2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Lt on 2040-cars

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GM says EVs are the future — but trucks are going to take it there

In the PowerPoint deck for the General Motors Capital Markets Day presentation, one of the more disturbing things comes early on, during GM President Mark Reuss' initial remarks, in an area where he is discussing the company's overall strength in trucks. The point being made is that GM has a truck for all and sundry. And there it is, a phrase on a slide that should send chills up the spines of those who still pine for the old Bob Seger "Like a Rock" Silverado ads: "Little bit country. Little bit rock 'n' roll." That's right. Donny and Marie. Somehow the Denis Leary snark in the F-150 ads is all the more appealing. The Capital Markets Day presentation was chock full of observations about electrification and automation (Reuss and CEO Mary Barra both noted that the corporation's vision is one of "Zero Crashes. Zero Emissions. Zero Congestion." Dan Ammann talked about the progress being made at Cruise Automation; Reuss rolled out the plan for an array of electrified vehicles, with a luxury EV and a compact SUV being the "Centroid Entries" for the modular bases of many others). But it is worth noting that there is no getting away from the power of pickups in the U.S. market, as that was the central topic in Chief Financial Officer Dhivya Suryadevara's comments, with "Truck Franchise" being flanked by "Key Financial Priorities" and "Financial Outlook." Clearly, to gloss the old phrase, the truck segment is where the money is. Suryadevra enumerated how the truck segment is significantly different than other types of light vehicles. Among her points: GM, Ford and FCA have more than 90% of market share. The truck parc has been growing and aging over the past 10 years. Customers are fiercely loyal to the segment—as in 70% of truck buyers are truck buyers. A good number of the vehicles are for commercial use (40 percent). Trucks are "less prone to. . .mobility disruption." Trucks offer high margins. Translaton: The segment is one that they're solidly positioned in. There are lots of old trucks on the road that will need to be replaced by new ones. Perhaps buyers may switch from a Sierra to a Canyon, but it will be a truck. If your livelihood depends on that type of vehicle, even if gas prices go up or the economy begins to go south, you're going to stick with it. Most of the country isn't San Francisco, so trucks will continue to be essential. And, well, they're profitable in the extreme.

2016 Chevy Colorado Duramax makes 369 lb-ft for $3,730 premium

Since announcing the new Chevrolet Colorado in late 2013, there has been absolutely no secret that the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel would wind up under the hood of the midsize pickup truck for the 2016 model year. It has been a long wait for those wanting the oil-burner, but thankfully, the anticipation is nearly at an end. Chevy is finally officially unleashing details about the four-cylinder, which churns out 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The diesel is available in both LT and Z71 Crew Cab trims, and there's the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. All come with a six-speed automatic gearbox with a standard automatic-locking rear differential. An electronically controlled two-speed transfer case comes on four-wheel drive models, as well. The Z82 trailering package also arrives on all of the Duramax pickups and includes an exclusive integrated trailer brake controller. The first shipment of diesels arrives at dealers this fall with a price of $3,730 on top of a comparably equipped version with the 3.6-liter V6. Customers opting for the Duramax are getting more capability from the Colorado. With a 7,700-pound tow rating on two-wheel drive examples (7,600 pounds with four-wheel drive), drivers can haul 600-700 pounds more behind the truck than its petrol V6 counterpart. Fuel economy numbers haven't been announced yet, but are expected to top the gasoline versions. The engine is also B20 bio-diesel compatible. Beyond being just a good hauler, Chevy is throwing cutting-edge tech into these models. For example, this is the company's first application of a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber on the transmission's torque converter. The device is a dampener that cancels out torsional vibration from the engine for a more comfortable ride for occupants. There's also a driver selectable exhaust brake system that uses engine compression to help slow down the truck and reduce brake wear. You can read more about the nuts and bolts of the diesel in Chevy's press release below. Chevrolet Introduces Colorado Duramax Diesel All-new turbo-diesel expands lineup with unparalleled capability, efficiency DETROIT – The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.

2016 Chevy Volt zaps into the Detroit Auto Show with big improvements [w/video]

If you need an example of how quickly the plug-in hybrid market is evolving, just take a quick glance at the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. For its freshly introduced new generation at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the sedan sports extra range, better efficiency and a host of other improvements to make the vehicle even easier to live with. A big portion of the model's improvements come from Chevy's second-gen Voltec propulsion system. The updated drive unit is 12 percent more efficient and sheds 100 pounds from the scales. The battery itself also drops 21 pounds, while growing in capacity to 18.3 kilowatt hours. It gives the Volt an electric range of up to 50 miles and offers a total driving distance of over 400 miles. In addition, the new 1.5-liter engine offers estimated 41 miles per gallon fuel economy (with no battery). The significant improvement in specs are certainly respectable, but the vast majority of buyers should notice the latest Volt's evolved styling first. Up front, there's a shiny new nose with a more modern take on Chevy's split grille. From there, the design slows back to a more svelte take rear with the original model's futuristic, square taillights not making the transition. Inside, Chevy simplifies the infotainment system and now offers seating for three in the back. Check it all out in the gallery, above, to see how far the latest model has come. Chevrolet Introduces All-New 2016 Volt New model features expressive, sleek design and delivers 50 miles of EV range DETROIT – Chevrolet today unveiled the all-new 2016 Volt electric car with extended range, showcasing a sleeker, sportier design that offers 50 miles of EV range, greater efficiency and stronger acceleration. The Volt's new, efficient propulsion system will offer a General Motors'-estimated total driving range of more than 400 miles and with regular charging, owners are expected to travel more than 1,000 miles on average between gas fill-ups. "The 2016 Chevrolet Volt provides our owners with a no-compromise electric driving experience," said Alan Batey, president of GM North America. "We believe our engineering prowess combined with data from thousands of customers allows us to deliver the most capable plug-in vehicle in the industry." The 2016 Chevrolet Volt's technology and range advancements are complemented by a design that blends sculpted, muscular proportions with aerodynamic efficiency, and an all-new interior with seating for five and improved functionality.