Enjoy! – MotorWeek’s Hybrid Round Up:

Today GM released the announcement to its employees and to the public that they have plans to majorly cut production including 4 truck plants. The slow in the economy and high gas prices is obviously a major factor in the decision that GM is making in the upcoming months. Surprisingly Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, announced possible closing of plants that make many GM SUV’s and trucks with a mention of a possible removal or sale of Hummer which may remove this brand from the market all-together.

This may come as a surprise when you listen to Rick Wagoner mention the closing of plants that produce the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. We all know that is a big monster in the SUV market but we also know the SUV market is diminishing very fast mainly due to the fact that SUV’s consume A LOT of gas and the economy just cannot support the high price of such vehicles.

CNN.com posted the news this morning and reads:

GM: Trucks out, cars in

Automaker plans to shut 4 pickup and SUV plants, build more fuel-efficient vehicles, and may dump the Hummer brand.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — General Motors announced plans Tuesday to shut four truck and SUV plants that employ thousands of workers. It also said high gas prices are here to stay – and, with them, consumers’ growing preference for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

At a news conference in Wilmington, Del., GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced plans to roll out more fuel-efficient vehicles, including approval to start the production process on a vehicle that can run gas-free for trips up to 40 miles.

But the plant-closing plans are a stunning admission from the nation’s largest automaker that its long dependence on large SUVs and pickups is no longer a viable strategy for a company struggling to end losses from its North American operations.

The plants to be closed include two U.S. facilities: The Moraine, Ohio plant that builds midsize SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy; and the Janesville, Wisc., assembly line that builds large SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon.

In addition, it plans to close a pickup plant in Oshawa, Canada, and a truck plant in Toluca, Mexico.
The Mexican plant that builds medium-duty trucks sold to businesses rather than consumers will close later this year. The other plants will close in 2009 and 2010, with sooner closings possible if sales do not improve. Each U.S. plant has about 2,500 employees.

iReport.com: Still driving a gas guzzler?

The company said it believes that high oil and gasoline prices will be the norm, and that prices are likely to go higher due to strong global demand for oil.

“These higher gasoline prices are changing consumer behavior and rapidly,” said Wagoner. “We don’t think this is a temporary spike or shift. We think it is permanent.”
Goodbye Hummer Wagoner also said GM is looking at possibly selling its Hummer unit as part of a strategic review of the SUV brand based on military vehicles. The Hummer H3 mid-size SUV gets about 13 to 14 miles per gallon in city driving in the most recent EPA ratings. The H1 and H2 are larger vehicles on which EPA does not give mileage estimates.

The brand has become the symbol to many members of the public of a gas-guzzling large U.S. vehicle.
Hello Volt He also announced that GM has approved production of the Chevrolet Volt, a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle that can run about 40 miles without any use of gasoline. The Volt will be built in GM’s Hamtramck, Mich., plant and is due in showrooms by the end of 2010.

Read more at cnn.com

Hummer H2 for sale

Post your comments and let us know what you think about this “THING”.

Enjoy the video!

Told ya so. GM will be developing an El Camino type vehicle. Debuting at the 2008 New York Auto show will be the Pontiac G8 ST where the ST stands for Sport Truck… go figure. Along side of the Pontiac will be a GMC version of the same “Crewman” Ute type vehicle. Does anyone actually remember the El Camino and how many of those cars (trucks) they sold?

All based on the Holden Crewman as in our previous post.

What is your outlook on this type of vehicle… is it more of a “move over gas guzzling pickup truck” or is it, “that’s just plain ugly, I never liked the El Camino anyway”. You decide!

The GM Zeta platform is getting worn out already. Holden will use the platform for a new 4 door utility vehicle for the Australian automaker. The new utility vehicle should resemble the old Holden Crewman show in the images.

The new concept of this upcoming GMC El’ Camino-esq vehicle should show up in the 2008 New York Auto Show. So stay tuned!

Source: cars.com

Although flying cars aren’t yet a reality, automakers are continually developing new technologies to make our cars safer and more futuristic. Here are some of our favorite automotive features from 2007 that edge us ever-closer to a car George Jetson would be proud of. Features from a number of cars made our list, but the 2008 Infiniti EX35 received the most mentions, including the top spot with our favorite new feature, Lane Departure Prevention.

Best New Feature: Lane Departure Prevention

Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35

Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention builds on conventional lane-departure warning systems, which detect lane markings and sound a chime if you drift astray. LDP goes one step further by gently applying the brakes to certain wheels to nudge you back on course. Sound too intrusive? We tried it out in the EX35 and it keeps a remarkably low profile. Hit the turn signal or steer the wheel slightly, and the system deactivates. On straight roads, it intervenes with just a hint of deceleration, and the dashboard chime alerts you of its actions. For its effectiveness and low profile, LDP is the winner.

Scratch Shield Paint

Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35

The crusade for city-friendly transportation began years ago with plastic bumpers and dent-resistant doors. It reaches new heights with Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint. On the EX35, Scratch Shield combines a highly elastic resin with the clearcoat finish. The resulting surface is said to maintain a glossy appearance over the years, and it can actually undo minor damage in the course of a few days. While Scratch Shield won’t repair dents or gashes, Infiniti says it can restore things like fingernail scratches under the door handles. We haven’t had a chance to see it in action, but we’re intrigued by the prospects.

Around View Monitor

Where you can find it: Infiniti EX35

Let’s be clear on one thing: Infiniti’s Around View Monitor ain’t pretty. With cameras mounted on each side of the car, its fish-eye, top-down view distorts any three-dimensional object nearby. But is it effective? You bet. With a 360-degree view of exactly what’s around your car, it reduces getting into narrow parking spots and crowded alleys to a science. Even the best front-and-rear sonar systems can’t replicate this. You have to see it — and park it — to believe it.

Full-Size Hybrid SUVs/Trucks

Where you can find it: Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, GMC Yukon

To date, hybrid technology has graced only compact and midsize SUVs. Sharing a new 2-Mode Hybrid system, several GM and Chrysler Group full-size SUV models and a pickup truck deliver significant mileage gains — if early estimates prove accurate. Some environmentalists cry heresy over this development, but we can’t see how fuel economy improvement in the vehicles that need it most could be a bad thing. The trucks give up almost none of their hauling and towing capabilities, remaining useful to the people who really need them and would buy full-size anyway, hybrid or not.

Integrated Booster Seats

Where you can find it: Volvo V70, Volvo XC70

This is one of those simple features that make so much sense you wonder why they’re not present on more cars. In the new V70, the cushions of the outboard rear seats can easily be raised to one of two levels to better accommodate children, which means no more fumbling around with an aftermarket booster seat. What’s more, Volvo says the side curtain airbags in the V70 extend lower, which in conjunction with the raised seating position gives a child’s head greater protection in a side-impact collision.

Heartbeat Sensor

Where you can find it: Volvo S80

We’re dubious about the usefulness of a heartbeat sensor, but we were won over by the fact that such a futuristic feature is available in today’s cars. The heartbeat sensor, which Volvo says can help you determine if someone is lying in wait inside your car, is part of the S80 sedan’s Personal Car Communicator fob that can also do other things, like tell you if your car is locked or unlocked up to about 300 feet away.

Easy Third-Row Access

Where you can find it: Hyundai Veracruz

Getting into the third row in SUVs has gotten progressively easier in recent years, but the Veracruz has a three-step system that outshines the competition. Each part individually doesn’t seem like much, but put all together it’s a wonder no one else has thought of it. First, there’s a one-hand release latch that moves the second-row seat up, sliding it forward on rails. Secondly, there’s a cubbyhole tucked inside the Veracruz wall, right where little ones will need it to help themselves into the car. Finally, the second-row seats come with a handle that lets third-row occupants pull the seats back toward them, helping kids trying to get into the second row. Simple ideas, but great implementation.

Sirius Satellite TV

Where you can find it: Chrysler minivans

Any parent can tell you that one of the big drags about taking kids on long trips is all the stuff you’ve got to carry with you. Chrysler’s new Sirius Satellite TV makes this a bit easier by removing your DVD collection from the list. Your kids can watch one of three channels (the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network) on one or both of the rear swing-down screens; if it’s just one, the other can show a DVD or video game. Given these three channels offer programming that can satisfy kids from infancy through their teen years, this is a big step forward.

Sync Hands-Free System

Where you can find it: Various Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models

Ford has addressed driver distraction with a voice activation system that takes the fumbling out of using cell phones and digital music players. Sync allows drivers to control Bluetooth phones and MP3 players and storage devices that have a USB input using simple voice commands — it even reads text messages from compatible phones. Sync is standard on most uplevel trims in a dozen Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models; it’s a $395 option on base trim levels. That’s a lot of tech for not a lot of dough.

Volvo Blind Spot Information System

Where you can find it: C30, S40, S80, V50, V70, XC70, XC90

Volvo prides itself on safety innovations, and this is the latest. The new S80, V70 and XC70 have an optional blind spot information system that alerts drivers to cars that are hard to spot using mirrors. Two cameras are attached to the side mirrors, and a pale orange light illuminates whenever changing lanes would lead to hitting someone in the dreaded blind spot. A single button turns the system on and off if you’re in heavy traffic, but the faded hue of the lights doesn’t distract from driving. It’s a clever heads-up for the safety conscious.

GM is rolling out their all-new crossover sport utility vehicles and the GMC Acadia is the first to compete in this hot, fast growing segment of the industry. Crossover sport utility vehicles are gaining a foothold with the consumer offering a more sedan-like ride with the same versatility of a sport utility vehicle. That is just what GMC’s Acadia does so well, offering seating for up to eight, and combining the capability of a SUV with a smooth, responsive and sedan-like driving experience. Arcadia features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step-in height and the generous interior space of larger sport utilities. A comprehensive safety system includes six airbags and standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology.

Acadia is powered by GM’s 3.6 liter V6 VVT, a high-tech, all-aluminum, DOHC, engine with variable valve timing that is designed for good fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. Electronic throttle control gives it crisp, immediate response and feedback. It is rated at 275hp and 251lb.ft. of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission that is so smooth and quiet you’ll never feel the shift changes. The transmission feature sequential shifting by pushing the shift lever to the back of the gate and pushing a button for +/-. Acadia comes standard with front-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive for even more traction on slick road surfaces. The AWD system works by always delivering a slight amount of torque to the rear wheels. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and it automatically delivers torque to the wheels that have the best traction. The Acadia ‘s AWD system is also the only one to feature a Low gear for maximum traction. Acadia rides on a long 118.9in. wheelbase and wide 67.2in. front/rear tracks-a combination that lowers the center of gravity and enables smooth, stable ride and handling. Sharp reflexes are also supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with d direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked ‘H’ design, which uses an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted into the passenger compartment. This design enables the nimble handling that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion-a feature that helps the Acadia offer generous passenger and cargo space. The suspension systems enable Acadia ‘s maximum 4,500lb. towing capacity. The standard power-assisted rack & pinion steering, with variable-effort optional, helps you easily maneuver around slower traffic and keep the Acadia rock steady at high speeds. It gives great feedback from the road with a very good on-center feel. Quickly and safely slowing Acadia down from speed are large, vented steel discs at all four corners. Up front are 12.8in. discs clamped with dual-piston calipers and 13in. discs clamped with single-piston calipers. ABS comes standard, as does traction control, StabiliTrak with Rollover mitigation technology, and a tire pressure monitoring system, all combining to help keep you safe on the road. The Acadia rides on large 18X8in. wheels and tires standard, with 19X9in. wheels optional. Either size tires give a smooth, quiet ride with excellent traction. Acadia ‘s body-frame integral structure enables lower entry/exit height for passengers. Despite the vehicle’s sport utility-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is only 18.9in., the rear door step-in height is 19.8in. Entry to the third-row seat is eased with very wide rear doors and GM’s exclusive Smart Slide second-row seat feature, which aids passenger access to the third-row seats. Wider than most doors on most other sport utilities, the Acadia ‘s rear door width is enabled by the vehicle’s long wheelbase. The rear door opening was maximized by reducing the space between the rear door and the leading edge of the door opening. Engineers were able to maximize the opening space while providing optimal chassis integrity for maximum occupant protection. The Acadia features athletic styling that underscores GMC’s professional grade philosophy so you’ll notice family design cues with the Yukon . The design is accented with polished aluminum roof rails, select bright work and large, prominent headlamps that flank a detailed grille. The headlights use projector beam, HID headlamps are optional, that are mounted behind plastic that gives them a crystal-clear, jewel-like appearance. The profile is sleek and aerodynamic, with sweptback windshield pillars, a sporty, tapered roof line, lower side moldings, aero-styled power-remote side-view mirrors and wheel-well-stuffing 18 or 19in. wheels. Distinctive LED taillamps, rear spoiler, polished stainless steel quad exhaust tips. Acadia cuts through the air with a very low 0.36 coefficient of drag enabling it to experience less wind noise and improved mileage. You’ll enjoy the smooth ride even more when you are sitting behind the wheel and putting the Acadia through its paces because as with the exterior design, Acadia ‘s interior reflects refinement. The front bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive. A carlike ‘low and away’ instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front and provides a commanding outward view. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight gap tolerances. All well and good but I would like to also see and feel softer materials. Acadia can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front buckets, a 60/40-split second-row bench or two second-row captain’s chairs, and a 60/40-split third row bench seat. Leather seats are optional with front power-adjustments. Gm’s exclusive Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. Along with passenger comfort, Acadia offers generous cargo room. With 19.7cu.ft. behind the third-row seat, the Acadia has more space than many other sport utility vehicles. With both rows folded flat, the Acadia has 116.9cu.ft. of cargo room. A covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the cargo floor. Standard equipment includes cruise control, power windows/door locks, thick-pile carpeting, dual map lamps with theater dimming, Driver Information Computer, grab handles at each passenger door, manual tilt/telescope steering wheel, and intermittent wipers/washer. Optional equipment includes touch-screen navigation system, dual skyscape sunroof, 19in. wheels/tires, DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones, remote and 8X5in. fold-down screen, Bose Surround Sound System, HID headlights, trailering package, cargo area audio controls, tri-zone auto climate control, and the only ‘head’s-up’ display available in a CUV that helps keep your eyes where they belong, on the road, as you see vital information straight-ahead, through the windshield glass. Acadia comes equipped with six standard airbags: two dual-stage frontal airbags, two seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two head curtain side impact airbags that cover all three seating rows. It is amongst the longest airbags in any production vehicle. Complementing the airbags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact airbags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. Other safety systems include 3-point seat belts for all positions front load-limiters and pretensioners, steel beams in each door, front/rear crush zones, daytime running lamps, and one-year of OnStar Generation 7. The all-new 2007 GMC Acadia is a solid choice for a crossover utility vehicle with all the power, performance, comfort and versatility you will ever need. It should be on every consumer’s list when looking for a fun-to-drive and very versatile vehicle. Prices start at just $26,000.00 and my fully loaded AWD SLT-2 was sticker priced at $45,225.00. ALL NEW 2007 GMC ACADIA AWD SLT “EARNING ACCOLADES ”   COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ – EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS   Price MSRP: $37,370 Invoice: $34,941 Type: Large SUV Where Built: United States EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles Dimensions Exterior Length: 200.7 in. Width: 78.2 in. Height: 72.8 in. Wheel Base: 118.9 in. Ground Clearance: 7.4 in. Curb Weight: 4936 lbs. Gross Weight: 6398 lbs. Interior Front Head Room: 40.4 in. Front Hip Room: 57.8 in. Front Shoulder Room: 61.9 in. Rear Head Room: 39.3 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 61.1 in. Rear Hip Room: 57.9 in. Front Leg Room: 41.3 in. Rear Leg Room: 36.9 in. Luggage Capacity: 19.7 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 117 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 8 Performance Data Performance Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.6 liters Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 275 hp Max Horsepower: 6600 rpm Torque: 251 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 3200 rpm Maximum Payload: 1462 lbs. Maximum Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs. Drive Type: AWD Turning Circle: 40.4 ft. Fuel Data Fuel Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 gal. EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway) Automatic: : 17 mpg / 24 mpg Range in Miles: (City/Highway) Automatic: 374 mi. / 528 mi.