Detroit Auto Show: 2015 GMC Canyon Arrives: Comments

[William Maley]

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When Chevrolet introduced the 2015 Colorado at the LA Auto Show in November, there was one question we had: Where was the sister truck, the GMC Canyon? Well, GM has answered that question as the Canyon was revealed before the Detroit Auto Show.

The first thing you notice about the 2015 GMC Canyon is how much it looks like the Sierra and Sierra HD models. This is especially apparent when looking at the front end as the Canyon has the same grille and C-Shaped headlights as its bigger brothers. This really helps set apart the Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. Also like the Sierra, the Canyon will be available with the All-Terrain package which addsa body colored grille surround, BF Goodrich off-road tires, unique wheels, and revised suspension tuning.

Moving inside, the Canyon is very similar to the Colorado in its design. A 4.3-inch color screen in the instrument cluster is standard. Optional is a eight-inch touchscreen with GMC's Intellilink. The Canyon will also feature the next-generation of OnStar which will come with 4G LTE and can act as a WiFi hotspot for passengers. The 4G LTE will also allow owners to download apps into their Canyon via GMC AppShop.

Also new to the Canyon is Teen Driver, a system which allows a parent to set a speed warning or speed limiter, mute the radio till the passengers are belted in, and record such things as speed, fuel economy, and wide-open throttle.

Engines for the Canyon are much the same as the Colorado. The base is a 2.5L four-cylinder with 193 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. Optional is the 3.6L V6 with 302 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5L will be available with a six-speed manual on the base extended cab/2WD model. Every other model will have a six-speed automatic. Down the line, the 2.8L diesel four-cylinder will become an option.

The GMC Canyon goes on sale this fall.

Source: GMC

Press Release is on Page 2

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All-New 2015 GMC Canyon Elevates Midsize Truck Segment

Segment-redefining capabilities, refinement and tech in smart-sized package

DETROIT – GMC revealed the 2015 Canyon today, an all-new midsize truck that redefines the segment and raises the bar for everything from horsepower and efficiency to quietness and refinement.

When it goes on sale this year, the all-new Canyon will give GMC one of the only three-truck lineups in the industry. It is expected to deliver class-leading capabilities with the brand's signature refinement – all in an efficiently sized, maneuverable package for customers who want the cargo-hauling and trailering versatility of a truck without the size of a full-size pickup.

"The all-new 2015 Canyon completes GMC's three-truck family, which started with the redesigned 2014 Sierra 1500 and 2015 Sierra HD," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. "It rounds out a lineup that offers the broadest range of capabilities in the industry, giving truck customers more choices to find the vehicle that meets their professional, personal and lifestyle needs."

Based on a proven global architecture and engineered for the unique demands and driving conditions of North American drivers, the new Canyon is expected to deliver:

• The segment's best horsepower – an estimated 193 horsepower (146 kW) from a standard 2.5L I-4 and an estimated 302 horsepower (224 kW) from an available 3.6L V-6
  
• The segment's best payload of at least 1,450 pounds (657 kg)
  
• The segment's best maximum trailering rating (when properly equipped) of at least 6,700 pounds (3,039 kg)
  
• Even greater capability with a powerful and efficient Duramax 2.8L turbodiesel engine coming in 2016
  

"Not everyone needs full-size capability, but they still deserve strength and true-truck attributes that come in larger models. The Canyon will offer all the capability with confidence – and GMC's signature refinement that complements active lifestyles," said DiSalle. "It also delivers the technology customers want with more standard features."

Canyon's customer-focused technologies include available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and expected segment-first available driver alert features such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning and a standard rear-vision camera.

Additionally, RemoteLink Key Fob Services allow owners to lock and unlock their vehicle, flash the lights and honk the horn, and, on equipped models, even remotely start the engine using the RemoteLink smartphone app. The service is free for five years. Additional OnStar services and data plans will be available with a paid subscription.

GMC's ProGrade protection program for two years/24,000 miles – whichever comes first – of scheduled maintenance, is standard and covers four oil changes, tire rotations and 27-point inspections. It complements the three-year/36,000-mile – whichever comes first – bumper-to-bumper limited vehicle warranty and five-year/100,000-mile – whichever comes first – powertrain limited warranty.

Designed for capability, comfort and refinement

Inside and out, the 2015 Canyon is pure GMC, with a quiet, refined interior distinguished by premium materials and a commanding exterior presence that emulates the technology-infused design aesthetic introduced on the 2014 Sierra 1500 and 2015 Sierra HD models.

Bold front-end styling incorporates the segment's only standard projector beam headlamps and GMC's signature C-shaped LED daytime running lamps on all models. Three body configurations are offered: An extended cab model with a six-foot bed, a crew cab with a five-foot bed and a crew cab with a six-foot bed. With the tailgate down, the six-foot bed allows eight-foot-long items to be hauled within the vehicle.

Canyon is offered in base, SLE and SLT models, in 2WD and 4WD models, and with an aggressively styled All-Terrain package offered on SLE models. It includes 17-inch painted aluminum wheels covered by all-terrain tires, a body-color grille surround with horizontal chrome bars and specific suspension tuning.

From a refinement standpoint, the Canyon features triple-sealed doors inlaid in the body sides, like the 2014 Sierra, for improved aerodynamic performance and a quieter interior. And to help keep overall mass down and improve the front-to-rear weight balance, the Canyon features an all-new aluminum hood.

It also features the segment's only active aero grille shutters, which close at certain highway speeds to enhance efficiency through improved aerodynamics.

Additional exterior features include:

• Segment-first CornerStep rear bumper design, pioneered on the 2014 Sierra, is standard
  
• Available segment-first EZ Lift-and-Lower locking tailgate that uses an internal torsion bar to make raising the tailgate easier with one hand, and a damper for more-controlled lowering
  
• Standard two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items such as tools
  
• Thirteen reconfigurable and four stationary tie-down locations throughout the bed for use with available, removable cargo tie-down rings
  
• Standard bed rail and tailgate protectors
  
• Available factory-installed spray-in bed liner
  
• Range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels
  

A diverse collection of work- and lifestyle-supporting accessories will be offered including everything from a bed liner and innovative cargo management system to a custom tonneau cover, removable cargo rings, tool box and more.

Comfortable and connected cabin

The interior of the 2015 Canyon is designed to be comfortable, heavily equipped and well connected. A bold, upright instrument panel with large instruments and a central driver information center is similar to Sierra. A center console-mounted shifter is similar to those found in midsize cars and crossovers.

The Canyon's cabin boasts exceptional attention to detail and premium appointments, including a sculpted headliner that enhances headroom, halo lighting on key controls for easier viewing and an open area at the front of the center console for easier phone charging.

Additional interior details include:

• Sculpted door panels that make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle
  
• Upper-instrument panel storage bin – when not equipped with the uplevel audio system – and large glove box volume
  
• Standard center console with room to store a tablet
  
• Rear under-seat storage
  

Canyon's seats are designed for long-haul comfort and wear, too. They use dual-firmness foam for greater comfort on long drives and high-wear, stain-resistant cloth seating trim. A power-adjustable driver's seat is standard, and heated leather seats are standard on SLT. The All-Terrain package features exclusive color and trim details, including embossed seatbacks and unique contrast stitching.

Comfort is enhanced with technologies, connectivity and other features that support owners' daily and recreational lives including a standard 4.2-inch-diagonal color driver information screen in the instrument cluster

Also available:

• Eight-inch-diagonal color touch screen and multiple USB ports
  
• OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hot spot
  
• Next-generation OnStar and IntelliLink enhancements with gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition
  
• Siri Eyes Free Mode for iPhone users
  
• Teen Driver feature
  
• GMC AppShop
  
• Navigation
  

Teen Driver is a new, configurable IntelliLink feature that allows parents to set a radio volume limit, establish a speed warning set between 40 and 70 mph, and set a speed limiter. It also automatically mutes the radio when the driver or front passenger safety belt is not fastened and a "report card" that records mileage, wide-open throttle events, ABS events, maximum speed and other data. The custom features are locked by a PIN, which is set by the parent.

Canyon models with an eight-inch IntelliLink screen will also feature a new in-car app marketplace: GMC AppShop. It allows customers to download apps directly to their IntelliLink system and organize, update or delete them throughout the life of the vehicle. Available apps will connect drivers to music, news, weather, travel information, vehicle data and more.

Segment-best power and efficiency

GMC expects Canyon to be the most powerful and efficient truck in the segment, allowing owners to haul and tow more while being efficient. A 2.5L I-4 is standard, and a 3.6L V-6 is available. They are based on award-winning engine families and tuned to deliver the low-rpm torque customers depend on for hauling and towing.

The 2.5L four is estimated at 193 horsepower (146 kW) and 184 lb-ft of torque (253 Nm), with approximately 90 percent of the peak torque available from 2,000 rpm to 6,200 rpm. The 3.6L engine is estimated at 302 horsepower (224 kW) and 270 lb-ft of torque (366 Nm). SAE certification of the power ratings is pending.

Both engines feature direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. An aluminum block, forged-steel crankshaft, dual-overhead camshafts and jet-spray piston cooling are featured on both engines. The 2.5L incorporates a two-stage variable-displacement oil pump, for greater efficiency, as well as a balance shaft located in the oil pan, for greater refinement.

All models are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that complements the truck-tuned engines with features that make hauling and trailering easier and more comfortable, including auto grade braking and a tow/haul mode. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with the 2.5L engine in base extended cab/2WD models.

Class-leading capabilities and superior ride quality

The Canyon delivers the capability expected of a GMC truck, including expected segment-leading payload and trailering. Like the full-size Sierra, Canyon is built on a fully boxed perimeter frame, which provides the strength to support its capabilities, and a ride expected to be smooth and quiet.

A coil-over-type front suspension features aluminum knuckles that are low in mass and high in strength contributing to a more responsive, immediate feel to driver inputs, as well as efficiency. The 2015 Canyon also features the segment's first application of electric power steering, which enhances efficiency because it is not driven by the engine.

Additionally, the Canyon has a tight turning radius of only about 41 feet (12.6 meters), making it easier to maneuver when parking or backing into tight spots, such as garages or campsites.

Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-piston front calipers, are standard and feature segment-exclusive Duralife™ brake rotors – also pioneered on the 2014 Sierra. They can offer up to double the service life, which can help lower ownership costs.

Canyon is available with an automatic locking rear differential known by its G80 option code. Introduced by General Motors more than 40 years ago, it gives drivers a traction advantage when needed and everyday comfort when it's not. It is available on SLE and SLT, and standard with the All-Terrain package.

AutoTrac automatic four-wheel drive is also a segment-first feature, which employs an electronically controlled transfer case that allows the driver to shift from 2WD to 4WD. The driver can select four modes, 2WD, Auto, 4WD HI, or 4WD Lo. By selecting 'Auto' mode, the transfer case will operate in 2WD and will automatically apply traction to the front wheels (4WD) when the vehicle senses wheel slippage.

Safety features

With 360 degrees of available active and passive safety technologies, Canyon is designed to help keep occupants safe on the road, with standard features including:

• Six air bags, including head curtain side air bags that can also reduce the risk of occupant ejection
  
• Large rearview mirrors and rear-vision camera system for greater visibility
  
• StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, hill start assist and hill descent control (All Terrain).
  

Available safety features include:

• Segment-first forward collision alert
  
• Segment-first lane departure warning
  

The Canyon will be assembled at GM's Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant. GMC will continue to work on and develop the Canyon until the start of production in fall 2014. The content of this release is based on current GM testing and is subject to change.

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[GMTruckGuy74]

My next new vehicle, hopefully this year. I really want a Sierra 2500 HD crew cab, but that's just wishful thinking (with the recent price increases made to the 1500's, I know the 2500's will be priced sky high too). Plus I have to consider fuel economy along with the monthly payment and insurance costs, so that makes the Canyon a near-perfect solution. Just need to make sure the family will be comfortable in this for the next several years (growing family - 3 & 8 year olds).

Anyone with a serious contact at GM - please pass the word on for me that I want a DARK BLUE exterior color offered on the Canyon. No electric/bright blue for this "truck guy". My 2001 GMC Sonoma Highrider was ordered in Indigo Blue Metallic, I'd love to get my new Canyon in a similar shade of dark/navy blue too.

Edited January 12, 2014 by GMTruckGuy74

[bobo]

Nicely done. Looks better than the Colorado.

[Blake Noble]

I dig that all black All Terrain model I've seen in other press shots.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with either truck. The Colorado is handsome. The Canyon is handsome. This is the first time in a long time that you can say that Chevy's pickup looks just as good as GMC's and vice versa.

I'll add, though, that my tastes are very partial to that Canyon All Terrain version I mentioned, but my wallet would probably vote Colorado.

[ocnblu]

I like them both. The Chevy a little bit more. These are sweet vehicles.

[thedriver]

I gotta say I am a little disappointed. It is a nice looking truck, but I guess I was expecting something other than a 7/8 scale Sierra.

Edited January 12, 2014 by thedriver

[Cory Wolfe]

Ain't that cute, a baby Sierra. They were really going for the family look with this one. Medium, large, or extra-large; What will it be today, Sir? Mmmm, I feel like being reasonable today... and I'm sort of on a diet. Canyon, it is.

On a serious note, the Canyon looks great. It's sthuper classthy, and delivers a healthy addition of luxury over the Colorado. Very well executed duo, to say the least. Personally speaking, I like the dynamism of the Colorado more. It's more lively and youthful. It's refreshingly unique from the rest of Chevrolet's truck lineup.

[Intrepidation]

While unsurprisingly not all that different from the Canyon save the front end and wheel arches, it is nonetheless a handsome truck and wears the Sierra face well. I think GM did a very good job with the designs of these trucks.

[Drew Dowdell]

I can get the live shots up online faster on our Facebook and Google Plus pages:

Follow CheersandGears.com on Facebook

Follow CheersandGears.com on GooglePlus

Please like the pictures on one or both social networks, it helps to increase our visibility.

[Robert Hall]

Really a sharp truck..looks much more substantial and higher quality than the current Canyon..

[Drew Dowdell]

I've added the live shot gallery to the original post. If you have picture request of certain features, post in here and I'll try to get them before I leave.

[Drew Dowdell]

Uploaded the last batch for the night to the first gallery.

[smk4565]

Much more professional grade than the Colorado with that wood trim on the doors.

[ocnblu]

I hope a brown and tan interior is available on the Chevy, too.

[carguy10101010]

Too bad, was really hoping they would put the 4.3L LV3 in the Canyon to differentiate it from the Colorado. Still do not understand the choice of the LFX. With the tune it is running it appears to have nearly identical numbers to the Pentastar V6 in the Ram pickups. That pentastar is still port injected.

[ZL-1]

Nice looking truck!

[ponchoman49]

Nice looking front treatment but the sides are identical to the Chevy and too similar to a Tacoma for my liking.

[Drew Dowdell]

I hope a brown and tan interior is available on the Chevy, too.

I spoke to the GM people and the answer is no, you'll have a choice of Black, or Black and gray in the Colorado. They are specifically reserving the other colors and higher end materials for the GMC.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I hope a brown and tan interior is available on the Chevy, too.

I spoke to the GM people and the answer is no, you'll have a choice of Black, or Black and gray in the Colorado. They are specifically reserving the other colors and higher end materials for the GMC.

That's a shame, because I for one want the black and gray colored interior in my new Canyon, and I'm sure some Colorado buyers would want the brown and tan interior in theirs. Makes no sense to restrict color selection to one brand over another - especially since they're made in the same plant!! I can understand about the trim pieces, when you're trying to establish a luxury feel for one brand over another. So far the only exterior colors not shared between the two are the Lazer Blue (wish list item:I want a dark blue color added to the Canyon's pallette) and Yellow (which just doesn't go along with the more upscale approach being sought by GMC).

[Drew Dowdell]

I didn't say that black and gray wouldn't be available in the canyon, only that the tan wouldn't be available in the Colorado.

[GMTruckGuy74]

On the GMC website, only the black and brown/tan interior is listed as the available color options. I took your statement to verify that the website was correct in what it shows.

I'm most definitely interested in the Canyon, but don't like the all-season tires on the Bronze colored SLT Crew Cab model shown. The All Terrain model is wearing the BF Goodrich all-terrain tires that I'm more interested in:

I do hope that there is an option for these tires on the SLT model. Otherwise, this would be a big change needed before I drove off the dealer's lot with my new Canyon

[ocnblu]

That gray Canyon above looks good. I like the "galvanized" Chevy Z71 interior color that is shown on the website, but it wouldn't go with the Rainforest Green too well, imo. Although I do like the Cyber Gray...