2011 GMC Sierra HD 2500 Denali 4x4 Diesel

Numbers are an obsession in the auto industry. Corporate suits worry about build costs, profit margins, and sales volumes; sports-car fans spend more time watching horsepower counts, acceleration times, and top speeds. But heavy-duty truck enthusiasts live and die by numbers, perhaps more than any other segment of the automotive sphere.
To that end, the 2011 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty�along with its Chevrolet Silverado twin�sees a couple of its key numbers swell to 6635 and 21,700. Those are the highest payload and trailer-weight capacities of the GM HD trucks; the totals for the 2500 truck tested here are 2631 and 16,800 pounds, respectively. But when we finished putting this GMC Sierra Denali 2500 through its paces, it wasn�t these digits that had our spreadsheets smoking.
Quick for a Big Guy
Indeed, a thoroughly overhauled Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 supplies the first pair of staggering numbers: 397 and 765. Those are the 6.6-liter engine�s respective hp and torque counts, the former peaking at 3000 rpm and the latter at 1600. Those two figures delivered the digits that simply blew us away�7.3 and 15.7, as in stopwatch ticks to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile, the latter feat occurring at 89 mph. What we have here is a 7560-pound truck that�s quicker than the first Chevy Camaro we ever tested and capable of hauling most of one in the bed or towing four behind it on a trailer.
Credit for this quickness is also due to the six-speed Allison automatic transmission, which keeps the Duramax spinning at the absolute peak of its prodigious power band while shifting with relative smoothness. (In contrast, the hard-shifting automatic in our long-term Ram 2500 changes gears as though it were trying to rip itself apart.) Most of the Sierra driving experience is similarly pleasant. The steering is nicely weighted and direct without being so nervous as to cause concerns about stability with a trailer aft. The brake pedal, too, feels surprisingly firm and communicative for one meant to be stomped on by work-booted feet and actuating a system responsible for halting 10 tons. Our haul down to 0 from 70 mph took 217 feet, which seems to be the standard for HD trucks, regardless of manufacturer: Of the five we�ve tested in recent months, all are clustered between 217 and 222 feet.
The Sierra is not without its flaws, however. Although a suspension designed to accommodate a one-ton payload atop the shoulders of a four-ton truck is never going to be compliant, there�s a difference between unyielding and uncivilized. Small impacts jostle occupants, but over larger impacts, the front axle feels detached, like it�s rattling in its bushings. �Unfinished� is hardly a confidence-inspiring vibe to get from a work truck.
Huge Truck, Disappointing Rear Legroom
Our other major complaint centers on the interior, where we encountered the Sierra�s first�and seemingly only�inadequate number. Despite the truck�s 240.1-inch overall length and 78.3-inch height, the back seat of the cab is snug in one key dimension. With legroom not even 1.5 inches greater than that found in the back seat of a Chevy Malibu (39.0 versus 37.6), even shorter staffers found the Sierra�s rear perch lacking. Ford�s F-series Super Duty crew cab offers 3.1 more inches than the Sierra (42.1), and in Mega Cab trim, the HD Ram offers enough interior space for the Detroit Pistons� starting lineup.
Additionally, although the Denali package spruces up the interior, it doesn�t do anything about the low quality of the plastics. (At $1305 more than a similar Sierra SLT, the main benefit of the Denali package is the monochromatic exterior appearance.) The black tuxedo treatment inside and out masks the cheapness somewhat, but the massive expanse of black plastic that forms the inner door looks low-budget, as does the lower dash panel. Not only that, but the materials feel hard and hollow.
This interior might be passable in a base Sierra 1500 for $21,845, but in a truck that stickers at nearly three times that amount�our Sierra 2500 Denali came in at $61,244�it�s a glaring fault. Although the base price for a gasoline Denali HD is $46,860, the diesel option jolts the sticker north by $7195. The Allison transmission (broken out separately on the order form but mandatory with the diesel) is another $1200, bringing the base price of the diesel to $55,255. Our test example arrived with a navigation system ($2250), a sunroof ($895), 20-inch polished aluminum wheels ($850), chrome running boards ($689), heated and cooled front seats ($650), a rearview camera ($450), a heated steering wheel ($150), and a pair of engine covers for the grille and bumper opening that are required on diesel trucks sold in cold-weather states ($55).
Pull My Trailer
Although the total of $61,244 is an eye-opening number, that price is dead on with similarly outfitted and capable trucks from Ford and Dodge. (And remember that any less costly GM HD outfitted with this powertrain should prove equally well motivated.) From a numbers perspective, Ford still leads the HD truck segment with a max payload of 6520 pounds and a towing capacity of 24,400, as well as in diesel output, thanks to a recent upgrade to 400 hp and 800 lb-ft. However, despite the extra power, GM�s acceleration numbers embarrass a 2011 diesel F-250 we tested (8.0 seconds to 60 and 16.2 in the quarter at 86 mph). Most buyers aren�t drag-racing their 7600-plus-pound trucks�give yourself a high-five if you do and yours is in the 11s�but the Sierra�s fleetness means that, even with a gooseneck hanging off the back, it�ll be the Camry in the next lane that holds up traffic. Now if only GM could get serious about things not so easily quantified, such as ride quality and interior finish.

New Cars for 2012: GMC Full Lineup Info

[MARKET SHARE 2012 EST., CHANGE FROM 2011: 2.93%, +0.05% ]
Terrain: A glitzier Denali version of GMC�s mid-size crossover will bow by the end of 2011. The package includes a prominent chrome grille and various other shiny bits, plus new wheels, rectangular exhaust tips, and an upscale interior treatment with more standard amenities. Other updates include E85 flex-fuel capability for the base 2.4-liter four and a standard seven-inch infotainment monitor.
Minor trim changes: Acadia, Canyon, Savana, Sierra/HD/hybrid, Yukon/hybrid/XL View Photo Gallery

Bitter Presents New Model Based on Opel Insignia

Erich Bitter, founder of Bitter Cars, is at it again transforming GM vehicles for a select few. His latest model is based on the new Opel Insignia [Buick Regal in the States] and these are the first photos of the car, courtesy of the folks over at Motor Talk.

Bitter has yet to make an official announcement on the modified Insignia but it said that it is based on the 260HP 2.8 V6 Turbo 4x4 model with pricing to be around the �65,000 [US$80,500] mark. If true, that's �25,000 more than the model upon it is based and close to �19,000 more than the 325HP Insignia OPC.

Ahem... Motor Trend Thinks Cadillac Ups the Ante with Free Oil Change and Cabin Filters

Earlier today, we reported that Cadillac announced a 'free service plan' for its 2011MY cars. Here's what the plan includes in GM's own words: "The program, called Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and a multi-point vehicle inspection."

Call us picky, but we like to... look between the lines and read between the words. In Motor Trend's report on the matter, not only does the author forget to mention what GM / Cadillac covers in its free maintenance program, but the article goes on to say that "Cadillac managed to up the ante this morning with its announcement" and that " Cadillac's plan essentially mirrors BMW's Ultimate Service program."

Interested? 1987 Buick GNX with Only 5,000 Miles on the Odo

One of the 547 Buick GNX muscle cars that GM built in 1987 has been listed for sale by a Las Vegas dealer. Cleverly described by C&D in its days as "Darth Vader's Ride", the GNX is a rare gem, even more so if it has a mere 5,000 miles on the odometer like this example that's priced at US$95,000.

When it came out in 1987, which was the only year it was offered for sale, the Buick GNX was the fastest production car in GM's range (Corvette included) thanks to its 3.8-liter force-fed V6 engine that was factory (under)rated at 276HP and 360 lb-ft. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a modified four-speed automatic transmission.

Bo Zolland Designs Vintage Hot Rod with CTS-V Power in Mind

Bo Zolland of Sweden's Viztech is at it again. This time, the talented designer has thrown together some spiffy computer generated photos of a vintage hot rod called the "33-34". If it were to become a reality, Bo Zolland says the two-seater hot rod would be powered by the Cadillac CTS-V's 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 556 ponies. Check out the full photo gallery after the break.

Honda Pegasus Study Inspired by... Harley Earl's GM Firebird Concepts

Automotive designers find inspiration in all kinds of places. For independent designer Andrus Ciprian from Romania, it was Harley Earls' legendary GM Firebird concept cars of the 1950s. The thing is that he didn't use this inspiration on a GM product but on a futuristic Honda racing car design study that he named Pegasus.

The Romanian designer has dreamed up a small gas-turbine jet engine as the power source for the imaginary winged prototype, while other features include specially designed wheels that increase air-flow to the brakes. Full mage gallery after the break.

Video & Photos : 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

First Video ans Photos : 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will not be seen  in U.S showroom till next year.
In North-America, the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will launch with GM's e-Assist powertrian which combines a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injection 4-cylinder gasoline engine linked with a six-speed automatic to a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator that enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop functionality. And this gaslion engine produces an output power of 180HP but it receives up to 15 more horsepower at the time of acceleration from eAssist system.

Video : 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu: PHOTO GALLERY

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US Government offers Concessions to Detroit Big 3's Trucks Models

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the US government is willing to allow carmakers to lower the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAF�) of their future trucks and SUVs at a slower rate than normal cars.
In return, the Obama administration wants to reach a deal by early next week that will allow the government to improve mileage standards from today�s target of 35.5 mpg (6.6 lt/100 km) by 2016 to 56 mpg (4.2 lt/100 km) by 2025 for both cars and light trucks, leaving the automakers a longer period of time to bring their large trucks, pickups and SUVs in line.

New Gen Y Buyer Survey Spells Trouble for Detroit

Auto pricing website TrueCar studied the car buying behaviour of four million Gen Y (18 to 27 year-old) over a twenty-four month period and here�s what they found.
Scion took the crown for top brand, with 37.4% of the market and for top model (the tC coupe), with 21.2%, while second place went to Mitsubishi (32.1%) and their Lancer sedan (20.3%).
Mazda was the third most visited brand for Gen Y buyers, though only 17th in terms of model. The top four vehicle choices were Japanese, with a German in seventh place and a South Korean in ninth.

Congratulations, it�s a Doblo: New Opel Combo in Passenger Car and Panel Van Trims Breaks Cover

Meet the new Opel Combo, GM Europe�s latest offer in the light commercial vehicle segment that will also be available in a passenger car version.
In case you didn�t notice, Opel�s newcomer is based on the Fiat Doblo van with the exterior styling changes over the Italian model limited to the design of the front bumper that somewhat awkwardly incorporates the German firm�s family grille.

New Study Finds that Chinese Buyers Prefer European over Local Brands

Car buyers� preferences in China are shifting towards European models and away from domestic and even Japanese vehicles, according to a new study published today by JD Power Asia Pacific. This is the third year that the study takes place.
The latest edition included 65 brands and 161 separate models in nine segments and is based on responses from 4,979 potential buyers of new-vehicles located in 53 cities.

GM Rumored to Offer Chevy Cruze with a 50mpg Diesel in the USA

Citing two unnamed people that were briefed earlier this week on GM�s future product plans, the Detroit Free Press reported today that the company is mulling the addition of a diesel engine to the Chevrolet Cruze�s range.
According to the insiders, a diesel version of the Cruze would return a highway fuel economy of around 50mpg rivaling the efficiency of the Toyota Prius hybrid which is rated at 51 mpg (4.6 lt/100 km) in the city and 48mpg (4.9 lt/100 km) on the highway. A diesel Cruze would also help GM meet the more demanding government gas mileage rules.

Pickup Trucks Inventories Rising, Manufacturers are Worried

It seems like US carmakers are beginning to worry about the rising inventory of their big pickup trucks. For example, General Motors has an inventory of 122 days (or 4 months) of its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra according to a report from Reuters, or 50% higher than the typical industry inventory of 80 days.
But GM isn�t the only automaker in distress. Chrysler, Toyota and Ford also are behind their projected sales, with 93 days inventory for the first two makers and 79 days for the third respectively.

GM Recalls More Than 7,500 Trucks and SUVs Over Separate Gearbox and Steering Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall campaign for two separate issues concerning GM trucks and SUVs.
The first recall concerns 6,768 units of the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon from the 2011MY due to a failure in a transmission clip that may not engage the �Parking� mode even though the driver has moved the lever to the appropriate position. GM�s dealers will repair the faulty automatic transmission free of charge, and the recall is expected to begin on July 19.

GM Warns Police, but not Civilians, on Defective Impalas, Faces Lawsuit

A class-action suit has been filed against General Motors in Detroit concerning a defect in the suspension rods of more than 400,000 2007-2008MY Chevrolet Impalas that causes premature wear to the rear tires.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman from Pennsylvania named Donna Trusky, who wants GM to replace the defective suspension rods on 423,000 Impalas from the 2007-2008MY the company sold over a two-year period.

Police Forces in Georgia and Iowa Sold on GM�s New Chevy Caprice PPV

General Motors has began delivering its first 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) to law enforcement officers across the U.S. Among the first to receive GM�s new patrol car are police departments in Forsyth County, Georgia and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Forsyth County Sheriff Ted Paxton said that after trying out the Chevy for a month his office decided to replace its current fleet of around 175 other patrol vehicles with Caprice PPVs.

GM�s Holden Readies Rebadged Chevys for 2011 Melbourne Auto Show

It�s a global economy we live in and as such, it doesn�t come to much of a surprise when we see the same vehicles launched under different brands and names in various parts of the world.
Of course, it would be somewhat unfair to Holden if we didn�t mention that it has played a key role in the development and design of several GM products including the 5-door Cruze that will be show in pre-production trim at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS), which takes place in Melbourne from July to 10.

Opel Increases Market Share in Europe, GM Still not Happy

Opel has increased its share in Europe this year, with sales rising 6% up to May, giving the brand a market share of 7.4%, compared to 7% in 2010. So mother company GM must be satisfied, right?
Well, not entirely, according to Automotive News. And that�s because Opel�s cars are technologically advanced and due to high German working rates, are quite expensive to manufacture. However, they cannot be sold in prices similar to direct competitors such as Volkswagen because they lack their rivals� image.

Yes Please: Porsche 911 with GM LS1 V8 Power [Videos]

By taking a kitbashed GM-sourced LS1 V8 engine and slotting it into an AWD Porsche 996, LS1tech forum member �1dirtyZ� has set out to create something truly unique. Sure, it�s unconventional and perhaps a little sacrilegious...but just look at the Porsche donor car.
It�s a wreck, the victim of a catastrophic engine fire. It has a ruined interior and a body that�s been damaged both by fire and rust. It would have spent the rest its days rotting away in a car wreckers yard if 1dirtyZ had not rescued it.
And even though this confabulation of All-American grunt and German precision engineering is not yet finished (it doesn�t have a rear bumper, for one), it certainly runs and can even be driven around a dirt race track. You can check out our gallery of in-progress images below and a handful of videos showing the V8-powered Porsche 911 running.