2020 FORD SUPER DUTY FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. Serious work trucks are judged on 2 main criteria; towing and payload.

So Ford is ratcheting up both in their all-new 2020 Super Duty.  Shipping to dealers this fall, the Super Duty lineup which includes the F-250, F-350 and F-450 is powered by a 6.2-liter gas V8 as standard or customers can upgrade to the next generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 making more horsepower and torque or opt for a new entry; a 7.3-liter gas V8. 

Though numbers have not been released, Ford says they expect the 7.3 to be the most powerful gas V8 in its class.  All 3 engines will use a new Ford-developed 10-speed automatic transmission designed for the harshest towing conditions. 

Without citing specifics, Ford says this Super Duty offers its highest-ever conventional, gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing and payload ratings.  Optimized cooling across the range is courtesy of a new front-end design that also enhances the performance of the LED headlamps. 

Ford says the improved front bumper also makes using the utility hooks easier.  The cabin has been completely refreshed, crafted with the use of even more luxurious materials on the Limited model and modern touches such as wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist add technology, connectivity and convenience. 

Though pricing has yet to be released, the current Super Duty lineup starts at under $35,000 while an F-450 Limited can cross $90,000.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata will make its North American debut at the New York International Automobile Show next month. The eighth-generation Sonata showcases a sporty four-door-coupe look that embodies Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design concept. Featuring a short overhang, sloping roofline and low deck lid to create a balanced feel, the all-new Sonata has a much sportier look than its predecessor.

Hyundai also announced the development of a ‘Digital Key’, which allows users to unlock and start their Hyundai vehicle via their smartphone. Replacing a traditional physical key, the new Digital Key can be downloaded via an app and used by up to four authorized people. As well as making it much easier for a Hyundai vehicle to be included in a car-sharing program, in the future, the Digital Key will be further enhanced to allow for features such as an alarm to be triggered when the vehicle exceeds a defined speed or travels outside a designated area.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition First Look By Auto Critic Steve Hammes
The Pathfinder has a long history of being able to go where others can’t but with this current generation model, some Pathfinder faithful feel as though Nissan has left its trail days in the past.
Well, starting this spring the 2019 Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition aims to recapture some of that muddy glory. 

Coming this spring is the feistiest version of the all-new Jetta; the small, sporty GLI.

Marking its 6th generation, the 2019 GLI swaps the Jetta’s 1.4-liter engine for the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbo, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque – increasing its power over the previous generation. 

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