Automotive Trends

For 2019 Ram rolls out is first fully redesigned pickup truck since the brand became independent of Dodge in 2010. The oldest of the domestic full-size trucks, the Ram held its own against continually redesigned competition from Ford and General Motors with differentiating features such as the Ram Box, 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel, the highly marketable iron block Hemi, and big-rig styling. The 2019 Ram diverges from this formula by incorporating the fenders back under the hood. In fact, one can’t help but notice the alarming similarity between the big Ram’s styling and the resurrected 2019 Ford Ranger. Nevertheless, big RAM letters across the new grille make it hard to mistake the truck’s brand identity. The truck grows bigger in the cab with a remarkably flat floor in the rear cabin. The 3.6L Pentastar is the base engine and the 5.7L Hemi returns, but both now utilize a hybrid system dubbed eTorque that is standard on the V6 and optional with the Hemi V8. The 48 volt mild-hybrid  system adds a supplemental 130 lb.-ft. of torque to the 395 hp / 410 lb.-ft. Hemi V8 and 90 lb-ft to the smaller six. Expect improved fuel economy as a result. The Ram also differentiates itself with an available air suspension that automatically lowers the vehicle at highway speeds. Available LED headlights further update the look of the new Ram. Is the new Ram ready to defend the market share it has managed to scrape away from the competition? With all new competition from GM and an updated F-150 and new Ranger from Ford the options in the truck market have never been more competitive.

Every auto enthusiast is keenly aware of the legendary car-chase featured in Steve McQueen’s “Bullitt.” Ford has chosen once again to capitalize on the 1968 Mustang’s role in that now 50-year-old chase scene. The Bullitt edition was last seen in 2008 and 2009 and was available in Dark Highland Green or Black paint and featured a pony-less grille. The 2019 Mustang Bullitt repeats those distinctions but now features more power and equipment. Ford projects that the 5.0L V8 will have at least 475 hp and top 163 mph. The Bullitt comes standard with the GT Premium Content and adds the 12-inch digital instrument cluster and active valve performance exhaust with black NitroPlate finish. Expect the Bullitt to hit the streets in summer 2018. And in case you are wondering, yes, there is a manual transmission with a classic white cue-ball styled shift-knob.

One could be forgiven for thinking that the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is yet another update to the 40 year old off-road model. The G-Class debuted in 1979 as the G-Wagen which makes the 2018 model downright ancient in the auto world. Recognizing that messing with the G-Class formula is risky business, Mercedes decided to make the all new 2019 model look much like the outgoing model while lengthening the truck by 2.1 inches and widening it by 4.8 inches. This massive offroad beast manages to shed an impressive 375 pounds through the use of high-strength steel and aluminum. The 4.0L V8 is carried over, as is its 416 horses and 450 lb-ft of torque, except that power is now routed through a nine-speed automatic rather than the outgoing seven-speed transmission. One step inside the new vehicle and the interior no longer looks like modern tech stuffed into an old cabin. The instrument panel features Benz’s now signature double-wide screen that houses everything from the speedometer and tachometer to navigation displays, though conventional toggle switches for the locking differentials remain front and center. Pricing has not been announced, but the outgoing model starts at an eye watering $123,600. Expect to see the new G-Class near the end of 2018.