포드가 최강의 픽업을 선보였다. 베이스는 F-150 랩터이고, 쉘비 GT500의 파워 유닛을 달았다. 스펙만 봐도 동급의 픽업 동료들을 위축시킬 정도로 강력한 주인공이다. 이름하여 ‘F-150 랩터 R’.
알려진 것처럼 랩터는 포드의 고성능 모델이 붙이는 서브 브랜드명이다. F-150과 브롱코에 쓰이기 시작했고 점차 다른 모델로 영역을 확장하고 있다. 동시에 조금 더 마니아틱한 차종으로 가지치기를 시도하고 있는데 그것이 바로 '랩터 R'이다. 모터스포츠 노하우를 반영한 진짜배기다.
랩터와 큰 차이는 엔진에 있다. V6 3.5리터 가솔린 에코부스트 엔진을 탑재한 랩터와 달리 랩터 R의 심장은 쉘비 GT500에 쓰인 V8 5.2리터 슈퍼차저다. 오프로드 주행과 픽업의 특성을 고려해 최적화했다.
우선, 중저속의 토크를 강화하기 위해 수퍼차저를 손질하면서 ECU를 리맵핑했다. 또한, 강화 풀리 및 스테인리스 배기 매니폴드를 도입해 가혹한 환경에 대비했다. 오일 쿨러와 필터는 전용이고 오릴 팬 디자인도 변경했다. 흡기구를 66% 확대한 고효율의 원추형 에어필터를 채용해 뜨거운 사막에서도 효과적으로 주행할 수 있도록 했다. 이렇게 최고출력 700마력, 최대토크 88.5kgm의 강력한 엔진이 만들어졌다.
파워트레인 능력을 맘껏 발휘할 수 있도록 변속기와 하체도 다졌다. 고속으로 오프로드를 주행하는 레이서 이미지를 강조하기 위해 변속기의 기어와 변속 로직을 개선했다. 강화된 토크에 대응하기 위해 프런트 액슬의 구조를 강화했으며, 알루미늄제 드라이브 샤프트와 헤비 듀티 터빈 댐퍼도 전용으로 설계했다.
리어의 5링크 서스펜션은 24인치 코일 스프링을 끼우면서 트레일링 암을 연장해 고속 주행 안정성을 확보했으며, 전자제어식 댐퍼는 초당 수백 회 모니터링하면서 자동으로 감쇠력을 조절할 수 있도록 했다. 서스펜션 트래블은 앞쪽이 330mm, 뒤는 358mm나 된다.
스타일은 기능을 강조하도록 만들었다. 포드의 고성능 이미지를 자극하는 오렌지 컬러로 그릴과 파워 돔을 장식했다. 보닛보다 1인치 솟은 파워돔은 거대하고 강력한 엔진을 대변한다. 그릴과 파워돔, 리어 펜더와 테일 게이트에 'R' 배지를 새겨 특별함을 드러낸 점도 눈에 띈다.
실내는 블랙 컬러의 가죽과 알칸타라를 조합했다. 홀드성이 좋은 스포츠 타입의 레카로 시트가 기본이고, 도어와 대시보드에는 카본 커버를 붙였다. 센터에는 싱크 4 기술을 사용한 12인치 터치 스크린이 자리한다.
장비도 특별하다. 좁은 코너에서 안정적인 주행을 돕는 트레일 턴 어시스트(Trail Turn Assist), 지정한 속도로 주행을 돕는 포드 트레일 컨트롤(Ford Trail Control), 스로틀과 브레이크를 하나의 페달로 조작할 수 있는 트레일 1 페달 드라이브(Trail 1-Pedal Drive) 등을 기본으로 탑재했다.
포드가 바하 1000 랠리카의 영혼을 담아 개발한 F-150 랩터 R은 올 하반기부터 미시간 주 디어본 공장에서 생산할 예정이다.
2014년형 쉐보레 실버라도 하이 컨트리 럭셔리 픽업 멋진 사진들.
V8 5.3리터 355마력 엔진을 단 뉴 프리미엄 크루캡 픽업.
SAN ANTONIO – The 2014 Silverado High Country will further broaden Chevrolet’s portfolio in the premium pickup segment when it joins the LTZ and Z71 models in the Silverado lineup this fall.
Silverado High Country is distinguished by a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps and body-color front and rear bumpers. Unique 20-inch chrome wheels with P275/55R20 all-season tires are standard, as are chrome body side moldings, door handles and mirrors.
Inside, Silverado High Country features an exclusive saddle brown interior, with authentic materials throughout. Features include heated and cooled perforated premium leather front bucket seats with High Country logos on the headrests, Chevrolet MyLink connectivity with an 8-inch touch screen, Bose premium audio and front and rear park assist.
“High Country will be the top model in the Silverado lineup, with a higher level of premium features and materials with a rich, Western themed appearance,” said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director. “But at the same time, High Country is 100-percent Chevy truck, with the capability and dependability customers have relied on for more than 95 years.”
Standard engine for the Silverado High Country is the 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8, SAE-certified at 355 horsepower (250 kW), with class-leading V-8 fuel economy of up to 23 mpg highway (2WD models). The all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 also will be available. Both engines feature direct fuel injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing, proving the refined power and torque truck customers expect. Both seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to save fuel during light-load driving.
Because of the high level of standard equipment, Silverado High Country will offer only a few options. In addition to the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8, they include a chrome rear bumper with CornerStep, integrated trailer brake controller, sunroof, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system as well as a High Country Premium Package which includes heated steering wheel, driver alert package, adjustable pedals and integrated trailer brake controller.
CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2013 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the redesigned 2014 Tundra full-size pickup truck at a press conference at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Tundra has been a quality leader with Toyota’s DNA of quality, dependability and reliability. The industry has recognized Tundra with a myriad of awards over the last 12 years, including winning the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study for seven years running in the Full-Size Pick Up segment. Not resting on its laurels, the 2014 Tundra will be redesigned, inside and out, representing the first major change since the launch of the current generation for the 2007 model year. The redesigned Tundra continues to be a truck with true American roots that was once again engineered by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and its new look designed by Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor. Finally, Tundra continues to be assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, in San Antonio, Texas. “Toyota prides itself on listening to its customers and the development of the 2014 American-born Tundra is a perfect example,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Tundra’s new exterior design and all-new interior were inspired by customer feedback requesting a more chiseled exterior and refined interior with improved driver ergonomics, and easy-to-use technology, giving customers more of what they want instead, in addition to what they need.” The 2014 Tundra will have a grade strategy consisting of the hard-working SR, volume-leading SR5, the well-appointed Limited, and two premium grades: “Platinum” and the all-new “1794 Edition.” The new 1794 Edition is a tribute to the ranch, founded in the year 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio. Tundra is offered in three cab styles, two-door Regular Cab, four-door Double Cab and four-door CrewMax, all available in 4x2 and 4x4. Significantly New, Unique Exterior Designs; Distinct Look for Each Grade Inside and out, each grade embodies a specific theme through distinct designs that go beyond just badging. The Calty design team set out to create a bold and powerful exterior to embody Tundra’s performance capability. The all-new front design integrates the hood and grille for a chiseled and modern industrial image. Designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the surfaces and character lines to punctuate Tundra’s pulling power and wide stance. The chrome grille has a taller, bolder look visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper. The front lower bumpers are now a three-piece design, allowing for grade differentiation and less expensive replacement parts. In addition, the fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance. An all-new bed design helps carry the chiseled character lines all the way down the profile, leading to a rugged new bed and tail gate, with an integrated spoiler and “TUNDRA” stamped into the sheet metal, creating a one-piece forged look. The integrated spoiler in the deck helps with fuel efficiency, while the tail lamps express a tool-like quality to match the appearance of the body. Like the front bumper, the rear bumper changes from one piece to three, for lower replacement costs. An All-new Spacious Interior; Each Grade With a Unique Identity Calty’s design team worked closely with the product planners and Tundra engineers to develop an all-new bold interior focusing on styling differentiation between grades and improving the availability of features most important to truck buyers. The all-new interior variations are thematic and cater to a specific customer with a specific budget. Ergonomic improvements include easier driver access to controls as the reach to the audio and HVAC controls was reduced by 2.6 inches. Large knobs have been retained so they can be operated with or without work gloves. Overall passenger comfort was improved with an all-new front and rear (CrewMax) seat design and improved front seat ventilation. In addition, front seats have additional travel, and CrewMax rear seats can now be folded up for additional cargo carrying capability while maintaining a comfortable seating back angle. The interior has a rugged, interlocked construction with an all-new instrument panel. The meters feature 3-D metallic rings and individual gauges grouped in a clear, easy-to-see design with a center-mounted multi-information display screen. The console design holds multiple storage areas for personal items and electronics plus additional padded surfaces and accent stitching in premium grades. Both Double Cab and CrewMax will be available with a bench or bucket seats for the front row. The interior of the SR5 features a “professional gear” theme, with unique driver and passenger zones, metallic accents and bold contrasting fabric. Most importantly, the all-new design uses premium surface treatments to enhance interior quality and durability. The Limited grade has an “active premium” image with leather seating surfaces matching soft-touch stitched door and console surfaces, and wood-style interior trims. The Limited will be available with Black, Sand Beige and Graphite leather-trimmed interiors and will have standard auto HVAC controls. The Platinum grade has been completely redesigned for the next generation of personal use truckers. It features perforated black leather-trimmed seats with double-stitched diamond plate leather, door and instrument panel inserts, and chrome seat and console accent badging for an upscale yet urban feel. In addition, Platinum uses premium leather never before used on a Toyota truck and comes with many standard amenities, including a 12-speaker JBL audio system with Entune™, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The 1794 Edition reflects a western lifestyle theme and includes exclusive premium saddle brown leather seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accents the shift console, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel. Like the Platinum, the 1794 Edition includes an array of standard features that includes heated and ventilated front seats, JBL audio and Entune, navigation and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Three Engine Options Remain Among Segment’s Most Capable Several enhancements have been implemented on the 2014 Tundra to improve performance. Shock-absorber valving has been re-tuned to improve Tundra ride quality over harsh surfaces. Steering feel and straight line stability has been improved due to steering system improvements. These improvements reduce the inputs from road variations and imperfections, resulting in improved straight line stability and less driver fatigue. Patented aerodynamic stabilizer fins are added to the outside surface of the rear tail lamp lens, and the outside mirror bases. These patented “Aero-Fins” reduce the air turbulence along the sides of the vehicle resulting in improved straight-line stability during normal driving conditions and while towing.
Interior cabin noise is reduced from an improved design of engine compartment NVH treatments and innovative engineering to reduce sound transmission from the engine compartment to the vehicle cabin.
Tundra continues to offer three proven powertrains. A 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 is standard on Tundra Regular and Double Cab models and produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. peak torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic. The available 4.6-liter DOHC i-Force V8 offers 310 horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and the 5.7-liter DOHC i-Force V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque, in both gasoline and “Flex Fuel” variants. Both V8’s come standard with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. All Tundra engines feature an aluminum cylinder block and DOHC heads, along with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for a broad torque curve and optimized efficiency. The SR and SR5 grades will ride on 18-inch styled steel wheels, while the Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will ride on all-new 20-inch alloy wheels specific to each grade. Tundra remains the only full-size pickup in the segment to adhere to the SAE J2807 towing standard. When equipped with a tow package, Tundra has a maximum tow capacity of 10,400 pounds (4x2 Regular Cab). All 2014 Tundras Feature a Number of Segment Firsts Tundras will feature a number of segment firsts, including a new Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a standard back-up camera (viewed from the audio display screen), and standard Bluetooth. Additional standard features include a 3.5-inch multi-information display in the gauge cluster. The Limited grade adds eight-way power driver seat, standard chrome door handles and outer mirrors, 20-inch alloy wheels and a deck rail system. The Platinum and 1794 Edition come standard with a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and a four-way power passenger’s seat, both with heat and ventilation, power moonroof (CrewMax only), parking sonar, and Display Audio with Navigation, Entune and JBL. Toyota’s STAR Safety; Segment First Blind Spot Monitor with Cross Traffic Alert The 2014 Tundra will be the first in its segment to be equipped with a standard backup camera on all grades, and the first truck in its segment to offer a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (Platinum and 1794 Edition). All Tundra models will also feature the standard Toyota Star Safety System™ that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop (SST) brake override technology. Smart Stop Technology is designed to automatically reduce engine power when both brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time under certain conditions, helping the driver bring the vehicle to a stop. Tundra will be equipped with eight standard airbags including front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) in all models, driver and front outboard passenger airbags with an Advanced Airbag System, and the segments only driver and front outboard passenger knee airbags. Additional safety features include manual headlamp leveling and standard LED Daytime Running Lights (Platinum and 1794 Edition). The redesigned 2014 Tundra will reach Toyota dealers in September.