Car Blog Writers

Mitsubishi Trucks Coming to the United States?

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Pickup trucks continue to be one of the best segments in America right now. Even Ford saw the need for more trucks beyond their F-Series lineup and released the Ranger. Rumor has it that Mitsubishi wants to join in the action. The company now plans to bring back Mitsubishi trucks to the United States.

Let’s see what the plans are and how it might affect us in the future.

Mitsubishi trucks
Mitsubishi

Future of Mitsubishi Trucks

There’s no name yet for the Mitsubishi pickup truck set to hit the market, but we have heard some rumors about the Triton. In other markets, it’s called the Strada or L200. We did see some images of a Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept from the Bangkok Motor Show recently in Thailand.

The Triton rivals the Ford Ranger in the U.K. and some other global markets. Even sites such as CarBuyer list the Mitsubishi model as more popular than the Ranger. Bringing it to America would make for quite the matchup within the midsize pickup segment.

What about the Nissan Frontier?

Good question. With the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance, the single platform underpins trucks from all three brands. This includes the Navara. It’s possible that the Triton could also replace the Frontier completely.

While we might not have all the details or know for sure what is going to happen, we do know that Mitsubishi is serious. The company wants to get back into the U.S. market and supplying a mid-size truck seems like the logical step.

The biggest question is when would we see a new Mitsubishi truck. The answer, at this time, is unclear.

What Do You Think?

What do you think about the possibility of these trucks hitting our market? Do you think it could rival the Ranger or is it a waste of time? Let us know your thoughts.

2020 Toyota Tacoma Will Debut at Chicago Auto Show

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The Chicago Auto Show begins in a week and the hype is ramping up already. One of the highlights of the show is the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The Japanese automaker plans to debut it in Chicago this year.

2020 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota

2020 Toyota Tacoma Holds its Ground

The newest version of this top-selling small pickup is poised to hold its ground against the Ford Ranger. General Motors continues to grow in popularity with their new Ranger and Toyota wants to get in the fight.

From what we can see so far, it’s difficult to tell exactly what to expect. The image that Toyota released only shows the new Tacoma from part of the grille and above. What we can see is that the new Toyota truck has a different roof plus a varied headlight design compared to the current model.

While the truck first made it’s way into production back in 2005, the last redesign to the Tacoma occurred in 2016. Since then, there have been numerous redesigns and has always offered trucks that the consumer enjoyed.

Toyota Tacoma Sales

Last year, Toyota invested $150 million to increase their production. Then, they sold 245,659 Tacoma trucks. This was its best year since its release and an astounding increase of 24 percent over 2017. The Chevrolet Colorado came in second place but was nowhere close by number. In fact, Chevy only sold 132,842 units. While this was a 19.3 percent increase for the company over 2017, it wasn’t enough to come close to the Tacoma. This just proves how strong the demand is for the Toyota Tacoma and part of the reason it continues to top the highest resale value lists year after year.

In addition, don’t forget that the company is planning some redesigns with the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Looks like they plan to invest heavily in their truck lineup.

Of course, we will be updating you with all the latest Chicago Auto Show news. Stay tuned to Car Blog Writers. We plan to have information about all the new models being unveiled and the latest tech that’s showcased.

Ram Heavy Duty Pickup Coming to 2019 Detroit Auto Show

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When you think of a full-size pickup, it’s likely the Ram is one of the first three you think about. That’s because we are trained to think of these vehicles in terms of the Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado and Ram. They continuously compete against one another and attempt to outdo each other. That’s why it’s so exciting that we are going to see the Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck at this year’s 2019 Detroit Auto Show.

Ram Heavy Duty pickup
Trucks

Ram Heavy Duty Pickup Specs

The auto world is filled with excitement about the Ram Heavy Duty pickup. It ranges in price from $32,000 to $57,000 for the top of the line model. In addition, the Ram comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system which is going to boost the fuel economy.

Did you know that 1/4 of all the pickup trucks sold are heavy-duty models? These can tow and carry larger loads, so they aren’t just for personal transportation.

Two years ago, Ford held the market with 38% of full-size truck sales thanks to the F-Series. Following right behind you see the Silverado combined with the GMC Sierra sales at 34% of the market. Then, Ram held the third place, but by a considerable difference at just 21%. To gain more traction, something had to change.

The New Ram

The new Ram features a complete redesign. It looks much more like a big rig and dominates the road with a sophisticated appearance. They also removed the cross-hair grille. Spy photographers grabbed some photos of the camouflaged three-quarter ton HD Ram. It’s sure to be a hit with ranchers, farmers and others in need of heavy-duty towing.

While FCA won’t confirm that the Ram Heavy Duty pickup truck will be at the Detroit Motor Show, there’s enough buzz to assume it’s coming. We also expect that the new model will be available in March of this year. Of course, this is just one of the big releases happening from FCA – we also have the Jeep Gladiator to be excited about.

GMC Sierra AT4 Now Available With Performance Package

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GMC has always produced a capable pickup and we knew something exciting was about to happen; we just didn’t know what. Now we have the inside scoop! The GMC Sierra AT4 is now available with a performance package.

GMC Sierra AT4
GMC

What is the GMC Sierra AT4 Performance Package?

If you want to get the idea of what we are looking at with the GMC Sierra AT4, peek at the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 Trailboss. These two trucks have a lot of the same features. You get the two-inch trail-tuned suspension lift, Rancho shocks plus 33-inch Goodyear Duratracks. While these basic features are the same, the AT4 has a lot more to offer.

Let’s start by looking at what’s happening in the rear. You have the option of a five or eight-food bed; each with 62.9 or 89.1 cubic-foot capacity. There’s also a 110V outlet plus a folding step which comes out of the tailgate.

Even though that all sounds incredibly thrilling, there’s something even more amazing. There’s a carbon-fiber composite bed. That’s right! This top of the line bed is going to be available for the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4.

More Details

Of course, this fun package won’t be in dealerships until later in 2019, but that hasn’t stopped GM from showing it off. The new carbon-fiber bed panels increase the durability, reduce weight plus offer a unique look.

Aside from that, GM also updated the exterior to offer a performance appearance. It has red tow hooks plus grille inserts. There’s a multi-color head-up display combined with a rear-camera mirror; ideal for any luxury truck buyer. In fact, if you aren’t towing, you might just forget you are in a truck.

We aren’t sure what the fuel economy will be yet. If we look at the 2019 Trailboss, we might get an idea since this pickup is rated at 15/20 mpg. We imagine that the Sierra 1500 GT4 might do better than that considering it has a composite bed construction included.

We will be sure to give you more information as we receive it. Don’t forget that the Chevrolet Silverado 6.2-liter OHV V8 with DFM was just named to the 2019 Wards Best Engines list.

2020 Ram Heavy Duty: First Look

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After telling you about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD, we’ve taken our first look at the 2020 Ram Heavy Duty and are quite impressed. Now we have an idea what to expect with the newest lineup.

2020 Ram Heavy Duty
Trucks

Updates to the 2020 Ram Heavy Duty

The styling gets an overhaul in the 2020 Ram Heavy Duty. It features a larger front end, forward-leaning grille and a larger front clip than the 1500.

Just like the 2019 Ram 1500, the Heavy Duty ditches Ram’s signature crosshairs grille. Each trim will receive its own design. The Bighorn receives a black plastic mesh with silver RAM logo. Then, the Laramie receives a billet-inspired grille and chrome shell. At the top of the line, the Ram Limited comes with a chrome mesh and signature nostrils. For off-road enthusiasts, the Power Wagon provides an open-element design and mesh surrounding.

The bed features a heavy-duty steel construction. Then, they’ve worked hard to trim weight in the tailgate plus used an aluminum hood and door skins. We expect to see the same powertrain options: 5.7-liter HEMI V8 producing 383 horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI sending out 410 horsepower and the Cummings turbodiesel I-6 which makes 410 horsepower.

Some Good News

It looks like the Ram Heavy Duty will also have an available six-speed manual transmission. This is good news for those who like to be in control. Of course, this option only looks like it will be available with the lower-output model that features a Cummins with 350 horsepower.

All in all, we are most excited about the Power Wagon. It’s capable and offers the Articulink front suspension. It also comes complete with a 12,000-pound Warn winch attached to the front bumper. In addition, this truck will have locking differentials in the front and rear. This next-generation off-roader is going to set itself apart from the predecessor.

The 2020 Ram Heavy Duty will be seen at the 2019 North American International Auto Show held in January. We will have all the news from Detroit as it happens, so stay tuned to Car Blog Writers.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD First Look

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The time has come to take a first look at the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD. We don’t know everything yet, but we’ve learned quite a bit about the new Chevy truck.

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD
Chevrolet

2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Details

This year, the Chevy Silverado 1500 received a redesign while the Silverado HD waited another year.

We expect to see the Silverado HD this February, but in the meantime, we do have some details. It will be built in Flint, Michigan with many of the other GM trucks. With that said, this pickup won’t be anything like it’s 1500 little brother.

The 2020 2500 Z71 will feature a big scoop which clearly means it’s ready to get to business. What kind of activity will this truck be able to handle? We don’t know yet. The automaker is being super quiet about the details.

As far as the exterior of the Silverado HD, everything will be brand-new. It will have an updated front fascia, new headlights, new hood, updated bumper and modern grille with a crossbar highlighting the word “CHEVROLET.” On the sides, you’ll find new mirrors and an innovative bed step. As we move to the rear, it features an updated bumper, tail lights and tailgate.

The only thing that’s similar to the Silverado 1500 is the roof. Otherwise, it’s unique and wonderful all by itself.

As far as power options, there will be two choices. One is a “new gasoline engine” paired to a six-speed transmission. The other is the Duramax V8; probably the 6.6-liter diesel that outputs 445 horsepower plus 910 pound-feet of torque, but we aren’t sure about that yet either.

While we do know that the HD will come with an increase in payload and towing capability, we don’t know much about that yet either. The company has been very secretive up until now. What’s most interesting is that they happily told the media that the features and technology of the truck are geared toward heavy-duty customers. We can’t wait until February to learn more.

What Else is New With Chevy?

Not that long ago, we also told you about how the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was rated by EPA. We also showed you the two special editions created for the Chevrolet Colorado. All this news paired with the latest 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD shows the company is moving in the right direction.

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