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2019 GMC Sierra revealed with CarbonPro bed and new diesel engine

It's only March, and it's already been one hell of a year for trucks. January's Detroit Auto Show saw the reveals of the 2019 Ram 1500, 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2019 Chevy Silverado. The Chicago Auto Show brought new versions of the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Today, we finally got our first look at the Silverado's twin, the 2019 GMC Sierra. The truck features new styling, a new diesel engine and — on the Sierra Denali — a carbon fiber bed. As with every new full-size truck, the Sierra is larger than the outgoing model in almost every dimension, though exact dimensions haven't been revealed. For reference, though, the Chevy Silverado's bed is 7-inches wider than before. The new Sierra grille is more upright than before and features new C-shaped lighting. The Denali gets LED headlights, tail lights and fog lights. Both SLT and Denali trims get unique 22-inch wheels. As we saw in spy photos, the Sierra's interior is mostly just a copy of the Silverado's with some chrome accents sprinkled throughout. If you like the current truck interiors, you'll be pleased with the new model. Those hoping for a wholesale change will be left wanting. The big improvements inside include a full-color heads-up display, trailer hitch assist apps and cameras, and the rear-camera mirror found in models like the Chevy Traverse and Cadillac CT6. Safety and convenience features include a surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic braking. Like the Silverado, there's been a significant effort to cut weight in the new Sierra. The 2019 model loses as much as 360 pounds compared to the current truck. It uses aluminum for the doors, hood and tailgate. Steel is still used for the fenders, roof and standard cargo box. The Denali, however, gets the real surprise here. Available only on the top-tier trim, the bed box will be constructed of carbon fiber rather than steel, saving 62 pounds. Carbon fiber only replaces the steel inner panels and floor. GMC says the carbon fiber will also help scratch and corrosion resistance. SLT and Denali models also get a new MultiPro tailgate. This is unique to the Sierra and separate from the Silverado's power assist unit. A new feature that helps one get into and out of the bed using an assist handle. The tailgate step has a maximum weight capacity of 375 pounds. There multiple positions that allow customers to extend the bed, or drop the center vertically to gain easier access to the back.

Next-gen Chevy Cruze caught cruising in the cold

Spy photographers have caught what looks like the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze out on snow patrol. The camo could be tricking our eyes, but it look like it has an even tidier, more rounded front end and even lower fenders in relation to the top of the hood. And either a chunk of camo has been wedged between the side mirrors and the doors, or the mirrors are up for revision, too.
The door handles have been moved up the side of the car, leading the way to a rear end that grows a bit in length. If the rumors are true, the coming second-generation Cruze sits on the new D2XX platform that will replace the Delta and Theta platforms at General Motors. A global architecture, the Cruze will be the first to get it, but it will underpin everything from next Chevrolet Volt to the Equinox and could be responsible for 2.5 million units by 2018. The next Cruze is expected to begin production in GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant in the third quarter of 2014.

NHTSA investigates 1.7 million GM SUVs for windshield wiper failures

WASHINGTON - The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday it is investigating whether General Motors should recall an additional 1.7 million sport utility vehicles due to an issue with windshield wiper failures. GM in August 2016 recalled 367,800 2013 GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox SUVs in the United States to address the problem. But after receiving 249 complaints about similar problems, the federal agency said it is probing whether the recall should be expanded to include an additional 1.7 million vehicles from the 2010-2016 model years. The automaker said it is cooperating with the NHTSA review. GM said it recalled the 2013 GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox SUVs "because warranty data showed a higher-than-expected failure rate," adding it has continued to monitor field data on other model years of those vehicles. GM noted that no crashes or injuries related to the issue have been reported. The Detroit-based automaker said the recalls were prompted after a GM Canada brand quality manager reported a potential safety issue relating to reports of windshield wiper failures in Canada through GM's "Speak Up For Safety," program in late 2015. The data showed significantly higher field incidents in parts of Canada, which prompted a June 2016 recall there. Over the next two months, a higher number of U.S. reports prompted a U.S. recall, the company added. In the 2016 recall, GM said the front-wiper module would be replaced with a module that has a water deflector and, if needed, dealers would fill the water management hole and drill a new small hole in a different location.(Reporting by David Shepardson, editing by G Crosse)Related Video: Government/Legal Recalls Chevrolet GM GMC SUV