Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/autoblog-podcast-157-mike-levine-trucks-along-with-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!


Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw z4bmw z4 mbmw Z4 sDrive35isBmwZ4BmwZ4MBmwZ4Sdrive35isE-ClassE-Class Cabrioe-class cabrioletE-Class ConvertibleE-classCabrioE-classCabrioletE-classConvertibleelectric slselectric sls amgElectricSlsElectricSlsAmgfeaturedmercedesMercedes BenzMercedes SLS AMGmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-benzE-classMercedesBenzMercedesSlsAmgmike levineMikeLevinePickupTruckspickuptrucks.compodcastpower wagonPowerWagonram power wagonRamPowerWagontoyota hybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridToyota Prius PHEVtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaHybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPhevToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybridTue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #157Autoblog1:35:19podcast; autoblog podcast; toyota hybrid; phev prius; plugin prius; e-class cabrio; mercedes e; toyota; bmw z4<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon gets dirty with PickupTrucks.com]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-2010-dodge-ram-power-wagon-gets-dirty-with-pickuptrucks-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is one very capable full-size pickup truck. Its 383-horsepower HEMI V8 engine is but a small part of a rock-traversing equation that includes a solid front axle, electronic sway bar disconnect and a pair of limited-slip differentials. And while the Power Wagon has its way with the desert rocks, it can also tow over 10,000 pounds and tote nearly 2,000 more in the bed.

The Power Wagon appears to be the heavy duty, no-nonsense off-roader that Ram fans have come to expect since the variant first came online in 2005. Our friend Mike Levine over at Pickuptrucks.com took Dodge's freshly updated gravel king out for some fun at the Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle park in Southern California, and he brought cameras to properly document their adventure. Hit the jump to watch as the Power Wagon goes all Kama Sutra with a raft of contorted poses in the name of articulation and traction.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD


[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon gets dirty with PickupTrucks.com

VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon gets dirty with PickupTrucks.com originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 power wagon2010PowerWagondodge heavy dutydodge ram power wagonDodgeHeavyDutyDodgeRamPowerWagonmike levineMikeLevinepickuptrucksFri, 11 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM kills plans for unibody pickup truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/report-gm-kills-plans-for-unibody-pickup-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/report-gm-kills-plans-for-unibody-pickup-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/report-gm-kills-plans-for-unibody-pickup-truck/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GMC Denali XT concept - click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has reportedly cancel plans for a new unibody mid-sized pickup truck after finding it wouldn't get much better fuel economy than existing body-on-frame designs. In early 2008, GM showed off the GMC Denali XT concept at the Chicago Auto Show. That truck was actually based on the same Zeta rear wheel drive platform used for the Pontiac G8. And unlike the star-crossed G8 ST that never made it into showrooms, the intended production truck would have been derived front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive Epsilon II architecture like Honda's Ridgeline.

GM vice-chairman Tom Stephens told Automotive News the unibody design would not give much of an efficiency boost while losing capability that buyers were willing to pay a premium for. That means the trucks would have been less profitable, something GM is obviously trying to avoid. The current four-wheel drive Chevrolet Silverado pickup has an EPA rating of 14/20 mpg while the all-wheel drive Ridgeline only gets 15/20 mpg, so there's clearly something to this.

As a mid-sized truck, the unibody would have likely replaced the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, two vehicles that are getting long-in-the-tooth. It's not clear how GM plans to handle those products (or that segment) going forward.


Gallery: Chicago 2008: GMC Denali XT concept reveal


[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

REPORT: GM kills plans for unibody pickup truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caminoDenali XTDenaliXtel caminoElCaminoGMC DenaliGmcDenalimid-sizemid-size truckmid-size trucksMid-sizeTruckMid-sizeTruckspickuppickup truckpickup truckspickupspickuptruckpickuptrucksuni-bodyunibody pickupUnibodyPickupunit-body pickupUnit-bodyPickupMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/texas-truck-sales-uptick-seen-as-bellweather-for-auto-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/texas-truck-sales-uptick-seen-as-bellweather-for-auto-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/texas-truck-sales-uptick-seen-as-bellweather-for-auto-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When auto sales began to circle the drain in 2008, no single segment was hurt more than pickup trucks. Sales were cut in half in many instances, pummeling the domestics from Detroit more often than their foreign competition. Truck sales even dropped in Texas - easily the world's largest market for all things with four wheels, a bed and a V8 engine. Some Texas dealers saw sales drop 30% or more in 2008 and 2009, but some signs point to a turning point for truck sales and perhaps even the auto industry as a whole.

In August, the Ford F-150 saw its first year over year sales increase in three years. Automotive News is reporting that dealers in Texas are reporting more fleet and retail traffic, and one ton trucks are beginning to move off the lot again. Analyst Erich Merkle with Autoconomy.com told AN that the increased truck activity in Texas could mean that the auto industry is on the back swing, and more importantly, perhaps the entire American economy.

As an example of how this could play out, Texas is home to many of our nations biggest ranches. Dealers often sell entire fleets of trucks to these massive ranches, and if they are asking for more trucks, the results will be noticeable in our monthly By the Numbers update. And if ranchers are buying trucks again, that means we're making more things and more money changes hands, which means the economy may be bouncing back to life.

We know it's a bit of a stretch to hang the entire economy on Texas truck sales, but more trucks usually means more building and more construction. We're not sure if that's a bellweather for success, but it can't exactly be a bad thing either.


Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150


[Source: Automotive News - Subs. Req'd]

Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy silveradoChevySilveradododge ramDodgeRameconomyford f-150FordF-150pickuppickup truckpickup trucksPickupTruckPickupTruckstexas truck salesTexasTruckSalestruck salesTruckSalesWed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler idling Ram plant it just reopened]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/chrysler-idling-ram-plant-it-just-reopened/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/chrysler-idling-ram-plant-it-just-reopened/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/chrysler-idling-ram-plant-it-just-reopened/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for high-res image gallery

One week after Chrysler announced that it was re-opening seven of its plants, one truck plant is being put back on the shelf. Automotive News reports that the Fenton, MO Dodge Ram 1500 plant will close on July 10, yet the facility will still reopen on June 29.

After the July 10 re-shutdown, the plant will remain closed "contingent upon volumes." In other words, Chrysler already has 68,000 Rams sitting on dealer lots -- a 115 day supply. The Missouri plant is already scheduled for ultimate closure sometime in the third quarter, and since July 10 officially qualifies as being in the third quarter, we've got the feeling the Fenton plant isn't coming back. The 1,200 UAW workers in Fenton will receive buyout package offers and, in some cases, the opportunity to transfer to other plants.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler idling Ram plant it just reopened originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdodgedodge ramdodge ram 1500DodgeRamDodgeRam1500pickup trucksPickupTrucksram 1500Ram1500Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota overtakes Dodge as third best-selling truckmaker in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/toyota-overtakes-dodge-as-third-best-selling-truckmaker-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/toyota-overtakes-dodge-as-third-best-selling-truckmaker-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/toyota-overtakes-dodge-as-third-best-selling-truckmaker-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


As we all know by now, auto sales are down, dropping by around 18% in 2008. Pick-ups actually fared worse, posting a decline of 26.5% over the same period. Still, the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado maintained their positions as the two best selling vehicles in the United States, and these two manufacturers managed to post incremental increases in total pick-up truck market share after all was said and done.

Those increases came directly from the competition, especially Dodge. The full-size Ram truck managed to see its piece of the pie dwindle by almost one full percentage point. Dodge's drop in overall market share allowed Toyota, for the first time ever, to grab the bronze medal behind Ford and General Motors. However, it's not particularly good news for the Japanese upstart, which owns just 8.52% of the market after seeing Tundra sales fall by over 30% in '08 and well short of its stated goal of 200,000 units per year. The last place trophy goes to Nissan, as its 34,000 sales represent a meager 2.11% of the market.

These market share figures include both full-sizers and their smaller brethren, and it was the Toyota Tacoma and the aging Ford Ranger that made the biggest upward moves among the mid-size pick-ups. Again, the biggest loser award goes to Dodge, which saw its Dakota sales fall nearly 65%, and its Mitsubishi Raider stablemate, which posted an insignificant 2,900 total sales.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Toyota overtakes Dodge as third best-selling truckmaker in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodgepickuppickup salespickup truckpickup truck salespickup truckspickupsPickupSalesPickupTruckPickupTrucksPickupTruckSalestoyotatruck salesTruckSalesTue, 13 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HUMMER H3T declared Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/hummer-h3t-declared-pickup-truck-of-the-year-by-four-wheeler/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/hummer-h3t-declared-pickup-truck-of-the-year-by-four-wheeler/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/hummer-h3t-declared-pickup-truck-of-the-year-by-four-wheeler/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the HUMMER H3T

HUMMER might be getting shown the door, but it's not going to leave without taking some of the silverware. Four Wheeler magazine put the marque's newest brute, the H3T Alpha, up against the Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, and... um... the Suzuki Equator (bet you didn't see that one coming), and the V8-powered HUMMER truck took home the medal.

The trials lasted a week and involved traveling 1,000 miles over various terrain from sea level to more than a mile high. According to Four Wheeler, "Not only was the HUMMER highly competent and the staff favorite on the trail, it also has the added pluses of on-road comfort, distinctive looks and a usable pickup bed." While we wouldn't mind seeing the H3T earn the top spot against a wider field and stiffer competition, regardless of year, it's good to see it rewarded for its monumental capability.

Gallery: Review: 2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha


[Source: Four Wheeler]

Continue reading HUMMER H3T declared Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler

HUMMER H3T declared Pickup Truck of the Year by Four Wheeler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsh3th3t alphaH3tAlphahummerhummer h3tHummerH3tpickup trucksPickupTrucksTue, 09 Dec 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/how-quickly-we-forget-cheaper-gas-higher-pickup-and-suv-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/how-quickly-we-forget-cheaper-gas-higher-pickup-and-suv-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/how-quickly-we-forget-cheaper-gas-higher-pickup-and-suv-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Pickup and SUV sales plummeted when gas hit $4 per gallon, and many thought these gas-guzzling segments would never fully recover. That may be true, but for now Americans are once again getting more comfortable with trucks and SUVs. Truck sales fell below 10% of overall vehicle sales back in May and June, but the price of gas falling from an average of $4.11 per gallon to $2.78 has helped the share of trucks rise to 14.1% of the overall market for September. Depending on how buyers react to the financial crisis, October could be even better as gas prices have continued to go down. SUVs have seen a smaller but still significant jump in overall share, going from 1.9% in May to 2.5% in September - a big improvement for a shrinking segment.

Much of the increased interest in trucks and SUVs can easily be attributed to huge incentives on the hoods of these hefty haulers, but gas prices are a big factor, as well. And while most analysts feel the truck market won't recover until construction picks back up, we're sure automakers are happy to see an increase in sales for their most profitable vehicles, even if it takes a pile of cash on the hood to get them moving.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty ]

How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas pricesGasPricesmarket shareMarketSharepickup trucksPickupTruckssuvsTue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Preview: Street Scene Equipment F-150]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/sema-preview-street-scene-equipment-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/sema-preview-street-scene-equipment-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/sema-preview-street-scene-equipment-f-150/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res pic of the SSE F-150 Lariat

Custom truck lovers, it doesn't matter that the whole world might seem to be against you, you will not be forgotten at this year's SEMA. Performance West will be bringing a hotted up F-150 and F-350, and now Street Scene Equipment rumbles onto the stage with it's own entrant, a juiced up 2009 F-150 Lariat.

The SSE job appears to be a little more subdued than the Performance West numbers, but that might just be down to the lack of racing stripes. The Lariat will of course be dropped, because you can't even call it a tuning job if the truck is more than an inch above the ground. After that, the exterior gets new front and rear bumpers and skirts, new mirrors, a bed cap, a tailgate wing, and some of DuPont 's Hot Hues to make it all shiny, among other things.

Inside will be the standard rolling theater treatment: headrest video monitors and a "high-end infotainment system" from Audio Innovations. In keeping with the restrained theme, engine mods looks to be limited to an Air Raid intake and a new exhaust. Subtle ain't such a bad thing, though -- we gotta admit we're digging that grille.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

SEMA Preview: Street Scene Equipment F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketf-150fordford f-150ford f-150 lariatFordF-150FordF-150Lariatpickuppickup trucksPickupTruckssemastreet scenestreet scene equipmentStreetSceneStreetSceneEquipmenttunersTue, 07 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Preview: Mopar bringing Dodge Ram R/T concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/sema-preview-mopar-bringing-dodge-ram-r-t-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/sema-preview-mopar-bringing-dodge-ram-r-t-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/12/sema-preview-mopar-bringing-dodge-ram-r-t-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



With gas prices still leaving people numb, the Dodge Ram R/T probably won't get the reception Chrysler wants - but that doesn't mean the automaker won't give it some good car show loving: Mopar is bringing a 'roided up version of the truck to this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The blue bruiser gets the 5.7-liter HEMI with 390 horsepower, good for enough giddy up to shoot to the truck to 60 mph in under six seconds. The body gets more of the Mr. Olympia treatment: a bulging hood with dual intakes over a deep air dam, a bed cover with a spoiler, a lowered suspension over 22-inch wheels for that "Don't mess!" aggression, and obligatory racing stripes. We like the sound of all that. Come November 4, let the posedown begin.

[Source: 4 Wheels Blog]

SEMA Preview: Mopar bringing Dodge Ram R/T concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler llcChryslerLlcdodgedodge ramdodge ram rtDodgeRamDodgeRamRtmoparmopar dodge rammopar show carMoparDodgeRamMoparShowCarpickup truckpickup trucksPickupTruckPickupTruckssemashow carshow carsShowCarShowCarsFri, 12 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mexico confiscates trucks crossing border for cheap diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/mexico-confiscates-trucks-crossing-border-for-cheap-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/mexico-confiscates-trucks-crossing-border-for-cheap-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/09/mexico-confiscates-trucks-crossing-border-for-cheap-diesel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Thinking with their wallets, and avoiding $4.59/gallon fuel prices, truck owners in the States have been sneaking across the Mexican border to fill up with low-cost diesel (in Mexico, the fuel averages just $2.20/gallon). While filling a primary fuel tank isn't illegal, Mexico prohibits additional fuel tanks (aka auxiliary tanks) to be filled and moved across the border, so many truck owners with long-range tanks are finding themselves breaking Mexican federal law. Truck owners are getting stopped on the Mexican side of the border and their trucks are confiscated while authorities run tests to determine the origin of the fuel. If found in violation, owners face stiff fines. The Mexican Consulate is offering a blanket warning for all truck owners equipped with secondary fuel tanks to not drive those vehicles into Mexico. Not only do those owners risk truck confiscation, but the Mexican fuel is not formulated to U.S. ultra-low-sulfur regulations meaning emissions components will likely be damaged. (As if the trucks breaking the law are fitted with emission components in the first place...)

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mexico confiscates trucks crossing border for cheap diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderDieseldriving acrossDrivingAcrosslow cost fuelLowCostFuelMexicoPickup trucksPickupTruckssave moneySaveMoneySat, 09 Aug 2008 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: HUMMER H3T]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/first-drive-hummer-h3t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the HUMMER H3T

If HUMMER had a theme song, it'd probably be the Allman Brothers' Whipping Post -- the one that goes "Sometimes I feel, sometimes I feel, like I been tied to the whipping post..." The brand has been the go-to effigy when something needs to burn on the altar of eco desecration. But HUMMER doesn't have a theme song, it has the tagline "Like No Other." It also has a new pick-em-up truck we had the chance to drive recently in the High Sierras: the H3T. Follow the jump to find out if it's another HUMMER like no other, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: First Drive: HUMMER H3T

Continue reading First Drive: HUMMER H3T

First Drive: HUMMER H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfirst driveFirstDriveh3h3th3t alphah3talphahummerhummer h3hummer h3tHummerH3HummerH3tpickuppickup truckpickup truckspickupspickuptruckPickupTruckstrucktrucksFri, 08 Aug 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: VW "Robust" pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/spy-shots-vw-robust-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/spy-shots-vw-robust-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/spy-shots-vw-robust-pickup/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Volkswagen pickup codenamed "Robust" has been caught testing again, this time in the U.S. They aren't too different from these spy shots, both sets showing that VW is not going for any kind of flash with its newest pickup. At one point, the regular cab version was speculated to have buttresses, but we'd be surprised if there was that much difference between it and the dual cab. This hauler is about nothing other than good, solid -- and probably cheap -- transportation. Even the name "Robust" will be changed by the time it's introduced, probably to something like Plain White Pickup. Thanks for the tip, Gavin!

[Source: Wheels24]

Spy Shots: VW "Robust" pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pickuppickup truckpickup truckspickupsPickupTruckPickupTrucksrobustvolkswagenvolkswagen robustvolkswagen robust pi...volkswagen robust tr...VolkswagenRobustVolkswagenRobustPi...VolkswagenRobustTr...vwFri, 25 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mike Levine attempts to fit himself in the Dodge RamBox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/video-mike-levine-attemts-to-fit-himself-in-the-dodge-rambox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/video-mike-levine-attemts-to-fit-himself-in-the-dodge-rambox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/video-mike-levine-attemts-to-fit-himself-in-the-dodge-rambox/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The 2009 Dodge Ram is still a couple months from hitting the showroom floor, but we got a chance to check it out during a visit to the Chelsea proving grounds at the Chrysler media event. While we can't tell you how the new Dodge Ram drives, we are pleased to give you details of the revolutionary RamBox. We wanted to tell you how much we could fit into the bed mounted storage, but all we had was Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com. Follow the jump to view Mike as he tries to jam himself into one very confined space. Mike's a skinny guy, so he comes a lot closer to squeezing into the RamBox than you might think.

Continue reading VIDEO: Mike Levine attempts to fit himself in the Dodge RamBox

VIDEO: Mike Levine attempts to fit himself in the Dodge RamBox originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 dodge ram2009DodgeRamDodge RamDodgeRamMike LevineMikeLevinepickuptrucksRamBoxSat, 28 Jun 2008 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota under spotlight for possible Tacoma sudden acceleration]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/toyota-under-spotlight-for-possible-tacoma-sudden-acceleration/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/toyota-under-spotlight-for-possible-tacoma-sudden-acceleration/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/toyota-under-spotlight-for-possible-tacoma-sudden-acceleration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi went through it in the '80s. Jeep went through it a couple years ago. Other makers have been accused of it, and now it's Toyota's turn: the NHTSA is considering investigating Tacoma pickup trucks from 2004-2008 due to claims of unintended acceleration. In one instance, a man said he turned off his cruise control to exit the freeway, and the truck surged on him, forcing him to dodge a few vehicles -- even as he had his foot on the brake pedal.

Toyota says there is nothing wrong with the Tacoma's drive-by-wire system. The trucks that have been inspected have not shown the error codes Toyota would expect if the throttle and accelerator pedal were out of whack. The company wrote to the NHTSA and said, "Toyota believes that it is likely that many of the consumer complaints about the general issue of unwanted acceleration ... as well as many of the complaints about this subject that have been received by Toyota, were inspired by publicity."

We can't comment on the claims of unintended acceleration, as we have no idea if they are true or publicity driven. But we can wonder out loud why the brakes suddenly don't work. No matter what a car does -- even at full power -- the brakes should still do their job. After Audi's debacle, the NHTSA conducted a 2-year investigation of the issue and found nothing wrong with those cars, and everyone who sued Audi lost in court. Perhaps the folks in Tokyo should make time for a call to Ingolstadt.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Toyota under spotlight for possible Tacoma sudden acceleration originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentsinvestigationsnhtsapickuppickup truckpickup truckspickupsPickupTruckPickupTruckssafetytacomatoyotatoyota tacomaToyotaTacomaunintended accelerationUnintendedAccelerationTue, 10 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM jacks up incentives on trucks and SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/gm-jacks-up-incentives-on-trucks-and-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/gm-jacks-up-incentives-on-trucks-and-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/gm-jacks-up-incentives-on-trucks-and-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


click above image for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Tahoe 2-mode Hybrid

We've been waiting for General Motors to step up to the plate with its own incentives now that Ford has offered employee pricing on its F-Series trucks and Dodge has offered $2.99 fuel to go along with its various incentives for the Ram. It seems that GM has finally anted up and increased the incentives for the Silverado, Avalanche and Sierra trucks, along with the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade and Suburban. The pickups all get $2,000 in customer cash to go along with an extra $3,000 if you already own a GM product for a total of $5,000 total off the sticker price. Those shopping for an SUV will even get an extra grand. In what may be an even larger sign of the times, for the first time ever GM's hybrid Tahoe and Yukon get $4,000 off, but only if you already own a product from the General.

If you want to get in on the savings and don't mind guzzling some gas, you have until June 7 to make it to your nearest Chevrolet or GMC dealer. No rush, we doubt there'll be a line.

[Source: Bloomberg]

GM jacks up incentives on trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm truck suv incentivesGmTruckSuvIncentiveshybrid incentivesHybridIncentivespickuppickup incentivespickup truckpickup trucksPickupIncentivespickupspickuptruckPickupTruckssuvsuv incentivesSuvIncentivessuvstruck incentivesTruckIncentivesTue, 10 Jun 2008 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New Use #101 for Unsold Full-Size Trucks: Birds Nest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/new-use-101-for-unsold-full-size-trucks-birds-nest/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/new-use-101-for-unsold-full-size-trucks-birds-nest/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/new-use-101-for-unsold-full-size-trucks-birds-nest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If there were any doubt left that the gas-guzzling truck market was laying an egg, we have proof that it's ready to hatch two. A truck market-savvy bird has declared a lifted, red 2008 F-150 as its new home, and the feathered creature left two eggs on the truck's cowl as proof of residence. The avianic animal likely chose to put its nest at the base of the windshield of a jacked-up pickup to keep said offspring away from predators, but little did it know that the pickup will probably not be leaving the lot anytime soon. Ford of Orange County has roped off the truck, and the environmentally friendly dealership isn't accepting any orders for the pickup until the eggs have hatched and the youngins have flown the coup. There you have it, the full-size truck market is officially for the birds (rim shot). Check out more pics at the source below. Thanks for the tip, Kevin!


[Source: OCRegister, Photo: JOSHUA SUDOCK]

New Use #101 for Unsold Full-Size Trucks: Birds Nest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birdsF-150fordpickup trucksPickupTruckstruck salesTruckSalesMon, 09 Jun 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hecha en Argentina: First official drawing of VW's new pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/hecha-en-argentina-first-official-drawing-of-vws-new-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/hecha-en-argentina-first-official-drawing-of-vws-new-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/hecha-en-argentina-first-official-drawing-of-vws-new-pickup/#commentsFiled under: ,



See that drawing in the right corner of the pic? That's an official VW render of the company's new pickup, internally called the Robust. It's hanging at an event called ExpoAgro in Argentina, where the truck will be built. The banner on the left says "The VW pickup for the field." VW isn't playing around with the model, either, having invested a billion pesos into its Pacheco factory to get ready for the vehicle's 2009 or 2010 launch.

The render presents a neat profile that looks low to the ground -- more ute than pickup really, much like the VW Rabbit pickup from almost three decades ago. We do find the rear sloping roof a bit odd, seeing that it would eat into quite a bit of bed space if the line continued into the bed. But it's just a render, so we don't want to read too much into it. With carmakers putting fake interiors in test mules nowadays, for all we know, the Robust render could also be a hat, or a brooch, or a pterodactyl.

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog]

Hecha en Argentina: First official drawing of VW's new pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pacheco factoryPachecoFactorypickup trucksPickupTrucksrenderingsvolkswagenvolkswagen robustVolkswagenRobustvwvw robustVwRobustMon, 10 Mar 2008 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Size matters when it comes to pickup logos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/size-matters-when-it-comes-to-pickup-logos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/size-matters-when-it-comes-to-pickup-logos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/size-matters-when-it-comes-to-pickup-logos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Some crowds are worried about speed, some about interior volume, some about the number of cupholders. The pickup truck crowd has a tendency to be concerned with size, so the automakers give them what they want. And in this case, it's bigger and bigger logos. Kicking Tires took the real estate measurements of the logos on half-ton pickups at the Detroit Auto Show (and a Hummer, just for good... measure), and ranked them from smallest to the most grandiose. The logo on the new Dodge Ram is 250% larger than before, and it only came in fifth. Click the link to find out who's got the biggest, and let the bragging begin.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Size matters when it comes to pickup logos originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowlogosnaiaspickup trucksPickupTrucksThu, 24 Jan 2008 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM pricing of Silverado and Sierra oddly familiar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/27/gm-pricing-of-silverado-and-sierra-oddly-familiar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/27/gm-pricing-of-silverado-and-sierra-oddly-familiar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/27/gm-pricing-of-silverado-and-sierra-oddly-familiar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

General Motors didn't look too far to find its pricing for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks - they're exactly the same as last year, for the most part. The Silverado and Sierra start at $23,605 for the 4.8L V8, RWD, extended cab, base model, including shipping. The crew cab option bumps the price up to $27,000, also the same as last year's pricing.

Other models are apparently within $300 of last year's pricing, and GM has even reduced the pricing of some of them. The four-wheel drive version of the extended cab model starts at $29,960 for the Chevy and $30,500 for the GMC, the 4WD crew cab'd model starts at $32,515 for the Chevy and $33,055 for the GMC. All models come standard with OnStar, a tire pressure monitoring system, and GM's 5-year/100,000 mile warranty. The trucks start coming down the production lines next week.

[Source: AutoWeek]

GM pricing of Silverado and Sierra oddly familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmcpickup trucksPickupTruckspricingsierrasilveradoWed, 27 Sep 2006 07:05:00 EST