Karl on Cars
GMC
October 20, 2009
"Oh...um...sorry to bother you...disembodied OnStar voice. Hope I didn't interrupt any truly important calls."
That's my first reaction whenever I hear that OnStar "ding" followed by "OnStar Ready" in a GM vehicle. And that's why my apprehension level goes up when I see that OnStar button under the rearview mirror.
See, I like to think of myself as relatively self-sufficient. Sure, I'll ask for help but I have to really need it first. However, on a semi-regular basis, when I'm in an OnStar-equipped car I find myself unintentionally activating the system, which in turn causes tremendous guilt because I feel I'm bothering an OnStar employee who could be helping another driver, maybe even someone with a true emergency.
I'll give you a few examples:
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- Karl Brauer October 20, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Buick, Cadillac, Car Audio and Technology, Chevrolet, GMC, Safety Systems, Talk Back Tuesday
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- OnStar GM
October 6, 2009
Two weeks ago I wrote about GM's "May the Best Car Win" ad campaign, in which Ed Whitacre states, "Car for car, when compared to the competition, we win."
I questioned the accuracy of that claim, but in these last two weeks I've driven two all-new GM products, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
My experiences have confirmed GM unequivocally is making better cars today than it was just a couple years ago. Are they making "...the best cars..." that will "win" in today's ultra competitive market? Well...
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- Karl Brauer October 6, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Talk Back Tuesday
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- Buick LaCrosse Chevrolet Equinox
September 15, 2009
General Motors introduced its latest sales incentive/ad campaign yesterday -- a 60-day money-back guarantee with a "May the Best Car Win" attitude.
If you saw the new commercial about this program (in heavy rotation during the NFL season kick-off on Sunday) you saw (and heard) a plain-talking GM Chairman, Ed Whitacre, talking about how "Before I started this job, I admit, I had some doubts." But Mr. Whitacre likes what he found at GM, and he thinks "Car for car, when compared to the competition, we win."
There are two key elements to this latest ad campaign:
1. Are GM's cars really as good or better than the competition?
2. Can GM convince a substantial amount of potential customers its cars are as good or better than the competition?
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- Karl Brauer September 15, 2009, 3:00 AM
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- Buick, Cadillac, Car Buying Advice, Chevrolet, GMC, Talk Back Tuesday
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- GM 60-Day Guarantee May the Best Car Win
March 31, 2009
It doesn't get much more turbulent in the automobile industry than the last 24 hours, and a little birdie told me there's plenty more coming in the next couple weeks, not to mention the next 24 hours...
But for now let's focus on what we know.
We know Rick Wagoner is gone. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with how he ran GM. It doesn't matter if you think his dismissal was prudent change or simple posturing (one guess as to what I think). The bottom line is he's viewed as the man at the wheel when GM steered into the sun, and the president's administration wanted a "fresh" approach.
We know Obama wasn't satisfied with either Chrysler or GM's viability plans and has asked for a "do over" from both. The president seems fired up by the idea of a Chrysler/Fiat merger (more fired up than he should be?), but he was nebulous about GM's next steps. It seems "go futher" and "work harder" on restructuring is the only concrete takeaway.
We know the president left open the concept of bankruptcy as a possible pathway to viability in his speech. After the speech GM's new CEO, Fritz Henderson, reiterated the bankruptcy option and spoke of likely government aid to expedite bankruptcy proceedings.
Finally, we know the government is now guaranteeing the warranties on all domestic automobiles. This is good because it means current and potential new domestic car owners can be comfortable knowing the government has backed up their vehicles (versus leaving them "out to dry" on warranty work).
Add these indisputable facts up and I think we all know something else: A GM bankruptcy is inevitable.
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- Karl Brauer March 31, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive News, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saturn, Talk Back Tuesday
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- GM Bankruptcy Automobile
April 10, 2008
Inside Line just published an excellent test
comparing a Crossover vs. a Minivan vs. an SUV. When you think about it, these vehicles really just represent a history of the family vehicle (though we left the wagon out). When minivans first arrived they were seen as super functional (and super cool) alternatives to the stodgy old station wagon that could carry the family around. Then came the SUV, which was seen as a way to carry the family around while looking like a rugged outdoorsman. Then came the crossover, which was seen as a way to carry the family around while looking like a rugged outdoorsman without having the ride/handling characteristics that felt
like a rugged outdoorsman's vehicle.
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- Karl Brauer April 10, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Driving, GMC, Honda, Toyota
February 26, 2008
Last Friday's blog about the GMC Acadia versus Yukon Denali raised some interesting discussion points. The two dominant arguments were either:
1. The Yukon Denali is overpriced and unnecessary when the same division offers the Acadia; or
2. The Yukon Denali has more capability than the Acadia in areas like towing and hauling, and is thus worth the money
As is often the case, both of these arguments are correct, depending on your needs as a buyer. But this brings up the next big question: How much car (or truck, or SUV, etc.) do you really need? The emphasis on "really" comes from a phenomenon I think we're all aware of -- perceived versus actual vehicle needs. As such, I present the following two-step process to consider when buying your next vehicle:
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- Karl Brauer February 26, 2008, 7:00 AM
- Categories:
- GMC, Talk Back Tuesday
February 22, 2008
I saw those 20-inch chrome wheels, the rear-view camera and that DVD entertainment system and I knew this 2008 GMC Yukon Denali wasn't going to be cheap. But the $55,000 MSRP still caught me by surprise when I finally pulled the window sticker from the glovebox.
It's not that the Yukon doesn't feel like an excellent SUV. The 6.2-liter, 380 horsepower V8 gets the ute rockin' down the highway, and steering/brakes are as good as any modern body-on-frame SUV. I did notice a slight flutter in the ride quality, but I'm not sure if it was 101 freeway expansion joints or an unbalanced front wheel. Seat comfort and interior materials are also first rate, and while the grille is a blatant Escalade knock-off, it does look good.
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- Karl Brauer February 22, 2008, 7:00 AM
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- GMC
February 6, 2008
I've had ample seat time in all three of them now, but the GMC Acadia remains my favorite version of GM's Lambda platform.
I hadn't driven an Acadia for over a year after attending the press introduction in November of 2006. But the Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave just never felt as good to me when I tried each of them, though part of me thought it was just my imagination. Now I've confirmed that the stiffer suspension tuning, cleaner design (inside and out) and cool features (like heads-up display) make the Acadia better than the other two.
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- Karl Brauer February 6, 2008, 7:00 AM
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- GMC
October 10, 2007
Plenty of you out there already know this, but for those still stuck under the equivalent of an automotive rock -- you really should give modern diesels a try. I just drove a 2007 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab with the 6.6-liter V8 Duramax Turbo Diesel. This was a two-wheel drive version, and it was an undeniable thrill to pilot a diesel truck that can smoke more than it's tailpipes. The 365 horsepower is good, but the 660 pound-feet of torque is what roasts those rear tires.
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- Karl Brauer October 10, 2007, 6:00 AM
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- GMC
July 25, 2007
Well, maybe not obsolete, but these Lambda platform vehicles (Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook) are making all those SUV buyers, who don't really need SUVs, look foolish. Yes, if you really need to tow or you really go off-road regularly a Tahoe/Expedition/Armada/Aspen is better. But ask yourself how often you really do those things, and then ask yourself how often your SUV-owning friends really do those things. Most of you would probably benefit from the Lamda's improved steering feel, refined power delivery, advanced suspension tuning and (marginally) better fuel mileage.
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- Karl Brauer July 25, 2007, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Buick, GMC, Saturn
May 4, 2007
The results are tallied, and it appears a change is in the air. For the first time since Edmunds started the Consumers' Most Wanted
voting in 2002 a GM division has taken home the most wins. Chevrolet scored with five models (Cobalt, two Corvettes, Silverado and Suburban/Tahoe) while Cadillac and Honda tied for second with four wins each. The Most Significant award also went to a GM product, the GMC Acadia...
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- Karl Brauer May 4, 2007, 6:01 AM
- Categories:
- Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Vehicle Awards
March 16, 2007
The rumors started a few weeks before the Tundra went on sale last month:
"Psst. Hey, Toyota is going to launch their brand new Tundra with incentives!"
It seemed ludicrous to think the most successful automaker on the planet, and one historically loathe to incentives, would be offering them on a brand new product even before the dust could settle on showroom models.
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- Karl Brauer March 16, 2007, 7:09 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota
December 7, 2006
Bob Lutz showed up during the GMC Acadia event in Palo Alto this week, and he spoke during the dinner after a day of driving the Acadia and other GMC products. As is his trademark, Mr. Lutz offered a compelling combination of industry insight, product knowledge and humorous wisdom. HIs discussion centered on the fact that GM is getting more focused on global cooperation, and he specified how the different regions will oversee different product development. For instance, the German-based divisions of GM will do global sedan work "because few would argue that the Germans know how to do excellent sedans." He said South America/Brazil would do small truck work, and the U.S. would cover large trucks, SUVs and Corvettes. He suggested that all platforms will be suitable for all markets (in terms of basic elements like interior space and safety), but specific engines, interior design, suspension components and styling would be used to differentiate and target each vehicle's geographic market. Some other great quotes:
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- Karl Brauer December 7, 2006, 8:29 AM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC, Saturn
December 6, 2006
I drove the Acadia yesterday, but an embargo keeps me from discussing specific driving impressions until December 10th. However, I did learn several interesting facts about GMC that I (and I'm betting most of you) didn't know, and they aren't embargoed. First, it's the second-best-selling GM division (after Chevrolet). I had no idea...
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- Karl Brauer December 6, 2006, 7:54 AM
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- GMC
November 10, 2006
That's a question I can't really answer, as I haven't personally driven the Tundra yet (another staffer has). But this truck is a couple hundred light years beyond the vehicle it replaces. The new rack-and-pinion steering, upgraded front suspension (coil springs instead of torsion bars) and revamped interior have the expected result -- they make the truck feel about as confident and refined as any open-bed vehicle I've ever driven. Our test car was an
extended cab, SLT 4x4 model
with the 6.0-liter Vortec V8 that makes 367 horsepower. The power deliver is smooth and the torque band is wide, but I did notice a few instances of the transmission not picking gears as quickly or effectively as it could have. That six-speed automatic can't come too soon.
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- Karl Brauer November 10, 2006, 8:49 AM
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- GMC
August 16, 2006
It probably has to do with manufacturing limitations, but I'm disappointed GM's "all-new" pick-ups will launch without the company's all-new, six-speed transmission. Though not quite as bad as Ford launching the Five-Hundred and Freestyle with that tired (and underpowered) 3.0-liter V6, it still smacks of a compromised vehicle introduction. The Japanese are much better a bringing all their "new" ingredients together for a single launch, especially when their existing mechanicals are obviously outdated. The new 2007 Camry, for instance, has the same 4 cylinder as before, but that engine is still competitive with the market in terms of horsepower and performance. And the V6 in the Camry was substantially upgraded to coincide with that car's redesign (not to mention the availability of a hybrid version). The four-speed automatic in GM's full-size trucks is arguably past its "sell-by" date in a world where even five speeds seem barely contemporary...
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- Karl Brauer August 16, 2006, 3:50 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, Domestic Manufacturers Problems/Challenges, GMC
May 25, 2006
There's a real dichotomy to the all-new Chevrolet Suburban. From the driver's seat it actually feels smaller than the previous generation Suburban. Credit the upgraded front suspension (coil springs instead of torsion bars) and advanced steering system (rack-and-pinion instead of recirculating ball). As with the Yukon
I drove a few months ago, this SUV feels much closer to a premium German vehicle (i.e...
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- Karl Brauer May 25, 2006, 4:22 PM
- Categories:
- Chevrolet, GMC, Mercedes-Benz
April 11, 2006
I drove this one home tonight and must admit that -- as body-on-frame SUVs go -- it's a compelling ride. The 5.3-liter engine has plenty of power and the handling is definitely improved over the previous versions (they've switched from torsion bars to coil springs up front). Interior materials are notably better as well, though I still think the leather grain could be more supple. The navigation touch screen is easy to use and the audio system is pumping (I don't understand the teensy-tiny volume and tuning knobs, but it does have an MP3 auxiliary input jack)...
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- Karl Brauer April 11, 2006, 7:59 PM
- Categories:
- GMC
