Autoblog

2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, GM, GMC

Despite initially launching in just the Crew Cab configuration, the lineup of 2014 GMC Sierra and 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trucks will eventually grow to include three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Oddly enough, our first look at the Regular Cab bodystyle has arrived in a General Motors press release discussing the aerodynamics of the new truck, with an image showing a Sierra Regular Cab testing in the wind tunnel. GMC's website says that Regular Cab and Double Cab models will be available by summer.

While it really didn't take too much imagination to figure out what the two-door version would look like, this Regular Cab Z71 looks pretty sharp with its standard-length (6.5-feet) bed - a longer bed will also be offered. In regards to the aero tuning of the 2014 Sierra, these images show just how far GM has gone in maximizing the truck's fuel efficiency and reducing its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Interestingly, the press release shows visual evidence that keeping the tailgate up is best for aero - there's always been some Mythbusters-level contention about such things -but GM also says that adding tonneau covers (preferably soft) and running boards can also help improve the overall aerodynamics. Scroll down for all of this aero info in the official press release.

Continue reading 2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed

2014 GMC Sierra Regular Cab revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Chevrolet Silverado

Zach Bowman — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, First Drives, Off-Road

The Fullsize Pickup, Refined

No one's underestimating the importance of the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. While General Motors continues to shovel the current generation off dealer lots at an impressive pace, it would be too kind to simply say the old mule has started to show its age. The GMT900 platform that's rolling along under the 2013 model has been underpinning fullsize GM trucks since 2007, and while the Silverado has stayed competitive through most of the intervening six years, the past two haven't been kind to the machine.

Ford just won't quit sharpening its F-150 in one way or another, throwing interior and driveline updates at the stalwart pickup with the fevered pace of a company possessed. Like the Silverado, the F-150 is no fresh piece of hardware, but fuel-efficient and powerful engine options and a well-sorted interior put the truck consistently ahead of the now aged Chevrolet. And then there's the Ram 1500. Chrysler let loose with both barrels with the 2013 update, tearing into the fullsize market with a beautiful cabin, excellent tech and plenty of clever engineering.

Chevy engineers stood back and watched this happen, biting their tongues and whittling away all the while on the next-generation 2014 Silverado. There are only a handful of carryover parts from old machine to new, and the result is a pickup that offers more power, efficiency and refinement than the previous generation while holding the pricing line. This is, without a doubt, the best Silverado ever built, but does that make it the best pickup?

Continue reading 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

2014 Chevrolet Silverado originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country

Chris Paukert — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, Luxury, Off-Road

It's no secret that fullsize pickups are the financial engines that power Detroit automakers - it's been that way for decades. In recent years, though, growing consumer appetites for dolled-up trucks has meant even more opportunities for manufacturers to line their coffers while pleasing increasingly discerning customers. Trims like King Ranch on the Ford F-Series and Laramie Longhorn on Ram trucks now include high-end amenities that were the exclusive preserve of luxury cars just a few years ago.

General Motors has been content to let its GMC brand harvest top-shelf pickup buyers for some time now - particularly with its high-line Denali models - but it's hard to turn away easy profits. GM says over 30 percent of new pickup sales now transact above $40,000, and that figure is growing by the year. Thus, it's no surprise that execs are finally letting Chevrolet get in on the action with this new range-topping High Country trim for the 2014 Silverado. Officials tell Autoblog that it's the first premium-branded Chevy pickup since the Cameo Carrier of the 1950s.

Sitting above the LTZ and Z71 off-road model, the Silverado High Country sets itself apart with trim-specific chrome grille and body-color bumpers front and rear - the only fullsize Chevy so equipped - along with unique 20-inch alloy wheels and a few bits of chrome frosting to go with the usual complement of badges. Available only in crew cab configuration, High Country will be offered in both two- and four-wheel drive with the buyer's choice of V8 engines - 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter - along with either a 5-foot, 8-inch or 6-foot, 6-inch box. There are no specific powertrain or suspension calibrations for the model.

Continue reading Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country

Chevy sees greener pastures with 2014 Silverado High Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Chevy Silverado details continue to dribble out

Zach Bowman — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

PickupTrucks.com has gotten its hands on a few more details concerning the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2014 GMC Sierra. General Motors held a conference call on the two trucks, allowing Jeff Luke, executive chief engineer for both, to answer a few questions. Luke said truck buyers are largely concerned with power and fuel economy, and as such, GM will continue to explore new methods of providing both. That may translate into any number of drivetrain permutations, including light-duty diesel engines, eight-speed transmissions or even a twin-turbocharged V6.

What's more, both the 2014 Silverado and its GMC twin will boast a tow rating of 11,500 pounds, but only when equipped with a max-trailering package. Without that special package, the rating drops to 10,200 lbs for regular cabs and 9,700 lbs for crew cabs. Buyers will no longer be able to opt for a 4.10 gear ratio.

We're also excited to hear that GM plans on making the Z71 package into something more than just a few a stickers. While Luke didn't go into details, PickupTrucks.com says "it will get significant improvements in the future." Head over to the site for a quick rundown of the call's highlights.

2014 Chevy Silverado details continue to dribble out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Share of trucks being sold in U.S. at 31-year low

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Auto sales were up sharply in April, but trucks continue to make up less of the overall pie. Ward's Automotive reports that light-duty pickups accounted for only 11.8 percent of overall vehicle deliveries; the lowest total since Ward's began collecting data back in 1980. Back in 2005, when the auto industry and the economy at large was far healthier, light trucks accounted for 22.9 percent of all vehicles sold.

There are a lot of reasons truck sales are flagging as of late, not the least of which is gasoline prices that are currently at about $4 per gallon nationwide. But truck sales are also being hurt by unemployment rates and continued weakness in the housing sector.

Trucks are no longer such a large portion of over all car sales, but the utilitarian vehicles are still selling far better than they were in 2010. Truck sales are up 17.9 percent year-over-year, but that number has been outpaced by overall growth of 19.4 percent.

While trucks aren't quite as popular as they were a few years ago, we suspect that this trend may lose steam as the economy improves. After all, light trucks continue to outsell cars even with high gas prices and a poor housing market, though the advantage is down to 5,000 units so far in 2011.

Share of trucks being sold in U.S. at 31-year low originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Wince-inducing Chevy Silverado jump attempt

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Safety, Videos, Chevrolet

Chevy Silverado takes a leap of faith - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'd bet that most Dukes of Hazzard fans figured out by age 10 that no 1969 Dodge Charger could take the abuse dished out by the Duke boys. And even if you thought the General Lee could really nail all those jumps, you probably didn't feel so confident about "Crazy" Cooter Davenport's ability to do the same in his 1968 Chevrolet pickup.

If only everyone had this much common sense. Beyond the jump is video proof that all would-be stunt drivers should befriend a mathematician and a physicist before attempting any stupid jumps. The beginning of the video looks promising enough, as the beat-up old Silverado approaches the dirt ramp, but it doesn't take long for the epic fail to unfold. Good thing the driver was wearing a helmet, because this does not look like a minor collision. Hit the jump to watch and cringe for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Wince-inducing Chevy Silverado jump attempt

Video: Wince-inducing Chevy Silverado jump attempt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GMC, First Drives

2011 GM HD Trucks - Click above for high-res image gallery

Usually whenever we head out to a new vehicle press launch, we have to sit through exhaustive technical and marketing presentations before we get a chance to climb behind the wheel. However, General Motors put us straight into a dual-rear wheel GMC Sierra 3500 crew-cab diesel upon our arrival in Baltimore. On the docket? A 130-mile trek from Baltimore airport to Rocky Gap Lodge in the Allegheny mountains of western Maryland with Vehicle Line Executive Rick Spina sitting shotgun.

We actually appreciated this 'backwards' approach, because it gave us the opportunity to develop some 'gut' impressions of these new trucks even before we got the attendant sales pitch. For a two-hour, mostly highway jaunt, the duallie SLT proved to be a surprisingly amiable companion, but it was just the first of seven different trucks we would drive over the next couple of days. Read on past the jump find out what GM's new heavy duty trucks are like when sampled in a range of real-world conditions.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 GM HD Trucks

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard

First Drive: 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Heavy Duty trucks set new HD standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty ups the ante

Michael Harley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chevrolet, Off-Road

2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Identified by its new power dome hood, a styling throwback, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD arrived at the Chicago Auto Show riding on an all-new ladder frame, suspension, and axles - about the only carry-over part is the front stabilizer bar link that connects the stabilizer bar to the lower control arm. Maximum towing capacity is up to 20,000 pounds with the DRW Duramax diesel and fifth wheel combo (yes, that trumps the Ford F-Series Super Duty F-350 apples to apples). The gasoline-fed SRW 6.0-liter V-8 engine will pull 14,500 pounds with a fifth wheel.

In addition to the beefy hood, the front bumper has been revised with a larger emblem and a more gaping intake - designed to improve transmission cooling. Other improvements include 17-inch wheels (standard) or optional new 18- or 20-inch alloys. The dual rear-wheel tires are still 17-inch, but they now accommodate taller aspect ratio tires. The improvements for 2011 are all good news for heavy duty truck buyers with the exception of the wheel bolt pattern - the eight-lug hub has a slightly different measurement meaning 2007-10 wheels simply won't fit. See the rest of the details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD at Chicago Auto Show

Continue reading Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty ups the ante

Chicago 2010: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty ups the ante originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD to debut in Chicago

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Truck, Work, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Diesel

According to our friends over at PickupTrucks.com, Chevrolet will show off the latest iteration of its Heavy Duty pickup truck at the Chicago Auto Show next month. The 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 (2010 model shown above) are expected to be equipped with a new version of the well-regarded 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine that will almost assuredly use a urea solution to curb nitrogen oxide emissions. General Motors continues to partner with the diesel experts at Isuzu for the Duramax engine.

Under what's sure to be somewhat revised sheetmetal will reportedly be an all-new chassis along with some "other surprises," surmises PickupTrucks.com. We expect a GMC Sierra HD to also be on display, but we can't say for sure. We'll be on hand in Chicago to see how GM reacts to the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickups and their all-new 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine, so stay tuned.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD to debut in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?

Chris Shunk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM

Click above to watch the video after the jump

When gas prices spiked and automakers began focusing more attention on fuel efficient cars and crossovers, we began wondering if the pickup truck's best days were behind it. The next big blow came when domestic automakers began postponing or canceling development of light-duty diesel engines for their half-ton trucks. Then, when things were at their bleakest, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor arrived. The SVT-badged baja bruiser is one serious piece of hardware, with unique Fox struts and 35-inch rubber.

With the overwhelmingly positive reaction that the Raptor has received, we've been wondering if General Motors, Chrysler or even Toyota would follow suit with their own sand monster. After seeing a Camaro video posted by Chevrolet on YouTube, we may have evidence that it's a strong possibility.

The purpose of the video is to showcase several new Camaro graphics packages that will appear at SEMA next month, but anyone can see the pair of pics in the upper right hand corner that show a bad ass green machine dressed up in a bow tie and sporting six-spoke wheels. The hopped-up Silverado is lifted to within an inch of its life with highly flared wheel wells to corral all that rubber, but it's hard to tell if the mods are more for show than actual dune diving. Hit the jump to check out the video, and clap twice out loud if you want Chevy to take on Ford's Raptor.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter?

SEMA Preview: Will GM debut a bowtie-badged Raptor fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors gave embattled Flint, MI a rare bit good news today with the announcement that the truck assembly plant in the company's home town will add some additional production. The truck plant on the south side of the city currently builds heavy duty versions of the GMT900 trucks (Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra) including all of the crew cab versions. GM has decided to spend $21 million on new tooling for the plant that will allow it to add production of light duty crew cabs as well.

With truck sales seeing some recovery this year with sustained lower fuel prices and the Oshawa truck plant closing, GM decided some extra light-duty crew cab capacity was warranted. Crews will start to make the modifications to the assembly line in the last quarter of this year and production is scheduled to start next July with the 2011 models.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups

GM investing $21M in Flint assembly plant to build light-duty crew cab pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota

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.

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Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Off-Road

Quick - What's the best-selling light-duty pickup truck in America? Did you say the Ford F-150? Not so fast. According to the J.D. Power Information Network (via our friends at PickupTrucks.com), General Motors sold more Chevy Silverado 1500 pickups (119,959 units) in June that Ford sold F-150s (107,778 units), and that's not a fluke.

It seems that the automakers don't actually break out the sales of each pickup line when reporting overall figures, so Ford lumps all F-Series (F-150, F-250, F-350...) sales together when it correctly lays claim to the title of Best-Selling Pickup Line in America. Ford's Super Duty series commands nearly 50-percent of the HD pickup market, which puts the Blue Oval on top of the overall sales race.

Interestingly, all three American automakers picked up full-size pickup market share at the expense of Nissan and especially Toyota, which saw sales of its Tundra plummet from 76,516 units to just 36,106 units in June of 2009 compared to one year ago. Click here for the full breakdown of full-size truck sales data.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Numbers Don't Lie: Silverado beats out F-150 as America's best-selling light-duty pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 spotted

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet

The market for the largest of non-commercial pickup trucks may still be contracting, but it remains a necessary and profitable segment for American automakers that the imports have yet to infiltrate. You can bet that General Motors, Ford and Dodge will do their utmost to keep it that way, a point proven by this spy photo of the 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500 over at PickupTrucks.com. At first glance, it might be hard to notice the differences over the current HD behemoth, but closer inspection reveals that the entire front clip has been heavily revised.

The bumper has lost the huge chrome slabs that act as controversial visual bookends to the wide expanse under the grille of today's truck, which now houses rectangular fog lamps. A larger air inlet smack dab in the center of the new bumper funnels a cooling breeze to what appears to be a transmission oil cooler that may prove necessary given the huge loads that the Duramax diesel V8 will be able to haul with its rumored peak of over 700 lb-ft of torque.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Spy Shots: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 "indefinitely postponed"

Chris Shunk — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Green, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

General Motors' 4.5-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine has become the latest casualty of the automotive downturn, as GM has put the promising powertrain on indefinite hold. The General follows Ford, Toyota, and Dodge in dropping light diesel engines from its near-term plans. GM spokesperson Susan Garavaglia told Pickuptrucks.com that the project has not been canceled, and that the General was "still very interested" in using the innovative diesel powertrain in the future.

The 4.5-liter Duramax diesel sounds terrific on paper, with a 25% improvement in fuel economy, 310 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque for towing, and an innovative design that cuts weight while also saving $600 per engine. The news will be difficult for fans of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra anxiously waiting for a diesel engine in a light duty pickup truck. Still, GM points out that it has a dual-mode hybrid truck that can achieve 40% better fuel economy in the city, along with a full line of gasoline and diesel engine offerings in its truck lineup.

While the 4.5-liter diesel isn't going into GM trucks and SUVs any time soon, the General says it would still consider license the technology to a third party if the deal was beneficial to all involved.

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: GM 4.5L light-duty diesel V8 "indefinitely postponed" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota

Click above to watch the video

In today's world, you'd imagine that any new full-size pickup truck can handle the daily grind with ease. And for the most part, you'd be right. But when the time comes for heavy hauling, not all trucks are created equally. Each manufacturer can probably come up with scenarios where its particular pickup performs better than the competition, but after watching Ford's video, hosted by Dirty Job's Mike Rowe, we feel that the footage offers a few compelling reasons why the Blue Oval's latest F-150 might be the pick of the litter.

Up first is the well-known rough road test, and we were shocked by how much difference there was between how the F-150 handled the exam compared to the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra. You've got to watch it to see what we mean. After that is a test of fuel efficiency, and all we know about the procedure is that the most efficient engine option was chosen and, not surprisingly, the Ford came out on top. The third test involved placing a 993-pound spool of cable in the bed and running through a handling course and again, the results were enlightening. Lastly, an improperly loaded trailer was hooked to each truck and sway was induced.

In each test, the trucks were driven by a set of professional drivers, including Tanner Faust (that boy ain't right indeed), and the scenes were recorded from every conceivable angle. We're not going to suggest that these results conclusively show that the F-150 is the best truck available under all circumstances. What we will say, is that the footage after the break is certainly entertaining. Thanks for the tip, Kevin!

Continue reading VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups

VIDEO: Mike Rowe takes on dirty job of comparing full-size pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Photos: 2010 Chevy Silverado HD

Dan Roth — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Chevrolet, GM

Look quickly, and you'll miss the changes, but GM's got some subtle exterior tweaks in store for its Heavy Duty trucks in 2010. Development doesn't stop even though the practice of using a pickup truck as a commuter car is no longer popular, so GM is plugging away at a new Silverado to avoid being passed up by its competitors.

Competition aside, there's also the issue of federal regulations to comply with, so changes were necessary no matter what. Most noticeably, the bumper changes, gaining a strip of trim that extends across the top, doing away with the overemphasized corner look of the current cow catcher. Looking more closely at the bumper, the air intake in the middle appears to have grown in size. That opening feeds the transmission cooler, so the speculation is that the Allison transmission has picked up extra ratios. Of course, it could just be bigger to gain an edge on thermal management underhood, but we're going to jump on the bandwagon of being excited for more cogs spun by the heavily revised 6.6-liter Duramax diesel with urea injection. That'd be just the thing to tow the Alero.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com, Photo: Priddy]

Spy Photos: 2010 Chevy Silverado HD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM full-size trucks earn industry's "only" 5-star side-impact rating

John Neff — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

You have to watch those PR folk, their inclination to spin the facts can sometimes cause people to see what's not there. Take for instance news released today that the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 both received top five-star side-impact safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The release states that GM's GMT-900 pickups are now the only full-size pickups with five stars for side-impacts in the industry. This is true, but only because none of the other pickups have been rated yet. If you check the NHTSA's safercar.gov website, which hosts the crash test ratings for every vehicle tested, you'll find that the 2008 Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan are all listed as "Not Rated" when it comes to side-impact crash tests, and neither are models of each pickup from previous years. So while GM's claim is true, one shouldn't also assume its competition isn't just as safe in a side-impact crash until the NHTSA side-impact crash test proves otherwise.

View the full press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM full-size trucks earn industry's "only" 5-star side-impact rating

GM full-size trucks earn industry's "only" 5-star side-impact rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy

John Neff — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Chevrolet, Toyota

Earlier this week we told you about a pickup truck comparison in the most recent issue of Consumer Reports that seemed a bit fishy. The comparison pitted the new 2007 Toyota Tundra against the 2007 Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. It was clearly a fight between the Tundra and Silverado from the get-go, since both were the only two completely new trucks in the test. The Tundra, however, seemed to have an advantage in that it was ordered up with the larger of its two engines, the 5.7L V8 producing 381 hp. The Silverado, while available with a more evenly matched 6.0L Vortec MAX V8, was ordered with a less powerful 5.3L V8 producing 315 hp. Not only that, but the Tundra benefited from a 4.30 rear axle ratio that provides better towing and acceleration than the 3.73 ratio in the Silverado, which sacrifices those qualities for better fuel economy. The Silverado, however, could've been ordered with a more comparable 4.10 rear axle ratio at no extra charge.

Well, the gentlefolks at CR recently posted an answer to everyone's questions about this particular half-ton pickup comparo on their blog, which you should go read by clicking here before going on. They explain that choosing equipment for vehicles involved in a comparison is a tricky thing that involves balancing the objective of several goals.

"In general, we want to test a representative vehicle that is comparable to other vehicles in the test group (and previously tested peer vehicles). We also typically test the version--powertrain and trim level--that most regular consumers will buy. "

Read on after the jump to hear our take on CR's explanation.

Continue reading Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy

Consumer Reports responds to pickup comparo controversy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows

John Neff — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Toyota

While we do respect the folks over at Consumer Reports, we do not envy them. Whether the subject is vacuums, lawnmowers or half-ton pickups, nearly every test they perform is scrutinized down to the tiniest of details. We suppose it goes with the reputation of being the most reliable source of production information for consumers, but it's gotta be hell on the nerves.

In its most recent issue, CR is publishing a report on half-ton pickups that might have some crying foul and revisiting claims the publication is biased in favor of imports. Included in the test are the 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8, 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L V8, 2007 Ford F-150 5.4L V8 and 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8. The report puts an emphasis on towing, and (spoiler alert) the Toyota Tundra received the best score of the four pickups. The Tundra also received the "Recommended" label from CR (as did the Dodge Ram 1500), and was awarded a predicted reliability rating of "Very Good" thanks to the past performance of all Toyota's in CR's reader survey results.

We can already hear the grumbling. The domestic half-tons are offered in such a dizzying array of configurations, why didn't CR choose to buy a Silverado with the larger 6.0L V8 and a 4.10 rear-axle ratio (a no-cost option that would have matched the Tundra's ratio)? Jake Fisher, a senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports, told Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com, "For our readers, fuel economy is more important than gaining an extra second or two faster time 0 to 60, and we tested the trucks we felt were configured as our subscribers would use them."

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Continue reading Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows

Consumer Reports rates half-ton pickups, raises eyebrows originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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