General Motors is in the process of restructuring its operations to reverse 2005 losses of more than $8 billion. GM said it will cut 30,000 jobs and close nine manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada by 2008. Executives expect to cut costs by $6 billion in 2006.

The world's largest automaker is hopeful that new products, like its redesigned 2007 full-size trucks and SUVs that debuted at the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows, will help restore profitability.

At the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, GM showcased the redesigned 2007 Chevy Avalanche and new Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible.

2006 Pontiac G6 convertible
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Hoping to build on the recent sales success of its sedan models, General Motors' Pontiac division introduced a midsize G6 convertible at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a class-unique retractable hardtop by Karmann, a German convertible-design firm. The top can be raised and lowered into the cargo area in less than 30 seconds via a single button and a double-hinged trunklid. These 2-door convertibles seat four and come with one of two V6 engines. Base GT models have a 3.5-liter, 201-horsepower unit; high-performance GTPs use a 240-horsepower 3.9-liter. Both engines mate to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Pontiac says the G6 convertible is designed for sporty, open-air driving as well as passenger comfort. Its 35 inches of rear leg room is only 1.5 inches less than that of Pontiac's larger Grand Prix sedan. The G6 is the first retractable hardtop offered in America for less than $29,000, as Pontiac announced a starting price of $28,490. Look for the G6 convertible at dealers this spring.

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche
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2007 chevrolet avalanche

Click here for a video review of the Chevrolet Avalanche.

General Motors debuted its redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. In addition, GM is entering into a partnership with Verasun Energy and Shell Oil to promote the use of E85 ethanol as an alternative fuel. E85 is refined from domestically-grown corn and is comprised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

The '07 Avalanche is available with a 310-hp 5.3-liter V8 engine that can run on E85 or regular gas. This large pickup retains V8 power, four full-size doors and a "midgate" design that extends the cargo bed to 8.2 feet. The new Avalanche sports revised interior and exterior styling with a more aerodynamic shape. Avalanche shares its basic platform with the 2007 Chevy Tahoe SUV. It will come in LS, LT, and top-line LTZ trims. In addition to the 5.3-liter V8, a new 355-hp 6.0-liter V8 will be available. All engines use a 4-speed automatic transmission. Avalanche will be able to tow up to 8,000 lbs.

Stability control and head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard. DVD entertainment, rear parking assist, and a rearview TV camera are available. GM didn't announce pricing, but officials said Avalanche should hit showrooms in early summer.

2007 Chevrolet Suburban
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General Motors' Chevrolet division showed its largest SUV at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The 2007 Suburban is designed to provide maximum passenger and cargo room. It rides on an extended version of the 2007 Tahoe platform. Suburban again will offer buyers 9-passenger seating and a choice of standard 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models in LS, LT, and topline LTZ trims. A 5.3-liter, 320-horsepower V8 is standard on 1500. Chevy will offer a 6.0-liter V8 with an estimated 355 horsepower for 1500 models later in 2006. A 6.0-liter V8 with 350 horsepower is standard on 2500 models. All engines will team with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Suburban 1500s can tow up to 8,100 pounds, and 2500s up to 9,700 pounds.

ABS and stability control are standard. Head curtain airbags that cover all 3 seating rows are optional. Also available are rear parking assist, rearview TV camera and rear DVD entertainment. Pricing wasn't announced, but GM is expected to keep it close to what it expects the actual transaction amount to be. The 2007 Suburban should be available by May.

2006 Chicago Auto Show

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