2014 Gmc Sierra 1500 Denali on 2040-cars

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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:

GM to unveil new SUVs at the State Fair of Texas?

With General Motors just having rolled out its new fullsize truck twins - the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra - for 2014, now it seems to be time to focus on its big SUVs. The Truth About Cars is reporting that the 2015 Chevy Tahoe/Suburban and 2015 GMC Yukon lineup will be making their debuts later next month at the State Fair of Texas, which kicks off on September 27.
To date, we've only seen spy shots of the new Chevy and GMC SUVs (shown above in Yukon XL guise). Based on those spies both trucks seem to be taking a different styling direction than their pickup truck counterparts - just check out the Ford-looking headlight design on the next-gen Chevys.
We reached out to GM for comment and heard back simply that there is no official announcement about the new Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon. Still, the report definitely makes a solid leap of logic, as Texas is a top market for GM's fullsize SUV lineup. It also appears that GM is still planning a separate launch for the next-gen Cadillac Escalade.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE spy shots show new bumpers and tailgate

When the new 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 debuted two weeks ago, GM's truck division showed off just the two top trims, SLT and Denali. While the Denali might be the flagship Sierra, it's not likely to be the volume seller (though Denali models makes up almost a third of total GMC sales). These new spy shots show off the midrange SLE trim. It takes a more conservative, toned-down appearance compared to its brash brethren. The most obvious visual changes come at the front and rear. That big grille remains, but there are just three horizontal bars rather than the busier design from the SLT or Denali. The fog lights have been removed, too, though the C-shapped LED accent in the headlights has carried over. Out back, the SLE trim makes do without the trick MultiPro tailgate (it's limited to SLT and Denali models). It also has a different bumper as the exhaust exits just behind the right wheel. Badging on the fenders indicates that the truck has the updated 5.3-liter V8, meaning it's paired with an eight-speed transmission. The 6.2-liter V8 gets the new 10-speed auto. A 3.0-liter diesel inline-six will be available sometime down the road. GMC hasn't announced pricing, fuel economy or power ratings, but expect to see something in the next few months. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.