Somewhere in the depths of my mind, I have a vague recollection of a teacher speaking about the glacially slow and steady progress of plate tectonics-essentially imperceptible, land masses collide. In the world of pickups and SUVs, sometimes I wish new models, events, and technology moved even slower than the continents. To a diehard lover of all things big, strong, and four-wheel-drive, this may seem like blasphemy, but hear me out.
Maybe it's the jet lag talking or the fact that we're running on so little sleep, but there are so many new vehicles coming out, so many events to travel to, so many new technologies, that if we cloned every person in the office, we'd still be short staff members to get all the necessary work done before the next issue goes to the printer. In the past three weeks alone we've been on the road driving new diesels, looking at new truck designs, and meeting with companies (very big ones) that want to know what real truck people care about.
Certainly the biggest news out now is GM's upcoming release of the Silverado and Sierra. We spoke with engineers and leaders early in the project, and we're encouraged by the passion this team has for its truck. It was emphasized more than a few times how important this vehicle is to the company.
But don't expect Toyota, Ford, or Dodge to sit back and watch from the sidelines. (In fact, although we can't say anything now, we know Ford has plans to build something you're really going to like. Look for more information in the next issue.) And if you don't like the look of the new GM models, you still have time to buy what Chevy will call the "Classic" body style until all the production plants are converted to GMT900 production. Although these Classics weren't originally part of the plan, it's the result of having pulled the GMT900 ahead 13 weeks in its production cycle. You should be able to find good deals on GMT800 pickup trucks for several months.
Another cool happening is that you'll be able to get diesels in more vehicles in the near future; for now, that'll mean mostly SUVs. DaimlerChrysler is making the biggest push with a new 3.0 liter V-6 Mercedes-Benz diesel available in the Grand Cherokee and GL-Class, but it shouldn't be too long before that engine makes it into the Durango and the Dakota. Even Ford is developing another small diesel with its eyes on future product.
Regardless how popular diesels are becoming, the march is slow compared with what hybrid (gasoline/electric powertrains) vehicles are doing nowadays. Well suited to smaller, carlike SUV chassis, there'll be almost a dozen choices on sale by 2008. We've listed and discussed each one in this issue, but it seems to us they'll stay novelties unless they can act as home generators, carry heavier loads, or tow something of decent size. Our bet: The company that gets the first diesel/hybrid to market sorted out in a full-size pickup truck. That type of technology expense won't be something your local speed shop or big aftermarket company will be prepared to handle. Apparently, an investment of that magnitude can only come from a partnership. We have high hopes for the three-way joint venture (DaimlerChrysler, BMW, GM) that has developed the two-mode hybrid system set to make its debut on the Tahoe at the end of next year.
But the aftermarket does do some things well, not all of them away from the prying eyes of the big car and truck makers. For instance, we had a No Fear Titan with us on our 2006 Ultimate 4x4 Challenge (see all the bloody details starting on page 30). The full-size pickup-truck package, which can be ordered at any one of the hundreds of participating dealerships, comes with a six-inch lift, meaty tires, requisite engine growl, and an attitude to boot. We're beginning to see more car companies warm to the idea that many buyers want their pickups and SUVs with personality and flair.
One of the biggest dealer modifiers is Galpin Motors in Southern California. This Ford dealership has been customizing vehicles for almost 40 years, and now it has an on-site speed shop called Galpin Auto Sports. It's set up a system where buyers can purchase a stock Ford truck or SUV on one side of the street, then step into a parts showroom to select seats, paint, power mods, brakes, exhaust, and audio systems. Galpin installs it while you watch and bundles everything into a single car payment. Maybe this isn't earth-shattering news, but it could signify rumblings for the industry down the road. This is just one of the ways things are changing-too slowly for some, and too fast for others. Either way, it looks like we've got plenty to write about for a long time to come.