Silver, Four-wheel Drive, Used Vehicle on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Toyota Land Cruiser, GMC Sierra and the long-term fleet | Autoblog Podcast #558

On this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Consumer Editor Jeremy Korzeniewski. They talk about driving a pair of short-term test cars, the Toyota Land Cruiser and GMC Sierra AT4, as well as two of Autoblog's long-term test cars, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Following the test fleet talk is a discussion of a new program from Lyft and the Chinese-market Ford Territory. And of course everything is wrapped up with yet another Spend My Money segment in which we Autoblog editors help a reader choose a car to buy.Autoblog Podcast #558 Get The Podcast iTunes – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown Short-term cars: Toyota Land Cruiser and GMC Sierra AT4 Long-term cars: Kia Stinger GT and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Lyft subscription program Ford Territory Spend My Money Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on iTunes Related Video: Podcasts Chrysler GMC Kia Toyota toyota land cruiser chrysler pacifica chrysler pacifica hybrid kia stinger gt

GMC to get own model not shared with Chevy?

For years, GMC has existed as a brand without a single unique product, reconstituting Chevrolet trucks, SUVs and crossovers with more frosting in exchange for a few extra dollars. The Sierra is a Silverado, the Acadia a Traverse, and the Terrain an Equinox, although admittedly the latter pair are visually differentiated to a significant degree.
GMC could be set to expand beyond its Chevy-based roots, though. During last week's Detroit Auto Show press days, GM's product boss Mark Reuss was asked whether there'd ever be a GMC that wasn't taken from Chevy. "Oh, yes, you will," Reuss told the media. "The health of GMC is astonishingly good from a consideration standpoint." Reuss wouldn't elaborate on what the model could be, although we're quite happy to make some guesses. GMC has its bases fairly well covered, with a mid-size and full-size crossover, as well as a mid-size, full-size and HD pickup. We doubt GMC will be building a family sedan, sports car, or hatchback, so really, the only place we can see the brand going is into a smaller crossover.
Automotive News points out that the most recent small GMC showcar, the 2010 Granite concept (shown above), won't see production according to General Motors. That vehicle likely would have rode on GM's compact vehicle architecture, known internally as Gamma II, which underpins the Chevy Spark and Sonic, as well as the Buick Encore (and its overseas Opel/Vauxhall/Chevy counterparts).

GMC Sierra Elevation Edition is a dark take on a tough truck

GMC proved that it knew how to make a mean-looking pickup with the 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition. For the 2016 model year, the company is applying that aggressiveness to the refreshed Sierra that already looks tougher than the predecessor. The result is a seriously brawny truck that hits the market in the first quarter of 2016. Still based on the Sierra Double Cab, this latest take on the Elevation Edition starts with all of the styling tweaks for the standard 2016 truck, including a reshaped grille and headlights. From there, the pickup gets monochromatic with body-color parts for the door handles, mirror caps, grille surround, and bumpers. Black, 20-inch wheels finish the aggressive aesthetic. Drivers get an interior packed with tech, complete with a six-speaker stereo and seven-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All the occupants can also stay connected anywhere with OnStar 4G LTE and a WiFi hotspot. Under the hood, the Elevation Edition comes standard with a 4.3-liter V6 making 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. A 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower is also optional. Regardless of the powerplant, both come with a locking rear differential and the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Check out the video below for a closer look at last year's truck, then scroll just a little bit further for the complete press release from GMC. Related Video: GMC Updates Sierra Elevation Edition for 2016 Sport appearance wears new front-end design, latest connectivity technologies DETROIT – The popular GMC Sierra Elevation Edition returns for 2016 with the styling enhancements and other features new to the entire Sierra 1500 lineup – including revised front-end styling with new, high-intensity discharge projector-beam headlamps and GMC Signature LED lighting. The Elevation Edition – available on Sierra double cab – has a street-smart stance, thanks to body-color moldings, door handles, mirror caps and a body-color grille surround, as well as body-color bumpers. It also rolls on 20-inch black-painted aluminum wheels and is further enhanced with new Elevation Edition badging. "The Sierra Elevation Edition offers a boldly styled pickup for customers who want a truck that looks as good as it performs," said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC.