Bradshaw-Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Cadillac

Cadillac Racing Returns to Sebring with CTS-V Coupe Racecars

2011-02-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

SEBRING, Fla. – Cadillac Racing returned to Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., on Tuesday, Feb. 22, for a second round of testing prior to the beginning of the 2011 Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT season.

For the first time, both CTS-V Coupe racecars hit the track with full exterior colors, decals and numbers. Driver Andy Pilgrim will pilot the No. 8 car for Cadillac Racing, and teammate Johnny O’Connell will be behind the wheel of the No. 3 coupe.

Cadillac is reentering the World Challenge GT series this year, beginning with the season-opening race in St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 25-27. Cadillac previously competed in the World Challenge from 2004 to 2007.

“We’re here fine-tuning the cars, validating components and vehicle dynamics,” said Jim Vurpillat, Cadillac global marketing director. “It’s our first opportunity to get both cars on the track at the same time, in full race trim. Besides looking incredible on the track, the cars are performing at an exceptional level.”

The first test at Sebring Raceway in January was earlier in the vehicle development process and limited to one racecar without the exterior treatments.

“The driving is going very well,” O’Connell said. “We’re just learning how the car responds to different changes and we’re getting a lot of track data. With two full days of testing (Feb. 22-23), we’ll have a really good idea of how we’ll perform at the first race in St. Petersburg next month.”

The World Challenge GT schedule has been finalized for the 2011 season and includes eight races in the United States and Canada from March to October.

“We’re getting in a lot of laps, and that’s what we need to do to get ready for the 2011 season,” Pilgrim said.

84-year-old, Retired Oil Executive From Asheville, NC Gets Charged Up by Chevy Volt

2011-02-28T12:31:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – James Brazell spent 40 years working for Texaco, ultimately retiring from the oil company as the coordinator of its worldwide exploration and production activities. So what is he doing driving a Crystal Red Chevrolet Volt electric car?

“We know that the oil supply is a finite resource,” the 84-year-old retiree said. “We also know that oil will eventually become a scarcity, we just don’t know when.

“I believe electric vehicles like the Volt are an important step towards reducing our dependence on oil, while renewable sources of energy – like wind, solar, and hydrological power – will all play a role in producing clean energy for electric vehicles.”

Brazell placed a deposit for a Volt in 2008, more than two years before the car went on sale. When he learned the Washington D.C. area would be an initial launch market, he decided to purchase a Volt from Lindsay Chevrolet in Woodbridge, Va.

He said he felt it would be the best electric vehicle for his needs:

“About 90 percent of my driving is less than 40 miles a day, so I expect to use very little gas,” said Brazell, who recently audited a class on sustainable energy at the University of North Carolina at Asheville’s College for Seniors. “But the extended range of the gas engine is there if I want to take a drive to New York to visit my grandchildren.”

His first drive in the extended-range electric vehicle was the 500-mile trip from Virginia home to Asheville.

“The Volt is fabulous, and absolutely exceeds my expectations,” he said. “I was especially impressed with the transition from electric to extended range. It was completely seamless. We were watching for it, but got to talking and completely missed the changeover.”

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Long On Batteries, Short On Gas Costs

2010-10-11T01:32:00.001-04:00

All the early reviews for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt are glowing: "...responsive and sporty..." "...plenty of space even for four adults..." Plus, it looks great and just think of all the money you'll save at the pump.

The batteries of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have a 40 mile range, which, when you think about it, is more than enough for most of us. This overcomes the drawbacks of past electric cars / hybrids - which was the short range and long charging times. It also has a gas powered generator, so you never have to worry when you need to drive long distances.

You can always visit us at Bradshaw Greer Automotive's website for more information if you have questions about when the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be available to you. As a reminder, we also have a dealership Facebook page that you can visit here and our service department is always ready for your service needs.

Ho-Ho-Hooray for the Camaro and Neiman Marcus

2010-10-08T09:37:00.003-04:00

"Neiman Marcus provides a great platform to showcase the new Camaro Convertible," Tom Peters, design director at Chevrolet said. "And, it enabled us to create a special edition car that combines the powerful design and performance of the new Camaro with an element of exclusivity, craftsmanship, and customized luxury."

Neiman Marcus, on a yearly basis, releases its guide to the ultimate holiday gifts it calls its Christmas Book. Each year, one of those gifts is a special edition car. The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible is that car this year.

Cool new luxury features included the special Neiman Marcus touch. For example, the Bordeaux-colored paint comes complete with ghost rally stripes and is singular to the Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible, and don't forget the color-matched top. It also has special 21-inch, polished aluminum wheels and what would it be without the matte silver windshield surround.

Bradshaw Greer Chevrolet carries the full line of Chevrolet Camaros that you can test drive at our dealership or view on our website. And if you're already an owner, make sure to visit us for your service and parts needs and you can also check out our service specials.

Buick Is Coming with the Verano Compact Sedan

2010-10-06T01:09:00.001-04:00

Shopping for a Buick, but still think it's a car for your parents? Think again.

GM plans on building a compact sedan for the revered Buick brand. We here at Bradshaw are very excited about the news for the new Buick. While were at it, we also want to make you aware of our sales and service departments.

It will be built at the factory in Orion, Mich., where the Chevrolet Aveo subcompact is also made. More details will be available this week. The addition of the Verano to the factory in Michigan means that GM will build two types of vehicles there, which has been closed for the past two years.

Bradshaw Greer On Top of the Chevrolet Volt Tour

2010-10-04T03:43:00.001-04:00

The “Volt Unplugged” tour will give people a chance to test-drive the Chevy Volt, meet the vehicle's developers and enjoy events at each stop along the way. As always, you can visit our service department or contact our sales department to learn more today.

The Chevrolet Volts will begin a 3,400-mile drive across the country demonstrating the ease with which the electric vehicle can handle the extended-range trip. Bradshaw Greer of Greer, South Carolina is ready for the vehicle to begin the tour.

"The Volt Unplugged tour will give people a chance to get behind the wheel of the Volt and find out for themselves what makes this vehicle so special," said Tony DiSalle, Chevrolet Volt product and marketing director. “This drive will demonstrate the one-of-a-kind capabilities of the Volt, the only electric vehicle able to drive such long distances under a variety of driving conditions and climates without having to stop to recharge.”

Interested consumers can follow the Volt’s tour and register for test-drive opportunities on the “Unplugged” tab located at ChevroletVoltAge.com, the Volt’s official social network or on the Chevrolet Volt Facebook page.

Oct. 16th Car Show - Prizes, Food and Fun!

2010-09-30T20:04:00.000-04:00

Join us Saturday October 16th, for the Cruise-In Car Show! Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle and have some fun! All makes and models are welcome. Events include door prizes, 50/50 drawing, music, food, face painting, and games for kids. Fun for all ages!

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO UNITED WAY OF GREENVILLE AND SPARTANBURG COUNTIES!

Door prize donations provided by: GM, Steve's Muffler Shop, Texas Roadhouse, Harley Davidson, Pro Shine Detail, Midway, Benton Heating & Cooling, Pool Time & Supply, GMAC, Smith & James, BIN 122, Safe Kids, Bradshaw Parts Dept., Bradshaw Service Dept. & many more!

MAKE SURE TO RSVP ON FACEBOOK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FREE PROFESSIONAL CAR DETAIL FROM PRO SHINE AUTO VALUED AT OVER $85! ONLY THOSE WHO RSVP THROUGH FACEBOOK WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN! WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BRADSHAWGREER

Food provided by the following:

Great Bay Oyster House*

Steve Rollings*

Korner Kitchen*

AutoTrader.com*

Pepsi*

Tim Tucker*

Other Local Business Participants:

Blue Ridge Family Chiropractic - Minor Adjustment*

City of Greer Fire Dept. - Fire Trucks on Display

City of Greer Police Dept. - Police Cruiser on Display

Marines - Soldiers and Hum-V on Display

Terry Reece - DJ

Angel Dolfyn - Minute Massages*

North Hills Medical - Minute Checkups, Flu Shots*

Pediatric Dental Clinic - Minor Checkups, Tooth Brush handouts

Safe Kids - Helment and Saftey Bags handout

*nominal fees may apply

Summer's Best Cadillac Sales Event

2010-07-16T15:54:00.000-04:00

The Summers Best Sales event is in full swing at Bradshaw Cadillac. Lease a new CTS starting at $379 per mo. see Bradshaw for details. Visit us anytime at http://www.bradshawgreer.com/. Come see why we have the best reputation in the Upstate. Find us on autotrader and cars.com.

Used cars starting at $3,600

2010-07-16T15:49:00.000-04:00

The best used car selection in the Upstate of SC. Come see why we sell more. Used cars starting at $3,600. Hummers starting at $19,990. Visit us 24/7 at http://www.bradshawgreer.com/. You can also find us at autotrader and cars.com.

Great Selection and rebates

2010-07-16T15:45:00.000-04:00

Great selection and rebates. Come see our great selection of Corvettes and Camaros in stock. Visit on the web http://www.bradshawgreer.com/. Also see us on autotrader and cars.com. The best used car selection in the Upstate.

Chevrolet offers Corvette buyers the opportunity to build the engine for their cars. By JAKE LINGEMAN

2010-07-14T12:08:00.000-04:00

For a great Selection of 2010 Corvettes visit www.BradshawGreer.com or come by Bradshaw Chevrolet in Greer SC.

Chevrolet Corvette buyers can already take delivery of their car at the National Corvette Museum, get professional driver training and watch their cars being built. Now, General Motors will let them build the engine.

GM is offering buyers of the 2011 Corvette ZR1 and Z06 models the chance to build the engines for their cars. For a suggested retail price of $5,800, plus the cost of getting to Detroit, a Corvette buyer is welcome to GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., where engines for the ZR1 and the Z06 are built by hand.

The Engine Build Experience package includes a concierge service that will set up most of the arrangements.

Buyers who select the option will work side-by-side with professionals at the Performance Build Center. Together they will build up an engine, starting with a bare block and moving through a series of assembly stations. Virtually all of the work is done by hand, with minimal automated assistance.

At the end of the line, the engine is test run on a dynamometer and the builder adds a personalized nameplate. Then the engine is sent the Corvette assembly plant in Bowling Green, Ky., for installation in the car.

The most important part? Whether built by you or by the professional technician, the engine from the Performance Build Center is covered by a five-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Lincoln, Cadillac woo buyers with extras

2010-07-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Auto dealers vie to distinguish their brands in a soft market
Robert Snell / The Detroit News

General Motors and Ford have dropped their fur-lined gloves and are engaging in one-upmanship to distinguish their luxury brands in a competitive segment of the market.

Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln and General Motors Co.'s Cadillac are dangling free maintenance deals, a perk long offered by rival import BMW, but dropped by luxury automakers Lexus, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in recent years amid high costs.

The goal is not to boost sales during the short term in a soft luxury market, but to distinguish the premium domestic brands from their foreign rivals, raise brand awareness for Lincoln and Cadillac, and cultivate long-term repeat customers.

Their efforts come as the luxury car market has posted single-digit percentage gains and luxury sport utility sales have increased 30.7 percent in the first half of the year, despite a weak economy. Other vehicle segments, such as pickups and sport utility/crossovers, have notched double-digit increases this year, while the overall market has climbed 16.7 percent.

The domestic brand incentives sparked mixed reactions from dealers and industry analysts, who said free maintenance perks could help them compete with foreign rivals, but likely won't boost sales in the short term.

"It's a customer comfort sort of thing and a little bit of exclusivity," said auto analyst Joe Phillippi of AutoTrends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J. "You're not going to get this at a Chevy or Ford dealership. Someone's not going to buy a Cadillac or Lincoln because they think the free maintenance deal is better than the other guy's. But it's going to make them happy while owning the car."

While Cadillac and Lincoln lag Lexus, BMW and Mercedes in sales, the domestic brands were up 33.3 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively, through June, compared with the 9.4 percent increase in the overall luxury segment.

Dealers encouraged
Some dealers are encouraged and hope the perks trigger an increase in showroom traffic at a time when retail sales remain sluggish amid a weaker-than-expected recovery in the auto industry.

"It will make it a little easier to get customers in the door," said Justin Osen, a salesman at Don Gooley Cadillac in St. Clair Shores.

Last month, Lincoln unveiled a deal offering free scheduled maintenance for three years or 45,000 miles for those who buy or lease a new 2010 or 2011 Lincoln. Cadillac followed three days later, upping the deal to four years or 50,000 miles on 2011 models.

The Lincoln program, which expires Sept. 7, covers oil changes, tire rotations, routine inspections, engine belts, hoses and replacement of wiper blades and brake linings. The Cadillac offer will be standard on 2011 models.

Chrysler Group LLC doesn't have any luxury brands and declined to comment whether it has any similar perks for its lineup.

The Cadillac and Lincoln offers aren't the right tool to lure buyers or close sales, said Lincoln dealer Tammy Darvish, vice president of DARCARS Automotive Group in Silver Spring, Md.

"I don't think it will really have a lot of impact," she said. "People don't come in and buy a car because of free maintenance."

But the offer could convince a customer to stay loyal to a particular dealership and help the dealer build a relationship with the customer, Darvish said.

"I prefer to go into a relationship with longevity at the heart of it," she said. "Not just a quick 'come in and get a free oil change,' and we'll never see you again."

The timing of the offers coincides with automakers clearing out 2010 models and introducing new models. For Cadillac, the first vehicle eligible under the deal is the CTS Coupe, which reaches showrooms later this summer.

"It's a good time to offer these types of deals. They're being competitive at a time when people are luxury shopping," said Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst at Edmunds.com.

"They need to prove themselves and offer a competitive product before they can compete with BMW or Mercedes," she added. "Right now, it's crucial for them to step up their game and break into the luxury market strongly."

Caldwell is encouraged that the luxury segment hasn't tanked along with the economy. Sales should improve later this summer and early fall as 2010 models are liquidated and 2011 models introduced, she said.

A mixed reception
The offers' varying lengths and coverage met with mixed reception among some analysts, however, who say Cadillac, in particular, didn't go far enough.

James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, faulted Cadillac for failing to cover wear-and-tear items such as windshield wipers and brakes.

Cadillac's deal covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, engine and cabin air filters, and a multipoint vehicle inspection.

The offers should generate additional warranty and service profits for dealerships coping with sluggish retail sales, Bell said.

In addition, they should help ensure that owners take better care of leased and low-mileage vehicles, which ultimately will be resold by those same dealers, he said.

"Our bet says these programs become standard offerings from both U.S. manufacturers in the next year," Bell said.

The offers are not particularly novel -- many European brands have offered such perks for years -- but they do signal bids by Ford and GM to more aggressively pursue luxury segment leaders Mercedes and Lexus.

"The program is designed to raise satisfaction for owners by ensuring access to expert service," said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. "It should lead to higher loyalty rates for dealers by establishing them as a valued resource for our customers."

The efforts also could increase margins for sales staff and ease the stress of buyers seeking freebies.

Each time Osen sells a Cadillac SRX, for example, his cut is $280 before taxes. But that amount shrinks after taxes and the $80 oil change that he routinely offers free to his customers.

The incentive also could help ensure leased vehicles are returned in better condition and easier to sell, Osen said.

"If the car gets fixed for free, what do they care?" Osen said. "I can't tell you how many lease turn-ins have the light on saying it needs an oil change."

Come check out all of the new Cadillacs at Bradshaw Cadillac in Greer SC. Shop 24/7 at www.BradshawGreer.com

Cadillac Offering 0% Financing Incentives for 72 Months during July

2010-07-06T13:42:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

For July 2010, Cadillac is offering 0% interest rate car loans for up to 72-months on almost every vehicle the company makes. There are also some very low price lease incentives available during July.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V are both available with 0% financing for up to 72 months during July. The 2010 CTS can also be leased for just $349 a month for 27 months.

The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V comes with a 556-horsepower V8 engine sourced from the Chevy Corvette ZR1, so the low interest rate incentive might make it the cheapest supercar available.
The 2010 Cadillac DTS and STS are both also available with 0% interest rate incentives for 72 months, though long wheelbase DTS models are excluded from the offer. The 2010 Cadillac STS and DTS can both be leased for $599 a month for 39 months.

The 2010 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade EXT are on sale during July with no interest financing for 72 months. The Cadillac Escalade’s lease incentive for July is $699 a month for 39 months.

The Cadillac SRX also has a no interest financing incentive during July, but the SRX can only be financed for 36 months at 0%. That makes the CTS much more attractive than the SRX, and unless you need the extra ground clearance, you should definitely shop both if you’re considering the crossover. The SRX can be leased for $429 a month.

To get the best value on your new Cadillac visit us 24/7 at www.BradshawGreer.com. We are located in Greer SC...come see the Superstore in the Upstate.

Buick marketing new Regal with new 'Moment of Truth' website and... partying?

2010-06-23T19:29:00.003-04:00

In its ongoing quest to reinvent the Buick brand as something other than the official car of the AARP, General Motors has launched a new social media marketing campaign complete with swanky parties in cities like Miami, Chicago and Philadelphia. There will be no shuffle board. The move is part of The General's new "Buick's Moment of Truth" campaign, where party attendees are given flip cameras to record their impressions – positive or negative – of the brand's products. The videos will then be posted to a site for all to see.

According to Brand Week, the Regal Remix parties are designed to help people become aware of exactly what the Buick brand means in post bankruptcy trim, and the shindigs dovetail with an aggressive internet marketing campaign targeted to 35-40 year-olds. That's a smart move, considering that most consumers hold opinions on the brand that range from apathetic to downright negative.

Automotive News says that while West Coast buyers have little idea of what Buick means as a brand, mid-westerners remember the malaise days of Tri-Shield engineering better than most. Buick's new campaign should kick off later this month with the launch of the Moment of Truth site.

Contact Bradshaw Buick to see the all new 2011 Buick Regal. www.BradshawGreer.com or 864-879-7111. We carry the full line up of GM vehicles...Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. Come see why we are the Superstore in the Upstate.

Source: Brand Week, Automotive News

Cadillac joins Lincoln in offering free maintenance

2010-06-22T13:43:00.001-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

Cadillac announced today it will provide free maintenance to owners of all 2011 models for four years or 50,000 miles. That, of course, is meant to outdo Lincoln, which is offering 45,000 miles or three years.The program, called Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations and air filters. It also mentions that you get a "multipoint vehicle inspection..

"Cadillac is adding Premium Care Maintenance as a way to extend customer service beyond the sale," said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. The first 2011 models eligible for the program arrive in late summer.

:Related articles by Zemanta

Over 120 used cars in stock. Starting at $3,990

2010-06-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

Come see why we have the best used cars in the upstate of SC. Over 120 in stock. Prices starting at $3,990. Check us out 24/7 at www.bradshawgreer.com.

Pererred Pricing at Bradshaw Superstore

2010-06-22T13:31:00.000-04:00

Our latest TV ad for New Chevrolet's, Buick's, GMC's and Cadillac's. Check us out 24/7 at www.bradshawgreer.com.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze prices announced

2010-06-13T20:54:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Chevy Cruze has gotten a ton of attention as GM has worked to steal some of the Ford Fiesta’s thunder as both cars prepare to hit the US market. Yesterday, General Motors announced the pricing schedule for their replacement for the Cobalt (and the Cavalier before that) and much like Ford’s Fiesta, the Cruze looks to offer a spread of luxury oriented items in a fuel efficient compact car.

The basic pricing of the 2011 Chevy Cruze is as follows:

Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including:
• Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission
• The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks
• Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation
• Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription

Cruze LT starting at $18,895, including:
• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• 16-inch wheels

Cruze Eco starting at $18,895, including:
• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission
• Segment-leading expected 40 miles per gallon highway
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamic performance package

Cruze LTZ starting at $22,695, including:
• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and remote vehicle start
• Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and ultrasonic rear-parking assist
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Interestingly, GM also includes this table, showing that the Cruze costs around $500 more than the 2010 Honda Civic DX but along with offering more interior space, the Chevy Cruze comes standard with a great many items not included in the base price of the Civic.

Chevy Cruze is expected to delivery fuel economy in the 40mpg range – a number fairly unrivaled in the segment with the exception of some hybrid models. The Cruze will also offer a handful of features like their RS package, allowing you to make your 2011 Cruze sportier looking and if you want more luxury, items like heated leather seats and rear park assist are straight out of the higher end GM models.

Check out the gallery below for a look at the 2011 Chevy Cruze and stay tuned to your Detroit Autos Examiner for all of your breaking news from around town and around the world!

To get more information on the all new Chevrolet Cruz, come by Bradshaw Chevrolet in Greer, SC. Visit 24/7 at www.BradshawGreer.com

First Look: 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Denali

2010-06-13T20:43:00.000-04:00

It was only a month ago that we had our first look at the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty pickups. Now, it’s GMC’s turn in the spotlight. The “professional grade” brand is unveiling the 2011 GMC Sierra HD lineup at the NTEA Work Truck Show. While most of the technical specifications of GM’s HD pickups are identical, GMC is adding a new high-end Sierra Denali HD model to its work truck lineup.

The luxurious Sierra Denali will only be available as a crew cab four-wheel drive 2500 model with a choice of either the standard 360 horsepower / 380 pounds-feet of torque 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine or the class-leading 397 hp and 765 pounds-feet 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 turbodiesel.

To separate it visually from the rest of the Sierra HD trucks, the exterior of the Denali HD will feature a four-bar chrome grille along with body-color bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome accents and 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. As with other Denali models, the cabin will be unique with standard premium touches. It will include Denali-specific brushed aluminum trim, power-adjustable pedals, a Bose premium surround audio system and 12-way power seats. Along with an optional heated steering wheel, heated and cooled leather-appointed seating is available. The exterior will be offered in three colors: Black, Stealth Gray and White.

The rest of the new 2011 Sierra HD lineup receives new three-bar grilles and prominent louvered hoods, along with a revised chrome steel front bumper and new 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels. The interior, though, is mostly unchanged.

GM made the biggest changes to the Sierra’s frame, powertrain and running gear to increase towing and hauling capacity.

Maximum trailering is rated up to 20,000 pounds pulling a fifth wheel trailer with a dual rear wheel Duramax diesel and up to 14,500 pounds pulling a fifth wheel trailer with a single rear wheel 6.0-liter gas V-8.

Maximum payload is rated up to 6,335 pounds with the DRW 6.0-liter gas V-8 and up to 5,724 pounds with the DRW 6.6-liter Duramax V-8. Five of 12 Sierra 3500 models offer a payload capability greater than 6,000 pounds.

Jeff Luke, GM's chief engineer for full-size pickups, said the new frame has five times the torsional strength, 92 percent better bending stiffness and 20 percent better beaming stiffness. The front frame bay cradling the engine is 125 percent stiffer than the old frame.

Torsional strength is how much the frame will twist side to side under load. Bending stiffness is how much the frame will bend under load. Beaming stiffness is how much the frame will flex as it's loaded in the center and supported at both ends. The stronger frame is also said to help reduce noise, vibration and harshness, particularly up front. The engine mount brackets have been strengthened, and their positions supporting the engine are optimized so that the bracket attachment points are now set relative to the center of the frame rail instead of offset at an angle, which had caused unwanted engine vibration.

There are a total of 11 different frame assemblies, depending on cab configuration, wheelbase, weight class and whether it's a pickup or a commercial chassis cab.

In the front suspension, the upper control arm is now made from forged instead of cast steel, for increased strength and weight savings, while the cast-iron lower control arm has been bolstered to handle greater loads. To help improve ride quality, two urethane jounce bumpers instead of one are mounted to the frame to cushion each side of the lower control arm, and there's also a new upper shock mount attachment design as well as all-new shocks.

There's also a new steering box with a 16-1 turn ratio and larger front linkage to manage increased front-end loads resulting from the improved front gross axle weight rating, which has jumped from 4,800 pounds to 6,000 pounds.

It's not just the stronger frame and suspension that support the increased towing and hauling numbers in the 2011 GMC Sierra HD. There's also a revised 6.6-liter Duramax clean diesel. Sixty percent of its parts are new, and Duramax chief engineer Gary Arvan said it will be 11 percent more fuel efficient than the previous LMM Duramax.

To ensure that the driver refills the DEF tank, Duramax-equipped trucks will warn the driver when the fluid is down to a 1,000-mile range. A series of start-up warnings — including lights, chimes and messages — will become more frequent until the tank is empty. When the DEF fluid is down to a 100-mile range, the truck will be limited to only 55 mph. As the range declines, so will the vehicle's top speed. If the driver continues to operate the truck with a dry DEF tank, after a final warning and restart, the truck will operate in a “limp home” mode that limits speed to just 5 mph until the tank is refilled.

The 2011 Sierra adds the first application of trailer sway control to GM's full-size pickups. It works using the truck's antilock braking system and integrated trailer brake controller to brake individual wheels on the pickup automatically when it senses dangerous yaw in the rear of the truck from the trailer, which could happen if weight unexpectedly shifts inside the trailer. If the trailer has electric brakes and is connected to the Sierra's 7-pin trailer connector, the truck can also automatically apply the trailer's brakes to stop dangerous sway. TRW is the supplier for the system.

The Sierra also has bigger wheel brakes that have increased from 12.8 inches to 14 inches in diameter and widened from 1.5 inches to 1.57 inches. They feature a larger swept area for better stopping power, and the operating pressures have been changed to provide a firmer feel during application with less pedal travel required. The bigger brakes are a necessary improvement to reach higher gross combined weight ratings across the line.

Another new safety feature can help with hill starts. Hill-hold assist will automatically apply the vehicle's brakes for 1.5 seconds once you lift your foot off the brake when you're on an incline. It's part of the Sierra's integrated trailer brake controller, so it will apply the trailer's brakes, too, if it has electric brakes.

Finally, all single rear-wheel Sierra HD pickups will come standard with GM's StabiliTrak stability and traction control system. Though it's not required on trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds, on the GM pickups it will run up to the heaviest 11,600-pound GVWR.

We can't wait to drive the heck out of these trucks this summer when they go on sale. To order your GMC HD, contact Bradshaw GMC in Greer, South Carolina. Visit us 24/7 at www.BradshawGreer.com. We have the complete line of GMC as well as Chevy, Buick, and Cadillac

New Cadillac sedan is proof of hard lessons GM’s learned

2010-06-13T20:33:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

The new CTS is efficient, striking and powerful.

Cadillac is a name full of history. It was the pride and joy of General Motors before years of mismanagement and lost sales turned what was once the world’s largest carmaker on its head. It was merely the final insult when so many cars bearing this quintessential American luxury “bigger-is-better” name were junked under the U.S. government’s cash-for-clunkers program.

The shock of the last few years obviously signaled the need for a new direction and philosophy at Cadillac, something other that just big luxury battleships, something efficient. The 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.0 that I tested recently provided a glimpse of that ongoing transformation.

When it was released in November last year, the 2010 Cadillac CTS 3.0 boasted the second-highest fuel efficiency among cars in its class being sold in Korea. It got 9.4 kilometers per liter (22 miles per gallon), second only to the Lexus ES350’s 9.8 kilometers per liter.

The Cadillac’s signature design, reminiscent of a spaceship or stealth fighter, is still the same in the CTS 3.0. Its straight lines conjure up a state-of-the-art image. The wide chrome grille between four rectangular headlamps adds to the dynamism of the vehicle. The number of imported cars is ever-increasing here, but during my test drive, the exotic look of the Cadillac CTS 3.0 still drew the attention of many pedestrians and other drivers.

Indeed, the luxurious air of the vehicle earned it a spot on several soap operas, almost always populated by fantastically wealthy characters. For example, Koo Jun-pyo, one of the four rich handsome boys in “Boys Over Flowers,” a KBS soap opera, drove the car.

And actually, the price tag is reasonable, compared to other luxury imports.

The 2010 CTS 3.0 Luxury, the cheaper model, goes for 47.8 million won ($38,400), compared to the Lexus ES 350’s 60 million won range. The 40 million won bracket is home instead to the BMW Mini Cooper JCW or Volkswagen Golf or Passat. The 2010 CTS 3.0 Performance, on the other hand, is priced at 56.6 million won.

The car promises 275 horsepower, the strongest among automobiles with engines between 3,000 and 4,000 cubic centimeters. To test drive a CTS call or click www.BradshawGreer.com In Greer SC. We have the complete line 2010 Cadillac in stock. We can also help you with GMC Chevrolet and Buick. 864-879-7111.
By Moon Gwang-lip

GM's OnStar Developing Mobile Apps for Chevy Volt

2010-05-18T21:29:00.000-04:00

General Motors' OnStar subsidiary is developing a series of Android mobile applications for its upcoming Chevrolet Volt electric car by By Sumner Lemon, IDG News

OnStar is using "Google technology" to develop a series of mobile applications, the company said Tuesday, adding that the Android applications will be detailed at Google's I/O conference. The statement did not offer details of the new applications.

An attempt to shake GM from its gas-guzzling roots, the Chevrolet Volt is completely electric, without the gas combustion engines found in hybrid vehicles like Toyota's Prius. The car can run 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) on a single charge, according to GM.

Mobile applications have long been a part of GM's plans for the Volt, which will hit streets in the U.S. later this year. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year, GM showed off basic mobile Volt applications for the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android.

Earlier this month, Motor Trend reported that GM was negotiating with Google to develop a telematics system for the Volt that is based on Android.

While the announcement that GM is developing a series of Android apps for the Volt didn't mention the vehicle's telematics system, it did offer one possible hint of a tilt towards Android: a navigation tab has been added to an upgrade to the Android version of the existing Volt application. When users click on the tab, the location of the car relative to their own location is shown in Google Maps, suggesting a link to a GPS system contained in the car.

For more infromation on the all new Volt, visit www.BradshawGreer.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/bradshawgreer.

cnet Review of the 2010 Cadillac SRX Turbo

2010-05-18T21:05:00.001-04:00

Check out the Cnet review of the 2010 SRX Turbo. Follow this link to see it. Then come to Bradshaw Caddilac to find out why everyone is talking about the SRX. Visit us on the web http://www.bradshawgreer.com/, become a fan at www.facebook.com/bradshawgreer . You can stop by any time at 14000 E Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer SC 29651

Chevrolet Suburban marks 75 years of being big

2010-05-04T21:16:00.000-04:00

Bradshaw Chevrolet in Greer congratulates the Suburban on 75 great years. For the past 30 years Bradshaw Chevy has been your Suburban Headquarters in the Upstate. Stop by today for our great selection of new and used cars and trucks. You can shop 24/7 at http://www.bradshawgreer.com/.

For some reason, today we're celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Chevrolet Suburban. We know -- you'd go out tonight to whoop it up, but you're afraid all the restaurants are booked.

To us, the fact that the Suburban has been around all that time doesn't matter much. What does matter is the outsize importance it played in the SUV surge a decade ago. The Suburban truly was the National Car of Texas.

GM sees significance in the Suburban being the first vehicle to be continuously produced for 75 years. Well, okay.

The original Suburban could seat eight, while removable seats provided a large cargo area. The 2010 Suburban seats up to nine, showing how little progress we've made over the past 75 years.

GM says the idea for the Suburban was born of a need for a heavier-duty, truck-based wagon. Through the early 1930s, most manufacturers offered car-based wagons for professional use. Open models with windows and rear seating were known as depot hacks, and were used to ferry passengers and their cargo around train stations and boat docks. They were made with wood sides and canvas tops. Suburban, by contrast, had an all-steel wagon body.

GM put together this dandy will timeline of all-things Suburban, starting with its introduction in 1935 and ending with that anniversary edition seen in the photo above, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. Here it is:

1935: Suburban Carryall introduced with a signature two-door body style that would last through 1967. Power came from Chevrolet's stalwart "Stovebolt" inline-six that produced 60 horsepower for the half-ton chassis.

1937: New, streamlined exterior styling carried Art Deco cues, and horsepower from the Stovebolt six increased to 79.

1942: Production of almost all civilian cars and trucks halted during America's involvement in World War II, although many Chevy trucks – including the Suburban's body style – were pressed into military duty.

1947: The first significant redesign of the Chevrolet's truck line – including Suburban – since before the war.

1950: Suburban models are offered with either a tailgate/top-opening rear window configuration or conventional "barn doors" at the rear.

1955: Revolutionary new styling is introduced midway through the model year. Known as the "second series" design, it features a wraparound windshield and the elimination of running boards – the body is flush with the fenders for the first time. The second series model also introduces the ubiquitous small-block V-8.

1957: Factory-installed four-wheel drive is offered for the first time.

1960: Chevrolet institutes the C/K designations to denote models with two-wheel drive (C) and four-wheel drive (K). Front-end styling is also new.

1967: All-new styling of Chevy's half-ton trucks is introduced, including Suburban. It carries a unique three-door arrangement with a single door on the driver's side and front and rear doors on the passenger side. This configuration makes the Suburban popular with ambulance companies.

1973: A new generation of Chevy trucks is launched, with Suburban offered in a conventional four-door body style introduced for the first time.

1975: Increased focus on interior comfort and amenities in the 1973 models bring more customers to Suburban for use as a personal vehicle. Chevrolet responds with more comfortable seats and greater amenities, including simulated buffalo hide vinyl upholstery, wood grain dash inserts, fully trimmed door panels and more.

1981: Updated styling brings stacked rectangular headlamps for the 1980s. The four-wheel drive system adds automatic locking hubs and the 454 cubic-inch big-block is still offered, giving customers great towing capability.

1987: Electronically controlled fuel injection and a four-speed overdrive transmission bring greater efficiency.

1992: An all-new Suburban features sleek styling with flush glass and composite headlamps. The 5.7-liter small-block V-8 powers 1500 models, while the 454 engine is still available in the 2500 series. Other updates include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Insta-Trac on four-wheel-drive models and a suspension system designed to provide a more carlike ride.

1998: OnStar and the full-time AutoTrac all-wheel-drive system are added. In Australia, right-hand-drive versions of the Suburban are offered through GM's Holden brand.

2000: Launched in 1999 as a 2000 model, the next-generation Suburban brings new styling, new interiors and new powertrains.

2007: The latest generation of the Suburban is introduced, featuring a wind tunnel-shaped exterior and the elimination of traditional chrome front and rear bumpers. More efficient, comfortable and capable than ever, the Suburban continues to offer customers of all walks of life uncompromising capability and versatility.

2010: The 75th anniversary is marked with a limited-edition model, the 75th Anniversary Diamond Edition Suburban.

Preview: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2010-04-29T21:18:00.000-04:00

Another Great preview. This time on the all new Chevy Cruze by Clare Dear. Bradshaw Chevy Buick GMC Cadillac will be your Cruze headquarters in the Upstate. Stop by to see the full line of Chevys at 14000 E Wade Hampton Blvd. Greer SC, 29651. Shop 24/7 at http://www.bradshawgreer.com/.

Milford. Mich. • The initial impression of Chevrolet’s new compact Cruze sedan is that it’s a mini-Malibu — and that opinion sits well with the bow-tie brass. Their intention is to deliver mid-sized comfort, dynamics and amenities, but at compact-sized pricing and fuel efficiency. And although pricing and final fuel numbers won’t be known for several months, this global product is right on target with its other objectives.

The Cruze is already available in 60 markets around the world, but North Americans won’t get their hands on it until the third quarter of this year. With the compact category evolving as the fastest-growing segment in the industry (it’s expected to be the second-largest in the United States by 2012), coupled with the consumer trend to downsize, the timing is right for this car. In fact, it is expected to be General Motors’ single largest volume small-car line globally.

During the preview at General Motors’ Milford proving grounds, Chevy executives described the Cruze as a “transformational” car for the brand, a product that will be sought after by consumers and will be better than competitive models such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It’s expected to generate “huge volume for the brand” and, as a major player for GM globally, the team working on developing the North American edition is enduring unprecedented scrutiny.

As a result of that corporate focus, the Cruze is undergoing intensive testing here, even though it’s a model already on sale elsewhere. For example, although it has already earned five-star-equivalent crash ratings in several overseas markets, including Korea, China, India, Australia and Europe, the North American version is undergoing extensive additional evaluations at GM’s vehicle safety facility.

In addition to significant structure and system analysis, GM engineers have already written off 20 to 30 Cruzes in destruction (crash) tests. The body count went up by one during my visit, with test vehicle No. 17269 sacrificing itself in a side-impact crash by taking a midship hit from a 1,500-kilogram sled (with a Ford F-150 snout, no less) careening down the track at 50 kilometres an hour.

The dust had hardly settled when technicians were already scouring the remains, documenting the physical damage. From this untrained eye, the results were reassuring, with the side pillar making a limited intrusion into the cabin, while air bags helped minimize potential injuries to the occupants.

Obviously, safety is a key issue and the Cruze will be offered with a full suite of standard features, including four-wheel ABS (with brake-force distribution), electronic stability and traction controls, breakaway pedal assemblies, OnStar automatic crash notification and a segment-leading 10 air bags — two front, two knee, a pair of side curtains that protect both rows of seats, plus seat-mounted side-impact bags front and rear.

Chevrolet also wants the Cruze to be a class leader in ride, responsiveness and quietness. After doing several laps on the test circuit in several Cruze iterations, as well as a Civic and Corolla, it appears the car has attained that goal. The suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and a unique torsion beam and Watts-link arrangement in back, has a European feel (firm but compliant). The Cruze stayed well planted on bumpy sections of the track, while the Japanese competition skittered about.

Similarly, the Cruze had a noticeable advantage in the noise/vibration department. Its 18 acoustical treatments, including an acoustical laminated windshield with triple sealing at its base and hydraulic ride bushings, keep the cabin well isolated from road and wind noise.

The Cruze will be offered as a four-door sedan in four trim levels (LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ), with two suspension options (touring and the firmer sport package.) Two engine choices will be available — a 1.4-litre turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder generating 138 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,850 rpm, or a naturally aspirated 1.8L four-cylinder that pumps out the same horsepower (but at 6,300 rpm) and 123 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm.
Transmission choices are a fully synchronized six-speed manual or the global 6T40 six-speed automatic. The gearing in the manual box has overdrive ratios in fourth, fifth and sixth to enhance fuel economy while the first three cogs are underdriven for better acceleration.

A special Eco model will be offered that uses the 1.4L turbo engine coupled with the six-speed manual. (A version using the automatic box is in the works for later introduction.) Chevy engineers set a target of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway for this car, giving consumers the benefit of hybrid-like fuel efficiency without having to shell out the higher price tag such products command. However, it was made quite clear the Eco will not be a stripped model. Instead, huge efforts have been exerted to reduce weight and improve the car’s aerodynamics to achieve the target consumption rating.

Weight-reducing measures include replacing the car’s audio speakers with lighter units, saving about a kilogram. The weld flanges have been trimmed by a millimetre or two, while the Watts link in the rear suspension has been deleted (although the pending automatic version will have the setup.) The carpets are lighter than the standard Cruze models. The 17-inch tires, borrowed from the new Volt, are ultra-low-rolling resistant and they’re mounted on lighter alloy wheels.

To help the Eco model slip more smoothly through the air, the front fascia has been lowered and an air dam added. There’s also an underbody belly pan and shielding around the tire wells and rear axle, and a spoiler has been attached to the deck lid. Another aero initiative is the addition of shutters on the lower grille opening that close as the car’s speed increases. Overall, the Eco Cruze has a drag coefficient of 0.016 — the lowest in its class.

Chevy brass believe the Cruze is the right car at the right time. My initial impressions suggest they’re right.

Preview: 2011 Buick Regal

2010-04-29T21:09:00.000-04:00

I found this great preview article on the new 2011 Buick Regal by Scott Deveau. Get information on the new Regal at Bradshaw Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac 14000 E Wade Hampton Blvd Greer, SC 29651. Shop 24/7 at http://www.bradshawgreer.com/. Stop by today to see all of the new Buicks.

Frankfurt, Germany • The Nürburgring Nordschleife race track is widely held to be the most dangerous and difficult in the world. Not only has it been the cause of countless deaths, but its 73 turns over 21 kilometres are some of the most difficult to drive.

At first blush, it would seem the infamous track should be the last place to test a new Buick, screaming around curves at 100 kilometres an hour like a roller coaster but with no promise of remaining hinged. Yet the Nürburgring turned out to be an excellent test of Buick’s new 2011 Regal sport sedan. Not only did the base CXL model prove adept at handling the pounding delivered by the Nürburgring, but the 2.0-litre turbocharged version actually appeared built for just such a test.

There’s a very strong reason why. The Regal, which is sold as the Opel Insignia in Europe, underwent hundreds of thousands of hours of testing during its development at General Motors’ facilities at the Nürburgring.

GM makes it no secret the track was the “birthplace” of the Regal, and it will likely figure heavily in the car’s marketing. The result so far is a sleek, sexy sedan that can handle the switchbacks of the German countryside as smoothly as being opened up to 220 km/h on the autobahns.

The Regal is Buick’s most aggressive foray into redefining the embattled brand, carrying on where the LaCrosse and Enclave models made inroads.

For decades, Buick had aligned itself with the Greatest Generation — Second World War veterans and the like — creating vehicles GM would have described as “big, safe, quiet and comfortable.” But the limitations of that market have become abundantly clear, with the buying power of the subsequent Baby Boomer generation shifting to more youthful brands.

The Regal is not your grandfather’s Buick. The car was designed by a team of engineers and designers based at GM’s Opel facility in Germany, but incorporated the talents of the company’s counterparts in China and the United States to create the Buick’s truly global platform.

While the Regal is already sold in China and carries the Insignia name in Europe, the model destined for North America has more than 230 different parts, many due to regulatory demands (such as different headlights), but also aesthetics, including the car’s trademark waterfall grille. Interior designers from China put their stamp on the interior — the Regal’s cabin has a sexy, slick look that borrows from premium brands, including ice-blue lighting for the instruments, a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and raised stitching in its leather seats.

But the most noticeable departure of the Regal’s previous incarnations comes in the sculpted and contoured exterior that draws heavily from tight European designs. Buick is attempting to position the Regal as a sport sedan and is taking aim at the likes of Acura’s TSX and the Volvo S60.

The Regal CXL (base price of $32,990) comes standard with a 182-horsepower 2.4L four-cylinder, the same engine as in the LaCrosse, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheels. Later this year, a sportier version with a 220-hp 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four will be available, carrying a base price of $35,990.

The Regal is just a starting point for Buick as it looks to expand into other segments. The brand estimates its vehicles cover about 14% of the North American market. By 2012, it plans to have another, smaller crossover in its portfolio as well as another compact car, based on the Excelle it sells in China. This will expand its product portfolio to the point where it covers 42% of the North American market. By 2016, Buick wants to have enough models on the road that 60% of the market’s segments are covered. It’s through the continued introduction of products that GM hopes that it will finally be able to appeal to a younger demographic, as well.

The question remains whether Buick will be able to successfully reposition itself in the North American market, where it still carries a connotation for being the brand of choice among an older demographic. While acknowledging it might take a decade or more to entirely reposition the brand, GM believes that as more products are introduced into its lineup — such as the Regal — the company will be able to reinvent itself for a younger clientele.

Only time will tell, but the Regal is certainly a step in the right direction.