Auto Industry News: Automaker and Aftermarket Debuts, Reviews, and Product News

Automakers and aftermarket manufacturers seem to be in overdrive these days, making up for lost time during lockdown. GM finally debuted its all-new Hummer EV after months of teasing, and RAM’s 75th anniversary Power Wagon was seen testing around Detroit. The Land Rover Defender picked up some impressive accolades from MotorTrend, while Ford opened the build-and-price configurator for the Bronco. Plus, Chevy is doing some interesting things with racecars and 3D parts, and DECKED, A.R.E., and Go Rhino dropped new products for the truck and off-road crowd.

The New Hummer EV Debuts for $112,595

The former gas-guzzling behemoth is back, this time reimagined as a fully-electric super-truck of the greener future.

Unless you’re living under a rock, it was nearly impossible to miss the debut of the all new, eco-friendly Hummer EV this past week. Revealed via media blitz across multiple TV and social media channels, the first edition futuristic electric pickup sold out in less than one hour.

Set to start production in late 2021—possibly ahead of the also much-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck—the top-end Hummer EV sport utility truck, or SUT, will have best-in-class 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque delivered by three powerful electric motors with a blow-your-hair-back 0-60 time of 3 seconds.

Balancing out the sports car performance is true next-gen off-road technology, such as a diagonal driving feature dubbed Crab Mode. The first edition model will also feature Extract Mode, which allows the truck’s suspension to raise approximately six inches to help negotiate “extreme off-road situations such as clearing boulders or fording water,” according to GM.

The top-tier EV will offer an estimated 350 miles of range with fast charging of up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

Super-Truck Specs at Super-Truck Pricing

The Hummer EV SUT is the first vehicle to wear GM’s state-of-the-art new modular EV platform and batteries called Ultium, a innovation born from the automaker’s $20 billion plan to shift to electric and autonomous vehicles through 2025. GM plans to release three more variants of the Hummer EV over the next four years. And though each model drops in price–they still ain’t cheap.

• Late 2021, the Hummer EV SUT Edition 1 will go on sale with a $112,595 non-negotiable price tag.
• Late 2022 sees the arrival of the Hummer EV3X, a $99,995 version with 250-300 mile range and less performance than its first edition sibling.
• Spring 2023 will welcome the Hummer EV2X with a suggested price of $89,995. 
• Finally, in Spring 2024, the Hummer EV2 will debut with a $79,995 price tag.

CNBC reports all sub-$90,000 models will include 625 horsepower and 7,400 lb.-ft. of torque with two motors instead of three.

The new Hummer EV will be built at GM’s Detriot-Hamtramck factory, recently renamed Factory Zero, after the automaker pumped $2.2 billion into it to become their EV production hub. 

Chevy Using 3D-Printed Parts for Racing Programs

GM is looking beyond futuristic super trucks into the realm of 3D printing. According to The Shop Magazine, the Corvette C8.R, INDYCAR, NASCAR Camaro, and Silverado race teams have accumulated more than 80,000 miles of competition in vehicles built with 3D-printed racing parts.

“Chevrolet has a long history of technology transfer between our motorsports and production teams, and this is a perfect example of our approach,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “GM’s 3D-printing capability speeds up our learning cycles and, in turn, these racetrack experiences help our additive manufacturing team move one step closer to using 3D-printed parts in production vehicles.”

While the possibilities this opens for race teams is obviously exciting, what it means for future consumer models is incredible to say the least. Using 3D-printed parts helps streamline manufacturing, allowing for greater creativity and noticeable cost savings. As battery technology slowly comes down in price, the ability to 3D-print vehicle parts could be a vital piece of the puzzle that is making attractive and affordable EVs.

New Land Rover Defender Named MotorTrend 2021 SUV of the Year

Getting back to resurrected name plates, let’s talk about the new-and-improved Land Rover Defender. Fresh off a 20-year absence from the U.S. market, the capable off-roader with a stiff upper lip just nabbed itself the coveted MotorTrend 2021 SUV of the Year award.

Up against competitors like the Genesis GV80, Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Venza, Nissan Rogue and Kia Seltos, the Defender wowed MotorTrend editors with its on- and off-road performance and adventurous design. 

“Part of the word ‘transportation’ is not just the driving but the feeling of being transported,” MotorTrend Editor-in-Chief Mark Rechtin said via press release. “The moment you get into a Land Rover Defender, you are transported. Every design element gives the aura of journey, safari, moving outward into the world with courage.”

“One SUV stood roof rack and rearviews above the rest,” added Senior Features Editor Jonny Lieberman. “There are certain vehicles you can feel are special after only 50 feet of driving. The Defender bowled us over with the wonderful synchronization of its stout engine and yeoman transmission; the exceptional ride quality; its ambient nature; the baked-in, go-anywhere capability; and its amazing value.”

This is Land Rover’s first Defender since 2016, and the first to sell in the U.S. since 1997. Currently available in the four-door 110 version starting around $50,000, the two-door 90 will be available early next year for $46,000. With reasonable pricing for the capability, a stellar design, and now this victory in its back pocket, the new Defender could be a force in the upcoming SUV space.

Ford Bronco Configurator is Here!

Still speaking of classic models returning for the modern age, the Ford Bronco build and price configurator went live on Friday. From wheels and exterior color to features under the hood, you can go wild and create your dream 4×4, whether you plan to actually buy one or not. The new configurator details specific prices of add-ons, and even offers a cool visualizer with three-quarter views so you can check out your ideal Bronco from all its best angles.

According to Ford, there are already more than 190,000 reservation holders for upcoming Broncos. (With that many people in line, you may be designing make-believe Broncos for awhile.)

Spy Shots: 2021 RAM 2500 Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition

Spotted driving around Metro Detroit, the 2021 RAM 2500 Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition shed its camouflage and gave fans a closer look at what the model has to offer.

It’s now clear the 75th Anniversary Power Wagon will feature a unique jail-bar grille, (a retro throwback to the original Power Wagon), unique side rails with side steps, blacked-out headlamps from the Ram 2500 Limited Black, and 17-inch bead-locked wheels and an electronic transfer case. Customers should be able to order the all-new package in the next month or so.

Aftermarket Announcements

It’s not just the OEs with exciting news and fresh debuts. The aftermarket has kept busy these past several months as well.

DECKED Releases Drawers for RamBox

If you’re a RamBox owner, you already understand the importance of cargo management solutions. Now you can up your organizational status from Expert to Master, with DECKED’s Drawer System specifically designed for RamBox applications.

A wildly popular factory option on RAMs for more than a decade, the RamBox makes brilliant use of the otherwise wasted space inside the length of the truck bed’s skeleton, above the wheel wells. These clever lockboxes can store anything from tools and other valuables on the job site, to a few cases of cold ones packed on plenty of ice for the beach. With over 60 gallons’ worth of space between both boxes, your imagination is the only limit of what to store in there.

DECKED Drawers add even more possibility with segmented storage that boasts a weatherproof construction, 2,000-lb load capacity, and locking functionality. Learn more HERE.

A.R.E Releases First Aftermarket Fiberglass Truck Cap for Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator owners rejoice! A.R.E has come up clutch once again, releasing the first aftermarket fiberglass truck cap for the Gladiator model.

Featuring factory paint matching, a front picture window, a half-slider screened side window and a single t-lock heavy-duty rear door, the CX Classic model packs premium features. Gladiators owners have opportunity to customize as well, with more than a dozen options. For example, the popular OTR option replaces factory paint-matching with a UV-resistant LINE-X spray-on protective coating. 

A great option for that last camping trip of the season or for an upcoming overlanding adventure, A.R.E has a CX Classic for every Gladiator owner out there.

New GoRhino SRM 600 Roof Rack

GoRhino launched its brand new SRM 600 roof rack, providing another versatile roof rack option for off-road, industrial, and fleet markets.

Crafted of heavy-duty aluminum, the SRM 600 is a three-sided, 52-inch wide universal basket-style roof rack. It is available in three lengths—55-inches, 65-inches, and 75-inches—ensuring it can carry a wide variety of luggage, tools, or gear. Channeled aluminum crossbars allow users to mount accessories like shovels, axes, cargo carriers and more for added functionality. 

Along with these features, the SRM 600 is made to last. Coated with an ultra-rugged powder-coat finish and backed by a comprehensive five-year warranty, customers know they can rely on the SRM 600 whenever it’s needed most. Plus, a no-drill installation means no headaches.