2013 Buick Encore Expected to Attract Young Buyers, Empty Nesters
Birmingham — General Motors Co.’s all-new 2013 Buick Encore —
which the automaker expects will win young professionals and
empty-nesters as customers — has begun shipping to U.S. dealers.
The company began shipments of the luxury small crossover last week
to about 2,200 U.S. Buick dealers, who sold eight in the first weekend.
The vehicle is built only in South Korea and inventory is expected to be
tight, Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC marketing said
during an event Tuesday.
“We would expect this vehicle to turn very quickly on dealer lots,” he said.
U.S. Buick dealers have asked for six times the supply of Encores than the company had anticipated.
“The dealer enthusiasm is very, very strong,” DiSalle said.
The Encore, powered by a 1.4-liter turbo engine, starts at $24,950
and has a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated fuel economy
rating of 25 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway. The small vehicle
with plenty of storage space that can carry an eight-foot ladder, comes
standard with 10 air bags and a rear vision camera.
The smaller crossover, which GM expects may compete with the
Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW X1, Nissan Juke and Mini Countryman, gives the
Buick brand five vehicles in its portfolio.
The brand is expected to roll out refreshed LaCrosse and Regal sedans in the next 12 months.
Buick officials would not comment on anticipated sales for the U.S.
and DiSalle would not comment when asked if the company is considering
building the Encore in the U.S.
Buick’s U.S. sales of 180,408 in 2012 were up 1.6 percent over 2011
totals. The company sold 41,042 of its new Buick Verano sedans, but
sales of the Enclave SUV, LaCrosse and Regal were down compared to 2011.
But Buick said its retail sales — or those to individual customers — were up 6 percent in 2012, the highest level in six years.
DiSalle expects the Encore will help GM and Buick win customers from
other automakers. The overall Buick brand’s conquest rate — or those who
turn in a non-GM brand when buying a Buick — has risen from 28 percent
in 2007 to more than 43 percent in 2012,and continues to climb, he said.
“I think the Encore is going to drive down the average age of Buick,”
said Lloyd Biermann, marketing manager for the Buick Encore.
Source: [Detroit News]
2013 Acadia Comes Armed for an Army of Elbows
Hundreds of engineering hours lead to comfort and flexibility
DETROIT – The designers of the 2013 GMC Acadia crossover SUV had a lot of things to account for in developing a comfy
interior – including as many as 16 pointy, sensitive elbow bones that
would be part of a fully loaded eight-passenger vehicle.
General Motors global human factors engineer Joan Hertely and her
team spent hundreds of hours creating resting places that considered
angles, dimensions and the right materials to achieve maximum comfort.
“The process begins with benchmarking,” said Hertely, who has 12
years of armrest engineering experience. “We look at what works, what
doesn’t, and start compiling criteria for width, length, angle, height,
adjustment options, comfort, reach and overall design. And those factors
consider door handles, cupholders and switch locations.”
Not all armrests can be treated equally, so a crossover that seats up
to eight takes months of planning. The driver’s armrest needs to
accommodate more controls. The front center armrest needs to both slide
and open for storage, and must be level with armrests on the front
doors. The four rear outboard armrests are designed with cupholders,
which need to be positioned to avoid spills. Optional second-row
captain’s chairs have armrests that move with the seatbacks and can be
adjusted up and down, requiring additional design criteria.
“Once a layout is in place after having been evaluated and optimized
over a hundred hours in a stationary buck, further testing continues out
on the road,” said Hertely. “We took countless drives with Acadias,
paying close attention to how each armrest feels on both elbows and
forearms, because people rest their arms differently. And the cupholder
integration was new, so we had to ensure a level of comfort with the
holders in use.”
More new car shoppers are discovering Acadia’s purposeful
engineering. October sales for Acadia were the best for that month since
2007, the model’s first year on the market. And through the first 10
months of 2012, Acadia is on track for its best sales year ever.
“I never thought I would drive anything but a BMW or a
Mercedes-Benz,” said Illona Olayan, an Acadia owner from Jacksonville,
Florida. “But I drove an Acadia and was amazed by the great quality and
craftsmanship. I’d recommend one to any family. It’s fun, functional and
good looking.”
According to auto shopping site Edmunds.com, Acadia “offers a winning
combination of comfort, features, cargo space and performance in a
utility-style package.” The 2012 Acadia won Edmunds’ “Best Retained
Value” award for SUVs between $35,000 and $45,000, as well as a 2012 ALG
Residual Value Award in the full-size utility segment.
Source: [GM Media]
Buick Takes Blogger Design from ‘Pinboard to Dashboard
Interior designer and blogger Michael Wurm Jr. creates design concept for Encore
DETROIT – An interior designer and blogger who owns a bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania was chosen this week by lifestyle editors of major publications to have his Buick Encore “Pinboard to Dashboard” design showcased during the 2013 New York Auto Show.
Michael Wurm Jr., whose site, Inspired by Charm, has nearly 4 million followers on Pinterest, was selected by Buick with nine other influential design, fashion and food bloggers to create pinboards in the first-of-its-kind design program launched in October.
“It’s a blogger’s dream come true. From start to finish, I was checking out what the other participants were doing and I thought everyone had a strong design,” said Wurm. “I had no idea whose design would be selected because you really got to see everyone’s style and I was in love with all of them. I have a totally different perspective of Buick now.”
One of the fastest-growing social media platforms, Pinterest invites users to organize favorite products, designs, and other items on digital “pinboards.”
The goal for the creators was to showcase how the Buick Encore luxury small crossover spoke to their personal style and life passions.
Wurm’s ideas were initially selected as one of the top five most-creative Pinterest inspiration boards based on the response the pinboards generated online and input from the Buick team. Those five boards were then translated into a digital, fashion-inspired Buick Encore Look Book to showcase each blogger’s unique artistic vision for his or her Encore.
A majority of the more than 20 lifestyle editors who voted from publications and outlets such as Lucky, Oprah, Woman’s World, Essence, Uptown, Good Housekeeping, TheHuffington Post and She Knows selected Wurm’s design.
Seventy-one percent of Pinterest’s nearly 25 million users are under the age of 45 and 50 percent are 25-44, an important market for the all-new Encore. To date, the “Pinboard to Dashboard” program has generated more than 17 million unique visitors, followers or users across Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogs.
“Knowing the Encore’s target audience spends a great deal of time online, and on Pinterest, we created a social strategy to reach them where they ‘live’,” said Lloyd Biermann, Buick Crossovers marketing manager. “Pinterest and this program help visually explain and reveal the beauty of the Encore from a third-party perspective. We were impressed by the level of creativity and inspiration these bloggers created with their pinboards.”
According to a recent Bizrate Insights study, 70 percent of Pinterest users say they use the site to get shopping inspiration, and 43 percent say they use it to associate with brands/retailers.
Wurm’s site shares his best furniture finds, home decorating tips, craft projects and delectable recipes.
The Buick Encore “Pinboard to Dashboard” program also featured these bloggers:
- Aly Walansky of A Little Aly-tude
- Katie Rodgers of Paper Fashion
- Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins
- Julie Deily of The Little Kitchen
- Shannon Ables of The Simply Luxurious Life
- Julie Thigpen of Belle Maison 23
- Jeanne Chan of Shop Sweet Things
- Susie Anderson of We Are Not Martha
- Maia McDonald of Conundrum
The 2013 Buick Encore five-passenger luxury small crossover is designed and engineered for driver confidence and versatility. Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine, it has an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway fuel economy, with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It features purposeful, intuitive and personalized technologies and connectivity including Intellilink and QuietTuning with Buick’s first use of Bose Active Noise Cancellation.
Source: [GM Media]
2014 Sierra Brings Bold Refinement to Full-size Trucks
DETROIT – The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is the most powerful, most advanced and most refined truck in the brand’s 110-year history. Sierra’s bold new exterior houses one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available next-generation IntelliLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners.
“Our engineers and designers left nothing on the table when developing this latest Sierra pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. “These trucks have all the power and capability that’s expected in today’s market, excellent fuel efficiency, plus a lot of unexpected, purposeful features developed with truck owners in mind.”
In addition to all-new design and technology, the 2014 Sierra boasts the longest list of standard features ever for a full-size GMC pickup. From connectivity solutions, to a standard tie-down system in the rear, to the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, many premium features are found on each and every all-new Sierra.
New EcoTec3 engines
Sierra’s engine portfolio is updated for 2014 with the goal of increased in power, torque and fuel efficiency across the board. There will be a 4.3L V-6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8 offered, all from a shared EcoTec3 engine family. Each engine features standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, which means they seamlessly switch to run on four cylinders during light-load driving to save fuel.
The increased power and efficiency of the new engines are the result of more than 10 million hours of sophisticated computer modeling, more than half of which were used to make the best of the combustion process.
The new 4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 engine will offer improved torque and towing capacity for the six in 10 truck owners who tow.
“Rather than adapting a V-6 intended for use in passenger cars, we built a new engine from the ground up based on the unique demands of a truck,” said Jordan Lee, powertrain chief engineer. “Sierra’s 4.3L shares its basic design architecture with the latest iterations of the V-8 engines that GMC owners have trusted for generations.”
Today’s Sierra offers the best V-8 fuel economy in the industry and the new 5.3L EcoTec3 engine features significant updates intended to make it even more efficient. The available 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 is engineered to provide outstanding capability.
SAE-certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Sierra are not yet available, but are expected to be finalized early next year.
With the new engine designs and additional developments, customers should expect Sierra’s second-generation Active Fuel Management to be more seamless and capable of operating longer in four-cylinder mode.
All three engines use lightweight aluminum blocks and heads and are mated with durable six-speed automatic transmissions. A “cruise grade braking” feature down-shifts the transmission on downgrades, which is intended to reduce brake wear. V-8 models use new, larger 9.5- and 9.76-inch rear axles with the strength to accommodate the engines’ higher output. Final power and torque ratings will be announced later.
Duralife brake rotors and electric power steering
Strong brakes are important for stopping trucks, whether they’re full of people, payload or both. The 2014 Sierra features four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife brake rotors, which feature a hardened and strengthened surface to reduce corrosion. Duralife rotors – a GM-exclusive technology – are expected to last twice as long as conventional rotors and provide quieter braking with less vibration.
The 2014 Sierra also uses electric power steering. An electric motor in place of an engine-driven hydraulic pump saves fuel and allows for tuning that’s expected to result in a more consistent, crisp steering feel and plenty of assist for parking maneuvers.
The new standard in truck interiors
Premium materials, attention to detail and purposeful technology define Sierra’s all-new cabin. New soft-touch materials and available aluminum trim line an interior that’s focused on usable and productive space.
“Truck owners want a well-crafted cabin, but also one that still feels like a truck,” said Helen Emsley, Sierra interior design director. “They want a purposeful interior, not one that’s flowing like you’d find in a car or crossover.”
Sierra has an upright instrument panel designed for visibility and accessibility. Knobs and buttons are large, legible and within reach. All knobs are coated using a rubber-over-mold technology, so they’re easy to grip even through gloves.
A new instrument cluster on all models features six gauges with an available centrally located, 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center with vehicle status information, a trip computer, and other information, like radio and navigation.
A second, high-mounted glove box with a flat floor joins the traditional box below. Each of Sierra’s doors has storage crafted to hold most beverage containers and other personal items. Along the center stack and center console are additional cupholders, discreet compartments large enough for most laptop computers, and connectivity options. Sierra is available with a 110-volt outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and an SD card slot.
“Sierra sets a new standard for what’s expected of a pickup truck interior,” said DiSalle. “Our customers told us how they use their trucks and we listened. The combination of comfort, safety, space and technology is unprecedented in the segment.”
Available IntelliLink connectivity uses an available high-definition, fully reconfigurable eight-inch color touchscreen with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read icons that control audio features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone features, and available navigation with all-new map displays. Many of the system’s features can be controlled by voice command, allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Sierra’s seats use dual-density foam designed to stay comfortable over long hours and continue to look great after years of use. Leather and cloth will be offered, and Sierra’s new high-wear cloth is designed to last longer and resist staining. A spilled drink will bead on the fabric, not soak in. Heated seats are available with cloth seats and standard with leather.
New door and bed configurations
For the first time on Extended Cab models, the 2014 Sierra has new front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, providing improved access in tight parking spaces. Unlike trucks with rear-hinged doors, Sierra’s layout allows rear passengers to enter and exit the vehicle with the front doors remaining closed.
Crew Cab customers, who represent more than 60 percent of retail Sierra customers, can choose between two bed lengths; in addition to the current 5-foot, 8-inch box, a new 6-foot, 6-inch box is available. Regular cabs continue to be available with the 6-foot, 6-inch or 8-foot box lengths, while the extended cab will come exclusively with a 6-foot, 6-inch box.
Cargo box innovations
Sierra’s rear bumper features standard corner steps that make climbing into the bed easy, regardless of whether the tailgate is up or down. The steps are paired with grips formed into the top of each bed side. Four movable upper tie downs are also standard. They can be placed in nine different locations and can bear a 500-pound (227 kg) load. Available LED cargo lights integrated beneath the bed rails will illuminate the bed when a tonneau cover is in place. The available EZ Lift and Lower tailgate uses an integrated torsion bar and damper to ease lifting and lowering.
Driver Alert Technology
A suite of active safety features will be optional for the 2014 Sierra, including Forward Collision Alert, which uses a forward-facing camera to notify the driver of an imminent collision, and Lane Departure Warning, which uses the same camera to track the truck’s position in relation to a road’s lane markers.
The camera technology was recently named a “Top Ten Tech Breakthrough of 2012” byPopular Mechanics.
Paired with Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning is GMC’s first-ever Driver Alert Seat, which generates vibrating pulse patterns on the left and/or right side of the lower seat cushion bolster to alert the driver of potential dangers, such as an un-signaled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly. According to GM research, the seat’s vibrations may direct driver attention to the location of a potential collision more quickly and accurately than audible alerts. Drivers have the option of selecting either audible or vibrating alerts.
Quieter, stronger, more aerodynamic
Quietness doesn’t only come from factors within the cabin. The 2014 Sierra features new aerodynamic measures that benefit fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. Updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, triple-sealed inlaid doors, as well as roof and tailgate design features all help air flow smoothly quietly over the Sierra. Additional sealing around the grille, headlights and space between the cab and box are also designed to lower drag for the new trucks, along with new aerodynamic spats located in front of the rear wheels.
Updates to Sierra’s body and chassis are designed to improve ride and handling, comfort and capability. The fully boxed frame uses high-strength steel and hydroforming to provide more strength and rigidity with less weight. New cab structures incorporate high-strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels, while ultra-high-strength steel segments of the rocker panels provide added protection for shallow offset crashes.
Sierra’s hood is aluminum, saving approximately 17 pounds versus a comparable steel hood. At the rear, a roll-formed box is stronger, lighter and more durable than a traditional stamped steel box.
Sierra uses aluminum for some suspension components for additional rigidity and weight saving, and new lightweight wheels are paired with low-rolling-resistance tires in most applications. The tires, along with new shear-style and redesigned hydraulic cab mounts, are designed to help reduce noise and vibration in the cabin.
“Pickups aren’t just a tool for GMC owners – they’re part of their everyday lives, and Sierra needs to be as useful on the way to the movies as it is on the way to a job site,” said DiSalle. “The most important thing about the engineering behind this new truck is that it benefits owners in so many different ways.”
Attention to detail
GMC designers approached the exterior of the 2014 Sierra with respect for its predecessors, evolving its familiar shape while adding distinctive details like standard projector headlamps, available LED signature accent lighting and detailed new grilles. All Sierra models have chrome grille surrounds and premium black wheel arch moldings. Different trim levels feature chrome belt moldings, mirror caps and door handles, as well as unique wheel designs and grille details.
Other new features include available front Park Assist, in addition to the rear Park Assist already available, and a sliding rear window with a defroster.
Distinctive All-Terrain model
Sierra All-Terrain has all-new styling for 2014. It includes a unique exterior appearance with a painted grille and less chrome, and is available as an extended cab or crew cab in a limited number of colors.
Standard equipment for Sierra All-Terrain includes the Z71 off-road suspension with monotube Rancho shocks, hill descent control, front recovery hooks, a transfer case shield and unique wheels and tires, along with an automatic locking rear differential that reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.
Sierra All Terrain is available exclusively with an ebony interior and with front bucket seats on SLE models. A carbon fiber-look seat accent is standard on SLT models.
Source: [GM Media]
New Cars for 2013: Buick
Charting the changes for the 2013.
Enclave: A minor redesign brings body-color rocker panels and front and rear fascias, as well as a new hood, fenders, grille, lighting elements, and wheels. Inside, there’s a new instrument panel and a center airbag that deploys between front-row occupants [see Tech Tidbit below]. IntelliLink infotainment is now standard on all Buicks.
Encore (shown above): New for 2013, the Encore shares its tiny platform—not quite seven inches longer than a Honda Fit—with the Chevrolet Sonic. It also shares the Sonic’s 1.4-liter turbo four rated at 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Attempting engagement with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, the Encore will offer front- and all-wheel drive. Buick estimates that, in either configuration, the Encore will exceed 30 mpg on the highway.
Regal: The eAssist hybrid system is now the standard powertrain. It pairs a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four with a 15-hp electric motor/generator and brings with it underbody aero tweaks and active grille shutters. The EPA estimates fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 highway for the combo. A 220-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter remains an option, and the GS retains its 270-hp version of that engine.
Verano: The Verano Turbo joins the lineup with a 2.0-liter four making 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both the automatic and the optional manual transmissions have six ratios. Other turbo equipment includes dual exhaust outlets and a rear spoiler.
Minor trim changes: LaCrosse.
Source: [Car and Driver]
Trio of New EcoTec3 Engines Powers Silverado and Sierra
- Advanced combustion system increases power and efficiency
- Seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation under light loads
- Rugged hardware engineered to help keep operating costs down
- New 4.3L V-6 with ample torque for towing and hauling, even in a crew cab
DETROIT – The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 will deliver more power, more torque and improved fuel efficiency, thanks in part to a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines designed specifically for the needs of full-size truck customers.
The new engine family includes a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8.
EcoTec3 engines feature three state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing – to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.
“We believe these are the most technologically advanced engines ever offered in light-duty pickups, and they are 100 percent truck – specifically designed for the way customers use trucks in the real world,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager.
“They have all the power and torque needed to confidently handle the tough jobs, and they seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to increase efficiency during light-load driving.
“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our EcoTec3 engines, for every one of our customers,” said Lee. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”
Although they share only a handful of parts with previous Chevrolet and GMC engines, the new EcoTec3 engines build on experience gained from millions of trucks and billions of real-world customer miles, while incorporating the latest in advanced materials and combustion systems.
“The combination of straightforward mechanical systems, the latest in materials, and an advanced combustion system enable us to improve power and efficiency, while also reducing noise and vibration,” said Lee. “We think truck customers will find our new engines to be the right tools for the toughest jobs, while helping hold down ownership costs over the long run.”
A family of three all-new engines
The EcoTec3 lineup for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500 includes a 4.3L V-6 and 5.3L and 6.2L V-8s, all matched with proven, efficient six-speed transmissions in the United States and Canada.
- The new 4.3L V-6 will offer budget-conscious customers a state-of-the art truck engine, with ample torque to power a crew cab and tow a trailer.
- The new 5.3L V-8 is engineered for more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy than the current 5.3L V-8.
- The new 6.2L V-8 is expected to be the most capable engine offered in any light-duty pickup truck.
SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Silverado and Sierra will be available beginning early next year.
Advance combustion system drives greater power, efficiency
At the heart of the new EcoTec3 engine family is an advanced combustion system that maximizes the potential of the direct fuel injection system, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and other technologies.
Development of this advanced combustion system involved extensive design and engineering by GM’s global powertrain organization. More than 100 iterations of the combustion systems were evaluated through computer modeling before a final design was selected for each engine variant. The overall engine design involved more than 10 million hours of computational CPU time, with the combustion process alone accounting for more than 6 million of those CPU hours.
“Owning a truck doesn’t mean settling for second-best technology,” said Lee. “Our new EcoTec3 engines harness some of the most advanced powertrain technologies in the world to meet the specialized demands of truck owners.”
For example, truck engines often need to provide maximum power under heavy load for long periods of time, such as towing a trailer up a mountain grade or slogging through mud at a job site. A rugged, large displacement engine is well suited to reliably providing this power and torque, year in and year out.
“For the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500s, these larger displacement EcoTec3 engines can now instantly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency when less power is required. It gives customers the best of both worlds – a rugged truck engine when they need it, with improved efficiency in light-load driving,” said Lee.
The ability to more precisely control combustion also enables the new engines to run with a higher compression ratio – 11.0:1 for the versions with regular fuel recommended. This higher compression is one of the best ways to simultaneously increases both power and efficiency.
This increased efficiency can now be maintained over a broader range of operating conditions. For example, when towing a trailer on a hot summer day, Silverado and Sierra’s advanced combustion system can reduce the need to trim back spark advance to control detonation, helping maintain both performance and real-world fuel efficiency, even when the going gets really tough.
Emissions are also reduced, particularly during cold starts, when hydrocarbon emissions are cut by about 25 percent.
Direct injection for precise fuel metering
New EcoTec3 engines use direct fuel injection, which precisely meters fuel directly into the cylinders, to optimize combustion over a broad range of conditions.
The engines also feature a new cylinder-head design and a new, sculpted piston to optimize the mixing of air and fuel in the engine and the burning of the mixture to create power.
The heads features smaller combustion chambers shaped to complement the unique topography of the piston heads. The smaller chamber size and sculpted pistons produce a compression ratio of 11.0:1 or higher, depending on the engine, while the heads features large, rectangular intake ports with a slight twist to enhance mixture motion.
To further enhance combustion, the intake and exhaust valve positions have been switched from previous versions, and the valves are now slightly canted toward the cylinder centerline. Also, the spark plug angle has been revised and the electrode is now closer to the center of the chamber to support optimal combustion.
The pistons feature unique sculpted topography that was optimized via extensive computer analysis to precisely direct the fuel spray for better mixing and more complete combustion. The contours of the piston heads are machined after casting to ensure dimensional accuracy – essential for precise control of mixture motion and the compression ratio.
Deactivating cylinders to enhance fuel economy
Cylinder deactivation, also known as Active Fuel Management, is now standard on all three engines for the Silverado and Sierra 1500.
The new trucks make the most out of cylinder deactivation, with improved engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics, low-rolling resistance tires, and other technologies that help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time, further increasing efficiency.
“GM pioneered cylinder deactivation technology, and we consider it a great technology for improving the efficiency of full-size trucks,” said Lee.
The system uses oil pressure, controlled by the powertrain control module, to deactivate the lifters on selected cylinders, closing the valves for those cylinders. It deactivates four of the cylinders on the V-8 engines and two cylinders on the V-6 under light load conditions – operating the engines as a V-4 – and seamlessly reactivates the cylinders when the driver demands greater power. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually imperceptible.
“This is another great example of using a relatively simple mechanical system and powerful software to provide a real benefit to our customers,” said Lee.
2014 Silverado and Sierra EcoTec3 engines features and highlights
Proven truck engine designs: Although the EcoTec3 engines for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra are all new – sharing just a handful of small parts with previous engines – they build on a foundation of more than 100 million Small Block engines and billions of real-world customer miles.
Engines based on the Small Block architecture are typically smaller and lighter than competitive engines with overhead camshafts, and typically have lower friction. Although package size is usually not a concern with full-size pickups, lighter weight and lower friction can both contribute to improved efficiency.
Weight-saving aluminum engine blocks: For 2014, all three engines for the Silverado and Sierra use lightweight aluminum blocks with cast-in iron cylinder liners. The blocks were developed with math-based tools and data acquired in GM’s racing programs, providing a light, rigid foundation for a smooth and strong engine.
The deep-skirt block design helps maximize strength and minimize vibration. Cross-bolted main bearing caps are secured to the block with four main bolts and two cross bolts each. A structural aluminum oil pan further stiffens the bottom of the block. The result is an engine that is quieter, smoother and more dependable, even under the toughest conditions.
Advanced oiling system: The oiling system incorporates a new variable-displacement oil pump that enables more efficient oil delivery, based the engine’s operating conditions. Its dual-pressure control enables operation at a very efficient oil pressure at lower rpm, and then delivers higher pressure at higher engine speeds to provide a more robust lubrication.
Oil capacity has been increased to six quarts for the 4.3L V-6 and eight quarts for the V-8 engines. All engines use GM’s Dexos oil for increased fuel efficiency and longer oil life, and V-8s are engineered to use 0W/20 oil to improve lubrication and reduce friction.
All trucks also feature GM’s oil life monitor, which better protects engines by recommending oil changes based on actual engine operating conditions and can save owners’ money by avoiding unnecessary oil changes.
Oil-jet piston cooling: At higher engine speeds, small jets spray oil on the underside of each piston. This helps reduce piston temperature, enabling the engine to maintain maximum horsepower and torque, and also reduces engine noise.
PCV-integrated rocker covers: New domed rocker covers house a patent-pending integrated positive crankcase ventilation system that enhances oil life, reduces oil consumption and reduces exhaust emissions. The domed sections of the covers contain baffles that separate oil and air from the crankcase gases, with about three times the oil/air separation capability of previous engines.
Exhaust manifolds: The exhaust manifolds were developed to improve durability and sealing and reduce operating noise. The cast iron manifolds feature saw cuts along their cylinder head mounting flange, which split the flange into three separate sections on the V-6 and four separate sections on the V-8s, allowing each section to move under extreme hot-cold temperature fluctuations to virtually eliminate movement of the exhaust manifold gaskets. That helps ensure proper sealing for the life of the engine and reduces the chance of gasket failure. The exhaust manifolds also feature triple-layer stainless steel heat shields, which limit heat transfer to the engine bay and help further reduce noise.
Cooling system, humidity sensor and more: Additional features and technologies of new Silverado and Sierra engines include:
- A revised cooling system with an offset water pump and thermostat for more efficient performance
- An air induction humidity sensor ensures optimal combustion efficiency, regardless of the surrounding air’s humidity
- All engines feature an engine-driven mechanical vacuum pump to enhance braking performance
- 58X ignition system with individual ignition coil modules and iridium-tip spark plugs
- All-new “E92” engine controller.
General Motors’ investment in the new EcoTec3 engine family will create or retain more than 1,600 jobs in five North American plants, including Tonawanda, New York, which recently received upgrades to support its production.
Source: [GM Media]
2013 Verano Continues Buick Five-Star Safety Streak
Compact luxury sedan achieves highest possible ratings in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests
DETROIT – The Buick Verano compact luxury sedan recently received a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Earlier this year, Verano was named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Since the beginning of the 2012 model year, every Buick passenger car tested has received these highest possible ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.
“New car customers leaving a Buick dealership can drive away knowing they are in a vehicle with superior crash protection,” said Gay Kent, GM General Director of Vehicle Safety. “The brand’s long-running record of five-star overall vehicle scores and Top Safety Picks is a testament to our commitment to exceptional vehicle crash performance.”
In achieving the 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the Verano was tested under NHTSA’s revised New Car Assessment Program. The overall score is based on frontal and side crash tests in addition to evaluation for rollover resistance. Under the rating system, performances in three test segments are combined mathematically into an “Overall Vehicle Score.”
The Verano has 10 standard air bags and the security of OnStar, a combination unmatched by any competitor. In the event of a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy standard head curtain air bags prior to impact and leave them inflated for a longer period to provide additional protection.
Verano’s advanced body structure is comprised of more than 60 percent high-strength steel that provides a protective safety cage around occupants. Other safety measures include standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, panic brake override, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and a collapsible pedal system that reduces the risk of leg injury.
Every 2013 Verano comes with a standard Rear Vision Camera that displays a view from the car’s rear bumper whenever the transmission is in reverse. Verano is available with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that may help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.
Source: [GM Media]
