1995 Monster Suburban. 502 Bigblock V8 on 2040-cars

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PickupTrucks.com's latest test results in a familiar winner [w/video]

PickupTrucks.com has gone and thrown the latest batch of half-ton pickups into a cage match to see who would come out on top. The site put the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2013 Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan through a battery of tests. Those included 0-60 miles per hour acceleration, 60-0 mph deceleration, fuel economy, a hill climb, and payload and towing. They even threw the rigs on an autocross course to evaluate overall handling. Each truck was given points based on how it scored in each evaluation.
Who came out on top? Somewhat surprisingly, the 2013 Ford F-150 walked away with the gold, though fewer than 50 points separated first and fourth place. Head over to PickupTrucks.com to read the full evaluation and the final results. You may be shocked to see exactly where some of the segment's newest additions placed. You can also watch a video on the test below.

2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X and Extreme AEV muscle their way into the lineup

The new AT4X variant of GMC's 2024 Sierra HD pickup series officially joins the stable this week, giving pickup truck box-checkers yet another off-road trim to chase. Well, two trims, technically, as GMC took the opportunity to announce that the AT4X will also be offered with an upfit package from American Expedition Vehicles, appropriately named the Extreme AEV Edition that takes its cues from the same package offered on the Sierra 1500 AT4X. And with its introduction, the 2024 GMC Sierra HD lineup is now complete.  GMC's Sierra AT4X models mirror the ZR2 packages offered on the updated Chevrolet Silverado. If you paid any attention at all to the Silverado HD ZR2's introduction earlier this month, you'll be familiar with the formula. Key upgrades include a 1.5-inch factory lift, standard electronic locking rear differential, Multimatic DSSV shocks and 35-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. It also gets beefier skid plates —  both the steel protecting the transfer case and the aluminum piece up front. With the updated 6.6-liter Duramax diesel, GMC says it'll tow up to 18,500 pounds.  "GMCÂ’s AT4X trim, which will be available across the entire GMC truck lineup, offers customers more premium and capable choices when it comes to ‘do-it-allÂ’ capabilities," said GMC VP Duncan Aldred. "Each model delivers unique strengths, with the all-new Sierra HD AT4X taking it to the max, enabling you to go virtually anywhere, with the towing power to bring your recreational toys, gear or camper along for the journey." And by "do it all," he means all the luxury stuff too, judging by the Obsidian Rush interior, which GMC says includes massaging leather front seats and real ash wood trim. The better from which to feel the shove of the AT4's two available 6.6-liter engines, one a gasoline-burner rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, the other a Duramax turbodiesel making 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. You'll need the latter if you want to hit GMC's advertised towing capacity.  And don't forget the Extreme AEV Edition, which will surely come with a Denali-rivaling (and still TBA) price tag. The stamped steel bumpers stand out right away, as do the integrated front recovery points and winch mount. The package also adds more skid plates protecting the steering gear and transfer case. Its 18-inch "Salta" wheels are also unique.  GMC says it will be cranking out 2024 Sierra HD AT4Xs and Extreme AEV Editions by the third quarter.

Engine block heater issues force GM to recall 324,226 diesel heavy duty trucks

General Motors has issued a recall on 324,226 diesel heavy duty trucks that could be susceptible to short circuits, and consequently, potential fire. The recall affects several models of heavy duty Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras with optional engine block heaters. GM is recalling seven different truck models spread across three years. The recall affects the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, 2017-2019 Silverado 3500HD, 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 2019 Silverado 5500HD, and 2019 Silverado 6500HD, plus the 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD and 2017-2019 Sierra 3500HD. Specifically, it includes these models with the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engines and the optional engine block heater. The recall technically deals not with the engine block heater itself, but the way it is connected. According to NHTSA campaign No. 19V328000, the engine block heater cord or the terminals that link the cord to the heater could short circuit. A short circuit could potentially damage engine components and result in a fire. According to The Detroit News, 19 fires have been reported but nobody has been injured. GM has yet to figure out a fix, and thus has not yet released a notification schedule for affected customers. If you believe your vehicle is part of the recall, contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733 and use reference number N182206310.