CURTMFG: SEMA 2014 New Products - Gooseneck Hitches

CURT offers up 30 new applications for our gooseneck line. That almost covers every truck on the road today! Look no further for durability, superior craftsmanship and dependability when it comes to heavy duty towing. Bring IT with CURT!

All-New Ford F-150 Wins Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com Best Buy Awards in Overall Best Buy and Truck Best Buy

•     Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, The Trusted Resource® for car buyers, named the all-new 2015 Ford F-150 Overall Best Buy and Truck Best Buy in its inaugural Best Buy awards
•     All-new Ford F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – beat out all other manufacturers’ 2015 trucks now on sale
•      F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds; 2015 model’s fuel economy ratings projected to be at least 5 percent and up to 20 percent higher than current lineup (EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings will be announced later this month)

The all-new 2015 Ford F-150 is the big winner of Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com Best Buy awards – earning both Overall Best Buy and Truck Best Buy prizes. 

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy awards is an all-new, premier awards program designed to provide a significant service to American new-car buyers by identifying the cream of the crop of all available vehicles for a specific model year.

“These awards from Kelley Blue Book reflect our continuing commitment to truck leadership and building the best trucks for our customers,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “The all-new F-150 sets new standards in durability, capability, technology and efficiency, and I’m proud our new truck has been recognized by the automotive experts at KBB.”

The all-new Ford F-150 is the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever. F-150 can tow up to 1,100 more pounds and haul up to 530 more pounds, and will have fuel economy projected to be at least 5 percent and up to 20 percent higher than the current lineup. (EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings will be announced later this month.) 

“The 2015 Ford F-150 is a revolutionary vehicle in a segment in which even evolutionary change is viewed with skepticism,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editor, Kelley Blue Book. “The bold decision to lighten the vehicle’s structure radically was not just of value in itself, but also was the key enabler to an innovative line of powertrains that will result in significantly better capability than the prior F-150. What so impressed us at Kelley Blue Book was the fact that the new technologies incorporated into the 2015 F-150 all offer obvious and substantial consumer benefits. We believe that is the key reason the new F-150 will cement its place as the No. 1 vehicle in its segment.”

Award criteria
The award finalists were chosen on a set of criteria intended to identify overall vehicle quality and value, based both on proprietary Kelley Blue Book metrics and the expert evaluations of the KBB.com editorial staff. The awards are the culmination of a yearlong regimen of expert vehicle evaluation and testing of nearly every new vehicle available in America, along with analysis of a broad swath of vehicle-related data, including vehicle pricing/transaction prices, five-year cost-to-own data (which includes depreciation, insurance, maintenance, financing, fuel, fees and taxes for new cars), consumer reviews and ratings, and vehicle sales information.

•     The 2015 Ford F-150 has won the following awards and accolades:
•     Kelley Blue Book Best Buy – Truck
•     Kelley Blue Book Best Buy – Overall
•     Popular Science Automotive Grand Award Winner – Best of What’s New
•     Texas Auto Writers Association Truck of Texas
•     Texas Auto Writers Association Luxury Pickup Truck
•     Texas Auto Writers Association Full-Size Pickup Truck
•     Texas Auto Writers Association Best Technology Feature – high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy
•     New England Motor Press Association – Yankee Cup

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 189,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

Happy Thanksgiving from Rack-it Truck Racks

Happy Thanksgiving from Rack-it Truck Racks

Commercial Van Interiors - A Rack-it Truck Rack Dealer in Union City, CA

 

 

Welcome to Commercial Van Interiors...San Francisco / Bay Area. We are located at 950 Whipple Rd. Union City, California 94587.

 

CVI specializes in the working van and truck.  When working with CVI you get National Strength as we have 11 locations across the United States.  While CVI is based out of St. Louis Missouri we also have coast to coast locations in California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and South Carolina.  Each location welcomes you like a neighbor, providing first class sales and service from knowledgeable employees.  We offer immediate installation from certified professionals.  CVI is an Adrian Steel Certified, Installation Technicians!  Our customer satisfaction starts before and continues after the sale.  We get your vehicle back to the workplace where it can work for you.
Visit CVI today and you will soon understand that you've come to the right place.

 

 Feel free to contact us at 510.441.7477.

 

2015 NISSAN FRONTIER: MID-SIZE TRUCK DESIGNED FOR FULL-SIZE WORK AND PLAY – IN A WIDE RANGE OF AVAILABLE MODELS

2015 Nissan Frontier: Mid-size truck designed 

for full-size work and play - in a wide range of available models

As the popular Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup enters the 2015 model year, it continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment – combining premium hardware, extraordinary power and an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance. It also continues to offer an extremely wide range of available body and bed styles, drive configurations and powerplants.

Nissan Frontier is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, two bed lengths and in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations, along with five trim grades: Frontier S (4-cylinder and V6), SV, PRO-4X, Desert Runner and SL (Crew Cab only). Two engines are also available –a powerful 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque or a fuel-efficient 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (4x2 King Cab only) rated at 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway (I4 King Cab 2WD M/T).

For 2015, Frontier receives a number of enhancements, including:

    Moonroof added as standard on Frontier SL Long Wheelbase models
    NissanConnect℠ with Navigation and Mobile Apps now standard on PRO-4X models
    NissanConnect℠ with Mobile Apps and 5.0-inch color display now standard with Frontier SV and Desert Runner grades
    One new exterior color: Arctic Blue Metallic

Authentic Truck Style, Innovation to Get the Job Done
The mid-size Nissan Frontier emulates many of the full-size Nissan Titan’s features, including its bold, expressive and adventurous exterior styling. The Frontier exterior styling embodies a number of signature Nissan truck themes – an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped-steel geometric fender flares.

Long Bed models are available with Frontier Crew Cab SV and Crew Cab SL. Measuring more than 13 inches longer than the Crew Cab’s standard bed, the Long Bed models offer the roomy interior of the Crew Cab plus the extended bed space of the King Cab. The 2015 Frontier also provides levels of innovation in an area where it matters most to truck owners – the bed. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and the Utili-track™ tie-down system.

The Utili-track™ system, first introduced on Nissan Titan, provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo.

In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units.

The Frontier exterior also features a tinted front window, rear privacy glass and a hitch ball provision on the rear bumper. Frontier SL models include chrome front grille, chrome outside mirrors and door handles, along with tubular step rails and front fog lights. A power tilt and sliding moonroof is offered on Crew Cab SL and PRO-4X models, while a tailgate spoiler is standard on all models.

Eight exterior colors are offered for the 2015 Frontier: Glacier White, Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Metallic Blue, Lava Red, Night Armor, Super Black and the new Arctic Blue Metallic.

Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas and flip-up rear seats, along with excellent cab storage and flexibility.

Removable storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats. A locking dual glove box, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior and available tilt and sliding moonroof. The moonroof is now standard on Frontier Crew Cab SL long wheelbase model.

Ample Power for Rugged Off-Road Performance
The heart and soul of the Frontier is its rugged F-Alpha platform. Starting with a full-size, fully boxed ladder frame, the F-Alpha platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build.  Constructed of high tensile-strength steel, the platform provides structural rigidity for rock-solid performance on- and off-road.

Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort, while the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs with the Titan, including its all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for off-road performance.

Exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability is provided, in large measure, by its powerful engine – a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use. Besides smooth torque delivery, the V6 offers good fuel efficiency and smooth operation. The 4.0-liter V6 design includes a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, Teflon®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads. The Frontier V6 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine production facility in Decherd, Tenn., which also produces Titan’s 5.6-liter V8 engine.

An advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft torque, is also available on the Frontier King Cab S-I4 and SV-I4 4x2 models.

Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions – a smooth 5-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual (V6 models) or 5-speed manual transmission (King Cab 4-cylinder models). Frontier 4x4 models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case.

Frontier 4x4 models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces. The available Hill Descent Control feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal.  Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves their foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4x4 models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all V6 Frontier SV, SL and PRO-4X 4x4 automatic transmission-equipped models. A 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is standard on all 4x2 models.

All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (4x4) or 8.6 inches (4x2) of running ground clearance on V6-equipped S, SV, SL and PRO-4X models. Every Frontier also offers good approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.

Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Frontier is offered with a range of available wheels and tires, including 16-inch off road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 white-letter All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels with 265/60R18 tires.

Frontier’s maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped; J2807 compliant).

Every Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Also standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

A Wide Range of Available Models
The Nissan Frontier is again available in a wide range of models and configurations. The Frontier King Cab is offered in four well-equipped models, starting with Frontier S-I4 4x2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission), Frontier SV-I4 4x2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier Desert Runner (4.0-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-V6 4x2 or 4x4 (4.0-liter V6, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); and PRO-4X 4x4 (5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual).

PRO-4X King Cab models receive a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Utili-track™ channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats.

The 2015 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in S, SV, SL and models, in regular or Long Bed body styles (SV and SL), each offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6 and a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines PRO-4X 4x4 and Desert Runner 4x2 only).

Frontier Crew Cab S, SV models and the Frontier PRO-4X 4x4 are offered with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab SL models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.

Frontier SV models include NissanConnect℠ with Mobile Apps, 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Streaming audio via Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

Other standard Frontier SV features include an additional 12-volt power outlet (two in the instrument panel, one in the center console), Remote Keyless Entry, power windows with driver’s auto down, manual sliding rear window with lock, power door locks, dual power outside mirrors, bed rail caps, front reading/map lamps and more.

Frontier Desert Runner is offered with 4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission and features Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, 16-inch Off-Road wheels and tires and unique design elements.

The PRO-4X (4x4 only) comes equipped with Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates on the fuel tank, oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires.

All PRO-4Xs also feature body-colored grille and bumpers, outside mirrors and door handles and fog lamps. Added comfort and convenience features include cruise control, remote keyless entry power windows and door locks and dual power outside mirrors.

The PRO-4X interior includes leather-appointed white-stitched shifter knob and steering wheel, chrome accent ring around the white-faced meter gauges and trip computer. For 2015, PRO-4X models add standard NissanConnect℠ with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with 5.8-inch display, touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM Traffic, SiriusXM Travel Link™ (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.

The Frontier Desert Runner (4x2 only) includes 16-inch Off-Road aluminum-alloy wheels, 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires, Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shocks, 8-way manual driver’s seat, unique seat cloth, embroidered Frontier logo on the front seats, Satin Chrome ring accent around white-faces meter gauges, fog lights, painted rear bumper, unique bedside Desert Runner decals, Desert Runner tailgate badge, Satin Chrome grille and trip computer. Desert Runner also adds NissanConnect℠ with Mobile Apps 5.0-inch display.

Four Available Option Packages
A limited number of option packages are offered for the 2015 Frontier, starting with the S Preferred Package (King Cab I4 M/T models only), which adds air conditioner, AM/FM/CD with digital clock, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, roof console with sunglass holder and front reading/map lights.

The SV Value Truck Package (SV V6 models only) adds fog lights, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, 2 additional speakers (King Cab), auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-Track™ system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, sliding bed extender, trailer hitch, floor mats, Vehicle Security System (VSS), in-cabin microfilter and heated seats.

Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X models have an available PRO-4X Luxury Package, which features leather-appointed seating with PRO-4X logo, 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, dual heated outside rearview mirrors, rear fold-down center armrest, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, tilt and slide moonroof and roof rack with crossbars.

Frontier SL models are available with the SL Moonroof Package with a tilt and sliding moonroof.

SoCal Truck Accessories and Equipment -- a Rack-it Dealer in Santee CA

A Rack-it dealer in Santee, CA is SoCal Truck Accessories and Equipment in the San Diego area. SoCal Truck Accessories is located at 10460 Mission Gorge Rd, in Santee. 

You can reach them at 619-749-0742. Find them at http://www.socaltruck.net/.

Rack-it fully welded racks are sold only through dealers and we appreciate each and every one. Thank you So Cal Truck Accessories and Equipment!

SEMA 2014: Everything You Need to Know

For the automotive industry, attendance at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas is a must. It's the greatest exhibition of aftermarket automotive products in the nation, and it's all under one roof (actually seven roofs at the Las Vegas Convention Center).

We spent three hectic days on the convention center floor and didn't manage to see everything before we had to leave. For your convenience, we've collected all of our stories and videos from the show and deliver here in one easy-to-find listing.

We've also put together an album with some of our favorites from the show, which include quite a few photos that you may have never seen before. We've posted that on our Facebook page. Enjoy.

Cars.com photos by Evan Sears

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/

Add a Rack-it Rack to Your Service Body

The all welded design utilizing schedule 10 HD steel pipe makes Rack-it Truck Racks strong enough for service and utility bodies, and strong enough for the capacities of the Ford F450/550 and like these trucks.

For more information, check out our redesigned and expanded website at http://www.rackitinc.com/, or call us at 800-445-7666.

Popular Science: Ford F-150 named 'Grand Winner'

The 2015 Ford F-150 is Grand Winner in the automotive category in Popular Science’s 2014 “Best of What’s New” honors. The all-new F-150 is the reinvention of America’s favorite pickup – the toughest, smartest, most capable and efficient model ever, with 11 class-exclusive features. F-150 can claim the best towing and payload capability among full-size pickups, towing 12,200 pounds and hauling 3,300 pounds, all with improved fuel efficiency thanks to 700 pounds in weight savings over the 2014 model. Click here for more information on the Popular Science award.
About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 189,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

SEMA Video: Custom 2015 F-150 Is Ready to Drift

We knew this 2015 Ford F-150 was something special the moment we saw it, which is not a small feat given there were a half-dozen customized F-150s sitting all around it. Built by champion drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., this truck had an impressive adjustable air-ride suspension and pearlescent lime-green rims. Take a look at this quick video we put together during the recent 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas.

www.pickuptrucks.com
Cars.com image by Mark Williams

Chevrolet Strong on Silverados at the 2014 SEMA Show

Dave Ross talks about the latest and greatest Silverados in the Chevrolet Performance booth at the 2014 SEMA show.

New 2015 Chevy Colorado Designed for Active Lifestyles

Concept combo pairs custom Colorado 
crew cab with Nautique boat, trailer

LAS VEGAS – Chevrolet demonstrated the versatility and capability of the all-new Colorado midsize pickup at the SEMA Show today, pairing it with the Super Air Nautique 210 – one of the industry’s most iconic wakeboard boats, which can generate a wake strong enough for wakeboarding at lower speeds.

The concept Colorado crew cab, Nautique boat and its trailer share the same custom orange metallic flake paint scheme, while the truck and trailer wear matching 18-inch Chevrolet accessory wheels. With a dry weight of 4,200 pounds for the 21-foot boat and an estimated trailer weight of 1,000 pounds, the combination is well within the capability of Colorado’s segment-leading 7,000-pound maximum trailering rating.

“You can’t own a lifestyle product like the Super Air Nautique without the assurance of a strong, confidence-inspiring truck to haul it to your favorite lake,” said John Fitzpatrick, senior marketing manager, Chevrolet trucks. “The Colorado rewrites the book for midsize trucks, delivering unprecedented performance and capability for people who need the versatility of a truck in a smaller package than a full-size pickup.”

Completely redesigned, the Super Air Nautique 210 incorporates new technology and design features resulting in the look and performance customers expect from Nautique. The sleek and powerful Super Air Nautique 210 is powered by the ZR 450 by Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Group.

Colorado trailering capability is enabled by the segment’s most powerful and efficient engine: an available 3.6L V-6 rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque – and 26 mpg on the highway (2WD models), according to EPA estimates. In fact, the V-6-equipped Colorado produces 14 percent more horsepower than Nissan Frontier’s V-6 (262 horsepower), while delivering 15 percent greater efficiency than its EPA-estimated 22 mpg. It also produces nearly 23 percent more power than Toyota Tacoma’s V-6 (236 horsepower) and nearly 20 percent greater highway efficiency (21 mpg).

A 2.5L engine is standard on the Colorado and it supports a 3,500-pound trailering rating, while delivering a segment-leading EPA-estimated 27 mpg on the highway (2WD models).

Along with genuine Chevy truck capability, the all-new Colorado delivers distinctive design cues and a quiet, comfortable interior that offers amenities that car and crossover drivers appreciate. It also features innovative technology such as Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Traditional truck features such as four-wheel drive and a highly flexible bed with Chevy’s GearOn™ cargo management system are available, enhancing capability. The GearOn™ system is designed to fit within the bed, for significant storage and hauling flexibility. It is upgradable, with modular cargo dividers and tiered storage to accommodate 4-by8 sheets of plywood above the wheelhouses. It also uses the box’s four permanent and 13 moveable tie-down provisions to allow for a variety of secure and convenient cargo stowage options.

The Colorado has a short turning radius of 41.3 feet (12.6 meters), enabling easier turning in tight areas such as city streets or when backing a trailer. Additional features include:

• Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors that offer up to double the service life, which can save money on maintenance.
• Available G80 automatic locking rear differential delivers a traction advantage when needed and quieter, more comfortable driving when it’s not
• Standard CornerStep rear bumper design pioneered on the 2014 Silverado
• Available EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate that uses an internal torsion bar to make raising the tailgate easier with one hand, and a damper for more-controlled lowering
• Standard two-tier loading that allows a platform to effectively split the bed into upper and lower sections, making it easier to haul, store and conceal items
• Thirteen standard tie-down locations throughout the bed for use with available, movable cargo tie-down rings
• Available factory-installed spray-in bed liner
• Available safety package includes segment-first Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, using camera-based technology to warn driver of potential crash threats.

Colorado prices start at $20,995, including $875 dealer freight, for a four-door extended cab model with the 2.5L engine. Chevrolet supports Colorado owners with two years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) of scheduled maintenance.

Join the social conversation at #CHEVYSEMA.

About Nautique Boat Company

Celebrating 90 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft, the owner of Nautique Boat Company, Inc., manufactures the highest quality, most innovative ski and wake-sports boats available worldwide and provides exceptional customer service experiences. To learn more about Nautique and its complete product line, visit www.nautique.com.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Chevy Colorado Performance Concept Enables Adventure

Ricky Carmichael helps develop package to demonstrate cargo capability, flexibility

LAS VEGAS – Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael has the perfect go-anywhere transporter in the all-new Chevrolet Colorado for his motorcycle, mountain bike and the gear that goes with them.

Carmichael teamed with Chevrolet to develop the Colorado Performance concept to illustrate the lifestyle-supporting capability of Chevy’s new midsize pickup truck. It debuts this week at the SEMA Show, the world’s largest trade show of automotive performance and personalization.

“Where I take my bikes, a full-size truck isn’t always the best solution, so a maneuverable midsize truck like the Colorado is just the ticket,” said Carmichael. “Besides a cargo bed that’s not only large enough to haul a motocross bike and a mountain bike, the Colorado has the power to confidently take them where the pavement ends.”

Carmichael consulted with Chevrolet on the unique concept equipment to facilitate the bikes’ mounting in the Colorado crew cab’s 6’ 2” cargo bed, which allows hauling of items up to eight feet long with the tailgate down. A concept tailgate extender helps secure the bikes, while the Colorado’s standard CornerStep rear bumper makes it easier to step up and reach into the bed to tighten hold-down straps or retrieve other gear.

The concept mounting features on Carmichael’s Colorado were developed with the same eye on integrated functionality that’s offered in production accessories available today for Colorado customers – including the patent-pending GearOn™ system. It’s designed to hold larger items such as bikes, boards and kayaks above the bed, leaving room for smaller gear such as tents and sleeping bags in the bed. It can even accommodate 4 x 8-foot sheets of plywood above the wheelhouses.  

Customers can have the accessories installed when they purchase their new truck, so they are ready at the time of vehicle delivery. In fact, they can even roll their cost, including any installation charges, into the monthly payments for the Colorado, and carry a warranty backed by General Motors.

With his motorcycle and mountain bike safely mounted, Carmichael and Chevrolet designers turned their attention to the Colorado’s exterior and interior to give it a one-of-a-kind appearance reflecting the hall-of-fame racer’s competitive spirit.

The truck was given a unique matte gray exterior color accented with high-gloss silver and yellow accents – and a graphic of Carmichael’s signature. The production 17-inch Z71 aluminum wheels were accented with yellow highlights and wrapped in Goodyear Duratec off-road tires. A concept sport bar was also added to the bed.

Yellow accents were added to the interior, along with Carmichael’s racing number 4 embroidered into the front seat headrests. Like the production Colorado, Carmichael’s concept version is well connected via Chevy MyLink with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. There’s also a standard rearview camera system that’s helpful when backing up with tall cargo, such as a motorcycle.

And when it comes to the power Carmichael appreciates, the Colorado delivers the segment’s most powerful and efficient engine: an available 3.6L V-6 rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque – and 26 mpg on the highway (2WD models), according to EPA estimates. The concept vehicle features a concept performance exhaust system.

That power supports segment-leading capabilities, too, including a 7,000-pound maximum trailering capacity with available heavy-duty trailering package, and a maximum payload capacity of 1,590 pounds.

“The Colorado does everything I want in a pickup truck,” said Carmichael. “It simply does it in a smaller package that fits the lifestyle of a lot of people like me.”

Join the social conversation at #CHEVYSEMA.

About Ricky Carmichael

Ricky Carmichael won 102 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Motocross Nationals and 48 AMA Supercross main events for a record 150 major wins between 1997 and 2007. The Tallahassee, Fla., resident won 10 AMA Motocross Championships and five AMA Supercross crowns, giving him a record 15 major titles. After retiring from professional motocross racing, he began pursuing a career in auto racing and was named the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Most Popular Driver. Currently, Carmichael can be found in the TV booth providing color commentary on CBS and Fox Sports Supercross coverage. As for motocross, he will forever be known as "the Goat," which stands for greatest of all-time.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Beautiful Pickup Rack for Metal Building Company, Oakland, CA

Check out this beautiful rack we built for Bryan Morrish from Metal Building Company of Oakland. Bryan contacted our San Leandro based dealer, Truck Toys, as he was looking for a custom rack for his brand new Toyota Tundra Crew Max Short Bed. This build features expanded metal mesh in the overhang of the rack and it’s long overhang versus short 5.5’ bed is supported with custom reinforcement strapping  for maximum bed protection.

We appreciate Bryan trusting his hauling needs to Rack-it Truck Racks as well as Roy, Mary and the rest of the gang at Truck Toys in San Leandro for promoting Rack-it with their customers.”

Spied: 2016 Nissan Titan Crew Cab 'Long' Bed

Final engineering drives are on the calendar for the Nissan truck engineering team, and our spy shooters have caught a few of the coming full-size Nissans out in the wild. The newly restyled, larger cabs and new wheelbase offerings will give future Titan buyers more powertrain and capability options. Here's what we've heard from our spies.

    "A full prototype for the 2016 Titan was spotted and looks to have its zebra costume all ready to go for Halloween. The next-generation Titan has been a long time coming and will feature the much-talked-about 5.0-liter V-8 Cummins turbo-diesel. That engine should have around 300 horsepower, 550 pounds-feet of torque and feature a two-stage turbocharger.

    "This new diesel, some have speculated, will make the new Titan's capability somewhere between a light-duty half-ton and three-quarter-ton truck, and might even be called some kind of HD package. A gasoline 5.6-liter Endurance V-8 will continue to be available as well.

    "We hear the 2016 Titan will be offered in crew-cab, extended-cab and regular-cab configurations. According to our images, up front, the grille opening on the new Titan looks quite a bit bigger than the current model and features three large ‘cheese grater’ cross bars. A pair of vertically stacked headlights are also easy to spot, along with some lightly redesigned chrome-capped, adjustable towing mirrors. From the looks of the tailpipe and the six-lug wheel configuration, this is likely the gas crew cab version with the 6.5-foot box.

    "We're hearing the diesel Titan will launch right out of the gate, starting production in mid-September of 2015. The gasoline model will follow in January of 2016."

Chris Doane Automotive images

www.pickuptrucks.com