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The 2021 F-150 elevates Ford's bed game

The new 2021 Ford F-150 is ushering in a new era of pickup capability, but there's more to it than the introduction of the PowerBoost hybrid. While that new powertrain is certainly the truck's headlining element, the supporting electrical architecture enables a level of utility that hasn't been offered in past consumer half-tons. The true party trick is Ford's new "Pro Power Onboard" feature, which is essentially a built-in generator that provides juice for the 2021 F-150's rather robust in-bed power station. This system is available even on gasoline-engine models, but its utility is maximized with the electrified powertrain. ICE models equipped with the option max out at 2.0 kilowatts, while the PowerBoost hybrid can be had with either a 2.4- or a whopping 7.2-kilowatt inverter.  The idea here is that the F-150 can essentially stand in for a high-output portable generator. In a worksite example provided by Ford, a PowerBoost model with the 7.2-kW upgrade and a single tank of fuel could provide 32 hours of power for an 1,800-watt compound miter saw, a 1,000W circular saw, a 1,200W battery charger, a 1,200W hammer drill, and a 1,000W air compressor with hundreds of watts to spare for lighting and other accessories. But even without the Pro Power Onboard option, Ford's new bed setup enables more versatility than in previous models. The new Tailgate Work Surface option adds a flat work area with integrated rulers, recesses for pencils or small tools, and even a stand for a personal device.  Ford is neither the first to offer an auxiliary power outlet in a half-ton pickup bed, nor was Ford the first to introduce a more feature-rich tailgate. GMC's MultiPro tailgate was a major innovation on that front, and while it is geared mostly toward improving the cargo utility of the bed, it can also be customized with 12-volt power and even an accessory speaker system. The Ram 1500 is also offered with both a multi-function tailgate and AC power in the bed, though the latter option is limited to models with the RamBox cargo package.  As half-ton pickups approach levels of towing and hauling capability that begin to blur lines with heavy-duty offerings, it's clear that automakers are looking for ways to differentiate themselves without stepping on their own bigger trucks' toes. These new bed and tailgate innovations may yet be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to full-size pickup versatility. Related Video:    

Black Friday could power record November sales

Black Friday allows some shoppers to line up in the wee hours for doorbuster deals on laptops and TVs, but the day after Thanksgiving could mean huge profits for automakers this year, too. Multiple industry analysts predict record growth for the industry for November, and the upcoming incentives could help those numbers. TrueCar predicts that Black Friday incentives could provide a major boost, and it estimates a November sales jump of 3.9 percent from last year to a record for the month at over 1.35 million vehicles. As examples of potential deals, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC plan to offer up to 20 percent off some models, and FCA US has no-interest financing for up to 75 months from its brands. "Consumers are excited about Black Friday promotions and these month-long events appear to be resonating with car buyers." Eric Lyman, TrueCar's vice president of industry insights, said in the report. Black Friday only recently became a big day for auto sales, according to an analysis from Edmunds. Last year, Thanksgiving weekend posted double the sales as any other weekend in the month. The company predicts a sales volume of over 1.33 million vehicles for November. If that happens, it would be the beat the previous record of 1.32 million sales for the same month in 2001. Some forecasts temper the gains for November but only slightly. Kelley Blue Book predicts flat year-over-year sales at 1.3 million vehicles, but that's largely because there are two fewer sales days in 2015 versus in 2014. "Black Friday deals on vehicles have grown in popularity in recent years, and should be a big contributor to this month's sales results," said analyst Tim Fleming in the study. The combined research from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive have the lowest November prediction among this group at just over 1.279 million sales for the month versus 1.299 million in 2014. However, once the researchers adjust the figures for the two fewer selling days, 2015 could actually be seven percent higher than last year. TrueCar Finds New Auto Sales in November to Reach Monthly Record Black Friday promotions bolster sales gains; industrywide incentives up 6% from last year November 24, 2015 12:11 PM Eastern Standard Time SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) projects total new vehicle sales, including fleet deliveries, will reach 1,352,500 units in November, a 3.9 percent increase from a year ago and the highest ever for the month.

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Road Test | The everyday tool

Bold take: The GMC Canyon is the most well-rounded midsize truck. Admittedly, “well-rounded” is a lukewarm compliment, but the Canyon does nearly everything well. It is not the flashiest, which is undeniably the Jeep Gladiator. Or the most comfortable, which is the Honda Ridgeline. But for those seeking a midsize truck that looks like a truck, drives like a truck and has a solid interior, the Canyon is the right formula. We would test the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 for a week and find that itÂ’s pleasant, capable and sturdy off-road. We would haul a bookshelf in the bed, get dirty during a woodsy soft-road jaunt and pile up the miles running around town. In short, itÂ’s exactly what most need in a midsize truck.  The AT4 model is new for 2021, and it replaces the All-Terrain model, a move GMC is rolling out across its lineup. The AT4 adds an off-road-tuned suspension with hill-descent control, beefy 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires wrapped around 17-inch aluminum wheels, standard four-wheel drive with locking rear differential and a transfer case skid plate. The AT4 punches up the CanyonÂ’s appearance with red tow hooks, dark chrome elements and a bigger grille thatÂ’s similar to the SierraÂ’s. The Canyon Denali, which was also refreshed for ‘21, is showier, but the AT4 trim feels cooler with its understated off-road vibes. Considering this, we head out for an afternoon drive along a familiar route through DetroitÂ’s northern suburbs. The Canyon is a solid daily driver. The 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque is widely used in General Motors vehicles. ItÂ’s powerful and actually sounds pretty good — even throaty — in GMCÂ’s midsize truck. Our passengers are surprised to be pulled back in their seats during hard acceleration, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is well-calibrated for the many jobs the Canyon is called upon to perform. This powertrain, standard in the AT4 and Denali trims, is a step up from the 2.5-liter inline-four and six-speed auto offered on the lower models. ItÂ’s worth it. The 2.8-liter Duramax diesel is an option on higher-spec Canyons, and its 369 lb-ft of torque is tantalizing. For everyday use, take the V6. Our tester with the gasoline V6 and four-wheel drive can tow as much as 7,000 pounds, has a maximum payload of 1,609 pounds and has respectable fuel economy of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.