1998 Gmc Yukon Used In Amc's 'breaking Bad'. Second Of Two Breaking Bad Vehicles on 2040-cars

Auto blog

The GMC Hummer EV is big and fast; it's also a social conundrum

Pedestrian fatalities, unresolved safety issues, overachieving and overweight trucks — overweight electric trucks — and divisive attitudes about vehicles equipped as is the new Hummer EV, are very much on the mind of Robinson Meyer. Mr. Meyer, who suggests that the 1,000-horsepower pickup is a cross "between an ambulance and a race car," is a staff writer for The Atlantic, a well-respected, long-lived journal founded in 1857. His recent essay in the monthly's flagship magazine starts off describing a scary video clip posted online by Edward Barseghian that features the 9,000-pound Hummer hurtling full tilt towards three lanes of cars idling at a light (the driver stops it in time). Then he goes on to pretty much berate the machine. "The Hummer EV haters and lovers had discovered one of the most important facts about electric 'super trucks': They are very heavy, and they go very fast," he writes. "If you imagine an ambulance that can accelerate as fast as a Formula 1 car, youÂ’re imagining a vehicle only slightly more unwieldy than the new Hummer." Meyer goes on to discuss the issue of allowing battery powered vehicles that weigh as much as the Hummer does onto public roads. "The weight of EVs is a safety issue that drivers — and cyclists and pedestrians — will only have to keep worrying about as these cars go mainstream," he explains. "Suffice it to say that cars as huge as the Hummer EV need to face some kind of regulation, especially in cities and towns, where they pose a distinct threat to the public." To Hummer devotees, them's fightin' words. But Meyer takes pains to present a sort of response from Anthony Schiavo, a research director at Lux Research, a global advisory firm: Why is the Hummer so heavy if its batteries weigh only about 3,000 pounds? “ItÂ’s absolutely a design choice and a marketing choice,” Schiavo answers. “People like larger vehicles, and the reason why those larger vehicles are getting made is because they sell.” The author concludes by bringing into his thesis the issues of climate change, liberal and conservative politics. In some places, his arguments wander; they become muddled. But for those enthused about electrics and big trucks, "Frankenstein's Hummer" is worth a read. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Why 2015 is going to be a huge year for trucks

Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn took center stage to introduce the 2016 Titan last week at the Detroit Auto Show. He spoke of the truck's new features, impressive Cummins V8 diesel engine and the extensive amount of time and money required to build a modern, competitive pickup truck. "We have done all of this because we see opportunity – an opportunity in the unmet needs of today's American truck customers," Ghosn said. He was speaking about the Titan, but his thoughts echo the industry's mindset: When it comes to trucks, find an opportunity and attack. Even with CAFE regulations looming and fickle consumer preferences, investing in trucks is a no-brainer for automakers. Some consumers will always need a truck for their job or lifestyle. And some people will always want one, whether they need it or not. With that in mind, here are four reasons why the pickup-truck sector is more important than ever and poised for growth in 2015. View 24 Photos The Nissan Titan Is Back Okay, it never left, but the Titan hadn't been redesigned since its launch in 2003, and Nissan sold more NV200s than Titans in 2014. It's an understatement to say the truck was languishing. That all changes with the 2016 model. The Titan will come in two variants, a traditional fullsize competitor and the Titan XD. The XD will lead the market launch, and it arrives late this year. It's pitched as a "whitespace" offering, Nissan sales and marketing vice president Fred Diaz said. The idea is to offer something in the general size and price range of a fullsize truck, but also have some of the capability of a heavy-duty truck. The XD uses a fully boxed ladder frame, the chassis design from Nissan's commercial division, and the wheelbase is about 20 inches longer than other Titan models. The XD, which Nissan is calling the flagship of the line, will be the only model with the 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel V8. It produces 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque, while being able to tow 12,000 pounds. V6 and V8 gasoline models will also be offered on the Titan XD and the standard, non-XD model. When production ramps up, the Titan will be sold with several cabs, beds and trims. New features include trailer sway control, an integrated trailer brake controller, more storage options in the cabin and even laminated front and rear side glass to reduce outside noise. All of this has given Nissan fresh confidence in an area where it admittedly has been lacking. "We can compete," Diaz told Autoblog.

2017 GMC Model Year Preview and Updates

GM's 'professional grade' truck and SUV specialist continues to deliver its utility-with-luxury vibe, optimized in the all-new Acadia, relatively new Canyon and continual updates to its Sierra pickups and Yukon SUVs. GMC ACADIA: An all-new Acadia - pictured above - is aimed at the heart of the midsize segment. In an unusual step, the GMC product team downsized the Acadia, dropping 700 pounds from the earlier platform in the process. The new crossover is available in four trims – SL, SLE, SLT and Denali – and an offroad-oriented All Terrain package is available on both SLE and SLT when equipped with all-wheel drive. For young families, GMC introduces the industry-first Rear Seat Reminder, a prompt which will remind the driver to check the rear seat area before leaving and locking the vehicle. CANYON: The midsize pickup introduces two new variants for 2017. The upmarket Denali adds swag – unique chrome grille, 20-inch aluminum wheels and various interior upgrades – to its swagger, while the All Terrain X provides the adventure traveler with all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, Hill Descent Control and all-weather floor liners. SIERRA: The Sierra's maximum trailer tow rating of 12,500 pounds is the best in the full-size, crew cab segment. New features include Teen Driver, active aero shutters on all models and available tri-mode power steps. Also, GMC adds two new colors to the palette: Dark Slate Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic. SIERRA HD: The big news is the addition of the All Terrain X to GMC's heavy duty lineup. With an offroad-specific footprint provided by its 18-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear Duratrac tires, ground clearance is enhanced by the Z71 off-road suspension, and an Eaton automatic locking differential keeps you rolling. TERRAIN: While the 2018 Terrain awaits its showroom debut, the 2017 Terrain's new Nightfall edition darkens the Terrain vibe. The one new color for 2017 fails to hit a brighter note; it's Graphite Gray Metallic. YUKON/YUKON XL: Perhaps the ultimate Uber capsule, the big/bigger SUV enters 2017 with a host of refinements, including GM's Teen Driver feature, upgrades to rear seat entertainment, available low speed forward automatic braking, active aero shutters for improved efficiency and one new color: Dark Sapphire Blue Metallic. If you're looking to maximize your visual presence, consider the SLT Premium Edition, which ups the chrome content well beyond the commercial minimums.