GM to develop leaner, mid-sized pickups to meet the new emissions standards

To be able to comply with the proposed higher fuel economy and lower emissions standards, automakers will be required to develop a leaner range of pickup trucks, mid-sized pickups, according to Jamie Hresko, vice president of GM’s global powertrain engineering. This means that the top-selling position of General Motors’ full-sized pickup and Ford’s F series are being threatened.
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Shredmo - 1/18/2011 9:44:35 AM

+1 Boost

I wonder if in the future, trucks will sold with basic efficient motors to meet CAFE, then a healthy aftermarket will supply the real power trains consumers need.

Shredmo - 1/18/2011 9:45:09 AM

+2 Boost

will be sold, not will sold. Ugh.

bfghemicuda - 1/18/2011 12:04:16 PM

+1 Boost

I see a possible impact on 1/2 ton pickups but not on 3/4 or above. The building, development,maintenance and construction industry around the world need large trucks. I have seen a few Edison 2-3 ton service trucks in the So-Cal area with Hybrid electric badging though. http://www.allpar.com/news/index.php/2011/01/chrysler-looking-at-two-new-pickups.

bfghemicuda - 1/18/2011 1:54:56 PM

+1 Boost

sportbike80, I read where the 8500 GVWR and above exemption is to be raised this year to 10,000 GVWR.

85bmw745i - 1/19/2011 9:02:27 PM

+1 Boost

They need to. Someone does. These trucks are so heavy now that any engine under 300p is anemic. Look at the F150 5.4l. 300hp and took 9 seconds to get to 60. the old Dodge red wagon was way faster with less than 300hp. If they made the trucks as light as they used to 245hp would be just fine. The first lightning had 245hp and got to 60 in 7.2 seconds without all of the technology we have now. Automakers are saying, now we can offer X amount of horsepower without losing fuel economy instead of making something lighter with less power that is just as quick. Who tows 11,000 lbs with a half ton? no-one but they put these big engines and high tow ratings which kill efficiency.