GMC Sierra and Chevrolet City Express: Combining Style & Efficiency
GM’s completely redesigned 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups are arguably more differentiated from each other in looks than their predecessor models. In addition, they both boast a new family of fuel-efficient yet powerful EcoTec3 gasoline engines. Dramatically styled exteriors and cabs are described as quieter as well as more comfortable and functional.
The GMC Sierra includes a new interior with two glove boxes, center console and door panel storage, and a six-gauge cluster. Four upfitter switches with 30 amps of power can switch between battery or ignition power as needed. The extended cab model has been eliminated in favor of a double cab, which includes forward opening rear doors.
The three available engine choices (4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8) offer increased power, torque and fuel
efficiency. The new engines feature direct fuel injection and continuously variable timing along with cylinder
deactivation—switching down to four cylinders when maximum power is not required—to provide what the OEM dubs “maximum performance and minimum fuel consumption” in real-world conditions.
GM points out the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the 2014 Chevy Silverado regular cab is equal to that of the 2013 Silverado model. The company adds that the base price includes several new features: the new 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine; a 6-speed automatic transmission; an all-new cab interior; four-wheel disc brakes with
Duralife rotors; and a new bed with standard box rail protectors and “corner step” bumper.
The base MSRP for the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 double cab, which replaces the 2013 extended cab model, and the crew cab models, will mirror the 2013 base MSRPs, GM notes. Fuel economy numbers for the 2014 Chevy Silverado are 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for its 2WD versions and 16 mpg city,
22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined for 4WD models.
GM also plans to introduce small pickup models within two years to replace the discontinued Chevrolet
Colorado and GMC Canyon. Those models were cut from the GM lineup in 2012.
GM also plans to introduce the Chevrolet City Express, a new small cargo van, by the fall of 2014. It will be based on Nissan’s NV200 van but badged with the Chevrolet nameplate as part of a partnership deal between GM and Nissan that the OEMs say should last several years.
The City Express will use the Nissan powertrain, which includes a 2L 16-valve dual overhead cam 4-cyl. engine rated at 131 hp. and 139 lbs.-ft. of torque. It will be available in two trim levels, the LS and LT, and feature 1,500 lbs.of payload capacity and 122.7 cu. ft. of cargo space.
The van, which will be built in Cuernavaca, Mexico, was initially available only in cargo configuration.
gm.com
Not many HVAC contractors consider themselves fleet owners, but if you’re managing a field service and
installation team using two or more trucks, guess what: you are one. As such, the editors of Contracting Business.com wanted to share the newest in pickup and van-style vehicles that will be available starting in late 2013. The automotive manufacturers are focusing on fuel efficiency and safety: so get ready to rumble, the 2014 trucks are rolling out soon. Here’s a preview. Thanks to sister magazine Fleet Owner (fleetowner.com) for sharing their data with us. — The Editors Ford F-150: Aluminum Body is 2014’s “Biggest Loser”
Though Ford had completely redesigned its F-150 for the 2012 model year, followed by enhancements to the 2013 iteration, Ford is reportedly now engaged in what’s being termed a “radical redesign” of the iconic pickup that will incorporate a largely aluminum body to help increase fuel efficiency. Switching to the lighter metal in