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Infiniti Pickup Truck Concept: Rumors, Design

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Infiniti Pickup Truck Concept

Infiniti, the luxury division of the Nissan, has released several concept models recently and they announced the arrival of brand’s updated crossover SUV models. The QX Sport Inspiration Concept was showcased at the 2016 Beijing Show and the QX50 concept followed at 2017 Detroit Show. Then at the 2017 New York Show, the QX80 Monograph Concept previewed the refreshed 2018 Infiniti QX80 while the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is the all-new version of this model based on the QX50 concept.

Now, according to some speculations in the auto industry, Infiniti might soon release a new concept model but this time we are not speaking about another crossover SUV or passenger car concept vehicle yet about the pickup truck. It is true that growth of the new pickup models continues and when Mercedes can launch its luxury pickup why Infiniti wouldn’t. This is the legitim question but still without of the official answer as Infiniti hasn’t commented on the speculations about the Infiniti Pickup Truck Concept. Nevertheless, it would be great to see Infiniti’s idea about the pickup truck but before the brand proof or deny this we must rely on the speculations.

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2019 Toyota Tacoma: Expectations, Specs, Price

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2019 Toyota Tacoma

With the rugged outfit, impressive off-pavement capability, handsome and functional cabin, the Toyota Tacoma still manages to be among the most desirable mid-size trucks in the US. Actually, the Tacoma sales better than rivals including GM’s Colorado/Canyon models, SUV-based Honda Ridgeline, and aging Nissan Frontier.  However, Ford will return the Ranger model to compete in…

2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition: Design, Specs, Price

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2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition

Honda’s Ridgeline brings to the mid-size pickup truck class the SUV-like ride quality, styling cues and interior refinement but still offers truck’s utility and respectable towing capacity. With Pilot SUV-based underpinning and engine, this unique truck delivers class unmatched handling and riding experience but trades those for limited off-road capability and towing capacity compared to other mid-sized trucks.

Recently redesigned Ridgeline also comes in many variations but in the four-door crew cab configuration only. The model will return with some revisions in trim features for the 2018 model year and the 2018 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition will be at the top of the lineup. This version brings uniquely themed exterior and interior combined with the V-6 engine and standard all-wheel drive system.

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2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro: Specs, Equipment, Price

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2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro builds on brand’s strong reputation of dependable and durable trucks with an exceptional off-road capability. Toyota returned this hardcore, off-road oriented trim for the 2017 model year while the Tacoma last refresh came for the 2016 model. The 2018 version of this mid-size model won’t change much but like the refreshed Tundra this model will benefit from the standard Toyota’s Safety Sense P-suite of active safety systems. On the other hand, the mechanics and styling of this version won’t also change much.

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2018 Holden Ute: Possible design and Powertrains

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2018 Holden Ute

The one and only ute left, the Holden Ute is definitely fan to drive, flexible and we love how its thirsty V-8 engine sounds. However, this unique vehicle won’t likely see the next generation version as the new Commodore sedan, on which the Ute is based, has been revealed as the fully imported Commodore which is actually the Opel Insignia with the lion badge. The German-built Commodore sedan will also get the wagon version which will continue to be marketed as the Sportwagon. However, since the future of the Holden Ute is uncertain what left us is to speculate how the 2018 Holden Ute might look if it comes based on the new-generation Commodore.

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2017 Jeep Scrambler: Design, Engines, Price

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Jeep has been very busy working on many projects. According to many reports, the popular Cherokee will likely get Hellcat-powered version and new Compass is also underway as the replacement of the Patriot and Compass models. But it seems that Jeep is working on more fronts simultaneously and the next generation of the Wrangler will come sometime in 2017. However, there is even more and Jeep will also return the pickup truck in its lineup. In the best-case scenario, the Jeep’s pickup truck might come as the 2017 Jeep Scrambler or later as 2018 model.

What is it?

After many years of speculations, it seems that Jeep finally recognized that it is time to fill its impressive lineup of vehicles with the pickup truck. The popularity of pickup is progressive and Jeep knows that this might be the right moment for its inclusion. Jeep had CJ-8 Scrambler model back in 80’s which included half-cab which transformed into pickup style box. Now, we will get the Wrangler-based pickup truck which might again use Scrambler nameplate or not. However, what is important is that we will finally get the new off-road ready pickup truck.

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2017 Chevy El Camino: Possible comeback, Design, Specs

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2017 Chevy El Camino

Chevy has gained a strong reputation at building pickup trucks. Its full-size Silverado models and mid-sized Colorado are all successful in the US market. However, for a long time, GM has been expected to return the El Camino nameplate back to the US. This nameplate was used for the vehicle which was introduced in 1960 and discontinued for the 1987 model year. This model was actually coupe utility vehicle classified as the truck. The brand introduced this vehicle in response to the popularity of Ford’s Ranchero truck. Now, it has been suggested that brand is considering to bring back this nameplate and that as the 2017 Chevy  El Camino.

What is it?

As per some sources, the new El Camino model from Chevy, would not actually be built from the ground up. This brand actually owns a vehicle that is available in Australia under the Holden nomenclature called the Holden Ute. It is a truck that performs like a sedan because it is actually based on the Commodore sedan.  It has the demeanor of sedans including steering, ride, comfort, equipment, etc. but can also haul almost anything in its cargo bed. So, with minor modification, GM can import this great vehicle to US. However, we want to note that this is still unofficial.

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2018 Toyota Tacoma: Changes, Powertrains, Price

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2018 Toyota Tacoma

Just like with every vehicle which comes from Toyota family, the main reputation characteristic of Toyota Tacoma is reliability. However, with the Tacoma at your disposal you can also count on go-anywhere ability, efficient and capable V-6 engine, on variety of configurations to chose from and good resale value. This mid-size truck is highly recommended for people who need strong off-road capability and with available off-road versions it is probably unrivaled in that aspect in this class. The same you could expect from the 2018 Toyota Tacoma but there should also be some other advantages.

What’s new?

With the arrival of 2018 Tacoma, this model enters into the second year after it was fully redesigned for 2016 model year. The comprehensive redesign has introduced new more efficient V-6 engine, beefed frame, reworked interior, more luxury features and upgraded tech features. The 2017 model will expand the offer with off-road TRD Pro version. As for Tacoma’s 2018 version we should expect incremental tech upgrades, some exterior and interior minor changes.

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2017 Jeep Wrangler Pickup: Design, Powertrains

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2017 Jeep Wrangler Pickup

The things in the pickup truck industry are developing fast lately. It is especially hot in mid-size class where many models have been redesigned but more than a few have been announced to come. Even Mercedes plans to offer its version of the pickup truck and there is also Tesla Motors which might build the first all-electric truck. But rumor about Jeep Wrangler based pickup truck has been present since the introduction of the Gladiator Concept in 2005.

However, it has become more than rumor now because Jeep SEO Mike Manley and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne have said at the Detroit Auto Show that this pickup truck is actually happening and it will arrive in late 2017. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Pickup will be built alongside with new-generation Wrangler which should be larger and more efficient and both models will be produced in Toledo, Ohio. Details about new pickup’s design and power trains are still unclear as it is with next-gen Wrangler but some assumption have been made.

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Chevy El Camino Concept: Expectations, Release

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Chevy El Camino Concept

For years, pickup trucks have been very popular and lucrative product in US but growing popularity has also been recognized in other markets outside this country. In the US the largest part of sales comes from the full-size versions but since the return of the Chevy Colorado and closely related GMC Canyon, the mid-size class has started to regain its popularity. On the other hand some research has been done which suggests that there is the large population of the potential buyers which would like more compact pickup truck version.

The more compact model should bring more manageable size for crowded urban areas and parking and will be more fuel-efficient and cheaper than full-size versions but will also be capable to offer larger cargo capabilities than SUVs. In that context many brands have been rumored to be considering new compact pickup versions. Among them, Chevy has been reported to be considering the return of El Camino nameplate in from of the Chevy El Camino Concept pickup truck model. This name was used for coupe utility/pickup vehicle that Chevrolet produced in 60s and until 1987. Now, Chevrolet is rumored to be bringing a new modern interpretation of the compact pickup truck which will feature the best attributes of its trucks and crossovers.

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