Around the Industry 4WD188 – Part 2

Around the Industry 4WD188 – Part 2

NISSAN TAKE HOME SIX AWARDS FROM TEXAS

It was a successful trip to Texas for the Japanese auto manufacturer as Nissan walked away from the Texas Truck Rodeo with an arm-full of hardware. The event, held this year at the 1,632-acre Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas, included gruelling on-road and off-road evaluations. Nissan vehicles won a total of six awards, including three for the new TITAN full-size pickup line-up.

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has named the all-new 2017 Nissan Armada full-size SUV, the “SUV of Texas”, while the Nissan Murano was awarded the "Mid-size Crossover of Texas" for the second consecutive year. Three iterations of the 2017 TITAN pickup finished at the top of their categories. "Full-size Truck of Texas" was awarded to the new TITAN Texas Edition SL Crew Cab. The new TITAN XD Single Cab Diesel won “Commercial Vehicle of Texas”, and finally "Best Value" went to the new TITAN XD Single Cab.

JEEP PULL COVERS OFF THE NEXT COMPASS

In celebration of the start of production at FCA’s Jeep Assembly Plant in Goiana, Brazil, the Jeep brand introduced the all-new Jeep Compass in Brazil. The new Compass expands the brand’s global reach with an improved combination of attributes that includes Jeep’s 4x4 off-road capability, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, premium and authentic Jeep design, superior on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, and a host of safety and advanced technology offerings.

The most capable compact SUV ever, the new Compass will be available in North America in the first quarter of 2017.

GM DROPS BOMB ON TRUCK POWER WARS

Chevrolet has announced the redesigned Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel offered on the 2017 Silverado HD. This next-generation redesign offers more horsepower and torque than ever — an SAE-certified 445 hp and 910 lb-ft — to enable easier, more confident hauling and trailering.

Along with a 19 percent increase in max torque over the current Duramax 6.6L, the redesigned turbo-diesel’s performance is quieter and smoother, for greater refinement. In fact, engine noise at idle is reduced 38 percent. The new Duramax shares essentially only the bore and stroke dimensions of the current engine and incorporates a new, GM-developed control system. The Duramax’s signature low-rpm torque production hasn’t changed and still offers 90 percent of peak torque at a low 1,550 rpm and sustains it through 2,850 rpm.

GMC ADDS ALL TERRAIN X TRIM TO HD

Sticking with GM, GMC has recently introduced the newest member of the All Terrain X line-up – the 2017 Sierra HD All Terrain X - the most off-road-capable model in the Sierra HD line-up. It joins Canyon and Sierra 1500 this fall as the third model in GMC’s distinctive, limited-edition All Terrain X series, offered on the Sierra 2500HD crew cab 4WD with a 6.0L gas V-8 engine or the all-new, next-generation Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel.

The All Terrain X’s customized appearance blends a premium package of monochromatic exterior trim and special equipment, complemented with GMC’s latest technologies that include 18-in black-painted aluminum wheels wrapped with LT275/65R18 Goodyear Duratrac MT-rated tires, 4-in black sport side steps, the Z71 off-road suspension package, LED off-road driving lamps and an Eaton automatic locking rear differential is also standard. Additional cosmetic enhancements include a unique body-colour grille surround with “All Terrain” insert, sport bar designed to support available GMC Accessories and spray-on bedliner.