1991 Gmc Sierra K1500 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 threatens predatory dealers with order cancellations, non-transferrable warranties

General Motors will launch a second salvo against misbehaving dealerships next week with a new set of policies aimed at curbing predatory markup strategies. With the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06, GMC Hummer EV SUV and Cadillac Escalade-V about to head into production, GM is putting its foot down yet again. Dealers that attempt to circumvent GM's markup restrictions by dealing directly with brokers or other resellers could find themselves in a particularly nasty spot, as the company is threatening to withhold future allocations and end the transferability of warranties when dealers facilitate the reselling of vehicles within 12 months.  While this may help curb some dealership chicanery, it's possible the real loser in such a deal could end up being the customer who unwittingly ends up with an un-warrantied vehicle. We suspect GM has accounted for that, but we'll have to wait until next week to find out exactly how these new policies will be enforced.

2021 GMC Yukon starts at $51,955, just $100 more than outgoing model

The 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL have prices, and they're bargains considering the upgrades the new model delivers. The base Yukon SLE starts at $51,995 after the $1,295 destination charge, a $100 premium over the current model. The extended wheelbase Yukon XL in base SLE trim starts at $54,695, the same price as the outgoing model. The price for all-wheel drive stands pat for trims that make it an option, at $3,000. Prices for the two-wheel drive Yukon and Yukon XL trim steps are below, with price differences compared to the 2020 models. Keep mind that the new AT4 trim comes standard with AWD, so the AT4 is in a sense closer in price to the SLT and further from the Denali than it appears here: Yukon SLE: $51,995 (+ $100) Yukon SLT: $59,095 (- $810) Yukon AT4: $66,095  Yukon Denali: $69,695 (+ $800) Yukon XL SLE: $54,695 (No change) Yukon XL SLT: $61,795 (No change) Yukon XL AT4: $68,795 Yukon XL Denali: $72,395 (+ $600) The drop in price on the Yukon SLT is in comparison to the 2020 Yukon SLT Standard Edition trim, not the lower-spec SLT trim. The new Yukon comes in at $1,700 more than the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, the same price difference in effect between the Yukon XL and Suburban. The standard Yukon is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the same specs as found in both the Tahoe and Suburban. The Yukon Denali trims, as with the High Country trims on the Chevy twins, outdo the 5.3-liter with a 6.2-liter V8 making 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Both engines shift through a 10-speed automatic. Stuffing a Yukon XL Denali with options can take the MSRP beyond $80,000, thanks to available features like the panoramic sunroof, rear seat entertainment, air suspension, and Magnetic Ride Control Suspension.   We're still awaiting pricing for the coming 3.0-liter Duramax inline-six with 460 pound-feet of torque, which we expect closer to the on-sale date for the new full-sized SUVs.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Bronco, Yukon, Hummer and a CES recap | Autoblog Podcast #610