GM Recalling More than 26,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and Trucks

General Motors is expanding a previous recall concerning a faulty rear-axle cross pin to include another 26,751 SUVs and trucks from the 2011 model year. The first recall was issued in late December and concerned approximately 1,260 Cadillac Escalades, Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500s, and GMC Sierra 1500s, all from the 2011MY.

The updated recall now covers certain 2011MY Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; and GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles.

The Detroit automaker said the rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.

"Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning," said GM in a statement on NHTSA's website.

As expected, GM's dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge, with the safety recall to begin before the end of the month

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Buick, GMC may turn to loaner vehicles to help sell cars

Looking to get some scheduled service work done on your GMC or Buick? If so, you may want to hold off for a couple weeks. Bloomberg is reporting that General Motors is considering instituting a vehicle loaner program for customers who bring in their vehicle for warranty work. The loaner program would no doubt help elevate the overall dealer service experience, but The General is hoping that the move would drive new vehicle sales as well.

Buick GMC boss Brian Sweeney reportedly told Bloomberg that the service could start “in a couple of weeks.” The hope is that service customers who own older Buick or GMC models could borrow, for example, a Buick LaCrosse and notice how much the brand’s new vehicles have evolved and improved. The program could also help dealers who may, in some cases, be struggling to sell more upmarket vehicles than they’re accustomed to. Mark Bowsher, co-chairman of the Buick-GMC dealer council, points out that many of the dealers he represents are former Pontiac dealers, adding “now have to learn how to handle the Lexus, Ritz-Carlton, Cadillac, Mercedes kind of crowd.”

While Buick isn’t yet close to reaching Lexus, Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz status, the marque’s sales have increased faster than any other brand in the industry in 2010. Add the fact that the cheapest new Buick on the market is the 2011 Regal at $26,995, and the Enclave crossover can top out at over $50,000, and dealers had better be prepared to sell premium products at a premium price.

The 2010 GMC Terrain

2010 GMC Terrain is another excellent compact crossover SUV from the house of General Motors. The Chevy Equinox and Terrain share several auto parts and even the basic architectural design, though Equinox looks more like a redesigned Terrain.
Looking at the salient features of the latest generation Terrain models, you'll discover that General Motors has incorporated several unique things in the new Terrain such as the 2 pulse techniques with a direct infuse engine injection that helps the engine in starting up faster in cold weather too.
The 2010 Terrain will be marketed in four trims viz SLT-1, SLT-2 as well as SLE-1, and SLE-2. The SLE-1 and 2 will be the base trims offering the standard features, while the SLT trims will offer heated front seats, leather upholstery, and other advanced features.
In 2010 GMC Terrain, fuel economy is going to be yet another extraordinary aspect. A 4-cylinder model with front-wheel drive has bagged EPA calculation of 22mpg on city and 32 mpg on highways, making an overall average of 26 mpg altogether; this is stupendous for an SUV of its kind. The 3L V6 also achieves 20+ mpg, along with plentiful power punch to tackle the hilly tracks. The latest generation V6 powered GMC Terrain comes with a towing capacity of 3500 pounds.
What's more, the new Terrain isn't going to be a costly affair despite all its goodness, and will stand forth in the race of the most affordable compact crossover SUVs as well. So, keep an eye on its release this year, and how it really performs when it hits the roads worldwide.

GMC Yukon Hybrid Review 2010

MSRP: From $ 51,185

Powertrains and Performance
The 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid is available with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Both models utilize a 6.0-liter V8 engine coupled to a pair of 60-kilowatt electric motors located inside what GM calls an electrically variable transmission. Together, they produce 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. The system can accelerate the Yukon up to speeds of approximately 25 mph using electricity only, while the V8's cylinder-deactivation system helps reduce fuel consumption at higher speeds. Regenerative braking replenishes the batteries by capturing energy normally lost when you come to a stop.

Fuel economy ratings stand at 21 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive Yukon Hybrids, with 4WD versions earning identical numbers except combined, which is just 1 mpg less. Maximum towing capacity for a properly equipped 4WD model is 6,000 pounds.


Driving Impressions
It's not a stretch to say that driving the 2010 GMC Yukon Hybrid feels like being behind the wheel of a 5,600-pound Prius. There's the same eerie quiet when accelerating and braking, as the gas engine shuts off to let the electric motors do their thing. Although it's a tad strange, the result is a quiet cabin, while transitions between gas and electric modes, and eight- and four-cylinder mode, are either undetectable or easy to ignore.

Although the Hybrid is the most powerful Yukon available, it's also the heaviest, so don't expect particularly brisk acceleration. Also, the transmission isn't what we'd call responsive; there can be a notable delay when you ask for full power. Handling is about what you'd expect -- safe but ponderous. Most crossovers are notably more carlike from behind the wheel. The Yukon's cabin remains fairly quiet at speed, though, and the ride is relatively smooth for a truck-based SUV.