The Pink Corvette Is Back and Racing for a Cause That Matters

Behind every great service department is a leader who sets the tone. At Maritime Chevrolet, that person is Ralph Cascella! As our Service Manager, Ralph brings 38 years of automotive industry experience, an unmatched work ethic, and a genuine passion for the people he serves and everything he does. This month, we are proud to shine the spotlight on one of the most dedicated members of our team. A Career Built on Commitment Ralph grew up right here in Trumbull, Connecticut, and after graduating from Trumbull High School, he found his calling in the automotive business. Nearly four decades later, he has never looked back. For the past 20 years, Ralph has called Maritime Chevrolet home, and his dedication to this dealership is the kind that is simply impossible to manufacture. “I treat Maritime Chevy as my own business,” Ralph says. “I go above and beyond what I’m asked.” That is not just a phrase for Ralph. It is a way of operating. He is typically the first one through the door in the morning and the last one to leave at night. In one memorable example of just how far he will go, Ralph once spent the night at the dealership when the highway was closing so that he could get the driveway paved and have the doors open for customers the very next morning. That is the kind of dedication that defines a career. Ask Ralph about his proudest moment at Maritime Chevrolet and his answer is both honest and heartfelt. “Ten years ago, when the dealership changed ownership, they kept me on as their service manager.” For someone who pours as much of himself into his work as Ralph does, that kind of trust and recognition from ownership means everything. He is quick to share his gratitude as well. “I really enjoy my job at Maritime. Thank you to Eric and the Hodge family for all of their support.” That mutual respect between Ralph and the leadership team at Maritime Chevrolet is a big part of what makes our service department the well-run, customer-first operation that it is. When you ask Ralph what he loves most about the automotive industry, the answer has nothing to do with cars. “The relationships that I have built with customers and employees,” he says without hesitation. “And there is a new challenge every day.” After 38 years, that combination of connection and variety is what keeps Ralph as engaged and motivated as ever. Life Outside the Shop Those who know Ralph from his no-nonsense, get-it-done approach at the dealership might be surprised to learn about the softer side he keeps close to home. In the spring and summer, you will find him surf casting along the Connecticut shoreline or out trout fishing with his grandson, Chase. When fall and winter arrive, Ralph trades the water for his tree stand, spending quiet mornings in nature with his thoughts and a great view. And when it comes to what he truly cannot live without? That answer is simple and sincere: his time with his wife Leslie and his grandchildren. His dream car, fittingly for a man who has spent nearly four decades in the Chevrolet world, is a 1966 Chevelle SS 396. Classic, powerful, and timeless, just like Ralph himself. Twenty years of leadership, countless customers served, and a standard of excellence that runs through everything our service department does. We are incredibly grateful to have Ralph Cascella at the helm, and we hope this spotlight gives our customers a chance to appreciate the person who works so hard every day to make sure their experience at Maritime Chevrolet is a great one. Next time you bring your vehicle in for service, take a moment to say hello to Ralph. We have a feeling you will be glad you did!

Whether you are bracing for a New England winter, hauling gear down a muddy trail, or simply looking for added confidence on wet roads, Chevrolet has a vehicle built for the job. For more than 60 years, GM has been building vehicles with four driven wheels, and the 2026 Chevrolet lineup offers 12 distinct models with available all-wheel or four-wheel drive across trucks, SUVs, EVs, and even a mid-engine sports car. Here is a look at every option and where each one fits. 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS AWD The most affordable entry point into Chevrolet’s AWD lineup, the Trailblazer offers all-wheel drive across four trim levels paired with a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Compact, capable, and easy to live with every day. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD The Equinox brings bold styling and generous cargo space to the compact SUV segment. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the LT, ACTIV, and RS trims, paired with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic for a smooth, confident driving experience in any weather. 2026 Chevrolet Colorado WT 4WD Chevy’s midsize pickup offers four-wheel drive as an option on the WT, Custom, and LT trims, while the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 come standard with it. The ZR2 takes things furthest with a three-inch factory lift, Multimatic DSSV suspension dampers, and a dedicated off-road fascia built for serious trail use. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer 2LT AWD Chevy’s sporty midsize SUV is offered with all-wheel drive across all three trim levels. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers the standard AWD setup, with an optional 3.6-liter V6 also available on the RS trim for those who want a bit more muscle. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT 1 AWD The electric Equinox adds a rear axle motor with the AWD option, delivering enhanced traction and performance. The trade-off is a modest reduction in range from an EPA-estimated 319 to 307 miles, but the added confidence in winter conditions makes it a compelling choice for New England drivers. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4WD America’s best-selling truck offers four-wheel drive across most of its extensive trim lineup. Adding 4WD costs between $3,300 and $4,600 depending on the trim, while performance-focused variants like the ZR2 come with it standard alongside a full suite of off-road hardware. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD Chevy’s most affordable three-row SUV pairs a bold exterior with a well-appointed interior and the option of all-wheel drive for $2,000 on most trims. The off-road-tuned Z71 comes with AWD standard, adding skid plates and all-terrain capability for adventure-minded families. 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV LT AWD The Blazer EV’s all-wheel drive option adds a second electric motor for enhanced performance and traction, with the range-topping SS trim coming AWD-only. Bold design and standout technology make this one of the most distinctive EVs in the segment. 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Every Silverado EV comes standard with four-wheel drive, from the base Custom trim all the way to the rugged Trail Boss. Powerful towing capability, advanced technology, and generous cargo space make it one of the most capable electric trucks on the market today. 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4WD The body-on-frame Tahoe brings three rows, premium appointments, and serious capability to the full-size SUV segment. Four-wheel drive is a $3,000 option on most trims, with the Z71 package adding skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires for those who venture further off the beaten path. 2026 Chevrolet Suburban LS 4WD The largest SUV in the Chevrolet lineup follows the same formula as the Tahoe, with four-wheel drive available for $3,000 on most trims and standard on the Z71. When you need maximum space, maximum capability, and maximum confidence, the Suburban delivers on all three. 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray For the first time in Corvette history, the E-Ray brings all-wheel drive to America’s sports car. A front-mounted electric motor powers the front axle while the mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 drives the rear, combining for 655 horsepower and a driving experience unlike anything else on the road. 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X The most powerful Corvette ever built takes AWD to its logical extreme. A hybrid system pairs a front-axle electric motor with a twin-turbocharged V8 at the rear for a combined 1,250 horsepower, delivering performance that rivals the world’s most exotic machinery on both road and track. From the everyday versatility of the Trailblazer to the jaw-dropping performance of the ZR1X, Maritime Chevrolet has the full Chevrolet AWD and 4WD lineup ready for you to explore. Stop in and let our team help you find the right one for your life and your roads. This informational blog post is presented by Maritime Chevy in Fairfield, CT on October 15th, 2026. Information regarding our current inventory may not apply. Please click here for our most current new inventory.

Some people find their calling early and never look back. Fernando Rodrigues, GM Certified Automotive Technician at Maritime Chevrolet, is exactly that kind of person. With a career that spans four decades and a passion for all things automotive that extends well beyond the shop floor, Fernando is one of the most experienced and respected members of our team, and we are thrilled to introduce him to you. Fernando grew up splitting his early years between Lisbon, Portugal and Bridgeport, Connecticut, giving him a unique perspective and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities his career has provided. Fernando's journey in the automotive industry began in 1985 with Chevrolet, making him one of the longest-tenured Chevy technicians you are likely to meet. His formal training includes studies at the Porter and Chester Institute of Automotive Technology and the GM Service Technical College, and he has spent the decades since building on that foundation through hands-on experience and continuous learning. He has been a proud member of the EH Automotive family for 21 years, a testament to the loyalty and dedication he brings to his work every single day. What keeps a technician engaged and motivated after 40-plus years in the business? For Fernando, the answer is simple: the technology never stops evolving.  That curiosity and commitment to staying current is exactly what makes Fernando the kind of technician customers can trust with their vehicles year after year. If you thought Fernando's love of cars stopped at the end of his shift, think again. When he is not in the service bay, you can find him out on the water boating and fishing, cruising on his Harley-Davidson, or doing what might be his most impressive side pursuit: restoring his 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS. He also has a knack for bodywork and paint, a skill that tends to surprise people who know him primarily as a mechanical technician. And his dream garage? A classic 1966 to 1970 Chevelle, a 1969 to 1970 Nova, and a 1970 SS Monte Carlo. In other words, if it is a classic American muscle car from the golden era, Fernando is a fan. One last fun fact he wanted to share? He is much younger than Ralph (our Service Manager). We will leave that one there. Fernando Rodrigues is the kind of team member that every dealership hopes to have: experienced, passionate, customer-focused, and genuinely dedicated to his craft. We are incredibly grateful for his 21 years of service to Maritime Chevrolet and the countless customers he has taken care of along the way. Next time you bring your Chevrolet in for service, there is a good chance Fernando has had a hand in keeping it running at its best. Now you know a little more about the person behind the work. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights celebrating the people who make Maritime Chevrolet what it is!