William Maley

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 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. View full article

The past year saw us report on a new high-performance engine from Chrysler with the codename of Hellcat. This engine is a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 producing 600+ horsepower and is reportedly going into the Challenger sometime this year. Well a new rumor has the Hellcat appearing at next week's Detroit Auto Show. Allpar has learned from a few sources that the Hellcat V8 will be shown in a Challenger at the Detroit Auto Show, putting it right in line with previous rumors. The engine will be available with the choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing is expected to be somewhere around the $70,000 to $80,000 range. Source: Allpar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

We've been waiting a while for the Audi Q3 to arrive in the U.S. But next week at the Detroit Auto Show, Audi will reveal the 2015 Q3 that will be going on sale in the third quarter of this year. Now as reported back in October, Audi wanted the Q3 to be classified as a light truck. However, the model didn't meet certain criteria such as approach angle. The company decided to a mid-cycle refresh to perform these changes and the result is the 2015 Q3. Looking like a Audi Q5 hit with a shrink ray, the Q3 will be the smallest crossover in Audi's lineup, ready to take on the likes of the BMW X1, Buick Encore, and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Power will come from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with quattro all-wheel drive on the option list. Standard equipment is very generous on Q3 with electronic stability control with offroad and hill descent settings, eighteen-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and leather. The option list for the Q3 features such items as navigation, Bose sound system, and a power tailgate. Source: Audi William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Audi enters the premium compact class of SUVs with the sporty and versatile new 2015 Q3 Q3 will join the already successful family of Audi SUVs that includes the Q5 and Q7 Q3 showcases many of the luxury and technology features found in the full-size vehicles offered by Audi Available Fall of 2014 with a 200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine and front-wheel drive and available Audi quattro® all-wheel drive The new 2015 Audi Q3 will arrive in the U.S. in the Fall of 2014 and will join the already successful lineup of Audi SUVs that includes the Q5 and Q7. It will make its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 13th. The Q3 is a premium, compact SUV that pairs coupe-like looks with the utility of a SUV. Its quality engineering and advanced features offer ideal performance and functionality, but also advanced technology and driving dynamics. "Coming off the recent A3 family announcement we are now for the first time entering into the premium compact class of SUVs with the introduction of the Audi Q3 into our line-up," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. "Our growing SUV family will now offer three distinct products in the premium SUV category; and like the successful Q5 and Q7, the Q3 will continue with the established standards they started with regards to utility, technology, craftsmanship and performance." Standard Features The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including: 200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights Heated, 12-way power front seats Leather seating surfaces Audi advanced key Design and Body The Audi Q3 model's coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. This is demonstrated by: Low roof line, flat D-pillars, and a wraparound tailgate Distinctive exterior lighting Sharply drawn lines on the flanks frame athletically arched sheet metal surfaces - the defining shadow contour is the Tornado line The housings of the side mirrors sport LED turn signals Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum The signature, wedge-shaped headlights house xenon plus lighting and LED daytime running lights, which are combined with LED taillights, all standard The available power tailgate opens electrically, including via the remote key fob, and swings up to accommodate the spacious cargo area Interior The interior of the Audi Q3 is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Its elegant, ergonomic design boasts superior build quality. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior craftsmanship, in the selection of the materials, in their processing and in the tight, consistent interior gaps. The cargo area offers a base luggage capacity of 16.2 cu ft. Folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 48.2 cu ft. Standard LED interior lighting – a technology that bathes the interior in dramatic light Efficient white light-emitting diodes illuminate the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels. LED light guides even accentuate the cup holders When equipped with the BOSE Surround Sound system, the frames of the woofer/mid-range speakers in the front doors form elegant rings of white light The Q3 comes standard with two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats and side curtain head airbags. Safety belt tensioners up front, belt force limiters and the integral Audi head restraint system. Rear side airbags are optional. Powertrain and Performance The standard 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine in the Q3 produces 200hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque. Standard six-speed Tiptronic® transmission Front wheel drive standard, Audi quattro® permanent all-wheel drive available Optional Audi drive select system - allows drivers to adjust handling and response at the touch of a button. There are three drive select modes: Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto. Chassis and Suspension The Q3 brings more sportiness to the compact premium SUV class. Its balanced chassis combines agile handling, supreme safety and great road comfort. The Q3 model's front suspension is a sophisticated design featuring McPherson struts with forged aluminum lower wishbones. The rear includes a four-link rear axle with a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement to maximize interior cargo space. Electromechanical power steering with speed-dependent power assist ESC with offroad mode and hill descent assist Standard 18-inch wheel with optional 19-inch design available Available Equipment The Q3 showcases many aspects of Audi expertise found in our full-size luxury vehicles and makes that content and technological prowess available in a premium compact SUV. Sport package including front sport seats with adjustable thigh support Driver Assistance package including Audi side assist and Audi parking system with rearview camera Audi MMI navigation plus with 7.0-inch color monitor Power tailgate with a programmable preset opening angle The Prestige trim package includes extended infotainment and convenience features including Audi connect® Audi side assist uses radar to help make changing lanes easier BOSE Surround Sound system. This system features a ten-channel receiver delivering 465 watts of power to 14 speakers Audi connect® The 2015 Audi Q3 features the award-winning infotainment system, Audi connect®, when the Prestige trim package is ordered. Factory-fitted, in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices for passengers. The on-board Audi MMI navigation plus system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the Audi MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM® Traffic subscription required). View full article