With a new CEO and an investment in Fiat Automobiles, GM entered the 2000s with all guns. Although it eventually had to kill off some of its brands later in the decade, GM still had a few decent models in its 2000s lineup. A hybrid version of the Silverado/Sierra was released in 2004 as the first full-hybrid pickup truck. greatness of GM. After a long absence, the legendary Pontiac GTO was brought back in 2004 for a 3-year production run.
Yet in 2004, Cadillac launched the CTS-V high-performance sedan while Buick added the Rainier luxury midsize SUV. This was quickly followed by the Buick Terraza and Lucerne in the 2005 and 2006 model years respectively. GMC added the Canyon, Acadia and Yukon Hybrid to its lineup. Chevrolet’s impressive lineup for the decade included a series of pickup trucks like the Montana coupe utility and the SSR roadster utility. From the long list of GM creations in the 2000s, here are the greatest.
11 Red line of the sky of Saturn 2007
The Saturn Sky is a 2-door roadster that was built alongside the Pontiac Solstice and released in 2006. Under the hood of the Red Line is a 2-liter turbocharged I4 engine that pairs with either a 5-speed manual transmission. speeds or with a 5-speed automatic transmission. transmission. Rated at 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, it gives the Red Line a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.
The Saturn Sky covers the quarter mile in 14 seconds at 98 mph and tops out at 141 mph. Standard equipment includes a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, dual exhausts and StabiliTrak stability control.
ten 2004 Cadillac CTS-V
The Cadillac CTS-V was introduced as a high-performance 4-door sedan in 2004. With its arrival, Cadillac established itself as a worthy competitor to German automakers. Power came from a 5.7-liter V8 mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission to produce 400 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.
It also got stiffer anti-roll bars and bigger shocks with higher spring rates while 14-inch Brembo brakes provided strong stopping power. According to GM, the CTS-V could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and complete the quarter mile in about 13.1 seconds.
9 2004 Cadillac XLR-V
Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the XLR-V became Cadillac’s first performance-oriented V-Series roadster. Under the hood, Cadillac stuffed the same supercharged V8 mill that powered the STS-V. However, in the XLR-V, the 4.4-liter unit develops 443 hp and 414 lb-ft of torque.
It gives the 3,840-pound convertible a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds while the quarter-mile clocks in at 13 seconds. This Caddy is equipped with electric seats, a navigation system and a Bose 9-speaker stereo system. Compared to the “no-V” XLR, it got its bigger brakes from the Chevrolet Corvette Z51.
8 2006 Cadillac Escalade
When the Escalade arrived in 1999, it was underpowered with just 255 ponies under the hood. This was corrected in the second generation and the 2006 model got a 6.0-liter V8 mill rated at 345 hp. The engine was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission while 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS provided stopping power.
It had seating for up to eight passengers and boasted a maximum towing capacity of 7400 pounds. For safety, it had an electronic stability control system, rear parking sensors and cruise control. Additionally, it had a DVD-based navigation system and road-sensing suspension.
seven 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
The GXP was the short-lived high-performance version of the equally short-lived Pontiac G8. Available only as a 2009 model, it was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 mill that developed 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 6-speed automatic transmission while a Tremec 6-speed manual was an option.
At rest, it could hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and complete the quarter mile in 13 seconds at 109.6 mph. Unfortunately, arriving when GM was in serious financial trouble, it was only in production for a year before Pontiac closed.
6 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Developed under the code name “Blue Devil”, the ZR1 was the high-performance version of the Corvette Z06. It was powered by a supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet claimed the ZR1 could complete the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 131 mph and top out at 205 mph.
A polycarbonate window in the middle of the carbon fiber hood provides a view of the engine intercooler. It came with Magnetic Selective Ride Control which adjusted the ride quality of the car according to the road conditions.
5 2009 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GTI Championship Edition
To celebrate the Corvette’s successes in GT1 racing, Chevrolet unveiled a limited-edition option package based on the 4LT and Z06 models in 2009. It was little more than an appearance package and added a rear spoiler. body-colored ZR1 styling and C6.R – inspired graphics.
In addition to yellow stitching accents in the cabin, it also received embroidered GT1 emblems on the seats. Rolling on chrome Spyder rims, the Z06 GT1 Championship Edition was powered by a 7-liter V8 developing 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It was a tough time for GM, and Chevrolet ended up building far less than the planned 600 units.
4 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbo
Built on GM’s Delta platform, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS was offered in three trim levels. The turbocharged version, launched in 2008, featured a 2-liter turbo-4 engine developing 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also came with a 5-speed manual transmission, launch control, traction control, and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.
The 2008 Cobalt SS was good for a 5.5-second 0-60 mph sprint and a quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds at 102.5 mph. Plus, the journey to the top speed of 160mph is fun, thanks to excellent driving dynamics.
3 2006 Pontiac GT
Before the Pontiac GTO was finally rested, it was brought back for one last appearance. Upon landing in 2004, it was criticized for its conservative design and high starting price. Beneath its modest exterior, the 2006 model hid a naturally aspirated 6-liter V8 and a beefed-up transmission.
It was pushed by 400hp and 400lb-ft to a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 170mph. As well as being powerful, fast and agile, it’s comfortable enough to ride every day.
2 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
The all-new, third-generation GMC Sierra arrived as a 2007 model on the GM GMT900 platform. It received positive reviews for its powerful engine options, decent fuel economy, and smooth handling. Powertrain choices ranged from a 4.3-liter V6 with 195 horsepower to a 6-liter V8 with 367 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque.
To improve fuel economy in premium V8 engines, GM’s Active Fuel Management system was a standard offering. Additionally, it had powerful brakes and could tow a maximum of 10,500 with the proper equipment.
