2002 Gmc Sierra 2500hd Gas Lifted Truck on 2040-cars

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GM’s Charlie Wilson was right: Stronger regulations can help U.S. automakers

Charlie Wilson had been the president and CEO of General Motors before being nominated to become secretary of defense by Dwight Eisenhower. During his Senate confirmation hearings, he controversially said, "For years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors, and vice versa." And he was right. While car companies aren't necessarily the most progressive when it comes to things that might have the slightest possibility of political blowback, General Motors should be credited for doing something absolutely forthright in this regard with its announcement that it wants the federal U.S. government not to squash the California Air Resources Board's emissions requirements but to actually create a 50-state "National Zero Emissions Vehicle" program that, in the words of Mark Reuss, executive vice president and president, Global Product Group and Cadillac, "will drive the scale and infrastructure investments needed to allow the U.S. to lead the way to a zero emission future." Filing comments to the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks is one thing. But a graphic the company developed for this announcement — shown above — is something else entirely, something that is absolutely credible, creative and clever. There is a photo of a Chevrolet Bolt EV driving along a highway, which seems to be in Marin County (based on the blurred San Francisco skyline in the background). Text on the photo states: "It's Time for American Leadership in Zero Emissions Vehicles." It seems to say, in effect, "If we want to make America great again, then we're going to do it by leading in technology, not by retreating behind weakened regulations." General Motors understands that the auto market is globally competitive, and if U.S.-based companies are going to be in the game, then they'd better be able to out-innovate the companies based elsewhere, where emissions and economy standards are not being weakened. What's good for our country ... Related Video:

2020 GMC Sierra HD caught in double-cab, low-trim gas-engine guise

Naturally when the 2020 GMC Sierra HD was revealed, GMC picked the flashiest, most-impressive Denali model with the big crew cab configuration and diesel engine. But obviously not all will be equipped that way, so it's exciting to see a lower trim model like the truck above. This 2020 GMC Sierra HD is a more modest SLT trim model equipped with the gas V8 and lacking the MultiPro tailgate. Styling doesn't take a hit with the shorter shape, and arguably, it looks more athletic without so much metal between the wheels. The length is the only real difference, with the rest of the sheetmetal just as chisled on the bigger version. Interestingly, this gas-powered Sierra HD still has a big hood scoop from its diesel sibling. On the current GM heavy duty trucks, only the diesel models get a scoop, and it's specifically for getting more cool air to the intake. The Silverado HD may continue this differentiation, but GMC is clearly keeping it for all models. When the Sierra HD goes on sale this summer, it will be available with either a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 like in this truck, or a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 making 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, the same as the current model. All models get bedside steps, and the MultiPro tailgate is available either as standard or an option with all trims. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

One-off 2022 GMC Jimmy shows the convertible SUV that could have been

GMC is seemingly content to let the sixth-generation Ford Bronco take on the Jeep Wrangler on its own. The company left this segment of the market decades ago, but an Arkansas-based builder named Flat Out Autos is bringing the Jimmy back for the 2022 SEMA show. The modern-day Jimmy largely mirrors the Sierra 1500 that it's based on from the tip of the front bumper to the b-pillars. Beyond that, Flat Out Autos added redesigned quarter panels, removed the partition between the cargo box and the cabin, and installed rear seats. It also developed a removable, body-colored hardtop that brings the truck's silhouette in line with the second-generation Jimmy's. Out back, the versatile MultiPro tailgate remains, and the Jimmy keeps the Sierra's rear bumper with a step integrated into each corner. All told, the conversion looks surprisingly good. We bet GMC could sell a lot of these if it decided to jump back into the segment. The interior is mostly Sierra fare, though the front seats tilt forward and carpet lines the cargo box and the inner part of the tailgate. Flat Out Autos hasn't released technical details, so there's no word on what the Jimmy is powered by. More details will presumably be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 SEMA show, which opens on November 1, and Flat Out Autos plans to build 25 units.