Automobiles Review

Tag: GM

  • General Motors Continues To Expand with New Vehicle Program

    GM to produce new modelGeneral Motors is ready to invest $245 million and expand with 300 working places at the Orion Assembly plant in order to support the launch of an completely new vehicle program, that will be different in any aspect than everything the brand has done until today. In fact, the investment in Orion is about $962 million since the UAW and General Motors cooperated to reopen the plant, idled in 2010.

    This latest investment comes in just seven months after the announcement of additional $160 million to launch Chevrolet’s legendary Bolt EV, which is expected to be the one of the best electric vehicles ever created.

    GM Production Proces

    In fact, Orion has incredible ways of motivating employees to offer numerous solution to bran’s problems. For example, there is a special team, that recently developed a special process monitoring tool for robotic paint applications. This robot now alerts operators to potential and dangerous failures before they actually happen. Clever. And remember, this is  only one example of the politics in Orion.

    As you might know, since June 2009, General Motors has made investments in US of about $17.8 billion. And about $12.4 billion of these have come since 2011 UAW-GM National Agreement. And in total there are 6,250 work places opened.

    Investments, investments and more investments. General Motors surely went for big expansion.

    Source: GM

  • General Motors Auctions First 2016 Cadillac CT6

    2016 Cadillac CT6 Side ViewThe first 2016 Cadillac CT6 Sedan will be auctioned for charity along with five other vehicles. The proceeds will go to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. At the Barrett-Jackson event will happen at the Annual Palm Beach auction in Palm Beach, Florida, this weekend.

    General Motors has donated the #3001 CT6 Sedan to the Karmanos center of research, patient care and education. The institute focuses on early detection and prevention, treatment and eradication of cancer. The person buying this Cadillac will not only make a good deed, but also get unique car.

    The first production CT6 is luxurious inside and out and features new front fascia with modified grille and added LEDs, and is powered by a range of different engines. The newest among them is the 3.0L Twin Turbo, which generates 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft of torque (543 Nm). This unit actually shows great efficiency due to the eight-speed automatic transmission.

    The second car in Barrett-Jackson’s list is the one-off Tony Stewart “Smoke” Edition 396 Chevelle with lot number #3000. It is driven by a custom 396 engine and has unique Hip Foose designed wheels. The proceeds are going to the Darrell Gwynn Foundation and specifically to the wheelchair donation program.

    GM is also donating the Chevrolet Camaro COPO Racecar VIN 001. This SEMA–vehicle is going to benefit the Achilles Freedom Team, which builds running programs and marathon opportunities for disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

    The fourth vehicle is 1969 Camaro Z/28 Resto-mod delivered by Torque Sports and Performance. Hulk Hogan will assist for the auction here and the gathered money will go to the SJO Foundation For Hope.

    At last, we have the modified GMC Sierra Custom Pickup from 1996 with lot number # 3002. The vehicle was privately donated and the proceeds will benefit the Boy Scouts of America.

    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    2016 Cadillac CT6
    The Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmission used in the Cadillac CT6 shares the architecture and design features of the Hydra-Matic 8L90 transmission, but it is scaled and calibrated for the performance envelope of the new 3.6L V-6. It also incorporates components to support the engine’s stop/start technology.
    The Hydra-Matic 8L90 will transfer the power of the high-output 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 in the 2016 Cadillac CT6. The GM designed eight-speed automatic fits in the same space as a six-speed automatic with reduced weight.
    The all-new 3.6L V6 for the upcoming Cadillac CT6 incorporates new features, including cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology to improve fuel economy.

    Source: Barrett-Jackson

  • Automotive Technology With Teenagers In Mind

    Car crashes are the number-one killer of teenagers in the United States. Contributing factors include behaviors such as speeding, lack of seat belt use, drinking, and texting. Various manufacturers have addressed this issue with safety technology and the many of the systems they have developed are quite unique. In this article we looked at systems from Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz.

    GM’s Family Link is part of OnStar and costs $3.99 a month on top of the OnStar subscription fees. It allows parents to find their teen’s car on a map on their website and receive a text or email as to their whereabouts. Parents can set a time to receive a geo-based alert, which is helpful to verify they arrived at their destination safely.

    Hyundai BlueLink is similar to OnStar in that it keeps track of the vehicle and driver’s safety in an emergency. For $179 a year, you get roadside-assistance features in addition to teen safeguards, such as a speed alert, geo-fencing (restricts where the car can be driven), and curfew alert. This allows parents to set these boundaries on the car and to receive a message when they are overridden.

    The Ford MyKey system became standard on most Ford models in 2010. It allows a parent to program a second vehicle key that holds specific driving restrictions. Here are some of the features offered to parents:

    • Sets off an alarm and won’t allow the radio to go on when a seat belt isn’t fastened
    • Sets a top speed up to 80 mph, with chimes that go off at 45, 55, or 65 mph.
    • Limits audio volume.
    • Set the low-fuel warning at an earlier level, so instead of 50 miles to empty, you can change it to 75 miles.
    • Driving aids such as blind spot, park aid, and traction control cannot be deactivated.

    Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 has similar features as Hyundai’s BlueLink. It adds an interesting feature called Safe Ride that allows the driver to signal they need help getting home, such as if they are intoxicated. The cost for mbrace2 is $280 a year and $20 more for mbrace plus, which adds a geo-fencing, speed alerts, a comprehensive driving journal, and travel assistance.

    The reception to the public to these features by the public has been strong. The fees can sometimes sound expensive for these services, yet in reality, most families would probably use them just for a couple of years. Of course, most parents don’t necessarily buy a new car for their teen, but when sharing a family car (which saves on insurance), teens can benefit from these potentially life-saving services.

    Source: Anthony Buick GMC

  • 2017 Cadillac Vehicles to be Equipped with new Vehicle Technologies

    2015-Cadillac-CTS-THUMBCadillac has announced that in two years it will begin offering advanced “intelligent and connected” vehicle technologies. The announcement was made by General Motors CEO Mary Barra this Sunday during her keynote address at the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) World Congress in Detroit. Some of Cadillac’s 2017 model year vehicles will offer the advanced driver assist technology called Super Cruise.

    In addition, the 2017 Cadillac CTS will be equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology. Barra said that General Motors is taking these giant leaps forward to remain a leader of new technology, and because of customer’s demand. The ultimate goal is through technology and innovation to make driving safer.

    Super Cruise is just a working name for GM’s automated driving technology. It will offer customers a new type of driving experience, including hands-off lane following, braking and speed control. What is more, this system has been created in order to bring about more comfort to the attentive driver on freeways, both in bumper-to-bumper traffic and on long road trips.

    Next, the V2V communication technology could help reducing many traffic collisions and improve traffic congestion. It will make this possible via sending and receiving basic safety information such as location, speed and direction. In this way it will warn drivers and it can also supplement active safety features, such as forward collision warning.

    httpv://youtu.be/T7OHUXkMqZ8

    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition
    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition
    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition
    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition
    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition
    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition
    2015 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Special Edition

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Cadillac

  • GM issues six recalls

    GM-Logo_thumbGM-Logo_651

    The US automobile giant GM has issued six recalls that affect vehicles sold in the United States and that cover 717,949 cars sold recently. Here’s a list of the recalled vehicles:

    414,333 2011-2012 model year Chevrolet Camaro; 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; 2011-2012 Buick Regal and LaCrosse; and 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models in the U.S. equipped with power height adjustable driver or front passenger seat structures. In these cars there is a problem with a bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator. The bolt may become loose or even fall out. If the bolt falls out the seat will move up and down freely because it is no longer attached to the height adjuster. The vehicles are safe to be driven but there have been reports of injuries and one crash.

    124,007 model year 2014 Chevrolet Caprice, 2014 Chevrolet SS, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD and HD, 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS, 2014 Cadillac CTS, 2014 Cadillac ELR; 2013-2014 Buick Encore; and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra LD and HD vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly. If there’s such a weld, dealers will replace the lower seat track at no cost. There are no reports of crashes or injuries.

    120,426 2011-2013 model year Buick Regal and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibu equipped with front turn signals that use two bulbs in each front turn signal. If one bulb is burnt out the driver inside will not get a turn signal in the instrument cluster; if both bulbs burn out the driver will get a rapidly flashing turn signal arrow in the instrument cluster. The body control module has to be reprogrammed to solve this issue – something that dealers can do. There are no reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue.

    57,242 2014 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with belt-drive electric power steering. On some vehicles, customers may experience reduced or no power steering assist at start-up or while driving. The reason is a poor electrical ground connection to the Power Steering Control Module. Steering control will be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering mode but greater driver effort will be required, especially when driving at lower speeds. The issue can be resolved at your local dealer. So far there has been one crash but there are no reports of injuries or fatalities.

    1,919 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sparks imported from Korea. In these cars there is a lower control arm bolt that is not fastened to specification. This issue may create noise coming from the front suspension and separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle while driving, which will result in loss of steering control. The issue can be resolved at your local dealer. There are no reports of crashes, fatalities or injuries.

    22 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali vehicles. Here the roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, which will result in holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy. Eight of these vehicles are in dealer stock and will be repaired before being sold.

    If you own one of these vehicles you are strongly advised to get it checked at a dealer near you.

    Source: GM

  • Eight-speed transmission to debut in select Chevrolet and GMC vehicles

    The US car brands of Chevrolet and GMC, fully owned by General Motors, have confirmed that certain Chevy and GMC models will receive a new eight-speed automatic transmission starting in 2015. The new models that will boast this gearbox will be the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models that come with 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engines.

    The new transmission is called Hydra-Matic 8L90 and has been developed by GM. It comes with about the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic gearbox. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.

    The 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine is also impressive – it offers 309 kW (420 HP) of power and 460 lb.-ft. (624 Nm) of torque as well as a maximum available trailer rating of 12 000 pounds (5448 kilograms), based on the SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. Just like many other EcoTec3 engines, it can also work with four cylinders only under lighter loads to improve fuel efficiency.

    More information on the 6.2-liter EcoTec V8 engine will become available when the unit enters production, which will be in Q4 2014.

    Source: GM

  • Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan

    NASCAR-Chevrolet-SS-thumbIt’s official: Chevrolet are going to have a V8 RWD performance sedan back in it’s fleet. It will be called the Chevrolet SS and, as a class, will slot right above the Impala. It will also provide the base for Chevrolet’s NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar which is set for a debut at the 2013 Daytona 500.

    “As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.”

    Not much to think about here, except that name – the SS. Back in the days, Chevrolet used to label their performance edition with a Super Sport designation. First appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car, it stuck on and became a synonym for power, performance and exclusivity. The firs production car to come with an SS edition was the 1961 Impala – only 453 were ever made and all of them had their chassis and suspension revised, power brakes (big deal back then), a tachometer on the steering wheel column and some flashy wheels. One of the Last SS models to come from Chevrolet is the 2010 Camaro. Now, when the upcoming V8 rear-wheel-driven, sedan is a full-blown SS, one has to wonder if it lives up to it’s name. Also, Chevrolet should consider coming up with a new name if they are going to make a hardcore version of the SS (SS SS) would be kind of redundant.

    The production Chevrolet SS will start as a MY 2014 with production starting late in 2013, so there will be more updates to come. In the mean time catch a glimpse of the camouflaged NASCAR Chevrolet SS provided by the company itself.

    NASCAR Chevrolet SS
    NASCAR Chevrolet SS
    Chevrolet SS
    Chevrolet SS

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Green Tech With The Chevy Malibu Eco

    Chevrolet-Malibu-Eco-thumbRecent gas prices causing you headache? The trip between the petrol stations seems too short? Well, if you insist to sticking to a mid-sized saloon, the Chevrolet Malibu Eco might be the car for you. They say it can do 965 km of highway on a single tank of fuel. This is just another example of how a combination of simple yet clever technologies can help bring noticeable relief to your wallet.

    Let’s not beat around the bush – The Malibu Eco achieves an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway fuel economy. Numbers would not have been so high if it wasn’t for the all-electric power steering. It’s cleaner, more efficient and smarter than any other hydraulic setup in the world. Thanks to it, Malibu owners can save up to 12 gallons annually, or about 120 gallons in a 10-year life. At $4 per gallon, that saves about $50 per year or $500 in 10 years say Chevrolet.

    The Malibu’s power steering is not constantly operational. Instead, it kicks in only when you need it to do so. If you are going down the highway, the only thing it does is to slightly compensate outside factors that may cause directional shifts (think of uneven roads or crosswinds). Wherever you are, the feedback comes with reduced vibrations and, in some of the cars, responsiveness can be adjusted trough two settings – “comfort” and “sport”.

    Chevrolet Malibu Eco (2013)
    Chevrolet Malibu Eco (2013)
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco
    2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

    But an electric power steering is not something groundbreaking and it’s going to take more than that for the Eco, to stand up to its name. This is where GM’s fuel-saving eAssist technology comes into place. It shuts of fuel supply to the engine when the car is decelerating. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine should the accelerator pedal be pressed again. Thus, a smooth and immediate response is ensured. The system also manages to salvage up to 15kW of power that would normally be lost upon breaking, and recharges the Li-ion battery of the Malibu.

    At the moment, the Eco version of it is priced at $25,595 but, with a little more patience, we will see the arrival of an all-new, greener 2.5L Ecotec engine to all Malibu models. Not before summer this. Then, sometime later, a new turbo model will be available.

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute Auctioned – 175 000$

    Military-Tribute-Camaro-Auction-thumbA very special Chevrolet “Military Tribute Camaro” has been auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. The Achilles Freedom team will benefit from the final bid which reached $175,000. It is an association that helps wounded war veterans to overcome their physical and psychological trauma by engaging them in various sports activities, athletics and marathons.

    The 2010 Camaro itself boasts an impressive paint job. It has been done by the renown artist Mickey Harris who has been airbrushing things for 33 years now. He has spent most of his childhood on military installations and one can notice that just by looking at his works.

    “The Military Tribute Camaro was designed to honor our armed forces heroes. Now, thanks to its generous new owner, it will help our injured veterans rebuild their lives through the excellent work of the Achilles Freedom Team,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy.

    The other impressive thing about this car is that before the auction, it has toured over 30 military camps within the USA including the Pentagon. And now, last Sunday its journey ended at the Barrett-Jackson auction with a novel cause.

    The whole project was supported by the GM Military Discount Program – one of the most generous military discount programs in the industry. Through it, GM offers GM Preferred Pricing (the same price extended to GM suppliers) on any Chevrolet (except Volt), Buick or GMC.

    Other US soldier aid programs, supported by Chevrolet include the Cell Phones for Soldiers –  This program provides phone cards to service men and women. In 2011, Chevrolet raised $212,000 (worth 100,000 hours of talk time) from the auction proceeds of a 2012 Honor and Valor Camaro SS and Chevrolet donations of $100 for every car and truck sold during Military Appreciation Month in May. Since 2010, Chevrolet has collected more than 70,000 used cell phones, worth 70,000 hours of talk time. Then there’s the Travis Manion Foundation – named after First Lt. Travis L. Manion who was killed in battle in Iraq 2007, this association has received by GM 250 000$ intended to relief families of fallen soldiers and veterans. There is also a number of  events sponsored by GM, which involve active and retired military servicemen annually.

    Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute (2010)
    Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute (2010)
    Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute (2010)
    Chevrolet Camaro Military Tribute (2010)

    Source: Chevrolet

  • Chevrolet Sail and MPV Concept Debut at the Auto Expo New Delhi

    The Chevrolet Sail and the Chevrolet MPV Concept are the products of GM India and SAIC working together. The debut stand was at the eleventh Auto Expo in New Delhi.

    The Sail is built by engineers at the GM Technical Center in Bangalore and is targeted at people from the emerging economies.

    “The Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be a strong addition to GM’s mini-car portfolio in India,” said GM India President and Managing Director Lowell Paddock. “It will bring a new sense of vitality to the biggest, fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the domestic passenger car market.”

    It is a dynamic looking hatchback with typically Chevrolet-ish front split front grille and the golden emblem of the brand in between. The hood has some distinguishing curves and lines that give it a 3D feel while the profile of the car (lower at the front, jumpy at the back) sends some sporty vibes.

    2012 Chevrolet Sail Hatchback
    2012 Chevrolet Sail Hatchback

    Because of the noticeably high roof, there’s plenty of headroom and, with the fuel tank being in the middle, five people can easily seat themselves inside. Boot space is not sacrificed for any of this    The center console houses a CD-player with AUX port while chromy motives complete the picture.

    As powertrains, both diesel and petrol Smarttech engines will be offered which provide respectable power, efficiency and emissions within the accepted range.

    Safety has also been addressed with a steel cage-like body construction and extra protection for the fuel-tank.

    The Chevrolet MPV Concept is based on the MPV B segment in India and it is designed to accommodate large families with ease. The seats are up to eight and offer a good degree of flexibility. Best part of all is that chassis experts, Lotus have worked on developing the platform to get the most out of the materials.

    Chevrolet MPV Concept
    Chevrolet MPV Concept

    “The Chevrolet MPV Concept is designed for those who want a spacious, comfortable and well-styled vehicle to enjoy life with their loved ones,” said Paddock.

    Both cars have great challenges in ahead because India (where they will be tested) has the roughest terrain and climate to offer

    Source: Chevrolet

  • 2012 Kuncheng pickup

    At the Auto Shanghai 2011, FAW-GM, a joint venture between GM China and FAW has displayed for first time in front of public its all-new, 2012 Kuncheng pickup. (more…)

  • First Baojun 630 rolls off the production line

    SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), one of the GM’s China joint ventures has reported today that its first Baojun 630 passenger car has rolled off the production line. (more…)