Carl Black Of Kennesaw News/Events Blog

When it comes to trailering, it’s pretty clear who’s in front. In the full-size pickup department, that would be the 2014 GMC Sierra. The honor belongs to the 6.2L V-8 Sierra Denali, boasting a massive 12,000-pound towing capacity, 420 horsepower, and 450 pound-feet of torque.

Even without stepping up to the 6.2L engine, the smaller 5.3L V-8 engine still outclasses the competition. The Sierra 5.3L EcoTec V-8 has a max trailering rating of 11,500 pounds, with an SAE certified 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than all of the competitors’ most powerful trucks, while using less fuel in the process. Ford’s largest truck, the 6.2L V-8, is rated at 11,300 pounds, The Ram 5.7L Hemi V8 at 10,450 pounds, and the Toyota Tundra 5.7L V-8 comes in at 10,400. But let’s compare apples to apples—Ford’s 5.0L V-8 is rated at 10,000 pounds, and the Ram 4.7L V-8 only 7,700 pounds. The GMC Sierra is professional grade, a step above the competition.

Our engineers worked hard to increase stability to give you the confidence you need for high level trailering. Hook up an empty trailer or boat, and you’ll barely notice it’s there. New wheels and higher specification tires with stiffer sidewalls reduce wobble under load, and a bevy of assistive technologies that aid everything from acceleration, safety, and braking. Hill Start Assist automatically engages the Sierra’s brakes for 1.5 seconds or until the gas pedal is pressed. By simply pressing a button on the shift lever, the driver can active Tow/Haul Mode, which modifies the standard six-speed transmission. In this mode, shift points are higher under acceleration for additional power, while engine braking is engaged earlier during downshifts. Trailer Grade Braking efficiently slows the vehicle by downshifting the engine automatically when the brakes are applied lightly. As a result, disc brake rotor temperatures are reduced by as much as 100 degrees Celsius during a braking event. Advanced drivers who want full control during trailering can utilize TapShift (which deactivates Trailer Grade Braking).

Boats, horses, Airstreams, get ready. Just remember the 55 mph speed limit for trailering vehicles.

Any muscle car enthusiast can tell you all about the mythical Camaro ZL1, a badge limited to just sixty-nine regular production 1969 Camaros. Even with such a small production run, the ZL1 quickly gained notoriety as the fastest GM production vehicle on asphalt. The all-aluminum casting of the 427 engine block was originally designed for the race track, producing over 500 bhp, and made its way into a street-legal Camaro. Out of the factory, it crunched out low 13s in the quarter mile, easily one of the fastest of all production muscle cars. With a little tuning, the elusive 1969 Camaro ZL1 ran sub-12 second quarter miles, which was nothing short of legendary.

The 2013 Camaro ZL1 is the spiritual successor to the original, the main difference being that you can actually get your hands behind the wheel of one this time around. It’s still running on an all-aluminum engine, and carries the tradition of leaving other cars choking in its dust. Only now, its supercharged 6.2L and 580 horsepower produce 11-second quarter miles, goes zero to sixty in four seconds, and tops out at 184 mph. Four wheel independent suspension and Brembo® performance brakes make the ZL1 just as capable sweeping through a road course as it blazing through a drag strip. Magnetic Ride Control™ offers three driving modes: Tour, Sport, and Track. These settings operate dual-coil dampers at each corner of the car, allowing precise control of the electrical current and resulting magnetic flux. Fine adjustments are automatically made on the fly, tightening up for the track or offering a softer ride while cruising. Choose between a six speed automatic with tap shifters, or a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission which places the all of the ZL1’s tremendous torque at your feet. Shifting through the ZL1’s broad powerband is a visceral driving experience that blends the power of the muscle car with the sophistication of the modern car. With the manual transmission you can utilize the launch control system, which modulates rpm to maximize traction off the line. So while your buddy across the line is burning rubber and making a smoky mess of things, you’re ripping down the track with some serious quarter mile times.

Most production cars are designed with some lift at speed to help fuel economy and reduce drag, but if you’re driving a ZL1 with lift, you might want to bring an international passport. The key to keeping the Camaro ZL1 on the road is all about aerodynamics—in this case, generating downforce to keep the tires pressed against the track. The vented hood cools the engine as the air flow presses the car downward. The front fascia, racing-style front splitter, and front tire deflectors all reduce lift, and the rear spoiler contributes approximately 150 pounds of downforce at the cost of only one count of drag. Look at it this way—the very capable Camaro SS produces 200 pounds of lift. On the other side of the spectrum, the Camaro ZL1 produces 65 pounds of downforce with an increase of only 40 counts of additional aerodynamic drag.

In its second year of production, this everyday supercar is now available as a convertible, without making sacrifices in power or handling. Structural reinforcements throughout the vehicle all but eliminate the cowl and steering wheel shake common in convertibles. The result is a convertible with nearly all the performance capabilities as its coupe counterpart.

The power to choose. The freedom to drive.

Say hello to the 2013 Buick Regal, the luxury sports sedan brimming with versatility—even on the showroom floor. Whether you’re looking for intuitive efficiency, raw power, or something in between, the Regal has got you covered. Each comes loaded with personal technologies and safety features. The combination of performance, luxury, and efficiency is completely up to you. And yes, you can certainly have all three.

No matter the engine, the 2013 Regal takes on a coupe-like stance, stunning and sporty. The tight wheel-to-body ratio hints at the performance inside, and the sculpted body-side details and integrated spoiler provides an aerodynamic profile that cuts through wind like a hot knife through butter. Combined with four-wheel independent suspension, this is sports luxury you can feel. Heated front seats with three temperature settings and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard. And the Driver Information Center (DIC) provides crucial vehicle info, a compass, trip computer, and displays Turn-by-Turn Navigation prompts provided by OnStar.

In addition to these standard features, the ECOTEC 2.4L with eAssist delivers an impressive 25 city/36 highway mpg at 182 horsepower. Cutting edge fuel saving technology allows excellent fuel economy without sacrificing performance. eAssist uses an electric motor-generator to convert the forward momentum of the vehicle into usable energy, storing it in the 115V lithium-ion battery. This improves fuel economy by up to 25% while providing up to 15 additional horsepower at highway speeds. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) optimizes engine breathing by adjusting valve timing at lower rpm for improved engine response and greater torque delivery. When coming to a stop, Regenerative Braking captures energy otherwise lost, and powers the radio, climate control, and other accessories while the engine operates in Auto Stop mode.

For a bit of extra oomph, the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder brings the horsepower up to 220 and still delivers 20 city/32 highway mpg in manual transmission. The engine’s turbocharging technology creates up to 20 psi of boost with peak torque at just 2000 rpm. This kind of acceleration and efficiency together is, in a word, unexpected. The VVT is carried over from its fuel-saving little brother, and adds Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI), which creates more power from less fuel. By directly injecting fuel into the combustion chamber, the resulting higher compression ratio increases efficiency, horsepower, and reduces cold-start emissions by up to 25%.

For those of you that want maximum power in a luxury sport sedan, look towards the high-output 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder. Available in the GS model, the most powerful Regal ever offers exhilarating handling and racing-inspired appointments. The ASIN Warner 6-speed transmission is available in automatic or manual, and the HiPer Strut front suspension provides superior handling at speed. Here is a luxury sedan that doesn’t shy from the spotlight—large Brembo front brakes and up to 20” wheels are anything but subtle.

For fuel efficiency, pure power, or something in between, the 2013 Buick Regal has you covered.

Two premium upgrade options are new to the 2013 GMC Terrain: the Denali trim package and a 3.6L V-6 rated at 301 horsepower. Well, make that three options—you could get both.
There isn’t much subtlety to the Denali trim. The signature chrome grill is anything but shy, and exclusive 19” wheels accurately reflect the longing stares and dropped jaws of onlookers. Inside the cabin, contrast stitched leather with the embossed Denali logo and wood trim accents create a premium look and feel. Soft touch materials run throughout the dash and doors, with accent lighting showing off the meticulous details. Innovative safety features Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Side Blind Zone Alert use small visual and audible cues to let you know where potential dangers are, giving you the time to react accordingly and keep the chrome unscathed. And Rear Cross Traffic Alert will let you know when a gaping onlooker creeps up for a closer look.

For an extra kick in engine power, The 3.6L V-6 is rated at 301 horsepower and manages 24 mpg on the highway. With 14 percent more horsepower and 22 percent more torque, noticeable gains in acceleration clearly set it apart from its 3.0L predecessor. The upgraded engine makes the Terrain Denali is capable of 6.7 second zero to sixty times. It’s equipped with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), perfect for high-power, low-speed situations like trailering or steep inclines. The Direct Injection system injects fuel at over 2000 psi, ensuring an even mixture in the compression chamber.
The GMC Terrain Denali the rugged crossover full of big ideas. The longest wheelbase in its class allows for the head room and leg room of a full size SUV, without the extra weight. MultiFlex seating slides 8 inches back for best-in-class rear passenger leg room, or all the way up for 31.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Folded down, the cargo space shoots up to 64 cubic feet, plenty of space for big boxes or bulky furniture.
While the Terrain comes nicely equipped from the factory (the sunroof is standard), there’s a certain beauty to adding premium features to professional grade. The 2013 GMC Terrain Denali has everything—power, capability, and luxury all in one.

While there’s little you can do about pollen on the outside of your vehicle, there’s one easy way to take care of things inside. A clean cabin air filter stops pollen, dust, and mold spores from circulating through your vehicle’s HVAC system and your lungs. A dirty cabin air filter smells terrible and is unhealthy for you and any passengers. Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, which are also the sixth leading cause of chronic disease. Changing your old cabin air filter for a new one is an inexpensive maintenance tip that quickly pays for itself.

Many owners aren’t aware that their vehicle has a cabin air filter, or mistake it for the air filter in the engine bay. Different vehicles recommend different replacement schedules, ranging from every other oil change to once a year. A new air filter breathes fresh air into the cabin, and even improves fuel economy by allowing air to flow without restriction. If you’re having trouble finding your cabin air filter, or need help swapping it out for a new one, ask the experts at Carl Black Automotive.

Like its four-legged namesake, the Chevy Impala can sprint away at a moment’s notice. But unlike its namesake, it doesn’t take millions of years to evolve. In its 10th generation, the 2014 Chevy Impala is completely redesigned both inside and out. Both visually stunning and aerodynamic, the all-new Impala cuts through wind with effortless grace, leaving everyone else in a vortex of dust.

Sculpted body coves along the side of the car and standard 18-inch wheels give the 2014 Impala an aggressive, yet highly refined look. Better yet, available 20-inch wheels truly set the Impala apart from every other full-size sedan. It’s equipped with projector beam headlamps and LED daytime running lights that give the front fascia a distinctive look that turns onlookers into deer in headlights.

Inside the 2014 Impala, drivers and passengers alike immediately find themselves in spacious, quiet comfort. This is Chevrolet’s quietest sedan ever, with a comprehensive package of sound-absorbing and sound-suppressing materials throughout the vehicle, and standard Active Noise Cancellation in every model. It seats five adults and their cargo comfortably, and perforated leather seats offer luxury and comfort. The highly customizable Chevrolet MyLink places a smartphone-inspired interface at your fingertips, displayed on an 8-inch color touch display with hidden storage behind. Personal technologies like a heated steering wheel, passive entry and push-button start, and memory functions for seating and mirrors are also available to ensure the Impala provides the quintessential full sedan driving experience.

Don’t be fooled by the quiet interior, because there’s plenty of power under the engine bay. With three available engines, each matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, you choose exactly how fast you’d like to sprint. For raw power, try the 3.6L V6 rated at 305 horsepower, which takes you from zero to sixty in less than seven seconds. For more efficiency, go with the new ECOTEC 2.5L four cylinder rated at 196 horsepower, or the ECOTEC 2.4L four cylinder with eAssist rated at 182 horsepower, capable of achieving 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Fast enough to lose a hungry pack of lions, stamina enough to cross the Serengeti.
When it comes to Impalas, it’s all about safety in numbers. For 2014, the Chevy Impala features ten standard air bags (the most in the nameplate’s history) and a number of technological safety innovations. The Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert keep you safe during calm and spirited drives alike.
This is the new generation of Impalas—sleeker, faster, and bolder than ever.

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is sculpted luxury, artistry flowing through every sloping curve and fascia. Signature chrome accents and the waterfall grill are distinctly Buick, but the 2014 LaCrosse brings unprecedented levels of luxury and refinement to the brand.
The available Ultra Luxury Interior Package is offered in four interior color and trim combinations, such as cashmere and cocoa. Real ash wood and semi-aniline leather seats provide superior aesthetics and durability at once. Over contoured edges, the cool blue ambient lighting meets the warm wood tones in the console and doors. The rear seating boasts the same luxury standard, and offers more leg room than the Lexus ES350, Acura TL, and Infiniti G37 sedans.

By utilizing advanced eAssist technology, the 2014 LaCrosse is capable of 36 mpg on the highway, which makes it the most fuel-efficient sedan in its class. eAssist automatically switches seamlessly between gas and battery power while driving, and converts forward momentum into energy while braking. A power flow display shows exactly which systems are engaged when, but the thing you’ll likely notice most is how much less time you’re wasting at the pump.

The redesigned central instrument panel is more concise and features the next-generation IntelliLink system. With an eight-inch color touch screen that allows swipe navigation, it can be customized exactly how you see fit. Store up to 60 favorites, which could be anything from radio stations, phone contacts, vehicle information, or navigation destinations. Bluetooth connectivity and voice commands keep your eyes on the road.

Standard safety technology from front bumper to rear keeps you and your passengers safe in dangerous conditions. HID headlamps are subtle in appearance but powerful in use, increasing visibility at night and during inclement weather. The blind zone alert system uses radar to detect oncoming vehicles, and displays an indicator in your side view mirror so you know they’re coming. StabiliTrak and full-time traction control helps you make sure the vehicle stays in the steered path, even when the road is a less than ideal one. The safety cage has high strength steel for increased crash protection and advanced airbag technology throughout the cabin. The 2013 LaCrosse was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the 2014 is even safer.

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 not only provides best-in-class durability and capability, it’s also the clear leader in fuel economy. The EcoTec engine has experience gained from millions of trucks and billions of real-world customer miles. In the GMC Sierra 1500, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 engine (preferred by 3 out of 4 GMC owners) achieves 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. That’s 2 mpg higher than a 2013 Ford V8, 3 mpg higher than a Ram V8, and even bests the Ford F-150 EcoBoost V-6.

Direct injection (as opposed to port injection) sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for a higher compression ratio and improving power, efficiency, and reducing emissions all at once. Continuously variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation control how and how many cylinders are used, depending on the load. These fuel saving technologies are seamlessly integrated with the capable powerhouse in the engine bay. With 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4100 rpm, the 5.3L V-8 offers class-leading towing capacity of 11,500 pounds, even besting Ford’s biggest 6.2L. That’s like towing a trailer with a pair of rhinos, just because you can. Also available are a 4.3L V-6 and 6.2L V-8 for those seeking a more efficiency or power, respectively.

Other improvements from the 2013 edition include DuraLife brake rotors, unique for its Ferritic Nitro-carburizing technology, which significantly reduces rust build up. This technology has been used on GM motors for years, and it’s finally made its way to safe external application. Brakes rotors stay shiny and new, even through their extended lifespan without corrosion. A CornerStep rear bumper allows easy truck bed access, and a 4.2 inch radio display displays artist names and song titles and audio settings. MSRP for the standard GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L model starts at $25,085, with the 5.3L V-8 as an option for $895. Each includes Pro Grade Protection, five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Oh, and the first two years (or 24,000 miles) of scheduled maintenance is on us. GMC is confident in its craftsmanship—you simply won’t find this kind of coverage in the competition.

On paper, the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 can’t be beat. Come see for yourself what it takes to be called professional grade.

EPA fuel economy estimates, light-duty pickups with V-8 and turbocharged V-6 engines.

Maximum available towing ratings, light-duty pickups with V-8 and turbocharged V-6 engines

Tires balder than the Monopoly guy? If you answer yes, it’s time for new tires… or it may not be too much longer before you stop passing “Go”. Worn tires are unsafe, inefficient, and in many cases, illegal to drive. The tread on your tires diverts water away from the tire, preventing your vehicle from hydroplaning off the road. But as the tread wears down, so does its ability to divert water—and they don’t have to necessarily “look bald” before they are unsafe to drive on.

Checking your tires is simple, though there are a few different methods. Look between the tread lines to find a “wear bar”, found between the tread lines of the tire. When the wear bar and tread are flush with one another, it’s time to get your tires replaced. You’ll benefit from a smoother, quieter ride, with confident handling in rain or shine. And while tires can be expensive, they actually save you money in fuel, and you simply can’t put a price on safety.

Worn tires are a danger to yourself and everyone else around you. So please, stop skidding through “Go” and replace those balding tires.

Oh, V-8, it’s been too long. Not since the 1996 Impala has Chevrolet offered a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan. But that doesn’t mean Chevrolet has been sitting idle—no—the Chevy SS brings its racing DNA straight off the track. In its initial run, the newly debuted Chevrolet SS won in the Daytona 500 with Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel. And the showroom version is as close as you can get to its NASCAR cousin within the limits of the law. Or in other words, this is a race car you can actually drive on the street. No helmet required.

The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 V-8, delivering 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The LS3 displaces 6.2 liters (even more than its 5.5L NASCAR counterpart) and responds quickly and accurately to a six-speed automatic transmission, with TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel for manual shifting. With a 0 to 60 mph time around five seconds, this is one of the quickest sedans on the market.

It’s also just as capable handling corners and reigning over four hundred horses to a halt. MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry, electronic power steering, and large Brembo brakes, ventilated with 355-mm rotors. A near 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity allows for a comfortable highway ride and confident cornering alike.

Design cues, both bold and subtle, borrow from the aggressive rear-wheel-drive stance. Obvious cues like forged aluminum 19 inch wheels, with rear tires half an inch wider, meet the power bulge on the aluminum hood, stealthily hinting at the power inside.

As a full-size sedan, the SS offers versatility to match its performance. Additional side bolstering on the driver and passenger seats serve as something of a warning—this is a car that isn’t shy around corners. The interior is spacious, with 42 inches of legroom in the front and 39 inches in the back. Leather is standard, with the prominent SS emblem beautifully stitched into the seats and soft-touch instrument panel.

Like its brethren Chevrolets, the SS includes industry leading technology. It’s the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. While the driver controls the throttle, transmission, and brake, ultrasonic sensors provide the correct steering input in parallel or reverse right-angle parking scenarios. This is in addition to the color in-dash touch display, Bose nine-speaker sound system, push button start, Forward and blind spot collision alerts, and rear-vision camera.

Embracing the spirit of V-8 rear wheel drive sedans of the past, the SS brings Chevrolet back to its roots while racing forward. It goes on sale in fourth quarter 2013.