GMC Sierra 3500HD Wins Best Overall HD Truck

DETROIT – The GMC Sierra 3500HD won PickupTrucks.com’s “Heavy Duty Hurt Locker” comparison test, a grueling showdown among industry heavyweights that included towing 19,400-pound fifth-wheel trailers up and over some of the most demanding grades in the United States.

“We procured similarly equipped trucks from Ford, Ram and GMC and put them through the paces, towing up and down some of the toughest grades in the country covering a total of 2,200 miles,” said Mike Levine, editor of PickupTrucks.com. “When we analyzed the data, the GMC Sierra 3500HD simply outperformed the trucks from Ford and Ram.”

The results of the comparison conducted July 11-18 between Denver, Colo. and Laughlin, Nev., reflect improvements to the 2012 Sierra 3500HD that give Sierra best-in-class towing for both conventional and fifth-wheel trailers.

“Customers choose full-size trucks for their capabilities,” said Rick Spina, vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. “For 2012, we built on the foundation we created in 2011, with engineering changes and additional validation designed to make the most capable heavy-duty pickup even better. Based on PickupTrucks.com’s test results, it looks like we got the job done.”

For enhanced fifth-wheel towing, engineers strengthened the pickup box sills and other box structures, rear springs, u-bolts and box mounts, and upgraded the shock tuning. As a result, Sierra 3500HD now has a best-in-class tow rating of 23,000 pounds, up from 21,700 pounds in 2011.

Sierra also will lead the class in dually payload, with a 7,215-lb. payload for the 3500HD regular cab gasoline dually. Updates to the trailer hitch receiver increase conventional towing to 18,000 pounds, up from 17,000 pounds. Both changes will be on models arriving in dealerships in the fourth quarter.

Read More: http://media.opel.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Aug/0815_sierra 

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From Steak to Beef Jerky: GMC Hopes to Make You Criss-Crossover

General Motors is leaner and meaner, but is it greener? It’s not going from big T-bone steaks to salads, but may be downgrading to beef jerky. As part of a plan to remain viable in a volatile economy, GMC, once GM’s trucks-only division, has plans to expand its range. In addition to its earthy sounding names – Terrain, Granite, Yukon, etc. – GMC is actually getting a little earthy by expanding its hybrid offerings on future models. This represents a crucial shift for the big truck division as it prepares itself for a future where everyone, even truck buyers, want more fuel efficient, wallet and eco-friendly vehicles.

The GMC Granite subcompact crossover, a concept revealed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, has done what few concepts ever do: Become a real car. The Granite should hit showrooms in the fall of 2012 as a 2013 model. With its big wheels and aggressive, boxy styling, the 2013 GMC Granite could be a domestic alternative against vehicles like Kia Soul, Scion xB, and Nissan Cube.

The 2013 GMC Granite will come with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, while a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine may be offered for those seeking a little more power. The Granite offers its own brand of funkiness common to the segment, including rear-hinged doors that open out on the passenger side and enough boxiness to roll with the big boys, or the subcompact crossover boys, anyway
What GMC has got in the works:

GMC Terrain: The Terrain has managed great success in the midsized crossover segment, and we expect that to continue. It offers a roomy, nice ride with decent fuel economy to boot.

• 2013 models to include Denali version
• GM’s eAssist light-hybrid system may appear on 2014 or 2015 models

GMC Acadia: GMC’s larger crossover, the Acadia, delivers a roomy cabin with plenty of cargo room. Its sub-par interior will get a needed touch up.

• 2013 model to receive new grille along with a few cosmetic changes to both the exterior and interior
• A 3.0-liter V6 will replace the 3.6-liter engine
• 2015 should see the release of an all-new Acadia

GMC Yukon, Yukon XL: The Yukon has enjoyed a long successful run in part to its comfortable cabin, excellent towing capability and cushy ride.

• All-new 2014 model to include a more efficient powertrain and an eight-speed transmission
• Future plans include a more dynamic, fuel efficient hybrid system

GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500: GMC’s full-sized Sierra pickup has been a solid get-the-job-done choice for many years. The variety of models and engines also help it remain fixed in the pick-up market.

• New Sierra 1500 engineering and styling for 2014 model year
• More fuel efficient powertrain and a possible eight-speed transmission
• Sierra 2500 and 3500 models are expected to be restyled for the 2014 or 2015 model year, more fuel efficient models likely

GMC Canyon: GMC will discontinue the Canyon. It’s possible that the Chevy Colorado or a similar small to midsized pickup will take its place in the GMC segment in the future.

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/from-steak-to-beef-jerky-gmc-hopes-to-make-you-criss-crossover-45875.html#ixzz1TVO2PRa4

Pandora Internet Radio Integration Spreads to GMC Models; More Automakers Plan Integration

Pandora‘s efforts—inadvertently or not—to squelch terrestrial radio continue to expand. The streaming radio service is available in a number of BMWs, Fords, Mercedes-Benzes, and Minis, and this week the company announced that it will soon be serving Pandora-monium to Scions and even more Ford and Lincoln models.

Ten Ford models and two Lincolns now support the streaming radio app, whereas before only the Ford Fiesta, Fusion, Mustang, and Lincoln MKZ were offered with the necessary AppLink SYNC software. Although you can always listen to Pandora in the car through your phone and the car’s AUX input jack, it means your hands have to be on the phone; the integrated SYNC/Pandora system can be controlled through the car’s stereo- or steering wheel–mounted controls.

Several automakers are working to integrate Pandora’s mobile app with their on-board audio systems. Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Hyundai, and Toyota all plan to offer the capability in their cars in the near future. Owners of older vehicles or those in the market for an aftermarket audio system can find Pandora integration in offerings from Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer; a compatible Sony system will hit the market soon.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/pandora-internet-radio-integration-spreads-to-scion-more-ford-models-more-automakers-plan-integration/

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GMC Launches Shopping App for Smartphones

GMC has introduced a mobile app for the Apple iPhone and other Android phones enabling users to shop, research, and configure a GMC vehicle. The GMC Showroom App has photos and videos of the latest GMC models and is now available for iPhone users in the Apple App store. On the Android market, the release is scheduled for the end of July. The app will be compatible with the iPhone ions 3.1 or better and the 1.6 OS or better (excluding Honeycomb) for the Android.
Consumers using the app can configure GMC vehicles and compare them to the competition. A simple interface makes it easy to locate a GMC dealer in their area, request a quote, schedule a dealer test drive, or view current offers.

“We recognize that smartphones play an important role in our customers’ lives, including purchase decisions,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of GMC marketing. “The new GMC Showroom App provides our customers with the advanced technology they have come to expect of the GMC brand and the convenience to easily engage with their GMC dealer.”

A survey conducted by Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies revealed more than 50 percent of consumers polled use their smartphones to shop. Smartphone sales are expected to continue to increase, suggesting that there may be a growing market for well-executed automaker smartphone apps.

Read more: http://blogs.automotive.com/gmc-launches-shopping-app-for-smartphones-38297.html#ixzz1QrsYUfHJ

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Best SUVs for fuel economy for summer 2011

What are people buying? You might be surprised. Even with national gasoline prices hovering around $4 a gallon, we find shoppers are gravitating toward new small and midsized SUVs, based on a recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. While traditionally versatile vehicles, SUVs are often not the thriftiest choices. But as in every vehicle class, there are some that are better than others, and below we highlight the most fuel-efficient models in our ratings.

These lists feature our latest tests of the most fuel-thrifty small, midsized, luxury, and large SUVs currently on the market. But since there is more to choosing a car than fuel economy, we’ve also noted models that are recommended, which means they meet Consumer Reports strict requirements for performance, reliability, and safety.

GMC Terrain SLE1 (4-cyl.)

$26,745

MPG - 21

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/06/best-suvs-for-fuel-economy-for-summer-2011.html

GM to invest $331 million in Texas SUV plant

DETROIT (Reuters) -- General Motors Co. plans to invest $331 million and add 110 jobs at its Arlington, Texas, plant, where it makes the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade SUVs.

The new jobs will be added to an existing workforce of 2,400 hourly and salaried employees at the plant, the automaker said today.

The investment, part of GM's previously announced plan to invest $2 billion in 17 U.S. plants, is primarily for manufacturing machinery, equipment, special tooling and an expansion of the current facility.

Among the investments GM has already announced are $109 million at two Michigan plants in Flint and Bay City, $69 million at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant and $131 million at a Kentucky plant to build a new version of the Corvette sports car.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110526/OEM01/305269780/1424#ixzz1Nxw4xmWW

IntelliLink Infotainment System is Buick and GMC’s Version of Chevrolet MyLink

Buick and GMC have pulled the wraps off of their IntelliLink system, the tri-shield and professional grade brands’ answer to Ford’s Sync and its GM stablemate’s Chevrolet MyLink infotainment systems. Given that bow-tie bits have been underpinning GM’s more luxurious brands for decades now, it’s not exactly shocking to learn that IntelliLink is essentially MyLink with different graphics—in fact we suggested as much three weeks ago upon discovery of GM’s IntelliLink trademark application.

As with MyLink, IntelliLink provides hands-free operation and features smartphone integration, OnStar turn-by-turn directions, XM satellite radio, and a USB interface for iPods and other devices. Drivers also can access streaming audio via Pandora or Stitcher SmartRadio, while Luddites can still spin shiny discs or tune in terrestrial AM/FM radio.

The system will debut as standard equipment on the new Buick Verano and the 2012 GMC Terrain and then be deployed across the Buick and GMC lines over the 2012 and 2013 model years.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/intellilink-infotainment-system-is-buick-and-gmcs-version-of-chevrolet-mylink/