Crossroads GMC

GMC EXPANDS ITS ENGINEERING EXPERTISE WITH THE EFFICIENT AND CAPABLE 2010 TERRAIN

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:36:00 +0000

NEW YORK - GMC's all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

"The new Terrain brings GMC's history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today's buyer," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency."

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

"GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we're adapting to changing market conditions," said Docherty. "As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect."

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. A comprehensive list of standard and available features includes purposeful technologies such as:

Standard rear vision camera
Programmable power rear liftgate
Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal cargo space
Remote vehicle start
USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling
Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC's aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

"We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance," said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. "Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship."

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility
The Terrain's rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A "floating" center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain's seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain's four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience
Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM's first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain's rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

GMC EXPANDS HYBRID PORTFOLIO WITH ADDITION OF YUKON DENALI HYBRID

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Joins Yukon Hybrid SUV and Sierra Hybrid Pickup, Making GMC the First Manufacturer to Offer Three Full-Size Hybrid Models

Provides full-size luxury and capability with more than 50-percent increase in city fuel economy
Powered by GM's advanced, patented, two-mode hybrid technology
Eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid powertrain warranty with no deductibles

NEW YORK - GMC's all-new 2009 Yukon Denali Hybrid makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. It is a luxurious, full-size SUV that seats eight, tows up to 5,800 pounds (2,636 kg) and achieves an estimated 21 miles per gallon in city driving, thanks to the engineering excellence of the Yukon's patented 2-mode hybrid system.

The GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid arrives in May at Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealer showrooms. It joins the Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid pickup truck in the GMC hybrid lineup, making GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.

"The eight-passenger GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid goes just as far on a gallon of gas in the city as a much smaller, V-6 Toyota Camry sedan," said Susan Docherty, vice president, Buick-Pontiac-GMC. "And in terms of fuel savings, the GMC Yukon Denali saves about 250 gallons of fuel a year over the Lexus GX 470."

The GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid infuses a new level of luxury to the Yukon Hybrid introduced for the 2008 model year. Docherty said the number one consideration for those purchasing the GMC Yukon Hybrid is fuel economy (80 percent); followed by 66 percent for its environmentally friendly technologies and more than half because of its technological innovation.

Patented, industry-leading hybrid technology
GM's most advanced hybrid technology drives the GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid's superior fuel economy, performance and load-carrying capability. Powering this hybrid system is a fully integrated combination of two lightweight electric motors packaged in the transmission; an electronic brake emulator that provides blended regenerative braking; electric power steering and an electric air conditioning compressor.

The heart of the system is GM's 6.0L Vortec V-8 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management, late intake valve closing and variable valve timing technologies. It produces 332 horsepower (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. (498 Nm) of torque.

Unique hybrid exterior, luxurious interior
The Yukon Denali Hybrid rides on new 22-inch, eight-spoke, flangeless chrome wheels that make a unique Denali appearance statement.

Inside, designers filled the cabin with luxurious amenities such as standard 12-way power, heated/cooled leather-appointed perforated front seating and heated, second-row, leather-appointed bench seating. Buyers may choose an Ebony or Cashmere interior. The only three options on this fully equipped vehicle are a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind zone alert mirrors.

Enhanced connectivity includes standard OnStar with Directions & Connections and Turn-by-Turn Navigation, navigation radio with rear camera system, a Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound System and three years of real-time XM NavTraffic.

A comprehensive safety package of crashworthiness and crash-avoidance features includes front- and side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak with traction control. The Yukon Denali Hybrid also is equipped with GM's MagnaRide suspension, the first application of this advanced technology in a Yukon. MagnaRide uses magnetic particles in the shock absorber fluid to adjust the damping rate of the shock absorbers - based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics - to help keep tires in contact with the road.

MSRP starts at $59,185 (2WD) and $62,030 (4WD), including the destination freight charge of $950. Buyers may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $2,200.

Source: GMC

It's Camaro Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:18:00 +0000

This is a day that literally hundreds of thousands of people have been waiting for - especially me: the first all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro is rolling off the line at GM’s award-winning assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario.

If you love cars, it doesn’t get much better than this. Chevy has reinvented a classic American sports car for 21st century drivers. Besides Corvette, there is probably no car in Chevy history that carries a prouder legacy than Camaro.

When we announced that Camaro was returning to the Chevy lineup a little over two years ago, it became one of the most highly anticipated vehicle launches of this decade. We’ve heard from more than 800,000 people asking for information about the 2010 Camaro, and 14,000 of them have already placed an order to buy one when they arrive at Chevy dealer showrooms next month.
I know a lot of people think it’s taken too long to bring the all-new Camaro to market, but when you get behind the wheel I guarantee you’ll agree this 21st-century sports car was worth the wait.

The 2010 Camaro is stylish and incredibly fun to drive. The design is very faithful to the original Camaro concept that inspired Hollywood director Michael Bay to make it the hero of “Transformers,” and it also acknowledges the Camaro’s heritage, but the sleek lines and aggressive stance really set the 2010 Camaro apart from its competitors.

Speaking of competitors, the 2010 Camaro has some significant advantages over more traditional rivals like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. It also competes well against some rather unexpected competitors, like the Nissan 370 Z, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and BMW 3-Series.

Let’s look specifically at how Camaro stacks up against the venerable Mustang. For starters, the Camaro V6 generates 304 horsepower, while Mustang’s V8 tops out at 315. In terms of fuel efficiency, Camaro wins hands-down - the V6 will achieve 29 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA, five mpg’s or better than Mustang. Camaro also has standard 4-wheel independent suspension that Mustang doesn’t offer. Camaro has 6-speed transmissions across the entire lineup, while you can still get a Mustang with a 5-speed.

The 2010 Camaro features all of the modern amenities that 21st century drivers expect: Bluetooth phone and USB connectivity; a Boston Acoustics audio system; OnStar; and XM satellite radio. And all of these features come wrapped in a very affordable package - the 2010 Camaro’s MSRP starts at $22,995.

Now a 21st century sports car should have 21st century marketing behind it. We know that Camaro buyers are very internet-savvy and they go online to get their information. There are more than 600 Camaro blogs already online, but there’s only one “official” Camaro site and it went live today.

All in, the 2010 Camaro is a budget-friendly sports car that offers great fuel economy without sacrificing performance. It’s already a movie star and it’s also the newest showroom star at Chevrolet, which is GM’s foundational brand.

The 2010 Camaro is the latest example of how we are reinventing the Chevy brand and the automobile for today’s consumers. It joins the Silverado Hybrid - the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup you can buy - and later this summer, the all-new 2010 Equinox crossover, which will achieve best-in-class 30-mile-per-gallon fuel economy.

Okay, I’ll take my foot off the gas pedal - for now.

It’s Camaro time!

By Ed Peper
GM North America Vice President, Chevrolet

Source: GMC NA

More Power, Less Fuel, Fewer Emissions - A Direct Injection Trifecta

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:17:00 +0000

We talk quite a bit about future technology on Fastlane, but today I want to take a little time to discuss a fuel-saving engine technology that’s available now and offered on many of our 2009 models - direct fuel injection. It’s the technology that helps a 260 hp vehicle like the Chevy Cobalt SS go from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and still get 30 mpg on the highway. Basically, direct injection allows us to make gasoline engines that are more powerful and more efficient with fewer emissions.

With direct injection, highly pressurized fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber, instead of through the cylinder ports, to create a more complete burn of the fuel-air mixture. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower of a conventional port-injection combustion system and the mixture is more precise, which also helps the engine save fuel and start quicker with fewer hydrocarbon emissions. All of this makes for a more complete combustion of the gasoline, providing more power with less fuel.

That’s a pretty technical description, but let me see if I can make it a little easier to understand. Basically, direct injection is one of the advanced internal combustion engine technologies that allows us to downsize from a V8 to a V6, or a V6 to a four-cylinder without sacrificing power, but still improve fuel efficiency with fewer emissions. You can see in the video below how it works.

For 2009, we have several vehicles with direct injection, including the all-new Chevy Traverse, which features a 3.6-liter V6 with DI and variable valve timing - the same 3.6-liter engine that was voted one of the “Ten Best Engines” in North America by Ward’s AutoWorld the last two consecutive years.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking; why not offer direct injection on all GM engines? Well, the short answer is direct injection is going to play a huge role in our fuel-savings and emissions-reducing efforts as we go forward, but there are also a host of other engine technologies available today like turbocharging, variable valve timing and active fuel management that help improve fuel economy and emissions without sacrificing power.

In the 2010 model year, we’ll offer 18 models in North America with direct injection including the Chevy Equinox and Camaro, the Buick LaCrosse, the Cadillac SRX and Sport Wagon and many more. In fact, 10 percent of our engines worldwide will feature DI.

With publications like Automobile magazine calling direct fuel injection the technology of the year, I predict you’ll be hearing a lot more about it from us and other automakers. So stay tuned, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions.

Source: fastlane.gmcblog.com