Road Reality

The 2011 Ford Explorer … in the snow! (w/Video!)

John Suit — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:58 +0000

It’s winter time in the United States, and for a great number of us, that means snow! While the white stuff is pretty look at, it wreaks havoc with our road system. Further, many drivers simply don’t know how to adjust their driving habits for foul weather, and end up playing bumper cars. Click past the jump to see how well the 2011 Ford Explorer helps its driver stay on course.

The YouTube channel for the 2011 Ford Explorer (and this applies to the 2012 models as well) has a good number of videos highlighting the features and capabilities of Ford’s newly-redesigned SUV. I’m highlighting the snow-bound Explorer video and the aforementioned YouTube channel because of its (mostly) high-quality videos and informative content.

by John Suit

Source: YouTube

Owner’s Log: 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat (10/2011 – 1/2012)

John Suit — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:09 +0000

It’s been a quick three months with my new 2011 Ford F-150 Lariat, and for a refresher on my impression of it, see the review I wrote on it. In the past quarter, I’ve logged over 3,600 miles, virtually worry-free. Read on for what’s been happening with my F-150.

Note: Starting with this Owner’s Log post, updates will be quarterly for the first year, semi-annually after that.

Stats:

Time Period: 10/19/2011 – 1/18/2011
Miles Driven: 3,601 (first quarter of ownership)
Average MPG: 16.3 mpg (reported by on-board computer, matches hand-calculated)

Costs:

Maintenance Costs: $0.00
Total Cost (non-fuel): $0.00

Services Performed:

none

Summary:

The F-150 has performed admirably for all it’s been tasked with, including hauling several hundred pounds of firewood, a load which consisted of lawn care equipment and personal belongings, as well as around 1,500 miles of highway driving through MD, VA and PA. Gas mileage around town has been closer to 13 than to 15, which is a bit disappointing – but based on research I’ve done on several owner’s forums, the EcoBoost V6 engine isn’t fully broken in until somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 miles.

Speaking of the EcoBoost engine, its power is amazing. While trudging up the Pennsylvania Turnpike at highway speeds, the truck never downshifted out of 6th gear unless prompted to by my using the SelectShift feature of the transmission. I only locked out 6th gear because the exhaust was “droning” when traveling around 65 mph, which held the engine’s revs at around 1,600. Downshifting to 5th gear brought the RPMs up to around 2,000, which lessened the exhaust note considerably. When driving around town with the bed 2/3 full of firewood, the only thing that reminded me of the load was that the rear leaf springs had sagged an inch or two.

I mentioned earlier that the city fuel mileage was lower than expected, but the highway mileage has been pretty good at 18 to 19 MPGs. It would’ve been better, but the PA Turnpike includes a lot of uphill grades.

Also on the highway for several hours, I used a decibel meter on my iPhone to keep track of sound levels in the cab, and was quite pleased. With all the windows closed, the meter registered an average of 73 dB, and with the driver’s window open a couple of inches, that number only climbed to 84 dB.

Armed with all the creature comforts the F-150 is carrying makes highway miles fly by; road trips seem a lot quicker than they really are. The seats proved comfortable in most regards for the 300-mile trips, except for some lower back pain, which is probably due to an improperly-adjusted driver’s seat. Turning on the heated seat made the pain go away. Meanwhile, my wife had no comfort issues whatsoever, sleeping for hours on end.

The only real glitch I’ve experienced was with the SYNC and navigation systems, which froze up for a few minutes, as you’ll see below.

Dated Notes:

10.22.2011 – SYNC / Navigation froze. The navigation functionality returned several minutes later, but it took a full stop (engine off, key out of the ignition, open driver’s door) to reset the radio. Haven’t been able to replicate this issue since.

General Observations:

The EcoBoost has a ton of power – the truck’s transmission doesn’t have to downshift on upgrade hills of even 4 degrees.
Sirius in the F-150 has a much better signal than XM did in my 2010 Nissan Maxima. Whereas the Maxima’s XM signal would cut out for brief periods in several places on my morning commute, the F-150′s signal only drops out once. On the highway in Pennsylvania, the XM cut out so much on some days that I used my iPhone as an audio source instead. The F-150, in contrast, rarely cut out.

by John Suit

Owner’s Log: MaximumPhil’s 2010 Nissan Maxima, Update 6

John Suit — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:49 +0000

Phil’s had his 2010 Nissan Maxima for 18 months now, and is still pleased with his purchase. During this last reporting period, he had a scheduled maintenance check-up done. Read on for Phil’s experience in the last quarter.

Note: From now on, updates from MaximumPhil will be made on a semi-annual basis.

Stats:

Period covered: 10/01/11 – 12/31/11
Miles driven this report: 1,015
Avg MPG this reporting period: 18.3
Lifetime miles driven 18 mos. 11,015
Avg MPG lifetime 19.3

Services Performed:

11/08/11 – Sched. maintenance to include multi-point inspection,

battery check, tire wear, brake pads, etc., revealed all good to go. Only cost incurred was for routine replacement of the micro cabin filter. All systems good to go. . $82.50

12/02/11 – Factory recall, navigation system update. N/C

Nothing of note to report except that the car continues to run well, period. So far, I’ve been spared the issues that John Suit experienced in his Maxima with the balky rear sun shade, assorted rattles, and the Rocking Seat Syndrome. Other systems such as brakes, electronics, etc., have performed as expected.

Best regards
Maximum Phil

If you’d like to join the Road Reality Owner’s Log program (no matter which vehicle you’re driving), please email John.

Detroit 2012: 2013 Dodge Dart Makes Its Debut (w/Video)

John Suit — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:51 +0000

The compact car market is a fiercely-fought one in the United States. Both younger and cost-conscious buyers are looking for good value, great fuel economy, technology and attractive styling. If a single vehicle meets all of these criteria, it’ll most likely be successful. While the Neon sold well in both Dodge and Plymouth guises, the Caliber – which replaced the Neon in 2005 – hasn’t had the same sales success. For the 2013 model year, Dodge is reintroducing its storied nameplate, the Dart. Read on for pictures and details about Dodge’s hot new compact.

With the Neon’s departure and Caliber only selling around 200,000 units compared to Honda’s Civic, whose eighth generation sold over 300,000 each year during the same period, something had to be done. Enter Fiat, which has Alfa Romeo as a subsidiary. Dodge-specific sheet metal is draped over Alfa Romeo’s Guilietta compact sedan and its MultiAir engine, giving the Chrysler/Fiat merger its first combined product.

With Alfa Romeo DNA underneath, the new Dart should be an engaging drive whose suspension has been suitably modified for US consumption. Speaking of that Alfa DNA, it’s modular, so look for future Chrysler/Fiat cars to ride on the same basic structure. It’s a smart plan which will let Chrysler and Fiat build market share in the US without having to dump tons of money into new platforms.

Outside, the Dart’s sheet metal is decidedly wedge-shaped, with the familiar crossbar grille in front, and an upswept hood which features lifted shoulders and a center-mounted character scallop. The front grille sits atop a gaping maw, which looks like it’ll provide plenty of fresh air to the engine. As with a lot of modern sedans, the headlights are swept back and vertically slim. The Dart’s rising beltline is mimicked at the bottom of the doors, while the side sills themselves are parallel to the ground. The beltline rises far enough that it meets the ducktail spoiler at the rear of the new Dart.

The two wheel designs seen on the show cars are both five-star designs, one being painted and the other chrome. The latter design features a split-spoke design, which reminds me of the Dodge Viper’s wheels. Both designs shown at Detroit look clean and fit the car’s personality.

While the Dart’s flowing lines look fresh and new, the rear end is pure Charger, with the taillamps connected across the trunk lid. Other than those neat looking taillamps, the rear end of the Dart is rather bland, probably the only angle in which the Dart looks uninspired. A blacked-out lower fascia houses the dual exhaust outlets and tries to hide the fact that the rear end is tall and chunky, but it’s still there.

Still, the Dart’s looks are quite attractive overall, which should help it compete in the looks department against Hyundai’s Accent and Ford’s Focus. Honda and Toyota need to step up their design game, lest their Civic and Corolla sedans get left behind in some rather ho-hum dust.

Moving inside, the Dart looks like a scaled-down Charger, with the driver-centric dashboard housing an 8.4″ touchscreen for infotainment. The red trim lends a bit of “boy racer” look, but breaks up an otherwise brooding interior. For another neat trick, Dodge’s engineers have replaced the analog gauges of yore with a fully-customizeable LCD screen. The new instrument cluster can display a myriad of information, from navigation turn-by-turn directions to analog or digital gauges, fuel economy, and others.

Other creature comforts available include automatic climate control, heated leather seats, a 506-watt sound system, backup camera, 10 standard airbags and push-button start. A lot of these features are more premium than expected since they’re usually found in more expensive cars, not an American compact sedan. I’m a huge fan of offering customers an extensive list of luxury-oriented options without having to actually step up to a luxury car.

Motivating the Dart will be a choice of three engines and three transmissions. The engines include a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder codenamed Tigershark, which delivers 160 horsepower, a larger 2.4-liter Tigershark which puts out 184 horsepower, and Fiat’s 1.4-liter MultiAir engine, which also delivers 160 horsepower. MultiAir is Fiat-speak for engine airflow technology which increase power and torque while reducing fuel usage. I expect the 2.0-liter Tigershark to be the volume engine, with the 2.4-liter in more performance-oriented trim levels, while the MultiAir will be the choice of those who value fuel economy the most. On the transmission front, 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be used, with an automated manual (Dual Dry Clutch or DDCT) 6-speed available as well.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be offered initially in five trim levels, including SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The only thing missing at launch is an SRT model, which I expect to show up by the 2014 model year.

Production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2012, so look for Dodge’s hot new compact sedan in showrooms sometime in July or August at the latest. With an attractive design inside and out, followed by all the trim levels and options, there should be a combination for anyone in the smaller-car market – I know I want to test drive one when it goes on sale later this year.

Videos:

Inside Look:

Running Footage:

Show Press Release

Dodge Hits the Bull’s Eye with an All-new Compact Car – The Dodge Dart

The All-new 2013 Dodge Dart Blends Alfa Romeo DNA with Dodge’s Passion for Performance and Style, Resulting in a Groundbreaking Compact Sedan

All-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle built on Fiat Group architecture
2013 Dodge Dart breaks new ground with a savvy, modern, unmistakable Dodge design that evokes emotion, efficiency and fluidity of movement and delivers world-class aerodynamics
Dodge Dart offers five well-equipped trim levels with class-leading safety features and breakthrough technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments
Three state-of-the art, fuel-efficient powertrains with available MultiAir® technology power the fun-to-drive 2013 Dodge Dart

January 9, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – The 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodge’s passion for performance. The all-new Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and fun-to-drive.

Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics.

“The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car that will surprise and delight customers who want a no-compromise, fun-to-drive car that’s a great value,” said Reid Bigland, President and Chief Executive Officer — Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim options, three powerful, fuel-efficient engines, three transmission choices, unsurpassed safety features and world-class aerodynamics, the new Dodge Dart sets a new standard for the compact car class.”

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. It will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart will begin in the second quarter of 2012.

Performance-inspired design

Exterior

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart boasts a timeless, stylish and distinctive exterior design. The car sports an athletic, sculpted, fluid and aesthetically agile appearance. The exterior design of the Dart conveys a level of visual drama and timeless surfaces that add excitement to the competitive compact sedan segment in the United States.

“The Dodge Dart was a dream to design,” said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design — Chrysler Group LLC. “The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions that say ‘fun-to-drive’ when you look at it. Add in the Charger-inspired ‘racetrack’ taillamps, a new, sleek crosshair grille and piano black accents, and it all adds up to a performance-inspired design with just the right amount of attitude.”

The Fiat Group-based Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) architecture’s low, wide and long dimensions ensured a stable “body-in, wheels-out” stance and coupe-like silhouette. The CUS-wide platform allowed for accentuating the fender formations and pushing the wheels as far out to the corners as possible, creating a very stable look, which gave Dodge designers incredible opportunities for some very dramatic sculpturing. Designers visually stretched the skin of the car over the vehicle framework as if stretching nylon over a surface.

“When designing the all-new Dodge Dart, we were inspired by classic, beautifully designed vehicles throughout time,” Dehner added. “Each car was beautiful, based on its surface work and presence alone; they didn’t need unnecessary cladding, jewelry or lines that confuse the eye.”

Once the basic design was in place, with dynamic lines and curves from every angle, designers inserted a little Dodge attitude into the mix. The face of the Dart was styled with the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille, but with a modern, sleek look that “floats” in the front fascia, giving the Dart a full-width mask that marks it as a Dodge.

The rear view of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart features an available Charger-inspired “racetrack” full-width taillamp with 152 indirect glow LEDs, and class-exclusive dual exhausts mounted in the rear fascia.

The front of the 2013 Dodge Dart has been designed for smooth airflow around, above and below the car without compromising styling or engine cooling requirements. In addition, a lower radiator close-out panel is positioned below the front fascia. This not only contributes to the Dart’s lower front-end appearance, but also reduces drag while still allowing for an 8-inch curb clearance.

Dodge designers made attention to detail and precision craftsmanship a priority, and it is noticeable from every angle. Standard laser-braised roof welds, high-quality metal Daylight Opening (DLO) moldings painted piano black and standard projector headlamps are just a few examples of well-crafted features typically found on much more expensive classes of vehicles.

Tasteful, detailed accents add to the design of the Dodge Dart. Style lines on the hood lead the eye to the floating crosshair grille, while chrome accent spears below the projector headlamps and inboard of available projector fog lamps highlight the attention to detail.

The result is a compact sedan that blends exceptional proportions, “aero-dramatic” surfacing, world-class craftsmanship, modern technology, an exceptionally quiet cabin and an upscale feel in a package that is undeniably a Dodge.

Interior

Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, exciting bursts of color and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Dart’s interior, which is crafted with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. Starting with modern Dodge DNA and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, high-quality soft-touch materials and high-tech features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.

The Dart’s “driver-centric” layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior. Packaged in the footprint of a compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-size sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.

“The all-new Dodge Dart is the showpiece for Dodge’s next generation philosophy of interior design,” said Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design — Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dart interior takes the beautiful, precision-crafted interiors we rolled out last year and adds a little bit of fun with surprises of color, eye-catching ambient lighting and some really cool technology.”

Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Dart’s development, and with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, seven wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, each Dodge Dart can be personalized by every buyer to fit their individual style. And the combinations are multiplied exponentially, as Mopar® also will offer more than 150 customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.

The high-tech centerpiece of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the class-exclusive floating island bezel, which houses the segment-exclusive available 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround that also houses the available class-exclusive Uconnect® Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen Media Center – the largest touchscreen in its class.

Thoughtful storage options throughout fit today’s technology. The glove box easily conceals a stowed iPad; the center console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices, and thoughtful, inventive storage solutions, such as center console side pockets, are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pens and paper.

Lighting in all the right places provides drivers and passengers a warm, comfortable cockpit. Available “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle.

Three sophisticated, fuel-efficient and powerful engines

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines that add to Dart’s fun-to-drive quotient.

Drivers can select from a new 160 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 160 horsepower 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir® Intercooled Turbo engine and a new 184 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices — six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission — redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque and a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Engineered with passion

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was developed and engineered to exceed expectations for satisfaction, quality and reliability. From the world-class aerodynamic performance, to the agile, responsive driving experience, to items seemingly mundane like segment-leading heating and cooling performance that gives drivers and passengers the right temperatures in the right locations and a whisper-quiet interior, Dodge engineers kept the customer top of mind while developing every detail of the Dart.

“The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart has been engineered with a passion that demonstrates Dodge is back in the compact car segment in a big way,” said Matt Liddane, Vehicle Line Executive — Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dart is well-crafted, agile, powered by world-class, fuel-efficient powertrains, loaded with high-tech features that are both clever and useful, and it’s fun to drive.”

Alfa Romeo DNA

The Dodge brand’s re-entry into the U.S. compact sedan segment is based off of the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Giulietta platform was lengthened and widened, creating a spacious compact sedan that meets the wants and needs of North American consumers.

The proven modular architecture allows multiple models to be built using the same basic underpinnings, resulting in improvements in quality and reliability, as well as reducing cost, development timing and tooling. The body structure of the Dart is comprised of 68 percent high-strength steel – hot stamped, high-strength and ultra-high-strength – resulting in an architecture that is lightweight, modern and solid.

The 2013 Dodge Dart features the proven, lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension, specifically tuned to minimize camber loss, resulting in more responsive steering and handling characteristics, improved ride quality and a reduction in road noise – all qualities drivers will appreciate.

A bi-link independent rear suspension enables European handling capability for those drivers who love to lean into corners and the smooth ride North American drivers covet.

World-class aerodynamics

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan was designed and engineered for world-class aerodynamic performance. With more than 600 hours in the wind tunnel during the Dart’s development and using technology typically found on more expensive vehicles, Dodge engineers and designers looked at every aspect from the ground up to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the Dart.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first Dodge vehicle to use an active grille shutter system. The system automatically stops airflow through the lower intake at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required and aerodynamic drag is most significant. When closed, the shutter system enhances aerodynamic performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The active grille shutter system will open or close automatically based upon engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed.

Underbody panels run stem to stern on the Dodge Dart, covering the majority of the lower vehicle from the front fascia to the rear fascia. Constructed of mold-in-color (MIC) black composite, the panels both enhance the aerodynamic performance and also block road noise.

Tire spats located forward of the front and rear tires were engineered to function as mini air dams and were optimized for shape and ground clearance, adding to the underbody efficiency in conjunction with the underbody panels.

In the design and engineering of the 2013 Dodge Dart, no aerodynamic detail was too small. Mirror design, the notch angle at the top of the header of the backlight to the trailing edge of the decklid and even the tail lamp applique shape and rear corners were all designed and engineered for optimal aero performance. An integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a trailing edge shape for cleaner airflow separation in the rear portion of the vehicle, which optimizes the air wake.

Class-leading Safety Features

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was engineered with 60 safety and security features to ensure driver’s and passengers’ peace of mind when traveling. The Dodge Dart starts with a strong foundation, a body that has a high-strength steel content of 68 percent, one of the highest in the industry, and then adds both active and passive safety features. Driver and passenger safety features include 10 standard airbags, which is unsurpassed in the segment and include: dual-stage adaptive venting front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted driver and passenger pelvic and thorax air bags, two rear-seat-mounted pelvic air bags, front driver and passenger knee air bags and all-row side-curtain air bags. The Dart also features a reactive head-restraint system; available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, three-point safety belts in all five seating positions; front driver and passenger dual seat belt pretensioners at the anchor and retractor positions and active load limiters. These features and more all work to protect passengers in the event of a crash. All three rear seat positions feature Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH).

Additional standard safety features on the 2013 Dodge Dart include:

Four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction control system on all models

Brake Assist
Brake-lock differential
Ready Alert Braking
Rainy Brake Support
Hydraulic boost compensation
Electronic stability control (four-channel active handling system ESC)
Electronic Roll Mitigation
Hill-start Assist
Trailer-sway Control
ParkView® rear backup camera
ParkSense® rear park assist

State-of-the-art, Segment-exclusive Technology

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart sports segment-leading technology and not-seen-in-the-segment features, enchanting and delighting drivers and passengers alike. Examples include the segment-exclusive floating island bezel, 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch Media Center, 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable instrument cluster display and upscale ambient lighting.

The 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with technology that improves driver and passenger comfort, as well as the performance of the car.

Customizable for the driver’s own style

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. Each trim level has a style and value that will appeal to the diverse customer base interested in a compact sedan.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will feature 12 exterior colors: Redline Red Pearl Coat, Header Orange Pearl Coat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Winter Chill Pearl Coat, Laguna Blue Clear Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Citrus Peel Pearl Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat and Bright White Clear Coat.

The Dart offers customers the choice of 14 interior color and trim combinations with seven interior color environments in cloth or leather fabric: Black denim, Black/Light Diesel Grey, Black/Light Frost Beige, Black/Ruby Red, Diesel Grey/Citrus Peel, Diesel Grey/Light Diesel Grey and Ceramic White/Light Diesel Grey.

In addition to the exterior color and interior trim options, the 2013 Dodge Dart offers seven wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, as well as a slew of available exceptional or segment-leading features, including:

World-class aerodynamics
Class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust
Class-exclusive “racetrack” LED taillamps
Class-exclusive choice of either Hyper Black or polished wheels
Class-exclusive 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect Touch Media Center with built-in radio, navigation, iPod control, climate controls, voice-activated blue tooth, SiriusXM Travel Link, weather updates and points of interest
Class-exclusive 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display that is easily customizable to the driver’s taste. Choices include: digital and analog gauges, navigation turn-by-turn display, eco-meter, fuel economy, audio, phone, compass and temperature read outs
Class-exclusive floating island bezel
Class-exclusive heated steering wheel
Class-exclusive in-seat storage
Available 506-watt sound system
Keyless Enter ’n Go with push-button start
High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
Dual-zone automatic temperature control with humidity sensor
Unsurpassed 10 standard airbags
ParkView® rear backup camera
Blind-spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Path Detection
Best-in-class hip room and shoulder room
The most diverse lineup of gasoline powertrains in the segment – three new engines and three transmissions:

New Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates an estimated 160 horsepower with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
The technologically advanced Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo producing an estimated 160 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb.-ft. of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DDCT transmission
New powerful 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 184 horsepower with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission

Dodge also is giving drivers the opportunity to customize their vehicles, as Mopar will offer more than 150 customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.

2013 Dodge Dart

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will compete in the compact sedan segment, one of the largest segments in the automotive industry. The Dart is well-crafted and built with the features, technology and style today’s compact car customers desire, positioning the Dart as a groundbreaking new car.

Dodge expects the Dart to appeal to a wide ranging group of new car buyers, from millenials to empty nesters. The millennial customer is a young professional most likely purchasing their first new car. They desire a car that is truly an expression of themselves, a car they can personalize and call their own. The millennial customer is connected with their friends, enjoys having a great time and is never without their phone. They grew up with technology and they indulge in the latest high-tech features.

The empty-nester customer is in the process of redefining their lifestyle, and they have more time for themselves than in their recent past. This customer typically knows what they like and purchases things and participates in activities that make them happy. The empty-nester appreciates what they have, leads an active lifestyle and is always up for a challenge. This customer knows a little bit about a lot of things and is interested in not only the way things work, but why. The empty-nester appreciates a good value, but doesn’t want to sacrifice the level of quality and amenities they have worked hard to attain.

The all-new Dodge Dart has been engineered with great levels of refinement, craftsmanship and engaging driving dynamics. Consumers can get more information at www.Dodge.com/Dart.

About the Dodge Brand

For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance – from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan – inventor of the minivan – Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the United States.

by John Suit

Source: Chrysler

Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion

John Suit — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:46 +0000

Ford’s Fusion, which debuted in the 2006 model year, was a big milestone for Ford. It marked the beginning of a turnaround for Ford’s car division, which lost its way after the much-lauded Taurus became a dinosaur in the mid-sized sedan market. Since the Taurus/Five Hundred had moved up to the full-size sedan market, a new mid-sized sedan was called for, especially one which would be competitive against offerings from Honda and Toyota. The Fusion has been a great success, especially since its 2010 refresh, and for 2013, Ford is pulling out all the stops with its redesign. Continue reading for details, pictures and Ford’s press release.

The current Ford Fusion has a nice interior, stylish exterior, decent power train options, and is a good value. While that may be working for now, it won’t in the near future. With Hyundai’s Sonata and Volkswagen’s Jetta taking legitimate shots at the segment’s big guns (read: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima), a mild redesign just isn’t going to cut it.

To that end, Ford is borrowing a page from Hyundai’s book and ditching the V6 for 4-cylinder options. At the same time, it has improved its hybrid offering, and is adding a plug-in Energi trim level, which ought to be interesting. While the Fusion itself competes against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Energi plug-in hybrid will compete with the Prius Plug-In Hybrid and Chevrolet Volt.

Aside from the Energi, which is expected to achieve greater than 100 MPGe (gas/electric equivalency), the Fusion Hybrid should be rated at 47/44 city/highway, an improvement of 6 and 8 MPGs over the 2012 model, respectively. Then there are the gasoline-only engines, of which there are three. Two EcoBoost engines (1.6-liter and 2.0-liter) will be optional, with a naturally aspirated base engine. While the EPA hasn’t certified the 2013 Fusion’s various engine options, Ford expects the 1.6-liter to garner 26/37 city/highway mileage. The base engine will keep prices down, while the 1.6-liter will probably be the volume seller. the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is the sporty option, and of course the Hybrid and Energi trim levels will be the fuel-economy headliners.

Besides engines, the 2013 Fusion will sport 6-speed automatics, with some trim levels sporting paddle shifters. Further down the drive train, the Fusion will offer all-wheel drive for the first time, an option previously found only on its Lincoln MKZ sister car.

Enough talk of the drive train – let’s dissect the new sheet metal. Starting out front, the front grille area is similar to the new Fiesta and Focus, while resembling the front of current Aston Martins. The hood has sharp creases lifted from the Ford Taurus, as well as swept-back headlights. The profile is reminiscent of Audi’s new A7 sportback, while the rear end really pulls from the new Focus’ design. Two character lines run from front to back, one hiding the door handles and the other breaking up an otherwise flat sill area.

Wheel designs are on the sporty side, with very attractive designs, cribbing designs from BMW and Lincoln. The new Fusion’s taillamps remind me of Ford’s Focus, but having the exhaust outlets integrated into the rear fascia is a classy move.

Inside, it’s more of the same from Ford, which is a good thing. Ford’s current interior designers are right on the money, improving the cabins on all of its recently-redesigned vehicles. Comfortable-looking seats feature plenty of bolstering for sportier trims, while a driver-oriented center stack keeps controls at easy reach. MyFord Touch is present, of course, but it’s MyFord Touch 2.0, with a better layout for less-distracted driving. An actual volume knob is present, which is one of the most-used controls while moving.

The dashboard on the new Fusion is also taller, which should translate to being better enveloped, versus feeling like you’re riding or driving atop the Fusion. The instrument cluster hasn’t been touched too much, retaining its dual 4.2″ LCD screens which flank the analog speedometer. Once the new Fusion goes on sale, check back for my impression of the materials used, but I expect quite a bit of soft-touch plastic, with harder plastics used in lesser-touched areas.

No vehicle redesign is complete without a listing of new technologies on offer, and the new Fusion is no exception. The highlights include MyFord Touch for infotainment, Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot monitoring (BLIS), Active Park Assist and Auto Start/Stop.

Lane Keeping System helps drivers stay in their lanes by monitoring lane markings and then using a three-tier system to alert drivers. The first tier uses an audible alarm to alert the driver, while the second tier vibrates the steering wheel to get a driver’s attention. If all else fails, the third tier actually applies pressure to the steering wheel to keep the Fusion in its lane.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) are already found on other Ford vehicles, and BLIS is currently an option on the Fusion. ACC uses radar sensors in the front bumper to keep the Fusion a set distance from the vehicle in front of it, reducing engine power and applying the brakes to accomplish this. BLIS uses sensors on the sides of the Fusion to detect cars where the driver may or may not see them, and illuminating LEDs in the side-view mirrors when cars are found. The system also detects cross traffic in front and back, to help avoid accidents when pulling out or backing into traffic.

Active Park Assist (APA) uses the aforementioned sensors and electronic power steering to park the Fusion, once a suitable parking spot has been located.

Auto Start/Stop is a feature that has been found on several European-only models in the past several years, but is finally making its way to the US. When the Fusion comes to a halt, the engine smoothly shuts down, and when the driver lifts their foot from the brake pedal, it’s restarted. If you idle a lot in traffic, this feature will come in handy in keeping fuel usage down, and should be a must-buy option for anyone who drives in a city environment often.

In the end, the 2013 Ford Fusion should prove to be quite the competition for the stalwart Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, as well as Hyundai’s upstart Sonata. Look for the new Fusion in Ford showrooms sometime this year – but my money is on late spring/early summer.

by John Suit

Source: Ford

Show Press Release

New Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency

New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice
With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value
Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology
Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

Soundbites: All-New Ford Fusion

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

For more information on the importance of the midsize car market, please follow this link:http://youtu.be/7C2ipp5A7gQ.

Triple-crown fuel efficiency

The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Click here to download related images.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

2013 Ford Fusion Energi

Click here to download related images.

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

Fusion looks out for you

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC®communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design

“The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize,” said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.”

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans
Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet
Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter
Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability
New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

“The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the customer,” said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feelsare the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

“This really is a driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, program manager. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations.”

Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

Strength and safety

Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Fusion’s front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car’s front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

Fusion will be produced at Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.

The story behind the new Fusion

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring plenty of unique content including articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or blogs.

Comparison Test: 2011 GMC Sierra vs Ford F-150

John Suit — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:00:19 +0000

For each new model year, truck manufacturers are one-upping each other, and 2011 was no exception, with Ford’s F-150 receiving a much-needed boost in the engine department. With that in mind, and me being in the market for a new pickup, I drove the “Big 3″ – Ford, GMC and RAM, and came up with a conclusive winner, which I ended up bring home to park in my own driveway. Continue Reading to see how things shaped up.

After buying a home earlier this year, it became apparent that while my wife’s Mazda Mazda6 can haul some things, it wasn’t suiting our needs quite right for bigger home projects, including landscaping and hauling firewood. With that in mind, I went shopping for a pickup truck. While a mid-sized pickup would suit our new needs, the fuel economy penalty is negligible when the smaller truck is equipped with a V6. This limited the search to the Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan, RAM 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ford F-150. The Titan didn’t have all the creature comforts I was looking for and the Tundra was in limited supply after the devastation in Japan earlier this year (so I couldn’t find one optioned out the way I liked). That left the American truck makers, and while the Chevrolet Silverado is very similar to its twin, the GMC Sierra, I prefer the looks of the Sierra, so that dropped the potential truck pool to just three.

During my research, I drove several trucks from GMC and Ford, as well as a RAM 1500. The RAM simply wasn’t quiet enough, even though it had the best ride of the three. Now down to two, I borrowed a 2011 GMC Sierra from my friends at King Buick GMC and drove it for a few days. It was a great experience, and gave me a taste of what my commuting life would be like behind the wheel of a full-size pickup truck. The Sierra was sized just right, and fit into normal parking spaces. It was missing the Bose stereo (which I listened to in another Sierra) and moonroof, two things I had put on my “must have” option list.

As a refresher, take a look at the review I wrote on the 2011 Ford F-150.

For this comparison, I used my experiences behind the wheel of each truck, and as usual, I’ve found something to like in each category about both trucks. Let’s see how they stacked up:

Exterior: GMC Sierra

Yes, the new F-150 is a handsome truck, but the designers at GM really nailed the Sierra’s look. It’s rugged, but refined, while the Ford more closely resembles a Tonka truck. The dimensions of each truck just aren’t drastically different from each other, so this is a very subjective quality. The big difference, though, is truck height. Although Ford has stuck to a flat load floor, GM’s engineers gave their truck an actual transmission hump down the center of the cab’s floor. This lowers the overall truck height by a few inches, making it easier to get in and out of. The offset is that a flat load floor can be used to haul weather-sensitive objects such as big-screen TVs.

Interior: Ford F-150

This one is close. While the faux light wood trim in the F-150 Lariat first turned me off, it has since grown on me, and has become a nice contrast to the black plastic and leather found elsewhere in the cab. Meanwhile, the wood trim on the Sierra SLT is simply classy The SLE trim level is completely different, missing the wood trim but still quite functional and more like a work truck. Whereas GM’s designers have opted for an interior that looks more at home in a Tahoe or Suburban, Ford’s people have made the Expedition more like a truck on the inside. With the 4.2″ LCD in the instrument cluster of the F-150, as well as SYNC and a better navigation system, the F-150 winds this part of the comparison.

Capacity/Capability: F-150

I probably won’t ever max out my F-150, in either hauling or towing. That being said, Ford’s optional tailgate step and box side steps are a phenomenal addition to any full-size truck. The tailgate step makes it really easy to get up into the truck bed, and the box side steps mean that anything that slid forward is easily retrieved. On a side note, they’re probably my wife’s favorite feature – she loves showing off how easy it is for her to get up and into the bed, even though she’s only 5’3″ tall. As a counterpoint, if you’re tall enough or don’t need to get into the bed that often, either truck will do. The steps just give the F-150 the edge. If you’re not going to tax either payload or towing capacity, you won’t miss out by picking the Sierra, so it becomes more of a personal preference.

Power Train: F-150

No big surprise here; the Sierra last had a redesign for the 2007 model year, and hasn’t seen any drivetrain improvements since then except the introduction of a 6-speed automatic. The powertrain options in the GMC Sierra are more than adequate though, and the cylinder deactivation is a neat trick for saving fuel. The current-generation F-150, however, was new for 2009, although it greatly resembles the 2004-2008 model, and is running on a similar platform. The big news for the F-150 is the complete revamp of the engine lineup for 2011. From a new base V6 to two new V8s, as well as the EcoBoost, the F-150 has this round wrapped up. When comparing the trucks based on engine size, the 5.0-liter V8 from Ford is down on fuel economy by 1mpg in both city and highway driving (in 4×4 guise), but is up on power – 360/380 horsepower/torque compared to 315/335 hp/tq in the Sierra’s 5.3-liter V8. If you opt for the EcoBoost V6 in the F-150, however, you match the Sierra’s fuel economy numbers for its 5.3-liter V8 in the city, but gain 1 mpg in highway driving, all the while besting its power, hauling and towing capabilities. The EcoBoost engine in the F-150 is rated at 365 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque.

Chassis/Suspension: F-150

In an interesting turn of events, my research shows that while the F-150 has a fully-boxed frame (read: stronger, more rigid), its bigger brothers, the F-250 and F-350, have C-channel-based underpinnings. On the GM side of the fence, their Sierra 1500 has C-channels, while the Sierra 2500 and 3500 have fully-boxed frames. Either way, the chassis and suspension on the F-150 are a notch above the Sierra’s, so they have a similar ride, but the Ford has more composed handling. Neither truck could be confused with their grandfathers from the late 1990s.

Creature Comforts: F-150

SYNC is an awesome voice-activated system, and it’s tied into one of the easiest-to-use infotainment systems I’ve used. The aforementioned 4.2″ LCD screen in the instrument cluster is also a big winner over the old, pixelated dashboard readouts. The sound deadening on the Sierra was pretty good, but Ford’s engineers added an extra layer, and it’s whisper quiet in the F-150, even at 70mph (I read 73dB at 70mph on a decibel meter app on my iPhone, 75dB in the Sierra). The F-150 wins by a good margin here. I liked the radio in the Sierra because it allows for AM, FM and XM to be combined in one 6-preset block. The optional Bose stereo sounds nice as well.

Overall Winner: 2011 Ford F-150

While Chevrolet’s Silverado Heavy Duty (HD) took the honors of Motor Trend’s Truck Of The Year (TOTY) for 2011, it’s no surprise why Ford’s F-150 has regained the crown for 2012. The new engines have bumped the F-150′s capability to surpass that of GMC’s Sierra, and more importantly for a lot of owners, fuel economy too. The GMC Sierra is a very attractive package though, with well thought out interior bits and a keen eye for the details. With a refresh looming for 2013 or 2014 for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, I expect to be revisiting this subject in short order.

by John Suit

Thanks to Steve Francisco of King Buick GMC for the use of multiple 2011 GMC Sierras for this comparison and the review.