the industry, after 3.5 million sales the Chevy Cruze is now breaching the borders of its comfort zone. With a "9% market growth in small hatchbacks last year," according to Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America and Global Chevrolet, this market is the perfect opportunity for the Cruze to speed into a segment of peculiar buyers who prefer a vehicle with a rounded back end and extra space to the conventional sedan design.

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback was unveiled before the Detroit Auto Show with some important selling points worthy of mention. The hatchback will provide ample room for extra storage thanks to its 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, made 42 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seat folded down.

The 2017 Cruze hatchback will be equipped with an EcoTec turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine with direct injection and start/stop technology. With the hatchback, the Cruze's former 138 horsepower will gallop to 153, and its 135 ft-lb. of torque will increase to 177. The hatchback will also be lighter by 100 pounds as a result of its lean body design, and by 44 pounds as a result of the new EcoTec engine.

While we can expect some differences between the 2017 Chevy Cruze sedan and its hatchback variant, most are assuming the biggest contrasts will be visible in design, though Chevy hasn't promised the hatchback will attain the same fuel efficiency or be available in a manual transmission. Regardless, we're already confident in this new Cruze design, and we can't wait to have a few on the lot of our Chevrolet dealership.

You can see our current inventory of 2016 Chevrolet Cruze models here, or get a downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Cruze brochure for more details and photos.

Looking for a new vehicle, or need vehicle service taken care of? Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

GM Partners With Lyft to Create Autonomous Vehicle Fleet

OKEMOS, Mich. –– General Motors recently announced plans to test autonomous vehicle technology on the 2016 Chevrolet Volt, but now the automaker is going a step further in the new year.

GM is partnering with Lyft to create an autonomous vehicle fleet. Lyft is yet another on-demand driving app being offered in the dawn of rental vehicle services, second in national popularity to Uber.

According to the startup, the app "matches you with local drivers at the tap of a button." You request a ride, get picked up, and pay the driver through the app after you're dropped off at your destination.

To support the new partnership, GM will invest $500 million into Lyft, with the development of an autonomous fleet at the center of its funding. GM will also support an immediate changeover in operation for Lyft drivers. Instead of using their own vehicles, Lyft drivers will now be able to rent vehicles.

GM partnering with Lyft to create an autonomous vehicle fleet is just one of the ways the automaker is radically changing its business plan. Not only will GM continue to sell cars, it will also rent them, while over time developing an autonomous vehicle fleet owned by another company––Lyft.

But watch out; Google and Ford are partnering to develop self-driving vehicles, according to Yahoo Autos. And Uber plans to have an autonomous vehicle fleet by 2030. Are we finally seeing the manifestations of a new automotive industry for the 21st century?

Despite the influx of new automotive technology and talk of autonomous vehicles, GM has strongly stated it doesn't wish to take away the driving experience so many of its customers enjoy. While GM is putting a large focus on these new business pathways of rental and driverless vehicles, you can rest assured the Chevrolet vehicles you enjoy will still be available at our Chevrolet dealership.

Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Trax Brochure

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Discover big possibilities in a compact SUV with the 2016 Chevrolet Trax. This all-wheel drive and city-smart small SUV can take you anywhere and leaves no corner unturned. Learn more about this fun compact SUV by downloading the 2016 Chevrolet Trax Brochure.

Downloadable 2016 Chevrolet Trax Brochure

Chevrolet signature style on the outside, and sleek details on the inside give the 2016 Trax an athletic look. The Trax offers large cargo space, 15 standard storage areas, 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats, and a fold-flat front passenger seat allowing you to easily tote all your adventure gear along. The Chevrolet Trax delivers everything you would expect from Chevrolet including technology like OnStar and built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi available on the standard 7-inch touch-screen display, Chevrolet MyLink with Bluetooth wireless will keep you entertained and connected.

The 2016 Chevolet Trax is known for its versatility and nimble handling, but most of all for its incredible safety. A five-star overall vehicle score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will ease your mind on any road. Safety features include rear park assist, 10 standard air bags, hill start assist, Stabilitrak electronic stability control, and a rigid high-strength steel structure around the passenger compartment.

Download the 2016 Chevrolet Trax brochure to decide what features you want, then stop by Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos to purchase or lease your 2016 Chevrolet Trax. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos help you. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!