Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
GMC Acadia Has Jet Fighter Technology, Room for Eight
“With these devices, the main benefit is seeing important information without the distraction of looking down,” said Wen Wu, a Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science researcher.
“The technology is useful but challenging. The key issue is deciding what to display, where to display, when to display, and how to display,” Wu said. “A square doesn’t look like a square when projected on a curved windshield, so there is a lot of correction involved in designing these systems.”
Acadia’s HUD works by projecting information from within the dashboard, using two mirrors to reflect a crisp digital image off the windshield so that it appears to the driver to be floating in front of the vehicle’s bumper. Drivers can adjust the brightness of the image, its location on the windshield or even turn the image off altogether.
Viewable information includes speed and tachometer readings, vehicle warnings, turn signal activation, outside temperature and other vehicle and radio information.
Cynthia Houeiss, lead General Motors electrical vehicle systems engineer for Acadia, said company engineers have come a long way in the integration of head’s up displays into the vehicle.
“The HUD in the 2012 GMC Acadia is completely integrated into the vehicle and its styling,” she said. “It was styled as part of the instrument panel, instead of being an afterthought or add-on.”
The heads-up display is part of an available technology package on the Acadia and is standard on the Acadia Denali, and will be available on the redesigned 2013 model.
A technology invented for fighter jets to help pilots keep their eyes on the skies around them, HUDs were first implemented in automobiles in the late 1980s by GM. Since then, GM has been a leader in the area, with patented technology that makes the 2012 Acadia’s system an industry leader.
Further advancements in head-up display technology are ongoing. General Motors R&D and several universities are working on a system that would use data gathered from an array of vehicle sensors and cameras and project images generated by compact ultra violet lasers directly onto the entire surface of the windshield.
“We’re looking to create enhanced vision systems,” said Thomas Seder, group lab manager-GM R&D. “Let’s say you’re driving in fog. We could use the vehicle’s infrared cameras to identify where the edge of the road is and the lasers could ‘paint’ the edge of the road onto the windshield so the driver knows where the edge of the road is.”
Courtesy of GM News.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab Short Box 4-Wheel Drive SLE
If you're looking for a truck with a smooth, quiet ride and powerful V8 options, then this 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 should definitely be on your test drive list! This truck is currently on special, so hurry in.
Connected Families Can Rely on OnStar
New Family Link service provides unique access to vehicle location 
- Online service helps subscribers locate their vehicle and sign up for location alerts
- $3.99 per month, first a la carte service offered by OnStar
NEW YORK – OnStar today announced the launch of Family Link, a new service that will allow subscribers to stay connected to their loved ones when driving an OnStar-equipped vehicle.
Family Link is an optional service that includes two key features:
- Vehicle Locate: Subscribers can log onto the Family Link website to view a map with the vehicle's location at any time.
- Vehicle Location Alert: Subscribers can set up email or text message notifications to let them know the location of their vehicle. They can choose the day, time and frequency of the alerts.
Family Link is OnStar’s first a la carte service. Subscribers can add it to any existing OnStar package for $3.99 per month.
“For more than 16 years, OnStar has developed and enhanced our service by listening to our customers,” said OnStar Vice President of Subscriber Services Joanne Finnorn. “They tell us how they use technology and what they want it to do. Last year, we had more than 4,500 subscribers test the Family Link service and they told us it provides them peace of mind by staying connected to their family when they’re on the road.”
Family Link begins a phased launch in mid-April with select subscribers invited to sign up. More subscribers will receive an invitation in June. The service will roll out to all U.S. subscribers throughout the year.
Access to the Family Link website requires an OnStar user name and password. Only the subscriber with access can locate a vehicle or request alerts.
To use Vehicle Locate, subscribers log onto the Family Link website and navigate to the Vehicles tab and click on Locate. Once the vehicle has been located, the vehicle's icon will be shown on the map. Additional location details can be seen by hovering over the vehicle.
To set up a Location Alert, subscribers log on to the Family Link website and navigate to the Alerts tab and click on Add Alert. The subscriber can request the day of week and time to receive an alert, as well as notification preference: text, email or both. Location Alerts will include the address the vehicle is near as well as the date and time.
“OnStar continues to evolve because we spend time listening to our subscribers so that we can develop new technologies and applications that meet their needs,” said Finnorn. “Family Link is the result of OnStar turning what they imagine into a solution they can use.”
Courtesy of GM News.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
In need of a new car but not sure whether to buy or lease?
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2013 GMC Terrain Denali Debuts with New 3.6L V-6
Offers distinctive style along with new technology and safety features
“Denali is growing fast,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing. “With seven different models, sales for this brand within a brand increased 79 percent from 2010 to 2011. With this in mind, the decision to create a more-upscale Terrain was an easy one.”
More power, same efficiency
With the introduction of the Terrain Denali, GMC also announced a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing will replace the current 3.0-liter V-6 engine in Terrain lineup for the 2013 model year. SAE certified at 301 horsepower (224 kW) and 272 lb.-ft. (369 Nm) of torque, this engine makes more power and torque, but is expected to deliver fuel economy equal to its predecessor.
The new V-6 uses lightweight components that contribute to the Terrain’s fuel efficiency while boosting its horsepower. An integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves about 13 pounds compared to a non-integrated design, while a composite intake manifold saves about 5.5 pounds vs. an aluminum intake. Additionally, a lightweight structural front cover and high-strength connecting rods save additional weight.
Terrain’s standard Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing is also available for buyers looking to combine Denali’s high-end appointments with a best-in-class 32 highway mpg (2WD model). Front-wheel drive is standard on Terrain Denali, with all-wheel drive available for both engines.
New dual-flow dampers are exclusive to the Terrain Denali’s suspension system. This technology provides a smoother ride and improved handling by controlling suspension dampening across a broader range of driving conditions.
Signature design cues
Inside and out, the 2013 Terrain Denali features high-end details. Models with the 2.4L engine feature 18-inch wheels, while the V-6 engine is paired with 19-inch wheels. Other Denali-specific exterior features include:
- Signature chrome grille
- Satin chrome accents
- Body color front and rear fascias
- Body color rocker panels with satin chrome molding
- New headlamp and taillamp designs
- Dual chrome finish exhaust outlets (single outlet on 2.4L)
Terrain Denali’s cabin updates are highlighted by soft-touch Jet Black leather, which lines the seats and door inserts. Contrast stitching and red accent lighting contribute to an inviting interior. Other Denali-exclusive interior details include:
- Soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents
- Embossed Denali logos on front seatbacks
- Smoked mahogany wood trim accents
- Denali illuminated front sill plates
- Eight-way power driver and passenger seat
Class-leading technology
Terrain Denali comes standard with many of GMC’s leading technologies, including a color touch radio with IntelliLink. This new infotainment system features a reconfigurable home screen; intuitive voice commands; Bluetooth smartphone integration; control of streaming internet radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher; and iPod controls with Gracenote music database technology.
Forward collision alert and lane departure warning are standard on Terrain Denali. They use the industry’s first single-camera crash-avoidance system to visually and audibly warn drivers when a collision is imminent or the vehicle crosses a lane marker.
In addition, side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert help avoid collisions by using radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see – and provide visible and audible warnings.
Convenience features, such as a programmable power liftgate, are standard on Terrain Denali. At the touch of a button, owners can access the vehicle’s 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space (behind the first row), while a memory function stops the liftgate at a chosen height to help shorter drivers or accommodate low garage heights.
Available technologies include color touch navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system.
As with every new GMC, the Terrain Denali comes with six free months of OnStar’s Directions and Connections plan. It includes Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services link, stolen vehicle assistance and remote door unlock.
Pricing and availability of the 2013 Terrain Denali and Terrain 3.6L V-6 models will be announced closer to the on-sale date in the third quarter of 2012.
2013 GMC TERRAIN DENALI SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
| Models: | GMC Terrain Denali; FWD and AWD |
| Body style / driveline: | 5-passenger, 4-door SUV , front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive |
| Construction: | welded galvanized steel (except roof) monocoque |
| EPA vehicle class: | compact sport utility vehicle |
| Manufacturing location: | Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada |
| Key competitors: | Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe |
Engines
| Type: | 2.4L DOHC I-4 DI | 3.6L DOHC V-6 DI |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 145 / 2384 | 217 / 3564 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.46 x 3.86 / 88 x 98 | 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing |
| direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control | direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control | |
| Compression ratio: | 11.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Horsepower | 182 / 136 @ 6700* | 301 / 224 @ 6500* |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 172 / 233 @ 4900* | 272 / 369 @ 4800* |
| Recommended fuel: | regular unleaded or E85 ethanol with federal emissions | regular unleaded or E85 ethanol with federal emissions |
| Emissions controls: | close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor | close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): | 22 / 32 (FWD) | 17/ 24 (FWD, est.) |
Transmission
| Type: | Hydra-matic 6T45 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select | Hydra-matic 6T70 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select |
| Gear ratios: (:1): |
|
|
| First: | 4.58 | 4.48 |
| Second: | 2.96 | 2.87 |
| Third: | 1.91 | 1.84 |
| Fourth: | 1.44 | 1.41 |
| Fifth: | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Sixth: | 0.74 | 0.74 |
| Reverse: | 2.94 | 2.88 |
| Final drive ratio: | 3.23 (FWD) | 2.77 (FWD) |
Chassis/Suspension
| Front: | independent strut-type with tuned coil springs; direct-acting stabilizer bar; hydraulic ride bushings; DFD (Dual Flow Dampeners |
| Rear: | independent four-link with coil springs and trailing arm; stabilizer bar; hydraulic link bushings |
| Steering type: | rack-mounted electric power steering with 2.4L; hydraulic power rack-and-pinion with 3.6L |
| Steering ratio: | 17.4:1 (2.4L) |
| Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: | 2.90 (2.4L with 18-inch wheels) |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb | 40.0 / 12.2 (with 18-inch wheels) |
Brakes
| Type: | power front and rear vented discs, standard anti-lock brakes |
| Rotor diameter x thickness | front: 12.6 x 1.18 / 321 x 30 |
| Total swept area (sq in/mc^2): | front: 68.4/441 |
Wheels/Tires
| Wheel size and type:
| 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum (std. with 2.4L) |
| Tires: | P235/55R18 all-season steel-belted radial blackwall tires |
Dimensions
Exterior
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 112.5 / 2857 |
| Overall length (in / mm): | 187.8 / 4771 |
| Overall width (in / mm): | 72.8 / 1850 |
| Overall height (in / mm): | 66.3 / 1684 |
| Track (in / mm): | front: 62.9 / 1598 |
| Approach angle (deg): | 15.2 |
| Departure angle (deg): | 23.5 |
| Breakover ramp angle (deg): | 16.7 |
| Minimum ground clearance | 6.9 / 174 |
| Ground to rear load floor (in / mm): | 28.8 / 731.2 |
| Curb weight, base (lb / kg): | 3893 / 1766 |
| Weight distribution (front / rear): | 56 / 44 |
Interior
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Headroom (in / mm): | front: 39.8 / 1012 |
| Legroom (in / mm): | front: 41.2 / 1046 |
| Shoulder room (in / mm): | front: 55.7 / 1416 |
| Hip room (in / mm): | front: 54.6 / 1387 |
Capacities
| EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): | 127.2 / 3602 |
| Passenger volume (cu ft / L): | 99.6 / 2820 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / L): |
|
| GVWR, standard (lb / kg): | FWD 2.4L: 4960 / 2250 |
|
| AWD 3.6L: 5291 / 2400 |
| Payload, base (lb / kg): | 1146 / 520 |
| Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): | 1500 / 680 (2.4L) |
| Fuel tank (gal / L): | 18.8 / 71.1 (2.4L) |
| Engine oil (qt / L): | 5 / 4.7 (2.4L) |
| Cooling system (qt / L): | 8.2 / 7.8 (2.4L) |
Courtesy of GM News.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Buick Gets Into 2012 NCAA March Madness
Human achievement is focus of basketball tournament sponsorship
It is Buick’s second year of working with Samaritan’s Feet, an organization dedicated to helping cover the feet of 300 million shoeless children around the world. Nearly 1 million of these children die each year from soil-transmitted illnesses and foot-borne diseases. The organization’s founder, Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme, was featured on the Buick Human Highlight Reel during last year’s NCAA basketball tournament.
The Buick Human Highlight Reel is an online collection and archive of short videos featuring former NCAA student-athletes whose greatest victories occur away from the game, where they apply their passion to serving those in need.
New stories in this year’s Human Highlight Reel will be introduced on www.ncaa.com/buick, and many will air throughout coverage of this year’s tournament. Student-athletes to be featured include:
- Chris Duhon, a Duke basketball player from 2000-2004 who now plays professionally. His Stand Tall Foundation works with children to encourage teamwork, commitment, discipline, and work ethic through community outreach events.
- Amber Tollefson, a former Florida State soccer player who founded the Give N Go Project. While traveling abroad, Amber was inspired by poverty-stricken children playing soccer with nothing but goals made of sticks and a coconut for a ball. She now raises money to provide equipment and raise self-esteem in Third World countries.
- Tyrone Grant, who played college basketball at St. Johns. He now works with inner city youth in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a mentor through his Team First program. The organization uses competitive athletics to promote responsibility and teamwork.
- Jason Taylor, a University of Arizona football player who later had a career in the NFL. His Jason Taylor Foundation works to improve health care, education, and quality of life for children in southern Florida.
Buick’s NCAA Final Four® involvement extends to New Orleans, as well. Bracket Town, an NCAA fan experience located in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, is expected to attract more than 50,000 people and will feature two Buick displays. Fans will be able to get a close look at current Buick models, as well as the upcoming 2013 Encore crossover. They’ll also be able to compete in what is expected to be the world’s largest game of “knockout”, to win game tickets or other prizes. Buick will also be donating shoes to Samaritan’s Feet for every participant.
Samaritan’s Feet activities will continue in New Orleans, with Buick donating 2012 pair of shoes to impoverished children in the region. The handouts will be split across four different events at local schools and community centers.
“The NCAA Final Four showcases incredible human achievement on the basketball court,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “With the Human Highlight Reel and our involvement with Samaritan’s Feet, Buick hopes to demonstrate the difference men and women can make away from the court, all around the world.”
Courtesy of GM Media.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Happy Pi Day! In honor of everyone’s favorite irrational number, here is a mini “pie” recipe that puts a cool spin on a classic sandwich.
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Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation
Have you heard of the Children with Cancer Christmas Foundation? Our very own Fleet Manager, Mac Boyter, who himself is a cancer survivor, started the foundation over 15 years ago and is still the foundation’s chairman today. Click here to learn more about this amazing cause and how you can get involved.
2013 Cadillac XTS Offers Country Club Credibility
Four adults and four golf bags fit with ease in new full-size luxury sedan
The Cadillac engineering team responded by setting a target to fit four adults and four golf bags without stretching the car’s modest footprint. Such intelligent use of space defines the XTS development process.
“We used computer simulations to model golf bags, as well as other common types of goods our customers are likely to transport,” said XTS chief engineer Sheri Hickok. “That also includes cases of bottled water, luggage, groceries and more. Just as we did with the rest of the XTS, we spent a lot of time maximizing every inch of storage space.”
While most vehicles on the market today carry four passengers, a lack of trunk space can still require a second vehicle to get four sets of clubs to the golf course. XTS offers almost 40 inches of rear legroom and 18 cubic feet (509 liters) of trunk space, more than the Audi A8L, BMW 7-series, and Mercedes-Benz S-class.
“Our owners want to comfortably take four adults out for a round of golf and dinner afterwards,” said Hickok. “The challenge was to give customers what they expect in terms of interior spaciousness, comfort and luxury, but to do so without compromising exterior looks and handling dynamics.”
XTS’ country club credibility is on display at the Cadillac Championship at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami. With equipment provided by Callaway, four adults and four bags fit in the sedan with room to spare.
Ryan Hershberger, group golf sales manager at Doral Golf Resort, participated in loading the clubs. “For a sedan, the room was really impressive,” he said. “It’s really convenient to fit four sets of clubs like that with no force or wedging necessary.”
Security takes as high a priority in the new XTS as storage space. While the sedan handles golf bags with the ease of a crossover vehicle, contents of the trunk remain completely out of sight and behind a locked lid.
Likewise, the passenger cabin was designed to keep valuables hidden. More than a dozen storage compartments offer space to stow items, including a space under the front center armrest that can conceal a smartphone. XTS even has a bin behind the advanced new Cadillac User Interface (CUE) accessed by a hidden button and motorized door.
Monday, March 12, 2012
2011 Cadillac SRX AWD 4dr Premium Collection
Today's featured car is this beautiful 2011 Cadillac SRX, currently on a Demonstrator Special. Click here for more information!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
HiPer Strut Suspension in Buick Regal GS
The innovative engineers at GM are proud of their latest creation, a suspension system that balances comfort, stability, and performance in one package. It's available in the 2012 Buick Regal GS, and based on our experience, significantly improves the Regal GS in the aspects of handling and spirited driving over the standard Regal.
Buick’s HiPer Strut is short for High Performance Strut, which has a better separation between the front suspension’s steering and shock-absorbing functions through added components that enable the steering knuckle to rotate independently from the strut tower. The ideal suspension geometry is maintained, while at the same time reducing torque steer and improving camber control.
This is great news for those of us who have driven front-wheel drive vehicles with high power ratings, which seems to be just about every mainstream vehicle in today's market. HiPer Strut nearly eliminates torque steer, the sensation of the car pulling the steering wheel to one side. It improves performance characteristics overall, like improved steering response, and delivers some of the advantages of AWD handling without the added weight and complexity.
“HiPer Strut raises the limits of how a front-drive car can perform.” said lead engineer Bill Rietow. Mr. Rietow was the GS' lead development engineer and previously worked at GM Performance Division.
The stability allowed by HiPer Strut let engineers package an advanced four-cylinder turbocharged engine with the highest horsepower-per-liter ratio General Motors has ever produced. At 135 horsepower per liter, it is also the most power-dense engine ever certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The car’s 270-horsepower rating wouldn’t be possible without fuel-saving technologies like spark ignition direct injection and variable valve timing.
Buick's Interactive Drive Control System, standard on the Regal GS, makes changing from performance to comfort just a button press away. Through “Sport” and “GS” buttons, drivers can alter suspension, steering, and gear shifting characteristics. “Sport” suspension is 20 percent stiffer than the base setting, while “GS” is 20 percent stiffer than “Sport.” While the car is moving, the engine computer constantly analyzes road conditions – thousands of calculations each second – to fine-tune suspension characteristics.
Regal GS also thought about the manual transmission enthusiasts, aiding drivers with Hill Start Assist feature that, when the car is stopped on an incline, automatically engages the brakes for a few seconds while the driver releases the clutch, preventing the jolt that comes when a car rolls back.
“I’ve been driving manuals my whole life, but I still find the security of Hill Start Assist reassuring,” said Rietow.
The engine control module in the GS also briefly cuts fuel and reduces spark advance when the driver depresses the clutch, allowing to turbocharger to maintain boost for quick and smooth “no-lift” shifting at wide-open throttle.
SOURCE: thecollegedriver.com
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
eCoupon
Is your car in need of some TLC? Be sure to print off this exclusive coupon before you come in for part or service to save!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
GMC Truck Month
