Power, durability drive new pickups
TRUCKS: Companies roll out new models that offer styling, comfort and dependable towing ability
Whether pickup trucks are used to haul family and home renovation supplies or work full time doing commercial duty, the platform is perennially popular.
Change seems to be the only constant in the segment, and there are more makes and models available that should meet the needs of just about any consumer. Here are five that are worth a look on the convention centre floor.
Ford’s got the all-new 2017 Super Duty at its display. The truck features the automaker’s toughest fully boxed high-strength steel frame, one they say is 24 times stiffer than the outgoing chassis. And, the truck is lighter now thanks to its military-grade aluminum alloy body — the body panels are more dent resistant, and they also end the issue of red rust corrosion.
Specially designed for towing, the latest Super Duty makes that chore even easier as Ford has equipped the truck with as many as seven cameras to help a driver monitor conditions all around the vehicle. There’s even a camera mounted up high in the centre stop lamp to aid hooking up a fifth-wheel trailer.
Mini-trucks were once a hot commodity in decades past, but trucks have steadily grown larger. General Motors knows not everyone wants or needs a big truck, so in 2015 — after a two-year absence — the automaker re-launched their mid-size Colorado in the Chevrolet lineup. The latest news regarding the smaller truck is a new four-cylinder 2.8-litre Duramax turbo diesel engine for a stumppulling 369 pound-feet of torque and 181 horsepower. The diesel model is equipped with four-wheel drive, and also features an exhaust brake to enhance vehicle control and improve brake pad wear when driving down hills. The Colorado diesel, when properly equipped, should be good to tow a maximum 3,493 kilograms, or 7,600 pounds.
Don’t miss taking a look at the long-awaited second generation 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The unconventional Ridgeline has been redesigned, and although it looks more truck-like in appearance, it retains many features that make the Ridgeline unique such as the in-bed trunk. Honda claims the new Ridgeline offers superior on-road performance with its unibody construction, class-leading cabin space and an in-bed audio system — for those tailgate parties. A 3.5-L V-6 engine powers the Ridgeline.
Be sure to take a look at Nissan’s Titan XD. With this vehicle, the automaker is challenging the full-sized truck segment. Exterior and interior designs were created at Nissan Design America with an over-arching theme of ‘powerful precision tool.’ While tough-looking, aerodynamics played a critical role in the design process and there is a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers and underbody covers. Powering the Titan XD is a V-8 Cummins 5.0L turbo diesel — said to combine maximum durability and power in a lightweight package. Nissan claims the Titan XD — when properly equipped — has a maximum payload of 2,000 pounds and can tow 12,000 pounds.
Ram is showcasing the 1500 Sport here at the show. The limited edition Sport versions of the popular Ram trucks are available in crew cab, 4x2 and 4x4 models. Powering the Sport is a 395 horsepower Hemi V-8 engine mated to an eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission. There’s a special 3.92 gear set in the rear differential, dual exhaust, vented sport hood and 20-inch wheels. The features continue with four available colours, including Ignition Orange, Torred Red, Stinger Yellow and Ceramic Blue. Inside, there is body colour accent stitching throughout the cabin, Sport embroidery on the seat backs, accent colour Ram’s head on the headrests and coloured accent sport mesh on the seat inserts.