New Models Make 2006 a Banner Year for Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers

2006 Chevy TrailBlazer SS - The Defibrillator of America!

In

Photo: General Motors of Canada

case you missed it, GM introduced a performance foursome during March's New York auto show that included the 440-hp Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG-fighting Cadillac XLR-V, plus a Chevy SS lineup that debuts an upgraded 240-hp Malibu sedan and Malibu Maxx five-door, and one of the most intriguing vehicles of all, the completely outrageous 390-hp TrailBlazer SS with 395 lb-ft of torque. Designed to take on Jeep's new 415-hp Grand Cherokee SRT8, the hopped up Chevy sports a tuned suspension, uprated brakes, large 20-inch wheels, a revised interior and a few go-fast exterior mods. Forget the "Heartbeat of America". This Chevy qualifies as the "Defibrillator of America".

2006 Dodge Ram - Boldest, Baddest Pickup 

Dodge

Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

will introduce an upgraded Ram this fall as a 2006 model, which will feature a new grille, redesigned headlamp clusters, a revamped front fascia, reworked interior, new frame, upgraded suspension, and the inclusion of Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System (MDS) cylinder-deactivation technology with the optional 5.7L HEMI V8, which can improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent. Still the boldest, baddest pickup on the planet, the Ram will also be more refined in its next incarnation, some 20 percent quieter than the 2005 model, and featuring such luxuries as a DVD entertainment system, UConnect handsfree phone capability and integrated Bluetooth technology.

2006 Dodge Ram Mega-Cab - More Room for Mega Gear

Dodge

Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

will give its 2006 Ram SLT and Laramie 1500, 2500 and 3500 the largest interior room in the pickup truck class with its optional Mega Cab upgrade, adding 2,044-litres (72.2 cubic feet) of interior cargo volume to Quad Cab models. It's multiple seating and storage configurations, increased cab length (305 mm longer than Ford F-250 Crew Cab), more comfortable 22- to 37-degree reclining rear seats, and enhanced second-row leg room at 1,123 mm (44.2 inches), compliment its mega-output 345-hp HEMI V8 and all-powerful Cummins turbodiesel with 610 lb-ft of torque. Also offered: the largest side-curtain airbags in the class, optional DVD entertainment, navigation radio and sunroof.