Around the Industry – 4WD187 – Part 1

4WDrive

COLORADO AND CANYON GET NEW DRIVETRAINS

It’s hard to believe that the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are already up for a mid-cycle refresh. For 2017, that refresh will offer an all-new V-6 engine and class-exclusive eight-speed automatic. This second generation of Chevrolet’s double-overhead-cam engine architecture retains the same 3.6L displacement as before, with improved variable valve timing for intake and exhaust, improved direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which disables two cylinders under light throttle applications. Horsepower and torque increase to a 308 hp and 275 lb-ft.

The GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L45 is roughly the same size and weight as the 6L80 six-speed automatic it replaces. However, the eight-speed automatic offers a wider 7.0 overall gear ratio spread giving a higher first gear ratio and lower rear axle ratios that reduce engine rpm on the highway for improved efficiency. The 2017 model year updates, including the new V-6 and eight-speed combination, will arrive at dealerships later this fall.

IS FORD READY TO LAUNCH A DIESEL F-150?

It seems that it isn’t just the General looking to make powertrain changes for 2017. Ford is also preparing a refresh for the 2018 F-150 that is due out later next year. While test mules have been spotted with a fair amount of camouflage covering new front fascia and rear bumper designs, the most substantial update is the inclusion of a diesel engine into the half-ton. While we've long suspected a diesel F-150 was in the works, spy photographers have caught undisputable proof as a diesel engine as been seen under the hood of a test mule and "Diesel Fuel Only!" written behind an open fuel door.

While there are a few different diesel options available to Ford, the likelihood is that the 3.0-L V-6 diesel engine comes courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover. With a diesel-powered Land Rover Range Rover Sport following the diesel Ford, it’s likely that this is the case. In the Range Rover, this engine makes 254 hp and 440 lb-ft, slightly edging out the 240 hp and 420 lb-ft found in the Ram EcoDiesel.

NEW DISCO LOOKS TO BE READY FOR ACTION

While we are still sitting on the fence with the upcoming Land Rover Discovery’s departure from the multi-level greenhouse design found in the previous four generations, its good to see Land Rover are still taking its off-road capabilities somewhat seriously. Land Rover fed us this photo of the new Discovery being put through its paces on the company’s off-road testing grounds.

The new Disco is sporting low-slung bodywork like most of the modern Land Rover line-up, however the camo wrap seems surprisingly unmolested despite the Disco nearly balancing on two wheels. What does have us perplexed is the two screens set over the corner vents on the bumper. We’ll learn more when Land Rover show us the production spec just after the time of printing.