Drew Dowdell

That blip was around 2004 when Cadillac finally produced a car that handled very well and could compete on the track with a smaller 3-series. The domestic haters needed a reason to dislike the CTS and thus the “It’s too big” mantra was born... and though the CTS was a perfectly capable and comfortable handler, the drum beat started for Cadillac to produce a “true” 3-series competitor... basically, do the CTS, but make it as cramped as a 3-series of the day. The same drums are being pounded at the CT6, a car that competes with the 5-series, but is larger, more comfortable, and in more than a few ways, more advanced. But “OMG it’s 8 inches longer... there is no way it could possibly compete with a 5-series”. Fun Fact: The CT6 Platinum has a turning radius and inch and a quarter smaller than the RWD 5-series. The CT6 without 4-wheel steering has radius slightly less than the AWD 5-series (20.0 v. 20.1) The original IS was sold as a Toyota in Japan and was renowned for its handling, but with tinny doors and no sound deadening, it didn’t fit the Lexus theme. Queue up the “we want a 3-series” drums and Lexus increased the weight, and started dumbing down the handling. The first few generations of GS were fantastic vehicles. The I6 base models were melted butter smooth and with the legendary Lexus reliability. But they weren’t “Teutonic”.... for those of you playing at home, that means “German”. This has always been about moving goal posts so the whole industry has to copy what the popular kids are doing. I’m sure the guy who bought a 10 year old Benz will be in here soon to give us his take on what new car buyers should do. (They’re shopping for a Corolla... he’ll tell them they should buy an S-Class)

What kind of seasoning do you want on your crow when the specs finally come out? The base FWD XTS has a 60/40 front/rear weight distribution. There is no way an AWD 4 cylinder with electric motors and batteries in the back is going to be 60/40. Further, you reveal your ignorance about Volvo’s powertrains. The electric motors are in the back and only drive the back wheels, so not all of that power is going to the front, it’s split front/back, but they operate independently. (The RX operates this way also). It’s about as close to symterical as you can get without Quattro. Additionally, the system can favor the rear wheels for power delivery. The Polstar 1 coupe with the concept version of this same power train has a 50/50 split and weight distribution. In summary....

It seems to be inconsistent, some of the notices work fine.

I just noticed the same issue on Android. I’m looking into it. Edit: It’s not doing it for me on Safari on my iPad.

Cadillac already had an EV and has a Plug in hybrid you can buy today.

494 lb-ft of torque at what is likely a VERY low RPM which is still significantly more than either the C63 or M3. No one is going to care which wheels are driving because they’ll be more worried about keeping them from spinning even with AWD. You really need to get over your horsepower fetish with all of this EV tech coming. Torque is the number to compare now.

The GC Overland in that dark green with the saddle brown interior....

The CT6 VSport and XT4 weren’t enough? Cadillac is going to sell the shit out of the XT4, and after a week in a 2.0t Terrain Denali, the XT4 is going to rip.

If I get a truck... I really really want a red one so I can get a wide vinyl stripe in black down the side. But I could do it on Blue or Green also.

The GC is on our shopping list also. He generally sticks with just white or black, but we both agree on the dark green that Jeep offers. I'd like to see GMC offer the Yukon in the Green they used to offer the Canyon in.

I'm embarrassed to say that I have black, silver, and white. The Silver one I didn't choose and the white one is a classic so you don't really get to choose. The Black one, I didn't really like the other colors available. If/When I get a truck, I'd like it to be red, but since I'll be buying used, I have to be flexible on that. Albert really wants white. If we'd had the budget, I'd get him a white CT6.

Keep in mind that this might end up being a 1 or 2 year only package for this platform. The new Yukon and Tahoe are coming very soon.

The 90s ones can still be seen here regularly, along with similar vintage Centuries. Years ago when I was shopping for my Cutlass Convertible... I had found a nice red one with heads-up-display, but it had some issue I didn't like that I don't remember. Since I was getting ready to walk, the saleman tried to "upsell" me to a newer Cutlass Cierra with lower miles for about the same price.

The biggest thing keeping me from an Escalade EXT is the fuel bill. The current Escalades aren't that bad for what they are now that they have cylinder deactivation, but the prior model was an absolute pig when it came to MPG. The EXTs attract me, but I know I just couldn't stomach 15 mpg highway when I know the Avalanche can do 20mpg if I'm gentle on it. I'd miss the power, but not that much.

A few weeks ago, based on some findings on GM's order guide, we reported that GMC would soon be announcing Graphite and Graphite Performance editions of the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. These new trims would mirror the RST and RST Performance Editions available on the Chevrolet Tahoe RST and Chevrolet Suburban RST. Today, the official release is out. For 2019, the Graphite Edition is an appearance package that offered darkened trim and grille, special wheels, and black roof rails. Stepping from Graphite to Graphite Performance Edition gains the buyer: 6.2L V-8 engine. 10-speed automatic transmission. Magnetic Ride Control. 22-inch six-spoke Gloss black wheels. Active two-speed transfer case (4WD models only). Trailer brake controller. 170-amp alternator. 3.23 axle ratio. High capacity air cleaner. Bose Active Noise Cancellation. Multi-color Head-up Display. 8-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Center. 8-inch Color Touch Screen Navigation with GMC Infotainment System. Both packages are only available on SLT level Yukons, but selecting the Performance Edition allows for Denali level performance previously not available on a Yukon SLT. Three colors will be available: Onyx Black, White Frost Tricoat, and Dark Sky Metallic. Both 2WD and 4WD will be available. Official pricing has not yet been announced, but based on Chevy's RST pricing we estimate a Yukon Graphite Edition 2WD to start around $59,600 and the performance edition to be around $62,300. 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Edition 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Performance Edition 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Edition Wheels 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Performance Edition Wheels GMC Press Release on Page 2 GMC Introduces 2019 Yukon Graphite Editions DETROIT — GMC is expanding its premium Yukon line with the addition of two 2019 Graphite Editions. The all-new Yukon Graphite Edition offers a darkened exterior appearance, while the Yukon Graphite Performance Edition adds vehicle performance upgrades. The Graphite Editions are exclusively available on SLT trim vehicles and can be ordered on either Yukon or Yukon XL in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. “The Yukon continues to lead the full-size SUV segment with premium features and an instantly recognizable and well-respected identity,” said Stu Pierce, senior marketing manager for GMC Trucks and Full-Size SUVs. “The all-new Graphite Edition builds on the commanding road presence and inherent capabilities of the Yukon and affords customers the opportunity to project a unique, yet distinctly GMC style.” The Yukon Graphite Edition includes 22-inch bright machined wheels with Carbon Flash Metallic pockets, black assist steps with gloss black accents, premium black chrome grille mesh insert and fog lamp surrounds, body-color grille surround, black roof rails, gloss black beltline moldings and additional black trim. The Graphite Performance Edition requires the Graphite Edition and further adds: 6.2L V-8 engine. 10-speed automatic transmission. Magnetic Ride Control. 22-inch six-spoke Gloss black wheels. Active two-speed transfer case (4WD models only). Trailer brake controller. 170-amp alternator. 3.23 axle ratio. High capacity air cleaner. Bose Active Noise Cancellation. Multi-color Head-up Display. 8-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Center. 8-inch Color Touch Screen Navigation with GMC Infotainment System. The 6.2L V-8 included with the Yukon Graphite Performance Edition features direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing for increased efficiency while providing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission that further improves efficiency by reducing engine revolutions at highway speeds. These powertrain enhancements are complemented by Magnetic Ride Control, which uses sensors to “read” the road and can alter the damping rate of the shocks almost instantly. The combined power and torque, greater efficiency and composed ride provide a smooth and confident driving experience. The 2019 Yukon and Yukon XL Graphite Editions will be available this summer in the United States. Package pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Graphite Editions are offered in three exterior colors: Onyx Black, White Frost Tricoat and Dark Sky Metallic. View full article

Does anyone remember what the Atlas 4-cylinder was like in the previous generation Colorado/Canyon? I just looked up the 2.9 liter version of that and it was a 185hp engine with 190 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm..... That was without direct injection even.

I wouldn't be so sure about the more comfort... especially with the kids.

He's still here from time to time.

Love the look. I’d still go with a 5.3 over a 2.7 though

It’s an annual thing. I have to take allergy pills for about 3 months and then I’m good the rest of the year. The teaspoon of local honey trick is said to be just an old wives’ tale with no scientific basis, but I swear it works. Eh, what’s the harm though of trying it.

While the zoom may be good, it is still not true optical zoom, so it is difficult to get depth of field. IPhone and Pixel 2 can simulate it, but it works best when taking pictures of people instead of “things”. I dunno... I guess I’ll try the Z3 when it comes out. I’m not in a rush. My Nexus does really well with pictures for now.

I know. I’ve been watching for it. I”m waiting for the Z3 Force though, higher processor

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.