GM Cancels Buick Compact Crossover

Big changes are already underway at Buick as General Motors tries to position the brand more competitively in the market. Recent plans included a new compact crossover which was to have a hybrid version. However, those plans have been officially been canceled by GM.

The news of the Buick crossover’s demise was announced on the company’s blog at the end of August. The five-passenger crossover was just announced earlier in the month and GM even used a number of teaser photos to generate buzz. Unfortunately, the buzz was a bit negative says Louisiana Luxury Cars as the car wasn’t the right fit for the kind of luxury buyers that Buick intends to attract.

Some were excited about the news of the crossover as it included the aforementioned hybrid model. According to Central New Jersey Cadillac, the crossover was likely to be heavily based on the Saturn Vue, which has faced dismal sales recently. The technology will reportedly be made available to another vehicle.

GM made the decision following a media and general public gathering that included a review of upcoming vehicles. As the Buick received loads of negative feedback, customers among a used Chevy trucks Saginaw dealer say the automaker wisely decided to cut its losses before it entered production.

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It seems the New GM wants to stay, and it's prepared to listen to any auto industry feedback - even if it's less than desirable.

Cadillac SRX Enters Crowded Compact Crossover Segment

The upcoming 2010 Cadillac SRX will be Cadillac’s latest foray into the burgeoning premium compact crossover segment. With sleek styling and a powerful direct-injection V6, the new SRX should provide style and power without the heft and high consumption synonymous with the larger Escalade SUV.

Powering the 2010 Cadillac SRX will be a 3.0-liter V6 with direction injection technology that helps this crossover produce 265 horsepower. An available turbo-charged engine will increase power to 300 horsepower and 221 lb ft of torque. The standard SRX can move to 60 miles per hour in a mere 8.5 seconds and the turbo-charged variant can reach 60 mph in the mid-seven second range suggests Philadelphia Cadillac. The turbo should appeal to those that like a little more performance mixed with their crossover, and with little turbo lag, this model should also still maintain fairly competitive fuel economy for its class.

Competing against the 2010 Cadillac SRX are a range of crossovers that will likely give the SRX a run for its money, including the BMW X3, the Audio Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLK. Cadillac Hartford CT notes that when compared to the Turbo model, no other competitor can match the SRX’s power.

Other than turbo-induced power and standard all-wheel drive, both SRX models are essentially the same. The crossover also features Continuous Damping Control and a range of driver-selected settings similar to those found in the Audi Q5’s. According to Cadillac Pittsburgh this bit of technology helps the Cadillac SRX feel more like a well-tuned sports sedan than a timid luxury crossover.

It’s difficult to say whether the Cadillac SRX is truly a top performer in its burgeoning class. While it has better handling than a Volvo XC60 and more power than a BMW X3, the price puts the SRX near the top of the competition.

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Read more news on the latest compact premium crossovers as well as upcoming car reviews.

Direct-Injection Four-cylinder Available On 2010 Buick Lacrosse

The Buick Lacrosse is all-new for 2010 and it has already attracted plenty of attention simply based on its stunning design. General Motors will be working to change the Buick lineup and create an entry luxury brand that features style and technology. In addition to offering powerful V6 options, the all-new Buck Lacrosse will also feature an all-new 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder that will feature direct-injection.

Direct injection technology is being adopted by numerous automakers these days. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinders rather than the manifold, a Denver used Saturn dealer says that direction injection leads to greater power and efficiency. As a result, GM and others are moving fast to bring this technology to their entire lineup for improved fleet-wide efficiency.

The Ecotec engine that will be making its way into the Buick Lacrosse will produce about 182 horsepower and still achieve 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 30 miles per gallon on the highway. While this may not be too impressive at first glance, used Cadillac Pittsburgh dealers stress that the Buick Lacrosse is a full size sedan and at 20 miles per gallon in the city the Lacrosse will likely be one of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

Having a fuel efficient four-cylinder option will be unique in this segment. Buick is targeting the likes of the Lincoln MKZ and the Acura TL, and the Lacrosse will soon be the only vehicle in this particular class to offer a four-cylinder option and outstanding fuel economy according to Pittsburgh GMC Finance. GM is betting that this will be a substantial advantage over the Buick’s competitors.

Aside from the four-cylinder engine, the 2010 Buick Lacrosse can also be had with a 3.0-liter V6 and a 3.6-liter V6, both of which provide ample power that premium car buyers at Birmingham Auto Service will likely demand. With a fresh new look and a wide range of engine choices, the Buick Lacrosse may be able to appeal to a wide range of premium car shoppers.

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Get the latest new on new GM vehicles on this blog.

GM Pushes Forward With New Battery Technology Facility

General Motors continues to add to its eco-friendly credentials, even as the automaker undergoes bankruptcy restructuring. One of the ways GM is touting its commitment to technology and energy efficiency is by opening its Global Battery Systems Lab in Michigan to develop new batteries for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

The new lab will be aggressively developing battery technology for a range of vehicles. Specifically, GM’s new facility will be working on new technology for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt says Covington Auto Repair, which will be released for the 2011 model year. The battery facility will test a range of components including the single battery cells and other systems.

GM has realized that American consumers crave cleaner and more efficient vehicles suggests Levittown used car dealers. To better serve its customers, GM is pushing forward with concentrating on new technology. Ultimately, Boston used car loans specialists say GM is eagerly making the investment because executives realize it will truly make the company more competitive.

The new Global Battery Systems Lab is a 33,000 sq ft facility and will house nearly 1,000 engineers and counting. There are numerous testing channels that enable the facility to test batteries in a wide range of conditions and scenarios. The lab official opens this week and is the largest of its kind the States, according to General Motors.

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Understand the latest news at General Motors here.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Receives Green Light

Sacrifices have had to be made at General Motors as the market struggles to improve. Among the sacrifices was the delay of the upcoming convertible version of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro. Luckily for Camaro fans, the Chevrolet muscle car has gotten off to a great start at dealers, which means a convertible version is coming to showrooms after all, but not until March of 2011. Unfortunately, it still looks unlikely that a Z28 convertible will be in the works.

GM has been forced to undergo aggressive cost cutting efforts lately says Lawrence Used Car Loans. In addition, the industry as a whole is struggling, including suppliers like the one that will be providing the Chevy Convertible’s roof mechanism. Either way, GM and their suppliers have reached an accord and plan on pushing forward with this new Camaro model, which Peoria Chevrolet dealers expect will be as successful as the new coupe.

Production for the new Chevrolet Camaro Convertible has been scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. Originally, the Camaro Convertible was slated to enter production in the latter half of 2010. Rather that appearing only one year after the popular coupe, Orlando Car Loans is letting convertible fans know that they will have to wait another year.

The Camaro was also going to include a high-performance Z28 model as well. Unfortunately, many factors have been working against it. First, the development to the planned 550 horsepower variant would cost the embattled automaker tens of millions of dollars. Secondly, the latest CAFE standards have also placed tighter controls on automakers. Both factors will likely keep the Z28 Convertible from ever being produced.

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Find a full Chevrolet Camaro review here soon.

Quick Look at the 2009 Chevrolet HHR

Based on the Cobalt platform, the Chevrolet HHR is a hip, retro wagon that is looks somewhat similar to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Like the Cobalt, the Chevy HHR is compact, but offers significantly more interior space. Powering the Chevrolet HHR is a 2.2-liter 155 horsepower four cylinder engine. A larger 2.4-liter 172 horsepower engine is also available. Both engines choices are available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The HHR has been in the Chevrolet lineup since 2008. If fuel economy isn’t important, the HHR can also be had with a turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder that produces 260 horsepower and 260 lb ft of toque - a popular choice among Orlando Chevrolet dealers' customers. The SS version of the HHR can accelerate with ease, while the transmission choices remain the same as the non-turbo models.

For small businesses, the Chevrolet HHR Panel is also available. This model is the same as the standard HHR models, minus the rear doors and rear side windows. The HHR Panel serves as both a retro panel wagon from years ago, while also offering a unique yet utilitarian option for those who need a fuel efficient vehicle to haul cargo recommends Detroit Chevrolet dealers.

While Chevrolet claims that styling is akin to the Chevy Suburban of the 1950s, more consumers will find that it’s remarkably similar to the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Inside, the Chevy HHR may be a bit disappointing as it’s adorned with hard plastics that lack a quality feel. The Panel version is a little more reminiscent of old Chevys from the 50’s says Chicago Chevrolet dealers, but with the rear seats in place, the HHR Panel doesn’t deliver a significant increase in cargo volume compared with the non-Panel model.

For 2009, the Chevrolet HHR doesn’t receive any major updates. The base four-cylinder engines are now compatible with E85 ethanol fuel, and there is a slight difference in horsepower and mpg for the 2.2-liter engine. Additionally, Hartford Chevrolet dealers note that there are more standard features such as ABS and traction control, helping the HHR compete more aggressively with value-packed options from Japanese and Korean automakers.

There are ample options available for Chevrolet HHR buyers. This includes sunroof, chrome grille, roof spoiler, and a wide range of other unique features. With new safety features becoming standard, the Chevy HHR is also safer than before says Louisville Chevy, making it an attractive option as a family hauler.

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GM Faces Bankruptcy and Endless Bad News

While bankruptcy had helped the airlines in the past, the option may not be the right solution for General Motors, who continues to struggle amid plummeting auto sales. Bankruptcy would bring many problems to GM, including being faced by consumers that simply wouldn’t want to buy a car from a bankrupt company. Additionally, bankruptcy reorganization may restrict GM from raising the billions of dollars needed to keep the company afloat.

General Motors has been bleeding cash quarter after quarter. As a result, GM, along with Ford and Chrysler, has been pushing the federal government to provide billions of dollars in aid. But with growing concern among tax payers on how such money is spent, Oklahoma City GMC dealers realize that GM and Chrysler both need to do plenty of convincing before receiving more checks. That being said, analysts fear that if GM falls into bankruptcy, the cost may trickle down and affect the entire economy, while also resulting in job losses in the millions. This is exactly the fear of Connecticut Saturn which believes new vehicles coming down the pipeline at the automaker will be enough to turn things around. Meanwhile, critics of a bailout believe that bankruptcy will free the automaker from obligations that it simply can’t afford without taxpayer dollars being sacrificed.

Organizing such a large company will require a substantial amount of financing either way say Chevrolet Chicago dealers. Already GM’s plans to acquire Chrysler have failed in part due to a lack of financing available.  Meanwhile, GM continues to move inventory at dealers. GM’s financial arm, GMAC, also and made it more difficult for consumers to receive financing, resulting in dealers who are unable to finance customers who have credit scores below 700. To make matters worse, hundreds of car dealers are expected to go out of business by year’s end accord to NADA, placing more pressure on the automaker to stimulate sales or get a bailout from the government. Either way the picture doesn't look good according to one used car dealer Oklahoma City, but there is still hope if GM continues to receive air.

General Motors as well as other automakers are banking new models that highlight green technology, such as the plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt. While the Volt is getting plenty of hype, it’s uncertain whether a large volume of consumers will spend $40,000 on the car.

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Stay current with the auto industry bailout here.

More Infotainment Coming to Chrysler Vehicles

Chrysler vehicles will soon have the ability to become Internet hotspots. Beginning with 2009 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles, a new system called uconnect will be available to provide wireless Internet.

The new uconnect wireless Internet system will be a dealer-installed option that will work with the same system that cellular telephones work with. The system will be available only with a monthly fee, which has not yet been released by Chrysler.

For workaholics that long to use laptops in their vehicles will soon be able to turn their Chrysler vehicle into a mobile office. Hartford Chrysler dealers believe the system will help Chrysler compete with other automakers that are introducing exciting new infotainment system. One of the biggest contenders in this segment is the Sync featured on Ford models that was developed by Microsoft. This system has already become a popular feature among Los Angeles Ford dealers, and Chrysler dealers likewise are also eager to drive tech-savvy car buyers to showrooms.

Chrysler’s uconnect system will allow drivers to connect their cell phones and music devices to the system’s hardware, and control such devices straight from the vehicle’s steering wheel. St Louis Chrysler Jeep dealers say the system will also include voice recognition and also feature satellite radio compatibility. Pricing for the system will be available soon.

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More new car technology will be featured here shortly.

Opel Vehicles Could Soon Be Heading To Buick Dealerships

Big changes are obviously coming to the Big Three. Perhaps the biggest changes will soon affect a number of GM brands, especially Saturn and Buick, as the automaker struggles to streamline its marketing, production, and sales processes. What we may soon see is a shift of Saturn’s design language to that of Buick.

Saturn has recently stood out from the GM lineup as many of its vehicles have been based on GM’s German brand, Opel. Even the latest Saturn models, such as the Astra, are re-badged Opel models. While Opel has stellar Euro styling, which used cars Salt Lake City shoppers say is refreshing compared with many other vehicles under the GM umbrella, Saturn has been unable to generate a sales volume that it needs to ensure its survival.

GM already has plenty of changes on the horizon, which are eagerly awaited among New Orleans Chevrolet dealers. Saab and Hummer are likely to be sold off completely. Pontiac is expected to remain, but will be downsized into some sort of specialty car brand. Meanwhile, Saturn and its 400 dealers, including Saturn Boulder, are awaiting other solutions.

Recently, it seems that the “American Opel” will no longer be Saturn, and will instead become part of Buick’s design direction. As GM is pushing Opel’s brand more up market, it seems like an ideal fit for Buick which has also attempted to move up market with mixed results, says Used Cars Birmingham. It’s unlikely that Opel will be on par with the likes of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, but it will be able to be an entry-luxury brand.

Putting a Buick badge on Opel vehicles may seem unusual, but it’s nothing new for General Motors. In China, according to Pontiac Pittsburgh, where Buick is one of the best-selling brands available, the Buick lineup is already made up of Opel Corsas and Astras. Bringing re-badged Opel vehicles to the US as Buicks will further streamline operations, and as Opel strives to be an entry-level luxury brand in Europe, it makes more sense to have the voluptuous vehicles as Buicks rather than as Saturns. Regardless, Waterbury Pontiac and other dealers are expecting substantial changes in GM's lineup and in their overall design direction.

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