It is a clear indication of GM intentions to sell the ute in the US as a Chevrolet El Camino. GM powerbroker Bob Lutz makes no secret of the fact he’d like to see the car in the US market, but Gubbey isn’t so forthcoming. “It’s definitely not a done deal. We have prototypes over there. They are reviewing the vehicle. Holden is now the centre for rear-wheel-drive for General Motors. We’re looking at any opportunity we can to export any product we come out with,” he says.

Gubbey says the car has received a positive reception from GM officials, but says a deal hasn’t been worked out. “The guys who have seen it in the US are really excited about the design. They just have to balance whether that fits the demographics and segmentation of their own markets,” Gubbey says. Holden design director Tony Stolfo says it is now a requirement, given the local car market and global climate, that the company share resources.

Stolfo also says he has drafted a concept for an El Camino version of the ute, but Gubbey insists the US arm has not had a hand in the ute’s styling. “You can’t design and build a car specifically for Australia. You have to find a dance partner,” Stolfo says. But though the export deal seems only a matter of time, getting a diesel engine in Holden’s Ute is far less likely. Gubbey confirms the company is investigating a diesel engine, but says a diesel ute won’t fit the market demand.

“We’re looking at all the alternative types of propulsion. But again, you have to look at the car’s size and type, and the type of customer who’s looking for the car. “You’re more liable to see some of the alternatives coming in the smaller variants. This is a weekday workhorse and a weekend warrior, a practical car during the week and a sportscar at the weekend. “The aspirational buyer who wants to buy a ute has a pretty fixed idea what he wants to see under the bonnet.” Holden engineering executive director Tony Hyde is more blunt in his diesel views: “We’d love to have one. We’re waiting to see what happens with the VM Motori deal. I don’t mind venting my frustration. We are definitely interested.”

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The new Hummer H3 Alpha will be equipped with a V-8 engine, increased by one-third towing capacity and will have unique exterior and interior features. The vehicle now sports a 5.3-liter V8 engine delivering a maximum of 295 hp and 317 lb-ft (438 Nm) of torque, which is enough for towing a 6,000 pounds boat without putting to much strain on drivetrain. Highway cruising will also be effortless, since the new Hummer H3 Alpha is really agile, taking only eight seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.

The engine is mated to Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with flat-towing enabled. To make the engine more stable on sloppy surfaces, GM’s engineers have provided it with a special oil pan that ensures constant oil pressure.

The new Hummer H3 Alpha is able to pass 24-inch streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch vertical steps and rocks and feels pretty much at home while driving through rough terrain thanks to its 9.1-inch ground clearance and maximum brakeover angle of 25 degrees (when fit with 33-inch tires) maximum approach angle of 39 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees.

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GM says the new Yukon Hybrid will boost fuel economy by 25 percent over the standard V-8 Yukon, though it shares the same V-8 engine. With the hybrid adaptation and GM’s version of cylinder-deactivation technology, the Yukon Hybrid keeps the performance of the standard SUV while boosting fuel economy, GM promises.

The hybrid will also be capable of towing 6000 pounds. The hybrid technology featured in the vehicle is a version of the system being jointly developed by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, and the BMW Group. it operates in two modes, one for low city speeds and light driving loads, with the possibility of either battery power alone powering the vehicle, engine power only, or a combination of the two.

At highway speeds, another mode is engaged that uses smaller electric motors for more efficient operation. The Yukon Hybrid goes on sale at the end of 2007.

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The Acadia comes standard with three rows of seats in a 2+2+3 arrangement, though a second-row bench can be ordered in place of the standard captain’s chairs, upping head count to eight. Getting into the third row is said to be eased greatly by the one-handed “Smart Slide” second-row seat feature as well as one huge-ass rear door. GMC says that three adults will fit in the back comfortably, a claim we will judge for ourselves when we get a chance to drive it closer to its launch date.

The unibody ute will eventually replace the Envoy in the GMC lineup, reflecting the public’s newfound appetite for SUVs that drive more like cars instead of body-on-frame truck-based deals. It also reflects a surprisingly timely response on the part of GM to an emerging trend, in contrast to its usual late-to-the-game product introduction.

The Acadia will be powered by GM’s stellar DOHC 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. The wide gear spread of the Acadia’s six-speed automatic delivers respectable fuel economy numbers of 18/26 for FWD models and 17/24 for AWD models.

Furthermore, max towing capacity is decent for a unibody ute at 4500 pounds.
Standard on all Acadias are stability control with rollover mitigation, six airbags, OnStar with one-year of voice-activated navigation service, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch wheels. Options include rear-seat entertainment, ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, remote vehicle starting system, large power-operated tilt-and-slide sunroof with rear skylight, a DVD-based navigation system, and, our favorite, a head-up instrument display just like the Corvette. No word on pricing of the options, but we expect a loaded Acadia to top out around $40K.

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But GMC may have trouble keeping itself secret after the launch of its all-new 2007 Sierra full-size pickups. Not only will these trucks be more aerodynamic and fuel efficient, offering better than 20 miles per gallon on the highway, but there will be an all-new Sierra Denali version that could become a breakthrough in the lux-truck category.

In addition to being packed with all sorts of luxury interior accoutrements, the GMC Sierra Denali will be powered exclusively by a 6.2-liter V8 engine with variable valve timing that will not only hit the 400-horsepower mark but will offer 417 pound-feet of torque. It’ll come with a new six-speed automatic and a choice of two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Denali will be the top of a lineup that includes WT, SLE and SLT versions. Buyers will be able to select between two different interiors: “pure” pickup and “luxury-inspired.” Three cab styles, three bed lengths, five suspension packages and eight powertrain combinations are available. The all-new 2007 GMC Sierra is expected to go on sale October 2006.

Visually, the Sierra will be differentiated from the Chevy Silverado. The new Sierra borrows GMC Yukon styling cues, with stacked, rectangular headlamps, a full chrome bumper and a subtle power dome hood. The Sierra was designed both for visual appeal and for improved aerodynamics, which help boost fuel economy. The windshield is raked to 59 degrees and the doors wrap over the rocker panels. GMC says improved aerodynamics and the use of active fuel management allows its 5.3-liter V8 engine to achieve more than 20 mpg on the highway.

GMC says the new Sierra, when properly equipped, will tow more than five tons, and can carry as much as 2100 pounds. Speaking of cargo, a cargo-management system with various rails and tracks for securing cargo will be available. Extended cab trucks will have rear access doors that will open to 170 degrees and will have rear windows that power down.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control will be included as standard equipment on crew cab models and will be available on extended cab models. Another safety feature, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, are on an options list that includes rear park assist, an automatic locking rear axle, remote vehicle starting, DVD/entertainment system, and touch-screen navigation.

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In addition, GM is said to be working on a smaller rear-drive platform that fits between Kappa and Zeta. The genesis behind this new platform is a concept car, called the Torana TT36, designed and developed in Australia by Holden.

Developed under the codename XP54, scale clay models of the car were shown to GM product czar Bob Lutz, design chief Ed Wellburn, and North American engineering VP Jim Queen in February 2004. Holden boss Denny Mooney pushed the idea of what Holden sources call a “unique lower dominant structure” designed to “expand the GM parts bin.”

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The company repeatedly describes the Terraza as a “truck,” and replaces the apparently gauche “minivan” label for both Terraza and Relay with the curious, less-known moniker of “mid-van.”

Hopefully not, even if these photos of GM’s new vans show the company’s efforts to import more styling cues from trucks and sport utilities into its minivans. Patrons of the Los Angeles auto show, which will begin later this month, will greet the minivans as they make their first public appearances.

The Terraza will extend Buick’s new identity, in which upscale trucks are playing more of a role in the brand’s fortunes. Buick’s Rendezvous sport utility turns in a fat profit margin for GM, and the new Buick Rainier sport utility vehicle offers a fancier alternative to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. GM expects the Terraza to make money because it will “attract the attention of affluent married couples with children.”

The Terraza, like the Saturn Relay, will use a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which in this application will provide 200 horsepower and 220 lbs.-ft. of torque. Stability control is an option, but more importantly, both vans offer optional four-wheel-drive something that is available on upscale competitors like the Town & Country from DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler division and Toyota Sienna, but absent from otherwise-excellent minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest.

While the Terraza will try to woo a more affluent clientele with things like leather seats and a steering wheel of wood and leather, the Relay minivan requires a different strategy due to Saturn’s more value-conscious nature.

Their two vans are siblings, but Saturn is hungrier for new products than Buick. Without the Relay, Saturn’s hopes might cling to the Ion coupe and sedan, and the Vue sport utility; the Detroit Free Press reported in November that Saturn is planning to kill its slow-selling L300 sedan and wagon, but GM officials declined to verify the report.

As the first seven-seat Saturn vehicle, the Relay could open a new sort of customer base to Saturn by offering more passenger and cargo utility. The road, however, will be difficult; according to GM, import brands command 40% of the market among first-time minivan buyers (about half of minivan buyers have never bought one before).

While General Motors, like the other American automakers, is a cost-driven brand, it has watched from a distance as Toyota has methodically, year after year, reduced and reduced the amount of waste at its factories and dealerships. GM is working hard to make itself more efficient, and the new minivans are designed to conserve materials.

In a statement about the Relay, Saturn says that new, longer-lasting brake linings in the vehicle “reduce servicing” and will “save the disposal of tens of thousands of brake parts yearly for every model year of production.” The electrical architecture of the vehicle “requires approximately 350 feet less wiring per vehicle and will save tens of thousands of pounds yearly in disposal.”

The wiring of Saturn’s cars is in some ways more sophisticated than that of the average American vehicle. Saturn’s dealers, for example, need to have easy access to their vehicles’ guts so that, in keeping with their mission as industry leaders in service, they can diagnose problems quickly and easily.

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The 2007 GMC Yukon is completely redesigned with new exterior styling, sharper driving feel, more power, improved fuel economy, increased interior refinement and improved interior quietness.

The 2007 Yukon receives a new, fully-boxed frame, wider front and rear tracks, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a new, premium interior. Noise-reducing components and materials are used throughout the body structure, including the headliner, door seals and dash area.

Features include power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat, remote start system, first- and second-row heated seats, ultrasonic rear parking assist, rearview camera system, touch-screen navigation system, power-articulating running boards and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a larger 8-inch screen.

The redesigned Yukon has better handling, braking, ride, and interior materials than its predecessor. Four-wheel-drive models have a selectable full-time system that can remain engaged indefinitely. Electronic stability control is standard. A rear view camera is available with the optional navigation system.

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“It’s part of a strategy to address global warming,” Attorney General Bill Lockyer told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “The goal of this one is to hold these automobile manufacturers accountable for the monies taxpayers are spending to address these harms.”

The lawsuit is the latest effort from California aimed at addressing problems related to global warming and the greenhouse gases believed responsible. Last month, the state Legislature passed a landmark bill designed to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases from industries. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the measure into law by the end of the month. Two years ago, the state enacted similar requirements for auto emissions, prompting carmakers to file suit in federal court.

Lockyer’s action also comes 48 days before the November election, prompting questions about his motives. Lockyer is termed out of office this year and is running for state treasurer.

“This is the silly season of elections in the fall, and obviously he thinks this will gain him a few marginal votes,” said Sean McAlinden, an economist with the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich. “I don’t think it means anything more than it says. It’s California politics.”

Lockyer, a Democrat, said the complaint has nothing to do with election-year politics. His Republican opponent, state Board of Equalization member Claude Parrish, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Oakland, names Chrysler Motors Corp., General Motors, Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor North America, Honda North America and Nissan North America.

The automakers responded to Lockyer’s lawsuit by issuing a statement saying they already are building cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers did not respond to the substance of Lockyer’s lawsuit, saying manufacturers would need time to review the complaint.

Lockyer is suing on the theory that greenhouse gases are a “public nuisance” under both California and federal law, an argument similar to one being pursued in a case before the 2nd U.S. District Court of Appeals in New York. Connecticut and seven other states, including California, have sued five power companies in an effort to get them to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Connecticut lawsuit was dismissed by a district judge who said it attempted to address political questions. In a brief filed in support of the utility companies, the automakers alliance argued that such a suit “opens the door to lawsuits targeting any activity that uses fossil fuel for energy.”

Lockyer often joins multistate lawsuits, but he said he did know whether other states or environmental groups planned to enlist in his latest effort against auto manufacturers. His lawsuit is the first that seeks monetary damages from the auto industry for greenhouse gas emissions.

“Industries that release the pollution that is causing global warming have to expect there are going to be more suits of this kind until and unless we have effective national legislation to curb global warming,” said David Doniger, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, D.C.

The environmental group has joined California in defending its auto emission regulations in a separate lawsuit filed by automakers. That court case relates to rules adopted in 2004 by the state Air Resources Board. They were designed to cut polluting exhaust from cars and light trucks by 25 percent and from sport utility vehicles by 18 percent.

The auto industry challenged the state’s ability to set such regulations shortly after the rules took effect. In that case, automakers argue that California is acting outside its jurisdiction because the only way they can meet the more stringent emission standards is to raise fuel efficiency. Setting fuel-efficiency standards is the exclusive responsibility of the federal government. The state has countered that automakers can meet the tougher tailpipe standards with better technology.

California is attempting to cut the amount of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020. As part of its strategy, auto emissions from cars and light trucks would account for about a third of the reductions.

The emissions from industries that are targeted by the bill Schwarzenegger is expected to sign next week also are a key part of the state’s overall strategy. The Republican governor struck that landmark deal with Democratic leaders in August during the waning days of the legislative session and after weeks of intense negotiations.

Lockyer said he intentionally waited until the Legislature passed that bill before filing his lawsuit against the automakers because he didn’t want to jeopardize its chances.

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The new price goes into effect immediately, and consumers still get the first three months of service included, with subsequent months costing $12.95 per month.

HUMMER won’t be participating in the price cut, according to GM, but offering up XM is something of a lucrative activity for the General, apparently the automaker gets a cut of subscription fees, as well as some extra cash each time its OnStar employees handle XM-related service calls.

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