Tag Archives: Trucks

Foxconn Will Buy Lordstown’s Plant For $230M And Build Its Electric Truck

Foxconn will buy the factory currently being used by Lordstown Motors for around $230 million and has also agreed to build the automaker’s electric Endurance pickup truck at the plant.

Lordstown has been in dire straits in recent months after investigations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Justice Department. In June, Lordstown said it wouldn’t be able to start production of the Endurance unless it raised more money. That’s what Foxconn is providing.

Read More: Lordstown Gets Lifeline As Investment Firm Agrees To Buy $400 Million Worth Of Stock

The Taiwanese company’s deal with the electric vehicle startup will also see it buy $50 million worth of Lordstown Motors shares, which ups the total investment to $280 million. The Lordstown site will also be Foxconn’s first automotive factory and comes as it tries to establish itself as a serious contender in the electric vehicle space. It has previously struck deals with the likes of Geely and Fisker.

Lordstown Bough The Ohio Plant From GM For $20 Million In 2019

Lordstown famously purchased the Ohio factory from General Motors in 2019 for just $20 million after the Detroit automaker announced plans to close it down and stop production of the Chevrolet Cruze. The Verge reports that the electric startup has invested $240 million into equipping the factory to begin producing its pickup truck.

The deal excludes asserts such as Lordstown’s electric hub motor assembly line, battery module and packing line assets, and certain intellectual property rights. It has also been confirmed that reaching a contract manufacturing agreement was a key condition to closing the purchase of the factory.

In July, Lordstown secured a lifeline after investment firm Yorkville Advisors committed to buying up to $400 million of shares from the company.

Tesla Puts The Long-Awaited Semi To The Test At Its Track

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Tesla has released a video showing an all-electric Semi prototype being put through its paces at the company’s test track.

The electric car manufacturer first presented the Semi to the world in November 2017 and while the initial plan was for deliveries to commence in 2019, the truck has been repeatedly delayed and won’t reach the hands of customers until later this year.

The clip shows the Semi testing on a banked section of Tesla’s test circuit but it isn’t towing a trailer. As you’d expect, it is very quiet compared to a regular diesel truck and promises to offer far superior performance.

Read Also: Walmart Canada Triples Its Number Of Tesla Semi Orders

When first announced, Elon Musk claimed the Tesla Semi would have a range of 500 miles (804 km) under highway conditions when towing an 80,000 lbs (36,387 kg) load. He added that it would be able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 20 seconds with a full 80,000 lb load and climb 5 per cent grades at a steady 65 mph (104.6 km/h), compared to the 45 mph (72 km/h) of an equivalent diesel truck. Then, in early 2020, Musk claimed the Semi’s range would actually sit at 600 miles (965 km).

The electric vehicle industry has progressed quite a lot in recent years so it is reasonable to assume that some improvements will be made to the Semi before it hits production. In fact, Electrek claims that the prototype in this video is using the company’s new 4680 battery cells that promise to improve range.

Brazilian Trucker Fined For Running Car Off The Road While Drunk

Video has surfaced online showing the moment the driver of a large semi-truck in Brazil runs a car off the road.

The video was filmed by the passenger of the car and starts out by showing the driver of the Volvo semi tailgating the car. Moments later, the truck pulls out from behind as if it is going to overtake, only to hit the car and run it off the road. The passenger continues to film the incident until the car comes to a rest down an embankment on the side of the road.

Local media outlet Globo has confirmed that neither the driver nor passenger of the car were injured, while also providing additional details about the incident.

Read Also: Ford Ends All Car Production In Brazil As It Moves To Restructure Its South American Operations

The publication asserts the driver of the truck fled the scene but was stopped by the military police roughly 30 km away in the city of Cipó. Police tested the man and found that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

The unnamed 55-year-old was arrested and sent to a local station where he was hit with a fine and had his license revoked for a period of 12 months. Curiously, local media hasn’t made any mention of possible charges the truck driver was hit with in relation to this incident.

Either way, it’s fortunate that the driver and passenger of the car were not injured.

Attempted murder. from r/IdiotsInCars

Mitsubishi L200 Camping Accessories Allow Buyers To Head Into The Wilderness

Mitsubishi has partnered with GentleTent to offer a large foldable tent for the L200 pickup truck, which is sold as the Triton in certain markets.

Two tent options will be offered. The first is referred to as the GT Roof, weighs approximately 55 lbs (25 kg) and packs down very small. The second tent, pictured on the silver L200, is dubbed the GT Pickup, weighs 59.5 lbs (27 kg) and is larger, allowing occupants to stand up on the bed of the pickup. Both tents can be inflated with the supplied portable air compressor.

Read Also: Driven – 2019 Mitsubishi Triton Makes Off-Roading And Hauling Comfortable

The GT Roof and GT Pickup tents have not been made exclusively for the L200. Instead, they can be used for dozens of different vehicles and are perfect for those that want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head into the wilderness. However, Mitsubishi offers the tents right on the dealership floor.

Mitsubishi has also developed some bespoke camping solutions for the L200. For example, the pickup can be equipped with a Primus gas cooker that slides out from the bed, as well as a washbasin, cutlery box, 12-volt connection and water supply, and a number of storage cubbies. The whole package can be purchased for €3,600 and can be stored under a lockable cover over the bed for an extra €1,949. Opting for the large GT Pickup tent costs €3,410.

The Japanese car manufacturer also offers unique fender flares for the L200, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels.

Now for the bad news: these off-road accessories have only been announced for the German market and it remains to be seen if they will become available to buyers in other countries.

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2021 Chevy Silverado HD Gains Class-Leading Tow Rating And Four New Special Editions [Update: Ford Says Not So Fast]

Update: Ford’s Andrew Surma has reached out to dispute Chevy’s best-in-class towing claim. As he noted, the Ford F-450 has a max towing capacity of 37,000 lbs (16,783 kg) which beats the Silverado 3500 HD by 1,000 lbs (454 kg).

While the F-450 isn’t a direct competitor to the Silverado 3500 HD, Surma explained both are Class 3 trucks as they have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that tops out at 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg). As a result, Ford says the best-in-class towing title is rightfully theirs “despite Silverado’s misleading claims.”

For their part, a Chevrolet spokesperson told Fox News their original claim was “based on a 3500 series truck, a traditional ‘one ton’ (not 1.5-ton like the F-450) HD truck.”

The original story continues below:

We often talk about horsepower wars and the battle to have the biggest touchscreen but, when it comes to trucks, towing capacity is king.

That brings us to today’s news that the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD can now tow up to 36,000 lbs (16,329 kg) when properly equipped.

According to the bowtie brand, engineers were able to increase the max towing capacity of the Silverado 3500 HD Work Truck – specifically the regular cab, rear-wheel drive dually equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine, a ten-speed automatic transmission and the max tow package – by 500 lbs (227 kg). That’s crazy specific, but it means Chevy can now claim a best-in-class max tow rating.

Also Read: 2021 Chevy Silverado Is Even More Clever Than Its New Tailgate Would Suggest

Speaking of towing, the truck gains new trailering technology including a trailer length indicator. It shows a red overlay twice the length of a compatible trailer, on the infotainment system, when a turn signal is activated. This helps drivers to easily see if there’s enough room to safety make a lane change.

Other new tech features include a jack-knife alert system, an upgraded rear trailer view with guidelines and a trailer-angle indicator, and an enhanced rear side view function which now works in reverse. There’s also an improved cargo bed view feature with a zoom function and bed hitch guidance to aid in hooking up a gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailer.

Putting towing aside, the 2021 Silverado HD gains four new special editions. The most notable is the Carhartt Edition which is available on LTZ variants and is distinguished by a Mosaic Black Metallic exterior with a Carhartt pinstripe. The truck also has Carhartt badging, a Carhartt-branded tonneau cover and 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Rounding out the highlights are body-color bumpers and a body-color grille bar with chrome inserts.

Moving into the cabin, buyers will find exclusive Jet Black and Carhartt Brown leather seats with unique stitching and embroidered headrests. Last but not least, there are Carhartt-branded all-weather floor mats.

Moving on, the Midnight Edition is available on LT and LTZ trims with a black exterior. It features a number of black components including the grille, skid plate, badges and wheels.

The Z71 Sport Edition is also available on LT and LTZ trims, but it goes in a slightly different direction as it has a monochromatic look with “color-matched bumpers, grille bar and black door handles.” The special edition is available in three colors – Red Hot, Summit White or Northsky Blue – and features a number of black accents including the wheels, hood vent, mirror caps, skid plate and badges.

The Z71 Chrome Sport Edition is somewhat similar but, as the name suggests, it features plenty of chrome. The special edition also comes standard with 20-inch wheels and is available exclusively in Black or Summit White.

Rounding out the updates for 2021 are new standard equipment and options. A front center console with storage is now standard on Work Truck and Custom trims, while both models can also be equipped with a new Safety Confidence Package which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a driver information center and steering wheel audio controls.

LT trims gain OnStar and SiriusXM satellite radio, while they’re now optional on the Work Truck. There are also a handful of other minor changes as well as two new exterior colors known as Mosaic Black Metallic and Cherry Red Tintcoat.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is already in production and will be arriving at dealerships this fall.

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This Slammed Down Chevrolet C10 Restomod Has A Big-Block V8

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A 1967 Chevrolet C10 restomod is being auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson at its fall auction running from October 22-24.

The C10 is one of the country’s most iconic and recognizable pickups and this particular example has been comprehensively modified.

Slotted under the hood is a custom 408 cubic-inch (6.7-liter) big-block V8 with fuel injection. No horsepower and torque figures have been provided, but we know the engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. Taking into account the lack of traction control and the very little mass over the rear axle, we’re sure this custom Chevy loves spinning up its rear tires and getting sideways if you floor the right pedal.

Watch Also: Hellcat-Swapped Chevrolet C10 Is The Ultimate Pickup

Not only does the truck feature a new powertrain, but the interior has been refreshed and restored with black and white leather. The cabin also houses a JBL sound system, while the bed now features a bespoke tonneau cover. Once removed, the cover reveals a carpeted bed with speakers, struts and leather accents.

According to the listing, the truck’s chassis has been custom built and there are new torsion sway bars front and rear, a rack & pinion steering and a sectioned hood with custom braces. Other modifications include smoothed doors with remote-operated latches, wing mirrors from a 1966 Chevelle, and an air ride suspension.

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Oh Yes, The Ram 1500 TRX Sounds Very Good Indeed

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The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX is an absolute beast of a truck and it has the performance and the sound to match the menacing looks.

Just a few weeks after its unveiling, a video has been posted online that captures the sound of a TRX on a cold start. According to the Instagrammer who uploaded the clip, the Ford F-150 rival is significantly louder than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk that has the same engine.

The Ram 1500 TRX featured in this video is painted Hydro-Blue and is quite a looker. As customer deliveries of the wild truck have yet to begin, this example is owned by FCA itself, as evidenced by the manufacturer’s license plate.

Read Also: Create Your Dream 2021 Ram 1500 TRX With The Official Configurator

Powering the fastest and most powerful mass-production pickup is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 pumping out 702 hp and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. This engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an off-road focused four-wheel drive system. Ram says the 1500 TRX can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a mere 4.5 seconds, run down the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph (174 km/h) and max out at 118 mph (190 km/h).

Other important upgrades made to the TRX include a dual-path induction system that filters out dirt, sand, debris, and water. It is also riding on a reinforced frame, has new independent front suspension with active damping technology, rocks upper and lower control arms made from forged aluminum, and a 2-inch (51 mm) lift.

Ram will start production of customer vehicles later this year. Prices for the 1500 TRX start at $69,995, excluding a $1,695 destination charge.

Next Nissan Frontier / Navara May Use Mercedes X-Class Parts

The next-generation Nissan Navara that’s sold in some parts of the world as the Frontier, including Mexico, Argentina and Brazil (though, not to be confused with the unrelated U.S. and Canadian-spec Frontier) could receive some parts from the outgoing Mercedes-Benz X-Class, at least according to a new report.

It’s no secret that the X-Class was underpinned by the same platform as the Navara. However, not everyone knows that Mercedes-Benz did make some alterations to the platform, adding some structural reinforcement to add to its strength and improving the driving dynamics.

Now, Autoblog.com.ar is reporting that when the new Navara hit the market, they will do so with the strengthened platform of the X-Class, including its new cross members. The report adds the Nissan will receive the same supplementary crossbar as the X-Class.

Read More: All-New Nissan Frontier Makes Spy Debut, Looks Like A Baby Titan

Nissan will apparently start manufacturing the first prototypes of this chassis before the end of the year at a factory in Argentina.

What about America’s Frontier?

It was only in February that Nissan updated the Navara’s distant American and Canadian cousin, the current Frontier (which is related to the second generation Navara, not the third gen NP300 sold globally) for the 2020 model year. While it largely retained the same looks as the previous model, it did land with a new 3.8-liter V6 using 93 per cent new or re-designed parts, allowing it to deliver an impressive 310 hp and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque. This engine will come standard with the next-gen Frontier and be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the five-speed auto and five-speed manual that have been offered in previous years.

Not to be confused with the Frontier sold outside the U.S. and Canada

From what we’ve heard from Nissan sources, America and Canada’s next-generation Frontier will not use the global Navara platform mentioned above but a heavily revised version of the current model’s older truck architecture, the F-Alpha. Confusingly, Nissan markets the global Navara as the Frontier in several other markets.

Sources tell CarScoops that rear-wheel drive will be standard and an all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled transfer case will be optional.

Nissan had been expected to unveil the new North American Frontier pickup truck before the end of the year, but it seems increasingly likely we won’t see it until 2021.

Correction: We’ve clarified that there are in fact two different Nissan Frontier models available for sale in the world, one for numerous global markets that is the same as the European Navara (NP300), and one based on the older F-Alpha platform for the U.S. and Canada

Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

Two Canadian Drivers Crash After Close Encounter With Truck; Were They Racing Each Other?

Two drivers have been filmed crashing on a street in Montreal, Canada while appearing to break the speed limit and potentially racing each other.

Local news outlet Journal Demontreal reports the incident happened last week when the driver of a large truck was attempting to make a right-hand turn into a parking lot.

Speaking with the publication, the driver of the truck, Éric Thibault, said he was driving at dawn when he wanted to turn into a parking lot. To make the turn, he drove the truck into the left-most lane before turning across all three lanes of traffic. He claims to have been roughly 250 yards from the nearest intersection at the time and says that red lights should have prevented any motorist from getting anywhere near him.

Read Also: Ford Mustang With “Street Racing Is Not A Crime” Sticker Predictably Crashes

However, just as the trucker begins to turn to the right, a black hatchback (which appears to be a VW Golf), clips the front of the truck and is sent sliding down the sidewalk, taking with it a small tree. A second vehicle, namely a white Honda Civic sedan, then comes at high speed and slams head-on into another, much larger tree.

The speed limit on the road was 60 km/h (37 mph), but the trucker believes the two cars were probably going at least 100 km/h (62 mph).

The City of Montreal Police Service is investigating the crash and has confirmed that none of the motorists suffered any serious injuries.

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