AutoblogGreen

Shanghai GMC dealer plays 'fill 'er up' with $8,000 free gas incentive

Danny King — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:55:00 EST

Big trucks just aren't appealing enough on their own, at least in some places. For proof, look to a Shanghai GMC dealer who is offering about three years worth of free gas to anyone who buys a new Sierra Denali. Too bad it'll take about 20 years to pay off the big truck.

The dealer is giving away five tons - about 2,000 gallons, worth around $8,000 in China - of petrol to new Sierra Denali buyers in China's largest city, according to The Detroit Bureau. The offer appears to be a nod to rising China gas prices, which are climbing towards levels similar to those in the U.S. now that the Chinese government is doing less to artificially keep gas prices down. Full-size trucks have been sold in China for about three years and are known to be status symbols in China, says The Detroit Bureau.

There is, of course, a catch. The Denali, unlike most General Motors vehicles sold in China, is built in the U.S., so the price tag is about $134,000, or almost three times what the model sells for in the States. Here's hoping a few free car washes come with those full tanks.

Shanghai GMC dealer plays 'fill 'er up' with $8,000 free gas incentive originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 May 2012 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:49:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GMC, Natural Gas

General Motors has released pricing for the bi-fuel option for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500 HD, and it's a pill that probably won't go down easy. Buyers who want their workhorses to suck down either compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline can look forward to ponying up $11,000 for the pleasure. That big chunk of change adds a Type 3 tank in the bed for CNG, and GM says that with both fuels, the trucks will have an effective range of 650 miles. The bi-fuel option is available on any heavy-duty truck configuration, including four-wheel drive and extended cab models.

The automaker says the bi-fuel trucks are a way for business owners to safeguard themselves against volatile gas prices, and that the option could save anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 over the course of three years depending on fuel fluctuations. However, any option on a work truck that only might break even in three or four years seems like a tough sell in our book, especially given the reduction in useable bed area. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as a quick video.

Continue reading Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video]

Bi-fuel option to cost $11,000 on GM pickups [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

How noise canceling headphone tech helps new GMC Terrain get better mpg

Eric Loveday — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., MPG, GMC

How can headphone technology increase a vehicle's fuel economy? Well, the truth is, it can't. Not directly, anyway. However, by employing an active noise cancelling system similar to what's used in some of today's high-tech headphones, General Motors solved a problem that would've otherwise plagued the GMC Terrain. In doing so, GM managed to squeeze another mile or two out of each gallon of gas put into the Terrain for an EPA rating of 32 miles per gallon highway.

GM engineers strapped a six-speed automatic to a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine and equipped the vehicle with an eco mode that lowers the transmission's shift points while improving the gas mileage. However, when eco mode was activated, the powertrain offered up an audible hum.

To counter the buzz, engineers installed an active noise canceling system that relies on two headliner-mounted microphones to detect the hum and a frequency generator that emits an "antinoise" signal through the vehicle's speakers to cancel out the engine's boom. And that's how headphone technology, in a roundabout kinda way, cranked up the Terrain's fuel efficiency.

[Source: GM via Autopia]

How noise canceling headphone tech helps new GMC Terrain get better mpg originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana cutaway vans offered with LPG option

Eric Loveday — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Last fall, General Motors announced that commercial fleet customers could order the full-size GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans outfitted with either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel systems. Now, GM has expanded its LPG option to include the 2012 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cutaway 3500 and 4500 vans.

The pair of cutaway vans will be produced at GM's Wentzville, MO facility and transported to nearby Knapheide Manufacturing Co. for fitment of the 49- or 75-gallon capacity LPG fuel system. After the LPG kit is lodged in place, the cutaway vehicles are shipped out to upfitters for install of body components to ready the vans for various commercial applications.

The cutaway vans come packing a modified version of GM's Vortec 6.0-liter engine and are covered under The General's standard three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain and emissions warranty.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana cutaway vans offered with LPG option

2012 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana cutaway vans offered with LPG option originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: GM CEO Akerson says Chevy Volt tech coming to minivan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 Chevrolet Volt charging port - Click above for high-res image gallery

The more vehicles General Motors is able to build using the battery technology pioneered in its 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the better chance the automaker has of earning a return on its significant investment into the electrically driven automobile. It's the classic economies of scale issue... but what is the next logical vehicle application?

While many of the early prognostications pointed to a Voltec-powered Cadillac, a report from AutoWeek says GM CEO Dan Akerson is suggesting a minivan may come first. There's also some talk that an unknown hatchback is in the works (yes, the Volt is indeed a hatchback that's shaped to look more like a sedan, but whatever).

Also notable are Akerson's expectations that at least 10-percent of all GM production will be hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles within 10 to 15 years. Akerson wants each of the automaker's four core divisions - Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet (check) and GMC - to have a vehicle using Volt technology, though no timeframe for that expansion has been given.

In other Volt news, Akerson told reporters at the 2011 Automotive News World Congress that the General is on track to sell 25,000 Chevrolet Volts for the 2011 model year, which is a sizeable increase from the 10,000-20,000 units expected as production began.

Moving past the ever-present greenery, Akerson and GM North American President Mark Reuss both stated that the company is putting some of its next-generation truck programs on the fast-track. We'd imagine that means we'll see new fullsize pickups from Chevy and GMC sooner rather than later.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: GM CEO Akerson says Chevy Volt tech coming to minivan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM debuts natural gas Chevy Express, GMC Savana cargo vans

Eric Loveday — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GMC, Natural Gas

General Motors unveiled its optional, fully integrated compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system used in conjunction with the company's 6.0-liter V-8 engine. This integrated setup is found within the spacious confines of its 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cargo vans. The vehicles, unveiled at the Green Fleet Conference in San Diego, CA, will be available to fleet customers and government agencies come November.

GM performs several modifications to the 6.0-liter to ready it for CNG use. The engine features hardened exhaust valves and reworked valve seats. The modifications are aimed at improving durability and increasing wear resistance with the gaseous fuel supply. The CNG fuel delivery and storage system is fabricated and installed by Indiana-based Productive Concepts. Though far from cheap - the CNG option carries a $15,910 sticker price - Beth Stanek, GM's director of federal environmental and energy regulatory affairs, believes the investment could be money well spent, and said in a statement:

Based on today's CNG fuel rates and anticipated payback period, fleet investment in CNG can be quite affordable.

The vans are also covered under GM's 3-year/36,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty and 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. This type of coverage is typically nonexistent when production models are later converted to run on CNG.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM debuts natural gas Chevy Express, GMC Savana cargo vans

GM debuts natural gas Chevy Express, GMC Savana cargo vans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM announces $15,910 MSRP for Chevy Express, GMC Savana CNG packages

Eric Loveday — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Natural Gas, Green Daily

Starting this fall, commercial fleet customers can opt to order their full-size GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans with either a factory-fitted compressed natural gas (CNG) system or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) setup. The CNG/LPG vans will be delivered from the factory with the chosen fuel option and all necessary components installed and won't require any aftermarket modifications. General Motors has finalized pricing for the CNG system but, due to its lofty price tag, we don't expect many buyers will be opting for this natural gas package.

GM's pricing for the CNG option breaks down like this:

The all-inclusive CNG option includes a dedicated CNG system ($14,590), a natural gas-capable Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine ($1,295), as well as HD trailering equipment ($265). A $240 credit for deleting the spare tire brings the package price to $15,910. So the total cost of either a 2011 Chevrolet Express or 2011 GMC Savana Cargo model, which starts at $25,980 would be $41,890 with the CNG option.

According to GM, "Chevrolet and GMC are the only full-line vehicle brands to offer a "check-the-box" CNG option for vans." Jumping from a mid-20s price tag to over 40 large for the CNG-powered cargo van seems like a stretch to us, but then again, we don't own a commercial fleet, nor are we the targeted buyers. Only time will tell if the people who are think the optional CNG package is worth it. Hit the jump for more info on GM's CNG option package, which will be available this fall on the Chevy Express and GMC Savana.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM announces $15,910 MSRP for Chevy Express, GMC Savana CNG packages

GM announces $15,910 MSRP for Chevy Express, GMC Savana CNG packages originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM readies for gas price hike with plans for efficient models in every brand

Eric Loveday — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Green Daily

2010 Chevrolet Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has grand plans to launch several new models that are aimed at supplying the company with at least one efficient model for each of its core brands within the next three years. Though we've reported on the upcoming launches of every model on the list, confirmation from company sources gives credence to the rumors that have swirled around regarding a few of the vehicles slated for future debut.

According to a report in Automotive News (sub. req.), which cites sources within GM, execs within The General firmly believe that gas prices will eventually rise above that $4 mark reached back in 2008 and they want to be prepared for the looming increase that will send buyers scurrying to swoop up more fuel-efficient models. To that end, GM has crafted a lineup that will meet the demand of fuel-conscious buyers. For Chevrolet, the remodeled Aveo subcompact will debut in mid-2011, followed by the Spark minicar in 2012. Buick will introduce the Verano compact car in 2012 and possibly a LaCrosse hybrid shortly thereafter. Cadillac will focus more on fuel efficiency with its compact ATS model scheduled for 2013. Even GMC will get in on the action with the 2013 introduction of the Granite, a small hatchback with radical styling. With so many compact, efficient vehicles coming soon, GM appears to be more than ready for the day when gas prices spike up once again.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

GM readies for gas price hike with plans for efficient models in every brand originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

General Motors 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 was on track for 25 mpg combined

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Until recently, the only market segment in the United States that had embraced diesel engines was heavy duty pickup trucks. While we were in Maryland this week to drive the 2011 General Motors HD pickup trucks powered by the revised 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8, we took the opportunity to ask about the now-shelved 4.5-liter diesel. Like Ford and Chrysler, GM was planning to launch diesel engines in its light-duty pickups this year until the economy - and sales - went in the tank.

The Ford 4.4-liter V8 will live on in the 2011 Range Rover and, while there are no current production plans for the 4.5-liter Duramax, many of the prototypes are still running. According to GM sources, a fleet of the diesel 1/2-ton trucks are still being used on a regular basis by GM engineers.

The Duramax was apparently delivering great performance with towing and payload capabilities well beyond those possible with the two-mode hybrid pickup trucks. Even more importantly, the diesel Silverado was on track to achieve combined fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, compared to the 22 mpg combined rating of the hybrid. At the time the program was put on the shelf, ninety percent of the production tooling was ready to go and it seems a shame that we'll probably never get a chance to drive this engine.

[Source: General Motors]

General Motors 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 was on track for 25 mpg combined originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

General Motors to offer factory CNG or LPG full-size vans

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, GMC, Natural Gas

Starting this fall, commercial fleet customers will be able to order full-size GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans with either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) fuel systems. The CNG/LPG vans will be delivered direct from the factory with the gaseous fuel systems and won't require any aftermarket upfitting. The vans are built at General Motors' Wentzville, MO assembly plant while the gaseous fuel tanks are installed at an adjacent facility. Unfortunately, GM did not offer pricing information at the time of this announcement.

When equipped for CNG/LPG, the vans use the GM 6.0-liter Vortec V8 with hardened valves and seats for better wear resistance. Customers will also get the full GM 5-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty even with the new fuel option.

CNG and LPG are popular options for fleet customers that operate out of centralized facilities. Fueling stations can be installed on-site making it even more convenient and less expensive than operating a fleet on gas or diesel. Plus, bonus, the gaseous fuels also produce fewer emissions.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors to offer factory CNG or LPG full-size vans

General Motors to offer factory CNG or LPG full-size vans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 19 May 2010 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM pickups to adopt active louvered grilles for fuel economy?

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Chevrolet Silverado - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors' full-size pickup trucks may be next in line to get thermostatically controlled louvers behind the grille to improve aerodynamics. SRG Global, which produces a variety of components for numerous manufacturers, is developing just such a system for GM's trucks. Similar systems will debut later this year on the Chevrolet Cruze and later on the new Ford Focus.

One of the biggest sources of aerodynamic drag and turbulence comes from the air flowing through the engine compartment. Closing off the grille to limit such airflow can drastically reduce this drag. However, the engine still needs air for cooling, especially at lower speeds. At higher speeds, the increased air velocity means less open area is required to get adequate cooling air. Thermostatically controlled slats monitor coolant temperatures and then open or close as needed. SRG's new designs will integrate the slats into the grille structure, reducing the cost of the system and making assembly simpler. Eventually, all vehicles will likely use similar active airflow technologies.

[Source: Ward's Auto World]

GM pickups to adopt active louvered grilles for fuel economy? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 May 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 GMC Sierra HD features unique diesel exhaust fluid refill reminders

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Say it with us: 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque. That's what General Motors has been able to extract from its new B20-capable 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine in the GMC Sierra HD and Chevrolet Silverado HD, which is mated up to a stout Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. For those who like to keep track of these things, which is to say every single person who's actually interested in purchasing one of these earth-moving behemoths, GM's latest Duramax beats out the 2011 Ford Super Duty in the all-important horsepower and torque wars.

That massively powerful powerplant is also more fuel efficient (by 11 percent, though GM isn't quoting actual numbers just yet) and cleaner than the unit it replaces. Each of these benchmarks has something to do with the exhaust aftertreatment systems employed on the Heavy Duty. GM tells us that the new 2011 truck cycles through its DPF filter cleaning process significantly less often than the unit it replaces, which saves a good amount of fuel.

Interestingly, GM representatives also tell us that they had a bit of a back-and-forth with the Feds regarding how best to handle the required refilling of the diesel exhaust fluid tank, which won't run dry until about 5,000 miles. It seems that when the truck gets dangerously low on the exhaust treatment, its speed will be capped at 55 miles per hour. If you run out, the computer nannies will keep you to just a four mph crawl so that you'll never be stranded completely. Want more? Check out our gallery of high-res images below and click here for the rest of the details.

2011 GMC Sierra HD features unique diesel exhaust fluid refill reminders originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2010: GM uses clear plastic to illustrate direct injection

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Chevrolet, GMC, Chicago Auto Show, Green Daily

Cutaway engine displays at Chicago Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Automakers have long grappled with a way to showcase exciting new technology in an interesting and informative yet still simple-to-understand way. One traditional method that's been used for years for this purpose is to hire an artist skilled enough to draw complex cutaway illustrations that show the inner-workings of cars, trucks, engines, transmissions and the like in two dimensions.

Nowadays, though, we're a busy bunch with little time to dissect technical illustrations, so it's always better to grab our attention with a real-life display can be stared at in all three dimensions. For proof, check out these cool displays that Chevrolet and GMC are currently showing off at the Chicago Auto Show. Ostensibly to explain how direct injection benefits an engine's power and fuel efficiency, we have a feeling these units were assembled just because they look so darn cool.

See for yourself in our high-res gallery of live images below. Note how the colors change to demonstrate the different cycles of a four-stroke engine.

Gallery: Cutaway engine displays at Chicago Auto Show

Chicago 2010: GM uses clear plastic to illustrate direct injection originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM announces B20 compatibility for 2011 Duramax 6.6l turbo diesel engine

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:07:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Chicago Auto Show

The move to official automaker support for higher blends of biodiesel has been a slow one. One important step along the way were the establishment of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for B20 (20 percent biodiesel mixed with 80 percent petro diesel) in the middle of 2008. Last year, General Motors announced that the new 6.6-liter Duramax V8 engine would be factory certified to run on B20 sometime this spring. That time is now.

GM officially announced today at the National Biodiesel Conference that the 2011 Duramax 6.6l turbo diesel engine will be able to accept B20 (more details here). This engine will be used in the 2011 Chevy Silverado, the GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, the Chevrolet Express and the GMC Savana full-size vans. The Silverado will be unveiled this week at the Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned for more from the Windy City.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM announces B20 compatibility for 2011 Duramax 6.6l turbo diesel engine

GM announces B20 compatibility for 2011 Duramax 6.6l turbo diesel engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: GM to invest "hundreds of millions" into pickups with fuel-saving tech

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2009 Chevrolet Silverado - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pickup trucks have always been a major component for any successful full-line automaker here in the United States, and, even though sales are down, it doesn't seem likely this will change any time soon. What will change, though, are the kinds of expectations truck buyers will have for their new rigs, and that includes improved fuel economy without a reduction in capability.

In order to meet these seemingly diametrically opposed objectives, General Motors will reportedly invest hundreds of millions of dollars into its truck platform in an effort to add a few precious miles per gallon to its fullsize Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.

Included in the fuel-saving technology may be more than just tweaks to the engines and transmissions. For instance, Automotive News reports that The General has been working on an innovative grille that would boast electronically-operated openings that could improve aerodynamic efficiency when maximum engine cooling isn't needed. Such a system was first seen in concept form on the Cadillac Provoq crossover from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: GM to invest "hundreds of millions" into pickups with fuel-saving tech originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM to suppliers: Keep working on Two-Mode Hybrid PHEV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Saturn

2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that General Motors has offloaded its Saturn brand and the once-planned Buick plug-in hybrid SUV failed to get off the ground after being roundly criticized by the press and public, GM needs to pick yet another platform to introduce the Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain in its first plug-in capable front-drive application. Good news, though, plug-in fans: GM is reportedly telling suppliers like lithium ion battery producer Compact Power not to slow down on the project as its still very much in the works.

According to The Detroit Bureau, GM is still aiming to release its PHEV technology for the 2011 model year, likely in a vehicle from either the Chevrolet or GMC brands. We imagine it will be an SUV like the Vue, so the recently-redesigned Chevy Equinox or GMC Terrain seem to be the most likely candidates.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

GM to suppliers: Keep working on Two-Mode Hybrid PHEV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, Chevrolet, GMC

2010 Chevy Express with 6.6-liter Duramax diesel

One of several interesting little surprises to come out of this week's GM product technology showcase was the upgraded 6.6-liter Duramax V8. Unfortunately, the 4.5-liter diesel developed for the light duty applications remains on the shelf for now, but the big diesel is getting a significant revamp in 2010. First up is a new fuel injection system that takes advantage of the latest common rail technology with piezo electric injectors. The system now runs at 2,000 BAR (29,000 psi) and can do up to six injection pulses per cycle. This allows for more precise, slower and cooler combustion.

The lower combustion temperature reduces NOx production and the multiple pulses help reduce noise significantly. The 6.6-liter still uses a single variable vane turbocharger mounted on top of the intake manifold. Downstream, the engine also meets the latest emissions standards thanks to a diesel particulate filter and a urea injection SCR system. Read our drive impressions - and the news about biodiesel - after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring

GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway

Chris Shunk — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

A couple years ago, the battle of the pickup trucks was all about power and towing capabilities. Now, with volatile fuel prices and an increased focus on the environment, fuel efficiency is the new battleground. For the 2009 model year, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado XFE took fuel economy up a notch by hitting 21 mpg in highway driving. Ford's new SFE F-150 matched the Silverado's 15/21 numbers. The Blue Oval dropped the SFE for 2010, but kept the improved fuel economy.

General Motors is firing the latest salvo in the new fuel economy war by upping the EPA numbers on the XFE Silverado and Sierra to 22 mpg in highway driving. The move also improves the combined fuel economy of the GMT900 trucks from 17 to 18 mpg. That number now matches the highway fuel economy of the Silverado hybrid, but without the really expensive battery pack.

Chevrolet spokesperson Brian Goebel told Pickuptrucks that the increased fuel economy is due several engineering improvements. The XFE's 5.3L V8 now has variable valve timing, optimized shift pattens in its 6-speed transmission, and Active Fuel Management, which enables the truck to run on four cylinders at cruising speeds.

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

2010 Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Day one for The New GM: the more things change... Lutz stays, company needs vehicles that matter

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Green Daily

After only 40 days in bankruptcy, General Motors emerged today as the new GM (sans green logo, for now). While the bankruptcy was about as short and sweet as they come, the future is what everyone is most interested in, and it's kind of looking a lot like the present/past.

For one thing, Chevy Volt cheerleader and former General Motors product chief Bob Lutz has reversed his decision to retire at the end of this year and may stick around in either marketing and communications or product design, sources told Automotive News (subs req'd).

As for the company itself, their press release says, among other things, that the new GM has, "A fresh lineup of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC cars, trucks and crossovers, each with leading-edge designs and technologies that matter to both consumers and the environment."

CEO Fritz Henderson wrote that the new GM will focus on "customers, cars and culture," meaning that they need buyers, vehicles that people want to buy and will shift things around in the company to make decisions faster. A lot of this we've heard before. After this morning's press conference, Henderson drove away in a 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover. Were all the Volts busy? is this a sign of what will the future will bring to the ~~old~~ new GM?

[Source: GM, Automotive News (subs req'd), Green Car Advisor]
Photo by Patricia Drury. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Day one for The New GM: the more things change... Lutz stays, company needs vehicles that matter

Day one for The New GM: the more things change... Lutz stays, company needs vehicles that matter originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: GMC adds Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, GMC

2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has finally added the 2-Mode Hybrid powertrain to its top-level GMC Yukon Denali. There aren't any mechanical changes to the drivetrain that's been available since 2008 in the standard-grade Yukon Hybrid and its platform mates, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, which means we'll see a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine with 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque and up to a 6,200-pound towing capacity.

The hybrid technology is mostly contained in the 2-Mode Electrically Variable Transmission, which features twin electric motors powered by a 300-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack. Expect EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 city, 22 highway for two-wheel drive models and 20/20 when equipped with 4WD.

As far as mechanical changes go, the Denali Hybrid will bring the first application of GM's MagnaRide suspension system to the Yukon. As you'd expect in a top-level SUV, the Denali Hybrid will come fully loaded straight from the factory - the only three options will be a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment DVD system and side blind zone alert mirrors. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid and Denali Hybrid

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: GMC adds Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV

Officially Official: GMC adds Yukon Denali Hybrid SUV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments