New RAM Designed to Challenge the Top Dog Trucks

by Zack Spencer on Monday, February 16th, 2015

“RAM has seen huge sales growth over the last few years due to constant improvements instead of waiting years to update its rigs.”
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Pickups Pick Up Major Sales Across the Country

by Ian Harwood on Thursday, December 4th, 2014

“The Ram truck has generated a lot of excitement in 2014 and has won numerous awards…”

Toyota Tundra

GMC Canyon

Ford F-150

Chevrolet Silverado

Ram 1500 Laramie

 

 

Pickup trucks continue to push new sales records every year and with more and more advancements in technologies and lightweight materials, we are witnessing a dramatic change to the automotive industry.

The 2015 Ford F-150 is a reinvention of North America’s most popular pickup. It is 317 kilograms (700lbs) lighter, due to its aluminum body. It can tow up to 500 more kilograms (1,100lbs) and carry up to 240 more kilograms (530lbs) of cargo. The other benefit of losing all this weight is the fuel economy numbers, projected to be five to 20 percent better gas mileage. Four engine choices, 2.7 litre EcoBoost V6 delivering 385 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5 litre EcoBoost V6 twin turbo that produces 365 horsepower and an incredible 420 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0-litre V8 with 385 horsepower with 387 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5-litre with 283 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Some new technologies incorporated in this truck include; a 360-degree camera that offers the driver a bird’s eye view to help manouevre the vehicle out of tight spots, LED headlamps, LED taillamps, integrated loading ramps, and a trailer hitch assist rearview camera that helps line up their truck and trailer without the use of a spotter.

Starting at $17,999

The 2015 Ram 1500 Diesel features a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V6 with an eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, delivering an impressive 7.1 L/100 km highway fuel economy, powers. The Ram also includes active grille shutters to improve airflow for improved aerodynamics. There is also an airbag option available that can lower the ride height to create less drag. The Ram truck has generated a lot of excitement in 2014 and has won numerous awards. In Canada, Ram has maintained a strong following and with a diesel engine offering, the light truck market just became more interesting.

Starting at $19,995

The 2015 GMC Canyon has breathed new life into the midsize pickup market. This vehicle is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and is mated with a six speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. You can also order a more powerful 3.6 Litre V6 with 302 horsepower engine, but it is only available with the automatic transmission. Available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi connection through OnStar turns your pick up into a mobile hotspot. Brand new body style will attract a lot of attention, especially on the west coast where midsize trucks were so popular.

Starting at $22,395

The 2015 Chevy Silverado HD marches in with an all new exterior styling designed around improving airflow, which helps the 6.6-litre Duramax turbo diesel or the 6.0-litre Vortex V8 maintain full power during heavy towing and higher temperatures. Auto grade braking and diesel exhaust braking help keep towing in check on those steep hills. Starting on a hill is no problem thanks to the hill start assist that holds the brakes until you press the accelerator. The trailer sway control automatically senses if a trailer is swaying and brings it back in line by applying both the truck’s and trailer’s brakes. The rear bumper has steps integrated into each corner making it easier to access the pickup’s box.

Starting at $39,995

The 2015 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a 5.7-litre i-force V8 engine producing 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque can tow up to 4,760 kg (10,500 lb). The Tundra went through a complete makeover last year with dramatic changes to the body. The grille is much larger and gives the truck a more aggressive look. The 1794 Edition is a Western themed truck that features 20” chrome clad alloy wheels, chrome surround grille with 2 bar silver inserts, a chrome and silver bumper, 1794 Edition badging, power moonroof and a heavy duty towing package. The Tundra tailgate opens very easily with the hydraulic assist and can close with as little as two fingers.

Starting at $27,225

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Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Clock Ticks Down on Hot Deals for 2014 Vehicles

by Bob McHugh on Thursday, November 27th, 2014

Bob McHugh concludes his quest to find the best deals on 2014 model year vehicles…

Chevrolet Silverado

Honda CR-V

Infiniti Q70L

Kia Sportage

Ram 1500

Toyota Avalon Limited

VW Passat

 

 

There are only days to go before for the smoking hot sales prices available on 2014 model year vehicles disappear.

Most are due to expire on December 1, but some will continue and there may be even deeper cuts on remaining stock in December. That said, as we head towards year-end and dealer inventory levels shrink, so will a buyer’s bargain vehicle choices.

First, a couple of consumer tips to consider:

• Even if a local dealer doesn’t have a specific vehicle you’re interested in buying, the local dealer may be able to obtain one from another dealer. If long distance shipping is involved, however, that cost is likely to be tacked on to your purchase price. So, get that information up front and avoid an extra cost surprise.
• The special clear-out offer price is from the auto manufacturer, so the discounted price at the dealer level is still a suggested one, which means it’s negotiable. So, you may be able to drive an even better bargain.

Family Cars

A $3,200 cash credit is offered on the mid trim level Comfortline edition of the Volkswagen Passat 2.5L with a manual transmission, which is listed at $25,975. This German engineered, and built in the USA, mid-sized sedan has a very roomy and well finished interior.

Kia is also offering up to $5,000 off the list price on selected editions of its Optima family sedan. This generation Optima got AJAC’s Best New Family Sedan Award when introduced in 2011 and there are no major changes to the 2015 edition. Optima MY2014 list prices range from $24,695 to $34,795.

Luxury Cars

A whopping $10,000 can be lopped-off the list price of a loaded with features Infiniti Q70, a super-luxurious large sedan that prior to MY2014 was known as the Infiniti M37. The Q70 has distinctive flowing style lines and a long hood. It offers a nice blend of luxury and sportiness with strong powertrains and nimble handling characteristics. The only drawback is that you still have to come up with $52,237 plus fees and taxes.

The Toyota Avalon ($37, 355) is a more affordable large luxury sedan alternative and a $4,000 cash credit (dropping its price to $33,355) makes it even more attractive. Toyota last redesigned Avalon for MY2013 and gave it a more sophisticated and sleeker look with upgraded in-cabin technology plus much-improved handling.

Sport Utility

Kia is offering a $5,000 cash credit or 2.99% financing for 84 months on its smallest utility vehicle, the Sportage. A revamp for the 2014 model year included an engine upgrade, revised styling and new features. The base engine is now a direct-injected 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that offers more power yet consumes less fuel. The top SX trim level is powered by a 260-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and MY2014 list prices range between $22,995 to 38,295.

The base LX front-drive version of the Honda CR-V (price $25,990 – the top line Touring trim is $35,790) can be purchased with 0.99% financing for 36 months. Redesigned for MY2014 this hugely popular compact utility has been a paragon of reliability and is a benchmark for this class. The CR-V comes with a fuel-efficient 2.4-litre engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission.

Trucks

The truck sector is a world onto itself when it comes to pricing, as the variety of models and options offered are staggering. Steering through the ordering process can be a challenge, but Chevrolet is offering cash credits ranging from $3500 to $6,000 on the (redesigned last year) Silverado 1500. List prices range from $26,540 to $56,860.

A $10,000 cash credit is also available on the Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4×4. The base engine is a 3.6-litre V6. Optional engines are the venerable 5.7 litre Hemi V8, which comes with new FuelSaver technologies or a 3.0 litre EcoDiesel V6. MY2014 prices for the 1500 Quad Cab 4×4 range from $37,295 to $51,595.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca