Monday, October 26, 2020
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
The Upcoming Hummer EV SUT and SUV: Get Ready for a Lot of “Firsts”
Technically, it would be correct to say that the Hummer brand is being resurrected before our very eyes. But that statement may not do justice to the highly-anticipated pair of EV vehicles set to hit the market in the 2022 and ‘23 model years, respectively.
Yes, that’s right. The new Hummers, which will carry the GMC nameplate, will be all-electric vehicles. In a market where several manufacturers are throwing around concepts and reveals for electric trucks, General Motors has been advertising the emergence of the Hummer EV SUT and SUV since January 2020.
Relatively little is known about the Hummer EVs as far as specs and features go, but we do have some media and images released by GM to speculate what the vehicles will offer. So, if you’re interested in trading in the gas-guzzling for something more efficient and even more powerful than its predecessor, read on to learn what we do know about the 2022 GMC Hummer EV SUT and SUV models!
Just How Powerful Will They Be?
The Hummer EVs will supposedly come available with one, two, or three electric motors. More than likely, this means that the single-motor model will be rear-wheel-drive, while the two- and three-motor models will each get their own all-wheel-drive setup.
GM has claimed that the new Hummer EVs will be able to reach 60 mph in three seconds. That’s simply absurd for a pickup truck or SUV. Also, GM says that top-of-the-line Hummer EVs will produce 1,000 horses and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Again—absurd. Moreover, we can expect that the towing capacity will be somewhere between 7,500 and 11,000 pounds in order to compete with the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T and R1S.
How Long Will They Hold a Charge?
The Hummer EVs will be built on GM’s BT1 platform, which is an EV variant of the T1 platform that underpins all of GM’s full-size trucks and SUVs. Most likely, drivers will enjoy a range of 400 miles on a charge, thanks to an 800-volt architecture. Expect the Hummer EVs to charge quickly and come with several battery options.
What Will the Cabins Look Like?
The interior of the Hummer EV SUT and SUV is perhaps the aspect we know least about. However, we do know that the battery pack will be mounted underneath a flat floorboard of each model, which suggests that the cabins will offer generous headroom, legroom, and cargo space. Also, expect there to be versatile cubby storage like in the Silverado, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, and Yukon.
As far as cab configurations go, we know that the Hummer EV SUT will come in a four-door crew cab, and we don’t expect regular- or extended-cab to be an option. And since the Hummer EV SUV will be sharing a platform with the SUT, chances are quite good that it will provide a large backseat and a third row. Furthermore, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and an all-digital instrument cluster are a few of the many likely luxuries in both models.
What Kind of Tech Will They Have?
It’s safe to say that technology will abound in the Hummer EV SUT and SUV. After all, we’re talking about an all-electric “supertruck”—as GMC has branded it—and an SUV that is poised to be groundbreaking in its own right.
Our guess is that a touchscreen of around 15 inches will control a wide range of infotainment features. If other GMC trucks and SUVs are anything to go by, the Hummer EVs will come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, with an OnStar telematics system optional. Likely upgrades include a state-of-the-art Bose audio system, wireless charging, and an infotainment system in the rear seat.
The Hummer EVs will also feature the new “Crab Mode,” which allows the vehicles to move sideways, and they will surely come with a suite of safety techs such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blindspot monitoring. And expect them to offer the option of GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system.
When Can We Get One?
With a reveal date originally set for May 20, 2020, it was pushed to Oct. 20, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. GM has stated that production for the 2022 GMC Hummer EV SUT will begin in summer 2021 at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Michigan. Fall 2021 is when dealerships expect to get their first shipments of the truck. As of now, it appears the SUV will arrive around a year later. Upon the reveal, consumers can reserve their 2022 Hummer EV SUT for $100.
Electric trucks are set to take over the pickup market in the coming years, and GMC is positioned to lead this market with the release of the 2022 Hummer EV SUT. Both the SUT and SUV models can be expected to provide unbridled power and efficiency, among other never-before-seen qualities and features. And on Oct. 20, you can see the reveal of the SUT for yourself and reserve your supertruck on gmc.com!
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Buick Encore or Encore GX—Which 2020 Model Should You Choose?
For the model year 2020, Buick has released the all-new Encore GX—a crossover that is set to add even more depth to an already-loaded compact SUV segment. Unlike what the name would suggest, the Buick Encore GX is not a trim level of the Encore. The Encore and Encore GX are two separate models with their own sets of trim levels.
Sure, there are some similarities between the two, but there are also some significant differences that should be considered if you are trying to determine which SUV is right for you. Below, we’ve provided some information on both the 2020 Buick Encore and 2020 Buick Encore GX and highlighted some of their key distinctions.
Dimensions
To the casual observer, the Encore and Encore GX are quite similar in terms of all-around design and appearance. However, they are built on two different platforms. Naturally, this means that they differ in overall size. Both the Encore and Encore GX are about 64 inches tall. The Encore is roughly 70 inches wide, while the Encore GX is a hair over 71 inches wide.
The length is where these two SUVs become noticeably different in appearance. Measuring 175.7 inches long, the Encore GX is significantly longer than the Encore (168.5 inches). Furthermore, the Encore GX’s wheelbase comes in at 104 inches while the Encore’s measures about 100 inches. This extra distance between the front and rear wheels makes for a smoother riding experience and better handling, not to mention a more aggressive appearance.
Exterior Appearance
Along with the dimensions, the Encore and Encore GX are distinct in their exterior stylings. Similar to recent years, the 2020 Encore sports sedan-like design with its curved front and compact, rounded grille and air intake. The Encore GX looks more like an SUV. It has more of a squared-off shape overall and a front-end that is more horizontal than it is rounded.
Set between the headlamps—which are further apart than those of the Encore—is a new grille that also plays a big part in distinguishing the Encore GX from the Encore and other vehicles. A newly-designed lower fascia and fog lights also contribute to a more aggressive appearance. Moreover, deeper character lines along the side and rear, as well as a newly-designed rear fascia and taillamps, help distinguish the Encore GX even more.
Technology
Both the 2020 Buick Encore and Encore GX provide drivers with plenty of options in regards to technology. Available in the Encore is a four-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a six-speaker audio system, though you can opt for a Bose audio system. The Encore GX comes with GM’s most recent infotainment software, which has been recognized for being especially easy to use and responsive. All and all, you can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs if you want a vehicle with great technology, though the Encore GX offers more standard features.
Safety Features
The Encore and Encore GX also boast plenty of safety features. However, the Encore GX seems to offer more features standard in this category as well. With the Encore, you can opt for front and rear parking assist, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. The Encore GX comes standard with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. What’s more, you can get an HD 360-degree camera system and head-up display on the Encore GX, which go a long way in increasing visibility.
Engines
The engines on the Encore and Encore GX are quite different and can play a major role in determining which SUV is right for you. All Encore trims come with a 1.4-liter DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. This engine is matched with a six-speed transmission, and it provides plenty of power for a compact SUV.
There are two engine options for the Encore GX: an ECOTEC 1.2-liter Turbo and ECOTEC 1.3-liter Turbo. The 1.2-liter engine is good for 137 horses and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The 1.3-liter makes 155 ponies and comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful engine can be had with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a compact SUV that provides more luxury than the price tag reflects, both the 2020 Buick Encore and 2020 Buick Encore GX fit the bill. The Encore is a solid choice if you like the rounded appearance of recent Encore models and are willing to pass on a few features. However, if you are hoping for a slightly bigger, more aggressive-looking SUV with more standard features, you would do better to go with the Encore GX. Of course, the best way to see for yourself is to schedule a test drive at Liberty Buick GMC!
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Carona Carpool: Keeping Your Kids Safe as They Head Back to School
This Fall might just be the strangest return to school our children have ever been a part of, and the very thought of children carpooling to campus registers red flags immediately. But with the proper attitude and preparedness, could there be a safe way to carpool in the midst of a pandemic? At Liberty Buick GMC, we think so, and we have a few tips to follow in order to keep you and your young ones safe as they travel back to school.
Whether your child is learning virtually or in-person, chances are you will be traveling more than you did over summer. And though carpooling is a great way to travel, there are specific precautions to be taken.
The first step to a safe carpool is making sure everyone is aware of the situation we are in, and all are on board to work together to keep everyone safe. Begin by contacting the other passengers and drivers who will be in the carpool. There is no need to panic, but you do need to be sure everyone in the car will be wearing a mask, and there will be enough room so that each person can sit without leaning into or resting on another passenger.
It’s also a good idea to have everyone involved agree to
take temperatures each day before entering the vehicle. Be sure and have plenty
of hand sanitizer, and make it a rule to use it before entering and again
immediately after getting out of the car.
Here are a few more tips from the Centers of Disease Control
and Prevention:
·
(As much as possible) Try and keep from touching
surfaces. Consciously taking into account what is most touched in your
surroundings will help you cut down on using hand sanitizer as much. For those
cases when you do have to touch something commonly handled, simply apply
sanitizer or wash your hands as soon as possible. While carpooling, avoiding
surfaces is especially difficult, so wearing gloves is a good idea.
·
Clean those hands. After touching surfaces
outside of your own home, be sure to use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Or, if you would rather use soap, wash in warm water for at least 20 seconds.
·
Reduce the size of the rideshare. Though it
might cause multiple trips or even more cars on the road, it is important to
create space even in confined spots. Consider cutting the limit to half of what
it was before and require everyone in the car to wear a mask during the trip.
·
Keep the ride ventilated. Weather permitting,
keep windows open or cracked so plenty of air gets in and out. Good ventilation
is key to keep from the spread of germs.
More Safety Tips
Here are a few more tips on keeping your young ones safe as you travel:
·
Make sure car seats are tightly secured and
wiped down with disinfectant between each use. When clipping in a car seat it
is important to make sure it is pulled tightly against the back of the seat.
Sometimes you really have to wrench on the belt, but if you can wiggle the seat
back and forth with minimal effort, it’s not tight enough.
·
When strapping your child into a car seat, be
sure the top strap is pulled up to the top of the child’s chest. You should be
able to fit two fingers between the top strap and the child, so it needs to be
snug but not too tight to where it’s uncomfortable.
· Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel. No matter how badly your child is screaming for a toy he dropped on the floor of the car, do not try and reach around or turn around to grab it. If it is something your child needs at the moment, simply pull the car over and put on the hazards. It might only take a second to look back and grab that toy while driving, but it also only takes a second to completely veer into the opposite lane.
Monday, July 20, 2020
2020 GMC Sierra 1500—The All-American Pickup Truck
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 builds upon the Next Generation Sierra models introduced for the 2019 model year. A shining example of an American full-size pickup truck, the 2020 Sierra 1500 gets the job done and looks good while doing it.
Since it is in the second year of a new generation of GMC pickups, it may be difficult to distinguish a 2020 Sierra from the 2019 models, especially for casual onlookers. Nonetheless, there are several factors that set the newest Sierra 1500 apart and that will be sure to attract haulers from around the country. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant features of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500:
Powertrain Options
Five different engine options and three different transmissions are available in the Sierra. And buyers can opt for rear- or all-wheel drive.
The base model comes with a 4.3-liter V6 engine that’s good for 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on the SLE and Elevation trims and produces 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. Buyers of the SLE, Elevation, SLT, or Denali trim can choose a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), while a 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque) is available in the base model, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The most powerful engine option, a 6.2-liter V8, is available in the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims and puts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Depending on the engine, buyers will get a six-, eight-, or 10-speed automatic. Additionally, the Sierra is offered in a single cab, double cab, and crew cab with various bed lengths. And buyers can opt for four-wheel drive no matter what cab configuration they choose.
Fuel Economy
Due to its wide range of powertrain options, fuel economy for the 2020 Sierra 1500 varies. The most efficient engine is by far the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter six-cylinder when paired with rear-wheel drive, as it produces 23 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. Those numbers fall to 22 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 24 MPG combined when four-wheel drive is included.
Buyers who are concerned about fuel economy but want a gasoline engine should consider the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder. When connected to rear-wheel drive, this engine puts out 20 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. Four-wheel drive brings these figures to 19 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined.
Passenger and Cargo Space
The best part about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500’s interior is the functionality and spaciousness it offers. There’s plenty of room in any cab configuration you choose, but as can be expected, the crew cab provides the most legroom. As a rear passenger in the Sierra crew cab, it’s easy to forget that you’re riding in a pickup truck.
Cargo space is also generous in the Sierra 1500. Plus, you can flip up the rear seats to make even more room, and a large center console and dual glovebox provide additional storage. When it comes to the trunk, buyers of the short box get 62.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the standard box provides 71.7 cubic feet and the long box allows for 89.1 cubic feet.
Safety Features
The Sierra received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), scoring five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests.
A rearview camera, teen driver assist, tire pressure monitoring system, and rear seat reminders are included in the base Sierra, while an anti-theft alarm system is added to the Elevation trim. The ProGrade trailer system with HD rearview camera, as well as hitch guidance and hitch view, come standard in the SLT.
Not surprisingly, the Denali offers the most safety features, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safety alert seat, lane-change alert, and front and rear parking assistance. Buyers who want adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, and automatic emergency braking with front pedestrian braking can opt for the Driver Alert Package II.
Conclusion
Those who are looking for a sharp-looking truck that will handle everyday workloads will be hard-pressed to find a better suitor than the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. With a wide array of powertrain options, impressive fuel economy, ample legroom and cargo capacity, and tons of optional safety features, the Sierra is the very definition of an All-American pickup truck. Give us a call at Liberty Buick GMC to set up a test drive—we look forward to hearing from you!
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Monday, June 22, 2020
It’s Finally Here! Introducing the 2020 Buick Encore GX
The all-new, 2020 Buick Encore GX is here! Though Buick’s Encore has already seen success as a crossover vehicle, the 2020 GX comes in a new size and look, which creates a completely different, and new, feel to the vehicle. The Encore GX fits itself perfectly between the subcompact Encore and the compact Envision, in terms of size, and it comes with tons of upgrades. Buick is bringing fresh excitement to the crossover market, and at Liberty Buick GMC, we can’t wait for you to drive the 2020 Encore GX.
America has experienced—and is still exciting—a surge in crossover vehicle sales. Something about having the control and luxury of a sedan mixed with the power and grit of a sport utility vehicle makes us happy and excited to drive. Vehicles like the Jeep Compass, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Subaru Crosstreck, and the new Mazda CX-30 are all carving out a section for themselves within the crossover family. The 2020 Buick Encore is a perfect addition to this lineup, and not only because it fits the bill as a crossover. The new Encore GX hopes to take a lead in the crossover market by bringing high style, true luxury, and innovative technology to the Encore GX.
The Exterior
The 2020 Buick Encore GX has a great new look. It comes in a total of nine beautiful colors:
- White Frost Tricoat
- Deep Azure Metallic
- Burnished Bronze Metallic
- Black Currant Metallic
- Satin Steel Metallic
- Ebony Twilight Metallic
- Summit White
- Dark Moon Blue Metallic
- Chili Red Metallic
After a second look, though, you’ll realize you are in the presence of something impressively unique: a chrome surround starts at the front and reaches to the back; large taillights emphasize the breadth of the vehicle, while the modern design seems to pull the body in, giving it a fit, sporty aesthetic. The large grille up front is non-intrusive, but it does make a statement that this is something new, and quite possibly Buick’s most modern move in years.
Exterior Specs:
- Wheelbase: (in)100.6
- Track Width, Rear: (in)60.62
- Height, Overall: (in)65.25
- Length, Overall: (in)168.35
- Min. Ground Clearance: (in)6.22
- Track Width, Front: (in)60.65
- Width, Max w/o mirrors: (in)70.1
The Interior
Inside the Encore GX, there are soft-touch materials throughout, LED lighting to set the mood, and an Infotainment center with all the bells and whistles.
Compared to the Encore, the 2020 GX has 5.0 more cubic feet of cargo space, and it comes with all sorts of standard safety features: There’s the automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection—a must-have these days; lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning (great for those long, exhausting drives); there is also a rear-camera mirror and a surround-view monitor to keep you always aware of your surroundings; and these safety features only scrape the surface of what’s available.
Here is a quick breakdown of the interior specs:
- Front Hip Room: (in)51.65
- Front Leg Room: (in)40.82
- Second Shoulder Room: (in)52.5
- Passenger Volume: (ft³)92.8
- Second Head Room: (in)38.78
- Front Shoulder Room: (in)54.18
- Second Hip Room: (in)50.08
- Front Head Room: (in)39.58
- Second Leg Room: (in)35.75
More Features
The 2020 Buick Encore GX comes with a turbocharged I4, 1.4-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic, electronically-controlled with overdrive transmission—with driver shift control. The vehicle itself is considered an all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle.
The four-door GX holds five passengers with ease and comfort for all, and it has a fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city, 29 highway, and a combined mpg of 26. Not bad at all, especially for a souped-up, turbocharged engine.
Here are just a few more features to the 2020 Buick Encore GX:
- Brakes: 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc
- StabiliTrak, stability control system
- Daytime Running Lamps, separate cavity, LED
- Airbags, frontal and knee for driver and front passenger
- Airbag, Passenger Sensing System
- Seat belt, 3-point, driver with load limiter, height adjustable
- Seat belt, 3-point, front passenger with load limiter, height
- Restraint provisions, child Isofix 2 point for outboard seating
- OnStar and Buick connected services capable
- Buick Connected Access capable
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rear Vision Camera
- Door locks, child security rear, manual
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System, manual learn
With a zippy engine that does well to conserve fuel, a luxurious interior, and a cool-compact look to the exterior, the 2020 Buick Encore GX is quickly winning our hearts at Liberty Buick-GMC.
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