truck Topic Hub

Safety Training for Truck Drivers: A Lifesaving Investment

Safety Training for Truck Drivers: A Lifesaving Investment In such a high-stakes industry, safety training for truck drivers is not just a regulatory mandate but a critical, lifesaving investment. The trucking sector — an essential cog in the global supply chain — faces unique challenges that call for rigorous safety standards. Let’s dive into the importance of safety training for truck drivers, highlighting its impact, key components, and benefits for the industry and public safety. The Critical Need for Safety Training The life of a truck driver has a labyrinth of risks — from long hours on the road …

Jan 24, 2024 Read more

Embrace The Future: 12 Key Reasons to Choose an Electric Car or Truck

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer an unfamiliar sight on our roads. As technology advances, they are becoming increasingly popular for many reasons. Below are the top twelve reasons why investing in an electric car is a wise and forward-thinking decision, from their environmental benefits to their future-proof potential. Beneficial To The Environment Perhaps the most compelling reason to invest in an electric car is its positive impact on the environment. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, reducing their overall carbon footprint. This feature makes them a prime solution in combating climate change and improving air quality, which is crucial as …

Jun 16, 2023 Read more

Auto Industry Insider: Turning Your Old Banger Into A Custom Classic

There are few things worse than driving a car you don’t like. This part of life is almost as important as the place you call home, with many people spending hundreds of hours of their life sat behind the wheel. Of course, though, when you can’t afford the latest cars to roll out of the factory, it can be hard to be satisfied with the options that are available to you. To help you out, this post will explore some of the work that can go into making an old banger into a custom classic that you can feel proud …

Nov 19, 2020 Read more

Auto Industry Insider: What Makes An Off-Road Vehicle Great?

Are you a gearhead who’s sick and tired of pounding the beaten path? Do you want to go out into the wilderness and explore? Good – all you need is an off-roader that can keep up with the demands of going off-piste. A quality off-road vehicle should easily skim over water barriers and bounce up and down steep inclines. With the right one by your side, there aren’t many mountains you can’t climb. Unfortunately, the market is full of faux off-roaders. These are trucks that look and sound like they have everything you need, but they are unsuitable after a …

May 29, 2020 Read more

2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison Duramax Diesel Review

The ZR2 Bison is unstoppable!! Never thought I’d find a factory off-road pickup that can hang with the Raptor, but the Colorado’s slimmer width is a big plus on narrow trails. The diesel engine is packing a wallop at 365 pound-feet of torque and so you can tow an extra 700 pounds (up to 7700). However, the 0-60-mph time drops 3 seconds from 6.5 to 9.5. It feels pretty glacial on the road until you adjust to its power delivery style. But then you start to love how it just surges forward without a gear change, or pops off the …

Dec 18, 2019 Read more

Insider: 5 Amazing Truck Mods

Trucks are the workhorses of the vehicle world. They may not have the speed and responsiveness of sports cars, but they are dependable, multi-functional, and flexible in the terrain that they can master. They are undemanding and, more often than not, the pride and joy of their owners. It’s debatable whether you can boost your truck’s performance with freer-flowing exhausts or cold-air intakes, but one thing is for certain, you can boost its aesthetic appeal. The good news is that there are inexpensive ways that you can modify your truck’s look without having to break the bank. Lift kits So, …

Jul 10, 2019 Read more

A Broke Dude’s Guide to Saving Money for a Car (And Buying One)

Your current car decided to call it quits – not fun! Or it’s time for your first car – congrats! Either way, you are trying to figure out what car to buy and how much it’s going to cost you. Saving money for a car is one of the best ways to buy your car to have the ability to make a cash offer or to have a larger down payment. Keep reading to learn how to save for a car no matter your finances and tips on saving on your purchase. Guide to Saving Money for a Car Buying a …

Jul 03, 2019 Read more

2019 GMC Sierra Denali – Road Test Review – By Zeid Nasser

GMC has taken its most popular pickup truck, the Sierra Denali, to the next level with a complete redesign for 2019. Distinguished by bold design innovative technologies, the 2019 Sierra Denali redefines the premium pickup, while advancing Denali’s legacy as the pinnacle of GMC design, capability and refinement. Powerful proportions and distinctive Denali design help define the Sierra’s unmistakable exterior, while the driver-focused cabin strengthens the brand’s reputation for refinement with premium materials, improved interior space and innovative storage solutions. DESIGN Sierra Denali debuts a new GMC design. A taller, more confident stance gives Sierra Denali powerful proportions complemented by …

Feb 26, 2019 Read more

Insider: How to Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle

If you have put a significant amount of money into your vehicle, it is important that you see a return on your investment. As a car owner, you need to show respect for your ride, rather than taking it for granted. Luckily, there are plenty of straightforward ways for you to get the most out of your vehicle. Below are seven suggestions that will help to get you started. Find the right make and models If you are still in the process of looking for your car, it is important that you find the right make and model to …

Apr 03, 2018 Read more

Insider: Choosing a New Car to Suit Lifestyle Changes

Life can change quickly, and even small alterations to your lifestyle can have a huge impact in different areas. Many individuals find that a change means that their current automobile no longer fits the bill, so it is worth considering how these alterations will affect your driving needs. As an example, if you have recently found out that you will have a child, a two-seater sports car is no longer a good idea! It does not even have to be a change this big – a new hobby could mean that you require more storage space or moving to a …

Apr 03, 2018 Read more

Insider: Basic Car Maintenance and Repair Tasks You Can Do Yourself

Driving is an expensive part of daily life. From the get-go, learning to drive, buying your first car and then having to insure it, all cost money. You then have to keep up with the fuel costs, and of course, the expenses that come with any repairs. No car is invincible, and no vehicle will last forever, so needing to fix or replace parts of a car becomes an inevitability over time. However, you can save money on basic repair and maintenance tasks by learning to do them yourself. Here are a few examples of simple tasks that you can …

Mar 14, 2018 Read more

Frankfurt IAA 2017 – Mercedes-Benz, AMG + Smart – Showfloor Gallery [81 Photos]

A full dozen new machines from Mercedes for the Frankfurt auto show this year. X-Class pickup and AMG Project One hypercar are taking a lot of headlines. But the Maybach Vision 6 and G650 are in the house. Plus the new EQ A electric suppository and the EQ crossover EV as well. Frankfurt IAA 2017 – Mercedes-Benz, AMG + Smart 2017 Mercedes-AMG Project One Hypercar 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G650 2017 Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Cabriolet 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT Sedan Concept 2018 Mercedes-Benz X-Class Pickup Truck 2018 Mercedes-AMG G-Class Exclusive 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT and C63 Racecars 2018 S-Class Coupe and Convertible 2017 Mercedes-Benz …

Sep 12, 2017 Read more

Own the 007 Spectre 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX!

A Defender pro-mod by Q himself! Or was this the villain car in that Alpine chase. Oh yes. Bond is actually driving a crashed plane at the time. This SVX machine will let its new owner be a Bond hero daily. 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX “Spectre”

Aug 17, 2017 Read more

Insider: Don’t Buy a Used Truck Without Completing This Checklist

Many auto dealerships only sell “certified” used cars, but you should still go over the vehicle with a fine-toothed comb. Kicking the tires isn’t enough. Perform the following eight actions before you say, “I’ll take it.” 1. Shop in Daylight Don’t shop for your used truck at night. Examine any vehicle in full daylight on level ground. This ensures you see all defects and levels out engine fluids. When you browse Southwest Motors full line up of used Trucks or any other dealer’s inventory, it’s best to do it in bright daylight. 2. Inspect Joints Run your fingers along …

Jul 18, 2017 Read more

2017 Toyota LAND CRUISER – HD Road Test Review + 3 Videos

Driving the incredible Land Cruiser for a week is a major dream-come-true for any car reviewer. So legendary! So rare! Practically speaking, Land Cruiser is also a test of skills to describe – and do this unique machine justice. But all the while? A huge grin on my face and a major thrill to accept this challenge. What makes Land Cruiser so special? For one, it sits proudly atop the Toyota hierarchy in terms of pricing. This is the most expensive Big T by far. Continuous production since 1951 is evidence of enduring appeal. And sure, Land Cruiser’s worldwide acclaim …

May 29, 2017 Read more

Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Lift Kit for a Truck

A lifted truck never fails to get a second glance from other drivers on the highway. Many car drivers look at a driver of a lifted truck and envy them their view of the road. Lifted trucks are both sturdy and powerful as well as a heck of a lot of fun to drive! If you’re thinking about getting a lift for your truck, there are some things to think about before making the plunge. Checkout five things to consider when selecting a lift kit that will transform your truck into an awesome driving machine. The Type of Truck You …

Dec 30, 2016 Read more

Mercedes-Benz X-Class Concepts Preview 2017 Production Pickups!

An ultra-strong ladder frame, big straight-six engines and Mercedes drive manners? Mercedes today previews its future ‘crossover’ and first-ever pickup with the Concept X-Class. This will be less of a crossover but a smart combination of MB’s truck and car resources. Those Unimog genes and grip… now in a $70k luxury size! Two models are shown: a posh AMG-style look in shimmery white. Low suspension and performance stance are hot. The nose is actually pretty sexy, but has nothing on its gorgeous LED tail. A swirlly ribbon of red LED is the brake light in back. THe other truck is …

Oct 25, 2016 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX EcoBoost AWD – Best of Awards

Who makes the best sport SUVs? ‘Ze Germans! It is the Germans, without a doubt. The Germans have really defined the genre with their excellent Macan Turbos and X550i’s — with little serious competition from Japan or the US. At least since the Infiniti FX and original, RWD Cadillac SRX faded. Something about an SUV cargo area, megalux cabin, corner-hungry handling and shouty 5-second sprints to 60-mph! The combo is magic. There is a new hotshot on the block. Just moved in. Named MKX. The 2016 Lincoln MKX EcoBoost AWD. I know, I know. I understand your incredulousness. A truck as fast and …

May 11, 2016 Read more

Want to Become a Commercial Truck Driver? Learn How Here

So, you are thinking about becoming a truck driver? Maybe you know some people who drive trucks and like the way they live their lives. Maybe you think the idea of seeing the country while being paid a good wage is a great idea. Whatever your motivation, there are steps you have to take to become a truck driver. Hot shot carriers are not born, they are made. The first step to becoming a truck driver is to be trained. Yes, there is such a thing as truck driving school. In school you will learn how to drive a truck. …

May 02, 2016 Read more

If NFL Teams Were Cars…? MegaGraphic Nails All 32!

We love cars. We love football. So what better way to combine the two than to look at this new infographic from CJ Pony Parts that shows what would happen if you combined the two and gave every NFL team their own car or vehicle. Some are based on team performance, while others on team name or certain players. Some can be pretty painful if you’re a fan of the team (sorry Browns, Jaguars, and Jets fans!). Check it out and be sure to share! If NFL Teams Were Cars.. Scott Huntington @SMHuntington

Feb 05, 2016 Read more

2016 Mercedes-Benz ZETROS – Next-Gen Heavy Hauler Combines 6×6 Grip, 110-Ton Max GVWR

We love the Special Trucks section of the Mercedes Commercial Vehicle website. Just the name is a bit exciting! It speaks to their obscene engineering and armageddon-proof construction strength, as well as their purposes for buyers. Few two are exactly alike thanks to MB’s Custom Tailored Truck group — that is able to upfit the three truck bases into virtually anything. Luxury motorhome, fire-fighter, crane/loader, locomotive…. pick your purpose! Unimog, Zetros and Econic are the Special Trucks crew, and each is exceptionally special indeed. We all love the new Unimog — or any ‘mog, actually — with its sleek new …

Feb 02, 2016 Read more

1961 Dodge POWER WAGON WM300 Pickup – An American Hero: As-New, In Box

What makes this Power Wagon special? Few in person will need concrete reasons to love it: the pre-war curves to the roof, fenders and hood all speak to the design charm of extreme utility. The truck is an icon worldwide as one of the US Army’s main troop transports and 3/4-ton haulers. Back at home, few Power Wagons stood the test of time after less than half returned from foreign theaters of WWII. Sold off as army/navy surplus and widely adopted for farm and mining use, the Power Wagon legacy literally went to dusty rust with the introduction of salted roads and …

Jan 19, 2016 Read more

Mecum Kissimmee 2016 – 1972 Chevrolet CHEYENNE Super Pickup

One of the incredible things about the 10-day auction extravaganza Mecum holds every year in Florida? Incredible bang for your buck. This Red Dawn revival of a Cheyenne pickup truck has a real charm in its authentic exterior, and flawlessly restored and upgraded cabin. A super pickup indeed! Race you to Cheyenne Mountain NORAD command? This beast is probably too low-tech to be killed by an EMP…. =] 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super Pickup MECUM 2016 Auctions Kissimmee, January 15-24, 2016 F180_R354_1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super Pickup Photos by Patrick Ernzen, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Jan 01, 2016 Read more

South African RED BULL Concept Truck is Defender 130 APC

Stealthy? Not to our eyes! This futuristic armored personnel carrier is a really sleek bit of design, even if its radar signature is huge. The truck is a bit mysterious at the moment. It appeared online about a week ago in a few obscure spots, but has since been removed from at least one official Red Bull channel… RedBull.co.za in South Africa. Nada from LR or RB press people about it, nor even a name beyond “Armored Event Vehicle.” The only thing we know is the chassis underneath: a Land Rover Defender 130 donated its LWB rails to this …

Dec 02, 2015 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – A Plush Rush?!

The new Lexus RX is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new SUVs for 2016. This redesign proves the RX can be a style leader even while outselling entire luxury brands like Volvo and Jaguar in the USA. So far, the RX has been so ubiquitous on the roads that any sense of chic sexiness was seriously diluted. The 2016 model wears all-new styles and new trimlines to bring variety to the efficiency, lux ride comfort and versatility its 2-million owners love so much. The upgrades for 2016 are extensive — with the entire cabin, exterior and some drivetrain parts refreshed …

Dec 01, 2015 Read more

Update1 – 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK

Love the look of this KAHN Jeep — with its blacked-out styling and wide, four-slot grille making a mean new face for the offroader. 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK The Jeep Wrangler 2.8 Diesel – Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE stands out with its vibrant Volcanic Rock exterior that is contrasted by door handles, mirrors, and roof, while Satin Black is worn by the fuel filler cap. The Volcanic Rock theme is also featured up front where two shadow chrome headlights sit on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial …

Nov 19, 2015 Read more

2017 GMC Canyon DENALI Wears Butch New Grille, 20s and LEDs – 31MPG DuraMax Diesel Optional

Despite all the excitement around the new generation of mid-size pickup trucks, the huge praise heaped on the Chevy Colorado has not yet translated into huge full-year sales numbers. At least, not by US pickup market standards — where the F-Series from Ford nears 800k units annually in a good year. (Not this launch year, mind you, with lots of factory down-time in the aluminum transition. Since the launch of the GMC Canyon and its bro, the Chevy Colorado, the two have been burning up the sale growth charts. Despite initial impressions of the GMC as the better-looking of the …

Nov 17, 2015 Read more

2016 Honda Pilot Elite AWD – Photo Flyaround Shows Classy LEDs, All-New Look

Updated 10.18.15 with 37 New Photos The 2016 Pilot is nearly unrecognizable. It is completely new from all sides, with the next-gen Honda face and LEDs brightly glowing front and rear. While the silhouette of the new Pilot’s nose, windshield and glasshouse is extremely rakish now, the dimensions also appear to have grown quite a bit. The second row and rear overhang are particularly jumbo in this new design from the exterior. Inside, of course, you get the benefits of that large and in-charge profile. The new 2016 Honda Pilot is here! With a striking new design that …

Oct 18, 2015 Read more

Peugeot DKR16 Gets Floored Redesign: Group B Fury in 200 New Images + Tech Specs and Dirty Video!

Reviewing this nearly all-new 2016 Peugeot Dakar racer almost brings tears to a racer’s eye! And the blatt of the V6TT making 800Nm of torque is just the immersion to make your month. Will this make Peugeot and Red Bull’s year down in Chile in January? You’d be a fool to bet against this breathtaking prototype from the far future. Check out this animated evolution in GIF form showing the huge change in scale, proportions and stance for the newly-renamed Peugeot 2008 DKR16 racer. As we scroll through the past year, the original 2015 spec became the 2015+ configuration for …

Sep 23, 2015 Read more

2015 Renault ALASKAN Concept Previews Upcoming Mid-Size Pickup Truck

Renault just revealed a pretty exciting Frankfurt concept — without a shred of coyness, either. The ALASKAN pickup truck concept is an overt preview of an upcoming Renault to be sold globally. The firm hopes to firm up its market-leading position in the light commercial vehicle segment, which is exploding with dual-use buyers in the UK and dozens of other markets. Tax advantages and the huge functionality of pickup trucks meets modern style, efficiency and tech for these buyers. This idea is nothing new, of course, for the 3-million US pickup sales annually. The vast majority of those trucks are …

Sep 03, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Ford F-150 XLT 4×4 SuperCab 2.7L EcoBoost – Goldilocks Lost

The all-new 2015 Ford F-150 is a truck we have gushed over and raved about since the moment it rolled on stage at the Detroit show in 2014. Our drive opportunities so far have confirmed this future-tech masterclass is the most advanced pickup truck ever made. Loaded spec levels, LED lighting galore and prices above $50k have been our taste of the truck to date — so it was fantastic to spend a week of intensive driving the most-popular XLT with the mid-range 2.7-liter EcoBoost. What we found left us scratching our foreheads. There are a few …

Aug 28, 2015 Read more

2016 Toyota TACOMA Pricing and Tech Specs Ahead of Mid-October Showroom Arrival

The new Tacoma just got back from a muddy romp around its namesake town in Washington state. Now time to shower up and hit showrooms nationwide as the best-selling mid-size pickup truck for 10 years running! The 2016 update is a big revamp by Tacoma standards, but is very light versus a normal Toyota mid-cycle refresh. It just so happens that the truck’s already-long product cycle was effectively frozen for a few years during the financial crisis. But buyer demands, CAFE requirements and, most of all, fresh competition has spurred Toyota to take its Tacoma into the workshop. Out …

Aug 19, 2015 Read more

2015 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ 1/2 Ton 4WD Review

American brand icons do not come much more glorious than Chevy. In the automotive realm, Chevrolet has been a constant throughout the last 100 years. A powerhouse in the General Motors stable, Chevrolet has seen off dozens of business lines and market segments. Divested in favor of keeping Chevy healthy, GM left the heavy trucks business altogether and dropped half its brand portfolio in the last ten years. Thus, the recent history of the firm has been shaken up more this century than the ten preceding decades. But the results speak for themselves. Never in my lifetime has …

Jun 22, 2015 Read more

2015 Lockheed Martin JLTV Looks Set to Win High-Tech US Military Truck Contract

We speculated in the previous AM General BRV-O article that the three-way race for the US military’s new JLTV looks pretty clear-cut. That being said… nothing with government work and billion-dollar deals is straightforward or very transparent, so we are just basing these predictions on what we would do if sitting in the Pentagon. With Oshkosh Defense already drowning in orders, a strike-out for this hot ground-transport maker looks more likely in JLTVs than ever before. One of the military RFPs is for high-volume JLTV manufacturing, likely replacing many behind-the-lines Humvees. In this case, AM General’s proven high-volume manufacturing may …

Jun 16, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Ultimate

The seven-seat crossover market is a cut-throat place for carmakers. These fairly wealthy families are the bulls-eye for more than three dozen unique SUV models in 2015 — and earning big sales and market share is extremely difficult for even the best new machines. With so many choices, three-row SUVs have become the new wild west of the car biz. Explorer vs Highlander becomes the modern equivalent of a pistol duel at high noon. As such, Hyundai threw a huge amount of resources at its redesigned 2015 Santa Fe — thinking through every step of the consideration and ownership process …

May 29, 2015 Read more

Digital Renderings – StarTech Range Rover 6×6 Long-Box Pickup in 2 Angles + 30 Colors

A bit of silliness here. We wondered aloud about the StarTech Range Rover Pickup this morning having a longer box in back. A light joke about a 6×6 version, a la the KAHN Design Huntsman Defender, has now been rendered for your viewing pleasure. Pretty cool! =] StarTech Range Rover 6×6 Pickup Digital Renderings PREVIOUSWe love German tuners. Just putting it out there. Wildly inventive with fantastic production values, style for days and exclusivity to beat all others? That would be the latest StarTech Range Rover from the Brabus JLR line. This all-new Range Rover pickup truck …

Apr 15, 2015 Read more

BRABUS StarTech Range Rover Pickup Truck to Debut in Shanghai

We love German tuners. Just putting it out there. Wildly inventive with fantastic production values, style for days and exclusivity to beat all others? That would be the latest StarTech Range Rover from the Brabus JLR line. This all-new Range Rover pickup truck maintains the luxury and performance of the Range Rover’s seating, but adds an outdoor cargo area perfect for muddy dogs or hunting falcons. Dropping the tailgate can be done by remote – lengthening the cargo hold and bringing even more versatility. WIll the hunting falcons perform better and be happier in an open-air environment!? Yes, yes they …

Apr 15, 2015 Read more

Amelia 2015 Customs – 1970 Porsche 914-6 GT – Rally Rescue Pickup Truck

A surprise and delight to see thrumming up the Ritz Carlton driveway for the Amelia Island Concours? This extremely cool, one-off pickup truck Porsche. Originally a 914-6 GT, the rear of the truck has been lengthened, the suspension upgraded to full safari rally specification, and the Dakar-ready racing equipment added. What might fit in this rather compact pickup truck bed? You name it! Wheels, tires, Porsche engines, and perhaps even an injured road-warrior in a pinch. The wide-body style and fenders bring a dramatic width extension to accommodate big off-road rubber and those hardy new suspension components. With almost no …

Mar 20, 2015 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 ReviewINTRO Once or twice a decade, a new car or truck will come out and be so good, so likeable and so well-done that it can make all the other OEMs think hard about matching it. In the case of mid-size pickup trucks, that incredible new car is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. In a segment that has been in the doldrums for a least five years, the new Colorado is good enough to have Ford and Ram scratching their heads — reviewing old emails with a search heading of “Ranger” or “Dakota.” Why did we cancel …

Mar 16, 2015 Read more

Racing Icons – 1954 Mercedes-Benz ‘Blue Wonder’ Race Transporter in 69 RARE Photos

Part publicity stunt, part engineering exercise — and all fun and playful. The 1950s Mercedes-Benz Racing Division needed a rapid transport vehicle to supplement the big trucks with closed canopies that typically moved racecars and teams among the European circuits. Lower, faster and far more nimble than the big trucks, the Blue Wonder could navigate under any bridge or within any narrow city streets — areas typically off-limits for a heavy heauler. Powered by a race-ready engine from the 300SL and plopped into Mercedes sedan chassis, the ‘Blue Wonder’ was billed as the fastest transporter in the world. A top …

Feb 24, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD

2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD Review INTRO The funny thing about most crossovers and SUVs these days is that comfort is generally a very relative term. Sure, you might have every bell and whistle imaginable in the new Escalade, and searing performance in the new BMW X5 M. And while those crossovers might be extreme examples, others in the price bracket also qualify. Vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, for example, are prime competition for the massive, three-row Nissan Pathfinder. What is one thing that none of the above machines can actually deliver in a luxurious way? Road …

Feb 16, 2015 Read more

Update2 – 2016 Honda Pilot Is All-New With 9-Speed Automatic, New AWD and Vastly Superior Cabin

The new 2016 Honda Pilot is here! With a striking new design that moves away from the blocky look of the current model, this eight-seater promises improvements in almost every single way. The biggest news for drivers is an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission for top trims, plus a redesigned AWD system that can move more torque to either axle than before. Inside, a total redesign makes things far smoother, quiter and safer than before. Upgraded entertainment and touch-screen nav and climate controls are welcome, as are the advanced safety systems to be offered on the 2016. In this family-dominated segment, …

Feb 12, 2015 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2012 Jeep Mighty FC

The 2012 Jeep Mighty FC is hilarious to behold, and a really cool concept idea overall. Beyond the many Jeep pickup truck conversions and concepts, the Forward Control recreates an actual Jeep production truck from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. Overall, the Mighty FC builds on Jeep’s very impressive concept repertoire: this truck is not just a runner, but it hit the Moab Jeep Jamboree for some extreme off-road proving. Versus most concept cars that are barely rollers, this is an impressive level of engineering. Two things: How!? and Why!? How? The Forward Control is created by the very-simple-sounding …

Feb 09, 2015 Read more

2016 Nissan TITAN XD in 35 New Photos

You know that the Nissan Titan is the sixth-ranked truck in US sales, and has been for years. But we’d wager you did not know exactly how far the Titan lags behind the top-five trucks: the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra. Per The Wall Street Journal’s report today, the 2014 calendar sales of the Nissan Titan were less than 15,000 units. In total. For the whole year. Versus the Ford F-150’s 750,000 2014 sales, the Titan made up just 2-percent with its paltry 15,000-unit tally. The Titan peaked around 2006 with around 80,000 sales …

Feb 02, 2015 Read more

Mecom Florida 2015 Favorites – 1948 GMC Half-Ton Pickup Truck

You can tell how hard this 1948 GMC Pickup was ready to work in the profile shot. It is all nose. With an empty bed or now trailer, the truck looks like it might tip upward onto its nose. And that would be a shame. What a nose this was! With a stamped steel shape so deep, modern industrial presses would be jealous! Melting down over the tall OHV and intake mechanicals, this amazing flow of metal is pure smooth bliss. It was also a functional feature: dropping each side of the hood let you have a much clearer view …

Jan 28, 2015 Read more

Updated with 36 New Photos – Mecum Kissimmee 2015 – 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

This Shelby-upgraded Ford Super Duty truck was a real sentimental favorite ahead of the Mecum auctions. In person, the truck is just as sweet and lovable. It sold for more than $50,000 – proving our affection for the big brute was not a one-off feeling. PREVIOUS Sure, this Shelby transporter from 1966 might not be as glamorous as the classic Mercedes, Porsche or Ferrari transports — but it does have one huge factor in its favor. Authenticity. This truck is the real deal and in original, unrestored condition. That alone will make it quite a special find for Shelby …

Jan 27, 2015 Read more

2016 Nissan TITAN Hopes to Quadruple Sales With HD Style and 5.0L Cummins Diesel

You know that the Nissan Titan is the sixth-ranked truck in US sales, and has been for years. But we’d wager you did not know exactly how far the Titan lags behind the top-five trucks: the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra. Per The Wall Street Journal’s report today, the 2014 calendar sales of the Nissan Titan were less than 15,000 units. In total. For the whole year. Versus the Ford F-150’s 750,000 2014 sales, the Titan made up just 2-percent with its paltry 15,000-unit tally. The Titan peaked around 2006 with around 80,000 sales …

Jan 12, 2015 Read more

2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Trim Is Mid-Size Raptor-Hunter

Lots of action in the new 2016 Tacoma range this year. Along with the leather-seated Limited trim come two new TRD packages, with this TRD Off-Road trim level particularly captivating. Huge 35-inch tires, mud-friendly detailing and the AccessCab shown here are all very new and cool indeed. The lift and suspension tweaks for the special-wheeled TRD Off-Road package make it the only mid-size truck capable of going everywhere a Ford Raptor can on the rough stuff. The sandy Moab color help reinforce the Tacoma TRD’s Moab credibility, as do the fender flares and unique grille versus the Limited. A new …

Jan 12, 2015 Read more

30 New Photos! 2016 Toyota Tacoma Delivers Big Tech Upgrades, LED DRLs + New Limited and TRD Trims

Updated 1.12.2015 Thrilled to share the full details of the upcoming Toyota Tacoma, which packs all-new engines and transmissions, a full redesign outside and in, and even a new range-topping Limited trim level. The biggest news for the best-selling Tacoma is the addition of six-speed automatics for the base four-cylinder trucks and the top 3.5-liter V6. The new transmission promises a quicker sprint time as well as a near 15-percent jump in fuel economy all by itself. But it is not working solo. The new V6 is very special indeed, with a truck-first combination of direct and port fuel injection …

Jan 12, 2015 Read more

2017 Ford Raptor Is EcoBEAST! Cool New Style, Much Quicker and Even More Bad-Ass

It is very rare to have a truck’s front suspension A-arms be a styling detail that lights up your eyes from the front, but the 2017 Raptor proves the exception. The truck shows off its tough and rough off-road equipment and suspension from all sides, especially dead-on from the nose. Here we see the Raptor’s trademark honeycomb grille and giant FORD letters writ large, paired with the super-cool new LED lighting from the top F-150 Platinum trims. Here the lamps are exposed and free of a clear shell — the better to show off the box-LED style and also to …

Jan 12, 2015 Read more

2016 Toyota Tacoma Is Official: Butch New Design + Rugged Capability

The full batch of 2016 Tacoma images are now all online – with the truck looking fresh and butch up front. A large grille and more deeply-stamped creases and curves give the new Tacoma a bit of the 4Runner’s style kudos, plus new headlights with an LED accent not even the 4Runner enjoys. 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Jan 08, 2015 Read more

Concept Flashbacks – 2010 SEMA Mercedes-Benz GLK Tuner Cars

Shocked and appalled by hideous custom Mercedes-Benzes prowling the world’s roads? Wish there were an upgrade kit that fits the refined aesthetic of the Merc brand? If only Mercedes would commission a few tuner custom show cars of its own, it would have control and be able to yay/nay any questionable elements. For the US launch of the GLK in 2010, MB-USA did just that: four custom GLK’s for the SEMA show in Vegas. Unfortunately for those who do not like loud, brash designs…. what resulted are four of the wildest, silliest concept GLK’s ever seen. Removing the constraint of …

Jan 06, 2015 Read more

Fantasy ChopTop Renders – 2015 Cadillac Escalade Feeling Lowww!

Big drama in development work on the site today. The only respite for this author – to stay busy and resist panicking as all images went down? Making more custom images, oddly enough. A chop-top conversion is one of the hardest to handle with OEM quality. A widebody is almost exclusively an exterior upgrade, but a chopped roofline requires some serious changes. Roll cages, electronics, cabin trims, doors, doorframes and glass all need to be redone. Not exactly something you can eyeball along the way, or carbon-fiber your way out of CAD-CAM studies in advance. But for visual impact, a …

Dec 20, 2014 Read more

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter

Sure, this Shelby transporter from 1966 might not be as glamorous as the classic Mercedes, Porsche or Ferrari transports — but it does have one huge factor in its favor. Authenticity. This truck is the real deal and in original, unrestored condition. That alone will make it quite a special find for Shelby and Ford Racing fans. Highlights include the COBRA LeMans engine block, among other tasty details. The big blue rig hits the auction block at Mecum’s Kissimmee, Florida auction in mid-January, 2015. 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing Transporter Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview 1966 Ford CS500 Shelby Racing …

Dec 15, 2014 Read more

X-Tomi Design Renders Ute Pickups From 12 of The Hottest New Cars

You know X-Tomi Design as the talent behind the Lexus RC-F cabrio renderings featured a few weeks ago — and this is one prolific car design artist! One of his latest feats is making Ute pickup truck versions of many hot sports cars, crossovers and supercoupes. Sure, the market for these machines in real life might be very slim outside of Australia — but they are fun to ponder regardless. Pop him a like over on the Face via the below link, and check his site for all the latest fantasy renderings he puts out. https://www.facebook.com/xtomidesign http://xtomi.blogspot.hu/ X-Tomi Design …

Dec 08, 2014 Read more

2015 Silverado HD CNG 6.0L Bi-Fuel V8 is a Natty G Revolution!

This energy revolution will not be televised. It will rarely draw stares or have other drivers following you to ask questions. The 2500HD CNG is all-new from Chevrolet this year and marks the beginning of a potentially game-changing new trend in heavy-duty pickup truck efficiency. As nice as a diesel engine’s extra 25-percent fuel efficiency is, what about a powertrain package that doubles overall range and can be flipped between gasoline and compressed natural gas at the touch of a button? If there are no CNG filler stations on your route, simply run the truck on gasoline and enjoy is …

Dec 06, 2014 Read more

Animated Evolution of the Chevrolet Suburban from 1915 to 2015

One thing has been pretty constant throughout the last 100 years: Chevrolet. The icon of Chevrolet for most people is the truck line. Imagine a world where Chevy could only keep making one car. That is it. Which model would you pick to evolve through year 2100? Many people would choose the Suburban. The “Chevrolet One Ton Commercial Truck” can do it all. As an all-new model arriving to Chevy dealers just before the Super Bowl 2014,all signs show this upscale workhorse will be a huge hit with shoppers. Who does not have an awesome Chevy Suburban memory? Growing …

Dec 05, 2014 Read more

Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Z71 6.6L DuraMax Diesel

Updated 12.1.14 With 35 Real-Life Photos Nothing too revolutionary here – the new 2015 Silverado HD has been on the roads since mid-summer. But even so, took the chance to snap this flagship of sorts in Florida. A flagship truck? Yes, when it is the top Z71 LTZ 4WD with the stump-pulling DuraMaz diesel option! This truck might not be as flashy as the lighter-weight 1500 models, but is a major force of nature on any work site. The sticker price proves how far trucks have come in the ranges of General Motors: this $71,000 Silverado HD is one of …

Dec 01, 2014 Read more

HD First Drive Review – 2015 Ford Transit PowerStroke Diesel

In the broad and deep Ford Transit line for 2015, there are more than 50 variations in cab setup, overall length, wheelbase, roof height, engine and rear axle setup. The dually rear-end in LWB, high-roof cargo configuration is surely one of the hardest-working in the bunch. This extends to its payload and tow ratings as well as its overall cost-of-ownership. For cargo and passenger Transits that will cover huge miles with a full pack of cargo in back or on tow, the PowerStroke diesel is a welcome option to consider. This cutting-edge 3.2-liter inline-5 diesel is one of the …

Nov 23, 2014 Read more

2015 Ford Transit Upfits Bring 30+ Factory-Adjacent Suppliers For Streamlined Procurement

One of the most impactful changes in the 2015 Transit vs Econoline is that a huge variety of custom cargo upfits can now be ordered right at a local Ford dealer or through any fleet manager. This means the trucks arrive ready-to-work with exactly the right set of interior cargo solutions, exterior racks or even full chassis conversions. We saw a great selection of the Transit Upfits available on Ford’s recent roadshow — and were very, very impressed. Ford’s suppliers all now have factories within 20-miles or so of the giant Transit hub in Kansas City. This means the trucks …

Nov 23, 2014 Read more

Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell Presents – Volvo FH Truck vs Koenigsegg One 1

The tame racing driver — who not only drives, but talks us through it!? Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear is a legend in the world of automotive-review television programs. We are smiling watching him race Volvo Trucks new FH versus the Koenigsegg One:1 around a racetrack at full speed. The purpose of the video? To show Volvo’s new i-Shift dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is a revolution in the world of heavy trucks, which are almost all still manual-shifted these days. 18 gears, each with a low and high range means a huge amount of clutching and shifting has always been …

Nov 20, 2014 Read more

Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 First Drive + Colors Guide

Updated 11.19.14 With 12 New Photos Enjoyed a chance to meet the 2015 Colorado Z71 this week, and it is really handsome and macho in real life. Initially, the GMC Canyon seemed like the better-looking of the two, but side by side, the Chevy was my clear preference. A lack of LED lighting in the nose of the Colorado is the only demerit that comes to mind. Otherwise, the wide style and fender flares are rough and ready to get muddy. To be fair, the Colorado Z71 and Canyon All Terrain we compared are the most loaded versions of …

Nov 20, 2014 Read more

2014 Renault-Dacia DUSTER OROCH Shows 4WD Pickup-Truck Potential For Value Brand

Dacia’s line-up of cheap but sturdy models is expanding rapidly. Sure, you know the Logan sedan and the Duster SUV — but there lineup is much deeper than just two cars. The variations on these models mean Dacia now offers its unique brand of low-cost and hardy mechanicals in no less than ten passenger-car models and three light commercial vehicles. Dacia (pronounced “Da-Cha”) models are sold in select markets as Renaults — hence the badges on this car for Sao Paolo. Dacia Logan Pickup The Duster Oroch is a logical extension of the Duster platform — with a short-box …

Nov 17, 2014 Read more

2015 Unimog U5023 Gains Even-More-Hardcore Off-Road Equipment Package

Updated 11.11.14 As if the Unimog U5023 range-topper were not extreme enough for you… the sexy new flagship of the Unimog range can now be equipped with a special off-roading package shown below. Giant tires and huge new wheel flares mark out the toughest and most-capable trucks in the world. The U4023 and U5023 are the freshest of the Unimog family visually thanks to that sweet new single-bar grille and a Mercedes star logo that is as big as a large pizza — and stares down at you from above eye level! Included below is the full write-up of the …

Nov 11, 2014 Read more

Best Base SUV Trim? 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from $29,000

We all know the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best truck ever to don the seven-slat grille. Watching the SRT GC’s launch control starts are intoxicating, and the latest LED style of a pinched horseshoe in the headlight graphic is very appealing. The top-spec Summit trim even brings some heavenly new open-pore woods and fine leathers to the cabin – but at a price. The top Grand Cherokee’s become quite expensive in the higher trim levels – even kissing $50,000 for the diesel engine in some trims. What about a GC for the rest of us? The 2014 Laredo …

Nov 09, 2014 Read more

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Nautique Is Wakeboarding Dream Truck

Another fresh Colorado concept — the Nautique! Sharing one of the latest metal flake color options from the Nautique boat company’s 2015 G21 model, the Colorado Nautique is a perfect match for wet and wild adventures. 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Nautique NEW 2015 CHEVY COLORADO DESIGNED FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES 03/11/14 Concept combo pairs custom Colorado crew cab with Nautique boat, trailer LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet demonstrated the versatility and capability of the all-new Colorado midsize pickup at the SEMA Show today, pairing it with the Super Air Nautique 210 – one of the industry’s most iconic wakeboard boats, …

Nov 03, 2014 Read more

Part Two – ETERNITI Artemis Shows Widebody Excellence

PART TWO: The Artemis The Artemis is the latest from Eterniti Motors – with revised detailing and a more unique nose versus the Hemera. The Hemera from Eterniti London was the debut SUV for this bespoke car customization house. Launched in late 2011, the Hemera is sold as a complete vehicle with pricing from about $300,000. The upgrades shown here are extremely comprehensive – with only the roof panels carrying over from the factory machine. Custom 23-inch wheels slide under the surreal widebody that is flawlessly executed in a new flowing aesthetic. Out back, vented fenders form giant …

Nov 03, 2014 Read more

Muscle Truck All-Stars – ETERNITI Hemera Is Porsche Cayenne Turbo Masterclass

The Hemera from Eterniti London was the debut SUV for this bespoke car customization house. Launched in late 2011, the Hemera is sold as a complete vehicle with pricing from about $300,000. The upgrades shown here are extremely comprehensive – with only the roof panels carrying over from the factory machine. Custom 23-inch wheels slide under the surreal widebody that is flawlessly executed in a new flowing aesthetic. Out back, vented fenders form giant scoops in either side of the body, while a gorgeous pointed rear spoiler houses a new CHMSL in glorious fashion. We have emails out to Eterniti …

Nov 03, 2014 Read more

2014 Fiat FCC4 Concept For Sao Paolo Is Samba Rambo SUV Pickup!

Lambo Rambo… in Portuguese… is Samba Rambo? This amazing concept from Fiat is called the FCC4 and looks to be about the size of the Jeep Cherokee, but wearing giant rock-crawling rubber and a bad-ass pickup-truck bodystyle. Fresh ideas and designs abound, including the floating C-pillar and wrap-around brightwork of the glasshouse. Inside the roof and bed structure, we see some of the organic bracing seen from Bertone lately — all good stuff. Looks fantastic, and opens new doors to what the Fiat brand can be in the large Brazilian market. Fiat FCC4 Concept

Oct 29, 2014 Read more

Ford SEMA F-150 Concepts Are Raptor Thunder and Drifter Lightning

You know that feeling you get when out with a bunch of scumbags somewhere far from home? Somewhere like Las Vegas at 2am? You get a slight chill on your neck. That nagging hunch that your date is a rapist. These two SEMA concepts from Ford have that vibe. This could be my extreme bitterness at not driving the F-150 yet, but these concepts are not doing it for me. SEMA is definitely an odd show — and Chevy is barely phoning it in with their pathetic Silverado Toughnology. Compared with that, the Ford Deegan 38 off-roader and Vaughn Grittin …

Oct 20, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2008 GMC Denali XT Is Hybrid V8 Chop-Top!

How many awesome ideas and cars hit the chopping block during the financial crisis? More than a dozen from each manufacturer, we would estimate. That goes for much of the new engine tech and almost all of the new segment-busting models like this Denali XT. As wide as a full-size truck, but two feet lower — the Denali XT is seriously sexy even as we enter 2015. The ideas shown on this truck are pretty evergreen, and might be up for a revival some day. The Hybrid engine tech shown is paired with a 4.9-liter, direct-injected V8 — the one …

Oct 19, 2014 Read more

Meet BharatBenz – India’s Locally-Made Trucks Seeing Huge Growth Via Combo of Low-Cost + High-Quality

Familiar with the American FUBU apparel line? The name stands for ‘For Us, By Us.’ Think of BharatBenz as the ‘FIBI’ of big trucks. For India, By India. Heavy trucks may not be huge business by volume, but for Daimler, they are some of the most profitable. Among the truck lines owned by Mercedes’ parent company are big names like Mitsubishi Fuso, Wester Star, Thomas Bus Lines, Freightliner and Setra. The newest kid on the block? BharatBenz — a locally-made and locally-tailored line of trucks both from and for India. Mercedes engineering and safety foundations are a great shared …

Oct 08, 2014 Read more

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Quick Drive Shows Lively and Very Handsome Mid-Size Truck

Enjoyed a chance to meet the 2015 Colorado Z71 this week, and it is really handsome and macho in real life. Initially, the GMC Canyon seemed like the better-looking of the two, but side by side, the Chevy was my clear preference. A lack of LED lighting in the nose of the Colorado is the only demerit that comes to mind. Otherwise, the wide style and fender flares are rough and ready to get muddy. To be fair, the Colorado Z71 and Canyon All Terrain we compared are the most loaded versions of each – so base models will not …

Oct 03, 2014 Read more

Mercedes-Benz FT2025 Is New Daimler Trucks Flagship

Why care about the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2015 concept shown in Hanover this week for the first time? A few reasons: — The vast majority of S-Class-level active safety and automated driving tech is all-new to the long-haul truck segment — Daimler Trucks is the top-selling medium and heavy truck supplier worldwide, so these ideas will populate everything from future Unimogs to the new Damiler India brand BharatBenz in the coming years — Germans take concepts seriously: these ideas are all totally feasible and likely already headed to full production in the next five years — The active safety …

Sep 26, 2014 Read more

Chevrolet SEMA Truck Concepts Suck: COLORADO SPORT and SILVERADO ‘Toughnology’

It is almost SEMA time of year again – when OEMs can roll out the models they wish they had on their showroom floors, highlight future trends, and showcase accessory collections. A little bit of all three with the just-announced Colorado Sport and Silverado Toughnology. These truck concepts are pretty lame and more than a little disappointing, to be honest. They are transparent marketing exercises for the base models, and not the cool upgrade shown by even SCA and the Lingenfelter Reaper. Chevy trucks should be ashamed of themselves. What a pathetic lack of effort, bordering on incompetence, to call …

Sep 25, 2014 Read more

2014 Volkswagen TRISTAR Is All-New Off-Road Cargo Van with Pickup Truck Bed

The world’s top commercial truck show is going on this week in Hanover, Germany — and VW has just debuted an exciting light truck concept. Part van, part pickup truck, and part off-roader — the idea is for the best of all worlds. Called the TRISTAR and packing a styling design and modern cabin, the machine promises to be an all-star work truck for the fleets of tomorrow. Just a concept for now, the design is likely to preview a heavy-duty version of the next Transporter van. 2014 Volkswagen TRISTAR WORLD PREMIERE OF VOLKSWAGEN TRISTAR AT THE IAA 23/09/14 Concept …

Sep 23, 2014 Read more

Update1 – 2015 FORD F-150 Style Guide to Trims and Option Packages

A huge volume of new photos and the trim specifics for the new F-150! In a brilliant move, the various trim levels are available in three finishes: standard, Sport and Chrome. This brings a huge level of variety in the lineup — beyond the dozens of engine and cab configurations. The new King Ranch is also looking mighty sexy, but the Lariat Sport would be out choice for the coolest trim style (below the Platinum, that is….) 2015 FORD F-150 Trims 2015 FORD F-150 King Ranch 2015 FORD F-150 XL 2015 FORD F-150 XLT …

Sep 16, 2014 Read more

2015 TRD Pro Series TOYOTA TUNDRA Priced from $41k with Black Pack, +2″ Lift and Dual Exhaust for 5.7L V8

Pricing is out for the 2015 TRD Pro Series Tundra — and it is awesome from the word Go! $41,280 is the base for the Double Cab, with the Crew Max coming in just below $44,000. While official performance from the 381-horsepower, 401-pound-feet-packing V8 is unchanged, the new dual pipes out back are sure to liberate lots of deep rumble and a few extra midrange ponies. Updated 7.30.14 with 40 Photos and Official Pricing for the bad-ass TRD Pro Tacoma and 4Runner Including the TRD Pro Tundra in here because it looks fantastic. Pricing for the biggest TRD …

Sep 08, 2014 Read more

USA Debut in 80 New Photos – 2014 Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

Updated 8.31.14 The Concept COupe SUV earned a huge share of foot traffic at the Mercedes-Benz Pebble Beach house. One of perhaps twenty vehicles on display, this concept is clearly going to be a huge sales hit. Despite being an advanced vision and not a production model whatsoever, almost everyone who approached the truck wanted to get inside. Many tries at those flush door-handles, to no avail. These awesome nose and tail designs are reafy for primetime! The next-gen ML-Class is rumored to be name-changed to GLE-Class, This name change would bring along a new-segment GLC-Class in a racy, X6-form, …

Aug 31, 2014 Read more

Updated With Pricing and Colors – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Brings Cool Style + Big Power

Updated With Pricing and Colors 8.7.14 The 2015 Colorado looks amazing! These all-new midsize Chevrolet trucks stand tall with their big Silverado brothers. Z71 off-road packages raised the ride height, while the extra-short overhangs will surely be an asset off-road. Capabilities will vary across the Colorado line, with engines topping out with a five-cylinder…. Just kidding! The top engine is the excellent 3.6-liter V-6 best known from the Cadillac portfolio, but this time delivering great torque and even 302 horsepower through a standard six-speed automatic. Even the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder has ‘bulked up’ – producing 193 horsepower and …

Aug 07, 2014 Read more

Updated with Pricing + Equipment Specs – 2015 Toyota TRD PRO Tundra and TRD PRO Tacoma

Updated 7.30.14 with 40 Photos and Official Pricing for the bad-ass TRD Pro Tacoma and 4Runner Including the TRD Pro Tundra in here because it looks fantastic. Pricing for the biggest TRD Pro truck is not yet available, however. Coolest part of the Tacoma TRD Pro is the price from $36,000 with a six-speed manual. The auto and both cab lengths are offered with the very cool TRD Pro pack. Original article: Chicago is feeling some big Toyota love with the all-new TRD Pro Series, a special option pack for 4×4 Tacomas, Tundras and 4Runners that will be available to …

Jul 30, 2014 Read more

Is Now The Smartest Time To Buy a 2014 Ford F-150? New Truck This Winter Bringing BEST DEALS EVER on Current Models

This is somewhat counter-intuitive for a car news writer to ask – but I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind at some point as well. Here is the scenario: You want and need a new truck. New F-150 looks awesome, so you have been waiting to see it come out before you decide whether to buy one. But here is an alternative scenario: Save yourself $10,000 or more buy snapping up one of the 2014-model-year trucks — loaded to the gills and priced to move. Tempting, right? As new as the 2015 F-150 is, the 2014 truck is still …

Jul 13, 2014 Read more

Hypercar Showcase – 2014 Lamborghini Aventador Trumped Only By Aventador J and Aventador Roadster

As any bull-runner will know: the only thing scarier than one 2,000-pound beast with 18-inch horns on its head is three of them in lockstep sprint. Such is the Roadster, J — for Jota — and standard Aventador. The J is sold-out and no longer available, which is a huge shame for how amazingly cool its design is. No windshield at all on this one. Not passing US crash test/ rollover standards is a big issue toward putting the Jota forward to series production versus small-batch. Because even while the US market is no longer Lamborghini’s only cash cow bull, …

Jul 11, 2014 Read more

Happy B-Day to the Volkswagen Minibus and Transporter! Work Van Legend Turns 60 in UK This Year

Happy B-Day to the Volkswagen Transporter We’ve been pretty down on VW USA this year. Can you blame some pushback from automotive media here in the US in the face of the two-year delay on the Golf 7 arriving on our shores? The first GTI’s are arriving in VW dealerships now, but these are from Germany. The bulk of the line is still months out, at the earliest. The Jetta makes me cringe when I see it on the road, and the new US-market Passat is looking less-good every single day. These old products are priced at the tippy-top of …

Jul 06, 2014 Read more

2015 Ford Edge Visualizer – All 10 Colors From Every Angle + Animated Turntables

The 2015 Ford Edge looks awesome! It wears an all-new design with some really fresh design elements from all sides. The loaded Edge Sport is the looker of the group with body-colored lower sills and large wheels that are available in a rich gloss black to match the mean new grille style of the sportiest Edge available. Front triangles of LED light make quite the impression up front, while a solid LED lightbar in back is finished with a chopped diamond shape on either side of the truck. There even appears to be a lower brake light/reflector or perhaps fog …

Jun 26, 2014 Read more

2015 Ford Edge Debut in 200+ Photos – Standard EcoBoost + Better Dynamics, Tech and Style

The first-ever global Ford Edge has arrived! The 2015 model will be sold in 110 markets across the world, which is a first for any Ford truck or SUV. Other firsts keep rolling in with this all-new model – including a standard EcoBoost turbo in 2.0-liter flavor making a healthy 245-horsepower and 270-pound-feet of torque through the standard six-speed automatic. This six-speed is the SelectShift auto – a traditional torque-converter automatic that promises smoother city coasting than the sometimes-unpleasant PowerShift twin-clutch unit. It also pairs well with the standard front-drive or optional all-wheel-drive of the new Edge in all three …

Jun 26, 2014 Read more

Updated with Prices – 2014 Range Rover Sport STARTECH Widebody on 23-Inch Wheels Looks Amazing

With the upcoming Range Rover Sport RS almost a sure thing, why not beat the factory to the punch with one of Germany’s top performance and design shops? StarTech’s Widebody kit for the new Range Rover Sport inspires me to come up with a new name: the Range Rover SuperSport. =] Here is the transition from Stock to StarTech. StarTech of Germany’s WideBody stretches the width of the truck by about 2.5-inches via wider fenders, sills and wheels. A custom module for the air suspension goes even lower than stock at the push of a button or when at highway …

Jun 20, 2014 Read more

Update1 – KAMAZ 4911 Dominates 2014 DAKAR Rally For 12th Truck Class Win

Update 1 June 17, 2014 Okay, so this race was in January 2014. Which makes this is bit of a late update… So you like the Ford Raptor and that feeling of being unstoppable on any terrain? Try the Kamaz-4911 on for size: – 17.2-liter, mid-mounted TD V8 engine – 730 horsepower @ 2500 rpm – 1991 pound-feet of torque @ 1300 rpm – Maximum Speed – 102.5 MPH Trust me, I had to check those numbers thrice myself. A 17-liter V8 is cool, but only the start of the fun for this multi-purpose truck platform. Initially designed with six …

Jun 17, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback: 2012 Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force

The Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-force concept from Los Angeles 2012 deserves a fresh look, despite its ridiculous name. As part of the annual LA design challenge, the Ener-G truck seemed a bit too whimsical to ever see production. But could times be changing? The Galendewagen must be made until 2017 (I believe) based on a supply agreement with the German government. While keeping production lines open, the luxury G63 AMG is a consistent superstar for the brand. Even if only a few hundred are sold per year – the margins on a $150,000 SUV offer plenty of leverage to keep G-wagon fans …

Jun 13, 2014 Read more

Future SUV Rendering – 2016 GMC Denali VIP Concept – Black Trim, Wheels + Extra LED Lighting

If you read the glowing review of the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali this morning, you know we are big fans of this big truck. It is everything the Tahoe has, and almost everything the Escalade brings to the table — but with extra under-the-radar coolness as standard. The Escalade is a pop-culture phenom at this point – which is great news for resurgent Cadillac. But the Escalade being the ride of choice for young Hollywood does not universally enhance its appeal.What about those seeking ultimate style without the Cadillac badge? Is the Denali the price ceiling for GMC? Our hunch …

Jun 04, 2014 Read more

Transformers 4 Truck Called Hound is Oshkosh Defense M1157 A1P2

The GMC TopKick had a really good run with the Transformers franchise, surviving through the end of the third movie on the strength of Ironhide’s close friendship with our hero. But General Motors quietly exited the C4500 – C8500 truck classes altogether in 2009. Most of the larger trucks were absolutely ancient. Imagine a Frito-Lay extra-long delivery truck, and you’ve got it. The TopKick was a strong option for the films: huge, versatile with a dump-truck rear end, and looked great. Ironhide outlived the Hummer H2 BayWatch car and Jazz, the oft-mocked Pontiac Solstice character with a somewhat racist accent. …

Jun 03, 2014 Read more

VIDEO Review – Off-Roading in the 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5 – Guess Who Chickens Out First…

Okay, in my defense: every off-roading I have tried to do so far has drastically damaged my car and my pride. I am just nervous and a total amateur when it comes to hitting the muddy trails. Despite driving the impressive and very capable 2014 Toyota 4Runner SR5, underthe direction of Land Rover’s off-road instructors — My internal gyroscope said no to the steep side-angled trail of the mid-ranked Blue trails in this little excursion. BIG WIMP-OUT – EXTERIOR CAM BIG WIMP-OUT – INTERIOR CAM I know rationally that the car was fine on this exact trail, but fear is …

Jun 03, 2014 Read more

MEGA Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 CrewMax Limited

INTRO Ahh, the joys of moving from a little car to a giant truck. Can they ever truly be overstated? The first few minutes, you are simply in awe at how large a vehicle you are piloting. The steering can feel a bit slow, and the width takes getting used to. But after less than a mile, you start to “get it.” You get the big view forward and to all sides. You get the sense that the roominess of the Tundra’s cabin goes on for miles and miles. And you get the sense, most importantly, that you are …

May 30, 2014 Read more

New 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in Real Life + 2015 4×4 Model Details

The Big Van wars are going nuclear this year! While the segment has languished in obscurity for at least the last thirty years, the Econoline and Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana have quietly hoovered up nearly 100,000 sales each to some of the nation’s hardest-working owners. Yes, pickups like the F-150 might be a more popular lifestyle choice, but nothing truly gets more work done – and more people hauled – than the largest of vans. The segment is slowly reinventing itself with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starting the modernization wave nearly a decade ago under the Freightliner and Ram brands. Another all-new …

May 27, 2014 Read more

Updated with Real-Life Photos! 302HP 2015 GMC Canyon Easily Best-Looking Mid-Size Pickup

2015 GMC Canyon All-Terrain – Article Updated 5.27.14 The Canyon All-Terrain took the stage last week with the GMC team at Road America for the Midwest Automotive Media Association’s Spring Rally – and it looks just as good in the flesh as it does in the previews! The 2015 GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are shaping up to be huge news in a stagnant segment: mid-size trucks. Compact trucks? Not a “thing” anymore. Everybody who is anybody is going mid-size. As the Toyota Tacoma grew in size markedly to match the (long-gone; not missed) Dodge Dakota in size, others …

May 27, 2014 Read more

Bowler Defender 90 Packs Challenge Rally Kit and Extra Power into Streetable Trucks Too!

How hardcore is Bowler Motorsport? The firm is just entering the booming off-road parts and accessories business after more than two decades of a laser focus on endurance rally racing across the globe. The upgrades to the Bowler Defender Challenge entries are also offered in a road truck version that is complete and ready-to-roll based on a new Defender 90. There are a handful of individual parts available as well — with more coming soon. This is handy to for guys who already have a Defender and are looking for a little customization and Bowler rally magic… Pricing for the …

May 07, 2014 Read more

MEGA Road Test Review – 2014 Lexus GX460 Driven Back-to-Back with 2015 Tahoe LTZ

INTRO For road testers as well as shoppers, there is a huge benefit in driving two considered vehicles back-to-back, with insights and detail differences coming to the surface that might not have been noticeable before. The closer the competition in terms of quality and specifications — the more critical it is to get a sense of each machine from the driver’s seat. Probably common sense, but a good reminder to myself nonetheless on my favorite aspect of any car magazine. So what did I notice coming right from the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe into the Lexus GX460? Find out in the …

May 06, 2014 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 4WD – 150 Photos and Four 1080P GoPro Videos

“…Come Mister Tallyman, TALLY ME BANANA… Daylight come and me wanna Tahoe…” INTRO: Is this bizarro-world where all is backwards? The 2015 Tahoe is vastly improved over the outgoing trucks in every single meaningful way. These four videos shot near Lake Lanier, Georgia last week are a testament to how smitten I was with the new Tahoe’s handling, chassis rigidity and quietness, interior overhaul and even the exterior style upgrade. But as we will outline below, there is some curious switching in the big SUV game. The Chevy’s interior is vastly superior to the Lexus GX460, but the Lexus costs …

Apr 30, 2014 Read more

Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupe SUV – Beijing 2014 – Sets New Design Direction for ~2016 MLC550

The MLC is a truck that would greatly assist Mercedes-Benz in fending off the latest Range Rover Sport, as well as even sleeker machines like the Infiniti QX70 and BMW X6. Its formula is pretty standard for the brand: avant-garde future style that previews both this expected MLC production model’s silhouette, as well as the nose and tail graphic of the next ML-Class and perhaps even the next GL-Class. While the current ML and GL are still relatively fresh, they are highly likely to adopt this next-gen style when up for revision in calendar 2016 as 2017 models. Overall style …

Apr 21, 2014 Read more