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10 New GM Cars To Look Forward To In 2018

2018 will be a rather big and important year for General Motors, as the automaker will introduce either all-new or refreshed models across key segments. Here’s a comprehensive guide of ten new GM cars to look forward to in 2018.

1. All-New 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Trailbosss Live Reveal 006

The half-ton Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are GM’s bread-and-butter vehicles in terms of sales volumes and profits. The current, K2 platform models were introduced for the 2014 model year and are starting to get long in the tooth among newer and more modern competition. Luckily, both models are getting a complete overhaul for the 2019 model year, which means new platforms, exteriors, cabins, and potentially powertrains.

The Silverado will be first to debut and launch, and it will be particularly interesting to watch, as Chevy is said to be expanding the Silverado lineup to a total of eight new models. Some new engines are highly likely, including a new turbo-charged gasoline unit to take on Ford’s mid-range EcoBoost motor as well as a new diesel mill. In addition, it is believed that this generation of the Silverado and Sierra will have both trucks significantly better differentiated compared to the previous generations.

The 2019 Silverado will be revealed on January 13th in Detroit; the 2019 GMC Sierra will be shown at a later time.

2. 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible Exterior at 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show 013

As announced at the end of 2017, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is officially re-introduced for the seventh-generation Corvette for the 2019 model year. Serving as the flagship of the C7 range, the new model will be available in both coupe and convertible form factors. It’s powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 LT5 engine delivers a beastly SAE-certified 755 horsepower (563 kW) and 715 pound-feet of torque (969 Nm) and the model establishes a new benchmark in performance, and a top speed of over 210 mph. The engine can be mated to either a seven-speed manual or GM’s 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 goes on sale in the spring of 2018, during which point it will likely be the hottest and most expensive new GM car in history.

3. 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD/5500HD Medium Duty

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD and 5500HD Teaser Picture - Enhanced 001

After discontinuing the Kodiak and Top Kick roughly a decade ago, GM is finally coming back with an all-new Chevy Medium Duty truck. Currently being co-developed with Navistar, the new Chevy truck will officially be called Silverado 4500HD (for the Class 4 model) and 5500HD (for the Class 5 model). Chevy has been confirmed that the trucks will be powered by a Duramax turbo-diesel engine and Allison transmission, while being available in 4×2 or 4×4, two cab configurations as well as various GVWRs and wheelbases.

Chevy has announced that it will unveil the2019 Silverado 4500HD and Silverado 5500HD in March, with a target on-sale date of the end of 2018.

4. All-New Chevrolet Blazer

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Spy Shot

Yes, it’s true: Chevy is bringing back the Blazer name on a crossover utility vehicle. Though some believe that a body-on-frame SUV would do the Blazer name more justice, there’s no denying that crossovers are currently a hot ticket item, so another crossover with a Chevy bow tie would make sense.

The new Blazer will slot between the compact Chevy Equinox and full-size Chevy Traverse, thereby completing Chevy’s CUV lineup. The model will be based on the regular wheelbase variant of the GM C1 platform while offering bold exterior styling. Customers will likely be able to choose between two and three rows of seating. Think of it as Chevy’s version of the second-gen GMC Acadia.

Expect the 2019 Blazer to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show season and then go on sale either at the end of the year or in the beginning of 2019.

5. All-New Cadillac XT4

Cadillac XT4 spy shot December 6, 2017

Years ago, GM totally fumbled product planning for Cadillac: as all other luxury car makers were starting to focus on crossovers, Cadillac was playing catch-up on sedans. In doing so, the automaker totally failed to properly forecast today’s CUV boom, which put it at a significant competitive disadvantage: when the crossover craze hit full stride, Cadillac only had one crossover – the SRX – which was not enough compared to the competition, which offered a much broader lineup of CUVs. For instance, Audi offered three, while Mercedes-Benz and BMW now offer six and seven crossovers, respectively. Fast forward to 2018: the SRX was replaced by the XT5, but fighting multiple competing models with one isn’t cutting it. Enter the Cadillac XT4.

Set to be Cadillac’s second crossover, the XT4 will be compact in size, allowing it to slot under the XT5 in terms of dimensions and price. The vehicle will ride on the GM E2 platform shared with the likes of the new Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu.

Expect the 2019 Cadillac XT4 to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show circuit (our bet is on Cadillac’s home turf of New York in April) and go on sale by the end of 2018.

6. Refreshed 2019 Cadillac CT6

2019 Cadillac CT6 Spy Shot 001

The Cadillac CT6 is an extremely fine luxury automobile, but it’s not perfect – and there are areas in which it can be improved. That’s what the 2019 model year refresh is expected to bring three years after the introduction of the original, 2016 CT6. Specifically, we expect the 2019 Cadillac CT6 to re-structure the powertrain lineup and the associated trim level hierarchy. The base 2.0L Turbo LTG motor will likely be deleted while the new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V8 engine will likely be introduced, potentially in a CT6 V-Sport model. Exterior styling will be revised to be more in line with the Cadillac Escala concept.

Expect the 2019 CT6 to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show circuit (like with the XT4, our bet is on Cadillac’s home turf New York in April), and go on sale either at the end of the year or in the beginning of 2019.

7. Refreshed 2019 Chevrolet Camaro

2019 Chevrolet Camaro spy shots Colorado Rockies 0008

Despite having a rather lackluster interior as well as being big and heavy, the previous-, fifth-generation Camaro became an astounding sales success. So it would only stand to reason that addressing those areas of criticism would have caused the current, sixth-generation model to grow sales even further, right? Apparently not.

Despite the sixth-gen Camaro, introduced for the 2016 model year, receiving a better cabin, an all-new platform and a substantially lower curb weight, resulting in a much more nimble driving experience compared to its predecessor, sales didn’t take off. In fact, they have fallen, mostly as a result of the new Camaro being notably more expensive than the model it replaces. And that’s exactly what the 2019 Camaro refresh will probably attempt to address, especially in the entry- and mid-level tiers. The update is also expected to deliver revised front and rear facias along with potential powertrain updates.

Expect the 2019 Camaro to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show circuit (it might show up at Detroit in a few days), and go on sale either at the end of the year or in the beginning of 2019.

8. Refreshed 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, 2019 GMC Canyon

2017 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 exterior - GM Authority Review 024 logo badge

The current Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon arguably re-ignited the midsize pickup truck battle in the United States. Thanks to their success, Toyota now is now selling a new Tacoma and new competitors are about to enter the fray, including Ford with its new Ranger and Jeep with the Wranger-based Scrambler. Meanwhile, GM’s offerings are beginning to show their age. Though the duo was initially introduced for the 2015 model year, the trucks are based on an architecture that debuted for the 2013 model year in international markets. Now, all-new Colorado and future Canyon aren’t due until 2022, leaving room for a refresh of the current models.

The midcycle enhancement for the Colorado and Canyon will likely deliver revised exterior styling, improvements to the cabin, along with some powertrain changes. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see an up-level trim level introduced for the Colorado to the tune of LTZ or High Country, as the current model tops our at LT and Z71 (as a trim level). In addition, perhaps a more extreme off-road package for the Canyon along the lines of the Colorado ZR2 is also in the works.

Expect the 2019 Colorado and Canyon to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show circuit (we’d wager at Los Angeles in November, which Chevy has been using to show off the Colorado), and go on sale either at the end of the year or in the beginning of 2019.

9. Refreshed 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Refresh Spy Shots

The current-, ninth-generation Chevy Malibu launched to generally positive critical acclaim when it launched for the 2016 model year. Even so, we believe that Malibu sales figures are a far cry from what GM originally expected. Though one would think that sales are down due to the crossover craze, some competing models seem to be doing extremely well. So to address any product-related matters, Chevrolet is working on a midcycle update that we expect will deliver changes to the exterior design, powertrain, trim levels and equipment groups, which – based on our experience – are the biggest areas of criticism.

Expect the 2019 Malibu to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show circuit (perhaps at Chicago in February), and go on sale by the end of the year.

10. Refreshed 2019 Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet Chevy Volt Logo 01

The current, second-generation Chevy Volt is due for a freshening that will probably bring enhancements to the car’s exterior styling. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see a few changes to plug-in hybrid’s cabin. It’s currently unclear whether the Volt refresh will see any powertrain updates, given that the focus of GM as a company no longer seems to be on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), but rather on pure battery electrics such as the Bolt EV – which has been handily outselling the Volt.

Expect the 2019 Volt to be introduced some time during the 2018 auto show circuit (maybe at Los Angeles in November), and go on sale either at the end of the year or in the beginning of 2019.

(Bonus) 11. Refreshed 2019 Buick Envision

2019 Buick Envision China

The compact Buick Envision premium crossover is due for a refresh for the 2019 model year. The updated model has already been revealed for China, and it features revised front and rear facias, a new exterior color and an interior color combination, HID headlamps on lower trims along with Bi-LED headlamps on Premium trims, LED taillamps, new technologies such as Tire Fill Alert, an ionizing air cleaner and wireless phone charging, new wheel designs and the new GM 9-speed transmission.

What Didn’t Make The Cut

The following models didn’t make it into our new GM cars list for 2018:

  • Refreshed 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, which might potentially introduce a new efficient Cruze Eco model
  • The all-new Cadillac CT5 as a replacement for the CTS, which we believe will be unveiled in 2019
  • A three-row Cadillac crossover, potentially named Cadillac XT6, which we believe will be unveiled in 2019
  • The long-rumored mid-engined Corvette, which will likely be revealed in 2019

GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. The full size trucks will be interesting.

    The Blazer will disappoint as only the Styling will offer more difference than the Acadia.

    The Camaro will just generate debates and complaints.

    The Corvette will be fun to watch next year be it ZR or C8.

    The Cadillacs will give us an idea if they finally are on the right track with the details.

    The Colorado and Canyon are mild refreshes so do not get too excited. GM already said no ZR for the Canyon. Some new features and updated styling is all you will get. Most will be happy with a sun roof, rear window slider and the 4×4 know moved from behind the wheel.

    The Bu is looking to survive and grow in a tough segment. The Volt is just going to get the updates to hold it till it becomes a CUV.

    Reply
    1. Scott, it’s sad about all the complaints the Camaro gets, since I have a 6Gen SS and it is such a driver’s car. The car is fantastic. The 5th Gen Camaro was a boat and I couldn’t wait for GM to do something about the size.

      The Blazer will be a let down to the true SUV body on frame ppl, but for the mass market it will sell and the Blazer name may help.

      Reply
  2. C8?

    Reply
    1. Take a look at the section at the end of the article entitled “What Didn’t Make The Cut”.

      Reply
      1. While the C8 will not be in production it will eat up most of the headlines.

        Reply
        1. Correct. But the purpose of this list are cars that will be announced and/or available this year.

          Reply
      2. Thanks. If the C8 is to go on sale in 2019 as a 2020, shouldn’t the concept be shown this year?

        Reply
        1. There doesn’t have to be a concept… theoretically speaking. If there is, they can show it any time.

          But today’s GM places greater emphasis on private clinics/studies, which makes it easier to collect feedback… hence reducing the need for the “concept” of concept car.

          Reply
          1. I would love to here the people in these Clinics/Studies. ” I think its a great idea to put heat seat buttons or any other buttons next to cup holders ” like the 2018 Terrain. A family car, coffee, pop, kids etc. Who are these people.

            Reply
  3. When the new CT5 debuts do you think it will be bigger than the current CTS but smaller than the XTS . And that just might be the end of the XTS .
    Same with the CT4 will be a tweener , bigger than the ATS and smaller than the CTS . Seems like I read both new cars will be tweeners .
    Glad to see the little 4-banger gone for the CT6 , it deserves a new Cadillac TT V-8 but not just a V model they should offer it as an option on Luxury , Premium Luxury and the Platinum and not the Base model . Let the Base get the Corporate 3.6 ( which is a good engine ) .
    An update for the Malibu is probably the last nail in the coffin for the Impala .
    As far as the Blazer , if it get a more ” new Silverado ” front clip that just might be the best thing for it to stand out more as a true SUV and not a CUV .
    Also if the XT4 does come out with styling cues from the Elmiraj , ( horizontal headlamps for ex,, ) and not a baby XT5 that would be a plus and part of the new family look like the CT6 will get .
    This time of year is always exciting looking for the new models that are coming out , especially from the General , let the shows begin ! 🙂

    Reply
    1. The CT4 and CT5 will be tweeners in terms of pricing, not in terms of size. So they will be the size of the current cars, but priced in the segment below. So think CT5 the same size as the E Class and 5 Series, roughly at the price of a 3 Series. CT4 the same size as the C Class and 3 Series, at the price point of an CLA/A Class and 1 Series.

      So, the CT5 will be roughly the same size as the current model… perhaps a tad smaller or larger… while the CT4 will be slightly bigger than the ATS sedan it replaces.

      Reply
    2. The General missing the SUV craze over at Cadillac was unacceptable. They are still moving unbelievably slow.
      GM has fantastic underpinnings already available by way of GMC and Buick. As a temporary solution GM could have reskinned Envision or Arcadia as a short-term yet profitable solution.

      Reply
      1. The XT5 is already on the same platform as the Acadia. The XT4 will be on an existing platform. Developing all new platforms for these would have delayed them even more than they are. And you can’t be too careful in introducing sub-par product when trying to rebuild the brand.

        Reply
        1. Since 1999 GM has been trying to rebuild Cadillac into The Standard of the World and failed. The media offers a myriad of explanations: Design, image, failure to anticipate future industry trends.
          Cadillac’s repeated failures are nearly as extensive as those of Opel. GM has dumped billions into Cadillac without earning commensurate returns. Buick/GMC offers The General a higher rate of return on investment .
          Cadillac nears to, in the US, move to being an EV brand charting it’s own future as opposed to chasing BMW and tracing it’s overly move.

          Reply
          1. Mercedes , BMW and Audi already have a huge focus on electrification. Elon Musk’s picture is prominent in every boardroom in the form of a dart board.

            Regardless of timeline or investment, Cadillac will continue to chase the German brands because everybody is chasing the same dollar. And the Germans totally dominate that market, regardless of the type of fuel used for propulsion.

            Reply
            1. Cadillac needs to be mindful of Cadillac’s return on capital. Is Alpha 2 even needed as we enter the electric age considering it won’t ride on a battery?
              Would approaching luxury from a Lexus perspective a la Buck offer a greater return on investment?
              Excluding Escalade Cadillac will not be moving anything in the E Class price range.
              How long will it be before a company like Lucid outsells ATS and CTS or at the least turns a higher return?

              Reply
              1. “How long will it be before a company like Lucid outsells ATS and CTS or at the least turns a higher return?”

                Maybe never. First, Lucid will have to sell a single car. This is a start-up that was running out of money last year and then Ford was rumored to be buying them… Competition is far more likely going to come from established brands.

                Reply
                1. While I agree with many of your insights, not here.
                  Disruptive technology in any industry creates new successful even when the established players prove capable of adapting.
                  Tesla is slowly establishing itself a important player and in doing so creating a new templet to follow. Smaller firms with dynamite technology and passion will learn from Musk’s mistakes and create not just new product but also new strategies for doing business.
                  Can Cadillac adapt? Does GM have not just the technology but also the business plan to transform an exhausted brand? The same question goes for Lincoln, Acura, Chrysler and Dodge.

                  Reply
  4. I would be driving a Colorado from the time it was first introduced. However, its interior does not have the space, features and leg room, particularly in the back seat, that the Honda Ridgeline has. Therefore, I continue to drive my trusty Ridgeline with 186000 miles on the odometer.

    Reply
    1. Have you seen the new Silverado?

      Reply
  5. Like I’ve stated before, I would love to be able to buy the base Colorado with the Duramax.

    I also wish there was a company that could up fit it for CNG.

    Reply
  6. What about Buick?

    Refreshed 2019 Envision is coming. Also, wasn’t there supposed to be a Buick version of the Bolt coming too?

    Reply
    1. I see that it has now been added, thanks!

      Reply
      1. You’re welcome. Thanks for the reminder 🙂

        Reply
  7. This is our take our 2004 CTS great car. How to replace in 2014. ATS to small, CTS to big. Went with ATS. So if CT4 is tween or closer to 2004 CTS that would be great and 3.6 AWD. Now our 2005 SRX V8 AWD. how to replace in 2015. We drove new SRX nope so went with 2015 Canyon 3.6, terrible downshift/ no acceleration around 25 to 35 mph. 4X4 switch hit with your knee, and can’t see if your in 4X4 or not. No rear air vents. But do like RWD/ Auto AWD. Now our 2007 Silverado 2500 HD. Went with 2017 Denali 2500 HD. No rear air vents, worse mileage, DEF fluid at 2200 miles. Recalls, or Customer satisfaction Recalls on all of them. The good news we absolutely love the looks or designs of them all, all are comfortable to drive. I love all I here on all the new stuff coming. XT4, CT4, 2019 Silverado. But late now what will it be in 2024 or will we trade now $$$$$?

    Reply
  8. I think my idea for the corvette suv is entitled to be taken it’s a great idea for Chevrolet I have since heard that sports cars are crossing over to a new breed of sports vehicles in general when I originally wanted to come up with my idea I was driving a mustang and I needed something more roomier something with more cargo space than my mustang I wrote to Ford and Chevrolet explaining what it meant to me it was back in 2008 when I first started writing to the two powerhouse companies in or around 2013 I ran out of my own strength to continue to work on my projects I realized in 2008 at a young age that the mustang suv and corvette suv would create a great deal of work and I also knew it would create a lot of jobs from the factories to the aftermarket companies and to the automotive industry in general my ideas were and still are going to make it! I understand it would take a massive amount of money but if you did the math right we would create a a great deal of jobs it would fix a lot more than just a few vehicles created in a new generation a new breed of sports vehicles ! It would create a great amount of money for the economy and would create a great new year after year job opportunity aftermarket parts and equipment engineering jobs you name it I thought how much I pushed myself to getting you the consumer the vehicles you were looking for!!!! Those designs I see , and is that a real car , can you believe it ; definitely I got to the people who wanted to further my dreams I’d like to comment though it was something totally out of my medium I excelled to the point let’s say that I drove into work today ten years ago and mind you I’m disabled I have a mental illness I worked with my mom and chief psychiatrist I have been diagnosed with a brain disorder and that’s how I burned out working with Michael Savoni at the time I finally needed a new approach I worked with the design but only to share my ideas Detroit News has the best concept of my ideas they asked what if General Motors built a Corvette SUV I cannot believe what a success I have had with my idea I tried to Patent the idea but you cannot patent an idea alone you need a provisional design and I cannot afford it and I cannot afford at the time to come up with a design if one person could make a car or vehicle then they are just masters at what they do ; all the credit goes to them ! If you’re trying to point the finger to the one person who started this movement this automotive trend this breed of sports vehicles it was me I was just trying to make common sense. I’m still trying to get a hold of you and I’ll continue to keep in mind my idea and my story I may not be carving the grooves out but I’m just not happy with it I always put in and never took into if that’s the car I saw on your website I want a chance at rebuilding it because it’s not attractive it won’t sell you have to beat the competitive level of to what other companies might sell you that vehicle you have showcased it won’t sell Detroit News has a red corvette suv that looks more like my design the one I showed General Motors and Michael Savoni maybe in the future I’ll try to draw again I have a brain disorder but it’s getting better ! I thank you for being such a great company to have thank you General Motors; I appreciate everything that you given

    Reply
  9. Is the Sonic dead? No updates for a while.

    Reply
  10. “The long-rumored mid-engined Corvette, which will likely be revealed in 2019”

    What idiot came up with the idea of putting that engine in the middle of the car?!?

    Reply
    1. Probably the same type of engineers who work for Ferrari or McLaren.

      Don’t worry, this isn’t a car for you. Duh!

      Reply
  11. How long do you think it will be before the new style Denali 2500HD Duramax will available?

    Reply
  12. As a happy 2017 Volt driver with a three year lease, I am very curious about what GM will do with the Voltec PHEV system by the time my lease expires in Dec 2019. With rumors of Volt’s demise circulating widely, I am hoping that a Voltec version of the Equinox is on the drawing board. With America’s love affair with SUVs driving US car sales, I can understand why a compact sedan (the current Volt) is a tough sell, so transplanting the awesome Volt drive train into a vehicle that people actually want should be a no-brainer. Is this a legitimate possibility?

    Reply
  13. Cadillac:: XT4,XT5,XT3,XT6 crossovers(PHEV)CT4,CT5,CT6 sedan’s (PHEV). 2019 will be Cadillac’s first BEV /Crossover and several more after that.

    Reply
  14. Love all these cars.

    Reply

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