(This article originally appeared on GMC.com.)

Software upgrade available for consumers of compatible models

DETROIT – A software upgrade enabling Android Auto^TM phone compatibility for 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the 8-inch IntelliLink system will now be offered in the U.S. The upgrade will be performed by GMC dealers at no cost to consumers.

Android Auto joins Apple CarPlay, which was unveiled last year, offering phone compatibility via the available IntelliLink screen.

“Providing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility ushers in a new era of staying connected in a convenient manner,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC.

GMC’s availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will continue to expand this year with the arrival of the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia when it arrives in showrooms this spring.

Each system builds off select features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Many system features can be controlled by voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Connectivity has become a central component of GMC’s interior technology features. Just last year, many GMC vehicles also began offering available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The connection allows occupants to connect up to seven personal devices.

This new compatibility stands to make connectivity even stronger. Specific market availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can be found here.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Technologically advanced premium truck offers greater efficiency, capability

DETROIT – Building on GMC Sierra’s advanced powertrain technologies, new eAssist technology enhances its position as one of the industry’s most innovative and capable trucks, helping it achieve up to 13 percent greater city fuel economy – and solidifying its segment-best ranking for V8 efficiency.

Starting this spring, the new eAssist system is exclusively available on the already well-equipped 2016 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab 2WD model with the SLT Premium Plus package. For 2016, we will monitor the market closely, producing 200 Sierra eAssist models for California, and adjust as appropriate moving forward.

“Innovative technology that enhances capability is at the core of everything we do at GMC and the new Sierra with eAssist takes it to a higher level,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Its advantages are delivered in a compromise-free package that enables real-world fuel savings with premium content that provides a very high level of refinement, comfort and connectivity.”

Compared to a comparable Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L/eight-speed powertrain, the Sierra with eAssist offers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city – a 2-mpg improvement – while highway fuel economy improves 2 mpg to 24 mpg. The combined estimate improves 2 mpg to 20 mpg. The 5.3L eAssist V8 has a GM estimated 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The new eAssist powertrain is available in the Sierra SLT crew cab with the up-level Premium Plus package, a package that is also available with the standard 5.3L non- eAssist engine and the 6.2L V8 engine.  The SLT Premium Plus package includes an extensive list of premium technologies and features:

• High-performance LED headlamps, LED taillamps and thin-profile LED foglamps
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone)
• IntelliLink with navigation and 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen
• Bose premium audio system
• Wireless phone charging
• Heated and vented leather-appointed seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert
• IntelliBeam headlamps
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rear Vision camera.

The max trailering rating is 9,400 lbs. and the Eaton locking rear differential is standard, for sure-footed traction on slippery surfaces.

eAssist details
The Sierra’s eAssist powertrain is a light electrification system leveraging General Motors’ latest electrification technologies. It builds on the advanced technologies of the 5.3L V8 engine, including direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), complementing them with a compact lithium-ion battery pack to enhance efficiency through:

• Stop/Start capability: Additional fuel savings are achieved by turning off the engine when stopped at a stop light or heavy traffic and restarting the engine when the driver lifts his or her foot from the brake pedal
• Electric power boost: The on-board electric motor provides a power boost during acceleration and passing, while enabling the engine to operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods, for additional fuel savings
• Regenerative braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system
• Aero enhancements: A 6 percent improvement in aerodynamics contributes to fuel economy due to a standard soft tonneau cover and automatic grille shutters, which can close at speeds over 30 mph in order to further reduce drag and fuel consumption.

The eAssist system includes a 24-cell, air-cooled 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located under the center console (or front bench seat). It adds only about 100 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Yukon highest in segment for the past three years

DETROIT –The GMC brand gained five spots, moving up to No. 5 overall in the 2016 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study while the Yukon full-size SUV ranked highest in its segment.

The 2016 study tracks 2013 model year vehicles in the third year of ownership.

The Yukon also achieved the highest score in its segment in the 2014 and 2015 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Studies.

“The momentum continues at GMC with this recognition,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “We expect all of our vehicles to perform at the highest level every time a customer gets behind the wheel and this achievement validates our commitment to dependability and reliability.”

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Drives to heart of midsize SUV segment with lower starting price, more features

DETROIT – GMC announced today pricing for the all-new 2017 Acadia will start at $29,995 when it goes on sale this spring.

The base price is $1,905 less than the 2016 base model and the new Acadia offers more standard equipment, including a new IntelliLink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (User interfaces are products of Apple and Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply.)

It also offers an expanded range of active safety features, including Front Pedestrian Braking, Safety Alert Seat and the Surround Vision camera system.

“Acadia takes GMC’s proven SUV experience to the heart of the midsize crossover segment with a compelling package of great design, the latest technologies and the brand’s signature capability,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Building on the momentum of 2015’s record sales, it will introduce Acadia to a new generation of customers.”

The new Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the 2016 model and offers three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.

The lineup and starting at MSRPs include:

• Acadia SL FWD – $29,995
• Acadia SLE FWD – $33,375
• Acadia SLE AWD – $35,375
• Acadia SLT FWD – $39,275
• Acadia SLT AWD – $42,375
• Acadia All Terrain AWD – $40,040
• Acadia Denali FWD – $45,845
• Acadia Denali AWD – $47,845

The All Terrain model features an advanced AWD system with Active Twin Clutch. An SLE-based All Terrain model will be offered Spring 2016.

A new, 2.5L engine is standard and expected to offer an estimated 28 mpg highway for FWD models (Official EPA estimates not yet available. Fuel economy estimate based on GM testing.). City fuel economy offered is GM-estimated at 22 mpg (FWD) and is bolstered with Stop/Start technology, which enhances efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

GMC today announced the 2016 Sierra All Terrain X – a special edition of the All Terrain model, featuring exclusive premium content that enhances off-road capability and an aggressive, monochromatic appearance.

The All Terrain X’s powerful attitude reflects a popular personalization trend among off-road enthusiasts, executed with the top-range refinement GMC has cultivated for years with models such as the Sierra Denali. Its premium package of monochromatic exterior trim and special equipment offers a customized appearance in a limited-edition model, complemented with GMC’s latest technologies.

The Sierra All Terrain package blends capability with unique style to make a statement on or off road. Highlights include:

• 4WD with Eaton locking rear differential
• Z71 Off-Road suspension package with Rancho monotube shocks, high-capacity air cleaner, Hill Descent Control and underbody transfer case shield
• Rear Park Assist
• Unique grille with body-color surround and tinted chrome accents; body-color front and rear bumpers (rear bumper with corner steps)
• Spray-on bedliner
• All-Terrain-logo instrument cluster
• Inclinometer in the driver information center.

Product Details

The new Sierra All Terrain X is offered on the 2016 Sierra 1500 4WD crew cab/short box models with SLT trim. In addition to the standard All Terrain content, the “X” package includes:

• 265/65R18SL Mud-Terrain-rated Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac MT tires, designed for off-road competence in dirt, gravel and mud, with on-road composure in dry, wet and wintry conditions
• 18 x 8.5-inch black aluminum wheels
• Sport side steps (black)
• Bed-mounted sport bar (black) designed to support the accessory off-road LED lighting package
• High-performance LED headlamps
• Performance exhaust system, which bumps output of the 5.3L V-8 engine to 365 horsepower and adds an aggressive note
• Body-color door handles and body-side moldings
• Black exterior mirrors, belt moldings and B-pillars
• Interior floor liners
• Available colors: Onyx Black, Summit White, Stone Blue Metallic, Iridium Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat, Light Steel Gray Metallic.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Strong performance, efficiency pulls Sierra to front of light-duty truck segment

DETROIT – The GMC Sierra 1500 today was named the 2016 Texas Truck Showdown Towing Champion, in a head-to-head capability test conducted by editors from Cars.com, PickupTrucks.com and MrTruck.com.

They praised their Sierra 1500 SLT test truck, which was equipped with the available 6.2L V-8 engine – the segment’s most powerful gas engine – and eight-speed automatic transmission, for its effortless performance. It offered a max trailering rating of 12,000 lbs.

“This is a mild-mannered pickup that is ready to don its cape and do some heavy lifting, saving the day from a long list of work chores,” said Mark Williams, PickupTrucks.com editor. “The engine and transmission are synced up like a smooth-flying jet rocket.”

And while it had the largest, most powerful engine in the test – 420 hp and 460 lb-ft – the Sierra also ranked first in fuel economy with a trailer. The other competitors included:

• Ford F-150 Lariat with the 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ with the 5.3L V-8
• Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn with the 5.7L V-8
• Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition with the 5.7L V-8.

“This recognition validates everything GMC stands for: powerful truck capability uniquely coupled with premium appointments and refinement,” said Sierra Marketing Manager Stuart Pierce. “Combined with bold new styling for 2016 and its crafted interior, the Sierra handles the toughest tasks in the utmost comfort.”

A five-part series outlining the evaluation begins today at www.pickuptrucks.com. As one of their most extensive comparison tests, which was conducted over a weeklong period in the Houston area, it included 20 objective tests, as well as six additional categories.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

DETROIT – GMC today introduced the all-new 2017 Acadia – a reimagined crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment, designed to offer great versatility and refinement, with more advanced safety technologies.

The new Acadia offers more-efficient powertrains, while continuing to offer three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.

“GMC is a strong, growing premium brand and the Acadia is a cornerstone of our success story,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “The all-new Acadia leverages GMC’s proven SUV experience to take on and shake up one of the largest vehicle segments, with a strong blend of design, technology and capability.”

The new Acadia goes on sale this spring, almost a decade after its original introduction, and coming off of its strongest sales year ever in 2015 with 96,393 deliveries.

“Typically, a vehicle’s sales can be illustrated on a bell curve during its lifecycle, but the Acadia’s success has defied convention with impressive sustainability,” said Aldred. “It’s a shining example of GMC’s momentum and we’re confident it will grow with the new Acadia.”

New size, bigger advantages
The strategic re-scoping of the 2017 Acadia offers customers a midsize crossover positioned between the compact Terrain and full-size Yukon. Depending on the model, it is available with five-, six- or seven-passenger seating, while offering greater maneuverability than the first-generation model.

“The new Acadia captures a greater feeling of refinement, in everything from the responsive feeling behind the wheel to the way passengers interact with its intuitive features,” said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer for compact and crossover SUVs at General Motors. “It’s a vehicle that offers the functionality Acadia is known for, while delivering big advantages and balance to customers’ everyday lives.”

The new Acadia is 700 pounds lighter than the current model, which pays dividends at the gas pump. A new, 2.5L engine is standard, offering an estimated 28 mpg on the highway for FWD models (EPA estimate not yet available; estimate is based on GM testing). City fuel economy offered is GM-estimated at 22 mpg (FWD) and is bolstered by GMC’s first application of Stop/Start technology, which enhances efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

A new, available 3.6L V-6 engine is more powerful and efficient than the current model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). It is GM-estimated at 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 25 mpg highway (FWD models – EPA estimate not available).

Both of the Acadia’s new engines feature direct injection and variable valve timing, and both are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions and an electronically controlled drive mode selector.

Read the entire article at GMC.com!

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Kelley Blue Book’s annual survey cites projected value over first five years

DETROIT – GMC Canyon and Sierra are again being recognized among the Top 10 in Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards.

It’s the second consecutive year both GMC models have been ranked in the Top 10.   Kelley Blue Book^® 2016 Official Residual Value Guide predicts Canyon and Sierra will retain the highest percentage of their original suggested retail prices over the first five years of ownership.

“A vehicle’s resale value is of critical importance, because a vehicle with high resale value will typically be less expensive to own over time than a similar vehicle with poorer resale value,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

Canyon sales were up more than 160 percent in November, over the same month a year ago, while Sierra sales were up more than 4 percent in the first 11 months of the year and are projected to exceed 200,000 for all of 2015.

“This recognition affirms everything this brand stands for and provides greater assurance for our customers that they’ve made a smart choice investing in GMC,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “These vehicles are designed to deliver capability with refinement and style – a combination that is winning over more and more customers.”

Earlier this year, Canyon won Cars.com Midsize Pickup Challenge for its segment-leading capabilities and efficiency, including the latest in safety features, cargo-hauling and trailering versatility. Autoweek named Canyon as the “Best of the Best Truck for 2015,” and WardsAuto recognized the Canyon as one of its 10 Best Interiors for 2015, based on criteria including design harmony, ergonomics, materials, driver information, safety and comfort.

Visit GMC.com for the entire article.

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com.)

Unique 22-inch wheels, expanded package of standard content drives exclusivity

DETROIT – GMC is taking the range-topping style, craftsmanship and capability of the Sierra Denali even higher with the 2016 Sierra Denali Ultimate.

It builds on the Sierra Denali’s already class-leading attributes with a package of precision-crafted features designed to elevate its comfort, design and capability in the growing premium niche of the full-size truck market.

GMC introduces the Sierra Denali Ultimate today, ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It goes on sale late in the first quarter of 2016.

“The Sierra Denali has helped drive the growth of premium portion of the light-duty crew cab segment,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “This truck is the ultimate expression of the Sierra Denali with greater emphasis on the bold and refined presence and advanced features that make Denali models synonymous with precision and exclusivity.”

Thanks in large part to Sierra Denali, which was redesigned in 2014, GMC commands 15.5 percent of the premium full-size truck segment, where average transaction prices exceed $55,000.

The segment has nearly doubled in 2015 and grown tenfold since 2013, when GMC had zero percent of the market. In fact, Sierra Denali has helped GMC earn a higher share of the premium portion of the light-duty crew cab segment than of the overall full-size pickup segment.

Unique features and more standard technologies

The Sierra Denali Ultimate is offered exclusively on four-wheel drive 1500 crew cab models with either a 5’ 8” or 6’ 6” cargo bed. It is distinguished with 22-inch wheels with chrome or black insert), a standard sunroof, chrome tow hooks and standard technologies, including Tri-Mode Power Steps – that move rearward to serve as a step into the forward section of the cargo bed. Lane Keep Assist and IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control are also standard.

Sierra’s 6.2L V-8/eight-speed automatic powertrain combination offers the light-duty segment’s highest output: 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm). Active noise cancelation technology contributes to a quieter driving experience and is featured with the 6.2L engine. A 5.3L V-8 with the new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission is the standard powertrain.

An integrated trailer brake controller is standard on the Sierra Denali Ultimate and allows the driver to adjust the amount of output available to the electric trailer brake and to manually apply the brakes.

Additionally, Sierra Denali’s standard, segment-exclusive magnetic ride control delivers more precise body motion control, for a greater feeling of responsiveness to the driver and a smoother ride for passengers. Its sensors “read” the road every millisecond, triggering damping changes in as little as five milliseconds in electronically controlled shock absorbers that replace conventional mechanical-valve shocks.

Professional grade style and crafted interior

In addition to the special content, the Sierra Denali Ultimate includes all of the crafted interior, advanced features and design elements of other Denali models, including body-color bumpers, chrome exhaust tip, unique interior decorative trim, a polished stainless steel exhaust outlet and a factory-installed spray-on bed liner with a three-dimensional Denali logo.

It also wears new front-end styling introduced for 2016, including high-performance LED headlamps with GMC LED signature lighting, an all-new Denali grille and LED taillamps.

The high-tech interior features an eight-inch-diagonal Customizable Driver Display – with Denali-themed screen graphics at start-up – that can show relevant settings, audio and navigation information in the instrument panel. Sierra Denali’s standard eight-inch-diagonal Color Touch navigation radio with IntelliLink, located above the center console, is the hub for Bluetooth-connected phones and portable devices connected through four standard USB ports.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.