Recall Alert: 193,000 GM SUVs

GM is voluntarily recalling 193,000 SUVs due to an electrical problem that could cause power windows and door locks to malfunction and possibly cause a fire, the Detroit News reported. Affected vehicles include model-year 2006-07 Chevrolet Trailblazers, GMC Envoys, Buick Rainiers, Saab 9-7x's and Isuzu Ascenders, as well as model-year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXTs and GMC Envoy XLs.

This latest recall is an expansion of an action that started last August and now includes 443,000 SUVs in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the issue in February 2012 and has received 83 complaints, with 66 alleging that the door module had melted or burned, the Detroit News stated.

In the recalled vehicles, fluid may enter the driver's door, resulting in rust that could cause the circuit board to short. The problem could cause the power door-lock and window switches to function intermittently or become inoperable; it could also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke or fire, the newspaper reported.

NHTSA: Chrysler Has Until June 18 to Recall Jeeps

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given Chrysler a deadline of June 18 to formally respond to its request for the recall of 2.7 million model-year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Liberty SUVs, according to the Detroit News. The recall request, due to a problem in the fuel system that could lead to a fire in rear-end crashes, initially was refused by Chrysler; the automaker insists the vehicles meet federal safety standards for fuel-system integrity.

Depending on the automaker's response, NHTSA will decide whether to issue a formal finding and then convene a public hearing, a final step before ordering a recall, the Detroit News reported. The safety agency says Chrysler "contravened industry trends," as well as its own practices in non-Jeep vehicles by placing the fuel tanks in a vulnerable location behind the rear axle. The resulting fires were caused by gas leaking from punctured fuel tanks in rear-end crashes, causing the deaths of 51 people, the Detroit News reported.

GM Expands Remote-Start App to 2014 Lineup

Vehicles with remote start are becoming more common; GM just announced it's making the feature standard across its lineup.

Through the OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App, owners of OnStar-equipped 2014 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles will be able to remotely unlock their doors and activate the horn, lights and remote start functionality on factory-equipped vehicles.

The free smartphone app is available to customers even if they haven't activated their OnStar system. After the customer takes delivery of the vehicle, they can download the app; GM says the service is free for five years from the delivery date.

The automaker debuted its RemoteLink Mobile App for the Chevy Volt in 2010, with other vehicles following. GM says it's been downloaded more than 1.5 million times and has more than 320,000 regular users.

"We know our customers value remote services. GM owners request remote door unlock assistance through OnStar more than 60,000 times each month, so it makes sense for us to offer RemoteLink Key Fob Services to enable customers to lock, unlock or start their vehicle from anywhere they have a wireless or cellular connection," Mary Chan, president GM Global Connected Consumer, said in a statement.

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Cars.com Reviews the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE

The mean-spirited, muscle-bound 2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE showed up to the party looking for a fight, but not with just any opponent. This is strictly a grudge match with its track-tuned nemesis, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, says Cars.com reviewer Aaron D. Bragman. With styling flourishes like a matte black hood, spoiler, rear diffuser and 20-inch wheels, the SS 1LE aims for intimidation while its roaring 6.2-liter V-8 — good for 426 horsepower and a 4.5-second zero-to-60 time — reiterates its readiness to rumble. Could the nearly $6,000-cheaper Camaro steal the Boss' job? Read Bragman's review and decide.

2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE Review

Recall Alert: 2013 Cadillac ATS, XTS and 2014 Chevrolet Impala

GM is recalling 1,627 model-year 2013 Cadillac ATS and XTS sedans and 2014 Chevrolet Impala sedans due to an electrical problem affecting the brake lights and cruise control that could cause confusion for other drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On the affected vehicles, brake lights may flash without the brakes being applied, and the cruise control may disengage. If the brake lights flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may then fail to adjust speed when the vehicle does in fact brake and the brake lights illuminate as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM will begin notifying owners Friday, and dealers will reprogram the body control module for free. Owners may call Chevrolet at 800-630-2438 or NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov for more info.

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2014 Chevrolet SS Starts at $44,470

GM today announced pricing for Chevrolet's first rear-wheel-drive performance sedan in 17 years. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will start at $44,470, including a $995 destination charge, when it hits dealerships at the end of this year. The SS' 6.2-liter V-8 makes 415 horsepower and 415 pounds-feet of torque; GM says it's good for a zero-to-60 time of 5.0 seconds.

The SS will offer only two options — a power sunroof ($900) and full-size spare tire ($500) — but comes with a host of standard equipment, including:

• Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps with LED running lights
• Automatic Parking Assist, a backup camera and rear park assist
• Blind spot and lane departure warning systems
• Color head-up display
• Alloy pedal covers
• Heated and ventilated front seats with memory and dual-zone climate control
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Chevrolet MyLink with a color touch-screen and GPS navigation
• Bose audio system with a 12-month satellite radio trial

The SS will be available in five exterior colors — Mystic Green, Silver Ice Metallic, Red Hot 2, Phantom Black Metallic and Heron White — while interiors will be black and include sport front bucket seats.

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2014 Chevrolet Malibu: First Look

• Competes with: Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima
• Looks like: More curves and chrome up front, same Camaro-like rear end
• Drivetrain: standard 196-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic; optional turbo 2.0-liter and eAssist 2.4-liter
• Hits dealerships: This fall

Chevrolet is pulling a Honda move with its midsize sedan; just one year after the Malibu's redesign it gets a refresh for 2014. The new Malibu gets a more athletic looking exterior and an updated standard engine.

Outside, the focus in front is on the grille; a wider, lower grille opening and more chrome highlight the changes. Out back, the sedan retains its much-maligned squared-off taillights. 

2014 Cadillac XTS: What's Changed

• Most significant changes: All-new twin-turbo V-6, automatic parking assist and Intellibeam automatic high-beam control system
• Price change: TBA
• On sale: Summer 2013
• Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? Price will weigh heavily, but the twin-turbo engine is tempting

When the 2014 Cadillac XTS goes on sale later this summer, the large sedan will be what the automaker calls "one of the most technologically advanced production cars in the brand's history." Topping the list of upgrades is a new twin-turbo V-6 engine that's borrowed from the 2014 CTS sedan.

Cadillac said the optional twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 is good for 410 horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque; that’s compared with the standard naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6's 304 hp and 264 pounds-feet of torque. The twin-turbo engine comes only with all-wheel drive while the standard V-6 comes with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo requires premium gas; fuel-economy figures have not yet been announced.

GM Borrows Nissan's NV200

Nissan's NV200 van will wear a new brand badge in 2014. General Motors and Nissan announced today that the NV200-based Chevrolet City Express will go on sale in the fall of 2014.

Nissan will manufacture the small cargo van, and Chevrolet will sell it through its dealer network in the U.S. and Canada. Nissan currently sells the NV200, which uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, in several global markets. In the U.S. it'll hit the streets of New York City in taxi form later this year. Chevrolet hasn't released specs, but Nissan's version can carry up to 1,500 pounds and offers 123 cubic feet of cargo space, 6.6 cubic feet less than its closest competitor, the Ford Transit Connect.

"Our fleet customers have asked us for an entry in the commercial small van segment, so this addition to the Chevrolet portfolio will strengthen our position with fleets and our commercial customers," Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet and Commercial Sales, said in a statement.

Both companies have said more specifics, including pricing, will be available closer to the van's on-sale date.

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PickupTrucks.com Drives the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Silverado 1500 got a more sculpted looking exterior and upgraded interior materials for 2014; three new powertrains round out the big updates to Chevy's pickup truck. Our friends at PickupTrucks.com recently drove the new model and while they admit it's not the perfect truck, it's "probably the single biggest model improvement over the vehicle it replaces in a long time." Click here for the First Drive. 

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