Sustainable Rubber for GM

GM’s current goal is to become 100% sustainable for its rubber needs. In the name of this effort; GM has made a partnership with Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and Michelin in which they will collaborate to switch to all natural tires, solely harvested through transparent and traceable processes. General Motors buys approximately 49 million tires per year, so an initiative driven by them will undoubtedly have an actual effect on the situation.

GM has a lot of ground to cover, as their aim is to set the standard for ethical and sustainable rubber in accordance with labor rights for the rubber industry, wildlife conservation, and preserving the carbon stock- all whilst producing quality substance, and without raising the cost for any involved parties. This is quite a broad commitment. They intend to hold all members of the initiative accountable for maintaining the new standards, and hope to encourage other manufacturers to follow suit.

“Traceability and transparency are keys”, GM says, “to making sure the rubber doesn't lead to deforestation, and that it contributes to the economic and social development of the areas where it's harvested.”

The sustainable natural rubber plan is in its early stages, but we can expect to hear more announcements about this idea in the future. GM says it expects to have an industry sustainability roadmap by the end of the 2017.

The Ameripean Buick Regal

The highly flexible Regal offers engines, drivetrains and options to satisfy a wide variety of needs and tastes. The 2017 Buick Regal flaunts its unique European doppelgangers chassis (the Opel Insignia); but still sports its American styling and features, which makes it an exceptionally novel marker in the sedan market.

The base model of the Regal comes equipped with a 2.4 L 4 cylinder engine paired to a six speed transmission. All of the latter trim levels are powered by a spunkier 2.0 L four cylinder that is turbocharged. The turbo engine is likewise paired to a six speed transmission, and is rated at an impressive 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The European roots of the Regal design offer up a compact body that is elegantly lengthened by its tapered roofline. The American production version wears Buicks signature waterfall grille and LED-enhanced headlights. Within the cabin; the Regal features genuine materials styled modishly with soft touch surfaces where it counts. The Regals seats are meticulously upholstered in fine leather and offer 10 way power adjustments for ultimate comfort.

Standard features this year include dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch color touch screen, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, and a 7-speaker audio system with included USB ports.  The instruments are highly readable and the navigation system is user friendly to the same effortless standard. The infotainment system additionally contains Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration that includes enhanced voice recognition technology through Buicks IntelliLink system.

The TourX trim level in particular will be assembled in Russelsheim, Germany, which could be a contributing factor as to why the Regal will be equipped with a safety feature almost never seen in the American market, another great way this car augments its distinctiveness. When the car anticipates a collision with an unprotected human body, the European ‘active hood’ engages and pops up by 4 inches to cushion the impact. This would normally need to be included to meet Euro pedestrian crash standards that are not enforced in the US, and now stands as a helpful addition to our own market.

Contrary to what you may infer from the Regals luxuriously appointed interior and European qualities, the MSRP starts at a reasonable $27,065. Check out our inventory here!

The Acadia Finally Gets a Redesign!

The GMC Acadia has finally received its first full redesign after a long nine years of production. The new Acadia is smaller, sleeker, more aerodynamic, easier to drive, and has better fuel economy. This family hauler has gained quite a bit of appeal and a slew of new technology features are now standard on even the base model.

The Acadia offers two new naturally aspirated engines, both paired to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. The first option is a 2.5 L that makes 194 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, or you could opt for a more robust 3.6 L that produces an impressive 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The latter option would be more than a family hauler would necessitate but remains a nice alternative for those who would use the SUV for extracurriculars or occasional towing.

The Acadia has been compacted down from previous generations to put some space between it and GMC’s full sized SUV, the Yukon. Despite the size that now matches the compact 5-passenger Terrain, the Acadia’s new layout still allows for three rows of full sized seats. The smaller size and lighter weight also attribute to much better handling and maneuvering as well as improved fuel economy. A Traction Select system within Sport mode adds weight to the steering and firms the dampers for even better control.

As previously mentioned, even the base Acadia SL comes with a satisfying quantity of amenities. Features now standard on the Acadia include tri-zone auto climate control, numerous power assists, a 7.0-inch Color Touch Screen, Keyless Open and Start, 5-year OnStar Basic Plan, support for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, five USB ports and the industry’s first rear-seat reminder safety alert system to prevent you from leaving your kids at the airport. Or anywhere else you might forget your kids.

The smaller Acadia possesses enhanced aerodynamics via softer, rounder features and better contouring. The grille is still bold enough to meet the GMC standard, but has evolved from a rectangle to a trapezoid. Each Acadia offers its own unique grille flair; the All Terrain is blacked out while the Denali's grille is adorned in distinctive mesh chrome. The modish exterior design cues extend to the cabin, which now features more soft touch surfaces, upgraded trim, and active noise cancellation.

Luckily, the Acadias downsized body is matched to a feasible starting price of under $30,000, reduced from the previous MSRP by nearly $2k. Check out our Acadia inventory here or receive additional information/updates!

2017 Cadillac Escalade

The 2017 Cadillac Escalade is powered by a 6.2 L V8 engine paired an eight speed automatic transmission. This powerful combination produces 420 horsepower and gives the Escalade the ability to tow up to 8,300 pounds. Continuous Variable Valve Timing, multi-port Direct Injection and Active Fuel Management all assist in harnessing the impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade unprecedentedly possesses fuel economy well above other SUVs in its class; estimated to be at 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

The Escalade has become Cadillacs best known and most venerated player since its initial release in 1999. Its frequent use as a status symbol in music videos and related media has resulted in a notable association to wealth and luxury, regardless of ones breadth of familiarity with the SUV market as a whole. The large, broad body with sharp angles offers a commanding presence. The highly detailed Galvano chrome grille is accentuated by full LED headlights that create razor like vertical light signatures. The luxe design of the 2017 Escalade is an undeniable statement of extravagance and taste that’s sure to catch attention and be admired.

The Escalade comes standard with seating for seven, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, and memory settings for power adjustments.

The spacious cabin is fitted with a seemingly endless amount of comfort and connectivity features. Standard features include push-button and remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 360-degree parking camera, and wireless charging for smartphones. The Cadillac CUE infotainment system comes with an 8-inch touch screen, integrated navigation, a Bose 16-speaker surround-sound system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, parking assistance with semi-automatic steering, a rear-seat occupant reminder, and a Teen Driver management system.

The Teen Driver system is extremely comprehensive and is a wonderfully useful tool for young drivers and their parents alike. The system enables parents to control certain functions of the SUV by setting the audio level to preset decibel levels and prohibiting active safety features from disability. Parents can also receive report cards on their childs driving based on recording compliance to speed limits and how often the automatic emergency brake was activated.

The 2017 Escalade offers a plethora of safety features, amenities, comfort and style that is unlike anything else currently on the market. Haven’t seen for yourself? Visit us here to schedule your test drive or request information/updates on the new Escalade.

2017 GMC Terrain

There are two engine options for the 2017 Terrain. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and are front wheel drive, with AWD as an option. The base model S Terrain comes standard with a 2.4 L four cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The SLE-2, SLT, and Denali have an optional flexed out 3.6 L V6 that powers at a significant 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque.  A properly equipped four cylinder can tow up to 1500 lbs; and the V6 is capable of towing 3500 pounds- light boats, snowmobiles, and motorcycles can all be towed with ease.

The 2017 GMC Terrain received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Safety features include six standard airbags, stability and traction control, and a standard rear-view camera. Available safety features include rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rear park assist. GM’s OnStar emergency communications system is also standard.

GMC has a quite distinct exterior styling, and the Terrain design follows suit. The bold, boxy look is quite the contrast to the Terrains main competitors, who all possess similar curves and sporty accents. The exterior is fairly recognizable and expected, but the Terrain really stands out for its interior. The cabin is idyllically quiet, and the dashboard layout is sleek and attractive. The material quality is certainly higher than you’d expect from a vehicle in this price segment. The seats are comfortable and have plenty of room up front and in the back, and sliding and reclining rear seats make it even easier for backseat passengers to get comfortable.

All Terrains come with standard climate control; AM/FM/CD/satellite sound with a USB port for media players; keyless entry; a power driver seat; and ambient lighting. Also standard is a touchscreen-driven audio system. It can be optioned with IntelliLink, which connects smartphones to the car's audio system, enabling Bluetooth voice control and streaming music from sources like Pandora. Other options include remote start; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system; and navigation with hard-drive map and music storage.

You can schedule a test drive or get updates/information here at our site.

Thanks for reading!

2017 Cadillac XT5

2017 marks the first year of the XT5, a 2-row luxury crossover SUV that replaces the Cadillac SRX. Cadillac phases in the XT5 with a completely fresh design built with a lightweight body construction, generous passenger space, and Cadillacs status quo luxurious interior. The front fascia has a prominent black grille and dramatically shaped LED headlights.  The available “UltraView Sunroof” spans across both seating rows, further widening the spacious atmosphere in the cabin. And when the sun shines too brightly, a power sunshade blocks out light and helps keeps the cabin cool.

The Interior of the XT5 is the largest and most versatile in its class- with no shortage of leg room or cargo carrying capacity. The XT5 also blows competition out of the water with elegant and quality materials. Many vehicles are designed to emanate wood and carbon fiber, whilst the Cadillac genuinely sports these upscale materials.

The XT5 is equipped with 3.6 L V6 Engine paired with a nimble 8 speed transmission. Real-time damping suspension monitors road and vehicle inputs to help reduce vibrations and maintain a smooth ride over rough roads. And with Driver Select Mode, you can choose between three distinct driving feels: Touring Mode for everyday driving; Snow/AWD Mode for safe handling in inclement weather; and Sport Mode for an exceptionally engaging experience included with Premium Luxury and Platinum models. The active fuel management system can temporarily shut off two of the engines cylinders in order to optimize fuel efficiency in suitable conditions.

Connectivity is incorporated through “Cadillac Cue”- a system providing access to Pandora Radio, 3D GPS Navigation and phone integration. The “Head Up Display” (HUD) projects driving and entertainment updates onto the windshield in full color so you can stay informed without taking your eyes off the road. It’s also reconfigurable, so you can customize it to display the information that’s most relevant to you. The new Electronic Precision Shift technology utilizes a joystick like shifter that enables you to shift gears in one swift motion.

The available safety features in the XT5 utilize a wide spanning network of radar and cameras to monitor driving conditions. The XT5 also comes with active safety features like Side Blind Zone Alert and Pedestrian Collision Mitigation.

You can visit us here to schedule your test drive or receive updates/information on the brand new Cadillac XT5.

2017 Buick Lacrosse

The 2016 Buick LaCrosse was gravely overlooked by consumers on each side of the market last year, regardless of its broad suitability. The freshly designed 2017 Buick LaCrosse represents a complete redesign for this full-size sedan that may pique enough initial interest for the market to realize what a gem it really is.

The Lacrosse has been given a lovely facelift. The modestly sized waterfall grille, pleasantly embellished with a classically colored emblem, now also sports sharp horizontal chrome accents that reach out to each corner of the grille. The slightly elongated and flattened nose projects much more class and now firmly demands a second glance. The interior of the Lacrosse is as elegant as it is gorgeous. The color palette offers a harmonious blend of nice looking materials with accents and hues that really enhance the entire feel. The plastic looking marble-esque trim has been replaced with beautiful mahogany-toned wood trim. This stunning new trim design accentuates the light beige and deep brown materials wrapped around the cabin sumptuously.

All 2017 LaCrosses are powered by a direct-injection, 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 310 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque and with standard engine stop/start that can’t be turned off—which is actually quite convenient, as it’s not very intrusive. The LaCrosse’s new eight-speed automatic transmission comes with an electronic shifter that allows for a semi-hidden storage area below the gear selector and central cupholders and offers an impeccably smooth ride.

2017 Buick LaCrosse key features include keyless entry and push-button start, rearview camera and sensors, auto on/off HID headlights, dual-zone auto climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, OnStar, and leatherette seat trim. Some of the appealing extras on the new LaCrosse include heated/ventilated/massaging front seats, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display. Also on offer are a long list of driver-assistance and safety technologies, like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, front pedestrian detection, and automatic braking.

The Buick Lacrosse has been exquisitely restyled this year, and its subtle enhancements make it a significantly more appealing vehicle on the inside and out. If you’d like updates or more information on the new 2017 Lacrosse, or would like to schedule a test drive- you can visit our site here!