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photos courtesy of GM, Nissan, Toyota
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Nissan Wieck
Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner Powered by Cummins
Nissan is renewing its commitment to the mid-size pickup segment, long a part of its sales success in the United States, with the creation of the Frontier Diesel Runner Powered by Cumminsô. This project truck, based on a Frontier Desert Runner 4x2 model, serves to both gauge the market reaction to a Nissan mid-size pickup with a diesel engine and plot a potential future direction for the Frontier.
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Nissan Wieck
Frontier Diesel Runner
Frontier Diesel Runner.
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photos courtesy of GM, Nissan, Toyota
2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Series
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photos courtesy of GM, Nissan, Toyota
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photos courtesy of GM, Nissan, Toyota
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Steve Fecht Steve Fecht for Chevrolet
Chevy Unveils City Express Work Van And Bi-Fuel Silverado
The bi-fuel version of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD2500 is unveiled Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago, Illinois. The CNG option is available on all Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD models with single rear wheels. With CNG currently priced about 62 percent less per gallon than gasoline, a work truck driven 26,000 miles a year can save more than $2,000 annually based on 75-percent CNG usage and comparable efficiency to gasoline. (Photo by Steve Fecht for Chevrolet)
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Anthony Neff
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photos courtesy of GM, Nissan, Toyota
By Budd Stanley - Photos courtesy of GM, Nissan, Toyota
If the North American International Autoshow in Detroit is North America’s big glamorous reveal of all things shiny and new in the automotive world, then Chicago is the blue collar workers show, displaying all things matte finished and ready to go to work. That proved to be the case once again this year, as manufacturers made Chicago their go-to show to launch all manner of new trucks and 4WD’s.
Last years show featured the public’s first look at the 2014 Toyota Tundra and Ram ProMaster. While there were no all-new vehicles revealed this year, it was still a very busy show with lots of big news for both trucks and 4WD’s. We start with the trend that is sweeping the truck and 4WD market like a virus, smaller and more efficient diesel power pushing anything other than a Super Duty or HD.
CUMMINS 2.8L ALIVE AND WELL IN NISSAN FRONTIER
Nissan threw us a curve ball couple months ago when it revealed that rumours of their involvement with Cummins on a new diesel project rang true, however it was a 5.0L twin-turbo diesel being fitted into the next generation Titan, and not the new 2.8L four-banger that we thought Nissan were going to reveal. Well, it seems as though the 2.8L is alive and well, and it only makes sense that the smaller diesel will make its way into the mid-sized Frontier. At the reveal in Chicago, Nissan pulled the covers off the “Frontier Diesel Runner Powered by Cummins.” At the moment, Nissan are calling this just a project to judge public opinion, however after several years of development, we’re going to go out on a limb and say you’re likely going to see a diesel powered Frontier in the very near future.
At the heart of the Frontier Diesel Runner is a 2.8L four-cylinder diesel engine designed to meet and exceed future emissions standards. As adapted for use in this truck, the engine produces nearly 200 hp and more than 350 lb-ft. of torque, while increasing fuel economy 35 percent over a V-6-powered two-wheel drive 2014 Frontier. While this project is only a RWD version, we’re expecting that Nissan will not be leaving the 4WD crowd left standing when all is said and done. Since, as Nissan are just calling this a project truck, there is no time set for when we might see an oil-burning Frontier in showrooms. All we can say is, what a cool project truck, and get them here fast Nissan.
TOYOTA CREATES TRD PRO-SERIES OFF-ROADERS
Over at Toyota, we get a bit of a good news, bad news situation. The good news is Toyota is taking the off-road lifestyle a little more seriously with the launch of the “TRD Pro Series” line of off-road inspired vehicles. They aren’t ever going to give a Raptor or even a Rubicon a run for the money, however the new TRD Pro Series Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner receive a little shot of off-road credibility. All trucks receive Bilstein remote reservoir shocks, TRD tuned springs, skid plates and of course, the ubiquitous cosmetic treatments that Toyota thinks make their trucks better off-roaders.
More specifically, the TRD Pro Series Tundra also features a 2-in. spring lift with decreased spring rates (we’re loving this as the Tundra is a bit harsh over the washboard), 18-in. black wheels with Michelin ORP tires, dual exhaust system and “TRD PRO” stamped into the rear quarter panel. The Taco also enjoys a 2-in. lift and softer spring rates, a set of 16-in. black “beadlock-style” wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich All-Terrains and a TRD exhaust. Finally, the 4Runner gets only a 1.5-in. lift, an extra inch of suspension travel and badges. Noticeably missing is the FJ Cruiser, Toyota’s dedicated off-roader.
The bad new… they’re not coming to Canada. Talking to Toyota Canada, the TRD Pro Series will be relegated to U.S. customers only. They are quick to point out that they offer many accessories for their trucks amongst which, each of these vehicles can be had as a Trail Teams Special Edition.
LINGENFELTER UNLEASH THE REAPER
We’ve been wondering what’s been taking GM so long to create an aggressive off-road competitor to take on the likes of the Ford SVT Raptor or Ram Power Wagon. Talking to them ourselves, the desire is there, but the execution seems a ways off. Well, thankfully, Lingenfelter ain’t waiting around. Pairing with Southern Comfort Automotive, the two companies revealed their off-road beast to the world in Chicago. Dubbed the Reaper, the Silverado based off-roader has its sights clearly aimed at the Raptor. Getting to the meat of the issue, the Reaper features a 3-in. suspension lift with the aid of Fox Racing shocks, allowing for 33-in. tall tires (you can choose from several tire makes) under the bulging custom fender wells. Other cosmetic enhancements include a forward reaching grille, high ground clearance bumper and a stretched and bulging hood. Under that hood lurks your choice of the EcoTech 5.3L or 6.2L V-8, both providing supercharged power. In the case of the 5.3L, that’s 500 hp, 600 hp for the 6.2L. The Reaper will be available through select GM dealerships across North America with prices expected to be from $55,000 to $65,000 USD. However, at the time of writing we cannot confirm any Canadian dealerships taking part.
2015 SILVERADO HD GETTING CNG OPTION
GM had their updated HD’s on display in Chicago, both the Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500. Along with the new design, the new HD’s provide newfound vigour with segment-leading capabilities across the range. Hauling wise, this includes the highest payload of 3,508 kg (7,374 lb) and the highest conventional trailering rating of 8,890 kg (19,600 lb). The maximum fifth-wheel trailering rating is 10,523 kg (23,200 lb). These are not J2807 SAE standard numbers, so expect some changes when the big three switch over later this year.
While the reveal of the new trucks took place earlier, the big announcement in Chicago was the introduction on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) bi-fuel power for the big HD’s. The 6.0L engine is now available in a bi-fuel model that features special hardened valves and valve seats that enables it to run on compressed natural gas or gasoline. The CNG fuel system is installed by a GM supplier and completed vehicles are delivered directly to the customer.
Of course, the HD will also feature the 6.6L Duramax diesel V-8 linked to an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. Pushing 397 hp and an Earth warping 765 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax utilizes variable vane turbocharger technology that also acts as an exhaust brake to help control or slow the vehicle’s speed. The 6.6L also feature B20 biodiesel capability for an alternative fueling option.
TONKA TRUCK BECOMES A REALITY
GM wasn’t the only one getting the aftermarket special treatment. Tuscany Motor Co. of Indiana chose Chicago to release their latest creation based on the Ford F-150. Tuscany has partnered with Hasbro to procure the exclusive rights to produce what is being called the Tonka F-150. The Tonka features exclusive 20-in. alloy PVD coated wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A LT325/60R20 tires. A 6-in. suspension lift courtesy of Pro-Comp gets the body up over those big tires and includes heavy-duty Pro-Comp performance shocks. The front bumper cover is integrated with a stainless steel billet and an embossed TONKA logo. The hood utilizes functional Ram Air ducts with dual intakes. The three-bar painted replacement grille is standard with billet inserts.
And of course lots of special edition badging and embroidery to let everyone know that this is a properly licensed and branded Tonka truck. Although, we must admit that we didn’t exactly have an F-150 in mind when thinking of a Tonka truck, perhaps the new 2015 F-150 coming later this year will sport the same treatment a little better.