Chrysler, GM Struggle to Manage Truck Incentives

By now, the slumping economy is no secret, and neither are gas prices. Separately, each "crisis" would be bad enough; together they create a hugely damaging environment for a traditionally popular automotive segment, trucks.

A cursory look at truck incentives (or the Cars.com Top 10 list, where five of the entries are trucks) reinforces that point. Trucks almost always offer the highest incentives, but rarely are those incentives this high; select California Dodge dealers are offering up to $13,000 off the MSRP of popular trucks in an effort to get huge backloads off the lot. The clock is ticking, too, because those 2008s need to move before the redesigned 2009s come in.

In the meantime, GM dealers are clamoring for more incentives to sell their load of trucks, but the Detroit automaker seems a little less willing to take Chrysler's must-sell-now approach.

The question remains: Would you buy a truck in this climate? How much cash back would it take? Or are you going to wait for the new designs?

Buick, Pontiac, GMC Unveil April Deals

We told you about Chevrolet’s new incentives Tuesday, but there are also new deals available for 2008 Buick, Pontiac and GMC models. However, most aren’t as much as competitors are offering right now.

GMC trucks typically have some of the higher incentive offers available, and this month is no different. The automaker is offering between $2,000 and $3,250 on its 2008 GMC Sierra trucks (the specific deals vary based on trim level and features). GMC is also offering $2,000 on its Envoy and Yukon SUVs, and each model gets at least 2.9% financing for up to 36 months.

Pontiac’s and Buick’s deals are less exciting. Buick is offering 2.9% financing or $1,000 cash back on the Lacrosse and 2.9% or $1,500 on the Lucerne. Pontiac has similar offers on the Grand Prix and G6: 2.9% financing for both, or $2,000 cash back on the Grand Prix and $1,500 back on the G6. All the offers expire April 30.

Cars.com Reviews 2008 GMC Sierra

GMC Sierra or Chevy Silverado? Mike Hanley takes a look at the new Sierra and likes what he sees compared to the remarkably similar Silverado. The Sierra’s upscale interior and smooth ride won him over, as did its class-leading fuel mileage. For more on the Sierra, including a video starring Mike himself, check out the full review. 

2008 GMC Sierra Expert Review

OnStar Adding Live Directions to Nav Systems

When GM rolled out turn-by-turn directions for navigation-less models, we were impressed with the thrifty idea even if the execution wasn’t pretty. Now the company is making the obvious leap to adding live operator-provided directions to models equipped with factory-installed navigation systems.

Yep, using Destination Download you’ll be able to call an OnStar operator and get them to send directions to your navigation screen instead of having to type them in yourself.

GM Pays Out for Coolant-Related Repairs

Any chance you bought a GM vehicle between 1995 and 2004? If so, GM might owe you as much as $800 as part of a settlement in one of the largest product-liability lawsuits a U.S. automaker has ever faced.

The problem stems from an engine coolant known as Dex-Cool, which caused engine malfunction in an estimated 35 million vehicles. Even if you bought your car used, you could be entitled to compensation for repairs linked to the faulty coolant.

The details break down like this: If you paid for a repair because of Dex-Cool on any 3.1-, 3.4-, 3.8-, or 4.3-liter V-6 engine in the first seven years or 150,000 miles of the vehicle’s life, then GM owes you some amount of money. If the repair came in the seventh year, you're owed $50, in the sixth year $100, and any repair in the first five years earns you $400. Any damage to the car beyond the engine's cooling system, and you're looking at up to $800. Finally, if you had to pay for multiple repairs, you’re entitled to multiple repayments.

Now you're beginning to see how this could add up for GM.

Claims can be submitted until Oct. 27 of this year. For more information, or if you think you qualify for repayment, go to www.dexcoolsettlement.com. Read the models after the jump.

GM, Toyota Cool on Fuel Cells

Earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show, GM and Toyota executives independently expressed that their optimism about hydrogen fuel cells as a power source for mass-market cars had cooled. The revelations are especially significant coming from two of the three companies that have been most bullish on fuel cells over the past decade. (Honda, maker of the FCX fuel-cell prototype of which 100 will soon be tested around the country, is the mum third.)

Cars.com isn’t in the business of saying “I told you so,” but I’m not above it myself, as I hope a record of realistic market views will give shoppers confidence in our counsel. We have not been bashful in our skepticism. The problem, as I’ve expressed it, is that hydrogen is not a fuel but a means of storing and transferring electricity.

This makes the notion of producing the gas from electricity — not to mention distributing it to filling stations that currently don’t exist, dispensing it safely into cars that currently don’t exist and running it through a fuel-cell component that’s ungodly expensive (and unlikely to become inexpensive) — just to turn it back into electricity seem like Rube Goldberg’s nightmare. Why not just put the electricity directly into a battery and call it a day?

Batteries Vying for Future of Car Industry

Much has been written about Chevy's 100 mpg Volt — a gamble that, if it pays off, could send shockwaves through the automotive industry, especially with the price of oil going nowhere but up.

The key to the technology behind the Volt's promise to go 40 miles on a single charge is the development of its lithium-ion battery. GM has staked a lot on having this battery — and thus the Volt — ready by 2010, but questions still remain.

The company behind the Volt's battery is A123 Systems, and it’s charged with creating a product that will not only reliably power the vehicle those crucial 40 miles, but can also last the life of the car and not burst into flames if punctured.

Currently, most hybrids use nickel metal hydride batteries. The promise of lithium-ion batteries involves packing more power into a smaller package, but obviously this comes with technical issues, not to mention a hefty price tag.

Toyota, GM Search for Models Over 35 MPG

Opinions are decidedly mixed on the federal government’s recently passed 35 mpg standard, but carmakers are still scrambling to adapt to it. Toyota showed off its A-BAT concept at the Detroit auto show, and it could be one fuel-efficient addition to the company’s lineup motivated at least in part by the new standard of 35 mpg average fuel economy by 2020. The other, the Urban Cruiser – which sounds like an awesome ‘70s crime film – will debut as a production model intended for the European market at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

GM is doing the 35 mpg dance, too, looking to add a Buick model that’s smaller and cheaper than the Lacrosse. It’s also possible that GM will look to add a new vehicle to Hummer’s lineup, potentially called the H4. That’s exciting news, even if the idea of Hummer unleashing an environmentally friendly version of its gas-guzzling zeitgeist symbol is almost too much to even consider.

Buick may add a car below the Lacrosse (AutoWeek)

Toyota could add 2 more small vehicles to U.S. lineup (AutoWeek)

Presidential Cash Back from GM

GM has been steady, if not spectacular, in doling out cash back incentives offers over the last six months. Those incentives are getting a sudden spike this week, according to Bloomberg News: The automaker is offering an additional $1,000 cash back on 15 models in an attempt to further boost sales in the typically difficult winter climate.

The promotion includes the 2008 Saturn Vue and Aura, bumping those vehicles’ offers to $2,500. Also receiving rebates, according to Bloomberg, are Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Silverado, Pontiac G5, and 2007 Corvettes.

The sales are timed to coincide with Presidents’ Day, and if there’s a better way to honor American history than buying a Buick Lucerne or a Chevy Silverado, we’ve yet to hear of it.

For a full list of incentives, check out Cars.com’s Incentives Page and Top 10 Rebates list.

GM Crossovers to Get Improved Mileage, More Power

At the Chicago Auto Show today, GM officials said to expect the automaker's three-row crossovers to receive similar engineering improvements as the just-introduced Chevrolet Traverse. That means slight gains in power and gas mileage for the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia.

The improvements come thanks to GM's direct-injection V-6, a potent engine we've driven in the new Cadillac CTS. In the Traverse, the engine makes an estimated 286 hp, slightly more than in the other crossovers. Vehicle line executive Anna Kretz said she expects it to migrate to the Outlook, Enclave and Acadia, though she didn't specify a timetable. We imagine it will happen for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

Gas mileage should also improve, though GM has yet to release exact figures.

"Any time you do a direction injection [engine], you're going to improve your efficiency," Kretz said, adding that she expects the mileage gain to be "certainly one that is noticeable."

With front-wheel drive, the Outlook, Enclave and Acadia get 16/24 mpg city/highway. In the CTS, gas mileage is slightly lower for the direct-injection V-6 versus its port-injected equivalent, but that engine makes 304 hp. If the Traverse's variant can raise highway mileage to 25 or 26 mpg while providing a bump in passing power, it should be a win-win for all.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: GMC Denali XT Hybrid Concept Video

This year’s Chicago Auto Show kicks off its media preview days tomorrow, but Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder got an early, and very up-close, look at the GMC Denali XT hybrid pickup concept. Could this be the future of pickup trucks? Or is it just a blast to the El Camino-loving past? Check out the video and let us know what you think.

More 2008 Chicago Auto Show News

2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid

• Competes with: Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra
• Looks like: Your local GMC dealership slapped some stickers on the side of a crew-cab Sierra
• Drivetrain: 332-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with four-speed automatic transmission that incorporates two 60-kilowatt electric motors; rear- or four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

Like its more popular sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra full-size pickup truck is now available with GM's 2 Mode Hybrid system. Available exclusively in the crew cab body style, the Sierra Hybrid is expected to use one-quarter less gas than a regular Sierra. Official fuel economy figures haven't been released, but look for the Sierra Hybrid to get a combined rating of 20-21 mpg.

The Sierra Hybrid's 6.0-liter V-8 teams with GM's Electrically Variable Transmission, which integrates two electric motors into the transmission housing. Those motors are powered by a 300-volt hybrid battery pack under the backseat. With this system, the truck gains a driving characteristic — the ability to accelerate on electric power alone — that you might normally associate with a hybrid like the Toyota Prius.

Additional energy-saving measures include cylinder deactivation, regenerative braking and engine auto-stop when the truck is stationary. The rear-wheel-drive Sierra Hybrid can tow up to 6,100 pounds, while the four-wheel-drive model can pull 5,900 pounds. Both figures trail the maximum ratings of the regular crew cab by significant margins (10,200 and 10,500 pounds, respectively).

In passing, the Sierra Hybrid doesn't look much different from its gas-only sibling. Look closer, though, and you'll see a number of exterior changes. First of all, the thing is plastered with special graphics: "hybrid" is spelled out on the windshield, rear window and on both sides of the truck. It also gets hybrid badges on the front fenders and tailgate.

In terms of more substantial changes, the truck rides on low-rolling-resistance tires that are wrapped around 18-inch aluminum wheels. To improve aerodynamics, the front air dam is deeper and the truck comes with a tonneau cover. More photos below.

2008 Chicago Auto Show: GMC Denali XT Hybrid Truck Concept

• Looks like: A stylish Honda Ridgeline
• Defining characteristics: Hybrid V-8 with looks and efficiency
• Ridiculous features: Surprisingly none, unless you include the giant 23-inch wheels
• Chance of being mass-produced: Consumer feedback will dictate, but if we find out the powertrain is real, its chances will rise exponentially

Since the Chicago Auto Show is known as one for trucks, we're really impressed with GMC's concept. The Denali XT Hybrid is good-looking and features an innovative hybrid powertrain that we hope will come down the line soon. What you need to know about the Denali XT is that it has a small, 4.9-liter V-8 engine teamed to an electric motor. They work together to pump out a very respectable 326 hp.

GM says it will get 50% better fuel economy than comparable "small trucks." We're not sure what those would be, but let's assume they're talking about the Honda Ridgeline, which has a 17 mpg combined figure. If the XT got 25 mpg combined, that would be pretty impressive. The engine uses cylinder deactivation and direct injection to improve efficiency, and if it were produced it would also be the first E85 capable hybrid.

Built on a unibody frame instead of a conventional truck frame, the Denali XT would have a better ride — with a stiffer body and four-wheel-independent suspension — than a traditional pickup, but would tow only 3,500 pounds. The Ridgeline, for example, can tow 5,000 pounds. There's a configurable midgate that separates the bed from the cabin. It can be lowered to extend the bed, but the window is fixed so only items like lumber and surfboards would fit. Sorry antiquers.

The Denali XT sounds good, but not many people have bought the Ridgeline, which was one of the better-executed trucks of its size in some time. Perhaps the bling looks — and especially the hybrid powertrain — will draw in new buyers. For now, we'll just have to wait and see if this becomes a reality. Let us know in the comments if you think a vehicle like this is needed, and check out more photos below.

GM Continues Year-End Incentives

There's plenty of hype about year-end sales deals, and it's easy for deals to get lost in the shuffle. The Event of a Lifetime? Sounds a bit dramatic. Red Tag Sales Event? Better get shopping — those tags are red! For some, they’re just another unwelcome level of anxiety around the holidays — a mad rush to make cars fly out dealership doors before the year's over. But do they pay dividends?

For the consumer, at least in GM's case, the answer is no. Despite fussing over its December Red Tag Sales Event, the manufacturer is keeping offers going through March 3. Many of those offers — especially on 2007 models — are nearly identical to last month's deals, meaning consumers who sat things out in December have an extra couple of months to breathe deeply before buying.

Check out all of GM's deals — like $2,750 off a 2007 Saturn Vue, or 0.0% financing on a 2007 GMC Acadia — on Cars.com's Incentives page.

Analog OnStar Ends Jan. 1, 2008

This goes as a reminder to those who own a GM car or truck with OnStar that works on an analog network: As of January 1, 2008, your service is finished.

The reason for this is a bit complicated, but here is the Cliff’s Notes version: Back in 2002 the Federal Communications Commission ruled that cellular companies no longer had to support analog networks and could switch to strictly digital networks. OnStar was on an analog network set up by Verizon in 1996.

What does this mean for GM owners? Well, that depends. If you bought your vehicle in the last few years, it is likely digital-only and you have no reason to worry. If it was purchased between 2002 and 2004, the OnStar system may be dual mode, meaning it is set up as analog with the option of upgrading to digital. For $15, GM will update the OnStar system of these vehicles to receive a digital signal. This includes parts and labor but not the $199 one-year subscription fee.

As for GM owners who do not have equipment capable of an upgrade, they should have already received a letter from GM informing them of the end of the service. Unfortunately, these owners are simply out of luck.

OnStar goes dark for analog subscribers on 1/1/08 (Autoblog)

100% Recyclable Vehicles?

Detroit’s major automakers announced this week that they would be working together to make their cars and trucks 100% recyclable. Ford Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. will work through the U.S. Council for Automotive Research’s Vehicle Recycling Partnership to achieve the goal of making every part of an automobile reusable.

Currently, 95% of all vehicles in the U.S. at the end of their automotive lives are processed for recycling purposes—a fantastic number when compared to other recycling sectors. For instance, only 52% of paper products are recycled and only 31% of plastic drink bottles, according to statistics compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ford vehicles are already roughly 85% recyclable, according to the company—meaning 85% of the car is capable of being recycled, not that Ford is using 85% recycled materials. This includes scrap metal (automotive scrap metal accounts for one-third of the material in the entire scrap processing industry), and other non-metallic parts like “battery trays, splash shields, engine fan shrouds and carpet.” The company gave no specific breakdown of what parts of new cars and trucks is derived from recycled materials.

100% Recyclable Vehicles is Detroit 3 Target (Detroit Free Press)

GM to Increase Sticker Prices 1.5 Percent

Citing the rising cost of certain commodities used to build its cars and trucks, General Motors announced it will raise prices on its 2008-model-year vehicles by an average of 1.5 percent.

The increase will affect different vehicles by different amounts. Certain cars in more competitive segments, like the new Saturn Aura and the base Chevy Malibu, will avoid any price increase, while the Cadillac XLR luxury coupe will see the highest increase, $1,500. Across the board, the price hikes mean consumers will pay an average of roughly $100 to $500 more for any given GM vehicle.

GM blames rising commodity costs for the increase, pointing specifically to the rising price of steel, but steel is hardly the only culprit. Lots of oil-based products are used to make cars, and oil has seen a 45% price increase in the last year. Stack that on top of a slow automobile market domestically, and you have your price increase.

Still, GM is the only company of the Big Three to announce price increases due to commodity costs, although that may change.

The increase will also only affect vehicles that arrive at dealers after today. All cars and trucks already inventoried by dealers and on lots until at least the end of the year will escape the price hike.

GM Hikes ’08 Sticker Prices (Detroit News)

GM Scores Among Award Finalists

Perhaps marking GM’s reemergence from the automobile wilderness, the domestic car giant makes four of the six finalists for the 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year award. Even better, the automaker now finds itself in a position to score wins in both Car and Truck of the Year a feat no other company has achieved two years in a row, a feat no other company has achieved. 

Truck of the Year finalists include GM’s Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV and Buick Enclave crossover SUV, with Mazda’s CX-9 crossover SUV filling the third spot. As for Car of the Year, the Honda Accord will compete with GM’s Cadillac CTS sport sedan and the highly praised Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan.

Now if the world’s largest auto manufacturer could only transfer this success to sales. While its vehicles continue to improve, the perception of domestic cars in terms of quality and design still lags behind Japanese and European makes. Earning awards is nice, but earning back car shoppers is obviously GM’s more pressing goal.

Vote is in: GM Rules (Detroit Free Press)

Full-Size Trucks Get Full-Size Discounts

Trucks like the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra often hover near the top of Cars.com's Top 10 incentives list, thanks to reasonable prices and large cash-back bonuses. This month, though, the Silverado and Sierra are joined by a host of other trucks offering thousands of dollars in customer cash back.

Toyota is offering region-specific discounts on its popular Tundra model, and we've seen as much as $4,000 cash back on the 2007 Tundra and $1,500 on its 2008 brethren. (Search for Toyota's offers in your area here by entering your zip code under "Find Local Specials.") Nissan has joined the party, too, with up to $4,500 back — plus a $500 holiday bonus available until Dec. 3 — on the 2008 Titan. Mitsubishi's offering $4,500 cash back on the 2007 Raider; Dodge is offering $4,500 on the 2008 Ram; Ford is giving up to $2,500 on the 2007 Ranger, up to $4,500 on the 2007 F-150 and $2,000 on the 2008 F-150 and, well, you get the picture. If you're in the market for a truck, now is the time to seize that long-awaited discount. Who says you never get anything for Christmas?

Check out Cars.com's full list of incentives here.

GM Red Tag Sale Returns

It's the most wonderful time of the year — the time when consumers brave long lines and early-morning frost, all in the name of discount holiday gifts.

GM is hoping that festive consumerist spirit extends to its vehicles. The automaker just released details of its annual Red Tag Sales Event, which comes bearing gifts of increased cash-back and financing incentives on a variety of models. The offers range from 0.0% financing for 60 months on all 2007 GMC and Chevrolet models — including the popular GMC Acadia — to hefty cash-back bonuses perfect for shoppers looking to save some extra holiday cash right away. To lock in 0.0% financing on a 2007 Chevy HHR or save $2,000 on a 2007 Saturn Aura Hybrid, buyers will have to get to dealers before the sale expires Jan. 2. 

To locate GM's offers in your area, search the Red Tag Sales Event site here, or check out Cars.com's full list of national offers for all of GM's and other brands' latest incentives.

Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon Hybrids Priced Above $50,000

We were impressed when we got to test drive the upcoming 2008 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids. Today, GM announced starting prices for these advanced, less-gas thirsty full-size SUVS and going green is going to be costly. The Tahoe two-wheel drive will start at $50,490, while the two-wheel drive Yukon will start at $50,945.

A Tahoe LTZ starts at $36,145 with a similarly well-equipped model hitting $45,680. If the equipment levels match, a $5,000 premium still sounds costly to us.

Four-wheel drive models will cost $53,295 and $53,755 for the Tahoe and Yukon respectively and all prices include a $900 destination charge. Tell us what you think: Is this too much to go green and still roll in a full-size SUV?

Related
More from the LA Auto Show
More Chevy News
More GMC News

Some SUVs Don't Hold Up in Side Crash Tests

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest round of crash tests focused on midsize SUVs, and most of the vehicles tested didn’t do nearly as well as sedans and similarly sized crossover SUVs. The results will no doubt spark more debate among the bigger-is-safer and the get-your-land-yachts-off-the-road segments of the population.

The common thought is that the bigger the vehicle you’re in, the safer you are in an accident. There have been various studies to back that up that compare the number of road casualties to the types of vehicles involved. What IIHS discovered is that many popular midsize SUVs, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7X, rate Marginal side-impact scores. The two Nissan's did earn Good scores when equipped with optianl side airbags. The others came standard with side airbags. Most of the SUVs tested also didn’t do well in rear crash tests, and none earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.

Interestingly enough, the vehicles tested were truck-based. Car-based crossover SUVs, including the Ford Edge, Subaru Tribeca and Honda Pilot, have gotten IIHS’ Top Safety Pick nod. Check out the full crash results below.

Incentives: Goodbye 2006, Hello 2008

As the leaves are changing and various other summer-to-fall metaphors become applicable, so too are manufacturers gradually phasing out new-car incentives. Lest you lament the loss of savings, take solace in knowing those old 2006 incentives have been replaced by new-and-improved 2008 offers by most manufacturers. 

GM, Ford, and Chrysler, among others, have all increased the width and depth of their 2008 incentives, from $2,500 off the 2008 GMC Envoy to $3,000 off the 2008 Ford F-250 and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Manufacturers are also offering a variety of financing offers, like the 0.0% rate available on nearly every 2008 Ford.

Most incentives are available until Oct. 31. Check Cars.com's Incentives page for a full list of new cash-back and financing offers on both 2008 and 2007 models.

New Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs Get 21 MPG

GM told us the final mileage for its new hybrid full-size SUVs would be around 20 mpg, and the company was right. Today, it announced that the EPA has rated the two-wheel-drive Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon at 21/22 mpg (city/highway). The four-wheel-drive models get 20/20 mpg. The non-hybrid versions get 14/20 and 14/19 mpg with a similarly sized V-8 engine.

GM is touting the fact that the 21 mpg city figure is identical to a Camry four-cylinder sedan, while the Tahoe and Yukon feature a V-8 engine that can tow roughly 6,000 pounds. Obviously, the SUVs don’t compete with the Camry on highway mileage, but we found the comparison kind of silly to begin with. A comparison that isn’t silly is that the new hybrid SUVs get better city mileage and slightly better combined mileage than GMC’s Acadia crossover. It and other new GM crossovers were created to combat the gas-guzzling stereotype of full-size SUVs.

Pricing and an exact on-sale date haven’t been announced, but we’re interested to hear if this alters anyone’s shopping list for their next family-mobile.

Related
First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid (and GMC Yukon, too) (KickingTires)
More Hybrid News (KickingTires)

UAW Strike Against GM Ends, Everyone Happy

We’re not sure what exactly was holding things up over the weekend that led to the GM strike that lasted two days, but all sides seem to be happy today. The main sticking point, it turned out, wasn’t the UAW taking over retirement health care management — stay awake one more second — it was GM providing some kind of reassurance that there is job security for UAW members.

Oddly enough, this morning there are still no specifics on how GM managed to offer job security in an industry that is seeing increasing competition not just from Japan and Korea but from China as well.

GM says this deal helps reduce the gap in costs between foreign nameplate cars made in America with its own products. There’s roughly $200 per vehicle that domestics pay more than imports that use non-UAW labor. We’ll keep an eye on new car prices to see if they dip $200 or if the company adds more features. We’re not holding our breath on the former.

GM, UAW Reach Tentative Deal; Strike is Off (The Detroit News)

Big Vans Get New Safety Equipment

Side curtain airbags are available for the first time in the 2008 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans — those 12- to 15-passenger haulers commonly seen taking large groups of folks to and from airports, hotels and church functions.

These are also the types of long, tall vehicles that have made news in recent years for rollovers, which is why side curtain airbags are now standard for 2008, along with electronic stability systems with rollover control, and antilock brakes.

A GMC Sierra for Ben Roethlisberger Fans

Week 1 of the NFL season has passed by, and everyone at the Cars.com offices is mighty happy football is back — especially one reigning fantasy champion blogger who will remain nameless. That said, we can honestly say we were a tad shocked to see a GMC dealer in Monroeville, Pa., selling a GMC Sierra dedicated to Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.

The package includes: Corsa sport exhaust, chrome door handles, chrome mirror caps, chrome grille, GM bedliner, tonneau cover, bugshield and vent shades, custom Ben Roethlisberger graphics and 6-inch chrome side steps.

It’s actually a pretty subtle package for the most part – note Big Ben’s signature. We’d almost say there should be some yellow pinstripes on this black behemoth to make it more Steeler-esque. We’re also wondering how an orange and teal version with a big 13 on the side would look … perhaps not so good. Also, you might be able to live with that occasional jersey purchase if your favorite player goes bust, but what do you do with a major investment you drive every day?

You Can't Be Serious (Mondesishouse)

First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid (and GMC Yukon, too)

The Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid is GM’s first full parallel hybrid — meaning the hybrid system can propel the vehicle with an electric motor, a gasoline engine or a combination of the two. That’s the setup that gives many of today's most efficient hybrids their mileage gains. After driving it and its full-size sister SUV, the GMC Yukon Hybrid — and after grilling GM's execs — there don’t appear to be any significant tradeoffs compared to a regular model. That said, the gas mileage is now described only as "up to 25 percent better" than the non-hybrid in mixed driving and up to 40 percent better in the city. That would mean gas mileage around 19.6 mpg in city driving, while the mixed-driving estimate could be as high as 20 mpg. EPA numbers will be released closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2007.

The Tahoe may feel even more natural than some other hybrids because it combines fixed transmission gears with the continuously variable nature of a full hybrid. In other words, it shifts just like an automatic transmission, but with some continuously variable changes, too. It moves much like a regular Tahoe — and quickly. 2-Mode combines GM's 6.0-liter V-8 engine with the added oomph of electric motors. Six liters might sound large for a hybrid, but the engine can deactivate four of its cylinders when under light load. Could GM have made the trucks less strong/quick and more efficient? Most likely, and environmentalists are sure to object, but boaters are likely to celebrate.

GM's Hybrid SUVs May Get Better MPG Than Expected

When General Motors first showed off the hybrid versions of its Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, it said mileage gains would be around 25% over the gasoline-only versions. Now GM is saying that when the two hit dealers this fall, city mileage could be 40% better — about 19-20 mpg using the EPA’s 2008 testing guidelines.

These will be the first vehicles to use a new hybrid system developed jointly with Chrysler Group and BMW, both of which have hybrid plans of their own. Towing rates will go down, though, from 8,200 pounds to 6,200 pounds, but the SUVs will still be four-wheel drive.

This hybrid system, like many others, doesn’t impact highway driving as much as city driving, and mileage both on the highway and overall is expected to be around 20 or 21 mpg. 

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but a $5,000 or more premium over the regular versions would be a conservative estimate.

GM Expects 40% Mileage Boost on Big SUV Hybrids (USA Today)

GM Follows Ford: Extends Incentives

Yesterday, Ford extended its Fourth of July incentives through the end of August. Today comes word that General Motors will extend its current incentive offers until the end of July, so expect those "Transformers" commercials to stick around for a few more weeks at least.

The main incentive remains an additional $1,000 cash back on top of existing offers, or 0% financing for 36 months.  There's also a new offer to beef up that cash-back number to $2,000 on 2007 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups to counter Toyota’s current incentives on its new Tundra.

GM Hikes Incentives Amid Pickup Battle (Mlive.com)

Related
GM Promotes Sale with Transformers - Full list of eligible vehicles (KickingTires)

Cars.com Three-Row Crossover Faceoff

It’s one of the fastest-growing segments in the market: Three-row crossovers have come along to take the place of traditional truck-based SUVs in the heart of suburbia. Cars.com put three of the newcomers head-to-head-to-head to determine which tops this new field. The GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz and Mazda CX-9 all proved to be excellent people-movers, but only one could win the Faceoff. See which one we picked, and let us know what Faceoffs you’d like to see in the future.

Cars.comparison: Three-Row Crossovers

GM Promotes Sale With Transformers

There are movie tie-ins and then there are movie tie-ins. Starting today and running through July 9, General Motors is advertising a “Transform Your Ride” sale on select models. The sale is tied in with “The Transformers,” which opens July 3. Buyers can get 0% financing for 36 months — if they qualify — or $1,000 cash back. These deals are in addition to current offers which can be found on Cars.com's Incentives page. 

As sales go, this isn’t even close to the huge discounts of summers past, but the TV commercials are promised to be high-definition with 5.1 surround sound and will include images of robots from the movie, many of which transform into GM vehicles. A list of eligible cars can be found below, but we’re more intrigued by the movie than this sale.

GM to Build Light-Duty V-8 Diesel

Last year, Ford kicked off the light-duty diesel scramble when it said it would build a diesel F-150 in the not-too-distant future. Now GM has joined the fray, with plans to shoehorn a 4.5-liter diesel V-8 under the hoods of the Hummer H2 and light-duty 1500 versions of the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Expect them to arrive around 2010.

With space constraints dictated by its current lineup of pushrod gasoline engines, GM had to fit a square peg into a round hole, so to speak. The Duramax turbo-diesel sports a few space-saving tricks — among them exhaust portals that exit into the center of the "V," not to the outside, as normally happens. The General says the engine will produce more than 310 hp and 520 pounds-feet of torque. Compare that to the chestiest gas V-8 in the Sierra 1500, which makes 400 hp and 415 pounds-feet of torque. Towing capacity will likely increase measurably over the Silverado and Sierra’s 10,500-pound maximum.

With decreased carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, GM expects the Duramax to meet stringent emissions standards in all 50 states. Fuel efficiency should be up 25 percent versus a comparable gasoline engine, GM powertrain spokesman Tom Read said. We couldn't find a gasoline V-8 in GM's truck lineup that makes anywhere near 520 pounds-feet of torque, though, so we can't predict any mpg.

Source: GM 

GM Offers Incentives for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is usually a time when automakers offer sales, specials and incentives on new cars. So far, except for the GM brigade, we haven’t seen many flashy advertisements on automakers’ consumer sites. General Motors is offering zero-percent APR financing combined with $1,000 cash back on select models, listed below, until May 31. Read the fine print, however, as these kind of incentives typically require a qualified buyer, limited financing terms and sometimes a down payment of up to 15 percent.

Buick
2006 and 2007 LaCrosse and Lucerne

Chevrolet
2006 and 2007 Cobalt, Malibu, Impala, Suburban and Tahoe; 2007 Silverado

GMC
2007 Sierra; 2006 and 2007 Yukon

Pontiac
2006 and 2007 G5, G6 and Torrent

Saturn
2007 Ion, Vue and Relay

Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra Get Incentives

Don’t get overly excited, but General Motors is offering minimal incentives on certain trim levels of the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra “in response to competitive incentive offerings in the marketplace.” That’s a GM spokesman basically saying: If the Toyota Tundra has incentives, we’ll match ‘em.

Starting Friday and running through July 9, there will be between $1,250 and $1,500 cash back or 0% financing for 36 months on the two trucks. Reduced-rate financing for 60 months will also be offered. We’re not sure if the deal will actually change anyone’s mind about buying either a GM truck or a Toyota truck, but at least it will make the GM buyer feel like they’re not losing out to their Tundra-driving neighbors.

General Motors Sweetens Truck Deals With Cash Back or Zero-Percent Financing (Detroit News)

Suburban Dad: 2007 GMC Acadia

It seemed familiar — like I’d been there before. From the outside, it looked like a great big American-made SUV. There were the large tires, the aggressive front end, the long lines down the side, the liftgate in the back.

Once inside the Acadia, though, the memories came rushing back. The captain’s chairs in the second row. The third row that collapses almost flat to the floor. The space between the captain’s chairs to allow access to the third row. Could it be?

(Music from “Psycho” kicks in…)

Yes! I was in a minivan! Even my daughter picked up on it. “This is exactly like our car, Dad,” she noted. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

And that’s what really ticks me off. I live in the suburbs, surrounded by all these suburbanites who have turned their collective back on the minivan. “They’re not cool enough,” they sniff. “They’re not manly enough.”

GM Rolls Out March Incentives

Starting today, March 15, and running through April 3, GM is offering 0% financing and $1,000 cash back on a number of new 2006-’07 Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC and Saturn cars, including the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups.

The 0% financing is for 36 months with 2.9% for 48 months and 4.9% for 60 months to qualified buyers.

The two-week deal is to spur sales for the rest of March and includes some interesting new models, besides the trucks. GM dubs the deals the “Spring Sales Event” or “Upgrade Event,” depending on the brand. Keep reading for a list of models.

2007 Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia Recalled Due to Faulty Airbag Sensors

GM has recalled its all-new crossovers, the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, because of potentially faulty airbag sensors. The recall affects all 13,032 of the vehicles on the road. The problem stems from a faulty sensor that controls the front airbags’ deployment. It will also prevent the vehicle from alerting owners of a malfunction.

GM says the problem is a software issue and can be remedied with a service — no parts need to be replaced — at the dealer at no cost to owners. The company discovered the problem during internal testing and no incidents have been reported.

Letters went out Thursday to Outlook owners, and letters for Acadia owners will go out Feb. 28. Owners can call GMC at 1-866-966-9463 or Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 for more information.