Ford F-150 Hauls
Ford's hauling prowess is impressive-the 2009 F-150's towing capacity is sure to exceed 11,000 pounds. The company also worked on making it easy to carry cargo. The bed now comes with steps integrated into the tailgate and sides, in addition to the bed extender and cargo-management system. Need to lug big gear and protect it from the elements? The cabin is six inches longer and the SuperCrew has a flat load floor, with enough room for 57.6 cubic feet of stuff behind the front seats.
Ford Explorer America Ecoboost
The Explorer America concept may reflect the end of the Explorer as we know it, but there is something positive here-the EcoBoost engines. We love V-8s, but if this new V-6 engine can actually produce what Ford claims, namely V-8 power with V-6 fuel economy, it's not a horrible compromise. Ford's saying the turbocharged direct injection, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is going to put out about 340 horsepower (275 horses from the I-4), backed by a six-speed automatic. Click here for more photos!
Suzuki X-Head
The X-HEAD, Suzuki's pint-size off-roader concept, has the charm of a Tonka truck, the angles and style of a big truck, and the four-wheel-drive prowess of a Jimny. Its cabin has neoprene seats, portable toolbox, and rearview camera. The Camper version has a sleeping area for two, and the Rescue version is built for emergency search work. The X-HEAD's 2.0-liter four is backed by a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Click here for more photos!
Diesel Subaru Forester TD
Bigger, bolder, and more SUV-like, the new Forester has now truly become more competitive in the world of crossovers. Its interior and exterior are all-new, as is the platform, and engines have been refined to improve power output. And a 2.0-liter, 148-horse, 258-pound-foot turbodiesel could be available in two years.
Urea Injection Systems
There were several diesels on display, most of which inject urea into the exhaust to reduce emissions and ensure these vehicles will be 50-state legal. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all had 'em, and all claim the urea tanks will only need to be refilled when the vehicle goes in for service. What was interesting was where each manufacturer decided to place the refill site. While most locate the urea refill under the spare in back, Audi's and BMW's are in the same spot as the fuel filler-that could mean vehicle owners would be able to refill it themselves in the future.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
Porsche has introduced another Cayenne spinoff, this one called the GTS. It's powered by a 405-horsepower version of Porsche's 4.8-liter V-8 and is backed by a six-speed manual transmission. It fits between the Cayenne S and Turbo in the lineup. More power and a great manual transmission? What's not to like? Click here for more photos!
Toyota A-Bat Concept
Could this be the new look of the compact pickup? Designed to be strong yet lightweight, the A-BAT concept is made to carry outdoor toys, home-improvement supplies, and gear, yet as a hybrid, is still designed with excellent fuel economy and low emissions. (Yes, it's a unibody.) There are functional solar panels in the top of the I.P. and a portable power pack in the center console. Versatility comes courtesy of a sliding roof panel, midgate, and a sliding drawer under the bed. Click here for more photos!
Suzuki Equator
The way Suzuki sees it, there's no reason why someone who owns a Suzuki bike, ATV, or Suzuki-powered boat shouldn't have a tow vehicle with a matching badge. The 2009 Equator, based on the Frontier, is the company's entry into the pickup market. Like the Frontier, it'll come with a choice of cabs, engines (152-horse I-4 or 261-horse V-6), and rear- or four-wheel drive. It tows up to 6500 pounds and comes with a better powertrain warranty than Nissan's. Click here for more photos!
Ford Transit Connect
Ford is bringing this popular van from Europe to U.S. dealers starting in mid-2009. The Transit Connect is a small commercial vehicle that'll be offered with a variety of interior configurations. It has a footprint like that of a minivan, with the more masculine form and function of a full-size van-and has a 143-cubic-foot cargo capacity. It can carry loads up to 6.5 feet long and 4.7 feet wide. The Transit Connect, expected here in 2009, is built on a commercial vehicle platform yet can offer carlike fuel economy. There hasn't been a small van with this much potential since the Astro. Click here for more photos!
Denali XT Hybrid System
GMC showed its Denali XT concept, a rear-drive unibody hybrid SUT with a midgate. It doesn't have the capability of other SUTs, with a 3500-pound towing capacity and 1100 pounds of payload capacity, but can offer improved fuel economy and 326 horsepower. At the heart of the SUT is a FlexFuel 4.9-liter V-8 and a two-mode hybrid system. Like the Tahoe hybrid, it runs on electric power at low speed and uses fixed gears on the highway and when towing.
Kia Borrego
Looks like Kia means business. Its full-size Borrego, while perhaps ill-timed as stricter CAFE regulations loom, is a three-row, body-on-frame sport/utility. Its wheelbase is 114 inches, and the SUV will be powered by a choice of a 3.8-liter V-6 (5000-pound tow cap) or a 4.6-liter DOHC V-8 (7500-pound tow cap), with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. The Borrego goes on sale this summer and pricing is likely to begin in the mid-$20,000s. Click here for more photos!