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Hacker jury rigs Amazon Echo into voice-controlled remote start

A lot of automakers have smartphone apps to start, lock, or unlock a connected car. Some automakers will even let you do that with a smartwatch. Then, there's YouTube user Jryanishere, who decided to use Amazon's chatty Echo voice-controlled, internet-connected information thingy. Yes, we said thingy, because we aren't really sure how else to describe the Echo. While the Echo system has received a hearty ad campaign – featuring Alec Baldwin asking Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, questions and ordering socks – we think this might be the first really useful thing we've seen it do. Using a MacBook, a Raspberry Pi, an Echo, an OBDLink plug-in, and his 4G LTE-equipped GMC, Jryanishere has basically made a voice-controlled remote-start system. Now, like so many voice-controlled things, this strikes us more of an extravagance than something that's functionally worthwhile. After all, the remote start on the a GMC keyfob isn't exactly rocket science. You can check out the Echo in action up top. Jryanishere gives a pretty thorough breakdown of how the setup works in the video above, but if you're at all into this sort of technological mischief, you'll want to watch (and check out the hilariously detailed blog explaining the job). Related Video:

2020 GMC Sierra makes diesel and 10-speed more available

The 2020 GMC Sierra full-size pickup truck doesn't look much different than the previous model, but it brings along a number of new feature updates. Specifically, certain options are now more widely available, including some powertrain options. The model year also brings about the truck's latest towing camera and some towing app updates. We'll start with the 3.0-liter diesel inline-six and 10-speed automatic, as both are more broadly available for 2020. The diesel adds the second-lowest Elevation trim level, meaning it's available in every trim except the base Sierra. The diesel is also now an option for the CarbonPro Edition AT4 and Denali, so you aren't limited to the 6.2-liter V8 for those trims. The 10-speed automatic is finally available on the 5.3-liter V8, but it's restricted to four-wheel-drive versions of the SLT, AT4 and Denali trims – lower trims retain the eight-speed automatic. The 10-speed transmission continues to be standard with the 6.2-liter V8 and 3.0-liter diesel. GMC also added new towing-related features for 2020. It has a newly-optional rear-view camera system that can show what's behind the truck's trailer, and it can project that where the trailer is on the main display, effectively making the trailer disappear. This feature was introduced in the Sierra HD. GMC also added a feature to its trailer app that lets you store and share details on your trailer setup so that it's easier for someone else to hook it up. You can even monitor and activate functions on compatible trailers with the app. There are a number of other more minor updates. Sierras can now be optioned with adaptive cruise control. The Elevation trim is available with the Crew Cab configuration. The AT4 CarbonPro Edition gets a few extra black accents compared with the 2019 version. Pricing and availability of the 2020 Sierra haven't been announced yet, though.

2017 GMC Acadia coming to Detroit Auto Show

Well, it's about time. If there's one group of vehicles that are in serious need of an update, it's the GM Lambda crossovers. You know, the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. They're super old. Good thing, then, that the brand-new Acadia is coming to the Detroit Auto Show next week, as evidenced by this teaser image found on the company's Facebook page. There's not much to see here, except for an LED taillamp signature on what appears to be a much cleaner rear end. We expect the three-row CUV to feature all of the latest GM tech, including a robust infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. V6 power and optional all-wheel drive makes sense here, too, though we won't rule out some kind of four-cylinder option. When GM launched the Lambda crossovers, the Acadia arrived first in late 2006, alongside the now-discontinued (but still very much present in the current Acadia) Saturn Outlook. The Buick Enclave came next, and the Chevy Traverse arrived after that. It's unclear if GM will stick with this rollout plan, of course, but one thing's for sure: all-new versions of these CUVs cannot come soon enough. Related Video: