Leaderboard
Popular Content
Showing content with the highest reputation on 06/06/2018 in all areas
-
3 points
-
It's only natural to expand it across the GM lineup. Eventually all cars will get this technology, Cadillac is just ahead of the game there. I expect Denali models and higher end Buicks will be next.2 points
-
We're talking many many billions of dollars. MQB and MLB are probably the most expensive platforms out there but they pay off in their wide range of uses. There are some limitations to doing it this way as well, so it's not all roses. There are certain dimensions on MQB for example that must remain constant. Firewall to front wheel measurements is the same on all MQBs for example and that can limits styling and packaging.2 points
-
VW's MQB was designed from the start to be modular. It takes an enormous amount of money to develop a platform with that level of modularity. However, if a platform isn't designed from the start to be that modular, it is pretty close to impossible to have that level of flexibility. You've gotta have the cash and about a decade worth of time to do the huge initial investment. VW has 3 platforms - MQB which is for FWD vehicles, MLB which is for front wheel drive vehicles with longitudinally mounted engines, and New Small Platform for the city cars. R8 is its own beast. Mercedes is moving to 4 platforms. GM has blurred the lines between platforms using common architectures.... that's why the new Equinox, Traverse, Lacrosse, XT4, and Regal are all technically different platforms, but they have so much shared that things get really confusing as to what is related to what. The XT4 is more related to Regal than it is to Equinox for example.2 points
-
FCA has been doing this kind of platform re-arranging, but they are less flexible platforms. Some of that comes from the history of the company. I think it was 2016, but Jeep for one year had vehicles on platforms from at least 4 different companies (Patriot/Compass = Mitsubishi co-developed with DCA, Renegade and Cherokee = Fiat, Grand Cherokee = DCA developed with MB, Wrangler = origins from AMC and original Chrysler). That's a lot of legacy to just wipe away and start fresh.... especially when some of those are selling really really well. The 200's failure was one of positioning. It NEVER should have been an entry level mid-size. It should have been lined up right alongside the Regal in pricing and sold as such. Drop all the base model small screens, cloth seats, and lame base engine. That would have given Dart some breathing room as well. Chrysler should have been emulating Buick and Lexus for most models (except the LS/LX). The Pacifica should have been built with a crossover variant right from the start. Call it Aspen and match the pricing to the Enclave. Cherokee needed to be made into a Chrysler as well. Make it a lux version instead of an off-roader. Call it Voyager and price it up against Envision. Dodge could get the "nascar" version of a Cherokee to replace the Journey. New Compass could also go to Dodge as a "nascar" version. Call it a Nitro. Go ahead and try to tell me that my ideas wouldn't instantly double or triple Dodge and Chrysler sales..... So I've just filled out Dodge and Chrysler's crossover lineup using off the shelf FCA parts and it would likely have very minimal cost.... particularly compared to the billions they are sinking into trying to breath life back into Alfa Romeo and Maserati... while keeping Fiat on life support. Edit: And the entire Chrylser lineup could be sent to Europe or China as well. If it's a matter of national pride for Italy, badge them as Lancias.2 points
-
2 points
-
GMC seems to be following Chevrolet's idea of offering different versions of its trucks to suit different buyers. Case in point is the recently revealed 2019 Sierra 1500 Elevation. Starting with the double cab variant, GMC adds a combination of body-color and backed-out accents, along with a set of 20-inch wheels finished in black. Under the hood resides the recently unveiled turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder producing 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque. Optional engines include the 5.3L V8 with 355 horsepower and the 3.0L turbodiesel inline-six. You will have the choice of two or four-wheel drive. GMC will also offer the X31 Off Road Package that brings Rancho off-road shock absorbers, locking rear differential, hill descent control, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, and a heavy-duty air filter. The 2019 Sierra Elevation conveys a youthful, athletic presence that demonstrates GMC’s tailored approach. With inherent truck capabilities and functionality, Elevation is able to take you off the beaten path along with your gear while standing out from the pack,” said Rich Latek, GMC marketing director. The Elevation will be one of Sierra models available at launch later this fall. Source: GMC GMC Reaches New Heights with Next Gen 2019 Sierra Elevation Double-cab model boasts a bold and confident attitude with elevated capability DETROIT — The launch of the next generation Sierra lineup continues with the introduction of the new 2019 GMC Sierra Elevation. Adding to other recently revealed bold, powerful models of the Sierra, the Elevation makes a statement in design, capability and advanced connectivity. The Sierra Elevation, along with Denali, AT4 and SLT, is designed to meet the needs and preferences of discerning GMC customers. The next generation Sierras are built upon a prominent foundation of strong bodywork that incorporates chiseled fenders and a tall, powerful hood capped with a bigger and bolder grille than any Sierra prior. Elevation sets itself apart with distinct monochromatic door handles, bumpers and grille surround. The commanding design is amplified by black exterior accents, including the grille insert, tow hooks, side window trim and standard 20-inch aluminum wheels. Like other modern GMC designs, advanced lighting technology plays a key role in shaping the 2019 Sierra Elevation. New high-intensity LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped "light blade" signature lighting elements, LED fog lamps and C-shaped LED elements within the taillights are all standard. “The 2019 Sierra Elevation conveys a youthful, athletic presence that demonstrates GMC’s tailored approach,” said Rich Latek, GMC marketing director. “With inherent truck capabilities and functionality, Elevation is able to take you off the beaten path along with your gear while standing out from the pack.” The Sierra Elevation is based off the double cab model and is offered with two- or four-wheel-drive configurations. The next generation double cab has nearly 3 inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the current model and best-in-class double cab front head- and legroom (max.). Elevated Capability The Sierra Elevation leverages innovative technology and smart engineering to enhance capability and elevate driver confidence. With the Traction Select System and the twist of a dial, the driver can choose from preset modes designed for distinct purposes or conditions. Selecting one of these modes adjusts Sierra’s transmission shift points, throttle mapping and other systems to optimize performance for the situation at hand. Tour mode, for instance, is ideal for everyday driving, while Terrain mode configures the Sierra for venturing off the beaten path. For those who frequently venture off-road, Sierra Elevation is available with the X31 Off Road package, which includes unique suspension tuning with Rancho shocks, locking rear differential, Hill Descent Control, protective underbody skidplates, heavy-duty air filter, dual exhaust system and a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing topped off with all-terrain tires. If trailering a camper or other gear is part of your adventure, the 2019 Sierra Elevation was designed from square one with trailering in mind. The available ProGrade Trailering System incorporates a number of innovative features, including an advanced available Trailering App, designed to help take the guesswork out of connecting and towing a trailer. Purposeful Functionality The Sierra Elevation was engineered to get you and your gear — be it kayaks, camping, mountain bikes, motorcycles or beyond — where you need to go, building on the foundation of the best-in-class cargo volume standard with every all-new Sierra: 89.1 cubic feet on standard box models. Thanks to more tie-downs, enhanced cargo lighting and larger rear corner steps, the task of loading and securing gear is easier than ever. A 120V outlet in the rear supplies power to equipment needed for a day at the campsite or on the trails. Available accessory GearOn rails within the box allow for bike racks, kayak carriers and other accessories to be installed or adjusted quickly and easily. The rails’ integrated position makes cargo more accessible and frees up space in the rest of the box. Next Generation Performance The Sierra Elevation is available with a number of new engine and transmission configurations that deliver the perfect blend of power and capability. Standard on the 2019 Sierra Elevation is an all-new 2.7-liter turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. The next generation 5.3-liter V-8 is also available on the Sierra Elevation, in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This improved version of the 5.3-liter V-8 utilizes a new Dynamic Fuel Management system that enables the engine to operate on one to eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power and efficiency. Early in 2019, the Sierra Elevation will also be offered with a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six-cylinder engine, along with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Advanced Connectivity An 8-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System that incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility* is standard on the Sierra Elevation, along with a six-speaker audio system. A premium GMC Infotainment System that incorporates a higher resolution touchscreen, advanced personalization features, voice recognition functionality and available in-vehicle apps is optional, as is a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. USB Type A and Type C ports for charging mobile devices are standard. The 2019 GMC Sierra Elevation will be available starting in the fall of 2018.1 point
-
So when is the magical level 5 autonomous car predicted again? like late 2020s rite? Hmm since this stuff conceivably is software limited at the moment not hardware (Tesla says they can go back and add full autonomy once they get it done if you pay $5000 for sensors that can’t actually do it right now!), could they upgrade super cruise over the air and add more autonomy? I mean could we live in a future where you could mod a car like this a decade down the line so you could add the level 5 like some aftermarket head units, HUD’s. like unplug the old car computer and put in a new one. Car suddenly is smarts. ?1 point
-
Been enough advertising about it that I have heard people talk about it and want to see it in person. I think many just do not know that it is only available on the CT6 right now. They should have rolled it out on the CT6 and Escalade at the same time.1 point
-
Definitely not my favorite interior color at all. However, that's what I've got now. I sure would have liked the metallic glacier blue (offered in the previous M.Y.) with a dark blue interior (never offered in the LaX). It's weird when people tint windows in places that aren't sunny. Each state seems to have a saturation ratio or percentage of what they will allow. It's needed in the Sunbelt. Not many things worse while motoring than a blistering hot dash and steering wheel. In my book, this is great stuff. People below a certain age may never experience this. And I don't think it's ever coming back. Had they put it in a SS, they would have had to set it up in 40:40 buckets and put an operating console in it.1 point
-
I really don't get the add on feature, it ties you to a phone/brand, is another thing to carry with you (like carrying a phone and a P&S camera), and the sensor is still tiny. The reviews of the Hasselblad add on are not great. Maybe if the phone had a current flagship level sensor and better image processing like that of the Pixel 2 the zoom would be a great feature. The P20 Pro seems to do a pretty good job at 3x zoom. https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7284790355/huawei-p20-pro-hands-on1 point
-
In various posts over the last year or so, I’ve said that Chevy needs to develop a sporty large crossover and I’ve even suggested that it should co-opt the Impala name plate. This new Audi design is another example to demonstrate the type of vehicle I am talking about when I say that. Although, I also see some Toyota Venza in this thing, too, which I am not crazy on.1 point
-
Correct; scientists are reporting that compressing ocean floors, while offsetting rapidly rising ocean levels, is putting increasing pressure on the magma layer of the Earth's core, forcing increased volcanic activity. Volcanos indiscriminately emit frightening amounts of greenhouse gases, so despite Elon Musk's announced plan to drop titanium 'Volcano Corks' from Tesla drones flying in Ludicrious Mode, some sort of ocean floor anchoring grid must be devised, to which solar-powered prop engines can be affixxed, negating the ocean floor drop. As soon as this theory began to make the rounds, Musk announced Tesla would accept deposits to fund shuttling excess water (now that the full ocean level rise of .0002-in would subsequently happen) to Mars via a series of interplanetary vacuum tubes, so the irrigation of marijuana fields could begin ASAP.1 point
-
The ones I saw in Co and Az always seemed to be gray if I could see the interior. Lots of dark window tint in the desert.1 point
-
They had 3 colors, Grey, Black and Tan.Most of the ones around here are tan or black, yet I saw many Grey in Texas when I lived in that hell hole for a year. Weird1 point
-
Was the '94-96 Impala SS only available w/ a gray interior? That seems to be the only color I've seen them in (gray is my least favorite car interior color).1 point
-
1 point
-
That's as much of a coupe as my Toronado is a Super Duty Pickup.1 point
-
Yup it was sharp. Pictures never did the color justice IMHO. This was a nice Full Size sedan. Would have loved it if they had offered this interior on the Impala SS Maroon.1 point
-
You're getting your terms mixed up, (not entirely your fault, the automotive media is mostly to blame). Architecture and platform are two different things. Two very different vehicles can share architecture but be on different platforms. Architecture is where the dirty bits are built in a way that they fit everything that shares the architecture. Think power window motors, HVAC controls (which are all computerized now), dashboards, even power steering pumps, or suspension components. Platform is the skeleton that underpins the car. You can switch out sections of the skeleton to make different parts of the car larger or smaller, but you can't do that too much without running into either poor crash test ratings on the large size cars or heavy weight on the lower sized cars. Some examples of shared architecture but different platforms would be the Equinox, Malibu, and Traverse.1 point
This leaderboard is set to New York/GMT-04:00