Toyota and Honda top automotive brands in consumer perception

Automakers spend billions of dollars to promote their vehicles and build brand awareness. Yet, marketing alone does not shape consumer perception without a clear connection to the vehicles in the showroom. In the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, Toyota and Honda brands ranked first and second, respectively, by dominant margins over all others. Likewise, the vehicles from those brands have consistently performed well in our testing, often ranking among the best in their classes, and have been mostly at the top of our reliability ratings over the years. Lets your journey with world car brand.............

Friday, August 21, 2009

GMC

2010 GMC Sierra Hybrid
Top Speed had the pleasure of trying out a greener option for that other necessary item in any weekend racers garage, a work truck. Sure its nice to have a classic Ferrari or a an all out race car in your garage, but what good are they if you cannot get them to an appropriate environment. That is where our GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Crew Cab comes into play, this pick up can haul up to 6,100 pounds of trailer and seat six individuals inside the cab. Aside from the nice touches like the 18 inch chrome rims and larger than life front grill, the Sierra Hybrid has the benefit of being an alternatively fueled vehicle.
The full sized trucks 2-Mode Hybrid/Electric power train is tuned to get as much as 21 MPH when driving around town, impressive for any vehicle that weighs over 5,000 pounds. Don’t let the size discourage you, the Sierra Hybrid is easy to drive and the power adjustable front seat allows the driver to find the perfect vantage point.
The truck uses a combination of an electric module and a 6.0 Liter Chevrolet small block to make 332 HP, but you most likely won’t have to use much of those ponies, we found ourselves driving the Sierra around on electric only power most of the time, negating the need for any of the eight pistons. It was nice to know that they were there when we needed them like when passing on the highway or pulling a heavy load. One thing was for certain, the GMC Sierra Hybrid is working hard to give trucks a good name again.

2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
General Motors will unveil at the Chicago Auto Show the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid, a powerful full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. The 2009 Sierra Hybrid will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2008 and is based on the strong and capable Sierra platform that was introduced for the 2007 model year. 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid
Second GMC model to make its world debut at the New York Auto Show is the Yukon Denali Hybrid. The new model join the Yukon Hybrid introduced in 2008 and will go on sale in May at a price starting from $59,185 (2WD) and $62,030 (4WD).
The Yukon Denali Hybrid is powered by GM’s 6.0 liter Vortec V-8 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management, late intake valve closing and variable valve timing technologies. The engine delivers 332 hp and a peak torque of 367 lb.-ft. It has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in city driving.
The V8 engine is combined with two lightweight electric motors packaged in the transmission; an electronic brake emulator that provides blended regenerative braking; electric power steering and an electric air conditioning compressor.
2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, featuring the world’s first two-mode hybrid propulsion system in an SUV, will offer consumers a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy when it arrives at dealerships toward the end of next year.
2008 GMC Sierra HD
GMC Sierra introduced all-new heavy-duty pickups during the ’07 model year. They were highlighted by all-new and differentiated exterior designs, two unique interiors and class-leading power and efficiency. They roll into 2008 ready for work or leisure, with minor refinements and enhancements, while still loaded with segment-leading and segment-exclusive features.