http://www.buick.com/encore-luxury-crossover-suv.html?seo=goo_|_Buick_Awareness_|_Buick_Encore_Announcement_|_Encore_Branded_-_Buick_Encore_|_buick_encore
Thursday, January 26, 2012
GMC Granite is dead
GMC Granite is dead
Related GalleryDetroit 2010: GMC Granite Concept
Posted Jan 11th 2012 2:30PM
Comments103
It might have been a worthy successor to the Pontiac Vibe – a stylish, youth-marketed crossover – but alas, the GMC Granite may never come to be. Jim Federico, GM's small car exec, told Automotive News that the Granite concept from the 2010 Detroit auto show isn't headed into production.
Granite was rumored to be green-lighted for production, and would have been based on the Chevrolet Cruze platform, to compete with vehicles like the Scion xB and Kia Soul. We liked the concept when we saw it in 2010, but felt that the Granite was perhaps a bad match for GMC, given its small size.
While AN says Federico offered no further details, we imagine GM figures the forthcoming Buick Encore crossover probably doesn't need the competition in Buick/GMC showrooms.
Future Product Guide: GMC Vehicles For 2012, 2013, 2014 Model Years
by Alex Luft
Oct 23rd, 2011
Oct 23rd, 2011
We’ve outlined GM’s plans for its GMC brand for the next three model years in North America. Without further ado, enjoy the guide and share your thoughts (and otherwise) in the comments!
Canyon: production of the present-generation midsize truck will cease by mid-2012 when the Shreveport, LA plant is shut down.
Terrain Denali Debut: coming to market in 2012 for the same model year, the range-topping Denali version of the Terrain will don many a chrome accent, as this tester aims to cover up. We’ve also received several tips from sources with unproven track records claiming that this could be the first Denali crossover to be differentiated by an engine rather than an increased amount of body bling and a higher price tag. We hope to see the 3.6 liter LFX in the compact/midsize CUV.
Canyon: even though GM has (finally) confirmed that the next-generation Chevy Colorado will make its way to the States, it has not announced any plans for a GMC version. As such it’s unclear whether the new truck will don both the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon nameplates, but we think that GMC will get a version of the truck in 2013. For the sanity of truck fans all over North America, we hope that the Chevy and GMC midsizers will be differentiated by more than a simple badge engineering job. Engines in the international-market Colorado include the 2.5 and 2.8 liter Duramax turbo diesels making as much as 346 lb.-ft. of torque (in the 2.8 model). Furthermore, new CAFE requirements will most likely result in the discontinuation of the range of outdated powertrains in the current model, including the large yet not very power-dense fours, fives, and eights.
Granite Debut: having been greelit for production, the subcompact crossover will bow in 2012 for the 2013 model year. The Delta II-based model will share its platform with the Cruze and Verano, although it will ride on a shortened wheelbase. Staying true to the concept, it will also have Dutch doors and have a pickup variant that was shown as the Granite CPU. The concept was powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged Ecotec engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission — the same powertrain as in the Chevy Cruze. The production version may get the 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec or GM’s new 2.5 liter naturally aspirated Ecotec.
Acadia Overhaul: expected in late 2012 or early 2013 for the 2013 model year, the next-generation Acadia will switch to the Theta Premium architecture shared with the Cadillac SRX. However, recent tips to GM Authority have suggested that this Acadia will ride on a long-wheelbase variant of the Theta that has not yet been released, suggesting that the new version may not actually be that different dimensionally from the outgoing model. A turbocharged or naturally-aspirated 3.0 liter as well as a naturally-aspirated 3.6 liter LFX will likely power the new Acadia.
Midsize SUV Debut: expected for the 2013 model year, the new vehicle will be based on GM’s global midsize SUV platform shared with the recently-debuted Chevrolet Colorado. This vehicle, whose name has not yet been decided within General Motors (and will most likely not be called Canyon), will be GMC’s version of the Chevy TrailBlazer but will be heavily differentiated, containing squared styling to the Blazer’s more rounded shape. Engine choices are currently unknown, but the global Chevy Colorado will utilize GM’s new turbo-diesel four cylinders, available in 2.5 and 2.8 liter displacements. It’s unlikely that GM will offer turbodiesels on family- or personal-use SUV, so the 3.0 liter LF1 or 3.6 liter LFX are the most likely contenders to power the vehicle.
Sierra 1500 Redesign & Re-Engineer: expected in the second half of 2013 for the 2014 model year, the next-generation Sierra will utilize an updated architecture and will sport significant powertrain improvements to increase fuel economy while not sacrificing capability. A six cylinder turbo and optional 8-speed transmission are likely, but we wouldn’t discount a naturally-aspirated six-banger under the hood as the base engine. The styling will be greatly differentiated from the Silverado platform mate and a number of GMC-exclusive convenience features are also in the cards. According to sources, “interesting trim levels” are being discussed that have never been seen before. A specialty off-road-oriented variant, along the lines of the Sierra All-Terrain HD Concept, will come a year or two after the debut of the “regular” Sierra.
Yukon Redesign & Re-Engineer: the truck-based full size SUVs will bow in 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. The Yukon and larger Yukon XL will ride on an updated platform and share more sheet metal with the Sierra pickup truck than the current generation. More importantly, the styling will have a high degree of differentiation compared to the Suburban — the Yukon’s platform mate. In an effort to improve fuel economy in a wide range of driving scenarios, an eight-speed transmission will be utilized and GM’s four-mode hybrid system will replace the current two-mode setup in the optional Hybrid trim.
2015 & Beyond
Sierra Heavy Duty: the best-in-class heavy duty truck was restyled and re-engineered for the 2011 model year. Expect updates to the heavy duty to follow the release of the Sierra 1500 by a year or two, due for the 2014 or 2015 model year. Details are scarce, but a new version of the Duramax Diesel is in the works.
Savana: a new Savana full-size van will come several years later. There have been rumblings of GM modernizing thetraditional classic old vans by moving them to a single global vehicle based on the Opel Movano, just as Ford is doing with the T-Series and its Transit line in Europe.
GMC Product Guide - 2012 2013 2014
| 2012 MY | 2013 MY | 2014 MY |
|---|---|---|
| CANYON DISCONTINUATION | OVERHAULED CANYON DEBUT? | SIERRA 1500 REDESIGN & RE-ENGINEER |
| TERRAIN DENALI DEBUT | GRANITE DEBUT | YUKON REDESIGN & RE-ENGINEER |
| ACADIA OVERHAUL | TERRAIN EASSIST? | |
| MIDSIZE SUV DEBUT? |
2012: The Year Of Nothing
Canyon: production of the present-generation midsize truck will cease by mid-2012 when the Shreveport, LA plant is shut down.
Terrain Denali Debut: coming to market in 2012 for the same model year, the range-topping Denali version of the Terrain will don many a chrome accent, as this tester aims to cover up. We’ve also received several tips from sources with unproven track records claiming that this could be the first Denali crossover to be differentiated by an engine rather than an increased amount of body bling and a higher price tag. We hope to see the 3.6 liter LFX in the compact/midsize CUV.2013: The Year Of Granite, Acadia & A Midsize SUV
Canyon: even though GM has (finally) confirmed that the next-generation Chevy Colorado will make its way to the States, it has not announced any plans for a GMC version. As such it’s unclear whether the new truck will don both the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon nameplates, but we think that GMC will get a version of the truck in 2013. For the sanity of truck fans all over North America, we hope that the Chevy and GMC midsizers will be differentiated by more than a simple badge engineering job. Engines in the international-market Colorado include the 2.5 and 2.8 liter Duramax turbo diesels making as much as 346 lb.-ft. of torque (in the 2.8 model). Furthermore, new CAFE requirements will most likely result in the discontinuation of the range of outdated powertrains in the current model, including the large yet not very power-dense fours, fives, and eights.
Granite Debut: having been greelit for production, the subcompact crossover will bow in 2012 for the 2013 model year. The Delta II-based model will share its platform with the Cruze and Verano, although it will ride on a shortened wheelbase. Staying true to the concept, it will also have Dutch doors and have a pickup variant that was shown as the Granite CPU. The concept was powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged Ecotec engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission — the same powertrain as in the Chevy Cruze. The production version may get the 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec or GM’s new 2.5 liter naturally aspirated Ecotec.
Acadia Overhaul: expected in late 2012 or early 2013 for the 2013 model year, the next-generation Acadia will switch to the Theta Premium architecture shared with the Cadillac SRX. However, recent tips to GM Authority have suggested that this Acadia will ride on a long-wheelbase variant of the Theta that has not yet been released, suggesting that the new version may not actually be that different dimensionally from the outgoing model. A turbocharged or naturally-aspirated 3.0 liter as well as a naturally-aspirated 3.6 liter LFX will likely power the new Acadia.
Midsize SUV Debut: expected for the 2013 model year, the new vehicle will be based on GM’s global midsize SUV platform shared with the recently-debuted Chevrolet Colorado. This vehicle, whose name has not yet been decided within General Motors (and will most likely not be called Canyon), will be GMC’s version of the Chevy TrailBlazer but will be heavily differentiated, containing squared styling to the Blazer’s more rounded shape. Engine choices are currently unknown, but the global Chevy Colorado will utilize GM’s new turbo-diesel four cylinders, available in 2.5 and 2.8 liter displacements. It’s unlikely that GM will offer turbodiesels on family- or personal-use SUV, so the 3.0 liter LF1 or 3.6 liter LFX are the most likely contenders to power the vehicle.
2014: The Year Of Yukon And Sierra
Sierra 1500 Redesign & Re-Engineer: expected in the second half of 2013 for the 2014 model year, the next-generation Sierra will utilize an updated architecture and will sport significant powertrain improvements to increase fuel economy while not sacrificing capability. A six cylinder turbo and optional 8-speed transmission are likely, but we wouldn’t discount a naturally-aspirated six-banger under the hood as the base engine. The styling will be greatly differentiated from the Silverado platform mate and a number of GMC-exclusive convenience features are also in the cards. According to sources, “interesting trim levels” are being discussed that have never been seen before. A specialty off-road-oriented variant, along the lines of the Sierra All-Terrain HD Concept, will come a year or two after the debut of the “regular” Sierra.
Yukon Redesign & Re-Engineer: the truck-based full size SUVs will bow in 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. The Yukon and larger Yukon XL will ride on an updated platform and share more sheet metal with the Sierra pickup truck than the current generation. More importantly, the styling will have a high degree of differentiation compared to the Suburban — the Yukon’s platform mate. In an effort to improve fuel economy in a wide range of driving scenarios, an eight-speed transmission will be utilized and GM’s four-mode hybrid system will replace the current two-mode setup in the optional Hybrid trim.
2015 & Beyond
Sierra Heavy Duty: the best-in-class heavy duty truck was restyled and re-engineered for the 2011 model year. Expect updates to the heavy duty to follow the release of the Sierra 1500 by a year or two, due for the 2014 or 2015 model year. Details are scarce, but a new version of the Duramax Diesel is in the works.
Savana: a new Savana full-size van will come several years later. There have been rumblings of GM modernizing the
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Honda Pilot Receives "Family Car of the Year" Award From Cars.com
TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 – American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced that the 2012 Honda Pilot has received the Cars.com"Family Car of the Year," award. The Pilot SUV received a wide range of upgrades for 2012, including a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and improved fuel economy.
The 2012 Pilot had already earned the top spot in the"USA Today, MotorWeek and Cars.com $37k and Under SUV Shootout,"with the editor-in-chief touting the Pilot as"the perfect SUV for buyers who want to comfortably haul the entire family and all of their gear."
"We're delighted to see the eight-passenger Pilot's versatility and family-friendly attributes recognized with this prestigious award,"said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning, American Honda Motor Co. "The newly refined and more fuel-efficient Pilot provides real value and surprising sophistication for anyone shopping in the segment."
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Cars.com Family Car of the Year award, which was presented last year to the Honda Odyssey. Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. For more information on the Best of the Year Awards, visit http://www.cars.com/awards/.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Honda rebound hangs on reaction to 2013 Accord concept revealed at Detroit auto show
Honda reveals the Honda Accord concept Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit. / KATHLEEN GALLIGAN/Detroit Free Press
How strongly Honda rebounds from a terrible 2011 will depend heavily on consumer reaction to the 2013 Accord coupe revealed Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show.Honda has sold 11 million Accords in the U.S. since 1976, but its sales dropped 16.6% in 2011 to a total of 235,625 as the company contended with inventory shortages caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Over the course of 2011, Honda slashed 200,000 vehicles from its global production schedule.
This year, said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, Honda expects to sell more than 300,000 Accords in the U.S.
"To say the past year has been one of tremendous challenge is an understatement," Mendel said. "We're here to serve notice to the competitors that Honda is again firing on all cylinders."
But the competitive landscape is different, especially in the midsize sedan segment, from 2007 when Honda introduced the outgoing generation of the Accord.
The Accord is facing steep competition from the Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, and Volkswagen Passat and soon will contend with the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu.
The Sonata offered a more daring look. The 2012 Camry, launched last fall, isn't as forward looking from a styling perspective, but even the old version was the best-selling car in the U.S. again.
On Monday, Ford unveiled an all-new Fusion with an aggressive-looking grille. The Fusion goes into production this fall.
The styling of the 2013 Accord is an evolution of the current model, with a rising beltline and subtle rear fender flares. Honda received heavy criticism for the conservative styling of the 2012 Civic and quickly revised certain aspects of its exterior late in the fall.
The coupe's size doesn't change much versus the current model, but the 2013 sedan will be smaller and of lighter weight than the model it replaces.
Both the redesigned coupe and sedan are to go on sale this fall.
This year, Honda is targeting a 23.5% sales increase for its mainstream Honda brand and a 40% sales increase for Acura in the U.S.
Sporting Honda's first direct-injection engine for improved fuel economy and power, the new Accord coupe will look almost exactly like the concept introduced Tuesday when it reaches dealerships in the fall. A plug-in hybrid model is to follow next winter.
The direct-injected 181-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder will be paired with a continuously variable transmission.
The 3.5-liter V6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Honda also said it is working on a plug-in Accord hybrid that will have a city driving range of 10 to 15 miles and top speed of 62 m.p.h. on battery power. A 2.0-liter gasoline engine will power the hybrid the rest of the time.
Charging the battery will take less than four hours with 120 volts and about 90 minutes with 240V.
Mendel declined to say when the plug-in Accord will go on sale. Honda offered a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the Accord last decade, but discontinued it in 2007 because of slow sales.
The Accord hybrid cost about $8,000 more than its gas-only counterpart and only got a few more miles per gallon.
Mendel said the plug-in hybrid will feature a completely new battery system and motor, but he declined to name the type of battery or the supplier.
New safety systems on the 2013 Accord include lane-departure and forward-collision warnings.
Honda is not yet releasing pricing for the new Accord.
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