Chevrolet recently uploaded a promotional video on YouTube to showcase their upcoming graphics packages for the 2010 Camaro and allow fans to vote for the vehicle via their Facebook page. If you look closely in the background and turn on HD mode, you'll notice something in the works of a new pickup truck. When I did this I was able to read the rendered artwork which states "Silverado Baja Offroad Vehicle". It looks as if Chevrolet is trying to contend with Ford's 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor and our guess is that Chevrolet will release a concept vehicle at the 2009 SEMA Show showing off the new offroad truck. Stay tuned.
GMinsidenews have uncovered details stating that the next generation Silverado and Sierra HD pickup trucks will “have a completely new chassis and a new Duramax diesel with 2010 emissions". Vice President of Chevrolet Global Brand Brent Dewar spilled the details during a recent interview. "We are coming with a next generation Silverado and Sierra HD next year". Brian Goebel, a Chevrolet spokesman also confirmed the news, stating "We will have very significant enhancements, including the chassis, on top of the powertrain changes next year".
Pickuptrucks has been busy as usual looking for the latest and the greatest truck photos. This time they've found a spyshot of the 2011 Chevrolet Heavy Duty Duramax Diesel V8. Details about the engine are as follows: “The new Duramax diesels are based on the same engines that have been around since 2001,” said Gary Arvan, a GM diesel powertrain engineering chief. “The 2500 and 3500 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra HD pickups receive the high-power LML motor [replacing the 2007-10 LMM], while the 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty vans receive the lower-rated LGH engine [also replacing the LMM]. Both have iron blocks, aluminum cylinder heads, and their [6.6-liter] bore and stroke are unchanged.”
It may not be a pickup truck but it's one of the most bad ass vehicles on the road today! In episode 30 of MOTORZ TV, we're showing you how to install The Pipeline cold air intake from Fastlane on a 2010 Chevy Camaro SS. Two words here... bad.. ass.
In a move to help simplify the car-shopping process, eBay Motors and General Motors Company today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind promotion that enables consumers to 'click and buy' new cars, crossovers and trucks online from participating California Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Pontiac dealers at outstanding values. The new car shopping website - gm.ebay.com - will be available to consumers from August 11 through September 8, 2009.
General Motors Company announced an expansion of leasing today with enhanced lease programs on select 2009 and 2010 Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet models. The leases, offered by U.S. Bank, are part of a pilot program that includes select GM vehicles sold in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Ohio. In addition, a lease on the all-new Cadillac SRX will be offered by U.S. Bank nationally. The pilot is currently planned to run through August 31, 2009.
The NHTSA has issued a recall for 2004 to 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, 2004 to 2009 GMC Canyon, and a group of Isuzu I-280 through I-370 pickup trucks made between 2006 and 2008. The recall is due to a faulty brake light switch that may not work and could cause the brake lamps to stay on continuously, possibly failing to alert other drivers and increasing the risk of crash. Owners are urged to contact their local dealer as soon as possible or by visiting www.gmownercenter.com.
Chevrolet have updated the 2010 Silverado XFE to get a little better gas mileage, 22 mpg on the highway to be exact. Chevrolet spokesperson, Brian Goebel, spoke with Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks.com, stating "that the increased fuel economy is due to several engineering improvements. The XFE model's 5.3-liter V8 now has variable valve timing, optimized shift pattens in its six-speed transmission, and new tweaks for its Active Fuel Management system that enables the truck to run on four cylinders at cruising speeds for longer".
MBRP Inc. has now released its long awaited 5" stainless performance exhaust systems for Chevy/GMC, Ford and Dodge diesel pick-up trucks. Crafted from sixteen gauge T409 stainless steel these monster sized pipes deliver a deep and distinctive exhaust note and reduced EGTs. Of course, as part of MBRP's XP Series their rugged durability is backed by MBRP's Lifetime Warranty. These 5" stainless systems are available in Turbo Back, Cat Back and Filter Back configurations.
From the company that was first to introduce the in-cab digital gauge tuning device, Edge Products is proud to announce two incredible “next generation” products built specifically to give truck enthusiasts the power, style and control they’ve been waiting for. The all-new full-Color Screen (CS) and Color Touch Screen (CTS) Evolution offers the most advanced technology in engine tuning available today.
A diesel engine will perform much better when its turbocharger is fed dense (cool, high-pressure) air. Banks Ram-Air Intake is proven to increase air density—and with the optional Super-Scoop, the Ram-Air Intake maximizes airflow, air density, fuel economy and power!
General Motors are having a 72 hour sale which began July 1st and runs through July 6th. You can take advantage of 0 percent financing for 72 months on select miles which include the 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2009 Hummer H3T and Cadillac Escalade EXT.
Now is the time to buy a truck if you can afford one!
After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, General Motors has decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium duty trucks will cease by July 31, 2009.
Leading truck cap and tonneau cover manufacturer A.R.E. offers its Deluxe Commercial Unit (DCU) to outfit a wide selection of 2009 truck models, including the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Ram, Ford F150 and F250, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Isuzu, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and more. The Deluxe Commercial Unit is an ideal solution for the construction, pest control and landscaping industries. A.R.E.'s DCU is made of fully welded aluminum frame construction and has more than 100 options to give professionals the power to create a customizable solution for their work trucks.
Cars.com posted a list of the top selling cars for the month of May and surprisingly enough, the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado came out on top with 33,381 and 31,463 units sold. The two trucks beat the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and more. The Ford Escape SUV also made the 10th spot on the list, with 16,391 units sold. Impressive! Dodge however did not make the list with their new Ram.
Consumer Reports put together a top 40 "best deals on domestic new cars" which include discounts up to 25 percent below MSRP with the 2009 Nissan Titan SE 4X4 Crew Cab SWB coming out on top with a 25 percent discount. Other vehicles include the 2009 Nissan Armada LE 4X4 at 20 percent, 2009 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe at 20 percent, 2009 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCrew 157-in at 20 percent, 2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L 4WD at 15 percent, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 Auto RTS at 15 percent, 2009 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Auto 4WD SR5 Crew Max at 15 percent, 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 EL at 15 percent, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1LT 4X4 Crew Cab at 15 percent and many more.
Head on over to the Consumer Reports article to see the rest of the list.
General Motors have released their 2010 Fleet Vehicle Guide to dealerships and changes have occurred to their pickup trucks. GM Inside News points out that GM are dropping their 6.0 liter V8 Vortech engine for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks from normal production but will continue to use the engine for their two mode hybrid pickup trucks. Other engine options for 2010 include a Vortec 4.3 liter V6, Flex Fuel Vortec 4.8 liter V8, Flex Fuel 5.3 liter V8 and a Flex Fuel Vortec 6.2 liter V8. The old 6.0 liter will also be available as a standard option for GM's heavy duty 2500 and 3500 series pickup trucks.
Clean diesel high performance suddenly has double the drag racing presence with the announcement that Banks Power has entered both its record-shattering Sidewinder S-10 Pickup and it's brand-new Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster in the TS Performance Outlaw Drags, set for Saturday, May 9 at Beech Bend Dragstrip in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That date marks the first time that both machines will have ever been seen together at a competition event. The new Top Dragster debuted at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It will compete for the first time in the Pro Dragster category on the famous Beech Bend quarter-mile where trap times and speeds are expected to really be something to write home about.
Chevrolet announced the 2010 Equinox crossover will carry a MSRP of $23,185, including a $745 destination charge, for the FWD LS model. It goes on sale this June. "Offering the fuel economy of a sedan with the functionality of a crossover, the Equinox is a superior value for our customers," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. Chevy expects its Equinox to have best-in-class fuel economy at 30 MPG with its advanced 4-cylinder, direct injected engine. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology.
MSN Autos have placed the 2009 Dodge Ram vs. 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Chevy Silverado head to head in four separate tests which include a head to head battle, 20 plus miles per gallon test, top sellers comparison, and a towing challenge. The review drives through the truck-pocalypse and answers the big question: who's got the toughest truck?
General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado 3500 heavy duty pickup truck has received a minor face lift for the 2011 model year. The grille has been changed up slightly to a mesh style, a new lower valance was added, along with a larger front opening for additional cooling to accompany GM's new diesel Allison transmission.
The Banks Sidewinder S-10 Duramax pickup just seems to get faster every time it runs! And on Saturday March 7, the dark red truck with a brand new Sidewinder snake supergraphic on the side charged into the record books once again with a 180 mile per hour run that made it the first ever diesel pickup to that speed in the quarter-mile. The record took place at the NHRDA Desert Diesel Nationals at the Speedworld Dragstrip in Wittman, Arizona and in front of a packed house of some very serious diesel drag racing fans.
Consumer Reports have selected the Chevrolet Avalanche as their top full size sport utility truck for 2009. According to Consumer Reports, "The Chevrolet Avalanche full-sized crew cab ($36,000 to $47,000) is one of the most versatile and comfortable pickups that Consumer Reports has tested" and "Its unified bed and cab helps give it a solid feel and a comfortable, quiet ride. Its innovative partition, between the cab and the bed, can be folded to allow longer cargo to extend into the back of the cab". The Chevrolet Avalanche stole the top truck title from last year's winner, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab.
Despite market conditions, General Motors have not cut the eight cylinder motor production from the Chevrolet Colorado light duty pickup truck. GM has cut its high performance vehicle operations group however. GM spokesperson Kelly Wysocki commented "The V-8 Colorado isn't affected" and "It will continue through its originally planned product lifecycle. Only the development of future (high-performance) vehicles is impacted".
The first round of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickup trucks have made delivery to dealerships nationwide. GM spokesperson, Kelly Wysocki commented "Hybrid (Silverados and Sierras) started shipping to dealers in late January...the supply is still limited but we've already sold the first ones". The new pickup trucks feature GM's "two mode" hybrid system, which combines an electrically variable transmission containing two 60 kilowatt electric motors and a multi displacement 6.0 liter V8 motor, which allow the truck to travel up to 25 miles per hour on full electrical power. The hybrid system does come at a premium though, a $3,000 dollar option, starting the 2009 Silverado 1500 hybrid at $38,995 and the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 hybrid at $39,365.
Good news for those enthusiasts looking to buy a new pickup truck from General Motors, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra half ton trucks are now shipping with a 3.73 rear axle option and new 6.2 liter V8 engine. GM spokesperson Kelly Wysocki commented "The first GM full-size pickups with 6.2-liter V-8 engines and 3.73 rear axles started shipping from the factory in late January" and "they should start arriving at dealers very soon. The 3.73 can be ordered as part of the Max Trailering Package option". GM's new 6.2 liter V8 packs 403 horsepower and 417 foot pounds of torque, matched with a six speed automatic transmission, the new motor and axle combination is only available on crew cab configurations. The new 3.73 rear axle option replaces the standard 3.42, which was optimized for fuel economy standards.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan are billed as workhorses, but the side crash protection these 2009 model large pickups provide is wimpy, at best. The trio earns either poor or marginal ratings in side tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even with side airbags, occupant protection in these crew-cab pickups is no better than marginal.
Performance specialists, Fastlane Inc, of Houston, Texas were commissioned to build the Chevrolet 427SS Silverado pickup truck which was first unveiled at the 2006 SEMA Show. Available for the public and local Chevrolet dealerships, the truck is available in two packages...
General Motors are now offering buyout packages to every one of its hourly workers which include $20,000 dollars cash and a $25,000 dollar voucher for any General Motors vehicle. The UAW have confirmed the reports stating "the offer will be a one-time cash payout as well as a car-purchase voucher". Employees will have until March 23 to make their decision and until April 1st to officially leave the company.
General Motors have made the executive decision to begin increasing their pickup truck production for the week of March 16 at two plants nationwide. None of the plants have been active since before the end of December and those being activated are Flint, Michigan, Arlington, Texas. Both were producing the Silverado pickup truck, and Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade SUV's. The reasoning for increasing production is that company believes they will receive a "stronger demand during the spring" and that "inventory is way down", noting they are down to a 90 day supply of vehicles.
In the following video on YouTube, television personality (and a personal favorite) Mike Rowe places the 2009 Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram pickup trucks head to head at Ford Motor Company's Detroit Proving Grounds in Michigan. The test shows the handling and performance of each truck on the river bed course side by side in real time. I've had the opportunity myself to test both a 2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2008 Dodge 2500 HD pickup truck on the same course and I will say that all of these trucks do take a beating on the river bed and each truck test proves itself. Check out the video below.
According to sources, General Motors will remain committed to releasing a light duty diesel pickup truck by 2010, regardless of market conditions. General Motors' Vice Chairmain of Global Product Development, Bob Lutz, commented on the current situation with emissions problems, stating "The whole light-duty diesel thing is fraught with problems...To meet Tier 2 Bin 5 (50-state federal emissions regulations), the engines are getting more and more expensive...
Sales figures from 2008 have come in and hybrid sport utility vehicle purchases have already begun to slow, dropping nearly 10 percent for the year. Toyota ranked number one in hybrid sales for 2008 with 241,000 vehicles sold, Honda as number two with 31,000 vehicles, and Ford in third with 20,000 vehicles sold. Although sales are down, General Motors witnessed a 179 percent growth of their Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUVs, however no figures were noted by GM.
A group of guys from West Auckland decided to take an old Chevrolet "Crown" Flatbed Truck with a 396 engine, stack a Holden UTE pickup on the bed, and throw a Ducati motorcycle in the bed of the Holden, while each performed a burnout to create possibly the world's first triple burnout.
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry leading provider of mobile media solutions, today announced it will supply a premium infotainment unit on the all-new 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and 2010 Cadillac SRX. The redesigned vehicles will be unveiled next week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Leading truck cap and tonneau cover manufacturer A.R.E. offers the ActionKover, a new fiberglass tonneau cover available for most current short bed and extra short bed trucks, including the Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. The ActionKover is a competitively priced tonneau cover featuring an aluminum base rail system, heavy-duty front hinges, an Eberhard palm handle that houses the keylock - offering protection from scratches and chips - and A.R.E.'s popular Lift Assist gas strut system that makes the lid easy to open and close.
GM today announced new reduced rate financing as low as 0% APR for up to 60 months on select new cars and trucks. The reduced rate financing is available to qualified buyers today through January 5, 2009 on many 2008 and select 2009MY vehicles (see list inside). Of note, many of the vehicles listed below have stackable bonus cash and/or dealer cash ranging from $500 to $4,250.
Small pickup truck owners rejoice! General Motors have finally released a V8 motor for the Chevrolet Colorado truck and Pickuptrucks have gotten their hands on the new pickup for a test drive. "From behind the wheel, the ZQ8 Colorado has the heft and ready torque of a full-size truck but one with a performance bent" says John Stewart of PUT. GM added their 5.3 liter V8 motor that produces 300 horsepower and 320 foot pounds of torque, quite some power for the smaller truck and from the sounds of things, it seems like an awesome ride. Click here to read their review of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado ZQ8.
Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2010 Equinox, a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA certification pending) – a 25-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine. The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features, according to Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.
MBRPinc is proud to introduce the Performance Series line of diesel exhaust systems for Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 Duramax, Dodge Cummins and Ford F-250/350. The new Performance Series line is manufactured of heavy-duty aluminized steel with fully sealed tubing to enhance performance and prevent rust. The system design includes a spiral louvered high-flow muffler to expel hot exhaust gasses, improve performance and enhance fuel economy. Providing up to 18HP and up to 28ft/lb of torque, this tough and affordable system also delivers a rich, mellow exhaust note for the perfect sound.
General Motors announced today a significant reduction of planned production for the first quarter of 2009 due to the ongoing and severe drop in industry sales, which were down 36 percent in November overall and 41 percent for GM (2007 vs. 2008). The impact of these and recently announced actions to adjust production with market demand, will result in the temporary idling of approximately 30 percent of GM's North American assembly plant volume during the first quarter of 2009 and will remove approximately 250,000 units from production.
Being called the "Shanghai Lady" on YouTube, the Chinese woman in the video below had her Chevrolet Capitva SUV picked up by a tow truck driver for parking in an incorrect spot, which pisses her off. While not looking, she jumps into her SUV and proceeds to drive down the street pulling the puny tow truck behind her while still tethered up to it.
General Motors are practically giving away vehicles these days in efforts to make a couple bucks. GM have extended their Red Tag Sale by offering an increase in the amount of cash back on 2008 pickup trucks and SUVs, the companies bread and butter vehicles for the past decade. Rebates are ranging anywhere from $5,000 cash back to up to $10,000 on larger diesel trucks. Check out the list of cash back incentives below, and note the Red Tag Sale prices are not included:
* 2008 Chevrolet Equinox: $5,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Canyon: $5,000 cash back
* 2008 Pontiac Torrent: $5,000 cash back
* 2008 Cadillac SRX: $6,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Silverado regular cab, extended cab or crew cab: $6,000-$8,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Sierra regular cab, extended cab or crew cab: $6,000-$8,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra heavy duty: $9,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra heavy duty diesel: $10,000
* 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe/Avalanche: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Yukon: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 GMC Envoy: $8,000 cash back
* 2008 Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL: $9,000 cash back
* 2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT: $10,000 cash back
* 2008 Saab 9-7X: $10,000 cash back
* 2008 Hummer H2: $10,000 cash back
So what exactly did the Detroit Big 3 CEO's ride in to Congress this past Friday to help their bailout convincing? Well, Ford CEO Alan Mulally arrived in an Escape Hybrid SUV, Chrysler's CEO Bob Nardelli showed up in a 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUV (which has already been cancelled, by the way), and General Motors' Rick Wagoner rode in an 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and 2009 Chevrolet Volt test vehicle. Wagoner also had a Cadillac CTS waiting to take him back to his hotel after their hearings. Three cars, one man? What's wrong with that equation. Reported by Jalopnik.
American Force have come out with their custom dually wheels called "Robust", available in the 22, 22.5 and 24 inch configurations for late model dually trucks. Made of a high polished, CNC forged aluminum, the "Robust" wheel is American Force's newest addition of custom dually wheels. For more information, check out www.americanforcewheels.com.
In the photo below found on Jalopnik, a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV was hauling ass through a red light intersection (on the way to Black Friday deals?) and managed to collide with a Mini Cooper head on, smashing the passengers side of the Tahoe. The vehicle that won in this battle, sadly, was the Mini Cooper. The Tahoe flipped on its side where the driver was unhurt and respectfully was given a ticket. It's a good thing they didn't just purchase a new 60 inch DLP HD TV from Best Buy or something. That would be the suck.
Chevrolet today announced pricing for the 2009 Silverado Hybrid - the only full-size hybrid pickup on the market. It starts at $38,995, including a $975 destination charge, for 2WD models with the 1HY package. The MSRP does not reflect a $2,200 federal tax credit that applies to many customers who purchase the Silverado Hybrid. The Silverado Hybrid delivers fuel economy comparable to many midsize sedans, but with the cargo and towing capability expected from a full-size truck. It is offered in the crew cab body style and also available with 4WD.
Airaid received the "Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product" award at SEMA earlier this month for their cold air intake system for the 2007 to 2009 GM Silverado HD trucks equipped with the Duramax Diesel. The system itself improves power, performance and economy numbers. It features an Airaid premium filter with SynthaFlow technology and comes with complete hardware and instructions. For more information visit www.airaid.com.
Just in case you crawled under a rock last week and did not get the memo about our SEMA coverage, this weeks "Monday Morning Recap" is comprised of our SEMA coverage from last week including the launch of Ford's SVT Raptor F-150 and sighting of the 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition. MOTORZ also launched their 13th episode, a full how-to installation of an Alpine Electronics stereo system.
For a huge list of all our SEMA blogs from last week, go to live.truckblog.com.
In an article by the Detroit Free Press, General Motors Corporation will initiate temporary shut downs of plants and "indefinitely" lay off about 3,600 workers beginning early next year in response to the horrible financial reports released on Friday. Production will also be reduced beginning in January or February. General Motors spokesman, Tony Sapienza stated in an interview "the changes are intended to better align production with the recent steep decline in U.S. consumer demand for new vehicles". The plants that are effected by the shut down are the following: Lansing Delta Township, Oshawa, Hamtramck, Wentsville, Bowling Green, Lordstown, Spring Hill, Fairfax, Orion, and Lansing Grand River.
GM Inside News are reporting that a source from within the General Motors Global Product board has stated the next generation Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicles will move to their updated Lambda platform. Speculation between the decision is believed to be linked to CAFE standards and to move production to "lighter unibody vehicles". The current Lambda structure utilizes a front wheel drive architecture, which would greatly effect the towing capabilities of the current Suburban. Their source also concluded that GM will not touch their pickup truck line.
According to Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research, the car brand and segment owned by voters is related to their preference in presidential candidates. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) rates high among domestic and luxury owners. Among the domestic brands, owners of GMC (61 percent), Chevrolet (60 percent), Buick and Dodge (each at 58 percent), as well as Ford (57 percent) vehicles are the highest in favor of McCain. In the luxury vehicle segment, McCain leads among Lexus, BMW, and Lincoln owners at 52 percent each.
Autoblog posted information about General Motors' new 4.5 liter Duramax diesel motor that is promising a near 35 percent increase in fuel economy for their full size pickup truck segment. The new engine design utilizes an aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifold, integral cam cover intake manifold, hollow balance shaft, aluminum upper oil pan, reduction in vibration, crank journal design, and overall uses less parts within the motor. All of this combined, the new 4.5 liter is expected to produce 310 horse power and 525 foot pounds of torque. Look for the new engine next Fall where it is slated for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.
Our pre-SEMA show coverage continues with four more project vehicles that were added last week including trucks from Chrysler & Dodge and Screet Scene Equipment. A new episode of MOTORZ was uploaded which covered the install of a AMP Research Bed X-Tender on a 2008 GMC pickup truck, a gas station charged only 35 cents causing a fueling frenzy, and General Motors announced more SUV factory closures.
CNN Money is reporting that General Motors will be closing two more sport utility vehicle factories in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Janesville, Wisconsin by the end of next year, cutting nearly 3,000 jobs. General Motors spokesman, Chris Lee said the "Janesville plant's 1,200 workers represented by the United Auto Workers were told the factory would be shuttered December 23, earlier than GM had expected". Three other factories that produce pickup truck sand sport utility vehicles are on the chopping block too, set to close by 2010.
Skyjacker Suspension are now offering a 2 inch leveling kit for the 2007 and newer Chevrolet and GM 1500 series pickup trucks, including the Chevrolet Avalanche. The 2 inch spacer offers a bolt on installation, is made out of aluminum and allows you to retain the factory shocks. The spacers allow for clearance for up to a tire size of 265/75/16 inch tires or equivalent. For more information visit www.skyjacker.com.
According to Freep, General Motors Corporation have initiated another a new campaign that offers zero percent financing for up to six years or the option of $7,000 cash back on all 2008 model vehicles. The new campaign expires November 3rd and replaces the current employee discount pricing. GM is also offering free financing for up to 72 months on their popular sport utility vehicles including the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL.
Short notice, but the quickest ever diesel-powered racing truck, the Banks Power S-10, is scheduled to go after a new NHRDA (National Hot Rod Diesel Association) quarter mile record at Speedworld Dragstrip in Whittmann, Arizona this Saturday, October 4. The twin-turbocharged GM Duramax-engined machine currently holds title as the quickest and fastest pickup truck in the quarter-mile (taking only an astonishing 7.723 seconds and clocking a breath-taking 179.21 miles-per-hour in the process).
General Motors Corporation have decided to drop out of the Super Bowl XLIII advertising lineup in February 2009. The move comes as another cutback for the company in addition to the 2009 Academy Awards. General Motors have spent nearly $78 million over the past 15 years advertising during the Super Bowl, standing in third place for the most spent right behind Anheuser-Busch and Pepsico. GM hopes to cut another $10 billion in their restructuring plan and hope to cut an additional $5 billion through sales and loans. GM spokeswoman, Kelly Cusinato, also noted a reason for pulling out of the Super Bowl lineup was "the automaker did not have a major vehicle to launch coinciding with the game". Reported by Detroit News.
The 2008 SEMA Show is right around the corner and we at Truckblog are anxiously awaiting it. Last week Performance West Group announced their Ford F-350 Striker pickup truck, which is one wicked ride that takes inspiration from the Shelby GT500KR muscle car. The automotive industry began to pickup again last week with updates coming from Ford, Dodge, Nissan, Jeep, and Chrysler.
To establish the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 as a game-changing vehicle, the Dodge brand turned to the independent vehicle testing and evaluation company Automotive Marketing Consultants Inc. (AMCI) to test the new pickup truck in head-to-head comparisons against its major competitors. In a series of challenges, AMCI, among the industry’s foremost automotive testing and evaluation companies, tested the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 in the areas of acceleration, towing, fuel economy and ride quality over a period of eight months and proved 12 compelling claims.
Despite the 24% decline of overall pickup truck sales between January and August 2008 compared to last year, nearly 1.4 million new trucks have been added to the roads this year alone. Nearly 40 million plus trucks are in operation today, according to R.L. Polk vehicle registration data. The Chevrolet Silverado gained the top spot at 256,060 units sold so far this year, down 21% from last year. The Ford F-Series Light Duty pickup truck platform grabbed second place with only 215,982 units sold, a 25% decline. The Ford F-Series Super Duty took third place with 129,896 units, a 26% decline and the Dodge Ram Light Duty pickup took four place selling 108,652 units, down 29%. The least effected vehicles were the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks, down only 5% and 11% so far this year.
General Motors made the announcement that the company has discontinued the production of their heated windshield washer fluid system on all models including pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles after announcing a recall of over 850,000 pickup truck and sport utility vehicles last month. Any vehicle that was previously ordered with the option will have it removed from the vehicle if already equipped or deleted from the order entirely. Models effected are the following:
Cadillac: CTS, DTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
Chevrolet: Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Silverado, Traverse
GMC: Acadia, Yukon, Denali, Yukon XL, Denali XL, Sierra, Sierra Denali
Hummer: H2
Saturn: Outlook SUV
General Motors Corp is recalling 857,735 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield wiper fluid system for a potential short-circuit problem.
Success in the work place can sometimes be hard to achieve, especially if you are not a straight shooter with your boss. Bob Slydell of "Office Space" tells us how you can become part of the "upper management" if you are like Peter Gibbons, "I'd like to move us right along to a Peter Gibbons. Now we had a chance to meet this young man, and boy that's just a straight shooter with upper management written all over him". So the question of the morning is, "are you a straight shooter with upper management written all over yourself"?
One thing is for sure, success in the work place can definitely be achieved by checking out our blogs from last week- I guarantee it. Oh by the way, did you get the memo that Truckblog.TV is now called MOTORZ?
Texas Armoring Corporation, a leading worldwide supplier of armored passenger vehicles, announced today that the company has been in contact with key security personnel affiliated with the National Football League (NFL). Following the recent attack on Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Tackle Richard Collier, representatives of professional athletes and their security staff have reached out to Texas Armoring Corporation to provide them with custom bulletproof car solutions. According to the company, approximately 80-90% of attacks occur while victims are traveling by automobile, thus a bulletproof vehicle is the first line of defense for individuals in the public eye.
The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2007-08 Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500 6.6L Duramax LMM, increases horsepower by 19.67 hp at 2900 rpm over the stock GM intake configuration. To achieve such a performance increase, K&N replaces the truck’s original intake assembly; including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design. The new system draws air through a K&N High-Flow Air Filter that increases airflow and dirt capacity, and never needs to be replaced. Protecting the oversize cone-shaped air filter, and isolating it from engine heat, is a powder coated heat shield that replaces the truck’s stock air box.
The "new" Dodge Ram and "new" F-150 are coming. Solid By Design is now discounting prices on all in stock old style Ram and F-150 fuel doors. OEM quality at "never-before-seen" prices. Solid By Design continues the sophisticated styling, high quality fit and finish, and superior workmanship that AMP Research Alloy Fuel Doors are known for. Starting with computer surface data of each vehicle, each fuel door is designed and machined to perfectly match the body contours of each make and model.
General Motors Corporation have extended their employee level pricing through September to help increase sales across all models. The discount program, which offers incredible discounts, is open to all 2009 model year vehicles and nearly all 2008 model years as well. Reported by Reuters.
Just like the scene from "Office Space" where Drew talks about a particular person showing their "OH" face, Truckblog.TV HD is guaranteed to make you show your "OH" face. Check it out at hd.truckblog.tv on Apple iTunes. Here's our wrath from last week, just in case you missed it.
General Motors has issued a recall for 857,735 pickup truck and sport utility vehicles due to a possible short circuit with the heated wiper washer fluid system, causing the control circuit to over heat. The vehicles affected are: 2008 Buick Enclave, 2006 to 2008 Buick Lucerne, 2006 to 2008 Cadillac DTS, 2007 to 2008 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV and Cadillac Escalade EXT. 2007 to 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe. 2007 to 2008 GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, 2006 to 2008 Hummer H2, and 2007 to 2008 Saturn Outlook.
Starring the originals Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, "The Fast and the Furious 4" certainly looks to be as action packed as the original but this time including more trucks into the scene. In the trailer, you'll see two old Chevrolet 2500 Crew Cab flat bed trucks that have been heavily modified and feature NOS tanks, an indestructible black Hummer H2, Cadillac Escalades, a Chevrolet pre-runner desert truck flying through the air, and more. The movie is set to release next summer and I hope it will be as good as the original. Check out the trailer inside, there's also a high definition version.
Just like the trading concept of buying low and selling high, our current market is a buyers market for pickup trucks, and manufacturers are practically giving them away. A perfect example of this is Chevrolet's Employee Discounts program which launched last week. You can pick up a fully loaded 2008 Silverado 1500 4 wheel drive pickup truck, normally over $32,000 for just under $24,000. That's a savings of over $8,000! If you are in the market to buy a new pickup truck or sport utility vehicle, check out the savings inside.
Do you share the same tag line "Work Sucks" as the 1999 movie "Office Space" does? We're sorry if you feel this way about your job, but one thing that definitely does not suck is our Truckblog.TV podcast on iTunes. Be sure to check out our latest episode as it will make work suck less and allow you to use the free bandwidth at the office. Here's the re-cap from last week.
Automakers are improving the crashworthiness of their vehicles and quickly installing side airbags and electronic stability control, an important crash avoidance feature, on more models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently completed front, side, and rear crash test evaluations of 8 small SUV models. For the first time, every model the Institute tested comes equipped with electronic stability control as standard equipment. Check out the graded chart inside.
General Motors today announced that it will provide consumers with a fully transferable 12-month/12,000-mile* "bumper-to-bumper" warranty with no deductible on all GM Certified Used Vehicles and all Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold in the United States. The announcement was made by Brian McVeigh, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations, and Jamie Hresko, GM North America vice president of quality.
GM today announced the GM 100th Anniversary Sales Event, on virtually its entire lineup of 2008MY Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Saturn, Cadillac, Saab and Hummer vehicles from August 20 through September 2, 2008. The event features employee pricing on nearly all 2008MY vehicles, and select 2009MY vehicles in stock.
Edmunds' Inside Line has test driven the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid pickup truck and the results are positive. Equipped with the same hybrid technology that is used in the 2008 Tahoe and Yukon sport utility vehicle hybrids, the new Silverado Hybrid can tow up to 6,100 pounds and still achieve an average fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
Pickuptrucks has reported that General Motors are delaying the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups "until the first half of 2009" because of GM reducing their full-size pickup truck production. According to Gary White, Vice President of GM North America, a small number of hybrid pickup trucks will reach showroom floors by the end of the year, but the numbers will be limited. Both trucks were slated to launch this Fall.
General Motors is building on the segment-leading fuel economy of its full-size pickups and SUVs with new XFE models of the 2009 Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon. The vehicles use a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic and mass-reducing enhancements to deliver a 5-percent increase in EPA-estimated highway fuel economy and more than 7-percent improved mileage in city driving. The aero enhancements make Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE models the most aerodynamic full-size pickups in the industry, with a “Best in Class” 0.412 coefficient of drag.
GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand, announced it has reached an agreement to list the entire national inventory of GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles on Everycarlisted.com, a new consumer automotive listings site.
The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2008 Chevy/GMC 2500HD/3500 6.0L, (part no. 63-3067), increases horsepower by 11.44 hp at 4500 rpm over the stock GM intake configuration. To achieve such a performance increase, K&N replaces the truck’s original intake assembly; including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design. The new system draws air through a K&N High-Flow Air Filter that increases airflow and filtering capacity, and never needs to be replaced. Protecting the chrome top cone-shaped air filter, and isolating it from engine heat, is a powder coated aluminum heat shield that replaces the truck’s stock air box.
On Wednesday, August 6th at 9PM Eastern, 10PM Pacific, CNBC will be playing an original documentary called "Saving General Motors" staring CNBC's Phil LeBeau, who takes an inside look at General Motors' struggling transformation to keep up with consumer demand.
Featured guests are Dale Earnhardt Jr, Rick Wagoner, Bob Lutz, a review of the new 2010 Camaro, an in-depth look at the Chevrolet Volt, and more. Check out the documentary to see if General Motors can survive. Click here to view documentary highlights on CNBC's website.
We hinted about a possible Ford and General Motors merger back in June, and now according to sources within the two companies, a possible "collaboration to develop new engines and other powertrain technologies" may occur. The two companies whom have experienced a combined 48 percent loss this year alone, are struggling to reduce costs of research and development and respond to consumer demand. If the deal goes through, General Motors would grant access to Ford for their electrical technology used in the Chevrolet Volt.
Auto sales for the United States continued to be rough last month for manufacturers. General Motors suffered the worst loss, down over 34 percent. Chrysler was close behind with a 29 percent loss, Toyota at 18 percent and Ford rallied up at a 14 percent loss, the best of the group. With the lessened damage, Ford managed to conquer the number one selling vehicle spot again, selling 44,829 F-Series trucks. Ford still managed to beat out the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, who lately have been favored for their hybrid and fuel efficient models.
Small pickups aren't providing as much protection in side crashes as many new cars and SUVs. The Toyota Tacoma was the only one of five small pickup trucks, all 2008 models, to earn the highest rating of good for occupant protection in recent side crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Frontier are rated marginal, and the Chevrolet Colorado is rated poor in the side test, which simulates a side impact from an SUV or another pickup.
The Performance Management Tool (PMT) has raised the bar on the next level of diesel performance in the automotive aftermarket. The revolutionary PMT is an adjustable on the fly downloader, monitor and gauge all packaged into one unit and is available exclusively from Bully Dog. The easy to use interface offers both push button or touch screen navigation; both navigation styles come with each unit and are active all the time.
The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2008 Colorado/Canyon/H3 3.7L L5, increases horsepower by 10.97 hp at 4,754 rpm over the stock configuration. To achieve more horsepower, K&N replaces the original intake assembly; including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design. Also included is a new smog pump filter which mounts to the heat shield. The new system draws air through a K&N High-Flow Air Filter that increases airflow and filtering capacity, and never needs to be replaced.
Don't you hate it when you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on your way to work and there's some no talent ass clown blasting his stereo so loud even the dead can hear it? Plus they are rapping words such as "I got this killa up inside of me...I can't talk to my mother so I talk to my diary". That incident happens to be one of my favorite scenes from the movie, "Office Space". If you have not seen it, click here for the YouTube link.
An alternative idea for dealing with the situation is to throw a brick at their window check out the list of last week's blogs at www.Truckblog.com via your new Apple iPhone 3G you desperately waited in line all day for over the weekend, or watch our latest Truckblog.TV video on iTunes from your laptop while stuck in traffic. Check out the list below.
Tonn-O-Rac, the cargo rack system designed to work with a soft tonneau cover, is now available from Downey Products for 2008 Chevrolet/GMC pickup trucks including the Silverado, Sierra, Colorado and Canyon. The Tonn-O-Rac is compatible with Downey Products' soft tonneaus (SST), LTD, SE and Top Spin as well as many other name brand covers. Users are able to access their truck bed without removing the rack or its contents by simply rolling back (Top Spin), flipping up (LTD) or unfastening (SST, SE) the cover. Each Tonn-O-Rac includes two side rails, two crossbars and four standoffs - available in 10", 24" or 27" heights to suit owner preference - as well as all hardware required for installation.
Pickuptrucks.com have posted up pictures of the 2010 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck with what seems to be the future 4.5 liter diesel eight cylinder engine. Although the truck has 2500 HD emblems on the side panels, the wheels and axle prove otherwise featuring a six lug configuration rather than an eight lug version found on the heavier duty 2500 HD pickup truck. What do you think? Is this the real deal?
Jalopnik have reported they spotted a Chevrolet "LUV" pickup truck equipped with a diesel motor running around the suburbs of Detroit. Being driven by two engineers (assuming they're GM?), the truck has "manufacturer" license plates recently renewed in February of this year that's also zip tied to the truck, missing a rear bumper...
After announcing a pretty lame line up of new hosts for the United States' Top Gear series (the only one with any driving credibility is Tanner Foust), NBC will be featuring full episodes of their American version of Top Gear each week on their website as soon as the series starts this fall. Set for the 2008 to 2009 NBC primetime line up, the highly anticipated Emmy award-winning television series will "follow three friends as they attempt to perform outrageous challenges and stunts through the crazy transformations they make to their cars". I wonder if "they" (Tanner Foust) will hop in the seat of a Ford Lightning, Chevrolet SS or Dodge SRT10 pickup?
As greater fuel efficiency becomes increasingly more important to consumers in America, automakers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for hybrid trucks and SUVs, and apparently it's not the manufacturers faults. According to General Motors' spokesman, John McDonald, "the supply issue isn't entirely because of production limits" but "half of GM dealers opted not to stock the hybrid SUVs. Dealers who wanted them were required to go through special training on servicing the trucks' high-voltage batteries and on explaining the technology to prospective buyers". However dealers are blaming manufacturers for supply shortages.
After placing Hummer under review last month, according to Yahoo Business General Motors is now reviewing the status of their other brands as well, in effort to save money and cut back over head costs in an ailing United States market. The brands potentially facing the chopping block are Buick, Hummer, Saab and Saturn, as well as additional blue and white-collar job cuts within the next couple of weeks when GM's board of directors meets in August. No official comment has been made yet from the automaker.
For 2009, General Motors offers 18 FlexFuel models capable of running on E85 ethanol, ordinary gasoline or any combination of the two – more than any automaker. The models cover the gamut from the four-cylinder Chevrolet HHR small crossover to the full-size Cadillac Escalade ESV luxury utility. E85, which consists of up to 85 percent ethanol mixed with gasoline, is a cleaner-burning, higher-octane fuel that can help offset rising demand for oil. “We continue to believe that biofuels, specifically E85, is the most significant thing we can do in the near-term to offset future energy demands,” said Beth Lowery, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy.
Yahoo Finance reports that Toyota Motor Corp, General Motors Corp, Ford Motor Corp, Chrysler LLC and other manufacturers have complained to the United States government about its strict proposal to raise fuel efficiency rates by the middle of the next decade. The manufacturers stated the deadline of 2011 through 2015 is "unworkable".
Gold Eagle Co.’s DieselPower! diesel additives are perfect for the growing market of diesel-powered trucks and cars. The DieselPower! line consists of four products: Complete Fuel System Treatment, Fuel Injector Cleaner, Performance Improver & Cetane Booster and Anti-Gel & Fuel Treatment. These additives are available in a 12-ounce and 20-ounce size – perfect for either a light-duty truck or diesel car owner, or the driver of a larger diesel vehicle such as a motor home, large boat, farm equipment or commercial truck.
CBC announced that General Motors have made the decision to build hybrid pickup trucks at their Oshawa, Ontario plant this fall but are still on schedule to close the truck plant next year. "After careful consideration, GM has decided to launch the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrid production operations at the Oshawa truck plant" stated GM spokesman Stew Low. Low also added during the conference "this does not impact the decision to cease operations at the plant in 2009 or sooner, depending on market conditions". The closure of the Ontario plant next year will also eliminate 2,600 jobs. No further details have been released.
The first public hydrogen refueling station in California with integrated hydrogen and gasoline refueling is now open, providing drivers in Chevrolet's Project Driveway another location to refuel their Equinox fuel cell vehicles, currently on the roads throughout Southern California. Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and Graeme Sweeney, Executive Vice President for Shell Future Fuels and CO2 were among those who participated in today's dedication ceremony. The station is the third Shell Hydrogen vehicle refueling stations in the U.S. as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen...
