GM Shows 2009 Changes!

[nsap]

GM Shows 2009 Changes!
http://www.gminsidenews.com
By: NSAP


It is that time of year yet again; the time when GM unofficially announces to the world what changes are going to be performed on the next-year’s models. We’ve been watching the GM Fleet website for the last couple of months in anticipation of the release of all of the models. Thus far 95% of the 2009 models are up, with only a few select models absent.

The most notable change that is seen on nearly every 2009 General Motors product is the very welcoming addition of Bluetooth connectivity. We’ve been complaining to GM for the last two (or has it been three?) years to stop loving with OnStar and give the people what they want: Bluetooth! The interesting aspect of this is that we have a few different descriptions of the Bluetooth option. Some models refer to it as the “Human Machine user interface,” some simply say “Bluetooth phone connectivity” and some say “OnStar with Bluetooth.” This isn’t entirely surprising as there are still a few GM models that are not using the GM LAN electronic network, which probably hampers the abilities of the Bluetooth. Nontheless, we are very pleased to see Bluetooth on the option lists of so many GM models. Look for it on the option lists as PRO code “UPF.”

A dominate theme in the 2009 additions is connectivity. Another option popping up on the option lists for 2009 is XM Nav Traffic. In 2008 this was on the Cadillac CTS and that was about it for the GM lineup. Now XM Nav Traffic is part of the corporate navigation system, so if the vehicle has an available navigation system…chances are it has the XM Nav Traffic capabilities. In addition to live traffic updates, GM has added their recently-announced navigation downloads to the option lists of GM’s higher-end models. This system allows you or OnStar to send directions or an address to the navigation unit remotely. Most of the models that will have this for 2009 are Cadillac models. It is also worth mentioning that GM has made XM Radio standard in several more models, even the HHR.
It goes without saying that a big selling point for 2009 vehicles will be fuel economy. GM has performed a few tweaks across the lineup to improve fuel economy. The most notable changes are to the Cadillac Escalade. While the Escalade will be retaining its 403 HP 6.2L V8, it is getting Active Fuel Management and E85 capability. This should boost the fuel economy figures of the beast. Hummer’s H2 is getting only the E85 capable 6.2L. Further expanding their E85 lineup, GM has also added E85 capability to the: Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Chevrolet HHR, Buick Lucerne, and possibly others. More fuel economy enhancements have been made on the ECOTEC engine lineup; the 2.2L has been moved to the newer generation ECOTEC lineup with continuously variable valve timing. Fuel economy for the engine is expected to increase to at least 35 MPG highway with automatic transmissions.

Buick

2009 is not going to be a big year for Buick, mainly because the next-generation LaCrosse is just around the corner for 2010 model-year. Notable changes are minimal; the Lucerne now has the 3.9L VVT V6 (227 HP) standard and the 292 HP 4.6L Northstar V8 is only had on the Super model. Buick’s sweet Enclave is getting a power-boost; the 3.6L SIDI HF V6 is now standard with 290 HP and better fuel economy. You also no longer have to buy the navigation system to get a review camera.

Cadillac

Cadillac appears to attempting to minimize the impact of the massive Escalade. In addition to the efficiency changes mentioned above, they have added the blind-zone indicator to Escalade. Expect a slightly revised XLR, with minor interior changes and a reworked front-end.

Chevrolet

Further improving the Malibu, GM has made the 6T40 6-speed automatic standard on LTZ 4-cylinder LTZ models and now optional on all other 4-cylinder models. The Cobalt is also receiving a new radio headunit with a built-in USB port for MP3 players. Oddly, no other models are showing the option yet. Chevrolet’s GMT-900 products now have the 6.2L V8 optional and a 6-speed is now standard on Suburban.

GMC

Acadia gets the 3.6L SIDI HF V6 with 290 HP standard and the Yukon XL has the 6-speed standard.

Hummer

No major changes.

Pontiac

The limited slip differential is now standard on the Solstice and the G8 receives Bluetooth/XM standard.

Saab

Only the 9-7x is up thus far, with nothing worth mentioning.

Saturn

Aura XR now has the 2.4L 4-cylinder standard (with 6-speed automatic) and the V6 is optional on XE and XR. Like it’s cousins, the Outlook also gets the 3.6L SIDI HF V6 standard as well as new optional 20” wheels. The Astra is missing in action...possibly because changes are occurring that GM does not want public yet.

Please note that the above consists of only the major changes for 2009. Also note that what is seen in the discussed guides is not final and more changes will likely occur than currently listed. Stay turned to GMI for the latest 2009 product information!!

[drew630]

Chevrolet’s GMT-900 products now have the 6.2L V8 optional and a 6-speed is now standard on Suburban.

Cool. It will be interesting to see how the Silverado/Sierra sales react the 6.2L being available now.

[ChevroletRevived]

Here comes Bluetooth! GM is implementing it widespread across the lineup, and it shows that they're listening to consumers. I'm particularly impressed with the increase of E85 capable vehicles; that really is awesome and should be an great selling point. Lucurne's standard engine was a much needed move. The 197HP figure (and indeed the engine) was hugely outclassed...to put it nicely. Very welcomed changes across the board.

[hrcslam]

I wonder how the mileage will compare now with the GMT-900's having the 6 speed.

[TruckMan]

Originally Posted by hrcslam

I wonder how the mileage will compare now with the GMT-900's having the 6 speed.

He said only the Suburban and Yukon XL will get the 6 speeds. Not all the GMT-900's. Guess I'm waiting another year before I upgrade.

[PositiveAboutGM]

Originally Posted by TruckMan

He said only the Suburban and Yukon XL will get the 6 speeds. Not all the GMT-900's. Guess I'm waiting another year before I upgrade.

All 5.3L and 6.2L Tahoe's get the 6-speed, as does the Avalanche. On the half-ton pickups, no regular cab trucks get the 6-speed. On the extended cabs, only 6.0L gets the 6-speed. On the crew cabs, all get the 6-speed except for the 4.8L models.

[Hunter]

Nothing groundbreaking, but certainly some nice improvements. Nice to see that they're upping production of the 6 speed automatics. Also, is the 3800 finally dead yet?

[TruckMan]

Originally Posted by PositiveAboutGM

All 5.3L and 6.2L Tahoe's get the 6-speed, as does the Avalanche. On the half-ton pickups, no regular cab trucks get the 6-speed. On the extended cabs, only 6.0L gets the 6-speed. On the crew cabs, all get the 6-speed except for the 4.8L models.

Really? I hope you're right. That covers about what I've been looking for.

[BrickTamland]

Originally Posted by Hunter

Nothing groundbreaking, but certainly some nice improvements. Nice to see that they're upping production of the 6 speed automatics. Also, is the 3800 finally dead yet?

It still lives in the Lucerne.

[big swede]

Originally Posted by Hunter

Nothing groundbreaking, but certainly some nice improvements. Nice to see that they're upping production of the 6 speed automatics.

Yep just normal yearly improvements of existing products. Looking at the Buick engine lineup has me thinking the Northstars days are numbered or a major improvement is in order. Not sure what GM's incentive is to continue with it unless there are that many old people who really think they need the V8 with those extra 2hp.

Northstar 4.6 V8 292 HP

SIDI HF 3.6 V6 290 HP

Torque/exhaust note ?

[1G6]

No 3800 for '09. Looks like I'll be buying a Lucerne before the changeover.

[KillerMRK]

Good to see that the Impala has standard ABS now.

Also the 3800 is still in the LaCrosse, not the Lucerne. It was deleted and replaced by the 3.9, along with the lower level Northstar, and the Sport-Tuned Suspension.

While the 3800 is an amazingly good engine, is the 3.9 much worse? I think that the 09 models are better, 20 more horses, and bluetooth is a nice addition.

[montrealvue]

I am glad to see the Lambdas will get the 3.6L DI. The extra power will be a welcome change as well as the improved fuel economy. I would think the optional 20 inch wheels would negate any fuel savings....

[GMfan1111]

Nothing too stellar with these changes about the only two notable ones I see are the addition of bluetooth across the entire lineup and the DI engines in the lambdas. However what is the HMI interface that will be avalible in a few models such as the solstice? IMo I'll hold my excitement until 2010 thats when we will probably see some big changes coming up

[telo]

Does anyone know, is it possible to get your car "updated" with the next year's software or whatever so that you benefit from the fuel economy upgrades?
I know it sounds a little too simple, but as long as there aren't any actual changes to the vehicle, shouldn't you just be able to take it in to your dealer and have him update it? I'm probably crazy but...