2015 CHEVY COLORADO, GMC CANYON TO NET UP TO 8.7L/100 KM WITH 4-CYLINDER

 

By Chris Bruce, Autoblog.com - Before even officially going on sale to customers, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup twins are already proving to be a success with dealer orders exceeding original projections.  Now, there is even more good news for these siblings, with the fuel economy for their four-cylinder engines netting class-leading numbers and the 3.6-litre V6 getting segment-best payload ratings.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder in the two trucks makes 200 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque, and in rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual trim it has a fuel usage rating of 12.4L/100 km (19 mpg) city, 9L/100 km (26 mpg) highway and 10.7L/100 km (22 mpg) combined.  Opting for a two-wheel drive configuration with the six-speed automatic bumps those figures slightly to 11.8L/100 km (20 mpg) city, 8.7L/100 km (27 mpg) highway and 10.7L/100 km (22 mpg) combined.  Finally, a four-wheel drive model with the automatic 'box carries a 12.4/9.4/11.2 (19/25/21) rating.  Those numbers are a tick better here and there compared to what's offered by the optional V6.

The twins' major four-cylinder, midsize pickup rivals are the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, but they're both getting somewhat long in the tooth.  To compare fuel economy and power, a two-wheel drive Tacoma with its 2.7-litre four-cylinder is rated at 159 hp and 180 lb-ft, and achieves 11.2/9.4/10.6L/100 km (21/25/22 mpg).  The Frontier with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder is good for 152 hp and 171 lb-ft, and carries 12.3/10.2/11.2L/100 km (19/23/21 mpg) figures.

The V6 payload ratings are also class leading, with the Colorado rated at 712 kilograms (1,590 pounds) and the Canyon at 734 kilograms (1,620 pounds).  According to parent General Motors, the 13.6-kilogram (30-pound) deviation is due to different curb weights for the models.

The Colorado and Canyon are already on their way to dealers.

GM TO ADD 750 WORKERS TO BUILD SMALL PICKUP TRUCKS

By MSN.com, Detroit - Early demand is so high for General Motors' new small pickup trucks that the company is hiring more workers to build them even before one is sold to the public.

Nearly 100,000 prospective buyers have gone online to customize a Chevrolet Colorado or a GMC Canyon pickup and get a price.  That, and 30,000 advance orders from dealers, is a sign of strong demand, GM said Tuesday.

GM plans to add 750 workers around March to staff a third shift at its plant in Wentzville, Mo., west of St. Louis.  The factory already employs 2,600 people who build the Colorado and Canyon as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.

Strong sales would justify GM's gamble on a diminished part of the market.

In the 1990s, Americans bought more than 1 million small pickups every year, attracted by their lower prices, reasonable gas mileage and ability to haul light loads.  Then the bigger pickups, such as the Ford F-150, caught up in fuel economy.  Last year, Americans bought only 227,000 small trucks, 14 per cent fewer than in 2012.  Sales are down 3 per cent more so far this year.

GM stopped selling the Colorado and Canyon in 2012, and Ford halted sales of its Ranger small pickup in 2011.  Currently the only two competitors are the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier with older models.  In reviving the pickups, GM is aiming the Colorado at outdorrsy buyers on the coast, while the Canyon targets a more upscale clientele.  The company said 97,000 people have built and priced the trucks on a GM website.

That's far higher than just before an average new vehicle is launch, and "shows pretty good intent (to buy) when they go right through the process to configure and price," said Alan Batey, GM's North American president.  The interest justifies hiring the new workers, he added.

Jesse Toprak, senior analyst for the Cars.com auto website, said GM has good reason to bring on the workers.  Big pickup sales grew 9 per cent in August and are up 5 per cent for the year, Toprak said.  Indexes that measure small-business confidence are at the highest since the Great Recession, and that normally translates to bigger truck sales, he said.

The smaller trucks have wide appeal, Toprak said.  People in rural areas who don't need to haul heavy loads like them, and drivers and businesses in big cities buy them because of their manoeuvrability and gas mileage, he said.

GM says the Colorado will start around $21,000 US.  The Canyon will cost more.  Those with a V6 engine will get an estimated 26 miles per gallon on the highway.  The four-cylinder gas mileage hasn't been announced, but it's expected to be around 30 mpg highway.  Chevrolet's full-size truck, the Silverado, gets up to 24 mpg on the highway.

The new workers at the Wentzville plant should earn around $16 per hour to start, less than the $28 per hour earned by longtime factory employees.  GM already has added about 1,300 jobs and invested $513 million at Wentzville to build the new trucks.

BUICK LACROSSE VS LEXUS ES - WHICH OF THESE TWO MID-SIZE LUXURY SEDANS IS MOST TRUSTWORTHY OF YOUR HARD-EARNED BUCK?

General Motors - John LeBlanc, auto journalist at Driving.ca and one of Canada's most vociferous critics of the auto industry, recently test-drove the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and the Lexus ES.  Which vehicle came out on top?  Read below to find out.

Although it may seem like it, not all new vehicle buyers these days are looking for the utility of an SUV or crossover.  Although they are becoming more rare by the hour, some customers still prefer the more gentile driving experience, conservative profile and better fuel economy offered by a good old-fashioned sedan.

In fact, in what is considered the most competitive car market ever, for the price of a mainstream mid-size crossover, you can easily get yourself into a luxury mid-size sedan - witness the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and the Lexus ES.  But as we are wont to do, we asked which one is the better buy.

SECOND-PLACE

As one of the original Lexus models, the mid-size front-wheel-drive ES sedan has been a stalwart in the Toyota luxury brand's lineup since 1989.  The sixth-generation Lexus ES debuted as a 2013 model, now sporting the brand's newly aggressive styling motif, more room inside, and for the first time ever a gasoline-electric hybrid model.  Beyond these details, however, Lexus has done more than ever to distinguish the luxury ES from the mainstream Toyota Camry it's traditionally been based upon.

Comparing gas-V6 models, the LaCrosse's 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine's 304 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque outgun the ES 350's 3.5L engine and its 268 hp and 248 lb-ft numbers.  However, the Lexus weighs 162 kilograms less than the Buick's chunkier 1,772 kg curb weight.  That results in the Lexus taking only 6.2 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour (0.9 seconds swifter than the Buick) and score better fuel economy estimates of 9.9 litres per 100 km city and 6.4 highway, compared to the LaCrosse's respective 12.2 and 7.3 figures.  Car Comparison: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid vs 2014 Lexus IS 350

In addition to its distinctive Lexus looks, the ES now rides on a longer wheelbase shared with the Toyota Avalon.  Not only has the extra length allowed Lexus designers to create a car that has a lot more visual presence compared to the more pedestrian Toyota four-door, it frees up much-needed rear leg- and knee-room that better matches up with the roomy Buick.  And if you're looking to replace your crossover, know that the gas-engine Lexus' trunk space is rated at 430 litres - 53 more than the Buick.

Pricing for the 2014 ES 350 starts at $41,745 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees).  To better match the Buick rival, you'll need to pop for the $43,745 Premium trim, which adds such goodies as Apple Siri hands-free technology and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel that's also heated.

But unless straight-line performance and fuel economy are your priorities, we think there's a better mid-size luxury sedan in this comparison.

FRIST-PLACE: 2014 Buick LaCrosse

Primarily designed to keep Chinese car buyers happy, the Buick LaCrosse mid-size luxury sedan scores easily over its Lexus rival by offering more features-per-dollar and the refined driving experience shoppers in this segment expect.

The second-generation LaCrosse arrived for 2010.  And the 2014 model year marks the front- or all-wheel-drive sedan's first major update, with new exterior styling, interior updates, state-of-the-art safety features and a new top-line trim level.

You can get into a front-wheel-drive 2014 LaCrosse for as little as $37,545.  But that comes with General Motors' eAssist four-cylinder mild-hybrid system.  While it scores reasonable 8.3 L/100 km city, 5.4 highway estimates, its 182 hp and 172 lb-ft ratings do not make for a "luxury" driving experience.  Best to opt for the $42,395 LaCrosse Premium.  It adds the more appropriate V6 and more standard kit like heated AND ventilated front seats and real leather, instead of the synthetic kind you'll find in the pricier Lexus.

While the ES 350 is quicker and sips less fuel, the latest version seems to have lost its renowned refinement from behind the wheel in an attempt by Lexus to chase BMW owners.  Comparatively, the LaCrosse is the better luxury sedan when the rubber hits the road.  The Buick four-door does an exceptional job at keeping any kind of exterior noise from entering its incredibly quiet cabin.  Buick calls it QuietTuning, a strategy that includes acoustical laminate glass, sound deadeners throughout the entire lower body structure and sound-absorbing material in the LaCrosse's engine, passenger and cargo compartments.  And it works.  Compared to the noisier ES 350, the LaCrosse is nearly silent at any speed.

What may surprise you is the Buick's relatively well-controlled cornering abilities.  The optional Hi-Per front suspension tames dreaded torque steer and gives some feeling in the LaCrosse's steering something the Lexus ES 350 is devoid of.

And the LaCrosse Premium comes with a Sport button that stiffens the electrically controlled shocks and makes the electrically assisted variable-effort power steering and throttle responses a bit quicker.  Better still:  all-wheel-drive is available on the Buick, an option the Lexus does not offer.

Overall, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse is a better value and treats its passengers to the kind of luxury driving experience they're paying for.  In other words, it's our winner.

THREE MUSEUM 'SINKHOLE' CORVETTES TO BE RESTORED



By General Motors, Bowling Green, Ky - Chevrolet and the National Corvette Museum will restore three of the Corvettes damaged earlier this year when they tumbled into a sinkhole that developed beneath the floor of the Museum.

Chevrolet will restore the 2009 Corvette ZR1 prototype, known as the Blue Devil, and the 1-millionth Corvette produced - a white 1992 convertible.  In addition, Chevrolet will fund the restoration of the 1962 Corvette, which the National Corvette Museum will oversee.  A restoration shop has not yet been determined.

In total, General Motors will provide nearly $250,000 in support to help the Museum recover from the sinkhole.  The National Corvette Museum celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend.

The five other Corvettes swallowed by the sinkhole will remain in their as-recovered state to preserve the historical significance of the cars.  They will become part of a future display at the museum.

"Our goal was to help the National Corvette Museum recover from a terrible natural disaster by restoring all eight cars," said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development.  "However, as the cars were recovered, it became clear that restoration would be impractical because so little was left to repair.  And, frankly, there is some historical value in leaving those cars to be viewed as they are."

It's a sentiment echoed by Corvette enthusiasts from around the globe.

"There has been an outpouring of messages from enthusiasts the world over, asking us not to restore all of the cars," said Wendell Strode, executive director for the National Corvette Museum.  "For Corvette enthusiasts, the damage to the cars is part of their history, and part narrative of the National Corvette Museum.  Restoring them all would negate the significance of what happened."

Timelines for the start and projected completion dates for the three Corvettes' restorations have not been established.  They will be announced later.

Sinkhole summary
On Wednesday, Feb 12, 2014 at 5:44 a.m., National Corvette Museum (NCM) personnel received a notifcation from their security company about motion detectors going off in the Skydome area of the museum.  When those personnel arrived on site, a sinkhole was discovered, measuring about 45 feet wide, 60 feet long and up to 30 feet deep.

Security camera footage showing the Skydome floor's collapse has been viewed nearly 8.3 million times on YouTube.

The sinkhole swallowed eight historic Corvettes - two on loan from GM and six owned by the museum:

• 1993 ZR-1 Spyder (on loan)
• 2009 ZR1 "Blue Devil" prototype (on loan)
• 1962 Corvette
• 1984 PPG Pace Car
• 1992 1-millionth Corvette
• 1993 40th Anniversary Corvette
• 2001 "Mallett Hammer" Z06
• 2009 1.5-millionth Corvette

On March 3, the 2009 Blue Devil was the first car recovered and despite significant damage was started and driven out of the skydome.  The 1.5-millionth Corvette and Mallet Corvette were the last cars pulled from the sinkhole, on April 3 and April 9, respectively - after workers were initially unable to find them amid the collapsed earth.

All eight cars were placed in a special display, fueling a nearly 60-percent jump in museum visitor traffic in the first four months after the sinkhole appeared.

NO CARBON FIBRE WAS HARMED IN THE MAKING OF NEW 2015 GMC SIERRA CARBON EDITION

By Chris Bruce, Autoblog.com - Carbon fibre is known for its properties of combining amazing strength with extremely low weight, and its frequest use in high performance vehicles gives the material a somewhat aggressive air.  GMC is hoping to play on some of that mean reputation with its upcoming trio of Sierra Carbon Editions.  However, despite their name, there's no actual carbon making its way onto these trucks (at least in the form of CF).  Instead, the special edition is a graphics package with some extra equipment thrown in.

All three specials are based on the 2015 Sierra 1500 and can be ordered in two- or four-wheel drive configuration and with the standard 4.3-litre V6 or optional 5.3-litre V8.  Things kick off with the standard Sierra Carbon Edition for US$33,075, including destination, available only on the double cab body (no Canadian pricing or availability has yet been released).  Buyers get a black grille, carbon fibre decals on the hood and tailgate and body color trim for the door handles and mirror caps.  The edition also adds keyless entry, a 110-volt outlet and LED cargo box lighting.

Buyers wanting just a touch more style can opt for the Carbon 20 Edition on the SLE double cab that gets the same exterior tweaks, plus 20-inch aluminum wheels, and retails for US$38,275.  Finally, there is the Carbon 22 Edition starting at US$42,270 on the SLE in double- or crew cab models.  It adds further black 22-inch wheels, tubular side steps, fog lights, keyless start, a universal home remote, dual-zone climate control and 110-volt outlet.  (CAD pricing to follow.)

If you feel like the faux carbon fibre look is worth it, the double cab models are available for order now, and crew cab variants can be reserved in early October.  Deliveries of both are expected later this fall.

2015 TAHOE AND SUBURBAN ADD CONNECTIVITY, CONVENIENCE

By General Motors of Canada, Oshawa - New connectivity and convenience features are coming this fall to the recently launched 2015 Tahoe and Suburban, enhancing the redesigned SUVs and adding to the momentum of one of Chevrolet's most successful launches this year.

The new features include OnStar 4G LTE with a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging capability and a hands-free liftgate.  All will be offered in vehicles produced starting in October.

"The 2015 Tahoe and Suburban provide customers with greater capability, efficiency and safety that has made Chevrolet the go-to brand for full-size SUVs," said Bob McClelland, brand director for Chevrolet in Canada.  "This generation has been designed for today's active families needing space for everyone and everything, and continues to offer legendary roominess, unmatched functionality, connectivity and first-class amenities."

Chevrolet is the first and only car brand to bring built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi to cars, trucks and crossovers.

Year-over-year retail sales of the Tahoe and Suburban have more than doubled in Canada.  Together the Tahoe and Suburban hold more than 30 percent of the segment and play an important role in Chevrolet's success.

OnStar with 4G LTE with a built-in WiFi hotspot is standard on LT and LTZ models.  It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected.  The hostpot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial (whichever comes first), after which the customer can purchase additional data.

The hands-free liftgate and wireless phone charging are included with the available Luxury Package on LT models and they're standard on LTZ.  The hands-free liftgate feature allows a customer with a keyless entry fob - and full hands - to open and close the liftgate by waving his or her foot under a sensor beneath the rear fascia.

With the wireless phone charging feature, a magnetic inductive charging system allows users to simply place their phone on a small mat in the vehicle, where it wirelessly charges.

All-new for 2015
Introduced earlier this year, the redesigned 2015 Tahoe and Suburban are offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with functionality and technology features including:

• The segment's only Front Centre Air Bag (bucket seat models), which deploys from the inboard side of the driver's seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants in side-impact crashes
• Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo convenience - including an available power-folding feature
• Up to six USB ports and six power outlets - including a 110-volt three-prong outlet - to support electronic devices of all kinds for a total of up to 12 charging locations
• Available rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray DVD player
• Conversation mirror in the overhead console that provides a panoramic view of the rear seats
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Up to 2681 litres of cargo room behind the front seats with the rear seats folded in Tahoe and up to 3429 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded in Suburban

 A new EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 engine is standard in Tahoe and Suburban and features direct injection, cyinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.  They contribute to fuel consumption ratings of 14.9 L/100km in the city and 10.2 L/100km on the highway (2WD models) - a nearly 10 percent increase in highway efficiency over the previous models and 7 percent greater in the city.

Chevrolet supports Tahoe and Suburban customers with two years/40,000 kilometres (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance, providing four complimentary lube-oil-filter maintenance services.  It complements the three-year/60,000-kilometre (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and five-year/160,000-kilometre (whichever comes first) powertrain limited warranty.

QUEBEC DRIVERS HAVE BOUGHT 67% OF ALL CHEVY VOLTS SOLD IN CANADA

 

By Autoblog.com - Our colleagues over at Roulezelectrique.com have revealed the sales figure of the Chevrolet Vold and Cadillac ELR up until August 2014 and again, the majority were sold in Quebec.  According to reports, GM has sold 186 Chevrolet Volts in Canada, including 125 in Quebec alone!  That represents 67% of total sales across the country.  In addition, eight out of the ten Cadillac ELRs sold in Canada end up in Quebec too, making up a whopping 80% of all Canadian ELR sales.

These sales figures do not include used cars imported from the United States either, so the figures could actually be much higher.  Looking at these numbers we see that the world record setting electric and hybrid vehicle popularity in Quebec is not a one time thing, but in fact a growing trend that shows how much Quebec consumers are embracing EV and hybrid technology.

CHEVROLET SELLS 3 MILLIONTH CRUZE

By General Motors of Canada, Oshawa - Eleven plants.  One-hundred and eighteen countries.  Eighty-eight awards.  And now, 3 million sales for Chevrolet Cruze.

The best-selling Chevrolet model crossed the milestone this month, just 16 months after selling its 2 millionth model.  From the U.S. and Canada, to Laos and the Philippines, to Lebanon and Qatar, the Cruze has proved itself a global player among small cars.

"The Cruze is an extremely adaptable car that can cater to the demands of nearly every market in the world," said Alan Batey, GM executive vice president of Global Chevrolet.  "It is a testament to Chevrolet's global focus and capabilities to offer a car that is so highly regarded in so many places."

Since the launch in 2008, the Cruze has collected 39 product awards in China, 27 in the U.S., 12 in Brazil and four right here in Canada, plus others globally.

Chevrolet is committed to building product in - or near - the markets where they are sold.  Cruze is built in 11 different countries on five continents and sold in 118 countries.

"Small car sales around the world have been growing exponentially as emerging markets, in Asia and South America, increase car ownership while mature markets, like the U.S., downsize for fuel economy," said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst for AutoTrader.com.  "Small cars like the Cruze are driving sales globally and will continue to do so."

The Cruze endured intensive durability testing, including extreme weather tests and more than 210 crash tests tailored to the regulatory demands of the countries where it is sold.

To appeal to the different markets' tastes, the Cruze is available in three body styles, includng a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and station wagon.  Cruze is powered by five different engines, 1.4-, 1.6-, and 1.8-liter gasoline engines, and 1.7- and 2-liter diesel engines.

"The cost of energy is going to be an issue for a long time and in most markets that's a big consideration," said Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting in Andover, N.J.  "If you can offer someone very affordable, high quality transportation at an affordable price with a substantial package of safety equipment, that's a big plus."

Chevrolet recently launched a new version of the Cruze catering to the styling and packaging demands of Chinese customers.  Cruze sales in China lead all countries with 1.13 million sold since launch in 2009.

For the Canadian market in 2015, the Cruze will have OnStar with available 4G LTE technology, providing passengers with a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven devices.  The 2015 Cruze will also have Siri Eyes Free integration, allowing users to text, call, ask for directions and even send email while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The Canadian-market 2015 Cruze has an available 2.0L turbocharged clean diesel engine, allowing drivers to cruise across Canada efficiently.

Top 10 Markets for Cruze and sales through July 2014
China - 1.13 million

U.S. - 900,000

Russia - 195,000

Brazil - 134,000

Canada - 123,000

South Korea - 73,000

Mexico - 50,000

Turkey - 30,000

India - 28,000

South Africa - 27,000

GM TO COMBAT DRIVER DISTRACTION WITH 'SEEING MACHINES'

By Brandon Turkus, Autoblog.com - People, distracted driving needs to end.  A woman's butt was impaled by a metal pole because she was texting while driving.  Seriously, this needs to stop.  But how?  How do you get people to put their phones down and focus on managing the 1,800-kilogram hulk of steel they're hurtling along at 100 kilometres per hour in?  Well, General Motors may have found the answer.

Financial Times is reporting on a deal between Australian firm Seeing Machines and Takata to supply the General with 500,000 eye- and head-tracking cameras that will be fitted to vehicles over a three- to five-year period.  According to FT, the cameras measure the rotation of the drivers head, eye blinks and other metrics to make sure they're paying enough attention to the road and their mirrors, limiting a driver's ability to get distracted.

While the potential for safety improvements is quite obvious, there could be a number of other benefits to the new cameras, as well.

"Safety doesn't sell cars - sexy sells cars," Ken Kroeger, Seeing Machines' chief executive told FT.  "But once cameras are there, they can be expanded for other features and purposes."

That could, according to Kroeger, include sight-activated features, where the driver's line of sight could be monitored, and at the press of a steering wheel button, something is activated.  Yes, you could stealthily activate your passenger's heated seats on a humid summer's day simply by looking at the button.  More practically, the cameras could also prevent unauthorized users from starting a vehicle, dealing a devastting blow to car theft.

It all sounds quite intriguing.  What are your thoughts?  Will more cameras help curb distracted driving?  Would you even want more cameras in your car?