truth about domestics

This ad is a much better piece than the one GMC created called “Dude Perfect.”  This ad actually talks about the truck and lists a bunch of facts about it, like its best in class payload and towing capacity.  Check out the video and let us know what you think in the comments!

In an earlier post, we told about how General Motors could spend around $1 billion to make the next generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra more competitive in terms of capability and fuel economy.  The current Silverado XFE holds the best fuel economy of any light-duty pickup at 22 mpg highway but that won’t be enough come the new EPA regulations in 2014.

According to Automotive News GM will employ technology like active shutters on the grille opening that would close at higher speeds when the engine doesn’t need maximum cooling.  This feature was first shown on the Cadillac Provoq crossover concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.  This car later became the 2010 Cadillac SRX but it does not feature the electronically controlled shutters.  For more on this story, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

According to PickupTrucks.com, we will be seeing the new 2011 Chevy Silverado Heavy Duty, and possibly the GMC Sierra Heavy Duty too!  These trucks should feature some revised sheetmetal, an upgraded chassis and a new 6.6L Duramax diesel that meets new 2010 emissions regulations, most likely with a urea injection system like the 2011 Ford Super Duty and its new 6.7L Scorpion diesel uses.

(Image source: GM)

According to a Wall Street Journal article, GM Chairman and CEO, Ed Whitacre Jr., has approved around $1 billion for the revamping of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups.  The reason for the substantial update is the fierce competition GM is facing in the truck market, from newer trucks like the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram.  Another reason is the impending fuel economy requirements that will force light duty trucks to improve their mileage in the near future.  The redesigns are expected to see the light of day around 2012-2013.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

In what comes as little surprise to anyone, GM has decided to keep its SUV’s in their current form, that is body-on-frame, rather than switch them over to be a unibody (crossover.)  Why would anyone even think for a second that GM would be interested in switching?  I mean, the GMT900 platform is the basis for the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche as well as the GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL plus the Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV making it GM’s highest volume chassis.  Not to mention the body-on-frame design offers tons of benefits for towing and hauling capacity.  For more details, head on over to PickupTrucks.com.

(Image source: GM)

The folks over at PickupTrucks.com have some photos of the 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 which show the new corporate GMC grille that debuted on the 2010 GMC Terrain.  The HD truck features the new 6.6L “clean” Duramax diesel meant to meet the new U.S. emissions regulations for diesels.  There are rumors that GM is also developing a new gas engine of large displacement, possibly up to 7.0L, that will feature direct injection to produce massive power but at a lower cost to the consumer when compared to the diesel.  For more details, head on over to PickupTrucks.com.

(Image source: Truck Trend)

GM has decided that an increase in truck demand is coming and in order to meet that demand, they will need more light duty crew cabs.  What to do, what to do?  Well, if I was GM, I would add production capacity at their heavy duty truck plant, right here in the great state of Michigan!  Whadda ya know?  That’s exactly what GM has decided to do!  New tooling to the tune of $21,000,000 will be added to the site, with production starting in July 2010.  For more on the story, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

That’s right folks!  The Old GM that used to have a 120+ day supply of large trucks and SUV’s is now pushing itself towards a new leaner 75 day supply.  Dealers apparently are clamoring that they need more vehicles like the Buick Enclave, GMC Yukon SUV and extended-cab Sierra pickups, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado trucks.

For the full story, head on over to Autoblog.