2009 GMC CANYON LINEUP ADDS V-8 POWER AND NEW BRAKE SYSTEM
06/09/2008
GMC
GMC's rugged yet refined Canyon pickup greets 2009 with a host of performance enhancements - headlined by a new 5.3L V-8 engine option - that increase its capability, amplify its fun-to-drive quotient and reinforce its safety. Along with the V-8 engine is a new brake system and a new family of larger wheels and tires, as well as numerous exterior trim revisions.
The new 5.3L V-8 is available on extended cab and crew cab models. It pumps out 300 horsepower (224 kW), for nearly 25-percent more than the Canyon's available 3.7L I-5 engine. It also delivers 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm) of robust torque for an exceptional maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). Effortless highway driving also is an attribute of the new V-8, enabling 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds.
"The new 5.3L V-8 engine broadens the Canyon lineup's versatility, giving customers the towing capability of a larger truck in a midsize package," said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. "All of the powertrain options in the Canyon deliver performance suited to different driving styles and needs, but when it comes to certain tasks, such as towing, there is sometimes no substitute for a V-8 engine."
Canyon's 2009 lineup includes regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; three available suspensions and three engines. Vehicles are offered in Work Truck, SLE and SLT trims. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers distinctive visual cues to augment its suspension differentiation; it is available on 2WD and 4WD models. Returning is the ZQ8 sport suspension, which is paired with the 5.3L V-8 and all-new 18-inch wheels.
Improved fuel economy
A revised fuel control module helps most 2009 Canyon models equipped with the 2.9L and 3.7L engines achieve better fuel economy than previous models. The greatest mileage improvement comes in 4WD models equipped with the 2.9L engine and manual transmission, where the estimated highway rating increases to 25 mpg - an increase of nearly 14 percent over the '08 rating.
New for 2009
In addition to the new 5.3L V-8 and improved fuel economy for models with the 2.9L and 3.7L engines, the '09 Canyon lineup includes a host of new features and revisions, including:
New brake system: All Canyon models receive a new brake system that delivers greater stopping power and an improved brake pedal feel. The system features increased rotor and caliper piston diameters, four-channel ABS with yaw control for flatter, more controlled stopping during panic stops and improved control on slippery surfaces.
New ZQ8 sport suspension: Briefly retired, the sport-tuned ZQ8 suspension returns on extended and crew cab models.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models
XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models
New family of wheels:
Work Truck steel wheel increased to 16-inch
New 16-inch aluminum wheels are standard on SLE
New 16-inch chrome-clad wheel is available on 2WD models with the Z85 suspension
New 16-inch chrome-clad wheel is available on 4WD and 2WD with the 5.3L V-8 and Z85 suspension
New 17-inch chrome-clad wheel is standard with the Z71 suspension
New 18-inch aluminum wheel is standard with the ZQ8 suspension
Exterior revisions:
Small wheel flares are eliminated
Body-side molding eliminated from regular and extended cabs
Body-color side moldings on crew cab
Body-color outside mirrors and door/tailgate bezels, with chrome handles, on extended and crew cabs
Standard bedliner with Fleet Delete package
Solar Ray tinted glass is standard on SLE and SLT; available on Work Truck
Two new exterior colors: Navy Blue and Aqua Blue Metallic replace Sport Blue and Midnight Blue Metallic, respectively
Interior carpet is standard on Work Truck (vinyl floor cover is available)
Cloth seating is standard on Work Truck (vinyl is available)
ZQ8 details
The ZQ8 sport suspension package returns for 2009 and is offered exclusively with the new 5.3L V-8. GM Performance Division put its signature on the truck, designing specific steering and track-tuned suspension enhancements that stiffen the suspension by about 30 percent. The steering system with the ZQ8 package receives a high-performance cooler and underhood temperatures and airflow are controlled with a unique sealing system.
Additionally, the ride height is "slammed" - it is lower than the standard Z85 suspension by approximately one inch (25 mm) - and ZQ8-equipped trucks ride on unique 18 x 8-inch aluminum wheels (painted Midnight Silver) and low-profile sport tires. The result is crisp handling and maneuverability, along with a great stance.
Standard and available features
Canyon models can seat up to six while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. Standard features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, XM Satellite Radio, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors. Available equipment includes remote keyless entry; fog lamps; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; running boards; power, heated leather seating and high-back bucket seats.
A glass package consisting of deep-tinted side windows and a rear sliding window is available on all trim levels and comes standard on SLE-2 and SLT trims.
Canyon accommodations and cargo capability
Crew cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward. Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed with taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m).
Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable. The tailgate opens to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening - putting the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.
Driving experience
With its efficient packaging, Canyon looks and feels more like a spacious full-size pickup than a typical midsize truck. A stiff frame enables more precise suspension tuning to deliver a smooth, isolated ride without sacrificing responsive handling.
Canyon also delivers class-leading refinement with features such as hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering; large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers; independent suspension with coil-over front shocks on 2WD models (except Z71 and V-8); front torsion bars on all 4WD models, as well as 2WD Z71 models and 2WD with the V-8 and Z85 suspension; and specifically tuned powertrain and body mounts that help reduce interior noise and vibration.
A trio of suspension choices is available: the rugged Z85 suspension standard on 2WD or 4WD models, the Z71 off-road suspension, also available in 2WD and 4WD and the ZQ8 sport suspension. The ZQ8 option is paired with the new 5.3L V-8 and is available on extended and crew cab models.
Powertrains
The base engine in all but Z71-equipped crew cabs is a powerful, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) that delivers 185 horsepower (138 kW) and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 Nm).* Available in all models - and standard in the crew cab with 4WD - is a 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT that is rated at 242 horsepower (180 kW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm).*
Both the 2.9L and 3.7L engines are based on GM's modular inline engine design, which also serves as the foundation for the 4.2L inline-six engine of the GMC Envoy. They feature dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control and other features that contribute to high levels of operating efficiency and fuel economy. Balance shafts help ensure smooth operation of the engines, providing a higher level of refinement.
New for '09 is the available 5.3L V-8. It is based on GM's legendary small-block V-8 architecture, delivering exceptional power and torque that is rare in the Canyon's class. Horsepower is rated at 300 (224 kW)* and torque is 320 lb.-ft. (434 Nm)*.
Transferring the Canyon engines' torque to the axles is an Aisin five-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The manual transmission is standard with the four-cylinder engine - except for crew cab models, where it is not available. The automatic is standard with the five-cylinder engine and V-8; and available with the four-cylinder (standard with crew cab models).
Drivetrain
In off-road or inclement weather driving situations, Canyon's four-wheel drive system provides added confidence and safety for the driver. The dash-mounted electronic "shift-on-the-fly" system allows the driver to move from rear- to four-wheel drive at any speed when road conditions demand a change.
A locking rear differential is available on 2WD and 4WD models. Additionally, three rear-end gear ratios are available for V-8 models: 3.42:1, 3.73:1 and 4.10:1; four- and five-cylinder models have a standard 3.73 rear axle.
Safety features
Safety belts remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection and Canyon features three-point safety belts at all seating positions. Helping to remind front passengers to buckle up is an enhanced passenger seat belt reminder system. It provides a repetitive, progressively strident message to any unbuckled front seat occupant, as a reminder to fasten seat belts. GM's sassenger sensing system is standard equipment.
Additional protection is found in the available head curtain side air bags. They act like a protective curtain when deployed, unfolding from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. When the bag deploys in a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front- and rear-seat outboard passengers.
Other safety features include: energy-absorbing steel structure, standard four-wheel ABS brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system anchors for child safety seats. This system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats.
OnStar is standard on all models. Its digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception. OnStar-equipped models also offer Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
The Canyon is covered by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles for non-powertrain components - the best coverage in America.
*SAE certified.