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2017 GMC Acadia comes into focus

The future slate of crossovers from General Motors reportedly ride on the company's new, scalable Chi platform. With short- or long-wheelbase configurations possible, the chassis conceivably allows the automaker to be more adaptable in the configuration of its CUVs. Cadillac already appears to be testing Chi for the luxury brand's future SRX/XT5, and here it is again under heavy camouflage underpinning the next GMC Acadia. Unfortunately, the Acadia is so well concealed here that it's extremely difficult to pick out any of the styling changes, though the squared-off fenders and faint GMC logo peaking through the tape on the front wheels reveal what this vehicle is. Up front, the grille appears to sit somewhat lower than the current model, and the vertical LED running lights are easy to pick out. The orientation of the taillights through the camo suggests wraparound units not too dissimilar from the current Acadia (or is that Saturn Outlook?). The next-gen Acadia is expected to debut in 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle. The powertrain options may include the current 3.6-liter V6, a four-cylinder and possibly even a turbo V6, and GM's new nine-speed automatic might also be for offer. With a year before the reveal, take a look at these photos for a first look. Featured Gallery GMC Acadia Spy Shots View 12 Photos Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos GMC Crossover gmc acadia

GM warning 800,000 owners that their cars may need oil changes more frequently than they say

The days of changing your engine oil every 3,000 miles are long gone thanks to most cars having automatic oil monitoring systems, but about 800,000 General Motors vehicles apparently have incorrect monitoring software that is leading to premature engine component wear. According to Autoweek, certain 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models equipped with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines could be going too long in between oil changes resulting in a higher-than-normal number of warranty claims for the engine's balance chain. The balance chain links the balance shaft to the crankshaft, and a worn one can produce higher noise levels.
As a fix, GM dealers will be reprogramming the software for the monitors in an effort to reduce the interval between oil changes, which varies based on driving habits and conditions. Through February 2015, the software update will be done at no cost to vehicle owners, but since this is not a recall, after that point, it will be up to the discretion of dealers as to whether or not they will charge for the service. What isn't immediately clear is whether GM plans on giving assistance to out-of-warranty customers who are experiencing engine issues from the worn chain.

Chevy Express 1500, GMC Savana 1500 get the axe

Fans of truck-based, light-duty vans can officially pour one out for the Chevrolet Express 1500 and GMC Savana 1500, as General Motors has officially put its long-serving big/little rigs out to pasture. Things aren't quite as sad as they sound, though. The heavier-duty 2500 and 3500 vans will soldier on, in order to duke it out with the largest members of Ram ProMaster, Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter families.
The move does seem to make a lot of sense. According to GM, customers only purchase the 1500-spec Chevrolet 23 percent of the time, while the GMC captures a mere 7 percent of the Savana family's sales. With numbers like that, it's no shock that GM thinks it can shift some of its buyers into its van family's more capable variants. "We knew we could move a lot of our 1500 customers into 2500-series territory," said GM's Joe Langhauser, the product manager for the company's full-size vans.
It's not just simple sales figures dictating the move, though. The 1500 line is taking up some valuable factory space that will be better spent on an eagerly anticipated new product.