Things Are Brewing in the
Light-Truck Business for 2007
For the 2007 model year, new or revamped models are the norm. In general,
powertrains benefit from the availability of cleaner-burning fuels such
as 85% ethanol-gasoline mix (E85) and low-sulfur diesel fuel. Another fact
is that customers will always want more power. This year, the bar has been
raised to 350 hp and 650 lb.-ft. of torque on the new diesel engines.
General Motors
Built on a completely new platform named GMT900, the Chevrolet Silverado
and GMC Sierra pickups sport a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front
suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
New powertrains feature technologies designed to improve fuel economy.
Among them, a 5,3 l FlexFuel engine can run on E85 ethanol.
The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups also feature more spacious
interiors and extended cab models feature 170° opening rear access
doors.
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DaimlerChrysler
For 2007, the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups feature a new 6,7 l Cummins
Turbodiesel engine. Producing 350 hp at 3,013 rpm and up to 650 lb.-ft.
at 1500 rpm. The new engine can be fitted with an integrated exhaust brake
and is mated to a new six-speed 68RFE automatic transmission.
The Dodge Ram 1500 also offers a new powerplant option, the 5,7 l HEMI
V-8 engine with fuel saving Multi-displacement System. Also available is
a new E85-compatible, 4,7 l V-8 engine
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Ford
At Ford, the big news is the 2008 F-Series Super Duty lineup which includes
a completely new workhorse, the F-450.
"The F-450 pickup doesn't just raise the bar for heavy duty pickups,
it tosses it out. Game over," said Ford's Mark Fields.
A more powerful 6,4 l PowerStroke® turbodiesel engine joins a powertrain
lineup that also includes the 362 hp 6,8 l V-10 Triton.
The 6,4 l PowerStroke® delivers 350 hp at 3000 rpm and 650 lb.-ft.
of torque starting at 2000 rpm. Transmission choices include a six-speed
manual with overdrive or a TorqShift five-speed automatic.
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Nissan
The Nissan Titan is carried over for 2007. It draws its power from a
317 hp 5,6 l V8 engine, which pumps out 385 lb.-ft. of torque. With the
Flexible Fuel Vehicle feature, the engine can run on E85 gasoline.
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Toyota
Toyota is once again shaking up the market with a new "full-size"
Tundra. Remember the T100? Remember the 1st generation Tundra? Toyota
says that it targets the commercial customer... For this purpose, the new
Tundra has been beefed up. The frame has been strengthened and widened,
with 30% higher tensile strength steel.
The new Tundra can be fitted with an all-new 5,7 l iForce V8 engine
and its towing capacity can surpass 4500 kg. Contrary to Nissan, the Tundra
is also available with smaller engines, an updated 4,7 V8 or a 4,0 l V6.
The new 5.7-liter V8 will transmit power to the ground through a six-speed
automatic transmission.
Also contrary to the Titan, the Tundra can be had in three cab configurations
for a total of over 30 different models. This time, Toyota seems to have
taken major steps to show how serious it is about this sector of the light-truck
market.
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