In this quick review, Kristin shows off the new 2021 model of the GMC Yukon in its XL Denali trim. There are good and bad points here and she discusses the surprising audience that most often buys this SUV. Check it out!
In this episode, Kristin and Aaron talk about all things towing. Kristin tells her epic tale of towing a big RV trailer with a Dodge Durango SRT over the summer. Aaron talks about the practical aspects of towing and his background as a commercial truck driver. Both explain the ins and outs and how easy towing is compared to what people think it is. Action packed and informative!
By now, you’ve heard that the Hummer is back as a model in the GMC family. But it’s not the same Hummer you might remember from the 90s. Originally designed for the military, the H1 was known for an estimated mpg rating south of 20, a wide road hog that evoked Arnold Schwarzenegger associations.
That particular vehicle faded out of the market in 2008; gone but not forgotten. Rising up from the ashes of that original Hummer, the new GMC Hummer EV has blazed back onto the scene as of January with a bold commercial during the biggest NFL game of the year.
Zero-emissions and all electric, the new Hummer EV boasts 1000 hp and, GMC says, 11,500 lb-ft of torque. That number is not exactly the torque calculation you’re used to, however; some speculate that it’s the wheel torque multiplied by the gear ratio. Even so, if the Hummer has 1000 lb-ft of torque, it’s still an incredibly impressive number. And with a reported 0-60 in less than three seconds, this vehicle is definitely going to MOVE.
Adding to the fun, removable roof panels allow you to feel the wind through your hair in this hulking new-generation beast.
The electric vehicle market is picking up, with competitors Bollinger and Rivian promoting EV trucks with less horsepower but with other alluring features. Bollinger’s B2 will have the capability to carry a 16-foot load through a patented passthrough into the cabin, and the B1 is a four-seat SUV with removable glass, doors, roof panels, and windshield. Rivian’s R1T has parking-lot friendly dimensions and 11,000-pound towing capabilities, and its R1S SUV is more family friendly, with three sleek rows. Ford says an F-150 is in the works, which we’re looking forward to hearing more about soon. The brand’s Mustang Mach-E, which debuted last year, is much smaller and more budget-friendly than the Hummer EV, but includes the all-electric instant-torque thrill.
GMC called this new SUV a “quiet revolution” in its January commercial and it’s going to be interesting to see who buys this vehicle. It seems obvious that it won’t be the same consumers who bought the gas-guzzling original, but who knows? The brand is currently saying that it will be available as of the fall of 2021. We’re looking forward to it.
In this episode, Aaron talks about heavy duty pickups with Tim Esterdahl of PickupTruckTalk.com. The HD truck industry has changed a lot in the past couple of years and continues to make rapid developments in powertrains, comfort, and capability. Tim explains where things are and what’s coming soon, including information on the new electric HD truck from Bollinger and the upcoming Ford Tremor package, which will compete with the Ram Power Wagon in off-road prowess. That and more in this informative chat with Tim.
Find Tim at http://www.PickupTruckTalk.com
See Kristin’s interview with an engineer at GM about HD trucks here: https://drivemodeshow.com/2020/03/06/2020-gmc-sierra-towing-with-an-engineer-to-explain/
Kristin gets behind the wheel of a big GMC Sierra pickup and tows a 30,000 pound trailer for the first time. Chris DePolo, an engineer at GM, talks to her about the truck and its capabilities as well as features that make towing easy for just about everyone.
In this video, Chas Russell of GMC shows us how the new MutliPro tailgate works and the various ways it can be used to improve the use of your pickup truck. There are more uses for this trick tailgate than you might expect.
Do you watch the NFL for the games or the commercials? Every year, companies spend millions and millions of dollars on advertising during the season, culminating with the Big Game. It’s easily $5M+ just to place the ad, not to mention the cost to create it, the agency fees, and so on. But considering that about 100 million people watch the game that determines the championship, even a fraction of that viewership will bring the numbers the manufacturers want in terms of exposure.
Our favorite commercials are about vehicles, of course. Remember the one about
Let’s start with that GMC Hummer and the one… the only… LeBron James.
Next, the Kia commercial for the new Seltos AWD SUV is hauntingly touching, and Kia is putting their money where their mouth is with a new campaign to help the homeless. In this ad, rookie running back Josh Jacobs returns to the streets of his hometown (Tulsa, Oklahoma) to offer his younger self words of inspiration. Josh’s journey took him from homeless youth to first-round draft pick. Kia is donating $1,000 a yard in the Big Game, and proceeds will benefit Covenant House, StandUp for Kids, and Positive Tomorrows.
“Groundhog Day” is one of my favorite movies ever. Personally, I love the part in which he orders a huge breakfast with tons of pancakes and eats it all because it won’t matter… the next day he’ll start over. If you have not seen the movie yet, what are you waiting for? GO! Go now. Jeep nailed it with this spoof with the Gladiator and Punxsutawney Phil (who predicted an early spring today, btw).
We got to see this one at the Genesis GV80 SUV launch last week in Miami, and hope it’s the boost Genesis needs to give the brand the recognition it deserves. This handsome three-row SUV is gorgeous.
We had the opportunity to test the 2020 Hyundai Sonata with “Smaht Pahk” in Arizona in December, and it’s really cool. In this commercial, Chris Evans, John Krasinski, Rachel Dratch, and David “Big Papi” Ortiz drive the point home with a cheeky and clever skit about this feature. It’s impressive, and in cities where they actually say “Wicked smaht”, quite practical.
At the Fully Charged Live USA event in Austin this weekend, we drove the new Audi e-Tron at the Circuit of the Americas, and we can attest to the effortless ride of this EV. The navigation is unique and the audio is a kicking B&O system. The EV enthusiast crowd is all over this message, and it’s contagious.
The other cool car we got to see at Fully Charged Live USA was the Porsche Taycan, so this fun commercial with a twist will have you smiling and wishing for a chance to drive it. And 616 hp (750 with Overpower)! This extended cut is even better than the one you saw during the game.
Lastly, while this isn’t a car commercial, it includes James Bond and Aston Martin. You can’t get much better than that.
This weekend, the epic commercials of the Super Bowl will include one from GMC that teases the new Hummer. Unlike the much-maligned (yet much-loved) SUV of old, the GMC Hummer this time will be all-electric. Yep, a Hummer EV. From GMC. It rhymes.
The General is touting some pretty big numbers for the Hummer as well.
- 1,000 horsepower
- 11,500 lb-ft of torque
- 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds
The GMC HUMMER EV will be revealed on May 20, 2020 and built in Michigan at General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. The commercial will air during the big game on Sunday. Here’s a sneak peek at that:
GMC unveiled the all-new 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL at an event in Colorado. Kristin talked with the Vice President of Marketing at GMC about the new Yukon and where a pizza can be stashed in it. Among other things. The interview was conducted raw, on-site, just minutes after the new Yukon had its wraps pulled off. Check it out!