1940 Ford Halfton Pickup, Rat Rod, 1938,1939,1941,1942,1943 on 2040-cars

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70% of pickups could use aluminum by 2025

In the next decade, the auto industry will see an explosion in its use of aluminum to cut weight and increase fuel economy, according to a study from market analysts Ducker Worldwide cited by The Detroit News. We are already seeing the lightweight metal show up extensively in luxury models from Europe, but with the impending launch of aluminum-intensive 2015 Ford F-150 (pictured above), North America is using it even more, as well. The report predicts 70 percent of US pickups to have aluminum bodies by 2025.
It won't just be pickups that see the benefit, though. The average amount of aluminum in US vehicles is forecasted by the study to grow from an average of 350 pounds in 2013 to about 550 pounds by 2025. The most common parts to use it will be hoods, doors and - to some extent - roofs, as well.
The massive increase in pickups' aluminum content hardly seems surprising. The F-150 is predicted to use so much that it might cause a short-term shortage, according to one earlier report. At the same time General Motors is heavily rumored to be negotiating with suppliers for the next generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Ram is the last holdout of the Big Three, but the study predicts that not to last.

Ford picks up new Ranger overseas [w/video+poll]

The new Ford F-150 is lighter and more efficient than the model it replaced, but if it's a smaller Ford pickup that you really wanted, you're going to have to pack your bags. Because while Dearborn stopped selling the Ranger in North America years ago, it still offers one in markets overseas. And it's just rolled out a refreshed model at the 2015 Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand. Following the reveal of the new Everest sport-ute with which it shares its chassis, the refreshed Ranger pickup benefits from revised sheetmetal, powertrain and equipment throughout. The changes are punctuated by a front end with a more rugged-looking grille, a more sculpted hood and projector headlamps. The interior has been updated as well, not only in terms of style but equipment as well, with an eight-inch touchscreen display in the dashboard running Sync 2 and dual TFT displays flanking the speedo in the instrument cluster. Under the hood, buyers will be able to choose between a carryover 2.5-liter inline four with 163 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque that's the sole gasoline option or one of two diesel options: a 2.2-liter four now producing 158 hp and 284 lb-ft, or a 3.2-liter inline-five with 197 hp and 347 lb-ft. The diesel engines are more efficient than before with available stop/start engine management, and offer what Ford says is class-leading towing capability. Six-speed automatic or manual gearboxes transmit the power to the road through either the rear wheels or all four. Production will continue in Thailand for the Asia Pacific Market, South Africa for Africa and Europe, and in Argentina for Latin America. All told the new Ranger will be offered in 180 markets, around the world but for better or worse, ours won't be one of them. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2024 Porsche Panamera; Rivian's surprise; Cadillac electrifies V | Autoblog Podcast #823

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Byron Hurd. They start off discussing a couple of vehicles they've both driven — the 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor and the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge 2WD. From there, they pivot to Byron's first drive of the 2024 Porsche Panamera, and then from there it's on to more electrified luxury in the form of the new Cadillac Lyriq. After that, it's on to news. Rivian made a big splash last week. Not to be upstaged, Cadillac decided to get in on the action by teasing an electric V model, the Opulent Velocity Concept. After that, it's time for a future classic; this week, it's the Dodge Magnum. They end the episode by spending listener Isaiah's money on some used stick-shift transportation.  Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com. Autoblog Podcast #823 Get The Podcast Apple Podcasts – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes Spotify – Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast on Spotify RSS – Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator MP3 – Download the MP3 directly Rundown News Rivian R2 revealed Rivian R3, R3X surprise reveal Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept What we've been driving 2024 Ford Maverick Tremor 2024 Cadillac Lyriq 2024 Porsche Panamera 2024 Volvo C40 2WD Extended Range Future Classic Dodge Magnum Feedback Email – Podcast@Autoblog.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or "Alexa, open Autoblog" to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives. Related video: