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GM will put its new 2-Mode system into the GMC Yukon
As a college student, road trips to and from school are a multi-yearly occurrence. Music playlists and road food are a must, along with comfy sweatpants and, of course, gas money. And considering that all of my friends and I drive big trucks in order to fit everyone (and their over-stuffed bags) in, everyone ends up chipping in quite a bit for gas. However, there may be hope for our withering bank accounts in the distance. GM, along with Chrysler, BMW, and Mercedes Benz, have co-developed a 2-Mode hybrid system that GM has decided to start off in the GMC Yukon.
GMC dealers in Peoria say that this new system gives the Yukon a 25 percent improvement in its fuel consumption. The 2-Mode system basically lets the car run on electric power when it is stopped or at low speeds, instead of continuing to use more gas. Making it ideal for not spending a fortune on gas just trying to get out of the city on the way to school. And it also comes with two different mechanisms that let the driver read its fuel efficiency. A computer screen read-out shows where energy is being used, and there is also an analog gauge that helps the driver get better fuel-efficiency.
It also comes with Active Fuel Management. A Peoria GMC car dealer explained to me that the truck turns off half of the eight cylinders when you are driving at a constant speed for an extended period. This saves gas and saves money on gas. And then I explained to him that this car would revolutionize college road trips across America.
But even with all of the hybrid greatness of the 2-Mode Yukon, it has not lost any of its size. One of the biggest trucks on the road is now getting 22 mpg without losing any of its strength and power. This means it will still be able to get us to school after winter break when there are two feet of snow on the ground.
GM is also saying that they will be putting the 2-Mode system in some of their other cars coming up soon. In smaller cars, this system will help even more with fuel-efficiency and have more of an impact.
So the Yukon 2-Mode is what will save future college students’ trips from costing a fortune, which will be good news for gas-money-supplying parents and college students alike.
Starting with knowledge that the GMC Canyon I would be driving had a 5.3-liter V-8 under its hood, I figured I would be impressed. The Canyon I used to embark upon my full-day test from one of the GMC dealers in Peoria was the standard cab. I usually opt for the smaller size so I have a solid excuse for not toting along my curious friends, who pugnaciously claim to know more about trucks than I do. That’s the thing about truck-owning friends – they’ve all somehow hauled more loads in dicier situations and performed more intricate, ingenuous repairs than you.
My self-assessed remarkable friends aside, I prefer to go out alone when I can anyway. So it was, that that fateful day I embarked on a solitary journey in a 2009 GMC Canyon. A journey that would take me all about the land where I would see strange and mystical places, like Wal-Mart and I-74.
Soon after shoving off on my Peoria new truck test drive, my suspiciouns of great acceleration were confirmed. I timed my 0 – 60 mph run at 7.1 seconds, though I’ve read it can do under seven. That is thanks to the Canyon’s optional V-8, which is not something you’ll find on all mid-size and compact pickups on the market. I was driving the standard cab SLT with the V-8 that puts out 300 hp.
Continue reading ‘Peoria new truck test drive: 2009 GMC Canyon’
I’ve been around to all brands of Peoria car dealers and tested just about every hybrid vehicle known to the roadways. However, I find myself now on the final segment of hybrids, the SUV hybrid category. When I began my testing of big hybrids, I wasn’t expecting much, and the sad train of bulky hybrids I had been driving had me feeling about my next SUV hybrid test drive the way a nine-year-old boy feels about a two-hour piano lesson on a sunny afternoon. No, I didn’t kick and scream on my way to the GMC Peoria dealership, but there may have been a significant amount of indignant arm crossing.
Thankfully, I was put in a much better mood once inside GMC’s 4WD hybrid. First of all, the Yukon’s interior was amazing and packed with the type of luxury I’m used to seeing on much higher priced vehicles. Secondly, once I began driving, I realized this vehicle was designed to act like an SUV, not a like the slugs I have previously driven.
The Yukon Hybrid rates at 20 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. For a vehicle that is nearly 6,000 lbs., these are impressive figures. Think about this, though. Sometimes we get very caught up in what we think are the most major increases in miles per gallon. A more accurate representation for displaying improvement would be to look a car’s gallons per 100 miles. The regular Yukon, for instance, gets 16 miles per gallon, which translates to 6.25 gallons per 100 miles. The hybrid version, at 20 mpg, translates to 5.00 gallons per 100 miles. That means if you drive 15,000 miles in a year, you will consume 188 fewer gallons of gas for the year. Compare that to a vehicle like the Camry, which goes from 25 mpg in its regular version to 33 mpg in its hybrid offering. That seems like a better improvement in fuel efficiency than the Yukon’s to the naked eye. However the regular Camry uses 4.00 gallons per 100 miles, and the hybrid Camry uses 3.03 gallons per 100 miles. Assuming 15,000 again, a driver would save 145.5 gallons during the year by opting for the hybrid Camry over the regular version. So while some may think that SUV hybrids are not doing all they can, you cannot argue that their percentage decrease in fuel consumption is anything but significant.
And don’t look now, but gas prices are on the way up again. True that the savings the Yukon Hybrid offers when gas it $2 are minor, but when those prices ramp up, this SUV will be saving drivers more money while increasing its resale value. Another nice thing about the Yukon Hybrid, a $2,200 government credit is available that goes straight toward reducing the bottom line price of the vehicle.
Any Peoria drivers in the market for an SUV in the class of the Yukon, the GMC Yukon Peoria Hybrid will give you everything you’re looking for. It is a heavy duty, luxurious vehicle that loses very little in performance from its regular version and reduces fuel consumption. And if you are thinking along hybrid lines for your next SUV, this one is roofrack and fenders above the competition.
The GMC Acadia has really taken a hold on the crossover segment, and I aimed to find out just why. This time I didn’t have to visit a Peoria or Springfield GMC dealer to get my road time, though. My older brother owns a 2009 Acadia, so I drove his. This time I got his permission, unlike that time in high school. He thinks the Acadia the ultimate choice for a family, and according to him he is an even better car reviewer than I am.
Also according to my brother, I:
Sometimes my brother doesn’t make any sense.
Regardless, he is right about the Acadia being a really great family vehicle option. The 7-passenger Acadia manages to be a large vehicle while handling more like a car. I guess that’s the idea behind a crossover — owning a big SUV without feeling like you do.
My driving impressions were nothing but favorable, except for the rampant backseat driving of my brother, who was irreverently doing it from the front passenger seat. The Acadia is well-styled, and although it probably would not be my favorite look for an SUV, no SUVs can match its interior space and convenience. On the same note, no minivans can come close to the style of the Acadia.
As a 7-passenger vehicle that gets 24 mpg on the highway, the 2009 Acadia surprises customers as a very fuel-efficient vehicle for its size and capabilities.
The Acadia is offered in all-wheel-drive, something the people at Heritage Buick GMC say GMC Acadia Peoria customers have opted for due to frequent snowy conditions around here. Offering superior handling, the Acadia offers drivers more confidence during Peoria’s winter whiteouts.
Interior space and well-thought out seating are what make the Acadia particularly appealing. A third-row seat is standard, which allots room for seven people altogether. The third row’s a real third row, too, not a malicious device for determining how long one can cover their ears with their kneecaps. And behind the third row there is almost 20 cubic feet of additional storage space. Tailored for family hauling, the back is also equipped with a built-in DVD player, which begs a question–Which is better, listening to the shrill complaining of your own kids or the madcap adventures of an entire season of SpongeBob?
Three trim levels are available on the Acadia, and all are powered by a 3.6 liter V6 with Variable Valve Timing (VVT). The VVT feature enables turning either the front wheels only, or all four if necessary, through a six-speed automatic transmission. With the former, the EPA estimates the Acadia will return 16 city/24 highway mpg. The all-wheel-drive models return 16 / 22 mpg respective numbers.
Buyers looking for luxury will not be disappointed either. The Acadia with the SLT1 package includes power heated front seats, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and leather seating for the first two rows. Other optional add-ons are the rearview camera and parking sensors for backing assistance.
My brother purchased his Acadia at Springfield GMC dealer Heritage Buick GMC. He actually lives in Springfield, but came up to the Heritage Buick GMC dealer in Peoria to find the best deals. Something GMC Acadia Peoria customers know is that they got a great deal on a practical and fun crossover.
I’ll leave you with a short video that is a adequate run-down of the Acadia’s specs.
I’ve been a big fan of the 2009 Buick LaCrosse, but after seeing the 2010 model, it’s hard to even think about the 2009. The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a seriously stylish sedan. And you know I mean that because it takes something special for me to employ alliteration.
The 2010 LaCrosse, Buick’s modernized sedan, hit auto show floors and instantly created a major buzz. Car and Driver named the 2010 Buick LaCrosse one of the “10 Biggest Debuts of the 2009 Detroit Auto Show” and the sleek new LaCrosse did not go unnoticed at the Chicago Auto Show either.
Making a point to compare the 2010 LaCrosse to GM’s claim that they ‘wanted to make Buick the Lexus of America,’ Car and Driver issued high praise to the LaCrosse’s profile and noted, “Buick has managed to find the common ground between conservative and contemporary interior design and has done so with precious little of the old-lady idiom that has dominated previous Buicks.”
I would have to agree with the folks at Car and Driver (who am I to disagree?) that Buick found a great balance in the 2010 Buick, updating their typically retired-chic persona and creating a sedan that can deliver luxury in a hip package.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is expected to compete aggressively with cars like the Lexus ES350 and the Lincoln MKS, and the people at Heritage Buick dealers in Peoria could not be happier with Buick’s direction in creating a world-class luxury auto that can compete with any top-of-line sedan out there. It is clear that customers at the Peoria dealership appreciate Buick’s commitment to American-made stylish luxury, as well. The Buick LaCrosse is General Motors’ first North American car based on its second-generation Epsilon platform, shared only with the Opel Insignia, for now. GM’s new global mid-size platform is designed for maximum, family-size interior space with the best possible fuel economy.
I took a 2009 Peoria Buick LaCrosse out for a test drive last time I was at Heritage. Again, I really liked it. Honestly, I wanted to buy it, but it’s my wife’s turn for a new vehicle, so I’ll have to wait. Oh well, based on what Buick has done with the 2010 model, the 2013 Buick LaCrosse should be amazing. Oh but you can bet I’ll be driving a 2010 Peoria Buick LaCrosse as soon as it rolls into town.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse should arrive at Heritage Buick, the Peoria Buick car dealer and Springfield Buick car dealer, this summer.
You may be thinking, “Oh, no. Not another crossover.” And if you are thinking that, you’re right. The GMC Terrain is finally a vehicle that is not just another crossover. Combining a robust exterior design with exemplary fuel economy, the Terrain is really a revolutionary in its segment.
I like the exterior design of the Terrain. I think the most noticeable feature is the muscular fenders (as they call them in the video below). They’re different, but I’ve always regarded different design as a good thing as long as it fits with an overall plan. To me, these fenders do. Unlike a lot of other crossovers out there, this one is a hearty vehicle that leaves no impression of minivan. The grille is also an eye-drawing element, a very impressive combination of elegance and attitude–and as you’ll find out in the video below, science too.
The body was not merely designed for its looks, though. The video below explains the reasoning behind the Terrain’s body design and a lot of other features. And it shows a lot of nice views of the vehicle, which is good because, alas, it won’t be at the Peoria GMC car dealer for several months.
The Terrain does not drop the ball on its interior, adopting a cabin that features an attractive floating center stack, smart-looking gauges, and a lot of shiny accents that complete the ruggedly elegant ambiance. Storage was of primary importance to GMC with the interior design. Storage spaces are everywhere, and the center console is big enough for a laptop. Back seat space is made comfortable and adaptable, as the seats are able to slide eight inches forward or back. Then there is the red ambient lighting and red stitching all over to compliment it–giving the cabin a unique, warm feel.
The 2010 GMC Terrain with boast standard features including: a rearview camera, electronic stability control, OnStar, XM satellite radio, and dual front, side, and side-curtain air bags. The vehicle will also have a tow rating of up to 3500 lbs. A dual-screen DVD system is optional for the rear-seat, and the mobile internet system that recently became available on the 2009 Cadillac CTS will most likely come as on option on the Terrain as well. A power rear liftgate, an eight-speaker premium audio/navigation system with a seven-inch main display, a 40-gigabyte hard drive, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity round out some of the other options.
Peoria new truck shoppers will be able to choose from two available engines. The 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder engine should have a fuel economy of 30 mpg thanks partly to the vehicle’s button-activated ECO mode, which lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 RPM in a fuel-saving effort. The Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering also contributes to better fuel efficiency and is said to save about 11 miles per tank of gas. The other engine is a 3.0-liter direct injected V-6, which provides more horsepower, obviously.
I would consider this to be one of the more intriguing options in the crossover segment and can’t wait to see it when it gets to GMC dealers in Peoria. Combine its fuel economy with storage and style, the Terrain should be a very popular vehicle.
The 2010 GMC Terrain will arrive at your local Peoria GMC car dealer in late summer and is expected to be priced starting around $25K.
These are exciting times for the Heritage Buick dealers in Peoria Illinois! Buick ranked #1 in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study, knocking Lexus from the top spot for the first time in 14 years. And the people at Heritage Buick, as Peoria Illinois Buick dealers, knowing the quality of car they have been providing to the community all these years, are happy the Buick brand is finally being recognized with the honor of most dependable.
The Buick brand has been in the top 10 for the past decade and also has ranked highly in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey, which measures consumer impressions during the first three months of ownership. That’s a pretty nice combination, getting high marks in initial ownership and long-term dependability.
The dependability study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old vehicles, in this case the 2006 model year, and was reconfigured by J.D. Power this year to include 202 problem symptoms across all areas of a vehicle. Overall dependability was determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The LaCrosse brand was ranked most dependable among mid-size cars this year by J.D. Power and Associates.
This distinction is a very big deal for Buick, as consumers are now, more than ever, keeping cars longer and shopping for cars that they can trust to last many years. Pair the fact that J.D. Power rated the Buick LaCrosse the most dependable mid-size car with the LaCrosse’s design popularity, and you have to say Buick is doing a lot of things right. As a Peoria Buick LaCrosse dealer, Heritage Buick knows how much its customers have enjoyed the dependability of their LaCrosse sedans.
“In the current economic climate, consumers are delaying new-vehicle purchases and keeping their vehicles longer—the average age of a vehicle at trade-in has increased to 73 months in 2009 from 65 months in 2006,” said David Sargent, vice-president for automotive research at J.D. Power & Associates. “The challenge that the brands have is everybody’s getting better all the time so you have to get better faster than everyone else. It’s hard to turn these things around overnight.”
The difficulty in turning a reputation for dependability around overnight was not a concern for the always highly ranked Buick brand, but finally reaching the peak proved just as difficult. Looking at the quality of Buick’s newer models, I expect them to remain at the peak of dependability. And that should keep the salespeople at the Heritage Buick Peoria dealership dependably busy!
The Pearl Automotive Family: Heritage Buick GMC, Heritage Mazda, Peoria Toyota, and Lexus of Peoria, is proud to announce that for every new and certified pre-owned vehicle sold during the Peoria Auto Show and the month of April, a $25 donation will be made to the following charities:
Children’s Hospital of Illinois
Thomas E. Whitten Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
For more information, contact us right now or call: 877-255-2779!
