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GM shows off 'digital vehicle platform' enabling more in-car tech and OTA updates

It appears to have dropped the sobriquet "Global B," but General Motors' new electrical architecture has bowed in drawings and video. This is the "digital vehicle platform" GM president Mark Reuss spoke to Reuters about in 2015, saying it would move a great deal of a vehicle's computer work to the cloud and enable over-the-air updates. Reuss took the microphone for the debut, too, saying, "Our new digital vehicle platform and its eventual successors will underpin all our future innovations across a wide range of technological advancements, including EVs and expanded automated driving." The system will go into production later this year, appearing in dealerships first either on the 2020 Cadillac CT5 or the mid-engined 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Yes, these are the same electronics cited for delaying the launch of the C8 Corvette over excessive draw, security and getting the more-than-100 computer modules to communicate seamlessly. When Car and Driver asked about that, GM replied with "No comment." Volkswagen's having the same issues with the Mk8 Golf right now, though, so GM isn't alone, and this will be the new normal among OEMs for a while. What's certifiable is that the new architecture is robust enough to handle 4.5 terabytes of data per hour, which is five times what GM's current wiring can handle. And thanks to Ethernet connections of 100 Mbps, 1 Gbs and 10 Gbs, communication within and without the vehicle happens much faster. The advances mean better screen resolutions, better battery management for hybrids and electric vehicles, the capability for over-the-air updates and "functionality upgrades throughout the lifespan of the vehicle." Cadillac's Super Cruise has already been lined up as a leading candidate for constant improvements in the driving assistance suite, a key part of GM's "vision for a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion." And whenever GM decides to take the plunge, it will mean a 48-volt electrical system. More than 300 specialists worked on the digital platform, and security was a huge part of the task. We've already heard that GM consulted with Boeing and military contractors on how to prevent hacking. The carmaker has an internal Product Cybersecurity group that reached out to the research community, and created a "bug bounty" program to crowdsource uncovering any flaws.

2022 GMC Sierra Denali caught towing in new spy photos

The GMC Sierra 1500 was just redesigned for the 2019 model year, but the hyper-competitive half-ton segment will see an updated Denali offering for 2022 and, as we can see from these spy photos, GMC is already testing prototypes.  There's quite a bit covered up on this particular example, leading us to believe the Sierra Denali's refresh will be on the heavy side. We're not surprised, as GM's usually comfortable position within the full-size segment has been eroded over the past few years, largely due to intrusion into the luxury market on the part of both Ford and Ram.  From these shots, we can tell the Sierra Denali will get at least one new grille (if not several of them), new headlights, new bumpers, new bed sides, new tail lights and perhaps even an updated tailgate, though we expect that will matter more on trucks not equipped with the MultiPro multi-function tailgate option, which tends to take up a lot of stylistic real estate.  As comprehensive as that may sound, it's nothing compared to what GMC has in store for the Denali's upgraded interior. Super Cruise — GM's highway semi-self-driving suite — will headline the updates. This is big news for two reasons. For starters, Super Cruise has thus far been relegated only to Cadillac, so the Denali will likely be among the first outside of that model line to offer it. GM also claims that the version of Super Cruise coming to the Sierra is capable of towing. Yes, hands-free towing. Besides Super Cruise the 2022 Sierra is getting a fully digital instrument cluster as part of what appears to be a fairly comprehensive interior redesign, different from both the current Sierra, standard Yukon and Yukon Denali interiors.  Related Video:

2015 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon order guides reveal added power

General Motors' Fleet Order Guide system is often the canary in the coal mine for interesting changes on new models. The recent guide for the 2015 Corvette unveiled all sorts of changes that weren't yet known about the sports car. Now, it's time for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon to take their bow in the spotlight, and they look worth the wait. The new midsize trucks are getting a touch more power than first thought, as well as some very nice features.
Extended Cab models of both trucks come standard with a 2.5-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 191 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. That's a bit more than the 193 hp and 184 lb-ft originally reported for the duo. The standard transmission for the extended trucks is a six-speed manual, but the Work Truck trim is also available with an optional six-speed automatic. Towing for the four-cylinder is rated at 3,500 pounds.
Crew Cab models come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 hp at 6,800 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm, with a six-speed automatic. That's also somewhat different than the originally reported rating of 302 hp and 270 lb-ft. Towing for the V6 is rated at 7,000 pounds.