No one besides GM brass knows why GMC still exists.  GMC has always sold badge engineered versions of Chevy models.  Nearly the same sheetmetal, nearly the same packages, and nearly identical pricing makes the brand absolutely pointless.

Instead of dropping the brand, GM is seemingly committed to reinventing it, or expanding it, or… well I just don’t know what the hell they’re doing.  The new GMC Granite concept is proof that I’m a confused individual.  Here, before I blather on anymore, take a look at this thing.

GMC Granite Concept Gallery

OK now that you’ve seen what I’ve seen, hopefully you had the same reaction.  It seems GMC is confused about what their own “Professional Grade” slogan is all about.  I suppose a Scion sized, Scion shaped, Scion inspired people mover could be Professional Grade…..

On second thought, there’s just no way to justify that.  Selling a Scion next to a Sierra 3500 with a big diesel engine?  Sure, GMC can call the Granite an “Urban Utility Vehicle” all they want, but this, my friends, is not a GMC.  If GM insists on keeping the brand, they need to make sure it makes sense.  Build this vehicle if you want, but make it a Chevy.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. GMC Granite Concept – Looks like a Scion is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

There are some fresh shiny new spy shots over at Left Lane News – of the 2010 GMC Sierra 2500.  You’d probably think that no one cares about such a truck in the days of $4+ per gallon gasoline.  And you would be right!  Even GM doesn’t really care -there’s no camo at all on this truck.  Under the hood of this truck is the refreshed 6.6 liter Duramax diesel V8.  Reportedly, this engine will be packing in excess of 700 lb-ft of torque. 

Normally I’d be drooling and in a bit of a daze after seeing that number.  Instead, I can’t help but wonder how prodigiously it gulps fuel.  Sure, it’s a diesel, but that’s one big-ass engine, and a whole lot of power.  Plus diesel is scaring five bucks a gallon.  Sorry to say it, but this one makes me cringe instead.  Wrong time guys, wrong time.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2010 GMC Sierra 2500 Spy Shots is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Jalopnik has the first shots of the upcoming 2010 GMC Terrain.  In case you can’t tell, it’s a badge-engineering version of the Vue, and the next-generation Equinox.  In other words, why bother?  Nothing to see here folks, move along.

I’d go into a rant about how much I hate badge-engineering, but I don’t see the point.  GM doesn’t care, and they don’t listen to their customers.  Keep building crap no one wants GM – that’s the ticket!

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2010 GMC Terrain Spy Shots is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Meet the latest blatant copy of Honda’s Ridgeline “truck”.  Toyota created the hideous A-Bat ( that I purposefully didn’t write about ) and now GMC has the Denali XT.  The Denali XT will ride on the Zeta platform, which also underpins the upcoming Pontiac G8.  Under the hood is a 326 HP 4.9 liter version of GM’s small-block V8, and it can run on regular old unleaded gasoline as well as that E85 ethanol stuff.  Oh, and there’s a two-mode hybrid system hooked up in there too, in case the E85 didn’t get your blood pumping. 

Towing capacity should be right around 3500 lbs, with a 1,100 lb payload capacity.  The bed is 55″ long, by 47.5″ wide, which isn’t horrible considering the size of today’s truck beds.  The Denali XT also has a Midgate to help out if the bed isn’t quite long enough. 

Out back is – you guessed it – independent rear suspension.  As in sedan suspension.  As in, not pickup truck suspension.  Sigh.  Maybe Honda sells more Ridgelines elsewhere in the country, because it’s extremely rare that I see one around here.  Except gathering dust on dealer’s lots, that is.  I applaud GM for building another hybrid ( at least in concept form ).  And the idea of a car-based trucklet isn’t a horrible one.  With the right styling / setup, they could have a new El Camino.  Copying the Ridgeline styling in such an obvious manner is a no-no though, and kills this car for me long before it ever sees production.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. GMC Denali XT Concept is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Yes, GM is releasing another badge engineered vehicle.  But they are killing off one of it’s clones at the same time, so it’s really a wash.  The GMC Terrain is the newcomer, and will come out sometime next year as a 2009 model.  Supposedly the look will be bolder than the Chevy Equinox ( next generation – same as the current Saturn Vue )that it’s based off of, though that’s surely to be subjective. 

Pricing should start in the $22k range, which is about right for the segment.  Along with bringing the Terrain to market, GM will be dumping the Pontiac Torrent.  This move is part of Pontiacs mission to focus solely on cars, and once again be equated with “excitement”.  I’m not really sure how a G5 generates excitement, but hey – that’s a different topic altogether.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2009 GMC Terrain to replace Pontiac Torrent is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

After all sorts of wild speculation, GM has finally announced pricing for their full-size Hybrid SUV twins. As is usual with GM, the Yukon runs slightly higher than the Tahoe, even though they’re mechanically identical. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Tahoe 2WD – $50,490
• Tahoe 4WD – $53,295
• Yukon 2WD – $50,945
• Yukon 4WD – $53,755

While the Tahoe starts out way down in the $36k area, a gas-only Tahoe 2WD equipped similarly to the hybrid would run you about $45500. That means you’re looking at roughly a $5,000 premium to get the hybrid bits. That’s lofty by any measure, but take a look at the gas mileage again:

There will be some sort of tax credit offered on these vehicles, but no word on how much. If I was a guessing man ( and hey, look at that – I am! ), I’d say we’ll likely see a tax credit in the neighborhood of $3k. That would potentially bring your hybrid premium down to $2k. Two grand is more manageable than 5, but it still buys an awful lot of gas. At $3 per gallon, $2k buys about 667 gallons of gas. Even if you manage to use 200 less gallons of gas per year, that’s over a 3 year payback period. That’s based on driving 15k miles per year, by the way. If you drive more the payback period is shorter and the deal makes even more sense.

Part of me likes the idea of a Yukon Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid. Folks are going to buy large SUV’s until gas prices get to astronomical levels. Offering a less-gluttonous option is a good thing. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re saving the world by buying a Yukon hybrid though – 21 MPG combined is nothing to write home about. If you need a huge vehicle though, one of these twins should certainly be on your short list.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid Get a Price Tag is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Just saying GMC Yukon Hybrid sounds strange – most folks don’t think of large SUV’s and hybrids at the same time. GM is aiming to change that though, with their pending release of this possibly revolutionary vehicle. I say possibly because no one has real world numbers yet – so it’s hard to say how this beast will perform under the daily grind. We won’t know for sure until Q4 2008, when the Yukon Hybrid is due to be released.

So, what’s so great about the Yukon Hybrid? For starters, it’s a “real” hybrid, unlike the mild hybrid designs that GM is currently so fond of. It is, in fact, the first “two-mode” hybrid to be released, which is interesting. It’s powered by the familiar 6.0 liter Vortec V8, and is still capable of towing 6,000 lbs ( less than the regular Yukon, but significantly more than any other hybrid on the road.

A look at the two-mode system

The first mode is for city driving, and allows the Yukon to drive solely on electric power at low speeds. Similar to other hybrids, the engine shuts off in stop and go traffic, and at stop lights.

The second mode is for highway driving. The electric motor assists the gas engine when needed, and does some fancy footwork like active fuel management, cam phasing, and late-intake valve closure.

Stylistic changes

The changes made to the Yukon Hybrid aren’t only mechanical. Part of the hybrid mantra is aerodynamics – and GM took this to heart. The Yukon Hybrid gets a new hood, front and rear fascias, and a new grille to help make it more aerodynamic. Granted, it still has the overall aerodynamics of a large brick, but every bit helps.  In addition, weight reduction across the board means that the hybrid Yukon won’t weight significantly more than the gas-only version.  Very nice tough.

What isn’t great

You all know that I’d find fault with this vehicle, as I do with most. And I did, a very real one, and one that’s just not acceptable. In this brand new 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, loaded with all sorts of advanced technology and voodoo, GM saw fit to cheap out and outfit it with a 4 speed automatic transmission. Folks, 4 speed auto’s aren’t acceptable in $16,000 cars. Who knows what the Yukon Hybrid will cost, but you can bet it will be well north of $40,000. It’s simply embarrassing to use such an archaic transmission. C’mon GM – you almost had a great thing going. Six speed autos are all the rage these days – they improve power delivery and fuel economy – not to mention they’re much smoother than their 4 speed counterparts.

The Yukon Hybrid will rock

Transmission issues aside, people will be the Yukon Hybrid in droves. A 25% increase in fuel economy without giving up the size or V8 power, in addition to getting a “green” feeling, means there will be buyers lining up outside of GMC dealerships.

UPDATE : Engine size updated to the correct 6.0 liters.  Thanks for the correction Bill.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

The GMC Sierra is all-new for 2007, just like it’s Chevrolet Silverado twin. Also like it’s twin, the Sierra is available with an insane number of options and configurations. You can choose between regular cab, extended cab, crew cab, short bed, long bed, and there are a stunning 5 different engines available. Power is up vs last year, but so is gas mileage. The 5.3 liter engine earns a 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway rating – that’s pretty solid for such a big truck.

So, what don’t I like about the Sierra? Well, I like power as much as anyone, but who in the world needs 403 horsepower to carry dirt? And since when is it ok to have a 4 speed automatic transmission in a truck that can run well over $40k? And, of course, curtain airbags still aren’t standard. When will it finally become unacceptable to get these things wrong?

All in all though, the Sierra is a powerful offering. There are enough choices for anyone, the power is solid, gas mileage is commendable, and the interior is light years ahead of the last generation.

2007 GMC Sierra Specs

• Your choice of 8,000 engines ( really it’s 5, but it seems excessive just the same )
• 195 HP 4.3 liter V6, 295 HP 4.8 liter V8, 315 HP 5.3 liter V8, 367 HP 6.0 V8, and the big daddy 403 HP 6.2 liter V8
• 4 speed automatic transmission ( 6 speed to debut later )
• 10,500 lb max towing capacity
• EPA says : 16 MPG city, 20 MPG highway for the 5.3 liter models

2007 GMC Sierra Reviews

Jalopnik reviews the 2007 GMC Sierra and gives the handling 4 stars – ‘The new pickup should only have three stars even with the upgrade made by the new rack-and-pinion steering system and the Hotchkiss-type live axle rear suspension. It’s just that the previous model of the truck was just that bad. Still, they’ve included StabiliTrak electro-nanny as a standard feature, and everyone who’s ever driven a fully loaded truck in a quick-brake situation knows, it’s so much better to not get into one — they get an extra star for that.’

Car and Driver reviews the 2007 GMC Sierra and writes – ‘After being relatively impressed with the transformation of GM’s full-size SUVs, we had high expectations of the pickups with which they share so much. They didn’t disappoint. Though we tested only V-8 models, we found all to be smooth and quiet on the highway. Not surprisingly, acceleration was particularly impressive with the top-grade 6.0-liter V-8. However, perhaps we’ve gotten spoiled in recent years, but we remember the day when 295 to 315 horsepower—as found in the 4.8 and 5.3-liter V-8s, respectively—would yield much more excitement.’

Cars Everything reviews the 2007 GMC Sierra and writes – ‘Of the suspensions, the Z83 offers the smoothest ride while the Z85 is slightly stiffer and for those who often tow trailers. The Z71 is set up to enhance off-pavement driving. The Z60 configuration is for what GMC calls “maximum street performance” and includes big 20-inch wheels. The NHT geometry is designed for Sierra owners who need to tow heavier trailers.’

Edmunds reviews the 2007 GMC Sierra and writes – ‘Equipped with the burly 6.0-liter V8, the Sierra’s acceleration is predictably swift, going from zero to 60 in 7.9 seconds and clocking a quarter-mile time of 16 seconds flat. The four-speed is sometimes caught flat-footed, taking a beat or two to downshift and provide a surge of power. Steering feel is much improved over previous GMC Sierras thanks to a new rack-and-pinion design. There’s no longer a massive dead spot on-center and the power assist feels about right for a full-size truck. On long trips, the supple suspension swallows bumps (even with the heavy-duty towing option) while still allowing confident, no-slop handling with a minimum of body sway through the turns. The cabin is impressively quiet, as we recorded a lower sound reading at 70 mph in the 2007 GMC Sierra than we did in an Audi A6 luxury sedan.’

Vehicle Voice reviews the 2007 GMC Sierra and writes – ‘

• Sticker price (MSRP) of $47,145 seems a little steep
• No Sun visor extensions
• No bed liner or spray-in bed liner or composite bed (at over $47K)
• Mammoth windshield Wipers (not blocking visibility) but definitely a distraction
• Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/XM Satellite Radio/Navigation/ Rear Seat Entertainment Package was a little pricey at $3745 USD?
• Unladen the truck did ‘buck’ (or bounce) while at speed (Which is expected from most trucks – especially when the roadway is constructed out of concrete sections)
• Six speed transmission (6L80/6L90) needed. Not a four speed! I would trade cylinder deactivation for a six speed!’

Autobytel reviews the 2007 GMC Sierra and writes – ‘Look closely at the Sierra, or the Silverado, if you prize V8 power with a smooth and responsive ride and a comfortable, nicely designed interior made of quality materials and with ample room to move around. This newest truck offers all of that as well as impressive markers when it comes to the work part of truckdom: maximum towing of 10,500 lbs. and maximum payload of 2,160 lbs. Sure, there are trucks out there that offer more torque (Nissan Titan), larger interior bins and other truck-type benefits. But top to bottom, the Sierra is a truck for grown ups who appreciate a smooth ride and a comfortable seat, no matter what they’re hauling.’

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2007 GMC Sierra Review is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

The newly released 2007 GMC Acadia is replacing the GMC Envoy, which is going away. The big difference? Well, everything. For starters, the Acadia is a crossover / SUV, based on a unibody ‘car’ type platform. The outgoing Envoy is body-on-frame, a true ‘SUV’ design. The Acadia also has FWD standard, which means better control in poor weather situations, without the added cost of 4WD or AWD. Although there is an AWD system available, if you want to pony up the extra $$. The interior is light years ahead of the Envoy, and the ride should be better as well. The big improvement here is gas mileage – we’re looking at EPA estimates of 18 city / 26 highway. While I don’t expect anyone to approach these numbers, they are still a big improvement. Is the GMC Acadia good enough to recommend to a friend? Read on to find out.

2007 GMC Acadia Specs

• 3.6 Liter V6 good for 275 HP and 251 lb-ft of torque
• Estimated EPA mileage of 18 city / 26 highway
• SLE / SLT1 / SLT2 Trim levels
• StabiliTrak stability control system
• OnStar† with one year Direction & Connections Service Plan
• 18-inch aluminum wheels

2007 GMC Acadia Reviews

The Washington Post reviews the 2007 GMC Acadia and looks favorably at it compared to the Outlook- ‘Thus, the Acadia, with its bold but tasteful upscale trim, its enhanced four-wheel suspension and its array of electronic gadgetry, such as a heads-up display system that projects vehicle speed and other operational information on the windshield, looks and feels richer than the Outlook. Its exterior design, in keeping with the heritage of GM’s GMC Truck Division, is more aggressive than that of the Outlook.’

Nina Kim at Cars.com reviews the 2007 GMC Acadia and writes – ‘All-disc antilock brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system and an electronic stability system come standard, along with six airbags. There are dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags in the first row and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats. Traction control comes standard in front-wheel-drive models.’

Popular Mechanics notes that the 2007 GMC Acadia will get some interesting upgrades – a Denali trim level, as well as an all-new V8 engine.

Autobytel has their ‘first drive’ review of the 2007 GMC Arcadia up – here’s what they have to say – ‘Back in the old days, GMC built trucks for work duty, so little attention was paid to interior comfort or ergonomics. Times have obviously changed, and one look inside the 2007 Acadia shows that GMC has kept pace. With seating for seven or eight, the brand’s first crossover is spacious, with an attractive and functional layout and premium touches such as leather upholstery and chrome accents.’

Car and Driver reviews the 2007 GMC Acadia and writes – ‘For anyone used to the sloppy road manners of full-size truck-based SUVs, the Acadia is a revelation. The steering is precise and accurate, the handling is poised, body control in the twisties is excellent, and the ride is well controlled and supple. Head toss is minimal compared with, say, a GMC Yukon. The brakes have a firm pedal feel, and are able to woe the 5000-pound Acadia with aplomb.’

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2007 GMC Acadia Review is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

The General is making progress on the hybrid front, they’re just doing it slowly. the 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid comes as one of the biggest announcements in the hybrid world. This will be the first full-size SUV hybrid application, and it will be interesting to see the real world results. Since it’s coming out in 2008, it will be subject to the new EPA tests, so we should get a pretty good idea of what to expect once the numbers are released.

For now, we get to go by the General’s numbers – they expect a 25% increase in fuel economy vs the regular gas-only Yukon. The electric motor will be mated to a V8, though we’re not sure which one yet. My guess is the 5.3 liter Vortec. The system will let the Yukon run in electric-only mode at lower speeds, and of course features the active cylinder management we’ve all come to know and love. The big question that nobody’s answering yet – how much will this puppy cost? It’d be hard to ask even more money for a Yukon – I think they’re a bit too expensive for what you get. Source.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.