Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #218: 2012 Honda Civic, BMW "i", Chevy MyLink, and GMC Granite

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Honda, Rumormill

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Autoblog Podcast #218 is here, and Chris, Dan, Chris Paukert and Zach return to talk about Chevrolet MyLink, the GMC Granite's rumored re-greenlighting, the 2012 Honda Civic and BMW's new "i" sub-brand. Questions and feedback wrap it up, and it's an hour and thirty-three minutes of fun this week. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #218: 2012 Honda Civic, BMW "i", Chevy MyLink, and GMC Granite

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Ram 1500
2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS
2011 Dodge Durango Crew AWD
2011 Audi A6

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:33:00

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Autoblog Podcast #218: 2012 Honda Civic, BMW "i", Chevy MyLink, and GMC Granite originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #218

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

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We're recording the slightly belated Episode #218 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #218

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #218 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM SUVs to continue with full frame, Granite still on the table

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

The Sport Utility Vehicle is dead. Long live the Sport Utility Vehicle.

We all know by now that the SUV, considered the Official Car of the 1990s and early 00s, has mostly fallen out of favor. But that doesn't mean we should expect the large, body-on-frame behemoths - with the exception of impractical niche models like those from Hummer - to completely disappear from automaker showrooms any time soon.

Instead, the market may just right-size itself back to a more natural mix, with those users who really do need the off-road and towing capabilities of a proper SUV sticking with their 'utes and the rest of the population switching to crossovers. With that in mind, Automotive News reports that the redesigned GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, due in 2013 or 2014, will likely stick to their truck-based roots. No surprise.

Nor should we be shocked by the revelation that the GMC Granite, which was first shown at the Detroit Auto Show early in 2010, is still in the works. In today's market conditions, an entirely truck-based lineup makes very little fiscal sense, but we'd imagine that General Motors' Lambda triplets will remain the automaker's volume sellers.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: GM SUVs to continue with full frame, Granite still on the table originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GMC Granite approved for production [w/poll] *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, GM, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When General Motors debuted the GMC Granite concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show, it was a huge hit with both the media and public in attendance. A small hatchback like this would shake up GMC's legacy of only building trucks and crossovers, but it would be a good way to expand the brand's lineup and better establish it as a core part of GM.

Now, the folks at Motor Trend report that the Granite has been given the green light for production, though The General is still in the process of figuring out if it can keep those nifty rear-hinged doors intact. The Granite shares the same architecture as the Chevrolet Orlando which will be produced for other markets and will likely be powered by GM's new 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, possibly mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It's still unclear when we'll actually see a production version of the Granite concept, but we wouldn't be surprised if a few test mules start popping up outside of GM's proving grounds within the next year. Can a tall Scion xB-like hatch exist under the GMC nameplate? Be sure to give us your opinion in the poll below.

*Update: Motor Trend is now saying that it was a bit premature in reporting that the Granite was a go. While MT still strongly believes it will be produced, it has yet to receive the official green light.

View Poll

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: GMC Granite approved for production [w/poll] *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC Granite concept's production fate hinges on door feasibility

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Hatchback, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The compact-sized Granite crossover concept shown by GMC at the Detroit Auto Show proved extremely popular with attendees, and the "Professional Grade" division at GM really wants to put it in production. According to new GMC product marketing director, Lisa Hutchinson, the main stumbling block right now is figuring out how to build the doors. The Granite featured the same rear hinged back doors that are commonly used on concepts to show off the interior.

The goal is to retain the door design for production to maximize access to the rear seat. However, the doors will have to be engineered so that the car can pass side impact safety requirements, an extremely difficult task without a fixed B-pillar, especially on such a small vehicle. The engineering feat has been managed before, as seen on the Mazda RX-8 and Honda Element, but the rear doors on the concept Granite would appear to require a larger opening than the demi-doors on either of the two Japanese offerings, making engineering significantly tougher. Of course, GM could still build the model with a hidden pillar à la Opel's 2011 Meriva, but that might compromise some of its appeal, or its utility if they can manage to build it with the concept's trick folding seats. In any case, GMC itself has shown that it can build rear-hinged doors, as it already has the Sierra extended-cab pickup, but that vehicle's body-on-frame architecture and less weight-sensitive construction could make that an easier manufacturing feat.

At this point, the fate of the Granite remains up in the air.

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

GMC Granite concept's production fate hinges on door feasibility originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built.

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

GMC has always been General Motors' truck and SUV marque, but the brand could break new ground if it decides to build a small urban vehicle based on the Granite concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The Granite would likely be smaller and less rough-and-tumble than any other vehicle in the GMC lineup while also carrying a lower base price tag. If GM's "Professional Grade" brand builds a Granite-like vehicle it could take the marketing road less traveled; television-less advertising.

Buick-GMC advertising director Steve Rosenblum has reportedly told Automotive News that the next step for GMC could be a four-passenger vehicle that slots below the Terrain, and the Granite certainly fits that bill. Rosenblum went on to hypothesize that a Granite-sized vehicle would be heavily marketed to car buyers under age 35, and that its marketing campaign could be focused almost entirely on the Internet. And the tried-and-true "Professional Grade" tagline? GMC could exclude it from Granite ads, says Rosenblum. Hmmm...

GMC could also focus its marketing dollars on "smart phone" advertising. Rosenblum says that by 2011, two-thirds of cell phone users under age 40 will own a smart phone. One application the ad team designed is a brochure for the Granite with bar code designs that can be read by smart phones. The codes would then lead interested parties to a website with features about the Granite, along with a social networking site where interested parties could chat with designers.

Is the Granite a smart direction for GM to be taking with GMC, or is it a bridge too far? Have your say in Comments.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: GMC Granite Concept

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

GMC to drop TV, harness the power of the interwebs to market Granite. You know, if it gets built. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.

We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: GMC Granite takes Professional Grade in a new direction [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Hatchback, GM, GMC

GMC Granite concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Feast your eyes on the ~~next Pontiac Vibe~~ GMC Granite concept. We have to wonder if this car was originally designed to slot into Pontiac lineup before that brand was axed, as it doesn't really seem to fit into the Professional Grade image that GMC has used as a tagline for ages. Or, it could be that General Motors really is considering expanding its GMC brand a few notches down in size.

Whatever the case, we think the Granite is a pretty neat little addition to the burgeoning boxy-but-good small car market here in the States as currently defined by the Scion xB, Kia Soul and Nissan Cube. Unlike those production machines, though, the Granite is a bit tougher in execution, kinda-sorta like the Ford Synus concept from the 2005 edition of the Detroit Auto Show.

Take a tour of the Granite via our high-res image gallery below and feel free to make the jump to view the full press release. We also have video of the live reveal of the GMC Granite concept after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: GMC Granite Concept

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Continue reading Detroit 2010: GMC Granite takes Professional Grade in a new direction [w/video]

Detroit 2010: GMC Granite takes Professional Grade in a new direction [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC Granite concept offers professional grade bix box styling

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, GMC

GMC Granite Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As one of the four remaining brands at the new General Motors, the folks in charge of GMC are trying to come up with a reason for the brand to exist. Until now, GMC's wares have been to Chevrolet trucks what Mercury has been Ford - same stuff different badges. Over the last decade the marketing boffins have tried to position GMC as "Industrial Grade," but it's never been entirely clear exactly what that means.

As a general rule, GMC doesn't produce concept vehicles, but at this year's Detroit Auto Show that's set to change. The GMC Granite is being badged as an "urban utility vehicle," a compact crossover that could slot in below the Terrain and give the brand something relatively unique. GM hasn't divulged what platform underpins the Granite, but it's likely to share many parts with GM's global compact (Delta II) architecture. That means this Granite will have a lot in common with the upcoming Chevy Orlando, but with a five-inch shorter wheelbase and a few other unique attributes you can read about after the jump.

Gallery: GMC Granite Concept

Continue reading GMC Granite concept offers professional grade bix box styling

GMC Granite concept offers professional grade bix box styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The North American International Auto Show is typically the big show for Detroit-based automakers and 2010 appears to be no different for General Motors. Chris Preuss, GM's vice president of communications, has hit Twitter confirming that each of the General's four brands will have at least one vehicle to display at the Detroit Auto Show next month. As expected, Cadillac will unveil the 2011 CTS-V coupe along with a concept version of its XTS sedan, a model slated to replace the aging DTS in the next year or two. GMC will unleash the Granite, which, according to earlier reports, will be based on the Delta platform and the forthcoming Chevrolet Orlando.

Chevrolet figures to have a somewhat quieter show, with its big reveal being the Aveo RS, which we hear is all-new and very little like the narrow and unattractive B-Segment hatch GM is selling now. Buick will be chasing the ghosts of Grand Nationals and T-Types past with a performance variant of the 2011 Regal that may share a lot of parts with the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC. We can hardly wait for January 11.

Gallery: Live: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

[Source: Twitter]

GM exec confirms Cadillac XTS, GMC Granite, Chevrolet Aveo RS for Detroit via Twitter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:17:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, GMC, Spyker, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

'Twas a couple nights before Christmas, and in the Autoblog house, Paukert and Shunk got Roth off the couch... For episode #158 of the Autoblog Podcast! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than an hour and a half of new Podcast? It's fresher than egg nog this week, as the trio chews on the return of the 5.0 in the Ford Mustang, Audi's more sane torque numbers for the E-Tron, and what may yet be a Christmas miracle: Spyker's dogged pursuit of Saab. Rounding out the sextet of topics are the Alfa Giulietta and its potential as a Chrysler, the BMW Z4 GT3, and General Motors' plan to bring the Buick Regal GS to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where it will also debut a Chevrolet Orlando-based vehicle called the GMC Granite.

For the long holiday drives, our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget do fine work. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas

Autoblog Podcast #158 - 'Twas a few days before Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury, Off-Road

GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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