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GM confirms 2015 Silverado, Sierra to get 8-speed automatic

When viewed alongside the next Ford F-150 and the Ram 1500, there is one thing that seems to be missing from the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Where the F-150 will rely on turbocharging and aluminum architecture and the Ram sports an eight-speed automatic and an air suspension, the General Motors twins lack a big, calling-card feature. They're very good, very refined trucks, but one could argue that they're not terribly innovative.
And while it might not be as flashy a feature as air suspension or a lightweight skin, the Silverado and Sierra will get their own eight-speed automatic for 2015, a transmission that will be paired with the company's Ecotec3 6.2-liter V8. The new cogswapper will also find its way into the GMC Yukon Denali, but for now, there's no indication why the Cadillac Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe and standard Yukon are being left out.
According to GM, the new gearbox is about the same size and weight as the current Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed. By the time the new powertrain combination enters production late this year, the EPA will almost certainly have gotten around to certifying the vehicles' fuel efficiency. Until then, feel free to speculate. The current Silverado with the 6.2 and six-speed auto returns 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. How much do you think the eight-speed will improve those figures? Scroll down for the official press blast from General Motors, and then head into Comments.

New J.D. Power Initial Quality Study puts Porsche, GM in spotlight

J.D. Power and Associates has released its annual Initial Quality Study, and this year, Porsche and General Motors took the spotlight. The study, which asks new car owners to report problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership, found that overall, the industry averages 113 problems per 100 vehicles.
Porsche managed a score of just 80 problems per 100 vehicles, while GMC took the second spot on the podium with 90. Lexus filled out the top three with 94 problems per 100 vehicles, followed by Infiniti at 95 and Chevrolet at 97. The study also looks at specific models, and found the Lexus LS to enjoy the best initial quality at 59 problems per 100 vehicles.
Interestingly enough, the report found that around two-thirds of most owner problems experienced in the first 90 days are attributable to vehicle design instead of mechanical failure. Specifically - echoing a refrain we've been hearing for the last few years - owners are having a hard time figuring out how to use the technology present in their new vehicles. Head over to the J.D. Power site for more information, or scroll down below for the company's related press release.

2023 GMC Acadia prices reportedly up $1,700 thanks mostly to OnStar

Earlier this month, GM Authority reported that GM was making OnStar Connected Services mandatory across the GMC and Buick lineups. The inclusion would increase MSRPs by anywhere from $905 to $1,675, GM's rationale being a better customer experience over time. A spokesperson said, "This offering provides our owners with a full suite of OnStar and Connected Services for three years, providing them with more time to enjoy services such as remote key fob, Wi-Fi data and OnStar safety services. By including this plan as standard equipment on the vehicle, it provides more customer value and a more seamless onboarding experience." Although some GMC models are already priced with OnStar included, seems the rollout is still in progress. GMA said it got pricing for the 2023 GMC Acadia, the three-row midsize SUV costing at least $1,700 more than in 2022. While $200 of that is a price bump, the remainder pays for Connected Services. The entry-level 2023 Acadia SLE in front-wheel drive is said to start at $37,895. Adding all-wheel drive adds the same $2,300 in 2023 that it does now. At the other end, the Denali AWD with the 3.6-liter V6 caps the range at $51,695. The Acadia has been spared the increases of so many other models, GM only lifting its price by around $200 since it announced pricing for the 2022 model last summer. The Acadia gets minor changes for the coming year. Three new colors are Sterling Metallic, Ultra Blue Metallic, and Volcanic Red Tintcoat, all of which are cost options. They replace Cayenne Red Tintcoat, Midnight Blue Metallic, and Satin Steel Metallic. The SLT, AT4, and Denali also get a revised steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.