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Detroit 3 to implement delayed unified towing standards for 2015

Car buyers have a responsibility to be well-informed consumers. That's not always a very simple task, but some guidelines are self-evident. If you live in a very snowy climate, you generally know a Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro might not be as viable a vehicle choice as an all-wheel drive Explorer or Traverse, for example. If you want a fuel-efficient car, it's generally a good idea to know the difference between a diesel and a hybrid. But what if it's kind of tough to be an informed consumer? What if the information you need is more difficult to come by, or worse, based on different standards for each vehicle? Well, in that case, you might be a truck shopper.
For years, customers of light-duty pickups have had to suffer through different ratings of towing capacities for each brand. For 2015 model year trucks, though, that will no longer be a problem. According to Automotive News, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Group have announced that starting with next year's models, a common standard will be used to measure towing capacity. The Detroit Three will join Toyota, which adopted the Society of Automotive Engineers' so-called SAE J2807 standards way back in 2011.
The standard was originally supposed to be in place for MY2013, but concerns that it would lower the overall stated capacity for trucks led Detroit automakers to pass. Ford originally passed, claiming it'd wait until its new F-150 was launched to adopt the new standards, leading GM and Ram to follow suit. Nissan, meanwhile, has said it will adopt the new standards as its vehicles are updated, meaning the company's next-generation Titan should adhere to the same tow ratings as its competitors.

2014 GMC Sierra 4.3L V6 to offer segment-best 305 LB-FT

General Motors has released more information on the 4.3-liter V6 available in the 2014 GMC Sierra. The engine will serve up 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission, and giving the V6 Sierra a maximum tow rating of 7,200 pounds in regular cab, short bed four-wheel drive configuration. GM claims that figure is 500 pounds more than the equivalent Ford F-150 equipped with a 3.7-liter V6, and 700 pounds more than the Ram 1500 with its 3.6-liter V6. Buyers can expect to see the 2014 GMC Sierra with the 4.3-liter engine start at $25,085 including destination.
While the engine does deliver more torque than either of its main competitors, it falls short on the horsepower front. The 3.7-liter V6 in the F-150 develops 302 hp while the 3.6-liter V6 in the Ram 1500 yields 305 hp. GM says fuel economy estimates for its newest entry will land later this year. Check out the full press release below for more information.

2015 GMC Canyon gets the party started [w/video]

The 2014 Detroit Auto Show press days officially kick off tomorrow, but the night before all the madness commences, General Motors drove its new 2015 GMC Canyon pickup truck out for all to see. To refresh your memory, the Canyon is GMC's new midsize pickup - essentially a re-skinned version of the Chevrolet Colorado that debuted at the LA Auto Show in November.
Many of us at Autoblog prefer the look of the larger GMC Sierra to that of its Chevy Silverado kin, and we're having similar feelings about the new Canyon, especially after seeing it in person. It's sort of a pint-sized version of the Sierra, and it looks great. Clean lines are found throughout, and the Canyon's styling is decidedly premium.
At launch, the Canyon will be offered with the same engines as the Colorado - a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 193 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque on the base end, and a larger 3.6-liter V6 with 302 hp and 270 lb-ft as an option. The Colorado's 2.8-liter diesel inline four-cylinder will be available after launch. Both two- and four-wheel drive configurations will be available, depending on the model.