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Budds’ crystal ball: 2018 GM edition

Woman gazing into crystal ballIf you’ve been waiting for the new 2018 models to come out before you purchase a new vehicle, you don’t have long to wait.

Today we’re spotlighting four of GM’s new vehicles to whet your whistle: the Cadillac XT5, Buick Regal, Chevy Impala and the Yukon Denali.

They’ll be available at Budds’ Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC soon—we’ll let you know when you can stop by to test drive one (or all) of them.

2018 Cadillac XT5

Photo credit:  GMAuthority.com

Photo credit: GMAuthority.com

Cadillac is deleting two colours on the 2018 XT5: the dark Adriatic blue metallic and the silver coast metallic. Three new colours will be available: Harbour blue metallic, deep amethyst metallic and bronze dune metallic.

Cadillac has also added five new accessories to the 2018 model year, such as the assist steps that will help you get into the vehicle. Also added are an illuminated cargo sill plate and clear tail lamps. All weather floor mats help to protect the carpets in the XT5. And a black chrome mesh grille with a bright surround gives the XT5 a more aggressive look

The all-wheel drive Luxury trim level features a 3.6-litre engine backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 310 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, giving the vehicle plenty of power to get out of its own way.

Safety features will include several airbags, four-wheel ABS disc brakes, daytime running lights, a blind spot monitor, traction control, and, as optional equipment, brake assist and lane departure warning.

2018 Buick Regal

Photo credit:  AutoBlog.com

Photo credit: AutoBlog.com

The ’18 Buick Regal will be available in four different trims: the Regal, Regal GS, Regal Sportwagon and the Regal TourX wagon

Because of innovations in steel and other materials, the Regal will be lighter than its predecessor. Most Buick models, including the Regal, will have available intelligent all-wheel drive with a GKN Twinster system. Two clutches—one for each of the rear wheels—engage on demand.

The Regal also has a new suspension and a longer wheelbase: a 9cm stretch, which also gives passengers more room inside. The track is also a centimeter wider in the front and another wider in the rear, although you likely won’t notice the difference.

The Regal will no longer feature the HiPer struts that the previous models had, as they were deemed unnecessary.

The standard engine is Buick’s 2.0-litre turbo charged four-cylinder, which puts out 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. If you add the optional all-wheel drive, the torque is increased to 295 pound-feet. By comparison, the old engine made just 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque.

The TourX wagon gives you about 2000 litres of space (more than 73 cubic feet) with the seats down, so if you need room in the trunk, test-drive the TourX. You might also be interested in knowing that all-wheel drive comes standard on this trim level.

If you prefer performance, check out the Regal GS, which features a V-6 engine that makes 310 horsepower—and also has standard all-wheel drive.

2018 Chevrolet Impala

Photo credit:  PopularAmericanCars.com

Photo credit: PopularAmericanCars.com

The 2018 Chevy Impala will see several changes, including new colors and packages. This year, the Impala adds a sunroof and spoiler package for the LT models with the 3.6-litre V-6 LFX engine, upgraded seat materials and, on certain trim levels, the MyLink Radio.

Chevrolet also added new standard features for the LS trim level. You’ll enjoy more connectivity with an 8-inch diagonal color infotainment display, MyLink and a USB port behind the movable screen. The LT adds standard remote vehicle start and LED daytime running lights.

The Premier model will feature Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound, a universal home remote, wireless charging for your devices and a 120-volt power outlet.

The Impala also has several changes to its available packages, including adding a heated steering wheel in the LT convenience package, ambient door and instrument panel lighting heated seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Add the Driver Confidence Package to the Premier model for forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

2018 Yukon Denali

budds-18-yukon-denaliThe new Denali, available this Fall, has new trim and styling and a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

The new grille makes the Denali exterior stand out from the pack. It also gives the radiator better airflow and provides active aero shutters that close during certain highway conditions to improve aerodynamics and efficiency.

Inside, Mastique Ash real wood trim gives the interior an upgrade in richness and feel.

The new 10-speed transmission backs up GM’s 6.2-litre V-8 engine and provides better shifts and more responsiveness. The transmission’s gear ratio is wider when compared to the previous eight-speed version, delivering more efficiency.

A 420-horsepower engine features active fuel management and direct injection. Standard features also include electronic stability control, trailer sway control, a tow/haul mode, hill start assist and auto grade braking.

The front features HID headlights and LED Signature Lighting, giving this model a more sophisticated look; however, it’s not so distinct that you can’t still tell at a glance that you’re looking at a Denali.

Come see us (soon) at Budds’

To learn more about these models—or any other GM vehicle—stop by Budds’ Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC. We’d love to have you out for a test drive. (As soon as we’re done testing them ourselves, of course. Wink.)