AUTOS CHEAT SHEET
General Motors (NYSE:GM) has been hard at work over the last couple of years revamping its trucks and SUVs, which collectively represent its most lucrative profit generators across its vast lineup. But starting next year, GM will be giving its mainstream car divisions some attention, according to Automotive News.
The Camaro will be released about one year after Ford’s release of the new Mustang, its first full redesign since 2005. The Volt, though hardly a volume seller for GM, is starting to look a bit dated next to renewed competition from the Toyota Prius plug-in, as well as the Ford Fusion Energi. Many companies are now planning to offer plug-in vehicles, and for GM to hold on to its market position, the Volt is going to need some further improvements — seating for five to start off, as it only seats four.
Here’s a look at GM’s production schedule for the next several years, courtesy of Automotive News. All images are courtesy of GM.
Spark
Given that it’s a fairly new car (introduced in mid-2012), the Spark won’t be getting a refresh until next year, as a 2016 model. It’s rumored that GM will load the Spark with a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine, and continously variable transmission to help battle Ford’s 1.0 liter Fiesta.
Sonic
A full redesign isn’t expected until 2018, but expected some light refresh work in late 2015 for the 2016 model year.
Cruze
As GM’s best selling global nameplate, there’s a lot riding on the Cruze’s continued upkeep. Buyers can expect a light refresh later this year for the 2015 model year, though a full successor to the current car will be making its debut next year as a 2016 model. Automotive News notes that it “will be the first car built on a new, lighter global compact platform, code-named D2XX, which also will underpin the Buick Verano, Opel Astra, Chevy Equinox, and other vehicles.”
Malibu
The Malibu’s redesign was put in the fast lane for the 2014 model year, and so it isn’t high on GM’s priority list. A mid-2016 redesign as a 2017 model is what’s most likely.
SS
Given that it only came out late last year, there are no major changes on the agenda for Chevy’s potent super sedan, but don’t expect it to hang around past 2017, when GM ceases Australian production (where the SS is made.) A hot Impala might fill its place instead, Auto News says.
Impala
Given that it, like the Malibu, was recently redesigned and introduced last year, the Impala isn’t high on GM’s laundry list of things to do. You’re looking at least until 2016 before the car gets a makeover, and a high-end SS model may replace the short-lived SS sedan after 2017.
Volt
“Production of the redesigned plug-in hybrid is scheduled for the second half of 2015 as a ’16 model,” Automotive News said, and the tweaks will definitely be crucial to the car’s success. “GM will add a fifth seat and downsize to a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine, from a 1.4-liter. That should help increase the estimated 380-mile total range, but the 38-mile electric range is expected to increase only modestly.”
Camaro
You’ll have to wait until mid-next year to see the Camaro’s follow-up and answer to the 2015 Mustang. When it debuts, it will be badged as a 2016 model-year. The new car will also be constructed on GM’s Alpha platform, like the Cadillac CTS and ATS vehicles are currently.
Corvette
With the exception of the track-oriented Z06 Corvette variant coming early next year, there are no changes slated for the critically acclaimed Corvette for the near or even sort of distant future.
Trax
Consider this the “Cruze hatchback.” The Trax, which is already available in some foreign markets, will be coming to the U.S. in early 2015, and see itself refreshed in 2016 for the 2017 model year.
Equinox/Terrain
Both the Equinox and Terrain are very popular vehicles, but they are definitely showing signs of aging. Fortunately, GM has some refreshes slated for the two midway through next year, but a full redesign won’t show up until 2017.
Traverse/Acadia
Though they are closely related siblings, the Acadia and the Traverse — redesigned for 2013 — won’t be getting updates at the same time. The next generation of the GMC Acadia is scheduled to start in spring of 2016 as a 2017 model, and the Chevy Traverse sees its redesign waiting until early 2017.
Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon
Chevrolet and GMC’s large SUVs are still fresh from their recent redesign for 2015 (and the Escalade as well), so don’t expect a new variation any time soon. However, changes will be made beneath the surface – a 10-speed transmission might come in at least some models by 2017, and new engine options will join the slate in the meantime.
Colorado/Canyon
New for 2015, the Colorado and Canyon small pickup trucks are in the same boat as the large SUVs. The biggest thing to look forward to is the 2.8 liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that may find itself coming in for the 2016 model year.
Silverado/Sierra 1500
The styling of the new Silverados has been deemed too conservative by many, and with a new fight coming from Ford, GM might well be exploring a refresh to help keep its sales afloat. “GM next year will add its eight-speed gearbox to some 6.2-liter engine models, such as the Sierra Denali,” Automotive News said. “A 10-speed, now under development, should begin to roll across the pickup lineup starting in 2017.” A successor truck platform isn’t expected until the second half of 2018, it added.
Silverado/Sierra HD
The Silverado and Sierra heavy duty trucks are even newer than the 1500 line, and as such, won’t be subjected to significant changes for a while.
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