Autoblog

Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

2009 Chevy Traverse LT - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of reviewing only family-oriented transportation, this particular blogger began a streak of judging high-horsepower sports coupes. It's damn near impossible to complain about something with more power than anyone should ever need, but after a while my family got tired of trying to shoehorn five-year-old twins into the cramped back seat of a coupe. That's why we were most relieved to see that the 2009 Chevy Traverse was ready for a run in the Autoblog Garage.

The Traverse is the latest though maybe not last Lambda crossover, and since it dons General Motors' high volume Bow Tie badging, it's likely the most significant, as well. It is GM's least expensive eight-passenger crossover while also carrying the distinction of being the most efficient and most powerful Lambda. Does that make the Traverse the best of GM's Lambda litter? We took on the massive people hauler for a week to find out for ourselves.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Traverse LT

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT

Review: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Caravan, Suburban would move to Lambda platform

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, Rumormill

We reported last month that General Motors could move the next Cadillac Escalade to its Lambda platform that's currently used by the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse, and now GM Inside News is reporting via an inside source that the Suburban/Yukon XL may also get the unibody treatment. With replacements for the smaller Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Escalade reportedly cancelled, we think all signs are pointing to each GMT900-based SUV moving over to the Lambda platform with some of the current slow-selling Lambda-based models being cut altogether.

But the craziness doesn't end there. GM Inside News also reports an even more surprising vehicle could get moved to the crossover platform: the Dodge Caravan, assuming of course that the General follows through on talks to purchase Chrysler from Cerberus. You may recall that GM abandoned the minivan market earlier this year in favor of its Lambda-based crossovers.

The Lambda platform must be extremely modular if it can be stretched enough to accommodate the size of the Suburban along with the people- and cargo-carrying capacity of a Dodge minivan. Also on the rumormill menu is a possible Chevrolet version of the minivan. These changes are supposedly set to take place by 2014, and plenty of things can and will change by then. In other words, talk this all with a grain of salt.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumormill: Caravan, Suburban would move to Lambda platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend: Next Escalade to go Lambda

Alex Nunez — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

MotorTrend reports that GM insiders are saying that the next-generation Cadillac Escalade will jump from its current GMT900 truck platform to the Lambda crossover architecture that underpins the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave, and Chevy Traverse. MT points to the Buick Enclave Super that didn't happen as evidence that an Escalambda would be able to handle an eight-cylinder engine, which would be a step up from the rest of El Generalissimo's increasingly-crowded crossover lineup. Edgier, CTS-like styling would likely be a given, too.

Frankly, this is a good idea. The packaging afforded by the Lambda platform is vastly superior to what the GMT900 trucks offer. Remember that in the latter, the 3rd row is bolted to the cargo floor, it doesn't fold flat, and it's generally uncomfortable. The Lambda solves that instantly, and is better suited for what's positioned as a luxury vehicle anyway. Ride quality would be much better, and if GM Design were to deliver an interior on par with what's now found in the CTS, a Lambda-based Escalade would probably represent a quantum leap forward in terms of styling and refinement over the current vehicle.

As for the Avalanche-based Escalade EXT, MT says that GM's mulling over the idea of moving to a unibody pickup, a la the Zeta-based GMC Denali XT concept, to replace both of those vehicles. Again, not a bad idea, especially for Cadillac. The downside is that owners of the current vehicles who use them to tow will likely need to look elsewhere to fill that need. Still, if Cadillac's gig is to sell legit luxury vehicles, moving to more car-like platforms makes all kinds of sense. It's going to be really interesting to see if any of this stuff actually pans out.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Motor Trend: Next Escalade to go Lambda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC cutting next-gen Acadia and Lambda-based SUT?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Chevrolet, GMC, Rumormill

General Motor's "commercial grade" truck unit may be losing two of its planned products, leaving some to contemplate the future of the nameplate in general. It's too early to consider GMC dead, but with the apparent cancellation of the next-generation Acadia CUV as well as the planned unibody truck inspired by the Denali XT Concept, GMC dealers are likely left wondering what, beyond the new GMC Terrain, they are supposed to be selling in the next few years. We're not all that sad to see the Acadia go as the Chevy Traverse is a better looking overall package and it makes more sense to offer the CUV as a Chevrolet anyway. What's more, with most GMC dealers also offering Buick vehicles, they'll still have the Enclave to offer potential customers.

Current rumors also predict an end to the Saturn Outlook, the slowest seller of the original Lambda-based trio, which would leave the Enclave and the Traverse as the two remaining GM crossovers. There still seems to be a good chance that Chevrolet will get an SUT based off the platform as well, so nothing too important seems to have been lost with this decision.

[Source: GM Inside News]

GMC cutting next-gen Acadia and Lambda-based SUT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #87

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, India

The Chicago Auto Show wasn't that eventful, but that's what we lead off Autoblog Podcast episode #87 with. The Challenger was the biggest deal, followed by the Denali XT, and then a bunch of inconsequential things. We did find ourselves talking about the Suzuki Equator and the Ford Transit Connect, too. We give you our first up close and personal impressions of the Challenger SRT-8 in this podcast. We also saw the VW Routan, which certainly doesn't conjure warm, fuzzy memories of Type IIs gone by. Chevy's Traverse calls into question the usefulness of Saturn's Outlook in the product lineup. Speaking of GM badge-engineering, we got word this week that Pontiac will not be getting a Trans Am companion to the Camaro, dang. Another disappointment is the rumor that Cerberus is going to let the Viper run down without rewinding the clock for a third generation. We wrap up by touching on the possibility that an Indian pickup could be the first diesel hybrid in the US, even though it's not even being imported yet, and we're sure that when it gets here, it'll generate even more hate than the new Acura RL. 42 minutes, that's it. Sorry it's a little late this week, it's all Alex's fault, I swear.

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Autoblog Podcast #87 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edge vs. Lambdas - money talks

Dan Roth — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:48:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Ford

Ford sent but a single model into the roiling crossover market battle with GM's Lambda ~~trio~~ quartet. How did the Edge move 130,000 units alone while GM needed the aggregated sales of the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook to close 137,000 deals? Money. It's a simple case of throwing lots of bucks behind a product and making it hot. Ford backed the Edge with about $179 million in media buys, while GM spent less in total for all three Lambdas. Having three branches on the same tree doesn't give quite the same bang for the buck as you can get throwing it all behind a single product, too.

The advertising campaign for the Edge saw Ford hitting the web with a vengance, in addition to being placed well with several programming tie-ins. Viewers of American Idol and Extreme Makeover were treated to the Edge blitz, with snappy spots from David Mamet highlighting the Edge's speed and serenity. Overall, the crossover segment has been good for Detroit, with the Buick Enclave in particular zipping right off dealer lots, and the buying public embracing car-based, truckish-looking big wagons.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Edge SEL AWD

Edge vs. Lambdas - money talks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Keeping the Enclave on boil - GM keeps a lid on production

Dan Roth — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Buick, GM

click above image to see more of the increasingly exclusive Buick Enclave

General Motors has a hit on its hands with the big, beautiful Enclave CUV. People all over the country are trying to get their hands on Buick's luxurious iteration of the Lambda Ute. Rather than follow the time-dishonored practice of running as many copies of a hot model out the door as possible, GM's keeping production on the Enclave under strict control. In fact, even though some dealers have sold out of their Enclave inventory, GM will be reducing shifts at the Lansing plant that builds the Enclave. Bob Lutz explained the restrictions thusly: "We want to keep [the Enclave] hot... Nothing destroys the value of a new product faster than over producing." That's it in a nutshell, right there. The practice of tying production to demand is what Toyota and Honda tend to do. Take the Fit, for example. Part of the allure of that vehicle is that buyers often have to wait to get one. The same kind of "best kept secret" mystique surrounds the Enclave - you don't see them everywhere, and they're rather opulent once you finally get a chance to check one out. Exclusivity can also spur customers into paying full price, where before a glut of product would mean heavy discounts. Of course, GM can't afford moves such as restricted production and labor layoffs at every plant and on every model, but we hope this new tack pays off in boosting the General's image as well as its bottom line.

[Source: WSJ]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

Keeping the Enclave on boil - GM keeps a lid on production originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #67 (enhanced)

Chris Shunk — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Videos, Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Jaguar, Volkswagen

Autoblog Podcast #67 Jaguar Shifter, CTS-V

The enhanced version of Autoblog Podcast #67 is now ready for download or streaming on YouTube. In part one, we talk about the Autoblog redesign and the Dodge Nitro Giveaway. In part two we hit the ground running, with information on Jaguar's funky-cool new shifter and an update on the 2009 CTS-V. Next on the docket is talk of a Lambda-based Chevy crossover and news on what may be the Acura NSX testing on the 'Ring. We finished up with the VW Worthersee event that included the crazy-mad 650 HP GTI. We crammed a whole lot into 32 minutes, and it's definately worth viewing. Remember, parts one, three, and four of the podcast are available after the jump.

Check it out. Per your suggestions, we cut the podcast into four sections for smaller downloads. If you have any more suggestions on how to improve the enhanced version of the Podcast, let us know in the comments. We're working on a better distribution system than shoving all three in our current RSS feed of the audio-only version, so soon you'll be able to subscribe just to the enhanced version's RSS feed.

DOWNLOAD Part One to your desktop (Autoblog Redesign, Dodge Nitro)
DOWNLOAD Part Two to your desktop (Jaguar Shifter, CTS-V)
DOWNLOAD Part Three to your desktop (Lambda-based Chevy crossover, Acura NSX)
DOWNLOAD Part Four to your desktop (VW Worthersee event)

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Continue reading VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #67 (enhanced)

VIDEO: Autoblog Podcast #67 (enhanced) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #67

Dan Roth — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, I.C.E., Japan, Supercars, Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, GMC, Jaguar, Volkswagen

We've finally poked our respective heads out of our interweb caves and unleashed episode 67 of the Autoblog podcast upon the world. We've been pretty nutty lately with our new, improved site design and our groundbreaking car giveaway, so please forgive our delay at getting back to this. Our first delightful round of witty repartee centers around the excellent spy shots from the last couple weeks, and more specifically Jaguar's new Starship Enterprise looking shift selector. Expanding on the abundance of uberteched European cars, we carp for a while on the proliferation of new and ill-conceived user interface paradigms. Coming back to native shores, we touch on the new CTS-V, which will eschew the need for bumper nuts by a conspicuously bulged hood hiding a supercharged V8 capable of roasting the competition. Speaking of big power, we touch on the rumored NSX mule running around the Nurburgring in S2000 drag, and then concede that we really have no idea. Again, we come back to the US after a quick jaunt to the Continent, and discuss the upcoming Chevy version of GM's Lambda CUV. We're split on whether that's a good idea or not, but we all agree that the Utes themselves are a great product from the General. What the heck, let's go back across the Atlantic to close it out with insane VAG concepts at the Worthersee gathering in Austria, which saw the unveiling of a mid engine twin turbo GTI, the Audi TT Clubsport design study, and the Pirelli Edition GTI that is a real production car. We decided to only consume about 37 minutes of your time, as we'll be back soon. Enjoy the show!

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Autoblog Podcast #67 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chevy Traverse to join GM's group of Lambda CUVs

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 29 May 2007 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer sales have been in a tailspin lately, dropping 33 percent in the first four months of 2007. Unfortunately for Chevrolet dealers, there's not a full lineup of crossovers to take up the slack. When General Motors was developing its "Lambda" crossovers that include the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, it didn't foresee the Trailblazer dropping off so quickly and left Chevy completely out of the plan.

GM is now scrambling to create Chevrolet a variant of the Lambda platform that underpins the Outlook, Acadia and Enclave. The Spring Hill, Tennessee plant that until recently was the home of Saturn will now be the production site for the Chevrolet crossover that the Detroit News is reporting will be called the Traverse. The new model will probably debut next January at the Detroit Auto Show and the Trailblazer will like roll off into the sunset by 2010.

[Source: Detroit News]

REPORT: Chevy Traverse to join GM's group of Lambda CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Buick

click above image for more high-res pics of the 2008 Buick Enclave

Thinking outside the box a bit, AutoWeek figured that if a customer can drive down to his or her local Buick dealer and purchase a new 2008 Buick Enclave, there's no good reason to wait until GM's embargo on ride evaluations lifts at the end of May before having a go at one themselves. So they visited a local dealer, test drove one and reported the findings for those of us interested in learning about this highly anticipated new Buick ASAP. There was a bit of backlash the last time AutoWeek did this when they reviewed the 2007 Chevy Silverado well ahead of its embargo lifting, but we'll have to wait and see if anyone, including GM, cares much this time. Embargo breaking seems to be the norm these days and the rules are ever-changing. So what did they think of the Enclave?

Follow the jump for the rest of the summary, and make sure you click through the read link for the full write-up.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

Continue reading AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first

AutoWeek drives the 2008 Buick Enclave first originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battle of the Sources: Use of Nomad name on Chevy CUV refuted

John Neff — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, GM

Yesterday the website Inside Line reported that sources deep within General Motors revealed that the storied "Nomad" name would be revived for the upcoming Chevy version of the automaker's full-size Lambda-based CUV. According to their sources, the new ute will debut as a 2009 model to replace the abhorrent Chevy Uplander.

Not so, says Josh Oliver from The GM Source. His sources, also deep within General Motors, claim that reviving the "Nomad" name, which most recently was used on a Kappa-based concept in 2004 (shown above), has never even "appeared on the radar screen" during discussions of how to christen the new crossover. Oliver's sources also claim the CUV will appear in 2009 as a 2010 model.

Who to believe? We don't really care, because it's just a name. We're more concerned that GM's spreading the Lamda platform too thin across four brands. While the Buick Enclave manages to differentiate itself well from therest of the pack, the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia already appear too close for our comfort. Hopefully the Chevy version doesn't come off as an Acadia with a Malibu grille.

[Source: TheGMSource]

Battle of the Sources: Use of Nomad name on Chevy CUV refuted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spotted: 2007 GMC Acadia Cheap Trick Edition!

Chris Paukert — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 21:36:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, GM, GMC, Saturn

Alright, so it's just a bit of camouflage... but we're reasonably sure you can fit a five-necked guitar in GMC's upcoming Lambda-platform'd Acadia.

The photogs at KGP recently stumbled upon this tester, which reveals that the Acadia will look decidedly similar to the Saturn Outlook that debuted earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show. That said, it looks as if the GMC will receive a more restrained front end treatment, and as The Car Connection points out, the side looks remarkably similar, save a more traditional d-pillar (the Saturn's is glassed-over). The rear appears to incorporate slightly more complex taillamps and a different bumper cap and exhaust, but from the spy shots, at least, critics are likely to suggest that it's hard to shake the notion that you're looking at a different vehicle. Ain't That a Shame. Regardless, those keeping The Flame alight among brand loyalists are unlikely to Walk Away, and should be rewarded with capable crossover with gobs of space and the promise of a smooth six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.

(And yes... we're sorry about the whole Cheap Trick thing-- apparently we Can't Stop This Game)

[Sources: The Car Connection; All Music Guide; CheapTrick.com]

Spotted: 2007 GMC Acadia Cheap Trick Edition! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jun 2006 21:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 2007 Saturn Outlook rollout

Chris Paukert — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:35:00 EST

There's little doubt that General Motors turned its eyes to Saturn for this show, as evidenced by production introductions of the 2007 Outlook, Aura, and Sky Red Line.

If not in sales, perhaps the most significant move by GM is the dawning of the 8-passenger Outlook, which places the ringed marque into a new segment (and likely a new high-water MSRP). Twinned with the upcoming GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave on the General's new Lambda platform, if nothing else, Outlook impresses with its size inside and out.

With a large chrome grille packing the biggest Saturn emblem to date, the front end of the Outlook is certainly aggressive, both in photographs and in person. While not exactly 'pretty,' it doesn't want for presence. If anything, the nose looks like a more accomplished Relay, had Saturn had the financial wherewithal to start with a clean sheet. In fact, the advent of the Outlook itself calls into question the need for the Relay minivan, though the final verdict will need to wait until pricing is announced. Bookending the sizeable grille are clear-lensed dual element projector beams (high-intensity discharge lamps will be available).

Hit the jump for more impressions and photographs inside-and-out

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Saturn Outlook rollout

New York Auto Show: 2007 Saturn Outlook rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn releases Outlook pics in advance of NYC debut

Chris Paukert — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 08:33:00 EST

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

We're packing our bags and warming up the Autoblog Gulfstream to bring you the most immediate and extensive coverage of the New York Auto Show, but we couldn't take off without first passing on this first lookpeak at Saturn's forthcoming Outlook. Set to premiere later this week in the Big Apple, one thing is for sure-- Saturn's days as a small car company are long gone. A 3.6-liter V-6 with VVT paired with a six-speed automatic has been announced, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of more cylinders announced in NY, given the size of this thing.

Click through to the jump for more views inside and out...

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Saturn releases Outlook pics in advance of NYC debut

Saturn releases Outlook pics in advance of NYC debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: GMC Acadia

Erin Mays — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC, Saturn

Spy shooter Brenda Priddy has struck again! The Detroit News is sporting these spy shots of the GMC Acadia, one of the many crossover vehicles to come out of GM's various stables. The Lambda platform upon which it sits will also host the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave, which will be launched later this year with the Acadia and early 2007, respectively. No word yet on the powerplants, but GM execs say that the platform can accommodate GM's V6 and V8 engine.

[Source: Detroit News]

Spy Shots: GMC Acadia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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