Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
2013 Buick Enclave wins CUV of Texas award at Truck Rodeo
The new 2013 Buick Enclave CUV (crossover utility vehicle) was named the CUV of Texas at the 20th annual Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo just completed at Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch Texas near San Antonio.
The announcement this morning (Oct. 22) of the overall category win by the 2013 Buick Enclave was in addition to almost a sweep by General Motors of the CUV individual categories
The CUV category was all but owned by General Motors as their 2013 Chevrolet Traverse (LTZ FWD) was also named the runner-up to the 2013 Acadia in the Full-size CUV category.
General Motors has made a major leadership commitment to the crossover segment with new and upgraded styling, engineering, technology and materials being introduced in their 2013 models. The TAWA journalists recognized this new segment leadership by General Motors in their naming of these vehicles as winners in their respective categories.
The 2013 Buick Enclave, just introduced, ably demonstrated the Buick attention to the elements that drive a Buick customer's purchase decision: styling, quality and riding comfort.
The 2013 Buick Enclave entered in the competition was the 1SN premium level model with a base MSRP of $45,625. With the sunroof ($1,400) and the Navigation with DVD ($2,240) and adding delivery, this Champaign Silver Metallic beauty with the new Cocoa Leather interior was a standout at $50,090.
Some of those specific elements in this new Enclave include new body color front, rear fascias and rocker moldings; styling changes in hood, fenders and front grille and LED daytime running lamps, headlamps, tail lamps and new 19 and 20 inch wheels.
On the inside, the new interior design and colors are accented by an amazing ice blue ambient lighting that runs the width of the new instrument panel and continues into the upgraded door trims with real stitching. New easy to view and operate climate controls along with the Intellilink infotainment system round out the functional center stack area.
There is an available eight-way power front seat adjuster plus Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic avoidance systems. The 2013 Enclave also includes a new industry-first standard Front Center Air Bag and rear vision camera system.
Powered by the reliable and efficient 3.6L DOHC V6 with 288 hp generating 270 lb.-ft. torque, a new updated electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive gives a powerful ride that is comfortable on the new improved suspension delivering a quieter ride than ever before.
And, for those who want to tow a small trailer with watercraft for family weekends, the Enclave has tow capacity of 2,000 pounds for this new standard of luxury from Buick.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
GM to debut new GMC Sierra pickups in December
General Motors plans to reveal its redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups Dec. 13 in Detroit, officials said Monday.
The highly anticipated trucks are central to GM's profitability in North America. The Silverado 1500, which hasn't been redesigned since 2006, is easily GM's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. at 298,200 units in the first nine months of the year.
The 2014 Silverado and Sierra are expected to hit showrooms at an unspecified time in 2013. The public will get to see the vehicles in person at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
"The bold exterior design of the new Silverado reflects the enhanced capabilities of the truck while features such as jewel-like, projector beam headlamps showcase the careful attention given to every detail," GM said in a statement.
The Silverado has entered the "final validation" phase and "torture testing," the automaker said earlier this month. The pickup competes against Ford's F-150 series and Chrysler's Ram pickup.
The vehicle will start production in 2013 at the company's plants in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Silao, Mexico.
Silverado marketing manager Tony Truelove said in a recent interview that the new vehicle would balance "performance capability and fuel economy."
"We don't trade off one to get the other. We feel we have a very good overall truck and will continue to improve on that formula for the next generation," Truelove said.
Great Reviews for Beck & Masten Buick GMC
My husband and I corresponded with Enrique for about one month via email. We chose Beck and Masten due to their diverse inventroy and surperior customer service. When we arrived at the dealership, Enrique had vehicles set aside with our desired options. We made our selection, discussed trade-in, and the negotiations began. Enrique was very professional and offered his expertise which allowed us to close our deal in a timely manner. Of utmost importance, my husband and I felt like we received a great deal on the vehicle we wanted. We were there after hours discussing add-ons with Gay, who also gave us a great deal. Once the car was mine, Enrique was waiting on us, after hours to go over the features in my new car. We are very satisfited with our experience and the staff at Beck and Masten!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Check out this great Edmunds review for Beck & Masten Buick GMC!
Mike S. was a joy to work with and made the car buying process easy and very pain-free. I was given the option to take the vehicle I was interested in home for a day to show my wife (who would be unable to visit the dealership until a later date). Even after returning the vehicle and still being unsure we were given another 24 hour period to fall in love with the vehicle, which we did! By the time we were done all my wife had to go to the dealership for was to sign paperwork which was a breeze. I appreciate Mike and his efforts to go above and beyond for my family.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Who's your pick?
The Detroit Tigers have advanced to the World Series and await the winner of the NLCS. Who is your pick to win the Fall Classic?
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Turbo Boost, Euro Feel: 2013 Buick Verano Turbo
MSRP: $23,080 (Verano); $29,105 (Turbo); as Tested:$32,360
Introduced last year, Buick's compact Verano returns for it sophomore season with an available, turbocharged engine. What a difference a drivetrain makes.
The addition of the new turbo for 2013 gives Verano an entirely different feel. Imported from the Buick Regal, intercooled and turbocharged, the power output of the direct injection, Ecotec four belies its size. The 2.0 liter turbo makes 250 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm, and 260 lb. ft. of torque @ 2,000 rpm. That's plus 70 and 89, respectively, compared to the 2.4 liter four that's offered in standard Veranos, and it translates to a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, in the 3,300 lb. Buick. Quick it is, with a smooth, lag-free power flow. The power boost doesn't extract a perceivable penalty at the pumps, either. Whereas the EPA expects standard Verano models to return between 20-21 mpg's city, 30-32 highway, Turbo versions rate 21/30.
Ably assisting the turbo is the 6-speed manual transmission. Drivers have their no-cost choice of either the stick or a six-speed automatic. We've reached the point where a manual transmission is rarely found on anything but a sports car or an econobox.
So finding a three-pedal option on the Verano Turbo comes as a happy surprise. The turbo four/six-speed stick combination really wakes the car up. Carving my way through a curvy road at the Verano's launch event, I used the stick to plant the engine right in the middle of its sweet spot, and held it there. Great fun. And once that road was ironed straight, a couple of crisp shifts through the remaining gears set the car up to cruise at highway speeds.
I drove both engine/transmission combos, by the way, and if you want an automatic, this one works nicely with the turbo, too. The only caveat is that it is not a dual clutch unit, so even if the car had paddle shifters (which it doesn't), you wouldn't have the grin-inducing sensation of instantaneous gear changes, when you shift it yourself.
A quick word here about quiet. Like all Buicks, Verano undergoes a combination of treatments aimed at reducing, absorbing or blocking out noise and vibration. Collectively, Buick refers to this as Quiet Tuning, and it does make for a noticeably low noise level in the cabin. So when I set the car into that twisting road at 3,500 rpm, I could feel the power on tap under my foot, but engine noise was a non-issue. The use of laminated glass in particular (everywhere except the backlight) seems to be particularly effective at stifling exterior sound.
Quiet Tuning is one thing; chassis tuning is something else. Buick has done both, tweaking the Verano Turbo's suspension and electric power steering calibration to sharpen its reflexes. The Verano is positioned as a luxury sedan, not a sport sedan. But, turbocharged and with chassis tweaked, it's clearly athletic enough to be very fun to drive. At the same time, it maintains a level of ride comfort that buyers expect of an upscale compact car.
The Turbo model enters at the head of the Verano class. This means that beyond the amped up powertrain and beefed-up suspension, Verano Turbo is packing a generous complement of standard equipment — fully contented, as they say.
Skimming some highlights from the Turbo's roster of gear: dual exhaust, sport pedals, rear spoiler, a Bose, 9-speaker premium sound system, leather-appointed upholstery, push-button start, rear park assist and rearview camera, side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. About the only options are a power sunroof, a navigation system and some special, exterior colors.
Also standard is Intellilink, which connects your smartphone to the color, touch screen display, using a USB port or Bluetooth. Smartphones can then be controlled by voice command or steering wheel mounted switchgear. The system also allows streaming audio through your phone via services like Stitcher or Pandora.
Verano Turbo's interior will suit virtually any height passenger up front. With six footers up front, like-size passengers can fit in back (snugly), with some compromises.
Visibility is generally good, and the army of electronics mentioned above has your back when parking, changing lanes or just trying to back out of a parking lot spot, without getting clipped. Interior fit and finish is nicely done, with an upscale look and feel. HVAC controls on the center stack are easy to reach and operate. Above them, other controls are clustered together, and harder to pick up at a glance. That starts with the starter; the push button for which is less prominent than it ought to be.
Inside storage is limited (small center console, door pockets, glove box), however, the trunk is usefully sized (14.7 cu. ft.) and shaped. Trunk hinges impinge on the contents, but there's an extra, small, hidden storage space below the load floor. Rear seatbacks fold (mostly) flat for extra cargo carrying options.
Verano Turbo is cleanly styled, quiet and well appointed. And, particularly in manual transmission guise, the Buick has a distinctly, European driving feel. One of the goals for Verano is to bring new people to the brand. On that score, after one year, the numbers are impressive. Some 52 percent of Verano buyers are conquests from other manufacturers. That was before the debut of the Turbo.
The addition of this model pretty much guarantees a new pool of Buick shoppers; ones who favor a sportier sedan. I think they'll find a lot to like here.
A regular contributor to the Times Union for the past 20 years, Dan Lyons is the award-winning author of six books, and photographer of 135 calendars. Read Dan's recent reviews on line anytime at www.timesunion.com/cars.
Great Reviews for Beck & Masten Buick GMC
I called the dealship from my cell phone and Enrique quickly answered the phone and invited me to stop by the dealer once I had finshed working for the day to test drive a new truck. When I arrived, I was impressed with the beautiful new showroom and such a large selction of vehicles to choose from. Enrique listened to me while I told him the search criteria I had. He then allowed me to test drive a GMC Terrain. I was very impressed with the quailty of construction and durability of this model. The new technology was overwhelming, but Enrique took time to explain all of the features and benefits. The dealship was scheduled to close at 9 PM, But they stayed until 9:45 to complete the paper work, as I could not leave without purchasing my new truck. They did not have the exact color that I preferred, so Enrique drove to the other side of Houston to pick up the vehicle on my behalf. Now I'm ready for a road trip! If you are thinking about getting a new vehicle, you should see Enrique. I almost forgot to mention 0% interest! Jay Floyd Real Estate Broker
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Buick and GMC Future Products through 2015: What to Expect
Buick LaCrosse
For the 2014 model year, the LaCrosse will get a major reskin and updated technology, including the latest touch-screen iteration of the Intellilink infotainment setup. It’ll be mechanically similar to the new Cadillac XTS and introduced-but-not-on-sale-yet Chevy Impala, offering a hybrid four and a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 and either front- or all-wheel drive. Once fairly suave, the current LaCrosse’s interior hasn’t aged well; for 2014 it’ll be all new, and judging from the XTS and Impala, modern and high-quality.
Buick Regal
Unlike the LaCrosse, which will be heavily reworked, the Regal just gets a face lift next year. Figure on some shuffling of the powertrain lineup, which is now out of sync with the rest of GM’s fleet. The Regal eAssist with a 2.4-liter four and small hybrid system probably will remain the base car, but don’t be shocked if a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four shows up beneath it.
The real changes could happen in turbo territory. Where the current Regal Turbo is rated at 220 hp, a newer version of that car’s engine—different turbocharger, altered intake and exhaust—delivers 259 ponies in the Malibu Turbo and 250 in the Verano Turbo. Sure, Buick has a 270-hp Regal GS, but why set up the middle child of this premium brand get trounced at stoplights by Mom’s Chevy?
If the Regal Turbo does hop to 250-ish hp, the GS still could carry over its powerplant. The horsepower advantage would be small, but beyond that the Regal GS is supposed to be a full-on performance car, with a sportier suspension and extroverted styling compared to the Regal Turbo. In fantasyland, the 2014 Regal GS would get all-wheel drive and a 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 currently slated for an uplevel version of the Cadillac XTS and—in a different state of tune—the forthcoming ATS-V.
GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Canyon
GMC still is the money factory for GM, selling similar cars to Chevy at higher—or in the case of Denali models, much higher—prices. But the new Sierra and Yukon won’t just be pricier clones of their bow-tied brethren.
Last January, GM’s North America president Mark Reuss promised that the next big trucks and SUVs will be more cosmetically distinct from each other. The Yukon may have some significant interior upgrades, not just in aesthetic and materials but in functionality, too, Reuss told us, which we’ve read to mean better packaging for folding seats and improved passenger space.
GM also quietly, suddenly confirmed that, yes, GMC will get a new Canyon mid-size pickup spun off of the all-new global Chevy Colorado that’s also coming to the U.S. Both mid-size trucks will target both fuel-conscious truck buyers and also the Toyota Tacoma’s substantial audience for lifestyle sport trucks. Figure on V-6 engines for the Canyon and Colorado, but there’s a strong chance that the Opel diesel four being prepped for our Cruze also could be slotted into the trucks.
- Comparison Test: 2012 Buick Regal GS vs. 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design
- Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 LTZ 4WD Crew Cab vs. 2012 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch 4×4 Crew Cab, 2012 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn 4×4 Mega Cab
- Comparison Test: 2013 Ford Escape SEL 4WD vs. 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD, 2012 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD, 2012 Kia Sportage EX AWD, 2013 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD, 2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4×4
The mid-size-truck news is significant unto itself but also for the rest of the brand’s lineup. Mr. Reuss has said it’s far easier to design a mid-size truck to be efficient from the start than to try to “lightweight” a Silverado or Sierra. GM doesn’t want to risk durability for its big trucks by bringing in expensive, lightweight materials or using lighter components. Instead, the General will look to boost fuel economy via improved aerodynamics and the adoption of electric steering, as well as direct injection and the expansion of cylinder-deactivation tech across the latest-generation V-6 and V-8 engines.
Naturally, every new GMC will be available in fully loaded Denali trim, from the Sierra HD to the 4×8-sheet-of-plywood-hauling Yukon XL.
Monday, October 15, 2012
5 Money Saving Car Tips!
Below are a few tips from our automotive experts.
1) Treating hazy headlight lenses. Modern headlight assemblies usually have clear plastic covers that can grow hazy over the years from exposure to the elements. To save the expense of changing the whole headlight reflector assembly, you can use a restoration kit, usually consisting of abrasive cloths and a special finishing liquid. Some kits are applied with elbow grease, while others call for an electric drill.
2) Windshield wipers. You can extend the life of wiper blades by keeping them clean. Wipe off the rubber edge with a paper towel moistened with glass cleaner, or water and a little dish soap. Wiper blades don't last long. In our tests we've found that six months is about the best you can expect a set of wiper blades to stay in top form.
3) Wash and wax your car. Giving your car a good cleaning helps preserve the paint by removing road grime and residues that can eat through the finish. The time spent hand washing a car gives you a close-up view of every body panel, so you can spot scratches, chips, and dings you may not have otherwise noticed. To maintain a quality shine, periodically apply car wax. A spray wax is best suited to weekly or special-occasion applications. Other waxes can be used less frequently, every 2-3 months.
4) Light bulbs. Changing a light bulb isn't difficult—most these days have a twist-and-pull bayonet base or they simply pull out and push in. Bulb specifications are usually found in the owner's manual. However, accessing a bulb (usually called a lamp in industry parlance) can be a real chore. Consult a service manual or look online if access to the bulb isn't obvious. Auto-parts stores and your franchised dealer carry good selections of replacement bulbs. If you're replacing a halogen headlight bulb take care not to touch the glass with your bare fingers. Skin oils on the quartz glass are said to shorten its life.
5) Touch-up paint. Touching up paint flaws early can save a heap of money down the road. You can touch up small scratches and chips with touch-up paint, available for a few dollars at your car dealership and at some auto-parts stores. Make sure you get an exact color match. Touch-up paint usually comes in a small bottle with an applicator brush in the lid. Otherwise, use a small, pointed artist's brush and cover the scratch by going over it in tiny dabs. Let this paint dry for at least a day or two before polishing the car.
Copyright © 2006-2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Great Reviews for Beck & Masten Buick GMC
I have a Saturn Sky, when something goes wrong with it I always take it to Beck and Masten. Steve Sherman is such a wonderful person. He is very helpful and great with getting me and out. Beck and Masten is the only place I will ever go to when I need service. If they had had what I was looking for in a Sky I would have bought my vechile from them. If I ever need another vechile in the future I will deal with them and them only, good people I can trust.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
2013 GMC Acadia Denali impresses On and Off the Beaten Path
I spent limited time behind the wheel of the2013 GMC Acadia Denali and in the passenger seat, both on and off pavement; it was immediately clear that this luxurious cruiser is not afraid to get down and dirty. I was lucky enough to direct the Acadia Denali on an intermediate off-road trail near Caribou, CO, followed by a drive down a graded dirt and gravel road, as well as navigating around the small town of Nederland. We were not using this car to crawl over large boulders, but it handled the rock littered and sometimes muddy trail without a problem. This was even more impressive, considering that this Denali was wearing 20 inch aluminum wheels and street tires.
The 2013 GMC Acadia Denali gets its name from a rugged and wild region in the heart of Alaska, so it seems fitting to test a vehicle with the Denali badge in this off-road environment. However, the capable AWD system and the adequate ground clearance are not the only bold attributes of this 2013 model. The 2013 GMC Acadia Denali receives a mid-cycle refresh that brings with it a more aggressive and serious front end design. 2013 GMC Acadia Denali The headlights get the very distinctive LED daytime running lights and there was no end to the compliments and comments that these LEDs received during our test. There are also the more pronounced fender flares and the all LED tail lamps. The 2013 GMC Acadia Denali also boasts the industry first front center air bag to prevent the driver and the front passenger from hitting each other in the event of an accident.
Our tester was a fully loaded model that included dual sunroofs, rear video entertainment system, GMC IntelliLink media and navigation system, cooled and heated front seats, and other luxury goodies. The sticker price for all this goodness stood at $51,840. We will have a more thorough review of the 2013 Acadia Denali when we get a chance to spend more time with it.
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- 2013 GMC Acadia Denali
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Quick Spin: 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist
We’ve had a go at the LaCrosse eAssist before. But our time with it was far too brief. Thankfully we were able to reassess the car after living with it for a short while. This one in particular was a member of the Premium I equipment level, and came with $2,235 in total options for a total price of $36,045. They consist of a $600 entertainment package, a $1,440 “driver confidence package” and $195 carbon-black metallic paint. The entertainment package featured a 384-Watt 11-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system — which to us sounds better than the Bose units normally found in GM vehicles — plus a 120-volt power outlet located just behind the center storage unit. There’s also a standard Intellilink infotainment system running on an 8-inch color touchscreen. The driver package features HID headlamps with adaptive forward lighting, a heads-up-display (HUD) and a blind-zone alert system. The standard equipment list for a Premium I LaCrosse is fairly lengthy, but we’ll mention the 8-way power driver seat, a comfortable tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a passive entry system — which allows those with the key fob on their person to unlock the door pull simply pulling on the handle with no need to push a button. Our own Alex Luft isn’t a fan of the mechanism because he feels it gives a delayed sensation when opening. It kind of does, but it’s just a timing factor, one that is very easy to figure out.
GM’s eAssist BAS system in the LaCrosse, and other vehicles, is a mild hybrid system, with a lithium-ion battery stored in the trunk powering things like the radio, climate control, and other accessories. It also helps the engine out in times of acceleration, such as when getting up to speed after a stop light. The 15 horsepower lithium-ion battery system works with the familiar, and outgoing 2.4L Ecotec four-pot, delivering 182 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm. Not much gusto for a vehicle with a 3,835 curb weight. Then again, with a trade-off being an EPA-rated 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, it’s easy to smile about a car so big achieving these numbers. For the record, we achieved 32 combined miles per gallon. That’s the same as what we saw in the little Chevrolet Sonic, with nearly the same driving conditions.
Needless to say, there’s some fantastic value to be found in the Buick LaCrosse equipped with eAssist, and we’ll leave you with these points to peruse.
- The styling of the LaCrosse is our favorite among all current Buick models, as its overall profile strikes us as sleek, modern, and yet mild-mannered. Don’t expect to scare anybody off with the inviting looks of the LaCrosse. And with its elongated 111.7-inch wheelbase, the car doesn’t carry the sometimes awkward-looking stance its platform mate, the Regal, carries. Though under the microscope one may find imperfections, such as crude molding fitments. On the inside, the dashboard and center console flow downwards into the rest of the cabin, giving way to a graceful, sculpted interior setup. Additionally, the instrument panel and driver information center are colorful and attractive when operating, and the blue ambient lighting at night is also quite sexy. But we wonder what the cabin’s night lighting would look like as a unique amber — perhaps let Chevy have the blue.
- The comfort level of the LaCrosse feels spot on, at least for something in the $36,045 MSRP range our tester commanded. It’s NVH levels are delightfully low, as expected, and front seating is fairly restful. As expected. The rear seating, which accommodates three if you have to, gives occupants a sufficient amount of legroom, at 40.5 inches, depending on who’s sitting in front. Material quality also works in Buick’s favor, though we wish the buttons adorning the center console felt a little more high-budget. Also, the battery system in the trunk does swallow some space, with 10.8 cubic feet of storage instead of the 13.3 cubic feet the V6 model enjoys. The loss of cargo room is perhaps the only real drawback of the LaCrosse eAssist.
- Intellilink is good, but not great. While easy to use, we found that it would allow Pandora Radio to play through our smartphones via the USB outlet only sometimes, where otherwise it would just oddly prohibit the action and restrict us to only using Bluetooth to stream internet radio. It’s a small bug that doesn’t ruin the overall experience, but it is something that should be patched. The same thing applies to Chevy MyLink. Perhaps it’s just with iPhones. Also, our tester refused to tune to the Liquid Metal Sirius-XM radio station when voice commanded — though it would effortlessly channel in the others just fine. Must be a Buick personality trait.
- The handling of the car yields little surprise. It’s long wheelbase allows the LaCrosse eAssist to feel plotted around corners, but the MacPherson front suspension system and multi-link setup in the back are set to a softer tune. It’s not meant to be thrashed, after all. The steering, which is electric, provides little feedback to the driver, but at the same time makes maneuvers more effortless. However, there is little confidence in the Michelin Green X low-rolling resistance tires; purpose-built rubber that’s meant to provide minimal friction to the ground for optimal fuel economy. The tires will immediately squeal in protest under hurried movements, but luckily the car’s brakes do quite well, needing just under 115 feet to stop when fully applied. The brakes also work to recover kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost, and sends it back to the battery in the trunk to use later. When the car is completely stopped, at for example, a traffic light, the engine will go into “auto stop” mode, which is indicated by the speedometer — also an effort to conserve energy (read: gasoline). Taking the foot off the brake pedal seamlessly turns the engine back on and accelerates up to speed like normal. The new transmission unit also shifts much more quickly and smoothly than the previous model that was in the now-unavailable un-eAssisted 2.4L model.
After our time with the car, it became clear that out of all the GM eAssist models, the Buick LaCrosse makes the most sense. It returns absolutely suburb fuel economy for a car its size and price point, and comes with all the premium amenities you’ve come to expect from Buick.
*Disclaimer: General Motors provided the LaCrosse eAssist tester with a full tank of gas, which the car sipped on for almost the entire week, needing to fill up just once. This left money in my pocket to buy my mother a nice birthday dinner. Also, I took these photos.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Top Tips for Walking Safely
- Developmentally, most kids can't judge speeds and distances until at least age 10, so younger kids need to cross with an adult
- Did you know most walking injuries happen mid-block or someplace other than intersections? Whenever possible, cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, and keep looking and listening while crossing
- Walk, don't run, when crossing the street
- It's always best to walk on sidewalks or paths, but if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible
- Remove headphones when crossing the street
- If you need to use your phone, stop walking
- Distraction among drivers is at an all-time high today, so try to make eye contact with the driver before you step into the road
Tips For Drivers
- Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones, before and after school hours
- Most walkers are injured mid-block, not at intersections, so watch out for kids who may dart into traffic or cross where they shouldn't
- Give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk
- Using cell phones, even hands-free, makes it harder for drivers to be alert to walkers who may also be distracted on cell phones.
Great Reviews for Beck & Masten Buick GMC
"The experience was great and the staff was on hand to help me get the car I wanted with NO high pressure sales. Everyone was very friendly also"
"It was a great experience with Mike Sharaf in getting my New Yukun Denali 2013.He is very professional, friendly, understanding and knowledgeable. I appreciate all the work he did to help us get the car and the deal I needed I visited more than one dealer but did not get the right help and support until I came to Mike in Beck and Masten. Mike searched continuously until he found the car that exactly meets my needs. Thanks Mike and Beck and Masten for making my experience greatDefinitely I will recommend him to a friend.
Saad"
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
GMC Sierra 1500 is good-looking and comfortable
Pick-up trucks came from a purely utilitarian need for a commercial vehicle, but in the 1950s certain models were gussied up for the average consumer who enjoyed having the cargo capacity but wanted something more refined. And so began the escalating war of features and options between the Big Three automakers.
All pick-ups, domestic or foreign-made, are front-engined, RWD, 4WD or AWD, cab in the middle with a cargo box in the back. The areas that are open for innovation are the powertrain and the cab, be it two-door or four.
Design:
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is the most popular offering from General Motors and is up against the F-150 of Ford and the Dodge RAM 1500. The exterior styling has been freshened up with a chrome mesh grille and bumper while our SLT model had a colour-matched grille and bumper which in Onyx Black looked very slick.
A pair of six-inch chromed oval tubular “assist steps” or running boards add some flash below the rocker panels and give you a leg up when getting in and out of the truck. The Z71 4X4 Package adds some decals to the flanks of the cargo box along with a higher ride height.
The squared-off styling makes for a tough-looking vehicle and follows today’s trends quite nicely. Large double-stacked headlights and a large pair of fog lights dominate the squared-off front fascia.
Inside the crew cab there is a continuation of the black on black theme with some dark grey to break up the monotony.
The front bucket seats have leather inserts, and feature power 10-way driver and front-passenger seat adjusters (including power two-way lumbar adjuster), heated seat cushions and seatbacks, two-position driver memory, a cavernous centre floor console and seatback storage pockets for maps, etc. The rear seats are stadium-style fold-up seats on both the Extended and Crew Cab models with a 60/40 split.
For entertainment there is a Bose Premium sound system with subwoofer (in the centre console), auto tone control, speed-compensated volume, TheftLock and USB port.
Performance:
The Sierra 1500 SLT had been graced with the 5.3L Vortec V8 motor upgrade, which is a flexfuel engine meaning it can burn unleaded gasoline or up to 85 per cent ethanol thanks to with Active Fuel Management. Variable Valve Timing helps this engine generate 315 horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque. Power is distributed through a six-speed transmission with overdrive to a transfer case that can drive either the rear wheels or all of them at the simple turn of a knob.
This is all part of the All Terrain Package – includes "All Terrain" badging on front fenders and carpeted floor mats, brushed metal accents on instrument panel 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, P265/65R18 On/Off road tires and Z71 Off-Road suspension. The Z71 Off-Road Chassis Package adds 46 mm monotube Rancho shock absorbers, off-road jounce bumpers and heavy-duty front stabilizer bar, also includes high-capacity air cleaner, skid plates, an industry-exclusive Eaton automatic locking rear differential, and the Z71 decals.
Driving/utility:
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is a well-designed truck that combines utility with comfort. Even with the more aggressive All-Terrain Package, F85 and ZR71 suspension upgrades, the Sierra’s ride was never annoyingly rigid, a pitfall with unloaded trucks. I took the Sierra on an extended trip from Montreal to New Jersey with a few hundred pounds of cargo and it rode like a car.
Pick-up trucks do require prudence when driving on winding roads. They are heavy and have a higher centre of gravity than a car, but you don’t get this cargo capacity in a smaller vehicle. GMC provides their StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to automatically help control lateral skids and have proven to reduce some types of crashes by up to 63 per cent. StabiliTrak now includes electronic trailer sway control.
The 5.3L Vortec V8 had plenty of power for passing and climbing through the mountains while returning decent fuel mileage. Once again, this is a big boxy truck, not a sleek sports car.
Access to the cargo box was more awkward than its two main rivals, which have clever retractable steps that make loading and securing your cargo easier.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT is certainly a contender for the domestic pick-up truck marketplace. It can be well optioned to suit your needs and deliver both your passengers and cargo with style.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT
Price: $39,785, $52,830 (as tested plus taxes)
Engine: 5.3L V8
Power: 315 horsepower, 335 foot-pounds of torque
Fuel economy: 14.4 litres per 100 km (city), 9.5 litres per 100 km (highway)
Transmission: six-speed automatic w/OD
Seating Capacity: five
Pros: modern exterior styling, comfortable seats, great suspension (optional Z71)
Cons: dark interior, cargo box access, modest fuel efficiency
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Fuel-Efficient Models Drive Buick Growth on West Coast Verano, eAssist account for more than 40 percent of sales in Southern California
DETROIT – Buick retail sales rose 10 percent year over year in September and are on track for the brand’s best sales year since 2006, due in part to growth in markets like California. Total sales for Buick in September were up 8 percent year over year.
Year-over-year Buick sales have increased every month since February in California and were up 39 percent in September. Cities like San Francisco and San Diego lead the growth with September increases of 58 and 100 percent, respectively. Buick is attracting customers with eAssist technology, which delivers an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg for the Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal luxury sport sedan.
The Verano compact luxury sedan, which offers Buick’s signature design and quietness in a smaller size, is also appealing to California buyers. Verano and Buick models with eAssist combined for 43 percent of September Buick sales in Los Angeles and 41 percent in San Diego.
“By adding purposeful technology like eAssist and entering new segments with models like Verano, Buick is appealing to a wider range of luxury buyers,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick Sales and Service. “Our consistent growth in competitive markets like California is a testament to design and engineering that goes into every vehicle.”
By the end of 2012, Verano will be available in dealerships with a new 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower, enough to deliver an estimated acceleration from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds while still getting an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway. Verano Turbo will have a suggested retail price of $29,990, including destination.
Experience Buick has also contributed to Buick’s growth by expanding leases from 15 percent of the brand’s new vehicle deliveries when it launched in mid-March to 36 percent in September. Experience Buick is a 24-month lease that includes SiriusXM satellite radio, OnStar Directions and Connections and oil changes in the monthly payments.
Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.>
Monday, October 1, 2012
5 Money Saving Car Tips!
Below are a few tips from our automotive experts.
1) Treating hazy headlight lenses. Modern headlight assemblies usually have clear plastic covers that can grow hazy over the years from exposure to the elements. To save the expense of changing the whole headlight reflector assembly, you can use a restoration kit, usually consisting of abrasive cloths and a special finishing liquid. Some kits are applied with elbow grease, while others call for an electric drill.
2) Windshield wipers. You can extend the life of wiper blades by keeping them clean. Wipe off the rubber edge with a paper towel moistened with glass cleaner, or water and a little dish soap. Wiper blades don't last long. In our tests we've found that six months is about the best you can expect a set of wiper blades to stay in top form.
3) Wash and wax your car. Giving your car a good cleaning helps preserve the paint by removing road grime and residues that can eat through the finish. The time spent hand washing a car gives you a close-up view of every body panel, so you can spot scratches, chips, and dings you may not have otherwise noticed. To maintain a quality shine, periodically apply car wax. A spray wax is best suited to weekly or special-occasion applications. Other waxes can be used less frequently, every 2-3 months.
4) Light bulbs. Changing a light bulb isn't difficult—most these days have a twist-and-pull bayonet base or they simply pull out and push in. Bulb specifications are usually found in the owner's manual. However, accessing a bulb (usually called a lamp in industry parlance) can be a real chore. Consult a service manual or look online if access to the bulb isn't obvious. Auto-parts stores and your franchised dealer carry good selections of replacement bulbs. If you're replacing a halogen headlight bulb take care not to touch the glass with your bare fingers. Skin oils on the quartz glass are said to shorten its life.
5) Touch-up paint. Touching up paint flaws early can save a heap of money down the road. You can touch up small scratches and chips with touch-up paint, available for a few dollars at your car dealership and at some auto-parts stores. Make sure you get an exact color match. Touch-up paint usually comes in a small bottle with an applicator brush in the lid. Otherwise, use a small, pointed artist's brush and cover the scratch by going over it in tiny dabs. Let this paint dry for at least a day or two before polishing the car.
Copyright © 2006-2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.
5 Money Saving Car Tips!
Below are a few tips from our automotive experts.
1) Treating hazy headlight lenses. Modern headlight assemblies usually have clear plastic covers that can grow hazy over the years from exposure to the elements. To save the expense of changing the whole headlight reflector assembly, you can use a restoration kit, usually consisting of abrasive cloths and a special finishing liquid. Some kits are applied with elbow grease, while others call for an electric drill.
2) Windshield wipers. You can extend the life of wiper blades by keeping them clean. Wipe off the rubber edge with a paper towel moistened with glass cleaner, or water and a little dish soap. Wiper blades don't last long. In our tests we've found that six months is about the best you can expect a set of wiper blades to stay in top form.
3) Wash and wax your car. Giving your car a good cleaning helps preserve the paint by removing road grime and residues that can eat through the finish. The time spent hand washing a car gives you a close-up view of every body panel, so you can spot scratches, chips, and dings you may not have otherwise noticed. To maintain a quality shine, periodically apply car wax. A spray wax is best suited to weekly or special-occasion applications. Other waxes can be used less frequently, every 2-3 months.
4) Light bulbs. Changing a light bulb isn't difficult—most these days have a twist-and-pull bayonet base or they simply pull out and push in. Bulb specifications are usually found in the owner's manual. However, accessing a bulb (usually called a lamp in industry parlance) can be a real chore. Consult a service manual or look online if access to the bulb isn't obvious. Auto-parts stores and your franchised dealer carry good selections of replacement bulbs. If you're replacing a halogen headlight bulb take care not to touch the glass with your bare fingers. Skin oils on the quartz glass are said to shorten its life.
5) Touch-up paint. Touching up paint flaws early can save a heap of money down the road. You can touch up small scratches and chips with touch-up paint, available for a few dollars at your car dealership and at some auto-parts stores. Make sure you get an exact color match. Touch-up paint usually comes in a small bottle with an applicator brush in the lid. Otherwise, use a small, pointed artist's brush and cover the scratch by going over it in tiny dabs. Let this paint dry for at least a day or two before polishing the car.
Copyright © 2006-2012 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. No reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission.
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