GM Adds 12-Month/12,000-Mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty on GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn CPO Vehicles

DETROIT, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — General Motors today announced that it will provide consumers with a fully transferable 12-month/12,000-mile* "bumper-to-bumper" warranty with no deductible on all GM Certified Used Vehicles and all Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold in the United States. The announcement was made by Brian McVeigh, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations, and Jamie Hresko, GM North America vice president of quality.

GM also announced it has extended the age and mileage eligibility standards for GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles to include models six years old or newer, with up to 75,000 miles.

In September, GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand**, will mark the sale of its 3-millionth vehicle, making GM Certified the first OEM certified pre-owned program to reach that milestone.

"This is a clear indication of our confidence in the quality and value of our cars and trucks," said McVeigh. "We're pleased to now offer that same level of confidence with every GM Certified Used Vehicle from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac, and every Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle. As we reach the 3-million sales milestone, this warranty enhancement adds a real point of differentiation for our program, enabling our dealers to offer customers a range of peace-of-mind assurances that compare favorably with any other manufacturer-certified program in the industry. GM Certified and Saturn Certified do an outstanding job of bringing in new GM customers, and this enhancement will only add to that."

The fully transferable 12-month/12,000-mile* bumper-to-bumper warranty, which begins on the date of purchase of the GM Certified or Saturn Certified model, is standard on all GM Certified Used Vehicles or Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles purchased from participating dealers after September 13, 2008. The warranty covers the vehicle from bumper to bumper on any vehicle defect related to materials or workmanship, including all but standard wear-and-tear components on the vehicle. All body and sheet metal components are warranted against rust-through corrosion for six years/100,000 miles***.

GM Certified and Saturn Certified also provide buyers a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty*** with 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, free vehicle history report, a comprehensive 117-point vehicle inspection and a three-day, 150-mile customer satisfaction guarantee.

"We upped our game and made great strides in quality," said Hresko. "We take care of our customers by standing behind our cars and trucks. With a five-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty plus roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, we already provide the best coverage in America and now we're making that coverage even better."

Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles and Hummer Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles operate separate programs — each of those programs has a 6-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper comprehensive warranty (whichever comes first), effective from the vehicle's in-service date.

Consumers can go to www.gmcertified.com to learn more about GM Certified Used Vehicles, locate the closest GM Certified dealer or search the industry's largest available certified pre-owned inventory, with 60,000-plus vehicles. Consumers can visit www.saturn.com to learn more about Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles.

[Source: GM]

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: This is a smart move by Chevy and GMC. If you give consumers some choice on fuel economy, more than likely they'll take it. Especially if it's at a low cost. That was the biggest problem we've got with the hybrid versions of GM's big SUVs — the added front end dollar figure destroys any possibility for recouping your monetary investment without driving the vehicle for tens of thousands of miles. But anyway, we're glad to see the General making any steps toward fuel economy gains at efficient prices — especially when mixed with the Tahoe's good looks — and without the garish stickering of the hybrid. Full press release below.

GM Full-Size Pickups And SUVs Deliver Better Fuel Economy And Same Great Capabilities With New 'XFE' Models

EPA-rated fuel economy increases to 15 city and 21 highway
Silverado and Sierra have the best aerodynamics in the class
Towing capacity on Silverado and Sierra increases to 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg)
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Delivers 25-Percent Improved Fuel Economy With All Of GMC's Professional Grade Capability
2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Delivers 25-Percent Improved Fuel Economy And Delivers Chevy's Rugged Capability

DETROIT - General Motors is building on the segment-leading fuel economy of its full-size pickups and SUVs with new XFE models of the 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon. The vehicles use a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic and mass-reducing enhancements to deliver a 5-percent increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7-percent improved mileage in city driving.

The aero enhancements make Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE models the most aerodynamic full-size pickups in the industry, with a "Best in Class" 0.412 coefficient of drag (cd). The pickups join the Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid as the most aerodynamic full-size SUVs at 0.349 (cd).

The new XFE - Xtra Fuel Economy - models reflect GM's quick adaptation to an evolving market that remains a very important segment. They are available on 2WD vehicles equipped with the 5.3L V-8 and six-speed transmission. They achieve 15 city and 21 highway mileage ratings versus comparable non-XFE models' 14/20 ratings. Most importantly, the increased efficiency does not come at the expense of capability. Towing ratings for the Tahoe and Yukon are unchanged, while the Silverado and Sierra increase from 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg) to 7,000 pounds (3,175 kg) due to the new, six-speed transmission and high-capacity cooling package.

"We are pulling out all the stops to deliver a more efficient package for customers who need the capability of full-size pickups and SUVs and want the very best fuel economy," said Gary White, GM North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. "Our pickups and SUVs are already the fuel economy leaders of their respective segments, but our engineers knew greater efficiency was achievable. We fast-tracked the XFE models to get them into dealer showrooms as quickly as possible."

All models carry the XFE name badge and are offered in the LT trim for Silverado and LS and LT trims for Tahoe. Sierra XFE comes with SLE trim and Yukon XFE is offered with SLE and SLT trim. Most regular-production options for all models are available. Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE are offered in 2wd crew cab body styles only. Production begins this fall.

"In addition to the XFE models, GM already offers hybrid versions of the Tahoe and Yukon that achieve up to a 50-percent improvement in city fuel economy and coming in the first half of 2009 are the Silverado and Sierra Hybrids," said White. "These hybrid pickups offer up to 25 percent overall increased fuel economy and greater than 40-percent improved mileage in city driving."

XFE efficiencies

GM's more efficient full-size pickups and SUVs are powered by a 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9) engine that's built with a mass-reducing aluminum cylinder block and heads. It is rated at 320 horsepower (238 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (461 Nm)* in Tahoe and Yukon and 315 hp/235 kW and 338 lb-ft/458 Nm in Silverado and Sierra. The engine is backed by a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission (with high-capacity cooling on Silverado and Sierra).

A rear axle equipped with a fuel-saving 3.08 ratio is also standard on all XFE models. Lightweight aluminum wheels and low rolling resistance tires (with higher tire pressure) also are included on all models.

Other unique content and features for Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE include:

Soft tonneau cover (improves aerodynamics)
Extended front lower air dam (improves aerodynamics)
Lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning (improve aerodynamics)
Aluminum lower control arms (reduce mass)
Aluminum spare wheel (reduces mass)
Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels (reduce mass)
Automatic locking rear differential
Trailering package
Low rolling resistance tires
Other unique content and features for Tahoe XFE and Yukon XFE include:

Lowered suspension and revised chassis tuning (improve aerodynamics)
Aluminum lower control arms (reduce mass)
Aluminum spare wheel (reduces mass)
Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels (reduce mass)
Automatic locking rear differential
Trailering package
Low rolling resistance tires
The new XFE models reinforce GM's commitment to full-size truck leadership, which continue to the industry's best and deliver the fuel economy, capability, quality and choice that are important to customers.

*SAE certified.

1) 1909 Peerless Model 19 Touring Car

2) 1941 Willys Coupe Street Rod

3) 1951 Nash Rambler Custom Landau "Roll-Top" Convertible

4) 1967 Porsche 912 Soft Window Targa

5) 1957 Volkswagen Beetle

6) 1974 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Race Car

7) 1974 De Tomaso Pantera L

8) 1958 GMC Series 101 Pickup

9) 1966 Amphicar 770

10) 1959 Fiat Jolly 600

So there you have it, our picks for the crappiest cars up for sale at this year's 2008 Monterey Auctions. We know some of you will think we're heretics for picking a few of these, but by and large these rides just don't cut the mustard when masterpieces like the 1938 Bugatti 57SC Atalante are on the same block. So what do you think? What's the crappiest car of this years auctions? Feel free to fight it out in the space below.

Post publish commentary: Since some of you seem to have checked your sense of humor at the door and consider everything a serious offense to the senses now, I'll go out of my way to make it clear the term "Crappy" is being used in the jocular sense. Perhaps I didn't lay it on thick enough, but the main beef is with the culture of auctioneering driving the prices up on relatively normal cars. I don't think these are crappy, but the multi-million-dollar classic car gold rush is forcing the prices up and the prestige down on otherwise neat, but normal cars.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

Also Consider:
• Non-Hybrid Chevy Tahoe
• Chrysler Aspen / Dodge Durango Hybrid
• Non-Hybrid Chevy Tahoe
• Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
• Non-Hybrid Chevy Tahoe
• Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI
• Did we mention the non-hybrid Chevy Tahoe?

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: No
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: Yes
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Chevrolet
· Model tested: Tahoe Hybrid 2WD
· Model year: 2008
· Base Price: $49,590
· Price as Tested: $52,780
· Engine type: 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with two-mode gasoline/electric hybrid
· Horsepower: 332 hp @ 5100 rpm
· Torque: 367 ft.-lbs. @ 4100 rpm
· Wheels and Tires: P265/65R-18 all-seasons on 18-inch aluminum wheels
· Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
· 0 - 60: 8.8 seconds
· 1/4 mile: N/A
· Top speed: 118mph
· EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 21/22
· NHTSA crash test rating front/side/rollover: 5/5/Not Rated

Also See:
2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Part One
2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Part Two

Acceleration: ***
Six liters and electric assist be damned, this is a huge truck, and it's not in any hurry to get out of its own way. That said, it never felt dangerously slow, but stepping on the gas when decelerating in electric mode sometimes confused the software, resulting in a delay when you really didn't want one — such as while turning left with opposing traffic approaching. When all else fails, the big Vortec can jump when asked — just don't look at the real-time fuel economy indicator while you've got your foot in it. On the other side, it sure is fun trying to keep yourself in all-electric mode.

Braking: ***
The Tahoe Hybrid hauls itself down to a stop in impressive fashion, with four big discs combining with the hybrid system's regenerative assist. Our complaints weren't with stopping prowess, but rather the odd clunks and whirrs that occasionally accompanied it. Another editor noticed the gas engine/motor system does some sort of transfer of power during braking that makes it feel as though the vehicle has been rear-ended.

Ride: ***
You want smooth and floaty? You can't go wrong with body-on-frame. The Tahoe was designed to be a top-shelf SUV, and it rides like one, keeping passengers disconnected from the surface below through the use of soggy rubber bushings, stout shocks and springs, and a few hundred pounds of sound insulation.

Handling: ***
Read the part about ride above and you'll discover everything you need to know about the Tahoe Hybrid's handling. It's a huge, top-heavy truck. The handling is as good as one can hope to expect from this type of vehicle, with slow, overboosted steering and soggy suspension. It was kind of fun on dirt roads, though.

Gearbox: **
The two-mode hybrid autobox is the heart of GM's hybrid SUVs: Essentially, it integrates the automatic transmission and the electric motors needed for hybrid operation. As a pure automatic, the hybrid shifts imperceptibly. But as mentioned earlier the transitions into and out of gas-power and into purely electric mode aren't always subtle.

Audio: ****
As one would expect in a $50k ride, the Tahoe does tunes justice. Thanks to the Bose Premium Speaker System as standard equipment, including sub tucked into a rear-compartment cubby, we were able to kick Willie's Place sky-high on the XM for our entire drive north. Speaking of, like most GM vehicles, XM radio in the Tahoe is free for three months to get you good and hooked; it's hard not to fall in love with it.

Toys: ****
It's all here: The Tahoe Hybrid has OnStar, satnav, XM, heated seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, overhead DVD, a 120-volt outlet, and power everything. The radio system also has an addictive "hybrid power flow display" that graphically shows what the hybrid system is doing at all times, much like other hybrids on the market. In other words, you get most everything you'd get on an Escalade, including the price tag.

Value: *
The Tahoe Hybrid offers a lot of goodies and a powerful, uniquely efficient powertrain (for a full-size SUV). But at a list price of $52,250, we can think of so many better vehicles for the money that the Tahoe can't compete. When big SUVs were fashionable, folks would pay that kind of scratch just to have one in the driveway. Times have changed.

Overall: **
As far as novelties go, the Tahoe Hybrid is one. It's a nice luxury SUV, but no one buys those anymore. Don't get us wrong, it's much more efficient than a standard Tahoe. But if you need the space and towing capacity, buy a diesel Savana van if fuel efficiency is the priority. At the $50k plus price point where the Tahoe Hybrid sits, there's enough really good competition that this thing is a non-starter. On the other hand, viewed as a first application of the two-mode hybrid system and nothing more, the Tahoe Hybrid shows that GM can build a true hybrid with the best of them; we look forward to seeing the system in something more manageable and less expensive.

Also See:
2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Part One

The American SUVs on the market in 1989 were quite a bit different than the generation that would take over in just two years' time. We tend to focus on their crudeness and lack of creature comforts, but more importantly, nearly all "mid-size" SUVs before the 1990s period were two-door models. The exception was the Jeep Cherokee XJ, which was developed with extra doors specifically because Chevy hadn't added them to their Blazer. The other players were either Japanese, like the Isuzu Trooper or, like the Suburban, based on a larger truck platform.

The Jeep Z5 concept will look very familiar to you.

Fortunately for Chrysler, Jeep had developed a more-refined version of the four-door SUV that we know as the Jeep Grand Cherokee all the way back in 1985, when the division was owned by AMC. Unfortunately for Chrysler, when they purchased AMC and Jeep, they put the development of the Grand Cherokee project on hold in favor of new minivans. Still, Jeep had the answer, and in 1989 they released the Jeep Z5 Concept 1, which was basically the final design for the Grand Cherokee that they would bring to market in 1992.

Contrast that with the General. For 1989, GM had two futuristic concept trucks that we assume they hoped would stir enough interest to guide them in their product-making decisions. One was the youth-oriented Pontiac Stinger compact SUV. Though it wasn't particularly powerful — its engine was only good for 170 HP — it had a high level of utility, including features such as a removable picnic table and portable radio. These types of features weren't put to use, as Pontiac wasn't going to build an SUV in the near future. Ironically, many of these ideas found a home — the ill-fated and poorly designed Pontiac Aztec.

The Stinger is certainly better looking than the Aztec, even if it isn't as practical.

The other concept truck was the Chevy XT-2 concept, which stood for the Chevy Experimental Truck #2. This futuristic-looking, performance-oriented vehicle featured a Corvette suspension, a front-engine/RWD layout built on a platform similar to the F-body Camaro, and a 4.5-liter V6 that was good for 360 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine itself, which featured tuned port injection, was an important technological leap forward for GM. The TPI system not only provided more power than a carbureted engine, it was also relatively fuel-efficient. For an excellent discussion of the importance of this engine see this discussion of the XT-2 at PickupTrucks.com.

The XT-2 was designed as a pace car to be used in what was then the CART PPG Indy Car World Series, which is now a weird mix of words to see together. The truck itself went through two designs before engineers landed on the final one. The first version was fairly wild and had the engine mounted under the bed. The second version was a based on a passenger-car platform with a FWD/AWD layout and a smaller V6 engine, a concept not unlike the crossovers that would follow in the mid-2000s. So how did they end up with the final version? According to a press release provided by GM, "Given the consumer preference to small, sporty trucks, the evolution of the Chevrolet PPG XT-2 Pace Truck was natural."

So, in 1989, you had the Pontiac Stinger and the Chevy XT-2 from GM as the radically futuristic vehicles. The designers and planners clearly understood that, after the previous gas crisis, crossovers and sportier car-based trucks were the way forward. But that wasn't what happened.

In 1990, GM came out with four-door versions of their S10-based SUV's and Ford came out with the Ford Explorer. The design wasn't exactly revolutionary — the Explorer and others were the same basic body-on-frame trucks as before with an extra set of doors. The Explorer caught the imagination and dollars of Suburban families by offering car-like amenities such as leather interiors and CD players. Jeep suddenly had to rush their dusty Grand Cherokee to market in 1992 to catch up with the market.

Gas prices remained low, especially relative to the sudden increase in the purchasing power of the average American. In 1991 there were less than a million SUVs sold in the United States. By 1998, Americans were buying nearly three million a year. In 1998, the three best-selling trucks (F-Series, Silverado and Explorer) outsold the Toyota Camry, which was the best-selling car. Unfortunately, in this orgy of truck sales, nothing quite like the XT-2 was ever produced. Why make a car-based SUV or truck when you're suddenly making money hand-over-fist by adding a CD player and an extra set of doors to a body-on-frame platform you've already developed?

Fast-forward almost twenty years, to March 2008. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry bested the Ford F-150 in monthly sales, and you have your answer. Not long after, GM postponed development of their GMT-900 full-sized truck platform. It then leaked out that GM was considering a more Honda Ridgeline-esque pickup — not unlike the second version of the XT-2 concept that was never produced.

Then the news we were all waiting for: GM announced the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck in 2008. The Pontiac G8 ST will be built on the Zeta platform that underpins the 2010 Chevy Camaro, giving it essentially the same setup as the Chevy XT-2.

The General could have created car-based CUVs and sporty trucks; obviously, they thought the idea had some merit in 1989. But development and focus instead shifted to the cheaper and easier body-on-frame alternative with two extra doors. Almost 20 years later, with another energy crisis underway, it's fascinating to see how two versions of the same forgotten concepts from the late 1980s are now looking like the new way forward for an automaker desperately trying to grapple with age-old problems.

[Photos and press releases courtesy of General Motors. Special thanks to GM for providing the information, Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com for tracking much of it down and to SmalleyXb122 for starting this whole search with his comment in the Five Ugliest Concept Trucks post.]

The Pontiac G8 ST proves Peter's maxim about originality.

The Journal claims GM has already taken Chevrolet and Cadillac off the table, considering them core to the company. But what about the rest of the lineup?

Saturn: GM's low-price, non-haggle, donut-loving import-fighter brand has reportedly never made a profit. Even with products like the Aura and Astra, it's having trouble making any inroads with consumers despite a loyal fan base. Coupled with the fact GM has reportedly stopped development work on the next-gen Aura, we think Saturn's got a good chance of getting to know Geo in the division dumpster.

Saab: The storied Swedish born-from-jets brand has either been vastly improved or pathetically watered-down during GM's ownership, depending upon whom you talk to. Either way, with only about 35,000 sales per year in the U.S. — about what the Accord sells each month — Saab is probably due for an ownership change.

Buick: If it weren't for Buick's gangbusters Chinese sales and the strong-selling Enclave, we'd be more concerned about the tri-shield brand. Would it go Asian-market only? Possibly, but Buick's made it out alive before, and we think it'll do so again. There are just too many old people out there to sell to.

GMC: GM's truck brand sells rebadged Chevrolets almost exclusively, and Acadia is reportedly already a goner. But the division has a strong brand presence among site foremen who enjoy driving the same vehicle their workers drive, but at a 10% premium. Will that be enough? We give GMC a 50/50 shot.

Pontiac: The performance division has Solstice, the G8, and the reasonably strong-selling G6. Pontiac has always been an image brand as well as a volume brand; is G8 enough to bring that performance image back? We're not so sure...but we don't think Pontiac is going away any time soon.

So, who's following Hummer (and probably about 25,000 current GM employees) out the door? Give us your thoughts. [WSJ]

A little history first. Back in '78, when the guzzler tax came into existence, it penalized vehicles that got fewer than a combined 22.5 MPG; however, trucks, vans and SUVs weren't included because they made up such as small percentage of personal vehicles. Fast forward 30 years, there's a Grand Cherokee in every garage and some folks say it's high time to revisit the gas-guzzler tax...and perhaps the hybrid tax credit. Let's just say we can see both sides of the argument.

It's probably evidence of how far we haven't come that 22.5 combined MPG doesn't seem all that low to us. Regardless, if we're going to have a tax, then a true gas-guzzler tax should apply to gas guzzlers — vehicles that can't top 18 MPG combined — and be made an across-the-board rule, regardless of vehicle type. Yeah, there'd have to be an out for contractors, and yeah, some folks would cheat. What's new?

What about the hybrid tax credit? The intention was to help folks afford hybrids until the costs have been amortized enough for automakers to lower the price. But guess what? Prices ain't coming down. Instead, it's nothing more than a cheap gimmick. A better alternative would be to apply a "gas-sipper credit," a sort of reverse gas-guzzler tax that would credit buyers of the most fuel-efficient vehicles.

In the end, Americans are going to buy what they want, burn what they want, and drive as fast as they like. It's what we do here, and that's all good by us. But a little cash under the table to "do the right thing" is apparently part of the American way too — especially when it's complete hypocrisy. [blogs.nytimes.com]

"GM recently canceled two GMC product programs. The next-generation GMC Acadia program is the first program to be cut from the product plans at GMC. Originally the Acadia was slated to stay on with the next generation lineup of Lambda crossovers...however, that has obviously changed.

The next GMC product program to get sliced was the GMC Lambda SUT program. GM is currently working on two Lambda SUT's to combat the truck market with higher fuel efficiency. Chevrolet and GMC were both going to get a variant of the Lambda truck around the 2011-2012 time-frame. However, like its Acadia brother, this GMC has too bit the dust within the product plans at GM. That leaves only the GMC Theta program running (to replace the Pontiac Torrent) between now and 2012."

As you can see, Alameda is quite close to downtown San Francisco; as the crow flies, it's about five miles away. If you're not a crow and decide to drive your truck over there, however, it feels like about 100 hellish bumper-to-bumper miles. Fortunately, there's a ferry from Alameda to SF, and they sell beer on board.


In '68, you shelled out $2,541 for a base GMC 2500 pickup, versus $2,547 for the Chevy equivalent. Either way, the standard engine was the tough 250-inch inline six, with the 292 six and a variety of small- and big-block V8s available for those with extra bucks. I'm thinking the 292 with three-on-the-tree sounds like a good setup.


Even if gas prices hit 10 bucks, there will still be a place for simple, reliable pickups like this one. Houses will still need to be built and landscaping gear will still need to be hauled.

Say, how about a poll to start the week? We've seen quite a few pickups from GMC and Chevrolet in this series, and we want to know which one is the crowd favorite. Will the mid-60s trucks split the vote? Will the '71 Chevy with the rare "double cab" option take the win? Vote, and vote some more!

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

While unit-body construction would likely reduce towing and payload capacity over current GMT900 offerings, reports show that the majority of light-truck buyers rarely use the full capacity of their vehicles. Lambda would provide GM with an opportunity to provide more interior storage space and better fuel economy while still being able to offer 2WD and 4WD packages. Since we know Americans don't want to give up their pickups, moving the "commuter trucks" onto Lambda sounds like another smart choice for the General. Now let's see if it actually happens.
[Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

The report also mentioned cancellation of a future Hummer product and the potential shuttering of a brand, though no concrete evidence has emerged to clarify whether the Hummer product cancellation and brand closure were one in the same (Hummer) or whether Hummer might be allowed to die on the vine while another weak brand, such as Buick, was closed outright or moved off-shore. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

This car parks in Irvine, CA. I don't think it's a daily driver, but it does move a bit. The pink paint is very faded, but Also, here's a cute little Chevy van and the GMC Suburban-type that I mentioned. The GMC is my favorite, especially with its LAUSD vintage. These are both in the Irvine Groves neighborhood. The GMC always parks at the front and the Chevy is always on the east side at the back.

• Chevrolet — Tahoe (nonhybrid) or Suburban: $2,000 customer cash + $4,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $6,000 total cash.

Tahoe (hybrid): $0 customer cash + $4,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $4,000 total cash.

Silverado or Avalanche: $2,000 customer cash + $3,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $5,000 total cash.

• GMC — Yukon: $2,000 customer cash + $4,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $6,000 total cash.

Yukon (hybrid): $0 customer cash + $4,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $4,000 total cash.

Sierra: $2,000 customer cash + $3,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $5,000 total cash.

• Cadillac — Escalade: $2,000 customer cash + $2,000 bonus cash + $2,000 owner loyalty bonus cash = $6,000 total cash.

[Automotive News (sub. req.)]

Rumors suggest that the first shoot next week will take place in Bethlehem, Penn., and the set is outfitted to look like a Chinese city. It will feature a new concept car not seen in the first movie as well as two Blackhawk helicopters. A car hauler was also seen around the set with two Saturns and five unidentified Chinese cop cars.

[TFW2005; Transformers Live]

The fact that the car is 20 feet long and almost eight feet wide, yet only tips the scales at 4,500 lbs blows out fragile little minds. See what aluminum will do for you? This beast went on the blocks recently at a BJ auction and sold for the fire sale price of $475,000. Convenient if you want to roll in style while towing your yacht to the slip. [Blastolene and Buzzini]

GM's Fourth Theta Variant Spotted on the road—Shows Some GMC Acadia Design Cues

The GMC Terrain has now hit the road giving us our first all-angles look at GM's latest Theta-based crossover for the first time. We spotted it last week in a holding pen, but we were lacking the confirming look at the prototype's grille. The blocky grille looks appropriate for a GMC, and the mesh grille design actually looks like this particular model could possibly be a Denali version.

This prototype gets further separation from its platform-mates (current Saturn Vue, next-gen Chevy Equinox, and the Theta-premium Cadillac BRX and Saab 9-4x), thanks to its blocky wheel arch design. This wheel well design is very similar to its GMC Acadia big brother.

While the upgraded Theta premium models for Cadillac and Saab show signs of a sloping, somewhat "coupe-like" roofline, the standard Theta-based Chevy Equinox and this GMC prototype maintain a flat roofline. Cargo capacity and functionality are clearly a higher priority for GM's volume brands. GMC's Terrain will supplant the Pontiac Torrent in GM's lineup, leaving Pontiac to focus on passenger cars, while playing to the strengths of the GMC lineup. The Terrain is expected to reach the market in mid-2009 as a 2010 model.

The second tidbit of news comes by way of the Sedona, Ariz. film commission that is reporting multiple production inquiries for Transformers 2. Given the geographic nature of Arizona, it's not that shocking to hear Michael Bay and company looking to the Sedona to film the sequel. At least there is plenty of room for overly epic and amazing Transformers fight scenes. [Superhero Hype; Sedona Film Commission via TFW2005]

Will the old GMC be played by the GMC Savana or Chevy Express, the twin van titans in the General's lineup — each coming in both a rear-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive model? Could Ford jump into the mix with their new Transit Connect? Maybe Dodge will want a go and drop a Sprinter into the mix, Mercedes-sourced engine and all. We mean, we'd love to see a Hartmann SP5 Sprinter. Oh, the possibilities feel endless. [YahooTV]

photo source theateamvan.com

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: No
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• Chevy Tahoe
• Toyota Sequoia
• Infiniti QX56
• Ford Expedition
• Lincoln Navigator
• Nissan Armada

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: GMC
• Model tested: Yukon Denali AWD
• Model year: 2008
• Base Price: $50,185
• Price as Tested: $55,750
• Engine type: 6.2-liter Vortec 6200 V8 SFI
• Horsepower: 380 @ 5,700rpm
• Torque: 417 lb/ft @ 4,400 RPM
• Red Line: 6,500 RPM
• Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6L80, 6-speed automatic
• Curb Weight: 5,838 lbs
• LxWxH: 222.4" x 79.1" x 77.1"
• Wheelbase: 116.0"
• Tires: P265/65R18
• Drive type: AWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 8.0 seconds
• 1/4-mile: N/A
• Top speed: 105 MPH
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 13/19 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: 5 Stars Driver/Passenger/Side Impact

Also see:

• 2008 GMC Yukon Denali, Part One
• 2008 GMC Yukon Denali, Part Two

Acceleration: ****
The big 6.2-liter Vortec V8 gives you as much power as you need, whenever you need it. While we didn't have the opportunity to try to mash the pedal to the floor while towing, the 380 horses let us dart through traffic better than we expected we should have been able to, given the sheer size of this beast.

Braking: ****
Given the size, you'd expect long stopping distances, but the four-wheel disc brakes worked with aplomb, even when encountering the pressures of coffee-spilling stops that scared the bejeezus out of even our stony-faced road test editor. Seriously, we've just gotten those pants back from the cleaners — you know how many times it took for them to get the coffee stain out?

Ride: *****
Like a pillow. What? You didn't know the Yukon is the new Serta mattress? OK, not really, but the Yukon Denali took a series of potholes on I-75 like they were sidewalk cracks. This Huge-UV has the ability to take just about any standard byway or highway, regardless of disrepair, and make you feel like you're on the latest re-surfaced MDOT road.

Handling: **
The GMC Yukon handles like a beached whale. But, despite the Gigantor-like proportions, the turning radius was better than we expected. Still had to do a turn-and-backup on the road outside the ol' apartment building, but at least we didn't have to do it twice. So we guess there's that.

Gearbox: ****
The six-speed auto tranny may be good at helping the General wring that extra mpg out of the GMT-900's, but it's hopeless for feeling what gear you're in. Feel free to use the "+" and "-" buttons on the shift column to move up and down the gears. We didn't.

Audio: ****
Bose surround sound, XM Satellite radio, six-disc CD changer and the premium acoustic package. Nothing more than what you'd expect on a uber-equipped SUV.

Toys: ***
The power tailgate may be nice for the not-so-tall, but we wish it didn't force us to use it. Just another extra 15 seconds before we were comfortable pulling out of our parking spot. The rear DVD system would be great if we had kids in the back seat every day. But we don't and neither should anyone else buying this Giant-UV. Let's re-cap people — do not buy the GMC Yukon Denali as a soccer mom-mobile. And when are we going to get Xenon's GMC?

Value: **
At $55,750.00 the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali is more than some people put down to buy a house. Most people who need the room and size will probably find a non-Denali trim version will work out just fine for them and fulfill all their needs. And do it for $10,000 cheaper. This Truck-UV is only a value proposition if you're hauling lots of people and all their equipment. Period.

Overall: ***
It all comes down to what you're looking for. Frankly, although it works for us, there's very few folks it'll do the same for. And the Chevy Tahoe looks better, does the same thing, and costs much less money.

Also see:

• 2008 GMC Yukon Denali, Part One

I think I'm now one of those people who "knows" I need one — at least some of the time. Since January, I've now spent so much time in the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali, I almost feel like GM should just hand over the keys. But I can't help it. The Yukon just seems to be a convenient choice whenever we've got the team in the Detroit area and we need a heavy hauler to lug our portly auto-writing frames around. Not to mention seemingly having more equipment in tow than is needed to put together a Top Gear segment.

Case in point. My most recent time spent behind the wheel of the new up-optioned Yukon was the end of last month — for a quick photo shoot with an upcoming vehicle being revealed at the New York Auto Show. With an extra two guys in town and their assorted video and camera equipment, that standard CUV's just going to end up getting stuffed to the gills. Not the Yukon.

As if hoisting myself into the driver's seat isn't enough, all it takes is a quick look out the front windshield (or into the rear-view mirror, across the cavernous double rear rows of seats and out the rear window) and you notice your vision falling well above the roofs of most cars in your line of sight. That's all you really need to remind you this ain't no pansy crossover you're rumbling down the road in.

Or you could just look at your gas gauge. Yeah, it's no 20 miles-plus per gallon CUV, that's for sure. Close to 20, maybe — we saw 17.8 MPG in mixed city/highway driving (EPA 13/19) — but definitely not 20-plus. But you're also not going to find any crossover on the market with a 6.2-liter V8 under the hood giving you 380 horses to play with and max torque of 417 lb-ft. But you'll need an engine that big with an animal packing 5800+ pounds unladen, like the Yukon truck-UV. Anything less would be pokey given this elephant of a vehicle's pack animal purpose.

It kills me when I see a MILF driving a Yukon or it's Chevy brother, the Tahoe, through the suburbs of Metro Detroit. That's because the Yukon, like any pack animal, isn't designed to pick the kids up from soccer practice or bring the groceries to your suburban home. Save those suburban tasks for something smaller, more pedestrian and definitely more pocketbook friendly at the pump. No, this camel of a cargo-carrier should only be used when you've got seven souls in the seats and all 45.8 cubic feet of cargo area behind the third row packed to the gills with equipment. Soccer moms need not apply.

I, on the other hand, feel like I need a vehicle like this. Well, at least I do when I'm not paying for it.

GM Premieres First Ever Fuel Cell, Hybrid SUV Fleet At The Oscars

LOS ANGELES - The red-carpet arrivals at the 80th Annual Academy Awards® on Feb. 24, will be transformed with advanced technology vehicles from GMC and Chevrolet. This fuel-friendly fleet - larger than any other assembled for a major awards show before - will enable Hollywood's hottest talent to enjoy stylish and environmentally friendly rides in one of more than 75 vehicles, including the GMC Yukon Hybrid, the zero-gas and zero-emissions Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell and the FlexFuel E85 ethanol-compatible GMC Yukon.

As the only ABC Network automotive sponsor of the 2008 Oscar® telecast, GMC and Chevrolet will bring hybrid and fuel cell technology to the forefront at the red carpet, and other Oscar Week events. The fleet continues GM's major strategic effort to provide "fuel-friendly" vehicles to the entertainment industry and spread the word about GM's environmentally-conscious cars, trucks and SUVs.

"GM's longstanding relationship with Hollywood and our strong commitment to bringing advanced technologies to market that will help diversify fuel sources and reduce vehicle emissions makes this the perfect time for GM to drive 'green' to the Oscars," said Dino Bernacchi, GM Director of Marketing Alliances and Branded Entertainment. "Our outreach to showcase GM's 'fuel-friendly' products will be increasingly evident in the entertainment industry in 2008 with presence at awards shows, film festivals and special events, as well as a heightened product placement effort in movies and television."

GM's ramped-up efforts to drive Hollywood "green" began with "fuel-friendly" vehicles at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards and 39th NAACP Image Awards. Chevrolet is also reaching out to the next generation of tomorrow's influencers with the first-ever "Chevy Rocks The Future" event on Feb. 19. GM already provides the largest "fuel-friendly" product placement fleet to Hollywood producers and directors with nearly 20 different vehicle types.

Later this quarter, Chevrolet will hand over the keys to Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles to major entertainment celebrities for everyday use as part of its Project Driveway program - an effort by Chevrolet to move fuel cell technology from the laboratory into consumers' driveways.

The GMC Yukon Hybrid is the industry's first full-size SUV hybrid. No other hybrid can offer the fuel efficiency and full-size SUV performance including seating for up to 8 passengers and 6,200 lbs. maximum towing.

The 2008 Yukon Hybrid boasts vastly improved fuel economy over its gasoline-only sibling. Two-wheel drive models, for example, deliver 21 mpg in the city, a 50-percent improvement over its 5.3L non-hybrid sibling and comparable to the much-smaller 2.4L-equipped Toyota Camry sedan, according to figures obtained from www.fueleconomy.gov.

This year's Oscars will be the first major awards show where a fleet of fuel cell vehicles will provide transportation for celebrities. The Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle is a zero-gas, zero-emissions vehicle that makes no compromises, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 12 seconds, 236-lb.-ft. of instant torque and top speed of about 100 miles per hour. It seats four, sports 32 cubic feet of cargo volume for everybody's gear, and has a range of approximately 150 miles per fill-up based on the new 2008 EPA adjusted measurement. The Equinox Fuel Cell also features full four-wheel ABS for controlled, confident stopping.

Aside from its dramatically different propulsion system, the Equinox Fuel Cell looks and drives much like a production Chevy Equinox (a small SUV).

In addition to the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevy Fuel Cell Equinox, a select number of FlexFuel E85 ethanol-compatible Yukon SUVs will drive to the red carpet. Biofuels such as E85 ethanol have tremendous potential to help offset the world's growing energy demands, and General Motors offers more FlexFuel E85 ethanol-capable models than any other brand, with 2.5 million FlexFuel E85 ethanol vehicles currently on the road. FlexFuel E85 ethanol vehicles can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol - a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - or a combination of both.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will present the 80th Annual Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2007, on Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, televised live at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST by the ABC Television Network.

[Source: GM]