Zane

Hi everyone, The email sent out today had the wrong link. Oops! Click here to read my 8-speed impressions--> http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/163882-i-drove-the-new-8-speed-yesterday/

By Zane Merva Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com 8/21/2014 Today, Chevrolet announced two appearance only Rally Edition models that will be available for the upcoming 2015 Silverado. The Rally 1 and Rally 2 Edition trucks will have a unique look, larger rubber, and a blacked out bow-tie. Here's a quick run-down of what's included and special for these two different Rally Editions. Beware, this gets a little confusing. Exclusive to double-cab and crew-cab pickups Two Packages- Rally 1 and Rally 2 Rally 1 offered on LS and LT trim levels Rally 2 offered on LT trim level only LS Rally 1 offers body colored grille, black bowtie, black door handles/mirror caps, and rally stripes LT Rally 1 also adds 17-inch wheels along with a hitch, backup camera, rear defroster, and locking differential. Rally 2 has everything from the Rally 1 packages and adds 22-inch wheels, black tubular side steps, 10-way power driver seats, dual-zone climate, remote start, and Chevy MyLink Standard 4.3L engine, 5.3L optional On sale September 4th Delivery in October 2014 The Rally 1 and Rally 2 and all their differences make for a mouthful but add up to a unique and sporty appearance option for 2015 Silverado buyers who don't want a fully optioned pickup. Here's the full GM Press Release Rally Editions Add Black Bowtie, New Attitude to 2015 Silverado DETROIT – Chevrolet Silverado Rally Editions bring a sharp new appearance to 1500 double-cab and crew-cab pickups. The Rally 2 Edition package for 2015 Silverado LT pickups features a body-colored grille with a black bowtie, 22-inch black alloy wheels, black tubular side steps and black mirror caps and door handles. Twin black Rally stripes on the hood and tailgate give the Rally Edition a unique appearance. Also included will be a trailering package with a hitch and automatic locking rear differential, 10-way power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, remote start, backup camera and rear defroster. The eight-inch Chevy MyLink radio includes a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot with 4G LTE connectivity. The standard engine for Silverado is a 4.3-Liter EcoTec3 V-6. With 285-horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, providing up to 7,200 pounds of towing, based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. Like all EcoTec3 engines, the V-6 can seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to save fuel under light-load driving, delivering EPA highway estimates of up to 24 mpg. Also available is a 5.3L Ecotec3 V-8. Rated at 355 horsepower, it provides the best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup, up to 23 MPG EPA highway. “Silverado won more awards in 2014 than any other pickup, including North American Truck of the Year,” said John Fitzpatrick, Silverado senior marketing manager. “The Rally Edition packages will let customers add an aggressive new look to this great all-around performer.” Silverado will also offer two Rally 1 packages for 2015. The package for LT Silverados includes a body-colored grill with a black bowtie, black door handles and mirror caps, stripes and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Also included is a trailering package with a hitch and locking rear differential, rear defroster and backup camera. The Rally 1 Edition package for 2015 Silverado LS models includes the body-colored grille with black bowtie, black door handles and mirror caps and two black rally stripes. Double-cab Rally Editions can be ordered by Chevrolet dealers nationwide starting on September 4. Crew cabs will be available for order in early October. Silverado is the most dependable, longest-lasting pickup on the road, and all 2015 Silverados will come with the best pickup coverage in America, including a three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and two-year/24,000-mile recommended scheduled maintenance.

Zane drives the 8-speed - read his thoughts - Correct Link By Zane Merva Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com 7/18/2014 General Motors has confirmed that every 2015 full-size truck and suv equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 engine will be offered with a brand new GM developed 8-speed transmission. This includes the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and YukonXL. The new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed is similar in size to the outgoing 6-speed and will allow lower rear axle ratios for improved fuel economy. Fuel economy and additional specifications for 8-speed equipped vehicles will be announced later this year. ----------------------- 2015 Chevrolet and GMC Pickups, SUVs to Offer Eight-Speed Transmission DETROIT – Chevrolet and GMC have confirmed a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8. The GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed is approximately the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic. 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. With 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in any light-duty pickup, and offers a maximum available trailer rating of 12,000 pounds, based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. As with other EcoTec3 engines, it seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation under lighter loads to improve fuel economy. Additional technical details and the EPA estimated fuel economy will be announced closer to the start of production in the fourth quarter of 2014. Attached Images: Click here to view the article

It's just a photo Jim. They do not put the magazine online from what I understand. Oh well...

When the Spring 2014 edition of GMC The Magazine showed up on our desks a few weeks ago we didn't expect to find someone from GM-Trucks.com mentioned inside. However, right at the top of page 23 in the "Talking about GMC" section, we found this gem from forum member Lee Downey. This isn't the first time GMC The Magazine has been generous enough to mention one of us and we hope it isn't the last. So, we wanted to make sure the editors over at the magazine know how appreciative we are. Hey, Editors of GMC The Magazine: Thank-you! This post has been promoted to an article Attached Images: Click here to view the article

By Zane Merva Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com 6/19/2014 General Motors has announced that starting with the 2015 model year it will report towing capacity determined using SAE J2807 recommended testing practices. The more rigorous testing procedure has been held at arms length by the big three for years. Pickup producers have long overstated the capacity of their trucks using internal test procedures. The new J2807 standard brings everyone up to the same playing field. This means every pickup is finally being rated for towing capacity in the exact same manner from the 2015 model year forward. That's great news for consumers but the much more rigorous test lowers the "official" capacity numbers that many automakers love to throw around in ads.The Silverado and Sierra 1500 will see their towing capacity adjusted slightly down for the 2015 model year due to the new testing requirements. Only one Silverado and Sierra configuration, a 2-wheel-drive double cab with the optional 6.2L engine and the Max-Trailering package, will retain the prior year's rating of 12,000lbs. GM describes the new SAE J2807 test like this: --------------------- Performance standards for trailering vehicles: To help ensure that vehicles can confidently tow the rated maximum trailer weight under a variety of real-world driving conditions, SAE J2807 establishes specific test protocols. These include: Cooling capability on a long highway upgrade modeled on the Davis Dam grade on Arizona SR 68; Launch and acceleration performance on a level road and a 12 percent upgrade; Combined handling performance – understeer and trailer sway; Combined braking performance – stopping distance and parking brake-hold on grade; and Structural performance for the vehicle and hitch or hitch receiver. New calculations for trailer weight ratings: In addition to the performance standards, SAE J2807 also uses a specific set of assumptions to calculate maximum trailer weight ratings: For light-duty full-size pickups (GVWR < 8,500 lbs.), SAE J2807 assumes that the tow vehicle includes any options with higher than 33 percent penetration; It assumes there is both a driver and passenger in the vehicle, each weighing 150 pounds; It assumes that tow vehicles also include up to 70 pounds of aftermarket hitch equipment (where applicable); and For conventional trailer towing, SAE J2807 assumes that 10 percent of the trailer weight is on the tongue. --------------------- Here's how some of the most popular Silverado/Sierra 1500 configurations compare with last year: Configuration 2014 Rating / 2015 J2807 Rating Regular cab 2WD 4.3L V-6 6.5’ box 3.43 axle 6,400 lbs. / 6,100 lbs. Double cab 2WD 5.3L V-8 6.5’ box 3.08 axle 6,900 lbs. / 6,500 lbs. Crew cab 2WD 5.3L V-8 5.7’ box 3.42 axle 9,800 lbs. / 9,400 lbs. Regular cab 4x4 4.3L V-6 6.5’ box 3.42 axle 7,600 lbs. / 7,600 lbs. Double cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 6.5’ box 3.42 axle 9,600 lbs. / 9,200 lbs. Crew cab 4x4 5.3L V-8 5.7’ box 3.73 axle 11,200 lbs. / 10,800 lbs. Attached Images: Click here to view the article

By Zane Merva Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com 6/18/2014 General Motors has released the final engine power figures for the up coming 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine will produce 200-horsepower and 191 ft-lb of torque while the optional 3.6L six-cylinder engine will be rated at 305-horsepower and 269 ft-lb. Properly equipped, the mid-size truck duo will be rated to tow up to 7,000lbs when it goes on sale later this year. No further information on the optional 2016 2.8L Duramax diesel engine was released at this time. Chevrolet/GMC Press Release Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Top Segment in Power DETROIT – The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will have the most horsepower in the midsized truck segment when they go on sale this fall. The Colorado and Canyon’s available engines provide customers choices to fit their varied lifestyles. The 2.5L I-4 has been rated at 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6L V-6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The Colorado and Canyon will also provide class-leading maximum trailering capabilities, with the capacity to tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s more than enough to take a truck full of friends, gear in the bed, and a trailer full of toys to your favorite weekend adventure. Each engine features direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. Both engines are based on proven engine designs found throughout the General Motors’ family, but are optimized for the demands of truck use with the latest technology for improving performance and efficiency. This includes torque at lower RPMs for better towing power and a more confident feeling while pulling a trailer. Both engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission; a six-speed manual is available on select extended cab 2WD models. The six-speed automatic is tuned specifically for the truck engines, offering features like auto grade braking and tow/haul mode. “Every decision we made considered the wants and needs of midsize truck customers. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are engineered to deliver class leading horsepower,” said Anita Burke, vehicle chief engineer for Midsize Trucks. “Not everyone needs the size or the capability of a full-sized pickup. Now customers have a viable option in a smaller package.” Class-leading horsepower also comes with efficiency, courtesy of dual-overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, direct injection, and jet-spray piston cooling, while aluminum blocks and forged-steel crankshafts ensure a long-life cycle. The Colorado and Canyon will be assembled at GM’s Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant with start of production in fall 2014. Attached Images: Click here to view the article

By Zane Merva Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com 6/3/2014 General Motors reported United States May 2014 sales figures this morning. The company's dealer network delivered 284,694 vehicles last month, up 13% from May of 2013. It was the company's best May sales numbers in seven years. Sales of the full-size Silverado and Sierra also saw a bounce, with the Silverado gaining 8-percent and the Sierra gaining a healthy 14-percent over last May's figures. Sales of GM's all new 2015 full-size SUVs doubled. 2014 May Sales Highlights vs May 2013 (some notes taken from GM Press Release) Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra sales were up for the third month in a row, with May deliveries up 8 percent and 14 percent, respectively. Retail sales of Chevrolet and GMC large SUVs doubled, while retail sales of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain were up 16 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Chevrolet sales up 14% Buick up 11% w/ best May since 2005 The seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles was an estimated 16.5 million units – the third consecutive month above 16 million. Cruze was up 41 percent. Chevrolet Corvette deliveries were up 268 percent, Spark sales doubled, Camaro was up 30 percent and Impala was up 23 percent. Malibu retail sales were up 12 percent. At Cadillac, sales of the CTS sedan were up 39 percent and Escalade deliveries were up 30 percent. SRX sales were up 27 percent, for the vehicle line’s best May ever. Buick Encore deliveries more than doubled and Regal sales were up 49 percent. GM’s average transaction prices (ATPs), including full-size pickup ATPs, were in line with April. Calendar year to date, GM’s ATPs are up about $2,700. Incentive spending as a percentage of average transaction price was 10.4 percent, down 0.5 points from a year ago, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates. The industry average for May was 9.9 percent. Commercial fleet sales were up 21 percent for the seventh consecutive monthly increase and the best month since September 2008. Within commercial fleet, full-size van sales were up 46 percent and full-size pickups were up 35 percent. Small business deliveries, which are included in retail sales, were up 10 percent. Attached Images: Click here to view the article

Dennis, I think the press release is saying they will have the headlights with the LED DRLs. My guess is they still use the halogen projector beam lights.

GMC has announced that it will offer its popular All-Terrain package as an option on the 2015 Sierra Heavy-Duty. Designed as an "off-road-inspired" model slotting just below the top trim Denali, the All-Terrain will be available on double-cab and crew-cab 2500HD and 3500HD models. When Sierra HD buyers select the All-Terrain model, they will get: Exclusive design features, including a chrome surround grille and exterior graphics Aluminum under-body shields 18-inch Six-spoke chrome cast-aluminum wheels standard 20-inch chrome wheels optional 3500HD includes adjustable camper mirrors with a chrome cap LED DRL headlights Body-colored bumpers Chrome mirror caps and body-side molding All-Terrain logo on the instrument cluster Rear-view camera is standard All-Terrain models will come standard with a 6.0L Gas V8 with GMC's 6.6L Duramax Diesel as an option. Download attachment: 2015SierraHDAllTerrain1.jpeg Download attachment: 2015SierraHDAllTerrain2.jpeg Download attachment: 2015SierraHDAllTerrain3.jpeg Download attachment: 2015SierraHDAllTerrain4.jpeg Download attachment: 2015SierraHDAllTerrain5.jpeg Download attachment: 2015SierraHDAllTerrain6.jpeg Here's the full GMC Press Release ------------- DETROIT – GMC today introduced the 2015 Sierra All Terrain HD, a refined, off-road-inspired execution of the brand’s capability that blends exclusive design features with the versatility of 4WD. It goes on sale this summer. “The new 2015 GMC Sierra HD lineup helps customers tackle tough jobs more comfortably, and with the new All Terrain HD, they can do it with greater style,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Equally comfortable whether it’s a night on the town or traversing a remote job site, it has all the capability that customers demand from a GMC heavy-duty truck on the job.” The new Sierra All Terrain HD is available on 2500HD and 3500HD double cab and crew cab models, and is offered with SLE or SLT trims – all with 4WD, of course, including an electronically controlled transfer case. Also included is the Z71 Off Road package, with Rancho twin-tube shocks, hill descent control and a skid plate. Sierra HD’s 6.0L gas engine is standard and the Duramax turbo-diesel is available. The All Terrain’s exclusive design features include a chrome surround on the grille, exterior graphics, aluminum underbody shields and unique 18-inch six-spoke chrome cast-aluminum wheels. Twenty-inch chrome aluminum wheels are available on 2500HD, while 3500HD models also include adjustable outside camper mirrors with a chrome cap. Additional exterior content includes light-emitting diode signature headlamps, body-color bumpers (chrome bumpers available), chrome mirrors covers and body side moldings and chrome front-lower bumper plate. Inside, a carbon fiber-inspired theme distinguishes the All Terrain from other models and includes the ALL TERRAIN logo on the instrument cluster. A rearview camera system also is standard. The new All Terrain HD also includes the latest connectivity technology, including IntelliLink and new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Enhanced features for IntelliLink include Text Messaging Alerts for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. New OnStar with 4G LTE connection provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial. Additional new and enhanced features introduced on the 2015 Sierra HD lineup include: -CornerStep rear bumper, EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, standard locking tailgate, standard upper tie-downs and other features that make cargo handling easier -Standard StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control on all models -Integrated cruise control, auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking, for greater driving control and reduced brake wear on grades -Enhanced cooling airflow, which enables the Duramax turbo diesel and 6.0L gas engine to better maintain full power, even under heavy loads and high ambient temperatures -New Duralife™ disc brake rotors that offer up to double the service life (late availability). New, heated, power-adjustable trailering mirrors are offered on SLE and SLT – including All Terrain – and Denali (late availability), including segment-first back-up lamps. The large mirrors feature 51 square inches of flat mirror surface positioned over a 24.5-square-inch non-heated or power-adjustable convex mirror surface. A new auxiliary back-up lamp is integrated in each mirror to enhance trailer visibility when backing up, as well as an amber auxiliary clearance lamp. The SLE trailering mirror is black and can be extended and folded manually. The SLT/Denali mirror has a chrome cap and adds a power-folding feature. The 2015 Sierra HD also offers segment-exclusive safety features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning with an active safety seat, and front and rear park assist. Head-curtain and seat-mounted side airbags are standard on 2500HD and available on 3500HD models. All models are backed by GMC Pro Grade Protection, with two years of scheduled maintenance – including diesel exhaust fluid – a three-year/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Attached Images: Click here to view the article

General Motors has recalled an additional 2.42-million vehicles in the US. 1,339,355 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia full-size crossovers from the 2009-2014 model years and Saturn Outlooks from 2009-2010 because front safety lap belt cables can fatigue and separate over time. In a crash, a separated cable could increase the risk of injury to front seat passengers. 1,075,102 of the previous generation 4-speed automatic transmission Chevrolet Malibu and from the 2004-2008 model years and Pontiac G6 from the 2005-2008 model years because of a shift cable that could wear out over time, resulting in mismatches of the gear position indicated by the shift lever. 1,402 Cadillac Escalades and Escalade ESVs from the 2015 model year because an insufficiently heated plastic weld that attaches the passenger side air bag to the instrument panel assembly could result in a partial deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash. 58 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD full-size pickups from the 2015 model year because retention clips attaching the generator fuse block to the vehicle body can become loose and lead to a potential fire. GM claims no fatalities have occurred as a result of any of these safety defects. Click here to view the article

General Motors has announced a milestone in the company's efforts to build out a nation-wide electric vehicle charging station system. The company has now installed 401-charging stations across the United States, with 20% of them powered by solar electricity. A majority of the stations, 269, are in Michigan and located in or near GM facilities. Here's the full GM Press Release GM Surpasses 400 EV Charge Stations at U.S. Facilities Automaker has nearly 160 stations located at various manufacturing facilities 2014-05-20 INDIANAPOLIS – Based on growing employee demand, General Motors today announced that it has installed 401 electric vehicle charging stations at its U.S. production and business facilities. More than 20 percent of the stations use electricity generated from solar canopies to help charge employee vehicles. The majority of the stations are located at GM’s large engineering and corporate facilities in Michigan, where employee EV ownership is growing steadily. All charge stations are available free of charge to GM employees and visitors. “GM’s commitment to installing a workplace charging infrastructure is among the most expansive of any corporation in the U.S.,” said Britta Gross, director of GM advanced vehicle commercialization policy. “Workplace charging is one of the most important things a company can do to raise plug-in electric vehicle awareness and energize employees. “Once employees see how easy it is to plug in at home and work, and they realize the fuel savings, plug-in electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt begin to sell themselves.” In addition to the workplace charging, GM has another 400 charge spots dedicated exclusively to vehicle development and testing. Chevrolet and Cadillac dealers have installed approximately 5,900 charge stations at their locations for owner use – 17 of these dealerships use solar charging canopies. ”Workplace charging is now part of GM’s corporate sustainability plan and our employees want to be part of this positive change,” Gross said. “The key for any company is to take the first step and make it simple for employees to engage - in our case we started with outlets and free charging.” GM’s charging count follows the U.S. Department of Energy’s announcement that 75 businesses have committed to participate in its Workplace Charging Challenge to install charging stations for their employees. The Workplace Charging Challenge, of which GM is a founding member, seeks to persuade America’s employers to commit to provide electric vehicle charging access to employees through partnership, advocacy and promotion. “GM is an example of a partner who not only has more than 400 workplace charging stations deployed, but also is actively out recruiting other employer partners for the Challenge,” said Reuben Sarkar, deputy assistant secretary for transportation, U.S. Department of Energy, told attendees at the annual Electric Drive Transportation Association conference here. Attached Images: Click here to view the article

Awesome! Welcome! We should do a meet sometime soon.

I was just thinking of posting a dog photo thread this morning! Perfect. Romeo looks like a good dog! Here's my 2-year old Golden/Lab mix- Sam.