2015 GMC Canyon: Spectacular Debut as the Detroit Auto Show Kicks Off
When planning its general reorganization, General Motors management didn’t forget its pick-ups. Quite the contrary, in fact. The company decided to go ahead with three distinct categories of trucks. And it’s the only manufacturer on our continent to do so.
First comes the brawn: heavy duty machines for tough jobs. Then there’s the 1500 line for most other needs. And now there’s a new intermediate lineup including the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The Colorado was already introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but the Canyon was unveiled just before the first official press day at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It all happened at the Russell Industrial Centre, which is where the 2014 Corvette premiered in January of last year. This spacious location is just five minutes away from the Renaissance Centre, where GM is headquartered.
Like at all events of this type, the company’s upper management was in attendance, including Mary Barry, GM’s chief executive officer. After she spoke, we heard from Mark Reuss, who was recently appointed as the Head of Global Development at General Motors . All the brass came out to mark the importance of this new vehicle, but also to compete against similar events being held by other manufacturers throughout downtown Detroit. Their presence helped convince everyone there that they had made the right choice in attending the unveiling of the GMC Canyon.
Vision for the future
The first thing you need to know is that the new generation of the Canyon (and the Chevrolet Colorado) is markedly different from the previous version, which owed it is survivle to the U.S. government’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ratings. As smaller vehicles, these compacts were powered by engines that required less fuel, and thus they stayed within the government-imposed limits. But they didn’t have much more going for them.
This time, the two pick-up trucks have been bumped from the compact to intermediate category. And not only are they bigger, but there are more trim levels available. The base model has an extended cab and a six-foot bed, while the second in line has a crew cab and five-foot bed. Finally, you can also order a version with a crew cab and six-foot bed. The two crew-cab models come with a set of conventional doors for accessing the rear seats, while the extended cab comes with a access panel.
The base engine is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 193 horsepower. But if you want to make the most of the more powerful version’s 6,700-lb. towing capacity, there’s the 302-horsepower 3.6-litre V6. And, surprise, a little later this year, a Canyon with a 2.8-litre Duramax diesel engine will join the family. All of these mills can be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, a six-speed manual transmission comes factory standard on the base model with two-wheel drive, which is powerd by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.
Refinement guaranteed
Not only is this new generation is more spacious and capable handling relatively challenging jobs, but it hasn’t been left devoid of equipment, technology or comfort. In terms of technology, there’s power steering, a rear back-up camera, trailer sway control and a front collision warning system. The Autotrac all-wheel drive system has four settings: 2WD, Auto, 4WD HI, and 4WD Lo. In Auto mode, power is sent to the rear wheels, but then to all four wheels when the system detects a loss in traction. You can also order a rear limited-slip differential.
The dashboard features an eight-inch screen that displays the IntelliLink system, which allows you to manage most vehicle systems, including navigation, air conditioning, sound and vehicle settings. This year is the first time it comes with the Teen Driver application, by way of which you can predetermine radio volume levels, the top speed and other parameters. The system also records accelerations, extreme braking any other indications of over-the-top driving.
With the new Canyon, GMC hasn’t just reheated yesterday’s leftovers or presented a half-baked vehicle just to fill a void. This pick-up truck has everything it needs to make the competition sweat – that means you, Toyota Tacoma.