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GMC Hummer EV fan's Lego build is functional and even has Crab Mode

Lego creates some pretty amazing automotive models, but the Lego hobbyist community sometimes does better. Evidence of that comes to us in this fully-functional GMC Hummer EV Lego Technic model spotted by Road & Track and created by YouTube user Alain B. And while it's a one-off for now, there is the possibility it could become a kit you could bring home. As you can see in the video, the model looks the part with a body that closely matches the real thing. It's an impressively solid body, too, something that's sometimes difficult to achieve with Technic pieces. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. It's also got electric motors and is remote controlled. It has four-wheel-steering that can emulate the Hummer's famous Crab Mode setup. The fully independent suspension can raise for more ground clearance. And on top of all of that, it's even got a fully operational MultiPro tailgate and front trunk. The design is also listed on the Lego Ideas page. This is the site where Lego builders can submit their creations, and if they get enough votes, they'll be considered by the company for becoming a real production kit. You can visit the page at this link to lend your support (it doesn't cost anything). That page also reveals some other neat details, including the fact that it's made of about 2,200 pieces. While enough votes will get the design to be considered by Lego, there are other factors that determine whether it makes production. Some of them include getting the license from General Motors, and other undisclosed reasoning. But Lego has done a number of large, technical and somewhat pricey kits with licensing from other companies. So this seems like a great one for the company. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Detroit Three's lucrative pickup war intensifies as Ram makes big gains

DETROIT — The battle for profits from sales of large pickup trucks is intensifying among the Detroit Three automakers as sales of small cars in the United States shrivel. For decades Ford has had the single best-selling truck brand in its F-Series trucks. General Motors' Chevrolet brand was a solid No. 2, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Ram was a distant third. Now, that hierarchy may be in flux. Sales figures for December and the fourth quarter released on Thursday show Ram tied with GM's Chevy for the No. 2 spot, as sales of the redesigned Ram pickup surged, fueled in part by demand for an optional 12-inch (30.48 cm) dashboard screen. Chevy not long ago held second place to Ford by a wide margin. GM executives said on Thursday they are bullish on their new GMC and Chevy trucks for 2019.Related: How the Detroit Three's pickups compare on paper 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie review 2019 Chevy Silverado 2.7L four-cylinder review 2019 Ford F-150 2.7L EcoBoost review "There's no doubt this segment (pickup trucks) is one of the epicenters of the auto wars," said Sandor Piszar, director of marketing for Chevrolet at GM. "It's been that way forever, and we wouldn't have it any other way." On Wall Street, investors give electric car leader Tesla a higher valuation than any of the Detroit automakers. But in the nation's heartland, big pickups remain far more popular and profitable than any electric car — and most other consumer vehicles of any kind. Large pickups generate at least $17,000 a vehicle in pretax profit for GM, the company has indicated in disclosures to investors. By contrast, many Detroit Three sedans are so unprofitable, their manufacturers have decided not to build them anymore. 'Hotly contested' Sustaining sales and pricing in the large-pickup segment will be critical in a year when most forecasters expect overall U.S. car and light truck sales to fall. Ford's U.S. sales chief, Mark LaNeve, on Thursday called the F Series "the backbone of our franchise" during a conference call, and added the "segment will continue to be strong, but hotly contested" in 2019. Automakers are banking on pickup truck sales to stay strong even if U.S. interest rates continue to rise. Rising interest rates translate into higher monthly car payments and are expected to deter some buyers in 2019. GM has said 27 percent of Chevrolet and GMC trucks — which can haul trailers by day and substitute for a luxury sedan by night — sell for more than $55,000.

370,000 new Silverado and Sierra pickups recalled over fire risk

General Motors announced late Friday that it will recall around 370,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra fullsize pickups from the 2014 model year over a possible fire risk. The recall covers select 4.3-liter V6 and 5.3-liter V8 models, which can evidently suffer engine compartment fires due to the overheating of exhaust components. GM notes that the fire issue may be preceded by a check engine light and an "engine power reduced" message on the driver information display.
Thus far, GM is aware of eight fires stemming from this problem (although only three of those incidents affected customer-owned vehicles), and all of the fires were reported in areas with "very cold weather." GM is urging owners to not leave their vehicles unintended while idling. No injuries have resulted from the fires in question.
The Detroit-based automaker has pledged to start mailing out recall letters on January 16. The fix, which involves software reprogramming, is estimated to be a 20-minute repair, and will be made free of charge.