Auto Events

Detroit, MI – GMC unveiled the all-new 2019 Sierra Denali and SLT to a host of media in Detroit. The separate unveiling of the Sierra after the North American International Autoshow in Detroit was no coincidence, as it was a move to differentiate the top-selling GMC product from its Chevrolet Silverado sibling.

The two top-level Sierra trims – the Denali and SLT – represent the premium expression of where the GMC brand aspires to. Two industry-firsts: a six-function tailgate and carbon fiber bed are the clearest examples of that premium shift. The new MultiPro tailgate is standard on both trim levels and can make life easier for truck owners with six unique functions and positions to help with second-tier loading, load-stop solutions, and it even acts as a standing workstation. The carbon fiber box, labelled the CarbonPro, will be an available option on an increased seven-inch wider frame from than the outgoing model. The carbon fiber box is a big step up in durability for GMC, while possessing best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance.

Unique exterior designs further help in separating the Sierra from the Silverado. Most of them can be found on its front fascia with a distinct chrome grille, a fresh GMC stamp in the centre, and LED touches for its headlights, fog lamps and taillights. Its LED C-shaped headlights that wrap around its fenders are a work of art featuring an attractive “light blade” that sets a premium mood.

Even though the new Sierra sits higher and has a larger wheelbase, GMC has managed to shed 163 kg from its outgoing model thanks to additional high-strength steel and aluminum. The aluminum won't be used in the box, but is used where needed, in its doors, hood and tailgate. The available CarbonPro box will drop even more weight as its 28 kg lighter than the steel version used throughout the rest of the product line.

The Denali trim continues to impress on the inside with natural pebbled leather, open-pore wood and a dark-finish aluminum decor. Occupants enjoying those refined treatments will also be impressed by best-in-class front head- and legroom thanks to an expansion of three-inches of rear seat legroom. Rear seat storage compartments that can store a laptop or tie-downs, as in the new Silverado, can be found by flipping open its rear seats.

Powering the Sierra for now (more are expected to be added) are three engine offerings: a 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre V8, and an all-new 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel. Performance numbers are to follow as well, but we can report that the 6.2-litre V8 and the diesel will be matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 5.3-litre receives an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Even though the V8s appear as carryovers, they've been improved with the use of start/stop technology and a Dynamic Fuel Management system. The latter is the same used in the Silverado that can deactivate all but one cylinder for better performance and fuel economy.

Another note of interest is in technology. The 2019 Sierra will feature a class-first head-up display, as well as rear camera mirror, a ProGrade trailering system that performs light tests and a pre-departure checklist, and hitch guidance to assist when positioning the hitch.

The 2019 GMC Sierra will go on sale in the fall of 2018 with more engine news, towing and payload capacities, and pricing to come at a later date.

Late last week was a big day for Chevrolet Camaro fans, General Motors and the city of St. Catharines. At the GM Powertrain facility in St. Catharines in front of the many visiting and involved in the 17th annual St. Catharines Show & Shine event, the sixth-generation 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS was revealed for the first time on Canadian soil.

It might not be such a big reveal to those who followed its American reveal in Belle Isle over two months ago, but it truly meant something to the hundreds of Camaro owners in attendance. A reveal is nothing new for us auto journalists, but it's a rarity to do one in front of many of your loyal customers. The owners and visitors in attendance flocked to the svelte and shining red Camaro SS, taking turns to sit inside its leather-filled interior, take a grip of its flat-bottomed steering wheel, and take a glance at the the LT1 6.2-litre V8 engine that produces 455 hp and 455 lb.-ft. of torque.

The reveal of the Camaro wasn't the only thing Carlisle was excited to talk about. Earlier that day, General Motors Canada announced a $13-million investment in the St. Catharines Powertrain facility that mostly focuses on V6 and V8 engines, as well as transmissions. The LT1 V8, the most-powerful ever made for the Camaro will soon begin production at the St. Catharines facility.

“We’re proud that GM Canada continues to play an important role in the sixth-generation of the Chevy Camaro, with the LT1 V-8 small-block engine being built right here at St. Catharines Powertrain,” said Steve Carlisle, president and managing director, General Motors of Canada.

The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will have three engine options including the Ecotec 2.0-litre turbo, a 3.6-litre V6, and the aforementioned 6.2-litre V8. According to General Motors Canada, the 2.0-litre is expected to be the most fuel-efficient engine in a Camaro with a highway rating of 7.8L/100 km. A city or combined rating was not provided.

Away from fuel efficiency, what's impressive is that the base engine can achieve a 0-96 km/h sprint in under six seconds. Regardless of which engine is chosen, consumers will get a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.