Autoblog

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Buick, GM, GMC

Nine days ago, we posted about Michael Richards getting Susan Docherty's old post at General Motors, brand manager for Buick-GMC. Today, he walked away. According to The Detroit News, the official (yet still unofficial) reason is that Richards' previous employer - Trinity Automotive in Austin, TX - made him a very strong counter offer. Though it seems to us that Trinity would have made the counter offer before Richards packed up and moved north, and we've also heard rumblings from Detroit insiders that there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Whatever the actual reason for Richards' abrupt departure, Buick-GMC is currently without a leader. Chevrolet is in a bit of a better position, even though just yesterday its vice president and 31-year company vet Brent Dewar suddenly retired. Dewar was appointed to his position in July by ex-CEO Fritz Henderson, who just resigned/was outsted from GM... nine days ago. Dewar was immediately replaced by Jim Campbell, Chevy's Fleet and Commercial Operations manager.

It seems mostly obvious to us, that both Richards and Dewar's sudden departures have to do with Henderson leaving. Because honestly, it sure as hell ain't the weather outside the Renaissance Center. As for Richards specifically, it must have been odd and unsettling to start a new career on the very same day that the guy that hired you exits stage left.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

The holidays are coming and everything must go! So says GM's VP of sales Susan Docherty. "All of our efforts will be to sell down our remaining 2009 inventory." Docherty is expecting all the 2009 cars to be cleared out by January, 2010. The big sales, starting this week, each get their own names. Chevy is having a "Red Tag Sale," Buick-GMC are going with "Holiday Event" and tip of the top Caddy is using, "Seasons Best."

As it happens, that's right about the time that Pontiac and Saturn are set to wander off into the sunset -- for good. As of right now, there's only about 10,000 Pontiacs and 8,000 Saturns left on dealer lots. "We're actually winding down those products quicker than we had anticipated," said Docherty. Curiously, there's no mention of what GM will be calling the Pontiac and Saturn sales, though "Get 'Em While They're On Fire!" has a certain ring to it.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Scott Olson/Getty]

REPORT: All GM brands to go on sale this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:33:00 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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The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia

Alex Nunez — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, GMC, Celebrities

Joe Carnahan's big-screen adaptation of the '80's TV classic, The A-Team, is apparently coming together up in British Columbia. That's where Splash News caught the movie version of the familiar black GMC van in action kicking up dirt for the cameras. The film's slated for a 2010 release, starring Liam Neeson as Hannibal, Bradley Cooper as Faceman, and UFC brawler Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Oh, Jessica Biel's in it, too. Anyhow, we're curious to see how this all turns out. For instance, will the A-Team actually hit any bad guys when they fire their rifles at them in the movie? For more views of B.A.'s signature ride, head on over to Splash News, where a slew of photos are posted for your enjoyment. . Thanks to Chris for the tip!

[Source: Splash News]

The A-Team van spied in action on set in British Columbia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early

John Neff — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC

Click above or follow the jump to view more videos

By now we've all seen the commercial for General Motors that features the company's new chairman, Ed Whitacre, introducing its "Satisfaction Guaranteed" 60-day return program. Good stuff, but that commercial was just an opening salvo in the company's upcoming marketing assault. We've got the next four commercials for you right here, set to air late Sunday evening during The Emmys and NFL games. We particularly like the one above that compares the new GMC Terrain to the Mini Cooper S with an automatic transmission since both get 32 mpg highway (NOTE: a Cooper S with a manual achieves 34 mpg highway). Sure, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but the stark contrast in size makes a big point. What's even more interesting than their matching highway mpg numbers is that the Mini's 23 mpg city is just 1 mpg better than the Terrain. Follow the jump to the other three new GM commercials that will air this weekend, one of which directly compares the 2010 Buick LaCrosse to a Lexus ES350.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early

VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Stand-alone Buick, GMC dealers to be dualed, only 17k Pontiacs left

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Buick, GMC, Pontiac

From a bird's eye view, bad old bankrupt General Motors' transition into the new, solvent "good GM" looks pretty much okay. From a marketing point of view, Chevrolet matches up well with Ford, Buick is akin to Mercury and Cadillac is the brand Lincoln would love to be. Or maybe Chevy matches up with Toyota, Buick with Lexus and Cadillac... er... point being, in some justifiable, mostly non-abstract way, those three brands make sense. But GMC? Every truck GMC sells (and all they sell is trucks) is already available as a Chevrolet. In fact, counting the Colorado and the Avalanche, Chevy sells more types of trucks than truck-only GMC. Someone then might raise the question, "Why is new GM keeping GMC around?" Ask a Buick dealer.

Automotive News is reporting that by October 2010 there will be no stand-alone Buick or GMC dealerships. They will all be consolidated into Buick-GMC "duals." This decision will affect around 3,000 dealerships that peddle/peddled Buick, GMC and/or Pontiac - they will be consolidated into 2,000 Buick-GMC dealers. Said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick and GMC, "All our franchise agreements will be renewed then, and we'll only offer one contract: a dual Buick-GMC." When asked how many stand alone stores will be left selling just Buicks or GMCs, Docherty said, "none."

Small side note: if you want to buy a Pontiac, you'd better hurry up. The prices have been slashed, they're selling like hot cakes and Docherty is saying by tomorrow there will only be 16,000 to 17,000 left - and that's it.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Stand-alone Buick, GMC dealers to be dualed, only 17k Pontiacs left originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:29:00 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: The Blake Project offers $100k worth of free brand consultancy to GM

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors is probably swimming in ideas and getting another thousand offers every day on how to turn the company around - there are fifteen pages of responses on the Tell Fritz site alone, and those are just the questions the GM CEO has answered. Add the company's recent advertising issues to that, and the internal suggestion box is most likely brimming as well.

Enter The Blake Project, a brand consultancy firm that is offering GM $100,000 worth of time for free. That won't include economy travel expenses, but will include a day with the firm's three-man team of Jack Trout, Brad VanAudken, and Mark Ritson, to "share insights, ideas and expertise."

What might those insights and ideas be? Some of them were looked at in a piece called "New Brand Strategies for GM." The first task given is to define the brands, e.g., Chevrolet should stand for something like "Good value, variety and heritage," instead of "big, small, expensive, cheap, truck, van or sports car." Buick should "stop making cheap Buicks," and Cadillac "can never be a prestige car. The fancy imports dominate that category." Is that glimpse worth setting aside a day of GM's time? If anyone at the General thinks so, click the link below...

[Source: Branding Strategy Insider]

REPORT: The Blake Project offers $100k worth of free brand consultancy to GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bob Lutz "crapped all over [GM's] advertising," went on holiday

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

It's no mystery that Bob Lutz wasn't particularly pleased with Buick's recent "Photo Shoot" advert, and according to Ad Age, the tri-shield's spot wasn't the only campaign to incur Maximum Bob's maximum wrath.

On July 14, General Motor's new Vice Chairman sat down with the automaker's branding teams, and according to one source, "crapped all over the advertising," then left on a Caribbean vacation.

Specifically, he took issue with the aforementioned Buick commercial, as well as the Kate Walsh (of Grey's Anatomy fame) Cadillac ads, saying the spots were "too dark" and that Chevrolet's new campaign - which has yet to run - is "too lifestyle-focused."

Speaking with various insiders at GM, its advertising agencies and the creator of the Buick spot, Ad Age reports that Lutz will be spearheading in-depth reviews of current and upcoming campaigns to best represent the General's post-bankruptcy rebirth, and taking an old-school approach that highlights the products and features in its line-up.

Lutz said in a webcast before the meeting, "I think you will very quickly see a drastic change in the tone and content of our advertising. And if you don't, it will mean that I have failed."

[Source: Ad Age | Image Source: Stan Honda/Getty]

REPORT: Bob Lutz "crapped all over [GM's] advertising," went on holiday originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Bankruptcy Judge OKs sale of good assets to New GM

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:07:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM

General Motors has cleared a major hurdle to get out of bankruptcy quickly, as U.S. Judge Robert Gerbe has finally given the automaker the go-ahead to sell off its best assets to a newly formed company that analysts have been calling "New GM". The new GM will include assets like the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, plus plants and production facilities that haven't scheduled for closure. The old GM will consist of soon-to-be shuttered plants, the Pontiac brand and mountains of debt and liabilities.

Judge Gerbe gave the go-ahead on Sunday because he felt not doing so would cause "immediate and irreparable harm" to the 100-year-old company. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Treasury Department was threatening to cut off funding to GM if the sale didn't go through by July 10. Hundreds of GM's debtors requested that the sale be rejected, but Judge Gerbe's ruling likely means that the affected parties won't see much, if any money owed.

GM entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 1, and if New GM actually does emerge from bankruptcy this week, the fourth largest bankruptcy in this country's history will have been completed inside of just six weeks. The timeframe is very similar to that of the much smaller Chrysler, which needed only 42 days to exit bankruptcy.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Photo by Hiroko Masuike/Getty]

BREAKING: Bankruptcy Judge OKs sale of good assets to New GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Last Time: Henderson slams door on Pontiac G8 revival

Alex Nunez — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance

Middle East-market Chevy Lumina SS - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson held a web chat with journalists earlier today over at the automaker's Fastlane Blog. (Full transcript available here.) Now, despite persistent rumors to the contrary, it's been reported a few times over that GM has no intention of resurrecting the Aussie-built Pontiac G8 under a different division, even though variants of the G8's Holden Commodore source material are sold in foreign markets under both the Chevrolet and Buick nameplates. This is a lamentable course of action, to say the least, because the G8 is a really good car. In particular, the G8 GT and GXP models are downright excellent. Towards the end of the web proceedings, AutoWeek's Greg Migliore went to the well one last time on behalf of enthusiasts everywhere, asking Henderson if the G8 has any future under one of the "new" GM's remaining brands.

14:45 [Comment From Greg Migliore--AutoWeek]
Does the Pontiac G8 have any kind of future within General Motors as a re-badged model? What kinds of changes would need to be made to the car for it to be sold under another brand?

14:45 Fritz Henderson: I am not a fan of rebadging.

That's a terse, disappointing, answer - especially considering that of GM's four remaining divisions, GMC is made up almost exclusively of warmed-over Chevrolets. R.I.P. Pontiac G8. (Or new Chevy Impala. Or Buick Park Avenue...)

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)

[Source: G M Fastlane via Motor Trend]

One Last Time: Henderson slams door on Pontiac G8 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM stops trying to sell medium duty truck line, will cease production of Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick

John Neff — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: GM

Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick - Click above for high-res gallery

For the past four years, General Motors has been trying to sell its medium duty truck business, which produces the giant Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick. Navistar, Isuzu and other unnamed suitors were all at one point in discussions with GM to make a deal, but none ever happened and today the automaker announced that it would will "wind down" production of the Kodiak and Topkick and cease production altogether on July 31st.

In addition to the consumer-oriented models from Chevy and GMC, the medium duty truck operations also produced the commercial grade C4500, C5500 and C6500 models. Halfway between a full-ton pickup and an actual semi, these mammoth haulers were best suited for just that: towing. Chances are if you ever saw one on the road, there was a trailer behind it.

The Topkick also earned acclaim for its acting prowess in the Transformers film franchise playing the Autobots' weapons specialist, Ironhide. Unfortunately, success on celluloid didn't transfer to sales on the street, and it looks like Ironhide may be taking his last curtain call in Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.

Gallery: Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM stops trying to sell medium duty truck line, will cease production of Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick

GM stops trying to sell medium duty truck line, will cease production of Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have announced a suite of recalls for the Chevrolet Camaro, Traverse and various body-on-frame SUVs and pickups (Cadillac's Escalade, Chevrolet's Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban and Tahoe, along with GMC's Canyon and Yukon).

The Camaro recall has been discussed before, but now we have the official language and affected unit numbers to share with you. The recall of 1,243 Camaros is due to the possibility of the positive battery cable rubbing against the starter motor housing. When the insulation is worn through because of that chafing, the system can short out and the car won't start (or continue running if the motor is already going). Dealers will reroute the positive cable to fix.

15,393 2009 model-year Traverse crossovers are being recalled for a parking brake cable link that is not to federal specifications. According to the official press release, the parking brake pedal may cause the cable link to snap. Dealers will replace the cable link connector for free. Oddly, the recall does not make mention of GM's other Lambda-based three-row crossovers, which include the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook.

Finally, 27,189 GM SUVs and pickups are being recalled due to potential faults with their fuel system control modules. The modules might have a seal problem that allows water in, which could then cause a short- or open- circuit, a development that could potentially trigger a host of warning lights or render the vehicle inoperable. Dealers will install a new fuel system control module unit at no cost. You can read all of the notices after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA - Camaro, Traverse, GMT900]

Continue reading GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues

GM recalls Camaro, Traverse, SUVs/pickups for various issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Cadillac, GM, GMC, Australia

Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With Pontiac's death official, Holden stands to lose around $1 billion annually with the demise of the Pontiac G8. However, Holden doesn't plan to go quiet into night. The Aussie automaker has drawn up plans to offer the rear-wheel drive Commodore platform to Cadillac and GMC.

Although GM's CEO, Fritz Henderson, has confirmed that the G8 won't live on, there's a chance it could be used by law enforcement in the States, and with Cadillac's recent attempts to inject more RWD models into the mix (save the Epsilon II-based sub-CTS), the Zeta architecture could be used for a new line of Caddies.

More interestingly, with GMC safe - for now - from sharing a grave with Pontiac (not to mention the inevitable liquidation of Hummer, Saab and Saturn), Holden could make a case for importing the stillborn G8 ST 'ute to the U.S. as a fuel-efficient alternative to GMC's otherwise big and thirsty pick-ups. Where there's a niche, GM normally likes to fill it, and while the case for the Zeta-based Cadillacs could be made -- particularly as GM seeks to downsize the platform to aid its survival -- the G8 ST's revival seems far less plausible.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2010 GMC Terrain is condensed butch

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, GM

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above for high-res image gallery

The tagline for GMC's 2010 Terrain is "The CUV hs bn cndnsd," which they intend to mean it's all about smaller size yet bigger capability. The direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine returns 30 mpg, the MultiFlex sliding rear seats provide huge storage space or best-in-class leg room, and among the many storage spaces, the center console can swallow a laptop. It's also loaded with kit, including remote vehicle start, red ambient interior lighting, 7-inch touch-screen nav and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens. And according to our reader poll, the styling is an 8 out of 10. Check out all the info in the press release after the jump and the high-res pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: New York: 2010 GMC Terrain

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

Continue reading New York: 2010 GMC Terrain is condensed butch

New York: 2010 GMC Terrain is condensed butch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 GMC Terrain walkaround + B-roll footage + styling poll

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Videos, Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

The GMC Terrain is still getting ready for its New York Auto Show debut, but we've already been given a full dossier of the newest General Motors crossover over the weekend. The Terrain will share underpinnings and powertrains with the 2010 Chevy Equinox, including a direct injected 2.3-liter engine capable of 30 mpg on the highway. As much as the Equinox and Terrain are the same, though, the similarities end when the discussion turns to sheetmetal. The Equinox looks like a far more refined version of its predecessor, while the all new Terrain looks, well, decidedly different than anything in the GMC lineup (and anything on the road, for that matter).

GM has released a video walkaround where stylists and brand executives talk about the Terrain's bold new look, its packaging, and its performance. In addition, we came across some B-roll of the 2010 Terrain out on the open road, and we think it's worth a look. The video is nearly 10 minutes long, though, and the first six minutes are rolling shots of the GMC crossover out in the country. Things get more interesting after that with a detailed look at the Terrain's interior. If you're pressed for time, though, skip right to the eight minute mark to see some cool CGI video. It shows that the Terrain has some neat features, like a pull forward second row that enables more cargo space and a center console that can swallow a laptop whole.

As might reasonably anticipated, we've also detected a wide range of opinions in the comments section about the aesthetics of this latest GMC, and we've decided to put it to a vote... where do you see the Terrain stacking up on a scale of one to ten in terms of styling?

Hit the jump to see both videos and cast your vote!

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain Live

[Sources: FastLane Blog via YouTube; GM TV]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 GMC Terrain walkaround + B-roll footage + styling poll

VIDEO: 2010 GMC Terrain walkaround + B-roll footage + styling poll originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: 2010 GMC Terrain prepares to polarize

Chris Paukert — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, GM, GMC

2010 GMC Terrain live shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

While GMC's new-for-2010 Terrain crossover may be all but identical to Chevrolet's Equinox, one look at this bluff-faced polarizing design will tell you that badge-engineering wasn't part of the program at General Motors. Yes, both vehicles share the same platform, the same engine choices and even the same suspension calibrations, but the in-your-face look here is likely to inspire love-it-or-hate-it reactions. We'll let you decide on which side of the fence you sit, with one caveat: It is often the case that certain cars look better in the metal than on screen or in photographs. We were invited to GM's Design Dome for a media backgrounder, and after being in-and-around the vehicle, we profess that we can't make the same case.

Controversial aesthetics aside, the 2010 Terrain looks to have the goods, including a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the base model that delivers 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Like its Chevy stablemate, this model is tipped to deliver 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway, a very handsome figure for this class. Interestingly, the four-banger features noise-canceling technology to mute undesirable sound characteristics and a driver-selectable Eco button that remaps the throttle responses, shift patterns and torque converter lockup speed to improve fuel economy.

Click through to the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain

Gallery: 2010 GMC Terrain Live

Continue reading New York Preview: 2010 GMC Terrain prepares to polarize

New York Preview: 2010 GMC Terrain prepares to polarize originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Chevy Equinox priced $1,800 less than 2009 model

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Chevrolet has just announced pricing on its new-for-2010 Equinox crossover, and it will carry an MSRP of $23,185 (including $745 destination), a handy $1,800 less than the outgoing model.

That $23k and change will net you the base front-wheel drive LS model with the 2.4-liter, direct-injection Ecotec four-cylinder. The 182 horsepower engine is pegged to deliver 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway (the same figure quoted for its GMC Terrain sibling) and a further 21 mpg in the city, while the pricier 3.0-liter direct-injected V6 will yield 264 horsepower in exchange for more fuel (18 city/25 highway). All wheel drive is available, although full model and option pricing has not yet been released. Expect to see new Equinox models hitting your local dealership forecourts in June, but for now, check out the press release after the jump and click here for more info from the trucklet's Detroit Auto Show debut.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2010 Chevy Equinox priced $1,800 less than 2009 model

2010 Chevy Equinox priced $1,800 less than 2009 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:40:00 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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