Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Cadillac Escalade ESV Like a multi carat ring paraded on the finger of an NBA wife, some things are just so damn shiny and flashy that they don’t require a formal introduction. Whether due to overwhelming size or a high blinding factor, there’s just no escaping the brilliance. This was the case with the Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT models that were officially, yet unceremoniously, unveiled at the North American International Truck Show in Detroit. There was no press conference rally, no fireworks the sharp new look, generous use of chrome, and lustrous black paint said all that needed to be said.
Following the recent debut of the Cadillac Escalade, the Chevrolet Suburban based ESV adds 21 inches of length to the regular model and hits the market with the same fresh face, accented by vertically stacked bright head-light housings and an expansive chrome grille inspired by the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. As with its Chevy Trucks Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, the Escalade ESV features all new body work marked with sharp and clean lines, tighter gap tolerances, hidden rocker panels, vents cut into the front fenders & unique running boards. If the new looks and blinding use of chrome isn’t enough, the Cadillac Escalade ESV distinguishes itself with a 403 horse power V8 that should excite valet attendants every where.
Chevrolet Suburban(unlike their counterparts Ford, Kenworth Trucks), albeit one with Cadillac Escalade ESV badging, added luxury features, and that 403 horse power engine stuffed under the hood. Unlike the offerings from Chevy and GMC, this Caddy seats a maximum of eight passengers rather than nine, and is available in only one all wheel drive trim. With the second & third row bench seats folded, the Escalade ESV’s 137.4 cubic foot cargo area can accommodate an abundant load. In the realm of luxury SUVs, the ESV faces little competition in terms of space and utility.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Isuzu launched new pickups last year, the 2006 i280 & i350. No cheers, no applause, no emotion or response to speak of. That moment during the 2005 Detroit Auto Show could be characterized by one word thud. Reasons for such a pathetic response are numerous, but most revolve around the fact that the Isuzu trucks may be the lamest example of rebadging to date. Based on the unimpressive and uncompetitive Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the i-Series trucks wear a unique grille, specific stick on badges and here’s a stretch, center hubcap covers and a steering wheel cover that read Isuzu. Even the head-lights & tail-lights are the same. Apparently management’s recipe for success is to have the GM delivery truck stop off at the scant scattering of Isuzu dealers with a few pickups and some boxes of click on parts and stickers.
There is one saving grace. All 2006 Isuzu i-Series pickup sold only in tens not in hundreds, is backed by a 3 year/50,000 mile basic warranty and seven years or 75,000 miles of powertrain coverage, with rust through protection for five years or 100,000 miles. And base prices for the i-280 and i-350 are lower than equivalent Chevy Trucks and GMC Canyons, despite recent price reductions on both General Motors models.
Now they competes like exact models, the Isuzu i-Series pickup comes equipped with one of two engines. The base i-280 model, available in extended cab guise only, features a 2.8 liter, dual overhead cam, 16 valve, four cylinder engine offering a respectable 175 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 185 lb.ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm. A standard five speed manual transmission delivers power to the rear wheels, though a four speed automatic is optional. EPA fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the manual and 17/23 mpg for the automatic. Each Isuzu i-280 rides on an independent front suspension and live rear setup with leaf springs, with stopping power provided from front vented discs and rear drums. Steering is of the power rack & pinion variety.
Isuzu Trucks i-280 S models, starting at $17,649 including a $660 destination charge, feature 15 inch alloy wheels riding on General 225/75 tires, anti lock brakes, air conditioning, a basic AM/FM radio, rear step up bumper, cruise control, tilt steering, and a locking tailgate. The i-280 LS, with a base price of $19,649, adds rear jump seats, cloth seats and carpeting, CD and MP3 players, power mirrors, manual lumbar support for the driver, and floor mats. The base S model can be ordered with the Preferred Equipment Package, including an upgraded radio, carpeting, rear jump seats, floor mats, and cloth seats. LS buyers have the option of the LS Package, with power windows and door locks, upgraded cloth seats and interior trim, and more or the Luxury Package and its side curtain airbags, locking rear differential, traction control, leather steering wheel, 6 disc CD changer, sliding rear window, and other luxurious features.
Drivers wanting a bit more space and four wheel drive functionality will need to look at the 2006 Isuzu i-350. This crew cab pickup is powered by a 3.5 liter, dual overhead cam, 20 valve, five cylinder engine pushing 220 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and cranking out 225 lb.ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm through a four speed automatic transmission. All i-350 comes equipped with that tranny, a four wheel drive system with a two speed transfer case and automatic locking hubs and LS badging as well as an independent torsion bar front suspension and a live rear with leaf springs. The EPA rates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. In addition to the standard features found on the i-280 LS, the Isuzu i-350 adds a locking rear differential, power windows and door locks, a 60/40 split folding rear bench seat, skid plates, and side curtain airbags, all for the asking price of $28,018, including the $660 destination charge. A imited Package adds leather seats, a 6 disc CD changer, front power and heated seats, an exterior temperature gauge and compass, and a sliding rear window.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008
As a follow up to the release of last year’s half ton 2007 Chevy Silverado HD Trucks(2007 Truck of the Year),GM now releases the rugged three quarter and one ton pickup versions, with many of the same exterior and interior design cues.
You’ll notice a familiar look to the hood and body panels between half ton and heavy duty trucks. Engine choices are simplified to include one gas and one turbo diesel motor. The new Gen-IV OHV 6.0-liter V-8, now with variable valve timing, produces 353 horsepower and 373 pound feet of torque. This engine gets the new 6L90 six speed automatic transmission(a stronger version of the Escalade and Yukon Denali 6L80-E). A revised 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel V-8 remains the tool of choice for more than 60 percent of heavy duty trucks buyers.
Of course, to meet the new 2007 federal emissions regulations, there’s a sophisticated series of new particulate filters that collect soot and other pollutants. These improvements allow the Duramax to offer a segment-leading 365 horsepower and 660 pound feet of torque, but it’s at a significant cost. The diesel engine has a price tag of $7195. Tack on another $1200 for the mandatory Allison 1000 six speed tranny, retuned to keep the shifts between gears(up and down) smooth yet solid. As you’d expect, the system has a “Tow/Haul” button to hold gears and help with braking when loaded, plus both transmissions offer a “thumb shifter” for manual gear selections.
Almost as impressive as the powertrain, the interiors are upgraded to look identical to those in the smaller half tons. HD interiors have three trim levels (WT, LT, and LTZ), and two dash layouts (Pure American Pickup and Luxury Inspired). Other features include the extended cabs that offer the 170 degree, dual hinge rear doors, and the rear seats (Extended and Crew Cabs) that fold into the seatbacks. HDs will offer three bed sizes, five wheelbases, three cab models, two different suspension packages (including a new Z71 choice in 4×4 or 4×2), single and dual rear wheel options, and pricing starting from $24,575. Made for work, the HDs can carry between 2294 and 5307 pounds, with a max Transcraft trailers capacity of 16,000 pounds (for a fifth wheel). Heavy Duty, indeed.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008
This may be a refresher course for some of models have been out for awhile, but here are reviews of some of the newly introduced pickup trucks, from small size to mega size as well as a couple limited additions.
For a small size truck, Isuzu has introduced the all new i-280 and i-350. The i-280 is a two door, 2WD model with an extended cab, 2.8-liter, 4 cylinder I-4 (in-line 4-cylinder) engine with 175 HP, 185 lbs-ft of torque and a max payload of 1532 lbs. It comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed automatic is optional). Safety features on this model are optional and it comes with 3 optional packages. Pricing starts at $14,239.
The i-350 is a four door, 4WD model with a crew cab, 3.5-liter I-5 engine with 220 HP, max payload of 1190 lbs and a tow rating of 4000 lbs. It comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and expanded list of standard amenities and an optional limited package with upgrades including power-heated seats, 6-disc CD changer and leather seats. Pricing starts at $24,608.
In the mid size range, they have the Lafrance Raider. Lafrance offers the Raider in a 3.7 liter V6 with 210 HP and 235 lbs-ft of torque or a 4.7-liter V8 with 230 HP (a leader in it’s class) and 290 lbs-ft of torque. The Raider comes either with an extended cab with small access doors or a double cab 4-door. You can choose between 2WD or 4WD with 3 transmissions, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 5-speed automatic. The Raider sports rack & pinion steering and tows up to 6500 lbs. One trendy option offered on the Raider is it’s High Output Audio Package, with a 508-watt audio system including a 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, 9 speakers and Sirius Satellite radio. Pricing starts at $19,180.
Where do they put the Ford Ridgeline? It’s in a class all it’s own. This pickup is designed for comfort for everyday driving but it’s also tough enough to keep up with the big boys in towing and payload demands. Ridgeline comes in 4WD only, with a 3.5-liter V6, 247 HP and 252 lbs-ft of torque. It has a total payload of 1550 with it’s 8.5 cubic foot bed and 5000 lb. towing capacity. It seats 5 easily with 4 fullsize doors. It’s also the only 4WD pickup to achieve the highest government crash test rating (5 stars) for both frontal and side impact tests. It also has a unique dual action tailgatge which swings down like most pickups but also swings to the side. Pricing starts at $27,700.
In the full size truck category, they have the new Dodge Ram Mega Cab. Ok, the Dodge Ram isn’t new, but with the largest pickup cab ever at 143.2 cubic feet and 111.1 inches long, it certainly is worth mentioning. The Mega Cab has a total seating capacity of 6 and, depending on which model you’re looking at, comes in a 2WD or 4WD. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has 345 HP and comes in a 5 speed automatic, rear or 4WD, with 375 lbs-ft of torque. The 5.9-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel six-cylinder comes in a 6 speed manual, with 325 HP and 610 lbs-ft of torque.
Of course, what is distintive about this truck is not only it’s mega cab, but the exceptional storage space it provides as well. The cab has been lengthened by 20 inches. With folding rear seats, you’ll find 7.5 cubic feet of storage beind the rear seat. On the comfort side, the rear seat bench also reclines. Built tough to handle almost anything, the Mega Cab also offers luxury options such as a rear seat DVD entertainment system, power sunroof and full screen navigation system. So there you have it mega power, mega space, mega luxury. That’s ONE MEGA TRUCK! Pricing starts at $32,760.
There are also two new limited edition trucks :-
Chevy Silverado Intimidator SS :-
This limited edition truck is a collaboration between Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. The Intimidator comes with a race inspired spoiler, unique silver front grille and a lowered ride height, not to mention the performance tuned suspension, two stage multi leaf springs, Tenneco shock absorbers, a stiffer front stabilizer bar and stiffer front jounce bumpers.
The exterior is complete with a black monochromatic color scheme and 20-inch chrome wheels. The Vortec 6000 V8 engine has 345 HP and 380 lbs-ft of torque. Based on the 2006 Silverado SS, the Intimidator also has available features such as a 4-speed electronically controlled transmission, 3.73 final drive ratio, locking differential, cruise control, split bench seats, power seat adjuster, power windows, rear wheel, 2 wheel rear drive as well as other amenities available on the Silverado SS.
The interior features Dale Earnhardt’s signature on the white faced gauge cluster, black leather seats, plenty of Intimidator badging and Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy logo embossed into the headrests. Chevrolet only plans to have 1,333 of these beauties in production, and a portion of every sale is going to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
The Ford Harley Davidson F-150 SuperCab :-
In a continued collaboration between Ford and Harley Davidson, this limited edition truck features a 5.4-liter, three-valve Triton V8 engine with a specially tuned exhaust system, 300 HP and 365 lbs-ft of torque.
The SuperCab sports a 6 1/2-ft. Styleside bed, smoked out tail lamps, blacked out bumper, chrome tie down hooks, slash cut chrome exhaust, chrome billet grille, blacked out headlamps and badging on the fenders and tailgate. Other stand out features are the special chin spoiler and it’s mammoth 22-inch polished aluminum rims with split 5 spoke design, a first for the F-150.
The SuperCab exudes power with it’s black and chrome color scheme. The exterior high gloss piano black is accented with LOTS of chrome, giving it an aggressive, albeit stylish look that sets it apart.
Accenting the interior, you’ll find once again the high gloss piano black with splashes of chrome highlights on the instruments, handles, vent rings, floor shifter and door pulls. Black leather front captain’s chairs and the Harley Davidson logo give styling to the SuperCab in the spirit of the Harley motorcycle. Ford and Harley Davidson plan a production of only 10,000 SuperCabs.
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Tuesday, August 26th, 2008
Formally known as the National Expo - Trucks & Commercial Vehicle, the Sydney Truck show or NTCVE, is all set to be Australia’s information and business platform for leading companies manufacturing heavy duty, medium duty and light duty vehicles.
The show’s opening and it would feature a broad range of state of the art commercial vehicles( light duty & heavy duty) and automotive parts, from some of the biggest names in the industry like Ford, Volvo, and Chevy. The show provides an ideal B2B ambiance for business and it claims to have been the largest truck show in Australia’s history, with about 23,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space.
Exhibits to Feature
With more than 250 participating companies you will see 1000’s of products, vehicles, services and equipment.
Expect to see heavy duty, medium duty & light duty commercial vehicles, right from panel vans through heavy haulage operations up to B-double and road train specifications.
As for automotive parts and components, there would be side trailers, tires, bodies, IT, fuels, lubrication system supplies, numerous aftermarket supplies & automotive accessories and a host of services.
Some new releases to be showcased there would be new model trucks & a hybrid form the manufacturer Hino. The new 714 Hybrid is a second hybrid truck release from the company, which is also a reflection of a changing face of commercial automobiles. The company emphasizes that it’s committed to sustainable transport solutions.
Another, hybrid project to feature is the Hino Argosy Hybrid. While its trials would only commence in Few months, the truck meant to be a shorthaul, linehaul and interstate road freighter is expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions output by 25 percent when it goes live.
How You Can Benefit From It?
The show is primarily aimed at business buyers and is a B2B event. Since there’s a large variety of exhibitors and products, they can pick and choose. More importantly, the show features upcoming and state of the art technologies, which too should help them to make profitable investments for the future.
Typical audience profiles to the show entails, Government Departments, Corporate & Institutions, Fleet Owners, Travel & Tour Operators, Owner Drivers, Dealers & Resellers, Cargo / Parcel Movers, Service & Workshop Owners etc.
The statistics for the last year’s event also reveal that it was quite a hit, here are some facts.
Of those who visited the show, 52.7% were decision makers, authorised to purchase. Another 47.3% comprised those who were authorised to recommend purchases.
While, 43.6% visitors placed direct orders, 98.7% of exhibitors reported that new customers had placed orders with them.
To learn more about the show, kindly visit “blog.truckstrailersforsale.com“.
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Monday, August 25th, 2008
There are many reasons why it is a good idea to invest in a well constructed utility trailers. While you may think that you will only use a utility trailer a handful of times, the truth is that once you have a trailer, you will find more uses for it than you can imagine.
Simply put, a utility trailer is any type of non motorized trailer that attaches to your vehicle so that you can haul whatever you need to. Utility trailers can be either enclosed or open, they can be large or small, and they can be simple or elaborately styled to match your towing vehicle ( like GMC, CHEVY, FORD ).
Utility Trailer Uses
There are several uses for a utility trailer. Here is a glimpse at just the top ten uses of utility trailers:
Automobiles : From time to time it becomes necessary to haul an inoperable car or truck. Tow trucks are expensive, especially if the distance is great. A utility trailer is a great way to haul vehicles and a good investment if you need to do so regularly.
Boats : If you have a boat, you will need a utility trailer to get it to and from the water.
Lawn Care Equipment : If you live in a rural area, you may find that you need to haul your mowing equipment from one piece of your property to another. Packing equipment and loading it into a pickup truck bed can get old very quickly. A utility trailer will allow you to drive your equipment right up onto the trailer without the aid of ramps or two strong men.
Furniture : Moving furniture is a breeze with a utility trailer. Furniture dollies roll right up onto the trailer and you can haul more than you can with a pickup.
Building Supplies : Do you have projects that need to be done around the house? Pick up your own building supplies and save on delivery fees.
Bikes, Motorcycles, and ATVs : Recreational vehicles are best hauled on a utility trailer.
Livestock : An enclosed utility trailer is most often used to haul livestock.
Auction and Flea Markets : If you frequent auctions and flea markets, you will need the hauling capability to bring home your inexpensive and rare finds.
Appliances : Utility trailers are ideal for hauling appliances.
Debris and Trash : Loading trash in and out of your pickup bed can be cumbersome and clean up can be messy, but it would be worse to have to haul trash in your SUV. Clean up after a big job is a lot easier with a utility trailer.
As you can see, there are many reasons why an investment in a utility trailer is a smart move. I’m sure that with a little time, and its easy availability, you will come up with even more ways to use a trailer.
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