by L Baures | Dec 8, 2017 | Automotive News
Luke Bryan
American Country singer and songwriter, Luke Bryan is co-owner of Buck Commander (the sister company of Duck Commander). He also wrote the song, “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day”. The Outdoor Channel and Buck Commander also have a tv show together featuring Luke Bryan.
According to a press release by Chevrolet, Luke Bryan and Chevy teamed up to create concept Suburban meant for hunting and fishing.
Chevrolet Suburban concept for huntin’ and fishin’
https://youtu.be/No9rAthyBNc
In the Chevy press release, Luke Bryan says, “Chevy has been part of our family and a part of our work life on the farm for as long as I can remember,” says Bryan. “If you were a Bryan, you drove a Chevy — and I’m a longtime Suburban owner. This partnership is a natural fit for me and this unique Suburban represents everything I and my family want for our outdoor adventures”. Chevy asked Bryan for an outdoor vehicle wish list. Here’s what he came up with;
- Lifted suspension
- 22″ wheels with 35″ off-road tires
- Roof-mounted equipment carrier with fishing rod holder
- Custom hunter bronze exterior color with dark carbon accents
- Camo graphics
- Custom interior with Argon piping and Platinum camo-pattern
- Roof-mounted light rack
- Custom lower fascia
- Outward swinging rear tailgate door (with spare tire mount)
- Lower skid plate extension
- Concept rear-facing third-row seats with custom footwell
- Reverse-mounted rear-seat DVD player
- Anodized orange tow hooks
- Six-piston Brembo brake upgrade
Chevrolet Design director, Todd Parker says, “There’s plenty of room for all their gear, along with added amenities that make the journey more enjoyable.”
The engine and transmission are the same as a regular Suburban with the 5.3L V-8 engine and 6-speed transmission. The concept does, however, feature a locking rear differential and 8000lb max towing capacity (with trailer package).
What do you think?
Do you think this would work in real life huntin’ and fishin’ expedition? I can’t say I’m much of a fisher but as far as hunting goes, I’d personally rather be looking out the window for the game instead of a DVD player. Wait, there are no back side windows? What was the idea behind this? Is it to fish from when you drive into the lake? You can’t shoot out the window, Game and Fish might have something to say about that. Maybe it’s to enjoy the -40° 40mph winds as your enjoying the ride up the mountain to find the bull. My other concern would be where exactly do you put your game/fish once you’ve got them? I guess the roof rack would work, but with a 1″ lift that’s a long way up to put a big animal.
Maybe the windowless panels are to fish from after all, here is Luke Bryan’s Tweet of his truck.
What would be your wishlist for the perfect huntin’ and fishin’ rig?
Do you think this Subaruban would make a good huntin’ and fishin’ vehicle? What would your huntin’ fishin’ rig wish list have? Let us know, comment below, on Twitter, or Facebook.
Chevrolet Suburban Rally Sport Truck Edition
Fremont Motors Chevrolet Riverton, Wyoming
by L Baures | Dec 5, 2017 | Automotive News
Next generation 2018 Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler, one of the, ‘most American made‘ vehicles, is an iconic Off-Road vehicle that just got a makeover. I have to commend Jeep on this one. It must be difficult to create a new vehicle design, making it look different and new but still keep the heritage of such an icon. How did they do this? Well, they use the recognizable keystone shaped grill on the 2018 Wrangler. Jeep says this, “…pays homage to Jeep® CJ models”. The CJ models came out in 1944 and was the retail version of the military Willys Jeep used in World War II.
Photo: FCA Media
Engines
The choice of engines will be;
- 3.6-liter V-6, which will have ESS (Engine Start Stop- that will deactivate in 4LO)
- ALL NEW 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Coming in 2019 is the 3.0-liter ECODIESEL
Transmissions
- New 8-Speed automatic
- 6-speed manual
Weight saving
This next generation Wrangler sees a more aerodynamic shape, well about as aerodynamic as a Wrangler can get. Slightly curvier and rounder on the edges. Along with aluminum doors, hinges, hood, fender, and windshield frame to reduce weight, the swing gate is magnesium.
Connectivity
Photo: FCA Media
Apple CarPay and Andriod Auto will be available. Color touchscreens will be available in 5.0″, 7.0″ or 8.4″ with the fourth generation of UConnect.
Model line up
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler trim levels in the 2 door will be; S, Sport S, and Rubicon. In the 4 door Wrangler, the trims will be Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.
Halo lights
What’s even more impressive, is that Jeep is obviously listening to owners and taking note. I often see Wrangler’s running around with aftermarket halo lights and It does look cool. So the 2018 Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models will now have LED headlamps with DRL halo’s available from the factory.
Roofs
Just in case you can’t decide, the new Wrangler will come with a plethora of options when it comes to roof and door combinations. There is a new ‘Sky One-Touch’ powertop (a power canvas roof), and a new ‘Sunrider’ soft top. Also available will be body-color hardtops or a black 3-piece hardtop.
Off-Road
- Retuned shocks
- Rubicon has Rock-Trac 4×4 system with Dana 44 front and rear axles
- Improved crawl ratio 84.2:1 and 77.2:1 on the new automatic
- 2-speed transfer case with full-time 4 wheel drive
- Available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential
- Fold-down windshield
- 30″ Water Fording
- 44-degree approach angle
- 27.8 degree breakover angle
- 37 degree departure angle
- 10″ ground clearance
Get a taste of Wyoming Jeep culture, check out this video.
by L Baures | Dec 4, 2017 | Automotive News
Safety
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 gets a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The SUV is available in FWD or AWD drivetrains. Both versions get 5-stars. It gets 4-stars out of 5 for frontal crash, passenger and driver sides. It does, however, get full marks on all 7 side impact crash tests. Rollover star rating is 4-stars and rollover resistance is 16.90%. Overall very good safety results.
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by L Baures | Dec 1, 2017 | Automotive News
How many mpg makes the Ford the best?
The new 2018 F-150 gets best in class mpg. U.S. Dept. of Energy rated the F-150 with the 2.7 liter EcoBoost at 22 mpg combined, 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway. Ford gain +1 mpg on 2017 figures on 4×4 F-150s. The F-150 (with the 3.5 Liter Turbo) at an estimated 19 mpg combined. The city rating is 19mpg and highway is estimated at 23 mpg. If you click the link above, you’ll see how that compares to other trucks.The F-150
Automatic start-stop feature in Ford F-150
Part of the reason the 2018 F-150 gets better gas mileage is the introduction of an automatic start stop feature. The standard Auto-Stop will cut out the engine during stops such as traffic light stops or traffic congestion. Another new feature that aids fuel consumption is a segment first 10-speed automatic transmission.
How does that compare to other half-ton trucks?
GMC
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3 Liter engine isn’t far behind. It’s estimated at 18 mpg combined, 16 mpg city and 22 mpg on the highway. Having previously had a very similar truck, I can tell you first-hand, it really does get that good gas mileage.
RAM
Next in line is the 2018 RAM 1500 with the 5.7 Liter. EPA estimates are at 17, 15 and 21 mpg for combined mpg combined, city and highway respectively.
Toyota
Toyota’s Tundra 5.7 liter comes out last with an estimated 14 mpg combined. City rating is estimated at 13 mpg and highway at 17 mpg. Part of this may be due to the 4.10 or 4.30 rear axle ratio.
Ford say 2018 F-150 best in class payload and towing
Photo: Ford Media
Whether gas mileage, payload, or towing is a priority, Ford has options for you. The 5.0 liter V8 version of the 2018 F-150, has a payload capacity of 3,270 lbs. According to the measure of things, that’s enough payload for over 2 cows. Just for the record, I’m not suggesting you put 2 cows in the truck!
The 3.5 Liter Ecoboost (twin turbo) V6 gives 13,200 lbs of towing capacity. With 375hp and a whopping 470lb ft of torque makes low-end engine performance ideal for towing and best in class.
Next spring will see the arrival of the all new 3.0 liter Powerstroke turbo diesel F-150.
What truck do you drive and what kind of fuel economy are you getting? Let us know and comment below or on Facebook.
“Media Log In.” New Ford F-150: Most Advanced F-150 Powertrain Lineup Ever Enables Best-in-Class Payload, Towing and Gas Mileage | Ford Media Center, Ford Motor Company, 9 Aug. 2017
“The Measure of Things 3,270lbs.” The Measure of Things, The Measure of Things, www.bluebulbprojects.com/MeasureOfThings/singleresult.php?comp=weight&unit=lbs&amt=3270&i=23
Fremont Ford Cody Fremont Ford Lander Fremont Ford Powell Fremont Ford Riverton Fremont Ford Scottsbluff Fremont Ford Sheridan
by L Baures | Dec 1, 2017 | Automotive News
What is Ford STEAM?
Ford Motor Company has a program called STEAM. Steam stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Ford explain that the mission and purpose of the STEAM programs is to inspire the child of today. “For more than 30 years Ford has been inspiring young people to seek knowledge, be curious, solve problems and, like Henry Ford himself, make dreams of a better world come true”.
2017 City of Tomorrow™ Challenge
Ford has teamed up with Destination Imagination to create a challenger for kids aged 8-14 years old. The whole family is encouraged to get together and think like an engineer. Ford is currently working environmentally friendly mobility solutions for a healthier future. Children are invited to design their own solution of making cities more efficient and accessible.
You and your child can explore different Ford Engineer profiles here and also find out more about the contest.
Children are to design a prototype by making a scale version or model of their idea. Ford says that household items can be used and adult can guide the child through the process of building it. They also say that the prototype does not have to function ‘exactly’ just as long as it gives the impression of what the child is trying to represent.
The prototype solution should be given a name and photographed. The name of the prototype should be visible somewhere in the photograph.
The people at Ford Motor Company and Destination Imagination will judge the contest on:
- Overall creativity* of the smart mobility solution prototype, up to 50 points.
- Creative use of materials, up to 25 points.
- Creativity of the prototype name, up to 25 points
Prizes
1st prize is $5000 Scholarship Funding and a Ford STEAM experience in Dearborn, Michigan.
2nd prize is $3000 in Scholarship Funding
3rd prize is $2000 in Scholarship Funding
Rules
Official rules can be found here.
Download the challenge
Ford STEAM City of Tomorrow Challenge
Enter
Click this link to enter https://social.ford.com/content/ford-steam/city-of-tomorrow-challenge.html#
Good luck, and let us know here at Trusted Auto Professionals by Fremont Motors if you enter, we’d love to see your ideas!
Did you know Child Car Seats Have an Expiration Date?
by L Baures | Nov 30, 2017 | Automotive News, Vehicle Reviews
2018 Dodge Durango SRT. Photo: L Baures
Who is a fast SUV for?
I just want to start off by saying, how cool is it that there is a fast SUV on the market. I was lucky enough to have an SRT engineer riding shotgun in the car with me when I got to drive it.
Before we even started talking about the car or driving specifics, I straight up asked him, “Who did you build this Durango for, who is your target market?”
I was really curious as to what the answer might be, and in particular, if it would be geared towards males or females.
The reply I got, was “don’t know, we just built it”. Very much a ‘because we can’ attitude. I commend that and I wish more car manufacturers would think like that. Just because it’s an SUV, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun or look good.
2018 Durango SRT Specs:
- AWD SUV with 3rd-row seating
- 475hp
- 470lb-ft torque
- 392 cubic inch HEMI® V-8
- 1/4 mile time 12.9 seconds
- 0-60 in 4.4 seconds
- Best in class towing at 8,700lbs
Dodge Durango SRT Interior
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Durango Interior
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SRT embossed front seats
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3rd Row seating
The interior of the Durango SRT is very similar if not the same as other SRT models in the line up such as the Challenger Hellcat.
Even though it’s an SUV, it’s still got that muscle car feel.
The front seats are a luxury suede and Laguna leather mix that are wide and bolstered. A wide steering wheel intensifies the muscle feel.
Quick access to information and/or features are available at the touch of a button the steering wheel.
Durango SRT leather interior, photo: FCA
Gear changes are also accessible with paddle shifters located at the back of the steering wheel. The paddle shifters were easy to use and a big enough not to miss.
For regular automatic shifting, the gear lever (yes a lever, not a rotary dial) is within easy reach right where it should be.
Durango SRT luxury suede roof lining
A thin-film transistor makes up the digital instrument cluster, which is customizable and shows up to 180mph on the speedometer.
An 8.4″ Uconnect touch screen gives access to the SRT performance pages, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, climate controls, the backup camera, HD radio, downloadable apps, and more.
Durango SRT performance pages with adjustable settings. photo: FCA
Standard on the Durango SRT is a BeatsAudio premium sound system. I didn’t try out the sound system, I was too amused by the exhaust notes.
The Drive
It was difficult not have fun in this SUV. Granted the exhaust note might have spurred me on a little, I did have the window cracked so I could hear it more.
Durango SRT
The SRT engineer told me that they put a lot of work into sound dampening inside the vehicle due to it being a family car. Perfect, so you don’t need to worry about the kids in the 3rd row going deaf.
When the kids aren’t in the back, open the window a little, put it in track mode and you’ll be smiling at the deep V8 cackle before you know it.
I mentioned track mode already, but there are actually 7 different drive modes;
- Auto
- Sport
- Track
- Snow
- Tow
- Valet
- ECO
‘Sport’ mode was the first mode I tried, and within a few miles, I got used to the handling and acceleration. I then switched to ‘Track’ mode and oh… my. Leaving the transmission in auto, accelerating hard, I was soon being thrown around my seat.
Gear shifts in track mode are violent and aggressive. The most aggressive I’ve ever experienced in an auto (160 milliseconds to be precise).
The Durango SRT has an 8-speed TorqueFlight transmission which is specifically calibrated for the vehicle. Shift points are designed to give the maximum torque to all four wheels.
In track mode, 70 percent of that torque is sent to the rear wheels.
On this note, I did ask how the vehicle performed in the snow with so much power.
It does have a snow mode, which will reduce power and it’s also AWD. With a good set of snow tires, I’ll be interested to see how it performs.
No time to try out ECO mode, however, if you are worried about fuel consumption on this vehicle, it’s probably not for you.
Durango SRT’s for sale
To find out more information about this fast 3-row family-friendly SUV, contact your preferred Dodge dealership or click to see Dodge Durango SRT’s in stock.
For more info, click here for contact details.
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