1985 Gmc 2500 4x4 383 Stroker Engine Manual Transmission on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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:

GMC unveiling 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL on January 14

UPDATE: We received a reply back from a representative at GMC confirming that the new Yukon will be revealed on January 14. The text has been updated to reflect this. General Motors is renewing its body-on-frame SUVs, and GMC's Yukon is next in line to receive a full makeover. It's scheduled to break cover on January 14 alongside the long-wheelbase Yukon XL. It's reasonable to assume we would have gotten our first glimpse at the next Yukon during the 2020 Detroit Auto Show had the event not moved to June. The new date is too close to the model's on-sale date, so GMC will unveil it during a standalone event held in Vail, Colorado, according to GM Authority. We reached out to GMC, and a representative confirmed that is indeed the reveal date for the full-size SUV. Spy shots suggest stylists took GMC's two biggest SUVs in a sharper, bolder direction. Both models share the same front end, which borrows styling cues like C-shaped headlights from the Sierra pickup. Brand-specific rear lights help the Yukon models stand out from their Chevrolet-badged siblings, the Tahoe and the Suburban, which hasn't always been the case. The standard Yukon and the Yukon XL will each grow in size, though there's no indication GMC's naming structure will change to reflect that; Yukon XXL admittedly doesn't have much of a ring to it. While we haven't seen the interior yet, we expect it's getting a generous serving of technology, including a new, touchscreen-based infotainment system. The larger exterior dimensions will clear up more space for people and gear, so average-sized adults will be able to fit in the third-row seats. The range-topping Denali variants of both models will return to satisfy those who crave sumptuousness. The sheet metal will hide much of the same hardware found under the Tahoe/Suburban duo, including an independent rear suspension added in the name of comfort and handling. Powertrain specifications should carry over, too, meaning the entry-level engine will be a 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The list of options will include a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower on tap, and we're betting the straight-six turbodiesel available on the Bowtie-badged SUVs will also be offered at an extra cost. Rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission will come standard, and buyers will be able to pay extra for four-wheel drive. The next GMC Yukon and Yukon XL will go on sale halfway through 2020 as 2021 models.

GMC Yukon spy shots show refresh with Acadia-style interior

GMC seems to be moving quickly to get its line-up's interiors all on the same page. These spy photos reveal that the GMC Yukon full-size SUV line will be getting an update that will refresh the exterior somewhat, and the interior much more significantly. The design of the interior is clearly derived that of the new Acadia. The center stack is dominated by one large vertical touchscreen, and sitting in the lower quarter of the screen is a floating multifunction knob. At the base of the screen are some chunky piano-key style buttons. They appear to be connected to some of the climate functions based on the screen's readout. On either side of the screen are vertical air vents, and we can just make out a bit of wood trim. Much of the rest of the dash is still hidden, but it's pretty clear this interior will look very close to that of the Acadia, as the screen and vent layout looks nearly identical. That means there should be an instrument cowl that extends just far enough to meet the center screen, and the rest of the dash should be fairly simple and unadorned. One other note, the steering wheel in this test vehicle has the lights and sensors for Super Cruise, so that will likely be offered, too. As for the exterior of the new Yukon, it won't be radically changed. While the Acadia and Terrain will be nearly all-new, the Yukon will just be a refresh with changes focused on the front and rear fascias. They're still very well covered in these spy shots, but expect some changes to grille shape and headlights to change somewhat. The example pictured appears to be an AT4 trim based on the shortened front bumper for improved approach angle. It also seems likely that the next AT4 will adopt the signature amber fender marker lights from the HD trucks, Canyon and now Acadia. Since this is a refresh, we wouldn't be surprised if we see the new Yukon shown sometime this year or early next. It will probably continue to offer the same range of engines and transmissions, including both gas V8s and the diesel inline-6. Related Video