Last Monday, the McGrath Auto dealerships joined forces to bring Cedar Rapids the best selection and prices to our annual summer tent sale at Westdale Mall! The sale went on throughout the week, concluding this Monday, and while the weather did its best to derail the event, we charged forward and the week turned out to be a great success!

The turnout was great with many eager shoppers looking to trade in their old clunkers for a smooth new ride of their dreams! Enjoy some photos from the event and stay tuned for future sales events from McGrath Auto!

Last night’s Cruise Night gathering was a great success with a huge variety of cool classic cars, both new and old! All of us here at Pat McGrath Chevyland would like to thank you for joining us and helping to raise money for Relay for Life! Check out some photos from the event!

Name: Richard Darder
Store: Pat McGrath Chevyland
Department: New Car Sales
Position: Sales Consultant

What were you doing before working at McGrath Auto?
Before working for Chevyland, I’ve worked in the casino industry as a table games dealer, supervisor & manager. After working in Las Vegas, I worked at Native American Casinos and finally, casinos in Iowa. My family and I love Cedar Rapids, so I’m excited to be able to start my new career in auto sales.

What has been the biggest surprise about McGrath Auto?
How much fun it is to work here and how professional the McGrath Auto staff is.

What do you do on your free time?
I enjoy going out to dinner with my family, going golfing and spending time with friends.

Do you have a family/kids/spouse/etc?
I am married with two girls.

How do you plan to make a difference here?
I have a lot of experience in customer service, of which I feel will transfer well so that I can meet our customer’s expectations.

In 2010, the all-new Chevy Camaro bolted to the sales lead in its segment, besting powerful competitors like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. To its credit, the Camaro achieved overall sales dominance without a drop-top model in the lineup. This year, Chevy fills that void and broadens the appeal of its best-selling muscle car by adding the 2011 Camaro convertible to the stable.

Transforming a closed coupe into a convertible can mean diluting the car’s ride-and-handling prowess. Without design and engineering modifications, removing the hardtop weakens the body structure, and a softer ride is necessary to compensate for the resulting cowl and steering wheel shake. Chevy avoided that compromise on the 2011 Camaro convertible through diligent, painstaking engineering, reinforcing the body structure with strategically placed braces. The result is an open-air sportscar that equals the driving dynamics of its coupe stable mate, and betters the torsional stiffness of the BMW 3-Series convertible.

Chevy offers the new Camaro convertible (MSRP starting at $29,150) in two models: LT (1LT and 2LT trims) and the high-performance SS (1SS and 2SS trims).

The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 featuring direct fuel injection and making 312 hp. The SS convertible gets the same 6.2-liter V8 as its mighty SS coupe sibling with a road thumping 426 hp and 420 lb/ft of torque on tap.

A six-speed manual gearbox with Launch Control serves as the standard transmission on both models. Working in concert with the V8, the manual helps deliver zero-to-60 acceleration runs of just 4.9 seconds (for comparison, a 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera makes the same run in 4.7 seconds).

The available electronic six-speed automatic also lets you shift gears manually via steering wheel-mounted TAPshift controls. Match the V6 with the automatic or manual and the Camaro convertible returns an economical 29 mpg on the highway. Proving you can have blistering performance and high efficiency, the V8 delivers an impressive 25 highway mpg.

View Our Chevy Camaro Inventory

Straight-line performance is given with a muscle car, but purists will tell you that all Camaros, drop-top or not, are meant to carve the road. Along with extensive body-structure reinforcements, Chevy kept that road hugging reputation alive by equipping the convertible with four-wheel independent suspension, electronic power steering and ABS brakes with single-piston calipers (track-ready Brembo four-piston units on the SS). A limited-slip rear differential and StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control are also standard. The SS’s performance-tuned suspension also features a “competitive mode,” for drivers who compete in sanctioned racing events.

Sweating the details delivered a power folding top with a smooth, taut appearance, forgoing the unsightly ribs found on most convertibles. The top is made of durable canvas (black or tan) and has a headliner that incorporates acoustical foam to reduce road noise when it’s closed. A glass rear window, complete with defogger, ensures clear visibility. Pop the latch center-mounted in the windshield header, press a single button and the top retracts in 20 seconds. You can also use the available tonneau cover (standard on 2LT and 2SS) for a clean profile once the top is stowed.

WardsAuto.com honored the Camaro with the Interior of the Year award in the Sports Car Category for 2010. Chevy maintains bragging rights with the new convertible, delivering the same high level of interior comfort, style and amenities.

Highlights on the long list of standard features include a six-way power driver’s seat with power recline, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with audio input jack, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar with the Directions & Connections Plan, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation (first six months free). You also get cruise control, a tire pressure monitor and Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist.

Available on the 1LT Trim and standard on 2LT and 2SS, the Convenience and Connectivity Package brings such must haves as Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, remote start and leather wrapping for the shiftknob and steering wheel.

Stepping up to the 2LT and 2SS Trims gets you heated, leather-appointed front seats, a Head-Up Display (HUD), a four-gauge auxiliary cluster and a Boston Acoustics® premium eight-speaker sound system.

Finally, the available RS Package features 20-inch flangeless aluminum wheels with Midnight Silver finish, HID headlamps with integral LED halo rings, unique taillights and a rear spoiler. You can also personalize your Camaro with available interior accent trim packages (including Inferno Orange leather), exterior stripe packages, ground effects and more. Chevy’s smartphone app adds convenience, and a five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty means security and worry-free driving.

The engineers’ goal in designing the new 2011 Chevy Camaro convertible was to match the ride, handling and overall performance of the best-selling coupe. A reviewer for the website autoblog.com did them one better, writing that the convertible “takes everything good about the Camaro and amplifies it.” Test those claims for yourself with a top-down test drive.

View Our Chevy Camaro Inventory

The Chevyland Cruise Night car show event kicked off its first event last Thursday. Even under some less than favorable conditions and some nasty cold winds, the turnout was solid and we’re looking to keep the ball rolling, so gas up your rides and tell your friends! All makes & models are welcome and our next and final event will be held Thursday, May 12.

Enjoy some photos from last Thursday and see you next month!

This past week it was announced that General Motors has awarded Pat McGrath Chevyland with the distinguished 2011 Dealer of the Year honor which recognizes the top 2% of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers by region. To win, a dealer must be a top performer in sales and customer satisfaction. Dealers must also show commitment to these areas on a long term basis by retaining customers, using only Genuine GM parts, participating in Standards for Excellence and maintaining compliance with the Essential Brand Elements program requirements.

Pat McGrath Chevyland would like to thank all of the McGrath Auto employees for making this accomplishment come to fruition. Your hard work and uncompromising dedication to delivering the best vehicle shopping experience in the midwest has propelled us to the top in service and customer satisfaction! The great people that comprise Pat McGrath Chevyland are the glue that holds this company together and you are truely appreciated.

We’d also like to thank all of our loyal customers who continue to choose Pat McGrath Chevyland for their automotive needs. Whether it be for our top notch new and used car selection, vehicle service department or automotive detailing, you continue to trust us with one of the most important investments in your life and we will continue to work hard to do the job right FOR YOU! Without you, none of this is possible.

THANK YOU! We look forward to seeing all of you around the dealership!

Monthly Car Show Returns to Pat McGrath Chevyland in April

After a long winter hiatus, Pat McGrath Chevyland is proud to present our monthly Cruise Night car show! The event will be held from 5:30 to 9:00 PM on the second Thursday of the month, every month throughout the spring/summer, starting April 14th! All makes & models are welcome and there will be food, music, amazing cars to gaze upon and plenty of fun for everyone! Cruise Night will be held at our Pat McGrath Chevyland location on the west end of the dealership lot. Directions

For any additional details, feel free to contact Vince Edwards during Chevyland business hours at 393-6640!

Check back for updates on a new photo album of the past years’ show cars!

Attention McGrath Auto Staff

If you are interested in volunteering to help move cars in preparation for the event, it would be greatly appreciated! Contact Vince Edwards for details!

April 14th, 2011
5:30 – 9 PM

Support McGrath Auto Employee in Linn Country Blues Society Chili Cookoff Charity Event

Pat McGrath Chevyland’s Chris Heck is a part of the Linn County Blues Society and is participating in the 11th Annual Blues n Buffet Chili Challenge this SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27th from 2-5 at the Marriott Hotel on Collins Road in Cedar Rapids, IA. Directions

This is a Chili cook-off between the Linn Country Blues Society and The Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club.  All of the proceeds from the Chili Challenge go to the H.D. Youth Center and The Community Free Health Clinic. This event has raised well over $10,000 for local charities!

Last year Chris Heck won the Peoples’ Choice and Spiciest Chili awards!  It would be great if you could stop by and support a good cause and your fellow employee to help him win again this year!

It is $6 for tickets in advance and $7 at the door!  Hope to see you there!

For more details, visit the Linn County Blues Society’s website by clicking here.

Motor Trend Truck of the Year – Silverado HD – Provides Unparalleled Heavy Duty Clarity

The designation of Motor Trend’s 2011 Truck of the Year is anything but a formality, but with its new frame, new suspension, new powertrain and new styling cues, the latest Silverado HD makes sure that the 2011 Truck of the Year wears a bowtie.

View Our Silverado 2500HD Inventory

For 2011, Chevy revamped its legendary HD Silverado (in 2500HD and 3500HD iterations) to look, perform and feel better than any other pickup in its class. The folks at Motor Trend took notice, and, after evaluating the newest Silverado against its competitors in design, engineering, efficiency, safety, functional performance and overall value, awarded the most powerful Chevy ever some serious hardware: 2011 Truck of the Year. With the 2500HD having already earned Best Three-Quarter Ton Diesel honors from PickupTrucks.com, the newest Silverado is quite simply Chevy’s most impressive heavy-duty truck ever.

2011 Silverado HD – Redefining Heavy Duty Trucks in Iowa

The 2011 Silverado HD earned its designations with a collection of impressive enhancements. First, in the face of stiff competition in its segment, the newest Silverado did what any good heavy-duty should: It got stiffer with a new high-strength steel frame. Now fully boxed with welded crossbeams, the pickup’s new frame provides five times more torsional stiffness, and handles up to 6,635 pounds of payload.

The new frame supports a new and improved independent front suspension with bigger, stronger components (like enhanced torsion bars, precision-forged upper control arms and the HD’s largest steering gear to date) that live up to the “heavy-duty” nameplate. In addition to delivering one of the finest ride-qualities in its class (even when not towing or hauling a thing), Chevy’s sturdier construction keeps overall weight low, but drastically increases the Silverado’s maximum Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (from 4,800 pounds to 6,000), so HD 4×4 models now have the ability to attach a snowplow.

Beneath the hood, HD Silverados start with Chevy’s versatile Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine, proving that you don’t have to mess with what works. Through a six-speed automatic transmission, V8s churn 360 hp and 380 lb/ft of torque. The 2011 Truck of the Year also houses an available new Duramax 6.6-liter Turbo-Diesel V8 with a heavy-duty six-speed Allison® automatic transmission, which not only improves power over last year’s model (now 397 hp and 765 lb/ft of torque), but efficiency and cleanliness as well. Chevy’s Turbo-Diesel is B20 Biodiesel compatible, features a 60 percent reduction in harmful emissions and an 11 percent increase in highway fuel economy.

Trailering also sees significant upgrades under Chevy’s diesel regime. The 3500s now pull up to 21,700 pounds. Silverado 2500s see an uptick of a full ton to 17,800 pounds. Chevy’s standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist and automatic Trailer Sway Control systems deliver serious towing confidence, as does the Silverado’s enhanced new heavy-duty braking system. Bigger and stronger than in years past with an Intelligent Brake Assist feature and a generally improved response and feel, the Silverado’s advanced antilock brakes also sport automatic grade braking, which instinctively downshifts the transmission while descending steep grades, as well as a new exhaust brake system, which prolongs brake life by creating back pressure in the pickup’s turbo-diesel engine – effectively slowing down the engine without applying the brakes.

2011 Chevy Silverado HD Design and Technology

Fulfilling all Motor Trend’s lofty criteria (and not just those focused on performance), Chevy complements its supremely functional HD pickups with sleek styling and impressive interior amenities. In Regular, Extended and Crew Cabs, and with or without the 3500’s available “dually” rear quad-tire setup, the Silverado HD is a commanding and iconic figure on the pickup landscape. For 2011, a new front bumper and grille design fits nicely with the available classic chrome accents and optional new 20-inch wheels. Inside, Chevy’s work truck is committed to luxury and convenience, sporting optional heated, leather-appointed seats (with ample room for up to six adults in Crew Cabs), innovative storage areas and a pair of gloveboxes. Instruments and trim are sleek and streamlined, and accompany available features like a rearview camera, a touchscreen DVD navigation radio with XM Satellite Radio and real-time traffic information, Bluetooth hands-free communication and an integrated USB port.

Chevy brings the newest Silverado well into the new year with the available Chevrolet Wi-Fi by Autonet mobile system, which turns the HD pickup into a mobile Internet hotspot; a must-have for worksites and anyone who runs their business from behind the wheel. New this year, iPhone and smartphone owners can download the free MyChevrolet App, which syncs with the Silverado and allows drivers to remotely lock and unlock doors, set alerts, check vehicle diagnostics, contact OnStar and much more, right from their phones. Chevy’s latest HD also delivers the confidence of the standard OnStar system, as well as a Five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.

Stronger, sturdier and more secure than ever before, the 2011 Silverado HD, Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, earns its designation due to its commitment to superior engineering and functionality. And with a starting MSRP of $28,315, the newest HD stands as one of the best values in a now very jealous class.

View Our Silverado 3500HD Inventory

Get to Know Sales Consultant Todd Benore

Name: Todd Benore
Store: Pat McGrath Chevyland
Department: New Car Sales
Position: Product Consultant

What were you doing before working at McGrath Auto?
I worked at Yellowbook as a Account Executive for 1.5yrs. I handled dropped accounts to get advertising back into the Phonebook, Yellowbook.com, WebReach, Mailers & SEO Marketing.

What has been the biggest surprise about McGrath Auto?
The biggest surprise is how great the management is here. They create a very positive atmosphere which makes coming to work quite enjoyable!

What do you do on your free time?
I like to hang out with friends and family. I also like to work on my 2 cars, a 1991 Dodge Stealth RT and a 2004 Cadillac CTS. I like to have sharp looking cars.

What McGrath co-worker has made the biggest impression on you so far? So far, my biggest influence has been Sales Manager, Andy Burns.