G. David Felt

GMC started off the 2022 model year of full-size pickups with two very desirable full size truck trims for the GMC Sierra, Denali Ultimate and AT4X an upgrade to the original AT4 trim package. Yet GMC has not stopped there as they also just announced that the Next-Generation GMC Canyon will also get the AT4X Trim package. Just what is the AT4X Trim package? As shown by GMC sales numbers, customers are liking what GMC is offering in their full-size pickups from the exterior to the updated interior such as this Sierra Denali Ultimate interior. Many though have gone with Lifestyle choice of a full-size pickup in the strong demand for the GMC Sierra AT4X edition pickup truck. The ultimate in off-road performance in a pickup truck is the AT4X edition. GMC calls the 2022 Sierra AT4X a B-Roll Package covered here in their video: GMC-2022-SIERRA-AT4X-B-ROLL.mp4 To quote the press release, Sierra AT4X: Sierra AT4X: the new peak in premium off-roading The all-new Sierra AT4X continues GMC’s efforts to break ground in the premium truck category. The Sierra AT4X is a balanced execution that delivers advanced off-road capability when called upon without compromising the on-road comfort, tech, towing, and payload capability expected from a premium pickup. Highlights include: Standard 6.2L V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission Unique Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers Unique springs that, with the Multimatic dampers, increase maximum front and rear suspension travel by 50 mm and 25 mm, respectively, compared with the standard AT4 suspension Two-speed transfer case, with selectable modes for different off-road conditions — including Terrain Mode, which allows one-pedal3 rock crawling Front and rear e-locking differentials, a combination not offered by any other competitor in its class7 Specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations Unique, larger steel transfer case shield 18-inch black wheels with LT265/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires Available rocker guard accessory The functional features are complemented with a unique, luxury-focused AT4X Obsidian Rush interior that balances the off-roader’s capability with comfort and convenience. The cabin is awash with premium leather, including full-grain leather-wrapped and technical grain leather accents, all of which is highlighted with white piping and red stitching. The interior also features authentic, dark Vanta ash wood trim, best-in-class 16-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats, a premium microsuede headliner, a 15-inch-diagonal Head-Up Display, power sliding rear window, power sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose® Premium Series audio system with Center Point technology and more. AT4X’s payload capability is 1,420 pounds9 and its trailering rating is 8,900 pounds4. The only drawback this writer sees with the AT4X Trim package is the lack of interior choice colors as while most might be happy with an all-black interior with accent stitching, I have to think that I am not the only one that would like a warm Mocha Brown interior or Dark Green interior for their Ultimate off-road pickup. Engine choices for the Sierra lineup are as follows: Enhanced 2.7L Tubo High-Output with 8 speed transmission 3.0L Duramax Diesel with 10 speed transmission 5.3L V-8 with 10 speed transmission 6.2L V-8 with 10 speed transmission Base pricing for the 2022 models start at the following: Sierra Pro - $32,495 Sierra SLE - $43,895 Sierra Elevation - $45,495 Sierra SLT - $50,895 Sierra AT4 - $60,995 Sierra Denali - $61,295 - Maxes out based on actual build at $87,815 fully loaded Sierra AT4X - $74,995 - Maxes out based on actual build at $82,620 fully loaded Sierra Denali Ultimate - $80,395 - Maxes out based on actual build at $92,045 fully loaded Based on a 48 month lease, you would have a $1,091 dollar a month auto payment. For those wondering, there is a $50 discount if you choose to remove the Dynamic Fuel Management feature. On the Denali Ultimate you can opt for a $50 discount of removing the Steering Column Lock, $50 discount for removing the front and rear park assist feature. Then we get this announcement and the only picture released as of todays announcement of the GMC Canyon AT4X trimmed 2023 Next-Generation mid-size pickup. Like the Sierra, but without much more in details, GMC has announced this as the off-road optimized performance trim for serious capability and uncompromising refinements. The current Canyon debuted in 2014 and has had multiple refreshed updates including the AT4 trim that brought the off-road performance package that added a 1-inch suspension leveling kit, off-road rocker panel protection, front and mid skid plates. The Next-Generation Canyon AT4X signals the next chapter for the GMC mid-size pickup truck as the teaser image above shows that you have rocker protectors and 17-inch Beadlock-capable wheels now. The AT4X will be the GMC Canyon's peak in premium off-roading performance for the all new 2023 Canyon reveal that will happen summer of 2022. Built off the Sierra 2022 AT4X, this is a natural evolution of offering the AT4 sub-brand to more GMC customers. GMC has been offering professional grade trucks since 1902 selling in dozens of countries worldwide. Watch for the Next-Generation Reveal of the GMC Canyon Summer 2022. Next-Generation GMC Canyon to Bolster Off-Road Performance with AT4X Sierra (gmc.com) GMC Introduces Its Most Luxurious, Advanced and Capable Sierra 1500 Lineup GMC - YouTube View full article

I get the point your making Robert, but I also think that from exhaust to driveline, one can better engineer how it goes from the front to the back inside the frame area rather than under it or over it requiring a hump. I do not remember what vehicle it was on, but probably a truck or SUV where the cross braces between the left and right side had holes that were specifically built for the drive line down the center and the exhaust without causing the need for a hump in the cabin. This is what everyone seems to take for granted that it has to be this way. Why could one not engineer the Engine and Transmission to support a drive shaft connection that would be parallel between a dual/single exhaust that is under a flat floorboard. Yes this is a custom frame, but I have seen this on older auto's where they do get rid of the bump by incorporating the exhaust and driveline into the frame. This is all I am saying, that engineering can be done to better design the interior space of a auto.

I will always take an American auto company over European or Asian, but that does not mean I do not like anything from Europe. The bulk of European autos are too small for me which I have clearly stated. I have spent more than enough time in Mercedes and BMWs which seem to be popular as Taxis in Germany since I would up till the Pandemic go every year to work the consumer electronics show for my company in Germany. Yes, the E-Class and 5 series does have enough leg room to get from the airport to the hotel. Overall, I am not a car fan for ownership as pretty much everyone here knows, I am a Truck/SUV fan. If I was living in Europe, I would probably own a G-Class or Audi SUV, BMW is just too ugly. But I live in America and as such prefer to support our own U.S. based companies that pay taxes into the system over European or Asian companies that while support a certain number of working-class Americans, takes the bulk of their profits out of the country.

I am always surprised that someone who is fighting with Tesla can say they are still a fan. Tesla returns were supposed to be easy, but this customer has been waiting more than 2 years for a Model X refund (msn.com)

You have never really had to deal with a hump. As a tall 12 year old boy, 6' tall then, my older sisters always got to sit on the window sides of the auto leaving me in my parents Olds Delta 98 sitting over the hump. I have years wondering why and as I learned about cars, I understood the hump for the driveline in a car. Yet as one that always owned trucks and SUVs, body on frame, it always made me shake my head as to the lazy engineering to keep a hump in a truck or SUV that is not needed based on body on frame. There are far better ways to engineer autos than just to take the lazy way of a hump always has been there, so just keep it. My own goal is to one GM has out their eCrate systems and yes per GM that would be electric motor, controllers and certain required wiring that is included, but the rest is up to the person doing the install is to convert my 1994 GMC Suburban to electric, I will cut out the hump front to back and replace it with a flat floor. Yes, sometimes you have to run a little extra wiring length, but worth it for a better layout in an auto.

In cars yes, but for trucks and SUVs especially if body on frame, NO there is no need for it and yes one can still have proper ground clearance. WOW, so you can read my mind before I know my mind. You really are making assumptions that would not hold true.

You would be wrong my friend, as a GM product today that has a hump especially in the back passenger area is NOT acceptable to me for ICE or EV. I see no reason for any hump to really exist in today's current ICE product. Especially an AWD auto, you can do it without the hump.

I am not as @surreal1272 stated talking about the driveline humps of ICE, but EVs. It is surprising how many auto companies and that does include the Germans who have decided they do not need to give a flat floor and instead are using the humps as a way to just run wires from front to back. It would seem as I posted that the Koreans took the time to actually maximize interior space.

Doubt this will ever happen, even if his social media and financial blast that next year he will deliver his truck, semi and roadster plus a possible robo taxi and android, I doubt more than one of these will really happen and his 2% market share will be threatened by the ICE OEMs. As more BEVs come out and get reviews like this where an ICE has been converted to BEV and it is better than Tesla, Tesla stale lineup will falter for the common shopper, only the fanatical people who think Tesla is the only BEV anyone should own and Musk is God will buy. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric SUV Interior Review: Big, Comfy, and Clean (businessinsider.com) Tesla could take a lesson from Hyundai on their interior space and true flat floor, for that matter pretty much all OEMs could learn from them especially the Germans where they still have a center bump. ioniq5-space-usability-210730.webm Talk about serious floor space.

Seems another Diesel version bites the dust and is replaced by a Turbo 4 banger motor from the Silverado. 2022 Diesel Canyon and Colorado will stop being produced at the end of the first week of July and the diesel will be replaced by a more powerful and Torquey Turbo 4 banger from the Silverado. The 2022 Canyon/Colorado Diesel was a 2.8L Turbo Diesel rated at 181 HP / 396 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed transmission. The 2023 Canyon/Colorado is a 2.7L Turbo Gas rated at 310 HP / 430 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed transmission. Both are built at the Wentzville, Missouri plant. When The Last 2022 Chevy Colorado Diesel Units Will Be Built (gmauthority.com) This makes one wonder how long GM will build diesels in their 1500 series full size pickups? I do not expect the larger diesel engine to go away any time soon, but I can see GM killing off the smaller Duramax Diesel and select engines as they move to BEV.

Neighbor has gone electric with a Kia.

President Biden and senior officials in the Biden administration hosted a meeting with the major automotive leaders on the Build Back Better agenda with a focus on moving America to BEVs and the supporting needs of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles to succeed. The list of auto companies that were at this meeting was as follows according to Reuters who reported this quiet meeting happened sometime last week at the end of March, beginning of April. Tesla CEO Elon Musk GM CEO Mary Barra Ford CEO Jim Farley Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson Nissan Americas chair Jeremie Papin Hyundai Motor America Executive Subaru of America Executive Mazda North America Executive Toyota North America Executive Kia Motors America Executive Toyota North America Executive Mercedes-Benz USA Executive Other auto company executives Each representative was given 90 seconds to talk about their EV plans and major issues of concern. The executives tended to hit a consistent messaging on battery supply chain, EV standards and Charging from Home to Commercial and the needs to updated modern electrical standards. Out of this meeting, President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to boost U.S. production of minerals needed in support of electrical vehicles. According to this meeting, the automakers agreed with the EPA's rolling back to tougher ICE emissions regulations which is a hit to the few states and ethanol groups that have filed court challenges to the EPA changes and the Build Back Better agenda. To quote the Valero Energy subsidiary and other ethanol producers and their corn growers: " the new EPA rules revising emission requirements through 2026 effectively mandate the production and sale of electric cars rather than cars powered by internal combustion engines." In attendance of this meeting was Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. Ford CEO tweeted about the meeting in positive terms. The Build Back Better Agenda is supported by the recent passage of legislation that covers Roads, Bridges and Transportation Infrastructure such as the following: National Network of 500,000 standardized chargers from the $7.5 Billion government funding for EV charging stations $27 Billion for Bridges $52.5 Billion for Federal Highway Apportionment $3 Billion for Airport critical infrastructure $260 million for highway safety programs $230 million for Port Infrastructure Grants, another $2.25 Billion has been approved by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law $7.4 Billion for water infrastructure, sewage systems and services upgrades More info on additional spending here: FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Hits the Ground Running 60 Days into Infrastructure Implementation | The White House One can find the extensive details on the national EV charging here: FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Electric Vehicle Charging Action Plan | The White House Please keep in mind that this is posted for info about the auto industry and changes coming, DO NOT post political ideology, but discuss the auto industry and post your feelings on the positive and negative effects of this meeting and the money being spent. Biden administration, auto leaders want 'seamless' EV charging station use | Reuters FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Hits the Ground Running 60 Days into Infrastructure Implementation | The White House FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Electric Vehicle Charging Action Plan | The White House View full article

Of course not, he has been drinking the German Koolaid far too long to see all that hard plastic and manual crap. I honestly would go as far as to say that the 90's sucked for the Europeans as much as it did for the Americans IMHO.

That is true and it comes from growing up with my dad having an auto repair business and working on crappy European and Asian auto's that had boosted engines and not really ever being impressed with them. The Over Reving High RPM Low Torque engines and yes while from an Engineering standpoint they have gotten better in the 21st century, I would rather have an NA V8 over anything small and boosted even the Silverado Turbo 4 banger. Kinda like the 4-6-8 v8 engine of GM, while the concept is cool, technology was NOT ready for that kind of engine and as such, so many of those engines along with the diesel conversion engines of the late 70's to early 80's I remember helping my dad pull them, throw them in the scrap metal bin and put in a current gas V8 engine. I will say that I would rather have a supercharged V8 over a Turbo or Twin Turbo V8.

Like all of us, this is based on my own observations, the amount of tiny boosted auto's that i see broke down and the poor condition of them after a few years. The Silverado I would never own with a small boosted engine as we were talking small cars, not full size trucks and as you and so many already know, I will not be buying another ICE as BEV will be my next auto's to replace the current ICE I own.

I would still take either of these BEVs over the cars above.

Like the Looks of the Lucid over the others, but being cars, I really could care less. Let me know when they do this with the EV trucks and SUVs.

Looking at multiple threads on poor auto maintenance and this is one common theme: Engine oil – If the engine oil hasn’t been changed for at least 12,000 miles, the oil loses its lubrication benefits and becomes more of a watery substance causing internal friction. This internal friction means that the engine is slowly starting to self-destruct. Unfortunately, this is permanent damage which will drastically shorten the life of the engine. To each their own, I still think what I think and you think what you think, so we can see how these auto's 5yrs down the road are holding up then.

So far all the STI, WRX, TLX, GS, etc. that is allot of high priced auto's that I have seen abused as they get driven hard, put away wet and little to no maintenance love. I also expect that there are just as many Turbo 4 bangers from GM that are abused as well. I will never be a fan of smaller engines, more turbo boost over a NA V6 or V8. Lucky ICE is coming to an end and eventually EV will be the dominate clean auto. @trinacriabob @oldshurst442 Both of my grandma's always said, the table is NOT where one puts salt and pepper. The cook should be tasting the food and seasoning it appropriately so that you have maximum flavor when it hits the table. People who salt there food especially before ever tasting it, are weird to me. Do they even have tastebuds?

You are too funny considering I am far more for new Tech, EVs than your assumption that it will fail. Sadly, this pandemic has proven my point, HUMANS are the FAILURE POINT! Way too many thinking they can survive without looking at what medical and science can do for a better quality of life. This is true for Toyota, Honda, Etc. lemmings that think they can just drive the appliance and it will last for ever with minimal attention. You know ccap41 that I am speaking the truth as so many just drive till something breaks and with a smaller engine, Turbo'd with pressure, there is far less room for failure. Humans will drive it, abuse it and yes I expect these Turbo 3 Corollas to die young.

That is totally cool that it still survives Mother Nature wrath. Just my NA V8 in the Escalade and SS when it gets to 25% life and I use synthetic Mobil 1 the motors make a big change in sound, I can only imagine what a tiny 3-cylinder Turbo motor would sound like with dirty oil over clean and most now require synthetic due to tight tolerances. As such, the fact that this is a Toyota I have to go with my guy that half of these performance Toys are going to die young due to neglect. I rarely see people or hear people say they have read their owner guide and know the maintenance schedule. We here at the Awesome Cheers and Gears are way beyond the norm for taking care of our autos.