Looks like the 8 speed is only available with the 6.2L per this Car and Driver article
We Drive GM's Full-Size 2015 Pickups and SUVs with 8-Speed Automatic ? News ? Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog

 

Easier to say, "I didn't need" instead of "I wish I had".

 

Foot activated rear lift gate?

 

Its a feature that Ford put on its 2014 Explorer, where you wave your foot under the bumper and the lift gate automatically opens... so if your hands are full you can precariously balance yourself on one foot and use the other to open the lift gate... sounds like a potential liability to me.... NOTE: in the video she has both hands readily available to not give the impression you shouldn't balance one on foot with both hands full... but why else would you use your foot then?!?!






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ohh, ok. Yea, when my wife worked for Motor Trend she demo'd this on live TV for the news.

at first I thought left foot activated high-beam situation... lol!

 

Yeah, I wouldn't go so far as to say Chevy "copies" Ford, but builds after October have the walk up tailgate release. Wave your foot under the bumper and it triggers the power release and open. It's actually been nice, other than the time I triggered it accidentally walking behind the car as the garage door was starting to close ... But that's my fault for being back there to begin with.