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Next-gen Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra may use carbon fiber

It's been generally accepted that the next generation of full-size GM trucks will use some sort of strong, lightweight material for the beds while retaining steel for the cab. While aluminum seems like the most obvious choice, according to Automotive News, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra will incorporate both aluminum and carbon fiber in their beds. The publication cites sources from within GM, though it seems the introduction of this comparatively exotic material mix is still a few years off. While carbon fiber is both stronger and lighter than steel and aluminum, it takes significantly more time and money to produce, essentially relegating the material to small-volume cars. The main benefit for trucks is the resulting reduction in weight to improve fuel economy without sacrificing the tough, rugged capabilities truck buyers expect. The Ford F-150 made the switch to aluminum for the 2015 model year and it's proved highly successful. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before the competition followed suit. Automotive News says that the next-gen trucks will launch with aluminum beds and that it will take a couple of years before we'll see any carbon fiber incorporated into the design. Even then, only look for the composite material on higher-trim models, with a trickle down to lower-spec trucks possible further in the future. In 2011, GM announced it was working with Japan-based Teijin Limited on a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic. There's a good chance that material's introduction will be on trucks. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News Plants/Manufacturing Rumormill Chevrolet GM GMC Truck

GM to make most cars LTE hotspots for 2015

General Motors isn't the first automaker to deliver in-car Internet access, but a proposed plan announced today could make the technology more widespread than any of its competitors have offered. By the 2015 model year, most Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac and GMC products in the US and Canada will offer 4G LTE mobile broadband access. Initially, GM will just be pairing with AT&T to deliver this service, but additional carriers will be revealed in the future.
Current in-car Wi-Fi hot spots are limited to 3G, but GM says that 4G LTE is 10 times faster than 3G service and will allow for full Internet access, including streaming video for entertainment as well as services like real-time traffic updates and navigation driving directions. There is also no need for a paired smartphone with this new system, which should make it easier to use, and GM and AT&T will also be working together to develop new apps for customers.
Buyers can expect to start seeing 4G LTE in their cars starting next year, and GM is already planning to expand the service to other global markets as well. All of the information from GM's announcement is posted in a press release below.

GMC unveiling 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL on January 14

UPDATE: We received a reply back from a representative at GMC confirming that the new Yukon will be revealed on January 14. The text has been updated to reflect this. General Motors is renewing its body-on-frame SUVs, and GMC's Yukon is next in line to receive a full makeover. It's scheduled to break cover on January 14 alongside the long-wheelbase Yukon XL. It's reasonable to assume we would have gotten our first glimpse at the next Yukon during the 2020 Detroit Auto Show had the event not moved to June. The new date is too close to the model's on-sale date, so GMC will unveil it during a standalone event held in Vail, Colorado, according to GM Authority. We reached out to GMC, and a representative confirmed that is indeed the reveal date for the full-size SUV. Spy shots suggest stylists took GMC's two biggest SUVs in a sharper, bolder direction. Both models share the same front end, which borrows styling cues like C-shaped headlights from the Sierra pickup. Brand-specific rear lights help the Yukon models stand out from their Chevrolet-badged siblings, the Tahoe and the Suburban, which hasn't always been the case. The standard Yukon and the Yukon XL will each grow in size, though there's no indication GMC's naming structure will change to reflect that; Yukon XXL admittedly doesn't have much of a ring to it. While we haven't seen the interior yet, we expect it's getting a generous serving of technology, including a new, touchscreen-based infotainment system. The larger exterior dimensions will clear up more space for people and gear, so average-sized adults will be able to fit in the third-row seats. The range-topping Denali variants of both models will return to satisfy those who crave sumptuousness. The sheet metal will hide much of the same hardware found under the Tahoe/Suburban duo, including an independent rear suspension added in the name of comfort and handling. Powertrain specifications should carry over, too, meaning the entry-level engine will be a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The list of options will include a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower on tap, and we're betting the straight-six turbodiesel available on the Bowtie-badged SUVs will also be offered at an extra cost. Rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission will come standard, and buyers will be able to pay extra for four-wheel drive. The next GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will go on sale halfway through 2020 as 2021 models.