Now with an eight speed box, the GMC Yukon and XK Denali is a more powerful, frugal option.

Updated model also includes wireless device charging, 4G connectivity

Thanks to the addition of an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission, the updated 2015 GMC Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models now lead several competitors in horsepower, torque and highway fuel economy ratings.

Both the Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali now pair their 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engines with a new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to be more fuel-efficient than the Denali’s previous six-speed automatic. EPA highway mileage estimates for two-wheel drive Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models increase to 22 mpg with the eight-speed automatic, while the EPA city mileage estimate for the four-wheel drive Yukon Denali model rises to 15 mpg.

Within its segment, the Yukon Denali continues to deliver unrivaled power and efficiency. Denali’s 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 delivers a segment-leading 420 hp and segment-leading 460 lb-ft of torque with highway fuel economy equal to or better than many 6- or 8-cylinder engines in competitive makes.

	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	EPA Highway Estimate
2015 GMC Yukon Denali	6.2L EcoTec3 V-8	420 hp @ 5,600 rpm	460 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm	2WD	22 mpg
				4WD	21 mpg
2015 Infiniti QX80	5.6L DOHC V-8	400 hp @ 5,800 rpm	413 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	2WD		20 mpg
				4WD		20 mpg
2015 Lincoln Navigator	3.5L twin-turbocharged V-6	380 hp @ 5,250 rpm	460 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm	2WD	22 mpg
				4WD	20 mpg
2015 Toyota Sequoia Platinum	5.7L DOHC V-8	381 hp @ 5,600 rpm	401 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm	2WD	17 mpg
				4WD	17 mpg

Compared to the Yukon Denali’s previous six-speed transmission, the new 8L90 transmission offers smaller steps between gears, allowing the engine to efficiently leverage its peak power bands. The wider gearing spread also allows the use of a lower 3.23:1 rear axle ratio, which reduces engine speeds and fuel consumption, especially during highway cruising.

Comfort and capability are not compromised for fuel economy. Not only is the 8L90 transmission capable of handling more torque than the six-speed transmission it replaces, but its shift controls and solenoids are more responsive and provide quicker shift times. A new torque converter also delivers smoother performance at low speeds, especially when carrying heavy loads or pulling trailers. Tow ratings – up to 8,400 pounds for the Yukon Denali and 8,100 pounds for the Yukon XL Denali – are unaffected by the addition of the eight-speed transmission.

The 2015 Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali continue to blend unique design elements with upscale amenities, including premium interior materials.  Convenience and connectivity improvements include:

• A new hands-free power liftgate, which can be opened and closed by simply passing a foot beneath the rear bumper
• A wireless charging surface for WPC (Qi) or PMA (Powermat) compatible mobile devices integrated into the design of the center console lid. A list of compatible devices is located at gmtotalconnect.com
• OnStar with 4G LTE, which provides in-car data connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices at one time
• An enhanced GMC Intellilink system, which provides incoming ‘Text Message Alerts’ when paired to a compatible Bluetooth phone

Owners of 2015 Yukon and Yukon XL models can receive a tutorial on these new features through a new Yukon-specific application for tablet devices, which supplements the owner’s manual. The new Yukon app will be available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.

The updated 2015 Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models are priced from $64,965 and $67,665 respectively, and are now available at dealers.

USA - 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition adds style to popular pick-up sector.

Unique packages offer enhanced style and value

The 2015 GMC Sierra already offers an unparalleled blend of style and strength, but the new 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition, which will be available at dealers this fall, adds distinctive style to the mix.

“The beauty of the new Sierra lies in its strength and sophistication,” said Stuart Pierce, Sierra marketing manager. “But for customers wanting to stand out and make a strong statement, the Sierra Carbon Edition models are the answer.”

Based on the 2015 Sierra 1500 pickup, the 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition is offered in three different versions, allowing customers to hand-select the truck best suited to their lifestyle.

The striking Sierra Carbon 22 Edition, offered on both Sierra SLE double- and crew cab models, adds distinctive graphics that echo its name. Two carbon fiber appearance graphics emphasize strong forms in the Sierra’s hood, while another graphic dresses up the tailgate panel. Additional exterior touches include a black painted grille, along with body-colored door handles and mirror caps. 

The Carbon 22 Edition also incorporates four-inch black tubular side assist steps and unique 22-inch black alloy wheels. Carbon 22 Edition models also include fog lamps, remote keyless start, Universal Home Remote, a 110-volt power outlet and dual-zone climate controls.

The Carbon 20 Edition, offered only as a Sierra SLE double cab, incorporates the same painted grille and carbon fiber appearance accents as the Carbon Edition, and rides on distinctive 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The standard Sierra Carbon Edition builds off the standard Sierra 1500 double cab model with many of the same cues used on the Carbon 22 and 20 Edition models. The Carbon Edition shares its black painted grille, carbon fiber graphics, and body-colored trim with other Carbon Edition variants, and also includes additional standard content including remote keyless entry, a 110-volt power outlet and light-emitting diode, or LED, cargo box lighting.

All 2015 Sierra Carbon Editions are available with two- or four-wheel drive. A 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 engine is standard equipment, and delivers 285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque, and EPA highway ratings up to 24 mpg. A 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is optional.

The 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition carries a suggested retail price of $33,075, while pricing for the Carbon 20 Edition and Carbon 22 Edition starts at $38,275 and $42,270, respectively. Dealers are accepting orders for double-cab 2015 Sierra Carbon Edition models. Crew cab models will be available to order in early October.

Vauxhall/Opel ADAM Rocks Geneva with new rugged model.

• Production-ready ADAM ROCKS debuts at the Geneva Motor Show
• Urban mini-crossover features rugged, outdoor looks and electric folding canvas roof
• First Vauxhall to get punchy new 115PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine

Rocking up to next month’s Geneva Motor Show is Vauxhall’s funky urban mini-crossover the ADAM ROCKS.

The latest edition to Vauxhall’s city chic ADAM range was previewed as a concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and after receiving a rapturous reception the production model is poised to make a show-stopping debut a year later.

Rocking rugged design

Compared with other members of the ADAM family, ROCKS is taller, wider and tougher in appearance, while also offering a full-length electric folding canvas roof.

ADAM ROCKS’ new crossover body style is supported by a chassis that is raised 15mm with a wider stance. Agile parkour athletes, who move from one place to another, negotiating urban obstacles in between, were the inspiration for this sporty crossover concept.

Parts of the chassis system have been modified or re-tuned – including dampers, springs, the rear suspension geometry, and steering. The higher, wider looks are matched by a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. These can be further personalised with new wheel clips in “Wild” design and different colours that are unique to ROCKS.

Protective, anthracite-coloured cladding is wrapped tightly around the ADAM ROCKS, giving it a tough, muscular look. The front trapezoidal grille, with a chrome central brand bar, is embedded in the cladding, while contrasting, satin chrome ‘boomerang’ elements frame the front fog lamps/indicator housings and the reversing/fog lamps at the rear. An integrated rear roof spoiler and LED daytime running lights also come as standard. Silver skid plates front and rear and a bold chrome exhaust complete the exterior design.

New exterior paint colours will be introduced with ADAM ROCKS, starting with the vibrant yellow Goldbusters.

ROCKS combines its rugged individuality with open air fun. The electric folding canvas roof is operated via a button located in the front area of the headliner and folds back neatly on to the C-pillars in just five seconds. Creating a wide opening into the sky, this stylish system has no negative impact on body stiffness or on the car’s functionality: the boot keeps the full opening of a hatchback and loading volume remains untouched.

The entire roof module is acoustically tuned for noise insulation inside the cabin, and the robust, three-layer fabric has a neoprene centre for weatherproofing and durability. The folding canvas roof is available in a choice of three exterior colours – Black, Sweet Coffee or Light Oak – that combine with the different roof colours of the ROCKS.

ROCKS’ cabin reverberates with its own distinctive character. Two new, exclusive ROCKS interior trims have been designed. They include a main instrument cluster, seat and door panel colours and other trim elements – all unique to Vauxhall’s urban chic newcomer. One trim is taken directly from the ADAM ROCKS concept car revealed last year: it has elegant-sporty Peanut-coloured fabric/Morrocana seats and door panels, leather steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake in the same colour, and a “Surf” décor trim. The other features a sophisticated Coffee Bean design – rich dark brown seats in a black cabin trimmed with bright blue stitching.

New 1.0-litre engine packs triple punch

ROCKS is the first model to feature Vauxhall’s all-new 1.0-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo three-cylinder engine. This high-tech pocket rocket raises the bar for three-cylinder engine refinement and packs up to 115PS, with impressive low-end torque of 166 Nm.

Contributing to the overall efficiency of the all-aluminium engine with a single scroll turbocharger include direct injection, variable valve timing, a switchable water pump and an integrated exhaust manifold. Fuel-saving Start/Stop technology is an integral part of the system and offered as standard. The new 1.0 ECOTEC comes with a choice of two power outputs, 90PS and 115PS.

Both versions of the new three-cylinder powerhouse are mated to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox with a compact package design. During its development, focus was on efficiency (thanks to reduced friction) and benchmark shifting: gear change is comfortable, precise and smooth.

The new engine tops a powertrain portfolio including ADAM’s three current four-cylinder naturally-aspirated units comprising a 1.2-litre engine with 70PS and a 1.4-litre available in two power outputs, 87PS and 100PS.

Like its ADAM siblings, ROCKS is one of the best connected small cars around thanks to its state-of-the-art Intelilink infotainment system. Priced from just £275, it allows seamless integration of Android as well as Apple iOS smartphone functionalities into the car. It provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, a seven-inch high-definition colour touch-screen and seven speakers. Clever apps including navigation BringGo, Stitcher and TuneIn can be downloaded.

The integration of Apple iOS devices into the system enables Siri Eyes Free voice control. This makes it possible for drivers to have incoming text messages read aloud and to dictate messages while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel.

“ADAM ROCKS combines the toughness of a crossover with the coolness of open air driving,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand. “It’s the perfect ADAM for active drivers wanting to stand out from the crowd.”

ADAM ROCKS pricing will be announced when it goes on sale in the summer. Production is due to start in Eisenach, Germany in August.

USA - Chevy announces new 2015 Tahoe Police Patrol vehicle

Chevrolet today announced a police patrol vehicle, or PPV, version of the all-new 2015 Tahoe. The Tahoe lineup will expand with the addition of an automatic 4WD pursuit vehicle to the existing 2WD pursuit and 4WD special service models. The new Tahoe PPV offers more power, greater efficiency and enhanced features developed for law enforcement.

The 2015 Tahoe PPV features an all-new interior, exterior and EcoTec3 powertrain, while offering the same basic dimensions, sturdy body-on-frame architecture and versatility that made it the best-selling Chevrolet police vehicle for the last several years.

The carryover dimensions allow a seamless transfer of law enforcement equipment used in current Tahoe PPVs. The Tahoe will remain the largest police vehicle on the market designed with driver comfort in mind. It has additional space in the rear seat, which provides more leg room and easier access to individuals and equipment in the back seat.

“The Tahoe PPV’s versatility and low lifecycle cost have made it a leader among police agencies,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, Fleet and Commercial Sales. “The enhancements to the 2015 model have further refined an already great vehicle to give police officers the performance, speed and safety they need to help keep their communities safe.”

The Tahoe PPV is used today by state and local municipalities and federal government officials for patrol, first response, tactical, HAZMAT, Border Patrol and K9.

More power and greater efficiency

The Tahoe PPV’s standard EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 features state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

With the EcoTec3 powertrain, the 2015 Tahoe PPV offers more power, 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque and improved acceleration.

The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with a unique police-service calibration that supports pursuit performance.

Designed for law enforcement use

The 2015 Tahoe PPV was developed to deliver a more controlled ride with improved steering and braking responsiveness compared to previous models. A strong, fully boxed, perimeter frame supports payload and trailering capability that body-frame-integral SUVs can’t match. With the addition of electric power steering, the Tahoe has precisely tuned responsiveness needed in pursuit situations. The increased payload allows law enforcement to carry all equipment that they may need for any job.

Still the only body-on-frame full-size SUV designed for the rigors of police work, the Tahoe offers full-pursuit capability. The addition of more high-strength steel, increased body stiffness, suspension improvements and a wider track for increased stability helps the 2015 Tahoe PPV offers improved ride and handling designed for pursuit.

The Tahoe has a standard 730-CCA Auxiliary Battery, which allows officers to power their equipment, including radios, video cameras and laptops, when the vehicle is not running, avoiding drain on the primary vehicle battery. The vehicle also has a 110V power outlet and USB input.

Key components remain that contribute to the Tahoe PPV’s consistent performance at police vehicle testing:

• V-rated, P265/60R17 Goodyear RSA tires, mounted on 17-inch steel wheels
• Heavy-duty four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, tuned for police driving
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control
• A fully integrated electrical system makes it easier to upfit police-specific equipment

Safe and comfortable

The redesigned interior gives officers 360 degrees of safety with new standard features, including rear park assist, backup camera and optional adjustable pedals, which personalize the vehicle to each driver. An optional Driver Alert Package includes lane departure warning, forward collision alert and Chevrolet’s Safety Alert seat.

Increased use of high-strength steel contributes to a safer, quieter ride. New inlaid doors help make it the quietest Tahoe and Tahoe PPV ever. The quiet environment decreases unnecessary distractions, allows police officers to remain focused on the road and can help reduce fatigue after long shifts.

OnStar, the leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology, is now standard on the Tahoe PPV, OnStar provides automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle slowdown and recovery. The vehicle also comes standard with Bluetooth, which allows officers to stay connected safely and talk hands-free while on the road.

The security of the Tahoe PPV has enhanced security features, including new door locks, side-milled keys and a steering column lock.

The new Tahoe will be built at GM’s Arlington, Texas assembly plant. The 2WD pursuit and 4WD special service models will be available for order in the first quarter and the 4WD pursuit vehicle in the second quarter of 2014.