(Chevrolet images)
Chevrolet’s has introduced the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban (Tahoe Z71, above left, and Suburban High Country). The details? They're both longer and roomier, with 66 percent more cargo room behind the third row for Tahoe, and 19 percent more maximum cargo space behind the first row for Suburban. There are ten additional inches of third-row legroom for Tahoe thanks to the 4.9-inch (125 mm) longer wheelbase and a 6.7-inch (169 mm) increase in overall length compared to the current model. And driving dynamics are dramatically improved with an independent rear suspension paired with available Magnetic Ride Control and first-in-class Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which offers load leveling at all four corners of the vehicle, and up to four inches (102 mm) of ride-height adjustment. Engines include the all-new 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and updated V-8 engines with Dynamic Fuel Management, including the 355HP 5.3-liter V8 and the available 6.2-liter V8 offering best-in-class 420HP. A standard 10-speed automatic transmission with push-button electronic shift is standard for all engines. There is a long list of interior improvements and added features as well. The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban go on sale in mid-2020 in North America.
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.
The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST.
Chevrolet’s has introduced the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban (Tahoe Z71, above left, and Suburban High Country). The details? They're both longer and roomier, with 66 percent more cargo room behind the third row for Tahoe, and 19 percent more maximum cargo space behind the first row for Suburban. There are ten additional inches of third-row legroom for Tahoe thanks to the 4.9-inch (125 mm) longer wheelbase and a 6.7-inch (169 mm) increase in overall length compared to the current model. And driving dynamics are dramatically improved with an independent rear suspension paired with available Magnetic Ride Control and first-in-class Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, which offers load leveling at all four corners of the vehicle, and up to four inches (102 mm) of ride-height adjustment. Engines include the all-new 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and updated V-8 engines with Dynamic Fuel Management, including the 355HP 5.3-liter V8 and the available 6.2-liter V8 offering best-in-class 420HP. A standard 10-speed automatic transmission with push-button electronic shift is standard for all engines. There is a long list of interior improvements and added features as well. The 2021 Tahoe and Suburban go on sale in mid-2020 in North America.
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe RST.Editor-in-Chief's Note: I have been writing about the downward spiral of Nissan in this market for a long time now. After years of mismanagement, piss-poor decisions and flat-out incompetence culminating in a particularly dismal sales performance this year, 7that downward spiral is now accelerating. Automotive News is reporting that Nissan's North America Chairman, Jose Valls, is taking drastic steps to slash costs across the company, including reducing employee travel expenses by 50 percent - effective immediately - and putting the entire U.S. organization on two days of unpaid leave on January 2 and 3. "While we've made some positive progress, Nissan's performance has fallen short of our expectations," Valls said in a memo to employees this week, which was obtained by Automotive News. Valls informed Nissan employees that the move will translate to a 9.2 percent pay cut in January for those paid monthly. Employees paid bi-weekly will not be paid for those two days. All Together Now: A Giant Bowl of Not Good. -PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: From the "Bad Ad" File. Much hand-wringing is being expended about the TV spot for the $2000.00+ (plus a monthly fee) Peloton bike. Yeah, it's stupid, for any number of reasons, but how about the insipid spot for GMC, which has the husband surprising his wife with two GMC vehicles (that add up to $100,000) in their driveway for Christmas? In front of their $5,000,000 home? Sure. -PMD
(Cadillac images)
The 2020 Cadillac CT4 will be appearing next spring, although you can order one now. “Cadillac is dedicated to building the most exhilarating sport-luxury sedans,” said Rob Kotarak, Cadillac chief engineer. “Every element of the CT4 is designed to bring innovative technologies right to the driver, providing discerning driving dynamics with cutting edge precision.” Additional chassis and driving dynamics features include: Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system; more-dependable eBoost brakes with patented Duralife coated rotors; Brembo front brakes standard on Sport (shown) and V-Series models; ZF MVS (Multi-Valve System) passive dampers; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available on all models; Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 comes with the V-Series (RWD). Selectable vehicle drive modes are standard and allow customers to enhance their vehicle settings for different preferences and conditions. The modes, Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and Track, are joined by new My Mode and V Mode (V-Series), which can alter the calibrations for transmission shifting, suspension, steering and brake feel, front/rear torque split (with AWD), vehicle sound character and other vehicle attributes. Standard power comes from a 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo 4-cylinder engine, with three-step sliding camshaft technology, along with Active Fuel Management and automatic stop/start. It delivers 237HP (177 kW) and 258 lb.-ft of torque (350 Nm) and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Cadillac’s new 2.7L segment-first Dual-Volute Turbo engine is available on Premium Luxury and is standard on V-Series. It is estimated at 309HP (230 kW) with 348 lb.-ft of torque (472 Nm) in the Premium Luxury model and it is matched with a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. The 2.7L Turbo also features a three-step sliding camshaft design, along with Active Fuel Management and automatic stop/start. The CT4-V is powered by a high-output version of the 2.7L Dual-Volute Turbo engine rated at a Cadillac-estimated 325HP (242 kW), and backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Other CT4-V features include a limited-slip rear differential; V-Series performance chassis with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (on RWD) or ZF MVS passive dampers (on AWD); Vehicle Mode Control with customizable V-Mode; Brembo front braking system with four-piston fixed calipers; 18-inch wheels and summer-only performance tires (all-season tires available with AWD); Dark exterior accents and mesh grilles; quad exhaust tips and rear spoiler; Unique performance instrument cluster and V-Mode steering wheel control. The Super Cruise driver assistance feature will be available in the 2020 calendar year.
The 2020 Cadillac CT4 will be appearing next spring, although you can order one now. “Cadillac is dedicated to building the most exhilarating sport-luxury sedans,” said Rob Kotarak, Cadillac chief engineer. “Every element of the CT4 is designed to bring innovative technologies right to the driver, providing discerning driving dynamics with cutting edge precision.” Additional chassis and driving dynamics features include: Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system; more-dependable eBoost brakes with patented Duralife coated rotors; Brembo front brakes standard on Sport (shown) and V-Series models; ZF MVS (Multi-Valve System) passive dampers; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available on all models; Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 comes with the V-Series (RWD). Selectable vehicle drive modes are standard and allow customers to enhance their vehicle settings for different preferences and conditions. The modes, Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and Track, are joined by new My Mode and V Mode (V-Series), which can alter the calibrations for transmission shifting, suspension, steering and brake feel, front/rear torque split (with AWD), vehicle sound character and other vehicle attributes. Standard power comes from a 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo 4-cylinder engine, with three-step sliding camshaft technology, along with Active Fuel Management and automatic stop/start. It delivers 237HP (177 kW) and 258 lb.-ft of torque (350 Nm) and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Cadillac’s new 2.7L segment-first Dual-Volute Turbo engine is available on Premium Luxury and is standard on V-Series. It is estimated at 309HP (230 kW) with 348 lb.-ft of torque (472 Nm) in the Premium Luxury model and it is matched with a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. The 2.7L Turbo also features a three-step sliding camshaft design, along with Active Fuel Management and automatic stop/start. The CT4-V is powered by a high-output version of the 2.7L Dual-Volute Turbo engine rated at a Cadillac-estimated 325HP (242 kW), and backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Other CT4-V features include a limited-slip rear differential; V-Series performance chassis with Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 (on RWD) or ZF MVS passive dampers (on AWD); Vehicle Mode Control with customizable V-Mode; Brembo front braking system with four-piston fixed calipers; 18-inch wheels and summer-only performance tires (all-season tires available with AWD); Dark exterior accents and mesh grilles; quad exhaust tips and rear spoiler; Unique performance instrument cluster and V-Mode steering wheel control. The Super Cruise driver assistance feature will be available in the 2020 calendar year.
(McLaren Automotive images)
McLaren has introduced yet another new model: the 620R. McLaren PR minions say that "the McLaren 620R is a unique proposition, delivering a pure motorsport experience in a road car with authenticity: it looks like a race car, handles like a race car, performs like a race car and feels like a race car. The result overall is a seamless transition from race to road – and vice versa. Exclusive and extreme in equal measure, the McLaren 620R retains the DNA of a fully homologated track car yet is free from the restrictions that race regulations apply." The 620R has the same M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the GT4 car, but with a significant difference in power output. Free from racing regulations, the engine ECU and turbocharger management have been reconfigured to achieve 610HP, making it the most powerful Sports Series McLaren yet. The engine also develops 457lb ft of torque. This helps to deliver benchmark performance figures of 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph in 8.1 seconds. Maximum speed is 200mph. It has a bunch of other stuff, too, in fact, to much to list, but the North American model can be specified with a special MSO upgrade package that features a gloss finish Visual Carbon Fiber roof with a roof scoop to maximize engine intake and exhaust sound, MSO Defined gloss finish carbon fiber roof cantrails, and the McLaren Track Telemetry system with lap time function and three cameras to record track performance – all at no extra cost. McLaren 620R production will be limited to just 350 customer orders, all hand-built at the McLaren Production Center in Woking, Surrey. Production will begin in January, with each car costing from $299,000 USD.
McLaren has introduced yet another new model: the 620R. McLaren PR minions say that "the McLaren 620R is a unique proposition, delivering a pure motorsport experience in a road car with authenticity: it looks like a race car, handles like a race car, performs like a race car and feels like a race car. The result overall is a seamless transition from race to road – and vice versa. Exclusive and extreme in equal measure, the McLaren 620R retains the DNA of a fully homologated track car yet is free from the restrictions that race regulations apply." The 620R has the same M838TE 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the GT4 car, but with a significant difference in power output. Free from racing regulations, the engine ECU and turbocharger management have been reconfigured to achieve 610HP, making it the most powerful Sports Series McLaren yet. The engine also develops 457lb ft of torque. This helps to deliver benchmark performance figures of 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph in 8.1 seconds. Maximum speed is 200mph. It has a bunch of other stuff, too, in fact, to much to list, but the North American model can be specified with a special MSO upgrade package that features a gloss finish Visual Carbon Fiber roof with a roof scoop to maximize engine intake and exhaust sound, MSO Defined gloss finish carbon fiber roof cantrails, and the McLaren Track Telemetry system with lap time function and three cameras to record track performance – all at no extra cost. McLaren 620R production will be limited to just 350 customer orders, all hand-built at the McLaren Production Center in Woking, Surrey. Production will begin in January, with each car costing from $299,000 USD.
AE Song Lyrics of the Week:
Sitting in a park in Paris France
Reading the news and it sure looks bad
They won't give peace a chance
That was just a dream some of us had
Still a lot of lands to see
But I wouldn't want to stay here
It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here
Oh but California
California I'm coming home
I'm going to see the folks I dig
I'll even kiss a Sunset pig
California I'm coming home
I met a redneck on a Grecian isle
Who did the goat dance very well
He gave me back my smile
But he kept my camera to sell
Oh the rogue the red red rogue
He cooked good omelettes and stews
And I might have stayed on with him there
But my heart cried out for you California
Oh California I'm coming home
Oh make me feel good rock 'n' roll band
I'm your biggest fan
California I'm coming home
Oh it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
Just gives you the blues
Just gives you the blues
So I bought me a ticket
I caught a plane to Spain
Went to a party down a red dirt road
There were lots of pretty people there
Reading Rolling Stone reading Vogue
They said "How long can you hang around?"
I said a week maybe two
Just until my skin turns brown
Then I'm going home to California
California I'm coming home
Oh will you take me as I am
Strung out on another man
California I'm coming home
Oh it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
More about the war
And the bloody changes
Oh will you take me as I am?
Will you take me as I am?
Will you?
"California" by Joni Mitchell from the album "Blue" (1971)
Sitting in a park in Paris France
Reading the news and it sure looks bad
They won't give peace a chance
That was just a dream some of us had
Still a lot of lands to see
But I wouldn't want to stay here
It's too old and cold and settled in its ways here
Oh but California
California I'm coming home
I'm going to see the folks I dig
I'll even kiss a Sunset pig
California I'm coming home
I met a redneck on a Grecian isle
Who did the goat dance very well
He gave me back my smile
But he kept my camera to sell
Oh the rogue the red red rogue
He cooked good omelettes and stews
And I might have stayed on with him there
But my heart cried out for you California
Oh California I'm coming home
Oh make me feel good rock 'n' roll band
I'm your biggest fan
California I'm coming home
Oh it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
Just gives you the blues
Just gives you the blues
So I bought me a ticket
I caught a plane to Spain
Went to a party down a red dirt road
There were lots of pretty people there
Reading Rolling Stone reading Vogue
They said "How long can you hang around?"
I said a week maybe two
Just until my skin turns brown
Then I'm going home to California
California I'm coming home
Oh will you take me as I am
Strung out on another man
California I'm coming home
Oh it gets so lonely
When you're walking
And the streets are full of strangers
All the news of home you read
More about the war
And the bloody changes
Oh will you take me as I am?
Will you take me as I am?
Will you?
"California" by Joni Mitchell from the album "Blue" (1971)