2015 Gmc Sierra 2500 Sle on 2040-cars

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GM expanding Lansing Lambda CUV plant

Considering that crossovers are a rapidly growing portion of the US auto market, it's not surprising to hear that General Motors is preparing to build even more of them. The company is investing $63 million to expand its Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant that builds Lambda platform CUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.
According to GM, the expansion will add roughly 263,000 extra square feet of space to the plant. Of that, 181,000 square feet will be for an updated body shop with cutting-edge robots. There will also be 54,000 square feet of additional room in the paint shop and 28,000 square feet of more area for general assembly.
GM isn't saying as much, but there is the possibility that this extra space could allow for additional models produced at the factory. Cadillac reportedly dropped plans to build a three-row SUV on the Lambda platform earlier this year, however, dealers for the luxury brand were recently pitched the possibility of adding large and small CUVs, an ATS convertible or a sedan below the ATS.

No carbon fiber was harmed in the making of new 2015 GMC Sierra Carbon Edition

Carbon fiber is known for its properties of combining amazing strength with extremely low weight, and its frequent use in high performance vehicles gives the material a somewhat aggressive air. GMC is hoping to play on some of that mean reputation with its upcoming trio of Sierra Carbon Editions. However, despite their name, there's no actual carbon making its way onto these trucks (at least in the form of CF). Instead, the special edition is a graphics package with some extra equipment thrown in.
All three specials are based on the 2015 Sierra 1500 and can be ordered in two- or four-wheel drive configuration and with the standard 4.3-liter V6 or optional 5.3-liter V8. Things kick off with the standard Sierra Carbon Edition for $33,075, including destination, available only on the double cab body. Buyers get a black grille, carbon fiber decals on the hood and tailgate and body color trim for the door handles and mirror caps. The edition also adds keyless entry, a 110-volt outlet and LED cargo box lighting.
Buyers wanting just a touch more style can opt for the Carbon 20 Edition on the SLE double cab that gets the same exterior tweaks, plus 20-inch aluminum wheels, and retails for $38,275. Finally, there is the Carbon 22 Edition starting at $42,270 on the SLE in double- or crew cab models. It adds further black 22-inch wheels, tubular side steps, fog lights, keyless start, a universal home remote, dual-zone climate control and 110-volt outlet.

Weekly Recap: Auto execs face life in prison for recall delays under proposed legislation

The stiff punishments are part of broader transportation legislation, but clearly McCaskill has automakers in her sights.
Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill threw down the gauntlet this week, proposing a bill that could send auto executives to prison for life if they were found to have delayed a recall. She also wants to eliminate the limit for fines for auto safety violations, which are currently capped at $35 million.