|
|
|
2011 half-ton pickup truck preview |
|
Written by Howard J. Elmer
|
Model year 2011 in the truck world is stamped Heavy Duty as each of the Big Three has released new HD iron over the past six months. New bodies, engines and transmissions are the order of the day, with payload and towing capacities climbing ever higher. In contrast, the half-ton market seems to be doing very little for the coming model year. However, while some manufacturers love to be first to the media (Ford), others hold back until the last minute on news updates (Toyota). This roundup is as current as it can be, but surprises are always a possibility; and there already are a few.
If there is one theme for the coming year, it’s the change/addition of engine choices to the 1500-series market. In fact, I see a new trend emerging in the pickup truck market that I’m calling “echo-marketing.” Over the past few years, new generations of pickups debut with new tin and interiors, but little in the way of mechanical upgrades; then, two years later – bam! Here come the new powertrains – or the echo of the original release. And, as usual, Ford leads the pack.
|
|
The 2010 Ford Raptor is an F-150 with a special powertrain and a high-performance off-road capability.
|
|
2011 Ford F-150
With a major redesign in 2009, the F-series moves into the 2011 model year with the same tin but a host of changes under the hood. Currently only available with a selection of V8s, the F-series is bringing four new engines into play for next year’s truck. First will be a 3.7-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8, both of which feature twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). There will also be a version of the 6.2-litre V8 available (this is to be the new base engine in the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty and is also available in the Raptor), but probably the biggest engine news is the addition of a 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine to the lineup.
Ford claims that fuel economy will be “best-in-class” across its F-series lineup with these new engines. However, the EcoBoost engine, in particular, is rated to improve the 2011 F-150’s fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent, versus the outgoing 2010 F-150.
This EcoBoost engine has power comparable to a naturally aspirated V8, yet the fuel economy is very much that of a V6. Technically speaking, this is a result of new materials and engine design – already available in other Ford vehicles – but now modified to work in its bestselling model as well. Along with the engine upgrades, all F-series pickups will now come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that will include SelectShift.
Introduced for the 2010 model year, the Ford Raptor is an F-150 with a special suspension, a new body and purpose-built powertrain. This special vehicle team (SVT) creation gives the Raptor a high-performance off-road capability while still keeping it street-legal and decent to drive on pavement. The Raptor comes in one body style only – Super Cab with a five-foot bed. This combination gives the truck the right “look” as well as maintaining a shorter wheelbase that is vital for getting it over rough terrain. It should be continued into the coming year.
Ford F-series specs (current 2010 figures)
Max towing: 9,700 lb. (4,400 kg)
Max payload: 2,060 lb. (934 kg) |
Fuel economy
|
|
|
|
Litres per 100 km
|
city |
highway
|
combined
|
4.6L V8 engine
|
14.3
|
9.7 |
12 |
5.4L V8 engine
|
14.9 |
10.2 |
12.5 |
2011 GMC SIERRA1500/SIERRA DENALI 1500
These trucks are rated a Best Buy by Consumers Digest. Certainly that’s an advantage to building a pickup for several years and clocking enough history to give a publication like Consumers Digest a fair shot at evaluating the product. Of course, this is because the current GMT 900 model half-ton pickup that was introduced in 2007 is moving into the next model year with few changes – few that we know about right now, anyway.
One rumour I can probably put to rest is the demise of GMC. I’ve wondered for a while if the recent unpleasantness at GM might force an amalgamation of the Chevy and GMC truck lines. But during the recent HD Chevy introduction, I was told by more than one exec that GMC is considered a core brand and will be protected. At the very least, this means that the choice of WT (work truck) trim or SLE (upscale trim) will continue to be offered. This feature continues to be unique to GM – go with a cabin designed for on-the-job durability or opt for a Sierra SLT or Denali with luxury-inspired interior comforts and conveniences.
For 2010, the Sierra 1500's 4.8-litre, 5.3-litre and 6.2-litre V-8 engines offer E85 capability, while the 4.8-litre and 5.3-litre engines now feature variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is added to regular and extended cab models with the 5.3-litre V8 (previously only offered on crew cab models), and all 5.3-litre-equipped models feature a standard 3.08 axle ratio that reduces fuel consumption. These engines are all FlexFuel capable (E85 is 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline). Other changes include new side curtain airbags and seat-mounted side airbags – now standard on all models.
An addition of note for 2011 is the All Terrain Package. It features such components as Z71 Off-Road Suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, extended-travel Rancho shock absorbers and skid plates.
GM 1500-series specs (current 2010 figures)
Max towing: 10,600 lb. (4808 kg)
Max payload: 1,779 lb. (807 kg)
|
| Fuel economy |
|
|
|
| Litres per 100 km
|
city |
highway
|
combined
|
4.3L V6 engine
|
14.1
|
10.
|
12.
|
4.8L V8 engine
|
15.3
|
10.5 |
12.9 |
5.3L V8 engine
|
14.2 |
9.4 |
11.8 |
| 6.2L V8 engine |
17.0 |
10.6 |
13.8 |
|
|
|
|
The RamBox is an exclusive, late 2010 offering, and Ram is using it to build a new package called the Ram Outdoorsman.
|
|
2011 DODGE RAM
The Dodge Ram is another truck where new engine changes are expected to match the excellent new tin and interior that we got in 2009. However, it does not seem that 2011 is going to be the year for this. So, for the foreseeable future the durable 5.7-litre Hemi V8 continues to be the main engine offering. This Hemi comes with MDS and VVT and makes 390-horsepower and 407 pound feet of torque. The five-speed automatic is still the only transmission choice. There are two V6 offerings; however, looking at the fuel numbers I’d wonder why they bother. For 2010, they’ve added an Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off (iDFSO). This system shuts off the fuel to the engine while it’s decelerating – then starts it again when the accelerator is pressed. This should improve fuel economy; however, it will have a greater impact when the base engines are upgraded.
Some of the nicer interior features on the Ram are leather-faced low back front bucket seats (that can be heated and ventilated) and a fixed centre console with floor-mounted automatic shift lever. Other items of interest are the class exclusive rear multi-link coil suspension and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control. The 1500 Ram is available with optional 121-litre fuel tank, Class IV hitch, 3.92 axle ratio and an integrated trailer brake controller.
The RamBox (a box-mounted integrated cargo system) continues to be an exclusive offering, and now, for a late 2010 offering, Ram is using it to build a new package called the Ram Outdoorsman. This feature package will include standard trailer-towing upgrades, interior and exterior convenience lighting enhancements, all-terrain tires and underbody protection. This Ram Outdoorsman is available in 1500 (half-ton), 2500 HD (3/4-ton) and 3500 HD single rear wheel (1 ton), Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab and Mega Cab; in either four-wheel and two-wheel drive. The RamBox is now capable of holding a fishing rod and gun rack option on RamBox-equipped Ram 1500 trucks.
Ram 1500-series specs (current 2010 figures)
Max towing: 10,450 lb. (4740 kg)
Max payload: 1,900 lb. (862 kg)
|
Fuel economy
|
|
|
|
Litres per 100 km
|
city |
highway
|
combined
|
3.7L V6 engine
|
16.8
|
11.7 |
14.3 |
4.7L V6 engine
|
16.8 |
12.3 |
14.6 |
| 5.7L V8 engine |
16.8 |
11.7 |
14.3 |
|
|
The 2010 Toyota Tundra’s fuel-efficient engine still makes 310 horsepower and 327 pound feet of torque.
|
|
2011 TOYOTA TUNDRA
Toyota is notorious for releasing new model information at the very last possible second. In other words, information on its 2011 models is almost impossible to find at this time. However, with the Tundra, we can look at the direction the truck took in 2010 as a sign of things to come. For 2010, Tundra addressed its drinking problem with an all-new 4.6-litre iForce V8 mated to a six-speed automatic. It was debuted at Calgary Auto Show with this much more fuel-efficient engine that still makes 310 horsepower and 327 pound feet of torque. This engine replaces the old 4.7L.
Up front, the 2010 Tundra got a new front bumper and grille combo, while in the rear, a bolder tail lamp design. Also new are must-have items like a retractable step on the rear bumper. New trim packages bring greater choice to the Tundra line with optional features like 20-inch alloy wheels, adjustable headlamp levelling system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power sliding rear window, steering wheel audio controls, Integrated XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, USB audio input, navigation system, and power tilt steering wheel.
Other standard equipment that was added to the Tundra includes driver and front passenger knee airbags, a redesigned seven-pin towing hitch wiring harness connector that sits above the hitch and a shelf has been added to the lower glove box.
Toyota Tundra 1500 specs (current 2010 figures)
Max towing: 10,300 lb. (4,670 kg)
Max payload: 1,835 lb. (830 kg)
|
Fuel economy
|
|
|
|
Litres per 100 km
|
city |
highway
|
combined
|
4.6L V6 engine
|
14.9
|
10.5 |
12.9 |
5.7L V8 engine
|
16.8 |
11.8 |
14.5 |
|
|
Along with a 5.6L V8 engine, the 2010 Titan Crew and King Cabs now include standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
|
|
2011 NISSAN TITAN
There is no news yet on the 2011 Titan; however, for 2010 there were a few minor changes. Both the 2010 Titan Crew and King Cabs now include standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) as well as curtain side-impact with rollover sensor and front seat side-impact airbags.
As for engines, the Titan once again returns with the same 5.6L V8 that was last upgraded in 2007 to 317 horsepower and 385 pound feet of torque. Titan’s standard five-speed automatic transmission was designed especially for heavy-duty truck use, says Nissan, but among the pickups included in this preview it is now the oldest and least changed. With the recent release of a number of small crossover car models, it raises the question of whether Nissan intends to stay in the truck business. However, just this spring, they released the NV2500, a work van that has a distinctly pickup-like front end. It is also built at the same plant as the trucks. Either way, this is currently all just speculation.
The 2010 Titan is offered in four models – XE, SE, PRO-4X and LE; two cab styles – King Cab and Crew Cab; three bed lengths – 5'6" and 7' for Crew Cab, and 6'6" for King Cab; and 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations.
A nice Nissan feature is the standard spray-on bed liner that covers the bed and inner tailgate, preventing scratch damage and corrosion. It is covered by the Nissan warranty.
Nissan Titan 1500 specs (current 2010 figures)
Max towing: 9,500 lb. (4,309 kg)
Max payload: 1,964 lb. (891 kg)
|
Fuel economy
|
|
|
|
Litres per 100 km
|
city |
highway
|
combined
|
5.6L V8
|
16.5
|
11.3 |
13.9 |
|
|
|
