- Do you have info on the All-new Chevrolet Suburban?
- Will there be a four-cylinder Ram 1500?
- Mazda vs Subaru?
The first question comes from a fan who wants the latest on the All-new Chevrolet Suburban.
Nathan! What’s up with the All-new Chevrolet Suburban? I thought it would be out by now.
They must be taking notice of the success of the Ford Expedition. I bet they respond soon!
Killer
A: Hi there!
Oh yes, General Motors is fully aware of the success of the Ford Expedition. There have been several reports about the updates the all-new Chevrolet Suburban will have. Recently, spy photos hit the net showing a fully disguised Suburban sporting an independent rear suspension (IRS).
While GM is extending the life of the current Chevrolet Suburban with the inclusion of an RST model, the big SUV is prime for replacing.
Here’s what we’re expecting out of the all-new Chevrolet Suburban (and all-new GMC Yukon):
- An independent rear suspension (IRS) with the same capacity as the old solid axle with load and towing numbers. It will also help open up the third row with more space.
- They may use GM’s new 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower. The same engine that was just announced to be an option in the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado.
- Another engine that looks like a logical fit is GM’s upcoming 3-liter I6 diesel engine. Both engines could catapult the Suburban to a new level of efficiency.
- There will be a new frame (based on the discovery of the new IRS) which should be a longer version of the one slated for the upcoming Tahoe.
- Expect lots of aluminum, especially on the doors, hood and tailgate. Weight-shedding is a great way to up the economy.
- New exterior and interior designs: expect some of the new Silverado and Sierra to rub off on the new Suburban and Yukon; especially the front and rear designs.
Most of these assumptions are based on what we already know GM has in store for their full-size trucks. The IRS info we gathered from a Autoblog.com story.
Let’s hope the All-new Chevrolet Suburban looks as good as some of these nifty (possible) updates!
N
This next question comes from a fan who wants to know about Ram’s future power plants.
(Via: Twitter @NathanAdlen) Paraphrased: What’s happening with the Ram and its new engines?
All they did so far is debut the same Hemi V8! Where’s the new stuff? Can they compete with Chevy and Ford’s new turbos?
A: Thanks for the question!
Ram has several power-trains planned for the near future including E-Assist which is (basically) a electric motor that helps the gas engine move the vehicle off the line. This in turn helps the vehicle achieve better gas mileage. It is called a hybrid system, but it’s not quite what people consider a regular hybrid powertrain is.
We know that it will be available with the Jeep Wrangler 2-liter turbo engine and that’s the power plant Ram may turn to if more efficiency is needed.
N
The last question comes from a curious viewer who has a simple question regarding Mazda vs Subaru.
Hi Fast Lane Car guys!
Quick question, which do you prefer. Do you like Mazda better than Subaru? Why?
Cheers dudes!
A: Hi and thanks for the question!
Mazda. No doubt.
To be fair, nearly all of the TFLcar staff has or onced owned a Mazda car. Fun, reliable, inexpensive cars to be sure. In the past few years we’ve had a Mazda 3, 5, RX-7 and CX-5 as our personal cars. Still, many of us owned Subarus too. I mean, this IS Colorado and Subarus are excellent Colorado cars.
Hope that helps!
N
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
