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New Takata problem results in recall of 414 GM vehicles

An airbag-inflator rupture discovered by Takata during testing has resulted in a new recall affecting 414 vehicles from General Motors, including 395 of them in the US. This latest campaign covers 2015 model-year examples of the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain. There are no reported breaks in any of these vehicles on the road, and the company estimates only one percent of them actually have the faulty parts. According to documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (as a PDF), one side-airbag inflator failed a cold test at -40 Fahrenheit "releasing high pressure gas and propelling the separated components apart." The supplier told GM about the failure the next day. In these vehicles, the safety device might not only burst but the bag could inflate incorrectly, as well. GM and Takata say that a cause is not yet known, but they are "conducting an investigation." GM will begin notifying affected owners via overnight mail on Oct. 19. Dealers will replace the side airbag modules on all of the affected vehicles with new components outside of the suspect lot. All of the removed parts will also be collected for further study. Takata's faulty front airbag inflators have resulted in a serious scandal for the supplier. Initial figures indicated 34 million US vehicles are need of repair, though more recent figures have knocked that down to 23.4 million bad parts in 19.2 million automobiles. GM was already among the dozen automakers with models to fix, and some of its pickups were affected, along with the Saab 9-2X and Pontiac Vibe. GM Statement: General Motors is recalling 395 cars and crossovers in the U.S. because one of the front seat side air bags inflators may be defective. In the event of a deployment, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. GM is unaware of any incidents involving vehicles with these components, which were part of a lot in which one inflator failed acceptance testing at the supplier. Dealers will replace the side air bag module or modules in affected vehicles. Including Canada, Mexico and exports, the total population of the recall is 414, GM estimates 1 percent of the recalled vehicles may have the defect.

GMC adds stylish new Elevation model to 2019 Sierra lineup

GMC has announced a new style-forward model for its forthcoming 2019 Sierra pickup. It's called the Elevation and it will be based off the Sierra double-cab model with a new turbocharged engine, aimed at buyers who want a little panache with their rugged capability. GMC marketing director Rich Latek says the Elevation "conveys a youthful, athletic presence" with the pickup's chiseled fenders and assertive, upright hood. As such, the Elevation gets body-color-matching door handles, bumpers and grille surround, plus black exterior accents like the grille insert, tow hooks, side window trim and standard 20-inch aluminum wheels. Headlights, tail lights and fog lamps will be given the LED treatment, with the former getting the new C-shaped designs that have already been unveiled on other trim levels. It will be offered in two- or four-wheel-drive configurations, with nearly 3 inches more leg room than the current model. A traction select system will use a dial that drivers can set to preset driving modes to adjust transmission shift points, throttle mapping and other systems. An X31 Off Road package will be offered and boasts tuned suspension, a locking rear differential, protective skidplates, dual exhaust and other features. Also available will be a ProGrade Trailering System that includes a Trailering App to help connect and tow a trailer, on top of additional tie-down points, enhanced cargo lighting and other perks for hauling camping or recreational gear. Inside will be a standard 8-inch infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a six-speaker audio system, plus USB Type A and Type C ports for charging mobile devices. As for the powertrain, it will come with an all-new 2.7-liter turbo inline-four engine that makes 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 5.3-liter V8 that uses a new efficient fuel management system that enables it to operate on anywhere from one to all eight cylinders, depending on demand. In early 2019, a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six will also be offered, mated to a 10-speed automatic. The Elevation adds to Sierra models like the SLT and Denali that GMC unveiled earlier this year. The company has shaved as much as 360 pounds off the new 2019 model — plus more from the Denali, thanks to carbon fiber in the bed box — so fuel economy should see a boost, too. It goes on sale in the fall.

Detroit 3 to implement delayed unified towing standards for 2015

Car buyers have a responsibility to be well-informed consumers. That's not always a very simple task, but some guidelines are self-evident. If you live in a very snowy climate, you generally know a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro might not be as viable a vehicle choice as an all-wheel drive Explorer or Traverse, for example. If you want a fuel-efficient car, it's generally a good idea to know the difference between a diesel and a hybrid. But what if it's kind of tough to be an informed consumer? What if the information you need is more difficult to come by, or worse, based on different standards for each vehicle? Well, in that case, you might be a truck shopper. For years, customers of light-duty pickups have had to suffer through different ratings of towing capacities for each brand. For 2015 model year trucks, though, that will no longer be a problem. According to Automotive News, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Group have announced that starting with next year's models, a common standard will be used to measure towing capacity. The Detroit Three will join Toyota, which adopted the Society of Automotive Engineers' so-called SAE J2807 standards way back in 2011. The standard was originally supposed to be in place for MY2013, but concerns that it would lower the overall stated capacity for trucks led Detroit automakers to pass. Ford originally passed, claiming it'd wait until its new F-150 was launched to adopt the new standards, leading GM and Ram to follow suit. Nissan, meanwhile, has said it will adopt the new standards as its vehicles are updated, meaning the company's next-generation Titan should adhere to the same tow ratings as its competitors. While the adoption of SAE J2807 will be helpful for light-duty customers, those interested in bigger trucks will still be left with differing standards. There is no sign of the new tow standards being adopted for the heavy-duty market.