Autoblog

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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Whither Suburbia? Virginia all but outlaws cul-de-sac construction in face of traffic costs

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Lifestyle

Virginia lawmakers are taking a metaphorical battering ram to suburban culs-de-sac, those little dead-end roundabouts that are almost all adorned with a yellow sign saying "No Outlet." Caught out by spiraling maintenance and development costs, the Washington Post reports that legislators are now mandating that the state will only maintain new subdivision roadways that meet its revised requirements for narrower dimensions and increased connectivity. That maintenance includes not only things like pothole patches and striping, but also plowing in winter, meaning that the state's new laws will carry very real consequences for planners and developers who choose not to comply.

The rise of culs-de-sac occurred when suburban city planners and private developers decided it was better to have a few roads act as central spines instead of connecting all roads in a grid. Unfortunately, the result has been that the large thoroughfares connecting all those culs-de-sac suffer from traffic jams, high maintenance costs, as well as a constant need for widening as populations increase. They're also annoying to ambulance drivers who can't take alternate routes while responding to an emergency because side streets off of main arteries often don't connect, resulting in longer response and transport times.

Suburban dwellers are, of course, against the change. They chose culs-de-sac for particular reasons, notably because they are generally safer for children and quieter than connected streets. Cul-de-sac homeowners are worried that if connector streets are added, speeding commuters will start flying through their formerly safe developments like they do on the few connecting roads currently exist.

While there is little that homeowners can do now to change the rules, urban planners and designers are looking at making more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly subdivisions with enough connectivity that there isn't just one road that's either clear or gridlocked. Said one council member, "We're trying to create flexibility... instead of a one size fits all."

Kids, play in the streets while you can, because the times, they are a-changin'...

[Source: Washington Post via Wallet Pop]

Whither Suburbia? Virginia all but outlaws cul-de-sac construction in face of traffic costs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade not being replaced

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

The full-size SUV's future is on shaky legs and now, reports have surfaced that General Motors has killed the next generation Tahoe and Yukon 'utes, just weeks after announcing it would shutter its SUV plant in Janesville, Wisconsin. Of course, if that pair is buried, the Suburban and the Cadillac Escalade that use the same platform must also come to an end, at least in their current form.

Past reports indicate that the ultra-lux ride from Caddy will move to the Lambda platform for its next generation. The Tahukon pair had been slated for a redesign in 2011, and since that's reportedly not going to happen, the duo's future is definitely in question. GM will probably keep churning out the current version until it's no longer profitable to do so.

These days, any story about the General would be incomplete without some mention of Chrysler, and this one's no different. America's number three automaker just announced just last week that it would be phasing out its full-sized 'utes as well. Therefore, any possible merger of the two companies would carry on without a new large SUV platform at all. How the times have changed.

[Source: The New York Times via Inside Line]

Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade not being replaced originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Toyota

2008 Toyota Sequoia - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gigantor. The 2008 Toyota Sequoia arrives humongously revised from the already beefy first-generation. The Timberland Mica (Metallic Green) example that Toyota lent us for a week definitely deserves whatever size-related superlatives you can dream up. It's big, it's powerful, it doesn't sip fuel. There is a need and a market for this type of vehicle, however. If Sequoia buyers don't actually utilize its considerable capabilities, that's not Toyota's fault. This year marks the migration of Toyota's full size Sport Utility to the same mechanicals that underpin the new Tundra, ladling on capability to an already fairly competent and refined vehicle.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited

Review: 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Be like Tony Soprano. Drive his truck.

Alex Nunez — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Auctions, Chevrolet

Click image for photo gallery

Long before Tony Soprano rolled in his Escalade, a red Suburban was his ride of choice. Fans of The Sporanos will remember it very well, of course, and as the truck Tony drives in the opening credits, it lived on even after he traded up to the more boss-worthy Caddy. Two identical cars were acquired for use in the series, and now die-hard fans have a shot at parking one of them in their own garage. Movie Time Cars leased the Suburbans to the production, and now comes word that one of them is being offered in an eBay Live Auction. It's got 53,743 miles on the odometer, and according to the listing, the faint smell of cigar smoke still lingers in the interior. It comes with a certificate of authenticity, and a surprise awaits the new owner when he or she flips open the vanity mirror. A note from James Gandolfini himself is written on the lid in permanent marker. The message? "Be nice to my car." We'd recommend you listen.

The auction begins August 3, and the mobbed-up SUV is expected to fetch between $30,000 and $50,000. You'll have to provide your own Paulie, Christopher and Sil.

Thanks for the tip, Tool!

[Source; eBay]

Gallery: Tony Soprano's Chevy Suburban

Be like Tony Soprano. Drive his truck. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minivans: not just for Soccer-Moms

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Minivan/Van, Crossover

My uncle's motoring choice has always had me a little puzzled. He's got a garage full of Mercedes, Range Rovers, Hummers and a Magnum PI-style Ferrari 308 GTS that he never drives. What does he drive instead? A Chrysler minivan. Chances are you know somebody like that, too. Over at the Kicking Tires blog, the Suburban Dad makes some sense of it all.

With big seats and far reaches to the dashboard, Suburban Dad figures minivans aren't, as the stereotype goes, for soccer moms. They're for other suburban dads. That might go a long way towards explaining crossover van-utes like the Chevy Uplander. Follow the link for an interesting quick read on the rapidly dissipating American trend.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Minivans: not just for Soccer-Moms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Eric Bryant — Wed, 30 May 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Ford

click above image to view more pics of the 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Ford's new Expedition EL has to follow in some huge footsteps - or, perhaps more appropriately, tire tracks. The stretched-wheelbase SUV not only has to do battle with GM's Suburban and Yukon XL duo (long the sales leaders in the extended-wheelbase segment), but it also has to live up to the reputation of the Excursion. That monstrous predecessor never sold in large numbers, but it built a loyal following that remains to this day (if you doubt this, just try to find a bargain on a low-mileage example with the Powerstroke diesel).

Since Ford's previous attempt at building a cargo conveyance and people mover on the Super Duty platform didn't appeal to the average mass-market buyer, this go-around utilizes the far more civilized Expedition platform - and its independent front and rear suspension - as a starting point. Will this move create a kinder, gentler mastodon of metal? We put one through the paces for a week to learn more.

Gallery: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Ford Expedition EL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Chris Tutor — Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Sometimes news is just too good to keep to yourself. Just ask GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. With his company supposedly claiming 13 spots on Edmund's Consumers' Most Wanted list, Lutz just had to brag a bit on the corporate blog before the winners were made public.

And he should brag. Most other car of the year awards are chosen by us automotive writers who usually prefer horsepower over hip room. As the name implies, Edmund's CMW awards are chosen by the car-buying public. And despite not voting with their wallets, the car-buying public who visits Edmund's really like their GMs.

The GMC Acadia got Most Significant vehicle of the year, beating out Honda's Fit, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Ford Edge and the Toyota Tundra.

Click through to see Edmund's press release as well as the other category winners.

[Source: Edmunds, GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks

Lutz lets a bit of Edmunds survey slip, GM takes 13 first place picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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America's Game, America's Truck: Rawlings baseball trim for Chevy trucks

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet

Remember when Audi rolled out the baseball leather interior on the original TT convertible? That was nothing. For the real baseball fans, aftermarket trim specialists Katzkin Leather and sports equipment outfitter Rawlings have teamed up to offer a full, authentic baseball trim package for full-sized Chevy trucks.

The package includes seats upholstered in thick, rich baseball glove leather, in either brown or black - complete with contrasting stitching - that only gets better with age. You know, just like your childhood mitt. Also part of the package are a baseball bat ash wood dash inserts and steering wheel trimmed in leather to match the seats. A special grille was designed to mimic the look of a chain-link fence, and the package is rounded out by Rawlings badges galore.

The package just hit the market and is available for Chevrolet Silverado pickups and Tahoe SUVs. Only in America, kids.

[Source: Katzkin via Inside Line]

America's Game, America's Truck: Rawlings baseball trim for Chevy trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Weight watchers: Are heavy trucks and SUVs illegal on some California roads?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc.

Pop quiz: if you're driving an H2 and you see a sign forbidding vehicles above 6,000 pounds to use a street, do you avoid that street? Neither does anyone else. In a sarcastic, meandering article touching on carbon dioxide, gasoline, SUV-haters, municipal codes, and testosterone, the LA Times looks at the genesis of road weight restrictions and how SUV's trample on them.

The California Motor Vehicle Code has all sorts of byzantine rules applicable to different kinds of trucks and what roads they can use. Certain roads and bridges are explicitly off limits to vehicles weighing more than three tons. But those rules were made when nobody expected the random businessman, housewife, or athlete to be driving a vehicle weighing more than three tons just for the heck of it. (FYI, a half-ton Suburban weighs more than 7,000 pounds before the first soccer mom gets in.)

But in spite of the proverbial legal limbo, a city spokesman said the rule applies, in general, to "business and commercial trucks." Even better, he was backed up by a pickup-truck-driving LAPD officer who let everyone off the hook by saying "We are not going to cite somebody for driving an SUV down the street." Roll on, ladies and gentlemen, roll on.

Thanks for the tip, Stedwoo!

[Source: LA Times]

Weight watchers: Are heavy trucks and SUVs illegal on some California roads? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM releases pics of Z71 package on GMT900 SUVs

John Neff — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet

Without so much as an accompanying press release, General Motors released a slew of new images yesterday that show us what the Z71 off-road package looks like on two of the three GMT900 model SUVs. The Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban are available with a Z71 package that adds, of course, the Z71 off-road suspension, new 18-inch aluminum wheels mounted on combination on-/off-road tires, an automatic locking rear diff, and high-pressure shocks. That's it for the hardcore mechanicals, though buyers who opt for the Z71 package are as much interested in the image these vehicles project as they are their capability. To that end, Chevy adds the Skid Plate Package, oversized wheel arch flares, tubular assist steps, extra bits of chrome trim, and rectangular fog lamps, along with the requisite Z71 badging so everyone knows you could go off road if you wanted to. The interiors benefit from a Z71-specific gauge cluster and brushed metal look for the dash. The Z71 package certainly adds some cajones to these GMT900 SUVs that will spend most of their lives on smooth pavement, and they also add some serious attitude, especially when ordered in all black.

Check out all the newly released images in our galleries for the Avalanche Z71 and Suburban Z71, as well as new galleries for the 2008 Tahoe Hybrid, Avalanche LTZ, Tahoe LTZ and Suburban LTZ.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: 2007 Chevy Avalance Z71

Gallery: 2007 Chevy Suburban Z71

Continue reading GM releases pics of Z71 package on GMT900 SUVs

GM releases pics of Z71 package on GMT900 SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM supplying MTV with fleet of custom E85 vehicles and Chip Foose Tahoe Concept

John Neff — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Green, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors has teamed up with the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards to supply the event with a fleet of 60 E85 capable Chevy Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban vehicles. The fleet will be used to transport "talent" (we use that term loosely) to the event and also get the word out about the first E85 refueling station in New York City that will be announced later this month. Each fleet vehicle is lightly customized with billet grilles, Chevy Accessory wheels and bright kit running boards on the Tahoes only. Designers stopped short of using MTV's Moon Man award as a hood ornament.

To commemorate the event, GM also hired designer du jour Chip Foose to build the Tahoe Concept. The company is billing Foose's creation as the first customized E85-capable vehicle. The Tahoe Concept features Foose details like a black powder-coated billet grille, lowered ride height, custom black wheels and a special two-tone paint job with a thin Tangier orange stripe.

Fuel for the fleet vehicles being used during the show will be provided by Sprague Energy and the vehicles will refuel at the New York City Dept. of Sanitation, hopefully after they've dropped off their pop star cargo at the red carpet. After the VMAs are over, Chevy will sell all 60 "MTV Video Music Awards Chevy E85" vehicles at dealerships in the New York area. That's right, you could own the Tahoe that delivers Ashley Simpson to Radio City Music Hall.

(More pics and GM's press release after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM supplying MTV with fleet of custom E85 vehicles and Chip Foose Tahoe Concept

GM supplying MTV with fleet of custom E85 vehicles and Chip Foose Tahoe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Suburban with Z71 package surfaces

John Neff — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Chevrolet, GM

Some resourceful members of the GMInsideNews community managed to grab what appears to be official pics somewhere of a Chevy Suburban wearing the not-yet-released Z71 offroad package. Rather than being purely cosmetic, the Z71 package will add a host of real mechanical upgrades to the Suburban, Silverado and Avalanche. Of course, Chevy is still making sure its big SUV and trucks look the part of the rugged off-roader.

(Follow the jump for an interior pic and a list of the expected cosmetic and mechanical upgrades)

Continue reading Chevy Suburban with Z71 package surfaces

Chevy Suburban with Z71 package surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: 85 FFV SUVs make a scene outside show

John Neff — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, New York Auto Show, Hybrid, SUV, Green, Chevrolet, GM

The sight of 85 Tahoes triple-parked in Manhattan is one to behold. GM parked the fleet of flex-fuel SUVs in front of the Javits center today to make a green scene before they're picked up and driven off to various New York dealerships. The group also contains the first ten flex-fuel Suburbans off of the production line.

It's a strange world we live in when a group of 85 illegally-parked SUVs in Manhattan are supposed to be a statement on behalf of the environment.

New York Auto Show: 85 FFV SUVs make a scene outside show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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