General Motors will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid, a powerful full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. The 2009 Sierra Hybrid will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008 and is based on the strong and capable Sierra platform that was introduced for the 2007 model year.
The 2009 Sierra Hybrid is powered by a two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0 liters gas V8 that delivers highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving up to 30 mph.
It will be offered in the Crew Cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models. Each model is equipped with several standard, popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. Sierra Hybrid also offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags, and it is the only full-size truck with five-star side-impact ratings in federal crash tests.
Production begins in December of 2008, with delivery to dealers expected in early 2009. Pricing will start from $39,365 (including $975 DFC) for 2WD models with the 3HA package and $45,500 (including DFC) with the 3HB package.
Press release after jump.
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GMC will unveil the Denali XT Concept at the Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).
The concept is powered by a 4.9L version of GM’s small-block V8 engine that features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management. The V8 engine delivers 326 hp. It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.
The Denali XT’s two-mode hybrid system is partnered with the 4.9L engine and uses an electrically variable transmission to enhance fuel efficiency in city and highway driving. In city driving, all-electric propulsion is used at low speeds; on the highway, fixed-gear operation enables efficient performance even when towing a trailer.
Press release after jump.
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In the never-ending quest to bring to you the most pertinent and up to date information about cars and car people, TopSpeed.com will be attending the press preview days of the Chicago Auto Show next week, beginning this coming Tuesday, February 5th. The public show opens February 8th and runs through the 17th, at McCormick Place on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive.
Which means that if you’re captivated by that new Challenger enough to buy one, by the time you’re ready to trade it for something new, the offerings at the Chicago Auto Show 2013 are likely to be very different.
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Is GM reconsidering building the expected “El Camino” version of the Holden “ute” as a Pontiac? (“Ute,” Aussie for “utility.”)
Might it end up being a GMC?
Here’s the basic story:
General Motor’s Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz told members of the Australian press last week that GMC would be exhibiting a four-door concept at the New York Auto Show in March which will be a “ute.” The “ute” is the Australian term for a truck with auto styling, the down-under version of what we always knew as the El Camino, back in the sixties and seventies. Holden currently sells a two-door ute in Australia. In the past, it also sold a four-door ute, which was known as the “Crewman.”
A Pontiac version of the current two-door Holden ute is expected later this year. It is a version of the recently introduced Pontiac G8, and is expected to be available with either a 361 hp V-8 or a V-6 of 265 hp. The base price for the V-8 version is expected to be about $31,000. The V-6 model will be less expensive.
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At the Chicago Auto Show, GM will display vehicles featuring outstanding fuel economy, E85 ethanol and biodiesel capability, and gas-electric hybrid vehicles designed to help GM customers go green without going broke.
Here are some of the gas-friendly vehicles designed for commercial and business use that will be at the Chicago Auto Show: Chevrolet HHR Panel, Chevrolet Express 3500 Cargo Van, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500, Chevrolet Impala Police Pursuit Vehicle Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle and 2009 Silverado Hybrid.
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid is a full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. It is expected to deliver fuel economy comparable to many small and midsize trucks that are equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines, and be the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market, besting the current V-8 leader - the non-hybrid Silverado. The hybrid system provides all-electric driving at low speeds, allowing fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. Silverado Hybrid can tow up to 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg).
Press release after jump.<
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Suzuki will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 Equator, a pick-up based on the Frontier midsize pickup and scheduled to be built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn. Production of the pickup truck will begin in 2008.
Until the official debut in just a few days, PickupTruck smashed the embargo again and released the first official image of the Equator.
More details will follow; you know it already: as soon as an embargo is broken, it really is!
Porsche announced today that the Cayenne GTS will make its North American debut next week at the Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin in February at a price of $69,300.
The GTS is powered by a 405hp 4.8 liter V-8 engine mated by either an automatic Tiptronic S or, for the first time in a Cayenne V8, a six-speed manual transmission.
It comes standard with 21-inch alloy rims equipped with 295/35 R21 tires and air suspension that features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).
Press release after the jump.
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Acura redesigned the RL last time in 2005. A new redesigned version will be unveiled next week at the Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin on April 24th, same time with the 2009 TSX.
The 2009 RL will be offered in three different packages: Standard Package, Technology Package and CMBS Package.
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The Yes! Roadster will make its North American debut in a few days at the Chicago Auto Show. Sales will begin in both US and Canada markets this year.
With a weight of only 890 kg, the two-seater is powered by a 3.2 liters V6 engine that delivers 255 hp. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds. It this is not enough for you, then you will be able to order the 3.2 Turbo version, that delivers 355 hp and has a weight of 930 kg. The Turbo version will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds and will hit a top speed of 175 mph.
An even more powerful version is under development: this will deliver a maximum power of 415bhp and will be able to hit a top speed of 200 mph!
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General Motors will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the Hummer H3T, a pick-up truck based on the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires.
The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008.
The standard version is powered by a Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 hp at 5600 rpm and 242 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine is mated with a a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.
The H3T Alpha will be powered by 5.3 liter V8 engine that delivers 300 hp and a peak torque of 320 lbs-ft. An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance. The engine is mated with a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
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