GM's first SUV, the Chevy (and GMC) Suburban dates back to 1936. Actually it was just a "utility" vehicle, as there was no "Sport" in any sort of truck back in those days. Then as now their utility vehicles were always based off their pickup chassis. That's seven decades of following basically the same formula—and it may be about to end.

Bloomberg.com is reporting that the next-generation full-size GM SUVs may switch over to unit-body construction, thus ending this long relationship with the full-size pickup.

Why, you ask? Just look at the current fuel prices; that and tougher upcoming mileage and emission requirements. It's that simple.

"It's a sea change in the type of vehicle that Americans are going to be driving,'' said Rebecca Lindland, of Global Insight. "This is a big thing. For a long time, GM has been able to rely mostly on profits from trucks. That's changing.''

If, and when this happens, think 2012 time frame.

Full story here.

We all knew that Chevy had a hit on their hand with the new Malibu. What we didn't know was how would the public react? Would it be just another failed attempt from a domestic automaker at winning back foreign car buyers? Or, is this baby the real deal?

Well, early results seem to indicate the latter, J.D. Powers and Associates (via Winding Road) is reporting a fair number of import buyers are trading in their old cars on the new Malibu. In fact nearly one-fifth (19.8 percent) of all trade-ins for the new car were imports. That compares to 12.5 percent for the last model.

Full story here.

While Honda and others are reaping the benefits from selling loads of smaller cars, the makers of big trucks an SUVs are taking it it on the chin. In it's latest move GM will cutting one shift in all four of their factories that make full-size pickups and SUVs. The cuts will occur at Pontiac, Flint, MI;  Janesville, Wis; and Oshawa, Ontario.

States GM North America President Troy Clarke: “With rising fuel prices, a softening economy and a downward trend on current and future market demand for full-sized trucks, a significant adjustment was needed to align our production with market realities.”

Full story here and here.

Dodge Ram hurting too
AutoObserver points out that Chrysler LLC is spending more than anyone on truck incentives in order to move Ram trucks off dealer lots.

Dodge Ram: Spending Most for Incentives

Same with Toyota
High inventories of Tundras and Sequoias are hurting the "Big T."

Image: Patricia Beck / Detroit Free Press

News of the ZR1's monster horsepower numbers surfaced last night and Chevrolet has released this video of the ZR1 on a top speed run in Papenburg, Germany. The new super Corvette reportedly topped out at 205mph. Not bad for a Chevy.

We tested two of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs side by side, the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and Mercedes GL320 Diesel.

Well, relatively fuel-efficient anyway.

Which do you prefer?

Read the Comparison Test on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

Further evidence that the apocalypse is near, I present you with the world's first drive-in fitting room. Yup, that's right. Some folks want to know how they look while they're driving, and choose their clothes...er, cars accordingly.

And catering to this new trend a London Chevy dealer is offering this convenience. So if the car looks good with you, or vice-versa, you'll have have that opportunity before you commit the hard cash.

Full story here.

Checking in on Peter De Lorenzo over at AutoExtremist.com, and as usual, he has some interesting if not thought-provoking ideas. This time it's a "What if" scenario for a future GM, and this of course, is in a perfect world. By that I mean if franchise laws, etc., could be resolved to make this work.

Here's the short story version: The only divisions that would exist here would be Chevrolet, Cadillac and Hummer. Buick would only be sold outside the USA. GMC, Pontiac, Saturn would disappear altogether. Saab? It would be sold off or disappear. As usual, De Lorenzo makes a strong case supporting his ideas.

So, do you agree with him or not?

For the details check it out here.

There's an article over on wired.com (here) about as to whether a 100 mpg car is possible—or for that matter, even practical. GM's Bob Kruse, who is their executive director of global engineering of hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries; had a few interesting things to say on this subject:

"We will be using internal combustion engines for awhile. The 100-mpg car can be thought of as the Volt, (and) it will achieve this operating on a combination of electric and ICE propulsion."

"We are not competing in the X Prize. I have all of my resources focusing on mainstream high-volume programs like the Chevrolet Volt."

"Like much new technology, a Catch 22 develops. Will we invest in hydrogen delivery for vehicles that do not exist, or will we create vehicles that you cannot buy hydrogen for? This is where government leadership can help."

Here's a related story on the Chevy Volt, and its production status from Green Car Advisor: Volt On Track for Late 2010 and 40 Miles on Batteries

The 2009 Chevrolet Camaro has arrived at the Nurburgring. These pictures were just shot at the famous German test track, so expect to see video of it burning up the Nordschleife shortly. Note the Brembo calipers up front. Could this be the often rumored SS version? We’ll know soon enough.

When the new 2009 F-150 debuts next fall, don't expect to see a Lincoln variant of it, as all indications suggest that the Lincoln LT will just quietly disappear.

The problem with the LT is that there is no Avalanche-like equivalent in the huge Ford truck portfolio in which to base it on, hard to believe as it may be. I think that's very important as the Cadillac Escalade EXT is based on the Chevy Avalanche—and there are some real advantages to the Avalanche that translate quite well into a luxury pickup. Not true for the F-150, which is.... well, just too blue collar and less black tie.

Full story here.