2012′s GMC Terrain was tested recently at GM’s Climatic Wind Tunnel in Warren, Mich. The environmental chamber reaches temps of minus 40 to 140 degrees F.

Inside Terrain sat Monika, a dummy made from sensors and wire girds. ‘She’ was bombarded with intense hot and cold, providing detailed feedback to engineers.

This odd experiment is the brainchild of Jeff Bozeman: The Iceman. He’s “a high-tech top gun whose team created a way to make vehicle passengers feel much warmer or cooler than the cabin temperature in which they are seated.”

“We can better understand things like skin temperature and perspiration and can get a read on a wide range of shapes and sizes of GMC customers,” Iceman added.

Bozeman utilizes these virtual dummies to focus on where air streams can provide maximum comfort for passengers and driver. Virtual testing also helps speed up development, getting cars to dealers faster.

Source: Marketwatch.com

“Trucks would not be a program that we’d move up in a mileage-sensitive market,” he added.

In a recent report by Associated Press, the price for a barrel of oil jumped above $110 for the first time since 2008. In addition, “Americans are paying $247 million more per day at the pump than they were at the start of the year,” the report stated. According to Akerson, GM devised a “contingency plan” to prepare for oil jumping over $120 per barrel, though details were not released.

There is also a V6 Hybrid variant of the 2011 GMC Sierra planned.

Source: automobilemag

“Last year was one of foundation-building,” said Daniel F. Akerson GM’s Chief Executive. “Particularly pleasing was that we demonstrated G.M.’s ability to achieve sustainable profitability near the bottom of the U.S. industry cycle, with four consecutive profitable quarters.”

According to Detroit News, “The year has also started off well for GM as Michigan GMC dealers contributed to the 22.7 percent increase in sales from this January to the same time last year. General Motors reported selling 178,896 vehicles. By brand, Cadillac rose 49 percent for the month; Buick went up 32 percent; GMC jumped 30 percent and Chevrolet just up 19 percent.”

On a final positive note, 45,000 union workers at GM may receive profit-sharing checks averaging $4,300. This is the highest amount ever received by union workers.

If brought to market, the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever – but has been optimized to feel much larger. Its length is a full 2 feet (0.6 m) shorter than the new Terrain compact crossover, but its open interior was designed to be spacious and flexible to fit the needs of active people. Generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats, for example, enable a mountain bike to be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed.

“Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”

Like GMC’s current lineup of trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the Granite delivers style and capability, with advanced features, high-quality materials and exceptional attention to detail. An industrial-influenced exterior is combined with a spacious interior that features precise instruments and leading-edge technology. The climate system, navigation and infotainment technologies, for example, are viewed via an extra-wide, next-generation organic light-emitting diode technology that is more dynamic than the conventional screens used in most production vehicles.

“We think of the Granite as the automotive equivalent of an urban loft apartment,” said Dave Lyon, executive director of North American Interior and Global Cross-Brand Design. “The exterior has an unmistakable industrial look, but the interior is warm and personalized.”

Power for the Granite concept comes from a 1.4L turbocharged engine that is part of GM’s new family of small-displacement, highly efficient four-cylinder engines. It is matched with a six-speed transmission.

via //ryanokeefe

With 2011 coming up fast GMC had to step up with an all new Acadia Denali; contrary to our first reaction of “really guys?!” it’s pretty fancy looking. So what makes 2011′s Acadia Denali-worthy? Pricing for one, materials too. SLT-2 models start at $38,490 in FWD form and $40,490 for “off-road.” Who is really going off-roading in an Acadia? There’s a lot of faux-wood, leather and 20″ rims on both versions oh and that nice “Denali” badge. Acadia is not all might – there’s still an EPA estimated 24 MPG on this puppy.

Don’t worry fellas – there’s still brawn in Denali – “Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).”

Press Release: ” DETROIT – Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.

“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”

The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia’s refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.

The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.

The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

* Unique lower front and rear fascias
* High-intensity discharge headlamps
* Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
* Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
* Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
* Dual chrome exhaust tips

Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Luxury amenities

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

* Premium acoustics – laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
* Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
* Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
* Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
* Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
* Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
* Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
* Head-up display (HUD)

Additional content includes:

* Tri-zone automatic climate control
* Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
* Bluetooth connectivity
* OnStar
* Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
* Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
* XM Satellite Radio
* Rearview camera system
* Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
* Remote vehicle start

GMC capability

Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).

A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.

The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:

* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
* Traction control system
* Tire pressure monitoring system

Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.”

The micro-site, gm.ebay.com, will launch tomorrow, August 11th, and allow dealers to place cars online in the same fashion they would an old pair of Doc Martins or a used bicycle – ‘inventories will be put online with what GM calls “competitive” prices and buyers will have the option of either clicking “Buy it Now” (if they agree to the advertised price) or “Make Offer” to negotiate the price down further. Buyers will be able to compare participating dealer prices’ – according to Left Lane News.

“Together with eBay Motors, GM and our dealers are reinventing the car-buying experience for our California customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM sales vice president in a statement released by the automaker. “As the dealer showroom expands from the parking lot to the laptop, this makes it easier for a customer to browse available new-car inventory, make an offer, buy it now, or send a message asking for more information from a dealer – all at the customer’s convenience.”

GMC’s Topkick is a burly vehicle not for the faint of heart. It’s huge V8, 17,500 lb pulling capable engine can haul half your livestock, or 2 other automobiles. Though it’s size and fuel economy, in today’s world, make it a less then desirable automobile to pilot. It’s more like driving a Sherman Tank.

If you still need a heavy-duty workhorse A GMC C4500 Topkick can be yours for anywhere between $51,000 to almost $85,000. We’d hate to see your insurance rates. Perhaps the Chinese would also be interested in a Topkick?

Check out full details in the GMC Press Release below:

2010 GMC TERRAIN

* All-new, five-passenger crossover SUV delivers expected segment-best highway fuel economy of 30 mpg
* Comprehensive package of premium features, with an emphasis on vehicle safety and passenger comfort
* GMC’s engineering excellence and innovation advances with direct injection technology, programmable power liftgate and standard rear vision camera

NEW YORK – GMC’s all-new 2010 Terrain makes its world debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

Also available will be a 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower (197 kW). Both engines are mated to efficiency-enhancing six-speed automatic transmissions and offer a refined, confident driving experience.

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The 2010 Terrain goes on sale in late summer, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels.

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling
Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC’s aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.

“We wanted to carve the GMC Terrain away from the pack and establish its identity as a powerful, fresh crossover SUV with a confident and strong stance,” said John Cafaro Jr., director of exterior design, Global Crossover Vehicles. “Everything about the Terrain communicates a sense of tailored toughness and passionate craftsmanship.”

Additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

Interior details and flexibility
The Terrain’s rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A “floating” center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

Terrain’s seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the Terrain’s four auxiliary power outlets.

Confident and agile driving experience
Two new engines are offered on all Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

* New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
* New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
* Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GMC Terrain will be produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario.

1946 GMC CC152 Pickup

The GMC distinguished itself with a two-tiered grille made up exclusively of thick horizontal bars, as opposed to the Chevy’s mix of vertical and horizontal bars. For those who still couldn’t tell the difference, long plaques marked “General Motors Truck” were affixed to the hood sides.

1946 GMC CC152 Pickup

Light-duty model offerings were virtually identical in both lines, but GMC justified its slightly higher prices by providing more power. Whereas Chevrolet featured a standard 216.5-cid six good for 90 horsepower, GMCs came with a 228-cube ohv six that was bumped up during 1941 to 93 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. Pickups came in a choice of cargo ratings and wheelbases: 1/2-tons on 115- and 125.25-inch chassis, 1/2-tons at 125.25, and one-tons with a 134.5-inch stretch.

1946 GMC Pickup Interior

The 3/4-ton CC-152 pickup featured required a stay of two-and-a-half years in a restoration shop in Rolla, Missouri, to bring it back to the state seen here. One departure from authenticity rests under the hood. A rebuilt 1948 Chevy 216 provides power.

Acadia is GMC’s updated version of their successful Envoy truck. Curvier designs and a sexy interior have caught the eyes of many small truck and crossover enthusiasts, but moderate sales across the board, along with this past summer’s hatred of anything not compact, really hurt GMC’s bottom line. The real question is, can a truck producer stand up to the trying fiscal and green energy demands of today?