WORD ON THE STREET

Ram 1500 Laramie G/T, Rebel G/T Highlight 2022 Ram Truck Lineup

Ram has announced it is expanding its light-duty lineup with the additions of the new 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie G/T and Ram 1500 Rebel G/T models.

The Ram 1500 Laramie G/T and Ram 1500 Rebel G/T join the lineup and further solidify the Ram Truck brand as North America’s off-road and performance truck leader.

“Ram has a strong history of performance trucks and the Laramie G/T and Rebel G/T models add to that while expanding the light-duty lineup with the segment’s best combination of performance, capability, luxury and technology,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand chief executive officer – Stellantis. “Ram 1500 G/T buyers will enjoy this combination of performance and luxury that the newest additions to our versatile lineup offer.”

The 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie G/T and Ram 1500 Rebel G/T models feature unique technology and performance straight from the factory while staying true to the hardworking nature of the Ram 1500.

Ram 1500 G/T models feature a sport performance hood and G/T decals to distinguish them from the rest of the Rebel and Laramie offerings. A factory-installed cold-end exhaust and cold-air intake, available through Mopar, are also standard. Performance pages are included on the 2022 Ram 1500 G/T as standard equipment and give drivers the tools necessary to become familiar with their vehicle’s performance. The app provides access to real-time vehicle performance information, including timers (such as 0-60 mph elapsed time), g-force, gauges and engine performance. This data can be downloaded to a USB stick, allowing for easy sharing of driving performance.

The Ram 1500 G/T models feature a number of firsts for non-TRX models, including paddle shifters, a console-mounted performance shifter and a metal pedal kit. A G/T-specific interior offers bucket seats that feature the G/T logo with high bolsters and all-weather floor mats from Mopar round out the distinctive interior content.

The 2022 Ram 1500 Laramie G/T and Rebel G/T are available in a Crew Cab configuration with the 5.7-liter V-8 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist.

The Ram 1500 Laramie G/T has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $55,480 and the 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel G/T starts at $55,375. Both exclude a $1,695 destination fee.

2021 Ford F-150 Police Responder  Fastest Acceleration Ever

The all-new 2021 Ford F-150 Police Responder has the best acceleration of any pursuit-rated police vehicle tested, helping law enforcement officers respond quickly to emergencies. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department test data, as well as preliminary test results from Michigan State Police, show the 2021 F-150 Police Responder, America’s only pursuit-rated pickup truck, had the fastest 0-60 mph, 0-100 mph and quarter-mile times of any law enforcement vehicle, including SUVs and sedans.

In Michigan State Police tests, preliminary results show 2021 F-150 Police Responder clocked a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds–1.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model and at least 0.4 second faster than any other vehicle tested. Its 0-100 mph time was 3.7 seconds faster than the 2020 model at 13.1 seconds–0.8 second faster than the runner up. The agency also confirmed the truck’s new 120 mph top speed, a 15 mph increase.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department tests showed 2021 F-150 Police Responder hitting the quarter mile in just 14.4 seconds, a full second faster than the 2020 model and 0.4 second faster than the closest competitor.

The main drivers of the acceleration improvements are the truck’s increased torque and new torque-on-demand 4×4 transfer case. The F-150 Police Responder standard police-tuned 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine produces 500 lb-ft of torque, more than any other pursuit-rated police vehicle. Its automatic four-wheel-drive mode and torque-on-demand transfer case constantly adjust torque to front or rear wheels as needed. This contributes to faster starts because it provides instant traction to all four wheels regardless of road–or off-road–conditions.

The torque-on-demand transfer case also plays a role in the truck’s overall performance, since it facilitates carrying faster speeds when cornering. This was showcased during 32-lap vehicle dynamics tests run by both the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The 2021 F-150 Police Responder showed dramatic improvements over the original, cutting 5.8 seconds off its average lap time during the Michigan tests, and 3.6 seconds per lap during the Los Angeles tests. (Los Angeles testing protocols add 400 pounds of payload to police trucks and SUVs to simulate cargo). Laps in the dynamic tests are run on winding, curving tracks, as well as a tight city course, to simulate real-world pursuit driving conditions.

GMC HUMMER EV PICKUP WILL FEATURE ‘WATTS TO FREEDOM’

The 2022 GMC Hummer EV combines American ingenuity with revolutionary performance that puts drivers in the middle of every moment. The ultimate expression of that performance will be offered in Hummer EV’s own launch control mode, known as Watts to Freedom. This driver-selectable feature channels the propulsion system’s tremendous power into acceleration bursts—including reaching 0-60 mph in approximately 3 seconds.

“Watts to Freedom unlocks the full potential of the propulsion system and puts all of its available power to the pavement,” said Al Oppenheiser, Hummer EV chief engineer. “It’s an all-encompassing experience unlike anything else—purpose-built for straight-line fun.”

Three electric motors within the Ultium Drive system are expected to offer a GM-estimated up to 1,000 horsepower and, when multiplied through the front- and rear-drive unit gear ratios, offer up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. The Hummer EV’s extraordinary capabilities will blend with engaging user-experience technologies, creating a sense of intensity and drama for drivers and passengers.

As the vehicle readies itself for Watts to Freedom, a series of interior experiences convey the feeling of a “pre-launch countdown,” including interactive controls, unique sounds through the Bose speakers and engaging screen animations. The vehicle also activates the Adaptive Air Suspension and lowers 2 inches to prepare for the launch, providing a lower center of gravity.