Autoblog

Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Etc., Technology, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors has released pricing for the bi-fuel option for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD, and it's a pill that probably won't go down easy. Buyers who want their workhorses to suck down either compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline can look forward to ponying up $11,000 for the pleasure. That big chunk of change adds a Type 3 tank in the bed for CNG, and GM says that with both fuels, the trucks will have an effective range of 650 miles. The bi-fuel option is available on any heavy-duty truck configuration, including four-wheel drive and extended cab models.

The automaker says the bi-fuel trucks are a way for business owners to safeguard themselves against volatile gas prices, and that the option could save anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 over the course of three years depending on fuel fluctuations. However, any option on a work truck that only might break even in three or four years seems like a tough sell in our book, especially given the reduction in useable bed area. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a quick video.

Continue reading Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]

Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of male ownership

Chris Tutor — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Truck, Etc.

Last week we brought you Inside Line's list of the 10 cars most likely to be owned by a women. The Volvo S40 came out on top among the ladies. But what's most likely to be owned by a guy? Minivans? Fuel-efficient hatchbacks? Hybrids?

No.

At the top of Inside Line's list is the very masculine, testosterone-oozing Ferrari 458 Italia. It should be no surprise that 95.3% of 458 owners are men. We sure would like to meet the other 4.7%.

Ahem. Anyway, in second place is the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, then the Audi R8, the Mercedes SLS AMG and then, at No. 5, the Ferrari California. So far, we've pretty much recited every male motorhead's ultimate wish list. Seriously, what self-respecting man doesn't put himself to sleep every night running through the gears of any of those cars?

At No. 6, is the perennial Porsche 911, then the Nissan GT-R at No. 7 with 87.9% male ownership. No. 8 is the obligatory GMC Sierra pickup closely followed by the Ford F-Series at No. 9. Rounding out the list at No. 10 is the consummate mid-life crisis Chevy Corvette with 86.9% male ownership.

So where does that leave the Ford F-650? Are there really that many women buying that monster?

These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of male ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM schedules 21-week idle of three truck plants

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Four of General Motors' full-size truck plants, three of them in the U.S., will go intermittently silent for a total of 21 weeks in order to retool for 2013 model year production. The Fort Wayne, Indiana and Flint, Michigan plants have both been in the news lately as recipients of multi-million dollar investments for just this purpose.

Fort Wayne will shut down for nine weeks over the course of 10 months, from January to October of 2012, while Flint will stop production for seven weeks from June to November, and the Arlington, Texas facility will be quiet from June to December for five weeks. The Mexico plant in Silao will find out its shut-down schedule next year. GM has been stockpiling a 90-day supply of its Silverado and Sierra pickups to make up for the loss of production.

When the 2013 models arrive, unconfirmed reports indicate we can expect a new forced-induction V6, the continuation of the 5.3- and 6.0-liter V8s, and the 6.2-liter V8 going into the heavy-duty versions exclusively.

GM schedules 21-week idle of three truck plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Share of trucks being sold in U.S. at 31-year low

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Auto sales were up sharply in April, but trucks continue to make up less of the overall pie. Ward's Automotive reports that light-duty pickups accounted for only 11.8 percent of overall vehicle deliveries; the lowest total since Ward's began collecting data back in 1980. Back in 2005, when the auto industry and the economy at large was far healthier, light trucks accounted for 22.9 percent of all vehicles sold.

There are a lot of reasons truck sales are flagging as of late, not the least of which is gasoline prices that are currently at about $4 per gallon nationwide. But truck sales are also being hurt by unemployment rates and continued weakness in the housing sector.

Trucks are no longer such a large portion of over all car sales, but the utilitarian vehicles are still selling far better than they were in 2010. Truck sales are up 17.9 percent year-over-year, but that number has been outpaced by overall growth of 19.4 percent.

While trucks aren't quite as popular as they were a few years ago, we suspect that this trend may lose steam as the economy improves. After all, light trucks continue to outsell cars even with high gas prices and a poor housing market, though the advantage is down to 5,000 units so far in 2011.

Share of trucks being sold in U.S. at 31-year low originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Storm Chasers adds super GMC Sierra to tornado chase fleet

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., GMC, Specialty

Storm Chasers' GMC Sierra TWISTEX Probe Tornado Chase Truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chasing tornadoes is an endeavor that few individuals willingly undertake, but the ~~nutjobs~~ meteorologists on the Discovery Channel's Storm Chasers are clearly a breed apart. They hunt for storms and point their wheels toward deadly weather, all in the name of science and adventure.

A few years ago, we got a peek at a vehicle designed to venture directly into the path of serious weather conditions. Dubbed the Tornado Intercept Vehicle, it can withstand a direct hit from a passing tornado. It's since been scrapped for the more powerful and capable TIV2. Now, not every storm-chasing ride needs to withstand a tornado in order to learn more about it. For this season's storms, another group of chasers has prepared a custom GMC Sierra quad-cab that's ready to tackle some serious weather-related situations, and even though it doesn't look like it's been designed to go into the heart of a tornado itself, there's some pretty amazing equipment aboard. Click through to the jump for more information on this customized GMC.

Gallery: TWISTEX Probe Tornado Chase Vehicle

[Source: LINE-X]

Continue reading Storm Chasers adds super GMC Sierra to tornado chase fleet

Storm Chasers adds super GMC Sierra to tornado chase fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PickupTrucks.com features V6 work trucks in latest shootout

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Dodge, Ford, GMC

Work trucks are the heart and soul of the U.S. It's nice to have a big, powerful V8 engine under the hood, but the current crop of V6 mills provide both power and solid fuel economy numbers. PickTrucks.com wrangled up three 2011 V6 work trucks and decided to see which one is the new king of the hill.

Mike Levine and his team lined up the 3.7-liter Ford F-150, 4.3-liter GMC Sierra 1500 and 3.7-liter Ram 1500. All three pack V6s and automatic transmissions, with a regular cab, short-bed and rear-wheel drive setup. A 2011 Toyota Tundra was slated to be part of the test but was badly damaged during its cross-country transport.

Each truck ran through a gamut of testing to see how it would fair as a full-on light-duty work machine. We won't spoil the winner, but let's just say few others really determine just how good a truck is like Mike Levine and his crew. Check out the full story at PickupTrucks.com.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com | Image: PickupTrucks.com]

PickupTrucks.com features V6 work trucks in latest shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC Sierra Denali 3500 debuts at Pickup Shootout

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, GMC, Diesel, Luxury

2011 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 - Click above to enlarge

You want the heaviest of heavy-duty pickup trucks and you want to drive in the lap of luxury. If that sounds like you, have we got some great news to share. The 2011 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 pickup truck is now officially official, and the first such unit is currently being tested in tandem by the heavy haulin' folks at PickupTrucks.com and our very own Sam Abuelsamid.

Best of all, come August 16, you'll know exactly the big bruiser Denali compares with its peers. A total of nine Heavy Duty pickup trucks are currently being compared out in Detroit, including multiple models from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.

While we're waiting for all that data to drop, we can at least consider what differentiates a regular Professional Grade GMC pickup from a Denali: Chrome, and lots of it... from the grille to the door handles to the giant badges; 18- or 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels and an interior swathed in leather and brushed aluminum trim. Other niceties include power-adjustable pedals, a Bose audio system, 12-way power seats, heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats. Unfortunately, the exterior will only be available in three colors: Black, Stealth Gray and White.

Feel free to brush up on all the details in the original press release from May after the break, and check out the first image of the GMC Sierra Denali 3500 above.

[Sources: GMC, PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading GMC Sierra Denali 3500 debuts at Pickup Shootout

GMC Sierra Denali 3500 debuts at Pickup Shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM reconsidering 4.5-liter Duramax diesel for use in HD pickups

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Diesel

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

As you may have noticed, automobile sales are picking back up after their seemingly perpetual nosedive of the last two years or so. The same holds true for fullsize pickup trucks, and we're hoping that this resurgence will bring back some of the more interesting developments that had to be shelved due to monetary constraints. Chief amongst these wishes are the unfortunately abandoned light-duty diesel engines from Dodge, Ford and General Motors.

With that in mind, our interest is piqued by a report from our friends at PickupTrucks.com suggesting that the previously shelved 4.5-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine from GM may be back on the table, except with an interesting twist. While the oil-burning powerplant was originally intended just for half ton trucks, GM is reportedly now considering offering the mill in all of its fullsize trucks, including the Heavy Duty models.

General Motors indicates that its 4.5-liter diesel V8 engine is "fully developed and ready" to launch with power ratings of over 310 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. Those figures would just about match what the larger Duramax diesels were putting out about a decade ago and seemingly be plenty for the 2500 class of trucks. What's more, The General told our own Sam Abuelsamid that the still-running fleet of 4.5 diesels is averaging an impressive 25 miles per gallon.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

GM reconsidering 4.5-liter Duramax diesel for use in HD pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GMC, First Drives

2011 GM HD Trucks - Click above for high-res image gallery

Usually whenever we head out to a new vehicle press launch, we have to sit through exhaustive technical and marketing presentations before we get a chance to climb behind the wheel. However, General Motors put us straight into a dual-rear wheel GMC Sierra 3500 crew-cab diesel upon our arrival in Baltimore. On the docket? A 130-mile trek from Baltimore airport to Rocky Gap Lodge in the Allegheny mountains of western Maryland with Vehicle Line Executive Rick Spina sitting shotgun.

We actually appreciated this 'backwards' approach, because it gave us the opportunity to develop some 'gut' impressions of these new trucks even before we got the attendant sales pitch. For a two-hour, mostly highway jaunt, the duallie SLT proved to be a surprisingly amiable companion, but it was just the first of seven different trucks we would drive over the next couple of days. Read on past the jump find out what GM's new heavy duty trucks are like when sampled in a range of real-world conditions.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 GM HD Trucks

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM adds two more Sierra HD Denali models

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, GMC, Luxury

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has just announced that the GMC Denali line will get a little more diverse starting next year. Buyers will now be able to have their 2011 Sierra Denali HD 2500 in two-wheel drive guise for the first time, and the Sierra Denali HD 3500 will join the ranks as well. Until now, customers haven't been able to get all of the fancy bells and whistles that accompany the luxury package on a 1-ton truck, but GM says that after seeing the warm reception of the Denali HD 2500, the move just made sense.

Both trucks still come standard with the same 6.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. For a little extra scratch, GM will be more than happy to plop the beefy Duramax 6.6-liter turbo-diesel engine under the hood, complete with an Allison six-speed automatic gearbox. Yes, that's the same bio-diesel capable mill that boasts a heady 765 lb-ft or torque.

GM also made it clear that starting in 2011, the Sierra Denali HD 3500 will also be available with standard and long-bed options. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM adds two more Sierra HD Denali models

GM adds two more Sierra HD Denali models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New GMC Sierra Denali HD to get the dually treatment

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, GM, GMC, Luxury

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

GMC, the "Professional Grade" truck maker under the General Motors umbrella, isn't finished adding luxe touches to its Heavy Duty series of Sierra pickup trucks. Just yesterday, GMC rolled out a brand-new Denali version of the HD pickem-up truck, but later this year at launch it will be available only as a crew-cab, four-wheel drive, single-rear wheel, three-quarter-ton model.

Before the end of the year, though, GMC will begin spreading the Denali love down its entire line-up of heavy haulers, and PickupTrucks.com is reporting that the dual-rear wheel dually chassis will be included. Naturally, a choice of either the 6.0-liter gasoline-powered V8 or the torque-tastic 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 will be the biggest choice at the time of purchase, followed by the buyers selection of either black, gray or white. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: New GMC Sierra Denali HD to get the dually treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, GM, GMC, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time in its history - and considering that the company has been around for over 100 years, that's significant - GMC decided to make an official appearance at the National Truck Equipment Association show in St. Louis. And the Professional Grade brand brought along the heavies... specifically, the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD.

When the truck hits the market later this year, it will be the first time that GMC has offered a Denali version of its Heavy Duty truck platform. After giving the truck a thorough once (and even twice) over, we have to say that the Denali, even with all of its drilled-out chrome highlights, looks rather subdued and classy in all-black paint. And, though we certainly appreciate the in-your-face attitude of General Motors' two main competitors in the pickup wars, we'd say that understated appearance is a good thing.

Inside, you'll find the expected luxury trimmings, including heated and cooled leather seats and a matching wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, along with some nice details like Denali-specific door sill plates. All that is well and good, but the big news resides under the truck's big black hood: a revised 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine, which is mated up to a stout Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.

For those who like to keep track of these thing, which is to say every single person who's actually interested in purchasing one of these earth-moving behemoths, GM's latest Duramax beats out the 2011 Ford Super Duty in the all-important horsepower and torque wars with 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet. Wanna pull a ten-ton load? No problem. That powerplant is also more fuel efficient (by 11 percent) and cleaner than the unit it replaces.

Interestingly, GM representatives tell us that they had a bit of a back-and-forth with the Feds regarding how best to handle the required refilling of the diesel exhaust fluid tank, which won't run dry for about 5,000 miles between fill-ups. It seems that when the truck gets dangerously low on the exhaust treatment, its speed will be capped at 55 miles per hour. If you run out, the computer nannies will keep you to just a four mph crawl so that you'll never be stranded completely. Want more? Check out our gallery of high-res images below and click here for the rest of the details.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM to shell out $1B to update Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GMC, Design/Style

Chevrolet Silverado - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the current economic forecast includes much wailing and gnashing of teeth, it will eventually turn around. When it does, truck sales are likely to increase as truck-dependent industries look to replace their wares. General Motors wants to be right there on the tip of the spear with the most recently updated product. To that end, GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre has given a McMahon-sized YES to redesigning the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. The effort is likely to ring up a $1 billion price tag.

While the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra aren't exactly old (they were thoroughly redone in 2006), Ford and Dodge have revised their trucks in the ensuing time. While domestic rivals are the biggest competition for the Sierra and Silverado, Toyota's latest Tundra debuted in 2007, intent on mounting a serious challenge, as well. Only the Nissan Titan, enjoying a precipitous drop in sales lately, is longer in tooth. Things happen fast in truck-land. Full-size SUV sales are down and not likely to bounce back strongly, and new fuel economy provisos are coming on strong, too, but the need for working vehicles has merely waned, and General Motors is anticipating that a turnaround in industries like housing will spike truck sales. This proactive funding of a redesign will put GM's new wares in showrooms for 2012-2013.

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Silverado

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Report: GM to shell out $1B to update Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Diesel

The revamped 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine will go into production in April 2010 and the current Duramax, which doesn't meet emissions requirements that go into effect January 1, 2010, will cease production the day before the new year begins. In the interim, GM will be retooling the factory and won't be producing any of the engines to go in the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.

This has some dealers and outside observers wondering if GM will run out of 2009 Duramax engines before the new ones are built and installed in engine bays. One dealer says GM will take orders for extended cab models with the big diesel, but no longer accepts orders for Duramax regular cabs. Analysts believe that with the car and work truck market showing some recovery, that demand will grow just as GM is trying to play the inventory game.

While the General prepares it's urea-infused powerplants, any engines that GM builds through the end of 2009 can be installed in vehicles even if those vehicles are ordered and built next year. For now, GM says it is padding its stocks of Duramax engines and is confident about being able to meet the need.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM halting Duramax production for 10 weeks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors gave embattled Flint, MI a rare bit good news today with the announcement that the truck assembly plant in the company's home town will add some additional production. The truck plant on the south side of the city currently builds heavy duty versions of the GMT900 trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) including all of the crew cab versions. GM has decided to spend $21 million on new tooling for the plant that will allow it to add production of light duty crew cabs as well.

With truck sales seeing some recovery this year with sustained lower fuel prices and the Oshawa truck plant closing, GM decided some extra light-duty crew cab capacity was warranted. Crews will start to make the modifications to the assembly line in the last quarter of this year and production is scheduled to start next July with the 2011 models.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

A couple of years ago, pickup truck comparisons were all about power and towing capacity. Today, fuel efficiency is the new battleground. For the 2009 model year, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado XFE took their fuel economy figures up a notch by hitting 21 mpg on the highway and 15 in the city. Then Ford unveiled the F-150 SFE that matched those numbers, though without requiring the use of a tonneau cover. The Blue Oval dropped the SFE badge for 2010, but kept the improved fuel economy.

General Motors, however, is not content with a tie, and is upping the EPA numbers for its 2010 XFE Silverado and Sierra to 22 mpg on the highway, which just so happens to match the highway figure for the Sierra Hybrid. The combined fuel economy of both GMT900 trucks has also increased from 17 to 18 mpg.

Chevrolet spokesperson Brian Goebel told Pickuptrucks.com that the increased fuel economy is due to several engineering improvements. The XFE model's 5.3-liter V8 now has variable valve timing, optimized shift pattens in its six-speed transmission, and new tweaks for its Active Fuel Management system that enables the truck to run on four cylinders at cruising speeds for longer.

[Source: Pickuptrucks .com]

REPORT: 2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 "indefinitely postponed"

Chris Shunk — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors' 4.5-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine has become the latest casualty of the automotive downturn, as GM has put the promising powertrain on indefinite hold. The General follows Ford, Toyota, and Dodge in dropping light diesel engines from its near-term plans. GM spokesperson Susan Garavaglia told Pickuptrucks.com that the project has not been canceled, and that the General was "still very interested" in using the innovative diesel powertrain in the future.

The 4.5-liter Duramax diesel sounds terrific on paper, with a 25% improvement in fuel economy, 310 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque for towing, and an innovative design that cuts weight while also saving $600 per engine. The news will be difficult for fans of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra anxiously waiting for a diesel engine in a light duty pickup truck. Still, GM points out that it has a dual-mode hybrid truck that can achieve 40% better fuel economy in the city, along with a full line of gasoline and diesel engine offerings in its truck lineup.

While the 4.5-liter diesel isn't going into GM trucks and SUVs any time soon, the General says it would still consider license the technology to a third party if the deal was beneficial to all involved.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: GM 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 "indefinitely postponed" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM says next-gen hybrid pickups could have 50% better towing

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors isn't saying how it plans to do it, but according to our friends at PickupTrucks.com, it is saying that consumers are "...going to see substantial improvements in towing capability in our next hybrids." Right now, the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid can pull 6,100 pounds with their electrically-assisted, multi-displacement 6.0-liter V8 engines. The improvement will be "up to 50% more," meaning a tow rating of 9,000 pounds could be coming this way.

If GM can wring a full 50% improvement out of the drivetrain, that would put the hybrids just 1,600 pounds short of the max towing capacity of the standard gasoline V8 crew cab half-ton with the enhanced tow package. The transmission torque capacity and the necessary cooling systems are the apparently the chief limitations to be overcome, and GM says if the current package can evolve enough, then "one of the things you might consider is E-Flex." And how neat would a Volt pickup be?

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

REPORT: GM says next-gen hybrid pickups could have 50% better towing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM prices Silverado Hybrid, Sierra Hybrid, and Pontiac G3

Michael Harley — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Truck, Chevrolet, GMC

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Pontiac G3

One day before the press converge on the LA Auto Show, General Motors has released pricing on its 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid and the 2009 Pontiac G3. The full-size hybrid pickup trucks each feature GM's patented two-mode hybrid drivetrain with a 6.0-liter V8 under the hood. Assisted by an electric motor, the trucks are rated to tow up to 6,100 pounds. Fuel economy is impressive for a pickup -- they are rated at 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (2WD) when unladen. The base price for the Silverado is $38,995 (including a $975 destination charge). The Sierra barely undercuts it with a starting price of $39,365 (including $975 DFC). Production on the pickups starts in December, with delivery to dealers starting in early 2009. If trucks aren't your thing, pricing on the all-new Pontiac G3 hatchback will squeak in at $14,995 (including $660 DFC), making it the least expensive car in Pontiac showrooms. While you'll drive home in air-conditioned comfort sipping fuel at 32 mpg on the highway, don't expect much in the way of driving excitement.

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Silverado Hybrid

Gallery: 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac G3

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM prices Silverado Hybrid, Sierra Hybrid, and Pontiac G3

GM prices Silverado Hybrid, Sierra Hybrid, and Pontiac G3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007: The year in truck sales

John Neff — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Nissan, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

While the big news story surrounding 2007 sales is that Toyota passed Ford as the No. 2 best-selling automaker in the U.S. last year, there were plenty of interesting battles happening between individual models, as well. The truck segment, though shrinking, is still the most competitive in the U.S. market, and 2007 saw the most serious challenge yet to the domestics' market dominance with the introduction of the 2007 Toyota Tundra.

While the F-Series pickup retained its title of Best-Selling Truck for the 31st year in a row (also the Best-Selling Vehicle in the U.S. for the 26th year in a row), its sales fell 13.2% to 690,589. And to think, the F-Series' best-selling year ever was just three years ago in 2004 when it sold 939,511 units. Give the F-Series credit, however, for retaining its No. 1 position despite a brand new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra on the market. GM's new GMT900 trucks did help the automaker mitigate a similar sales slide, with sales falling only 2.8% to 618,257 for the Silverado and 1.2% to 208,243 for the Sierra in 2007. The Dodge Ram also did well despite the shrinking market, with sales off just 2% at 358,295.

The Toyota Tundra, however, is the story the year...

Follow the jump for more analysis and the raw sales numbers for trucks sold in the U.S. last year.

[Sources: Ford, GM, Chrysler LLC, Toyota, Nissan]

Continue reading 2007: The year in truck sales

2007: The year in truck sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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