General Motors recalls 42,904 vehicles for fire risk

General Motors is recalling 42,904 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Buick Regal sedans due to a problem with the generator control module. The 2012 and 2013 models equipped with GM's eAssist hybrid system are affected.

"These vehicles may have a condition in which the Generator Control Module (GCM) may not function properly. This could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light," NHTSA said in its summary of the problem. "If the vehicle is continued to be driven, the engine may stall and/or the vehicle may not start. In addition, there may be a burning or melting odor, smoke, and possibly a fire in the trunk."

No injuries or crashes have been reported as a result of the fires.

The North American carmaker has not yet provide a notification schedule, but owners can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236. Dealers will test the GCM and replace it, as necessary, free of charge.

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2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country unveiled

Chevrolet has just unveiled the 2014 Silverado High Country which will join the LTZ and Z71 models in the Silverado lineup this fall.

According to the North American carmaker, this range-topping version is distinguished by a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps and body-color front/rear bumpers. There's also chrome body side mouldings, mirrors and door handles, along with different chrome wheels with 275/55 R20 all-terrain season tires.

Inside, the cabin features saddle brown upholstery, heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with "High Country" logos on the headrests, as well as Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8-inch touch screen, Bose sound system and front/rear park assist.

"High Country will be the top model in the Silverado lineup, with a higher level of premium features and materials with a rich, Western themed appearance," said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director. "But at the same time, High Country is 100-percent Chevy truck, with the capability and dependability customers have relied on for more than 95 years."

Standard engine is the 355 hp 5.3-liter V8 EcoTec3, with class-leading V8 fuel economy of up to 23 mpg highway. The larger 6.2-liter V8 EcoTec3 engine will also be available. Both units benefit from direct fuel injection, active fuel management and continuously variable valve timing, proving the refined power and torque truck customers expect.

Optional features include a chrome rear bumper with CornerStep, integrated trailer brake controller, sunroof, navigation, heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and a rear-seat entertainment system.

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2013 Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX recalled for transmission issue

General Motors is recalling 26,582 2013 Buick LaCrosse and Cadillac SRX vehicles due to a problem with the software for the transmission controller.

"A software problem may cause the transmission to inadvertently shift to Sport mode, removing any transmission-related engine braking effect," said NHTSA in its summary of the the problem. "If engine braking is unexpectedly removed, it may increase the risk of a vehicle crash."

There are no reported customer cases nor are any crashes or injuries related to the condition known, according to a report from The Detroit News.

The affected Buick LaCrosse models were manufactured between April 25, 2012 through March 6, 2013, while the affected Cadillac SRX models were manufactured between May 29, 2012 through February 18, 2013.

The recall is expected to begin on March 28 and dealers will reprogram the transmission control module free of charge. Owners can call Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or Buick at 1-866-694-6546.

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GM considering 3-cylinder engine for Chevrolet Volt & Cadillac ELR

According to a recent report, General Motors is considering a three-cylinder range extending engine for its Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR.

Edmunds says this engine would replace the current 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the Volt and ELR with either a 1.0- or 1.2-liters. It could be co-developed with one of the brand's Chinese partners and be used globally.

The move apparently as part of a companywide strategy to reduce fuel consumption as well as vehicle weight by up to 15 percent by 2016. So, if approved for production, the three-cylinder engine could be offered for the 2015 Volt and the 2016 ELR.

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Chevrolet working on a low-cost Corvette for 2015

According to a new report from Motor Trend, Chevrolet is currently preparing an entry-level version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray for 2015.

Specifically, the low-cost Corvette Coupe will not wear a Stingray badge and compared to the 2014 Corvette Stingray, it will get a new front fascia, modified fenders and a different diffuser.

Motivation will reportedly be provided by an all-aluminum direct-injection 5.3-liter V8 engine which is similar to the one used in the new GM trucks. This likely means the engine will develop less than 400 hp.

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe could cost less than $50,000, before factoring in incentives.

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2014 Chevrolet SS won't be sold in Canada

General Motors has officially confirmed the 2014 Chevrolet SS will not be sold in Canada.

The bad news was posted on the Globe and Mail which cites GM Canada spokesperson George Saratlic, but the North American carmaker hasn't offered up any reasoning behind this surprising decision. Meanwhile, the United States will get the rear-wheel-drive performance sedan by late summer in limited production numbers.

As we have previously reported, the 2014 Chevrolet SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 LS3 engine which is expected to produce 415 hp and 562 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift paddles, which allows the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h about 5 seconds, making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.

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2013 Cadillac XTS W20 Livery Package introduced

Cadillac has recently released some details about their W20 Livery package for the XTS. It includes elements of the range-topping XTS Platinum and is offered exclusively to livery companies through Cadillac’s Professional Vehicles program.

According to the North American carmaker, the W20 comes nicely with 19-inch wheels, LED-infused door handles, a rear vision camera and a micro-fiber suede headliner, while an available rear seat comfort package adds heated seats, window sun shades and a power inverter to charge mobile devices. In addition, customers can also ordered with a navigation system.

"XTS represents a new approach to luxury, centered on advanced technology and design," said Don Butler, Cadillac's vice president of marketing. "This same approach extends to Professional Vehicles, where we are bringing a new formula to the livery customer. Every experience in a Cadillac, front seat or rear seat, meets a higher standard for luxury, performance and technology."

Carey International, the world’s largest livery company, was one of the first companies to sign on, purchasing 150 new Cadillac XTS W20 Professional Services Sedans.

"Our customers wanted approachable luxury and enabling technology," said Gary Kessler, president and CEO of Carey International. "We chose the XTS as the cornerstone of the Carey brand because it represented the perfect combination of power, luxury, technology and sophistication that our customers desire and demand today."

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible to bow in Geneva

Chevrolet has officially confirmed that the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible will make its world debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show on March 5.

"It’s fitting to introduce the new Stingray convertible on the global stage at Geneva because Corvette is the face of Chevrolet the world over," said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet and Cadillac Europe. "It is an icon that has long been recognized and admired even in countries where it’s never officially been offered."

"Every Corvette is designed at the outset as an open car," said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "The new Stingray is no different, with the coupe and convertible designed to excel in any situation - be it your daily commute, a drive across the continent, or charging through twisting back roads."

According to the North American carmaker, the first retail production model will be auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach this year to benefit the Barbara  Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.

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General Motors recalls 2,949 vehicles over airbag issue

General Motors is recalling 2,949 units of the 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic due to a defect in the driver's airbag system.

"The driver side frontal airbag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals. If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.

The recall will begin on January 11, 2013 and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. Owners can contact the North American carmaker at 1-800-521-7300 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu recalled for rear suspension defect

General Motors is recalling 8,519 units of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu manufactured between December 6 2011 through January 15, 2013.

"One or more rear suspension bolts may not have been tightened to the specified torque. This may lead to sudden changes in vehicle handling. A loss of vehicle control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem.

The recall is expected to begin soon and dealers will inspect and retighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Meanwhile, owners can contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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