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What To Expect From General Motors At NAIAS 2019

The New Year is almost upon us, so naturally, it’s time to start speculating what General Motors products will debut at the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Big Three usually have something interesting to show in Detroit and this year should be no different, with GM, Ford and Fiat Chrysler all set to debut new products in Detroit next month.

It was initially believed that GM would have the most attention-grabbing debut in the way of the mid-engine C8 Corvette, but a snag in the supercar’s development has pushed its arrival back to mid 2019.

So while we won’t be seeing the highly anticipated C8 in Detroit, it looks as though GM still has some unveilings planned for NAIAS 2019. Let’s take a look at what we might see.

2020 Cadillac XT6

2020 Cadillac XT6 Spy Shots - Exterior - December 2018 003

The 2020 Cadillac XT6 will debut in Detroit, General Motors previously confirmed.

The XT6 will bridge the gap between the two-row XT5 and the hulking body-on-frame Escalade. It will be based on GM’s C1XX platform and is expected to offer a 3.6-liter V6 LGX engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Cadillac’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged LGW V6 engine will hopefully appear in well-equipped versions of the crossover.

Cadillac has scheduled an event for January 13th at 6:00 pm ET at the Garden Theater in Detroit – likely for the debut of the XT6. Check back to GM Authority around that time for full details on the new mid-size crossover.

2020 GMC Sierra HD
2020 GMC Sierra HD SLT Dual Rear Wheel - Exterior - Spy Shots - November 2018 004

We’ve already seen the new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD, so where’s the 2020 GMC Sierra HD? We’re expecting it to debut soon – perhaps as soon as NAIAS 2019 in just a few short weeks. Expect similar equipment to the 2020 Silverado HD, along with a slightly more well-appointed cabin. Photos previously captured by sharp-eyed spies (one of which is above) revealed portions of the HD pickups styling.

It’s also possible that the 2020 Sierra HD will debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show in February rather than in Detroit.

2020 Silverado 1500

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss SEMA concept featured

Small updates are expected for the 2020 Silverado 1500. New exterior and interior color options may be offered along with new interior and exterior options. Slight changes to equipment groups and packages may be on the table as well.

Similar to the Sierra HD, if we don’t see the 2020 Silverado 1500 in Detroit, it may appear in Chicago a month later.

A Glimpse Into The Electric/Automated Future

GM Cruise AV Bolt EV - Spy Shots - October 2018 006

So far we’ve addressed the possibility that GM will debut trucks and crossovers in Detroit, but that’s only two thirds of new three-pronged product approach. GM is intently focused on EVs and AVs right now, so it may give us some more information on its Cruise Automation program or its future electrification strategy.

We recently learned that GM president Dan Ammann had stepped down from his role to serve as the chief executive of Cruise Automation, a move that could help the automaker meet its goal of launching a driverless ride sharing service by the end of 2019. We know there’s lots going on behind the scenes at Cruise, so an announcement in Detroit wouldn’t be out of the ordinary.

GM just killed off a bunch of products to free up cash for EV investment as well, so it may outline future product strategies in Detroit, although we’d be a little surprised.

Check back to GM Authority for all the news and updated from General Motors at NAIAS 2019 when it kicks off on January 13th, 2019.

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. I’m confused. You show a picture of a new 2020 Silverado HD and then talk about small tweaks to the 2020 Silverado 1500. Were just a few months into the 2019 Silverado 1500’s production and it’s still 2018, so I wouldn’t count on that.

    What about the CT4 or CT5? There’s got to be more than this.

    Reply
  2. If this is all that GM can debut at NAIAS than no wonder the show is on its last leg! One debut off site with an interior that is three years old. Bravo!

    Reply
    1. Lets not forget that interior was designed at least five years ago to get it approved for the now three year old XT5.
      GM has no clue what is going on in todays Market. It is a shame.
      I mean they are so lucky some of us fans do not go to competitors lots because it is a joke the interiors GM is peddling out lately.

      Reply
      1. Totally agree & let’s not forget spending millions designing the platform for the CT6
        then killing it

        Reply
        1. Exactly

          Reply
  3. Maybe when GM announced all of their restructuring that’s due to electric vehicles, it might have been a good time to reveal even the slightest bit of evidence that they may have, you know, some type of of EV on the horizon (besides the Bolt)?

    Reply
    1. Exactly

      Reply
    2. I think GM needs to be careful with EVs. If they show anything too extraordinary people might just decide to wait, which won’t help Bolt sales. On the other hand, Barra’s talked so much about tech… mobility… zero emissions, etc. that put up or shut up time is imminent. It’s almost like she thinks she’s Elon Musk; that she can make wild promises and never deliver. I’m sorry, but we’ve been there done that too many times with GM. At some point people expect results.

      They had a wonderful product with the Volt but blew it, along with a great deal of credibility when they killed it, as far as I’m concerned.

      This is sort of off-topic, but I think Buick is so damaged they might as well kill it, at least in North America. And… if they’re really serious about an EV future, they should devote those resources to launching a new all-electric division.

      A lot of these future EVs are coming from China anyhow, you know… No use mucking up Chevrolet or Cadillac’s image. Let Chevrolet keep the Bolt, bring on an SUV version of the Volt… some sort of exotic gasoline/hybrid electric Vette. And give Cadillac one or two all-electric luxury products with all the latest tech. But create an all-electric affordable brand for the masses.

      That would make for an interesting NAIAS.

      Reply
      1. Cadillac will get several EV models before Chevy, GMC and Buick but it won’t be immediate till post 2020.

        Buick is not damage. They need more CUVs, EVs and hybrids to make them relevant. The CUVs are doing great in sales. Just like Cadillac, the cars are not selling great nowadays.

        Reply
  4. Sounds like it is set to be a real snorefest for GM. Like last year when they rolled out the new Silverado, boring wasn’t the word and I felt I was listening to a Ben Stein lecture. Compare that the Ram rollout at the sam show that was straight out of Hollywood or Vegas.

    Reply
  5. So another bailout is coming ? Such boring products ! Come on GM ! Show us what you can do !

    Reply
    1. Don’t expect much anymore since Mary Barra is ruining the company in the ground.

      Reply
    2. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if that was what they were angling toward. The company can’t get out of its own way and spends entirely too much time trying to pat itself on the back while simultaneously burying its head in the sand. Perhaps they just figure it would be easier to just beg for another handout when it all goes to hell…

      Reply
  6. Considering Machete Mary’s “triple zero” vision, I do not expect anything from GM at the NAIAS.

    Reply
  7. Reply
    1. GM needs to sell off Cadillac. It is a complete shame what they have done to this company.

      Reply
  8. I expect nothing but disappointment & monstrosities on wheels …

    Reply
  9. I hope for a “For Sale” sign at the Cadillac booth.

    Reply
  10. Guys,

    I really want to see the CT5V. Can you release some teaser news. I am in-between these two upcoming cars:

    – CT5 V
    – M3 Competition

    Thanks,

    Sean

    Reply

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