Briefs: More hop on the diesel bandwagon, a classic gets carlike, more power for SUVs
I-5 Gets More Power
Both Chevy Colorado engines could get a boost for 2007. The I-4 is rumored to go up to 2.9 liters from 2.8, and the 3.5-liter I-5 could become a 3.7.
Toyota Subcompact Pickup?
Toyota may be considering the addition of a truck smaller than the Tacoma. The four-cylinder pickup could cost $13,000-$16,000.
Nitro Gets Green Light
While it was suggested that the Dodge Nitro would make it to production, DaimlerChrysler made it official. It'll be a 2007 model.
High-Powered ML
Mercedes-Benz showed the ML63, a 503-horsepower version of the M-Class. It uses a 6.3-liter AMG V-8 and should be on sale in mid- to late 2006.
Touareg Engines
The V-10 TDI is likely returning; also, the new standard engine is a 3.6-liter, 276-horsepower direct-injection V-6, providing a 36-horse increase.
Honda Diesel
The company's CEO predicts that Honda may bring diesels to the U.S., possibly for use in trucks.
The Future of Jeep
In "First," in the November/December 2005 issue of Truck Trend, we revealed sketches of Jeep's Patriot and Compass concepts, shown at the Frankfurt auto show. Since then, Jeep has released photos of the car-based concepts, both of which are more than likely to reach production. The boxy, rugged Patriot is pictured here.
TV for Truck Guys
Wish there was more truck-themed programming on TV? ESPN2 has a show for you. Called "Truck Stop," the series will cover all things truck, from mini-trucks to monster trucks and drag-racing semis. Each 30-minute show will be hosted by Rebecca Grant, a sports reporter, model, and actress. "Truck Stop" will cover the most extreme aspects of the truck world. The show will run weekly from November 2005 through January 2006.