GMC to Launch All New Pick Ups Early

Published reports are indicating that General Motors will move up the production of their updated line of GMC and Chevrolet pick up trucks by three months with the new models making their debut in October 2006. Some are calling this move an act of desperation on the part of GM which has been socked by extensive criticism over its product line, while others are hailing it as a bold, strategic initiative. Regardless, this is an unusual move for the world’s number one automaker, one that could help the company get back on its feet. Let’s take a look at the new trucks and what they will offer to you, the consumer.

High gas prices, quality problems, and a perception that the company offers products that no one wants has been plaguing General Motors for much of the past year. With plant closures coming, layoffs pending, and market share decreasing, little good news has been focused on “the general” by the automobile press. Fortunately, GM is battling back with fresh models set to be released including SUVs and trucks, which are the “bread and butter” vehicles of the company. Here is what you can expect to see when the new trucks enter the market in Autumn 2006:

1. Fresh sheetmetal. All new exteriors with a modified and sportier front end.

2. Modified engines. Traditional work horse engines which have powered GMC trucks for much of the past decade are expected to return. However, displacement on demand technology, which shuts down unneeded cylinders at certain times [city traffic being one example] is expected to be incorporated on some motors. This technology effectively increases gas mileage without sacrificing performance.

3. New steering. Just as the SUVs will receive new rack and pinion steering when they make their debut in Spring 2006, the large pick up trucks should receive similar enhancements.

4. Interior upgrades. Changes to the trucks’ interior as well as to packages offered will be some of the “inside” changes noticed by consumers.

General Motors has its work cut out for itself as an eroding market share is threatening the very viability of the company. Part of the reason for the move up of production is to thwart the new models expected from Nissan and Toyota that compete directly against the GMC pick ups. Both Japanese automakers have stated that they, too, are moving up the production of their popular full sized pick ups, therefore General Motors is reacting in part to their anticipated moves.

Beyond GMC trucks, the automaker will be releasing the Saturn Sky convertible, revamping its entire line of full sized SUVs, and overhauling several other lines of vehicles in a bid to win over customers. All of these changes are steps in the right direction, but the unanswered question remains this: how will consumers respond? The answer isn’t likely to be known for at least one more year.

By Matthew Keegan.

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2008 GMC Yukon Review - A Review of the 2008 GMC Yukon SUV

The 2008 GMC Yukon is a favorite choice among large SUVs because of its attractive interior, comfortable cabin and strong towing ability. Its strengths also lie in its smooth powertrains, comfort, and accommodation capabilities. It is an ideal vehicle especially for large families seeking the convenience and luxury of a traditional full-size SUV.

The '08 Yukon has two available trim levels namely the base SLE and the SLT. The SLE trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, full power accessories, front bucket seats with a console, OnStar telematics, keyless entry, a six-way power driver seat, dual-zone air-conditioning, a trip computer, and an eight-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary input jack and rear-seat controls. Meanwhile, SLT1 adds leather seating, triple-zone automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer, power-adjustable pedals, remote vehicle start, rear parking assist and the "Turn-by-Turn" navigation feature for the OnStar. However, the SLT2 adds a premium Bose sound system, 12-way heated front seats, power-folding mirrors with turn signals and a 50/50-split third-row seat. On the other hand, the superior Yukon Denali include all of the features mentioned plus a unique grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, a power liftgate, and heated second-row captain's chairs.

The 2008 Yukon is packed with a variety of engines to choose from. The most popular is the 5.3 V8 engine with GM's cylinder deactivation technology for fuel economy. Yukon SLEs may have a 4.8-liter V8 with 295 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque or a 5.3-literV8 generating 320 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. The SLE can tow up to 8,200 pounds. Buyers may also have a choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Safety features like antilock disc brakes, stability control and full-length side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are standard in all '08 Yukons. Moreover, the Yukon scored a five-star rating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2008 GMC Yukon is a quiet cruiser equipped with a suspension that guarantees a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads, making it one of the best SUVs in town.

By Shaun John Bourne.