Archive for the ‘General Motors’ Category

GM to investigate Six Million Chevy, GMC Trucks And SUVs over break issue

After all this year’s recallings over break issues or unintended acceleration issues, for not just one carmaker, GM, having its name put on the list, planned to equip many GM models with brake-override systems, which will slow vehicles in the event of sudden acceleration.

GM’s problem, however, is related to break issues, not unintended acceleration, which affects GM trucks and SUVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating possible brake-line failures in a number of Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, after receiving 110 complaints about “loss of braking effectiveness” in the Chevy Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe, as well as the GMC Sierra and Yukon. Preliminary reports indicate that corrosion of the brake-lines could be the cause of the problem. So far, the issue seems limited to vehicles from the 1999 to 2003 model years, six million of which still roam the roads. An additional 189,000 heavy-duty pickups are also included as part of the investigation. (more…)

GM developing twin-turbo 3.0L V6 to fight Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost

Oh, the epic “fight” between normally aspirated engines and turbo charged. Each one has its backers, arguing either on consumption, weight of engine or price. Truth is each one has its ups and downs.

These are the days when V6 engines are getting all the love, and the reasons are obvious. Chrysler has finally got its Pentastar V6 on, and down under General Motors recently rolled out the facelifted Commodore line with its 3.0-liter SIDI V6. The point is to provide solid power and go easy on the gas, and in the U.S. the V6 that’s been making that point very well is Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost found in the Flex and Lincoln MKS and MKT. (more…)

Comeback? Saturn Outlook and Hummer H3 to be revived?

Saturn Outlook frontangle

Even though both the Saturn and Hummer brands are being phased out, General Motors has reportedly revived production of both the Outlook crossover and H3 SUV to meet consumer demands.

Last month, GM assembled 1,037 Outlooks at its Lansing, Michigan facility, which is where the crossover’s Lamda platform stablemates (Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia) are built. A spokesperson for GM states that production was reinstated to utilize the rest of the Saturn-specific material at the facility, and that the automaker will continue to assemble the Outlook for a few more weeks. (more…)

2012 Buick Regal GS with no AWD system

Buick Regal GS Show Car

As you may know already GM is working hard on the 2012 Buick Regal GS, which will be based on the Regal GS Concept, unveiled back in January at the Detroit Auto Show but also on the all-wheel drive Opel Insignia OPC.

But, apparently, the upcoming car will be offered without the all-wheel drive system. This was confirmed by Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice Chairman who said that the produc planners are debating whether all-wheel drive is worth the added weight and cost. Regarding the engine, we will see the same 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology found on the Regal GS Concept and capable to deliver 255 horsepower (190 kW) as well as 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).  

GM promises Rear-Wheel Drive Hybrids

general motors

General Motors has big plans for the future, like becoming the first major automaker in the U.S. to design and manufacture its own electric motors for future hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, as it announced it was expanding its in-house electric vehicle development capabilities. (more…)

SAAB goes to Spyker

Dunno if it’s a happy end for SAAB, but it is an end! After a while of negociations, GM shook hands with Dutch based carmaker Spyker and sold the Swedish manufaturer. It is, however, good news for the employees, customers and dealers worldwide.

IT’s sad that GM has to give up 2 of the top brands in its portofolio – Volvo and SAAB – but we could see the bright part in the joint between Spyker and SAAB, which is due for mid Ferbuary: the Dutch carmaker will add a line of more affordable vehicles to its current exclusive lineup and also, SAAB will benefit of new performance possiblities.

After all, it’s better to become Spyker-SAAB than scrap-SAAB.

Limited Edition Corvette worths $200000 for Haiti

 

Mercy seems to have touched the hearts of many after the disaster in Haiti and people have started to donate both goods and money. However, few of them didn’t quite remain on empty pockets, as they auctioned at Barrett Jackson 2010 and went home with supercars like Shelby Cobra or the very special limited edition Corvette Z06. GM brought out the 427 Limited Edition Corvette Z06 worth more than $80,000 to Scottsdale and promised to donate the entire proceeds of the sale to the American Red Cross to help those who were affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti, entire proceeds that raise to the sum of $200000, offered by a very generous buyer.

I guess he now feels pretty good…both for having helped the victims of the earthquake and for having a limited edition Corvette Z06 parked in front of his house.

HorsePower, Haiti, Humanity

If the words that come to you mind when talking about Chrysler or Vette owners are selfish, bluffer or pampered, you should revise that. Cause after the disaster in Haiti, car companies have quicky directed their attention to the hapless by donations and future money is expected from the auctions scheduled.

Chrysler announced that it was donating a 300C and now General Motors is following up on its $100,000 cash donation with a special edition Corvette. (more…)

Vauxhall/Meriva: Welcome inside!

Finally,we get to gaze in detail at new Opel Meriva interior. And when I say Meriva, the very first thing that comes to my mind is the dwelled-on feature FlexDoors. Yes, I know! Car manufacturers tend to name these characteristics with complicated, eyes-flipping brain-twisting  trade names to make the machine seem more impressive. So, what do FlexDoors imply? Rear-hinged suicide doors for the rear doors! GM says this provides easier access into the interior, and as it’s probably one of the very few examples of suicide doors on a concept car making it to production, FlexDoors look really nice. But since the B-pillar remains, I don’t see how it being rear-hinged changes anything. Whatever…

Another Flex-something feature is a ‘FlexRail’ system. It is basically a storage zone for random small items. FlexRail’s floor module comprises two cup holders, Aux-in/USB connections and a 12-volt socket.

Above this area, there are two polished aluminum rails, and on the top of the line SE model, there is a flip-top armrest module attached with a smaller cupholder tray below it. Both can be shifted into a variety of fixed positions along the rails, while rear seat passengers benefit from the option of a rear armrest module, which can be fitted to the centre seat back section when it’s folded down between them.

And finally the final ‘Flex’ feature is FlexSpace, which allows various cabin configs without having to remove any seats. Both outer rear seats can be moved individually, and can also slide inwards to provide more shoulder width and leg room in a spacious four-seat layout. Additionally, rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove their head restraints.

However, take a look at the two photos below and tell me if you see any resemblance. In the right corner, I give you Suzuki 2010 MPV, to the left – new Opel Meriva. Two points given from the start to Suzuki: no B-pillar and VW on their side. Touché, Opel!

         

Wireless on Wheels: Chevy Equinox

With exterior design cues from Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover, Chevy has come up with Equinox, a sporty crossover dedicated to big families who enjoy a compact car. (more…)

GM Reopening Factories to Keep Up with Demand

As demand for its latest models increases constantly, General Motors is now considering reopening some of the 14 factories it shuttered during the last year.

The Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain have sold way better than anticipated and Ingersoll,  the factory that produces them is now working at full capacity. Still it’s not enough to keep up with demand, so GM is now considering reopening one or two of its closed facilities. Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, said the company will try to produce the extra number of vehicles in its curently open factories, but only as a short-term solution.

With Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX also in high demand, it’s only a matter of time until the Detroit-based carmaker has to reopen some of its other facilities. And to think only a while ago we were all ready to stick a fork in it.

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