2002 Gmc Hd2500 Duramax 4x4, Quad Cab, Sle, Loaded on 2040-cars

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Hacker jury rigs Amazon Echo into voice-controlled remote start

A lot of automakers have smartphone apps to start, lock, or unlock a connected car. Some automakers will even let you do that with a smartwatch. Then, there's YouTube user Jryanishere, who decided to use Amazon's chatty Echo voice-controlled, internet-connected information thingy. Yes, we said thingy, because we aren't really sure how else to describe the Echo. While the Echo system has received a hearty ad campaign – featuring Alec Baldwin asking Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, questions and ordering socks – we think this might be the first really useful thing we've seen it do. Using a MacBook, a Raspberry Pi, an Echo, an OBDLink plug-in, and his 4G LTE-equipped GMC, Jryanishere has basically made a voice-controlled remote-start system. Now, like so many voice-controlled things, this strikes us more of an extravagance than something that's functionally worthwhile. After all, the remote start on the a GMC keyfob isn't exactly rocket science. You can check out the Echo in action up top. Jryanishere gives a pretty thorough breakdown of how the setup works in the video above, but if you're at all into this sort of technological mischief, you'll want to watch (and check out the hilariously detailed blog explaining the job). Related Video:

GM uses wind power to build SUVs, trucks

This week started with a chill, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a dire report with scientists warning, "The world we know today is not the world we will see in 50 years," with temperatures rising at their current rates. In the meantime, the trend toward purchasing more SUVs and crossovers continues. Most automakers, though, have set goals toward more sustainable production. That includes General Motors, which, somewhat ironically, plans to use wind power to produce many of its vehicles, including pickups and full-size SUVs. As the Detroit Free Press reports, several wind farms are coming online to support cleaner production as part of a partnership between GM and energy producer CMS Enterprises. At the beginning of October, the 100-megawatt Northwest Ohio Wind Farm began producing energy, supplying GM operations in Ohio and Indiana, where manufactured vehicles include the Chevy Cruze, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. Hilltopper Wind Farm in Illinois will begin producing another 100 megawatts for GM manufacturing in the region. In Texas, where GM builds the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade, the automaker is getting 50 megawatts from Cactus Flats Wind Farm beginning October 9. Using wind power isn't just about being green, but also for the sake of price stability. As Rob Threlkeld, GM's global manager of renewable energy told the Free Press, "You don't get the price spikes this way, like you do with fuel, and it reduces the environment footprint of the vehicle you're driving." Threlkeld said that renewable energy has already meant "millions of dollars in savings" for GM. GM plans to power all of its global operations with renewable energy by 2050. This week, the automaker was ranked 76 on the EPA's "National Top 100 List" of green manufacturers. It was the only automotive company listed. Related Video: News Source: Detroit Free Press, GM, EPAImage Credit: GM Green Plants/Manufacturing Chevrolet GM GMC Truck SUV wind power sustainability

2020 GMC Acadia AT4 priced just a little more than the SLT trim

Cars Direct has seen the order guide pricing the 2020 Acadia AT4 at $42,495 after destination; that means a $41,300 MSRP plus $1,195 for shipping and handling. GMC has left a lot of pricing room between the rugged, all-wheel drive AT4 and the dressed-up, top-shelf Acadia Denali with AWD, the latter costing $49,495, a $7,000 difference. The spread's blown out some by what appears to be an $800 increase for the 2020 Acadia Denali with all-wheel drive. The 2019 model costs $48,695. On the other hand, it looks like the 200 Acadia SLT trim has gone down in price. Cars Direct says that model will run $41,995, which is $300 less than the 2019 version that goes for $42,295 after destination. The new price leaves a $500 gap between the SLT-1 model with all-wheel drive and the AT4 trim, a figure that's a no-brainer to justify for any buyers trying to get a more butch curb appeal.     The Acadia AT4 package comes standard with all-wheel drive and the 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, puts black chrome on the grille, and nabs a set of exclusive 17-inch wheels on all-terrain tires. The other two engines in the lineup are a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and cylinder deactivation. That motor will be the standard kit on the SLT and Denali trim levels, supplanting the 3.6-liter that's standard on the 2019 models. The entry-level engine carries over, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 193 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque.