GM is more interested after Tacoma than F150

Are you surprised GM is more interested in competing with the Tacoma TRD Pro than going after the F-150 Raptor? Does that say something about the Mid-Size segment or Toyota?

http://www.torquenews.com/1083/gm-chief-wants-colorado-badlands-take-tacoma-trd-pro

 

Chevy lovers have an aftermarket attempt at beating the Raptor...the Silverado Reaper, which due to it's huge lack of success (I am speculating since I haven't heard anything about it since it was first announced), Chevy realizes they aren't going to touch that Raptor market share.

https://www.lingenfelter.com/engine...er-supercharged-silverado-reaper-package-2014

 

if you combine Silverado and Sierra sales it beats the f-150 but Chevy won't unseat Toyota in this segment unless they can beat its reliability. Plus Chevy has to prove the new Colorado still.

 

Toyota has to prove the 2016 Tacoma.

 

That is not what the article was saying, obviously the Colorado would be a better comparison to the Tacoma than the Raptor. What the article was saying is that Chevy in general (either Silverado or Colorado) would rather go against the Tacoma than the Raptor.

 

My $.02

From a marketing stand point I would think the midsized GM products appeal/sell to a younger demographic. GM (and most auto makers) know they need to create a younger-ish customer base to thrive long term. The GM full size offerings (tho very unreliable during their recent new model roll out) still sell pretty well and have a healthy margin for GM but, are already costly enough to own. I would think a Raptor type full size GM truck would sell in limited numbers and overall wouldn't provide the best return on investment. Other than being a good "halo" vehicle I'd bet it's a hard case to make to the bean counters.

 

My uncle works between the Chicagoland and Detroit Ford plants, and he has heard rumors surface that there maybe a chance of a ford mid size with the eco boost. However he doesn't know if or when it will be confirmed or if it will still be called a "ranger"

 

That could be a total game changer.

Back on topic though, none of you should be surprised that Chevy is more interested in going after Tacoma. There is more margin in it for them since midsize trucks command an artificially high price. Not only that, but Ford has been king of the full size ring for decades. They sell more of those than you can even imagine.

 

The problem I have is that the Colorado is not mid size (to me)

I was pretty interested in the pre release hype stage. But I didn't even bother to drive one after I parked next to one.

Other than that, I don't much care. Baring some lost snow bird taking my '13 off the road with errant driving, I'm planning on it lasting until I have to give up my keys.

 

The marketing for the GM twins suggest they are going after first time truck buyers (car guy vs truck guy commercials) rather than trying to sway Tacoma buyers.

 

I think that the big dogs in Ford management are definitely thinking about it and have personnel on it. Look how quickly Ford has acted on different models like the Transit vans and now they lead sales in the commercial van segment. A mid size Ford truck WILL be released because there's just a huge demand for a smaller than full size truck especially with 4 real doors. I think it will be called an F-series of some kind. Like an F-100.

Imagine a 3rd gen size Ford crew cab with the 2.7L V6 with 325-hp @ 5,750 rpm and 375 lbs.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm, that would sell like crazy.

I for one am not sold on the eco-shit platform and would prefer the older 3.7L NA with 302 HP myself though.

 

The Raptor cant compete with a TRD Pro, supercharge it and it is faster, more nimble, lighter, narrower and has better approach angles. A Raptor cant follow a Tacoma and it is cheaper to buy even with the factory supercharger.

 

The Raptor is not a food comparision. Frankly the baja and the pro are much better. Bigger trucks can't even thread sand well. This makes the tacoma better all round. In addition...the Raptor is a v8 and the tacoma a v6. Significant difference is speed. Other than that...tacoma have solid motors, baja setup is a suspension and exhaust. F150 compared to Raptor is same...regarding upgraded suspensions.

Similarities between baja,pro and raptor is factory warranty to cover your immediate crave for sand or dunes.

So shall I conclude that your comment was not well thought of and you probably do not off road much to make such a statement.

I have a Baja and I would not trade it for a Raptor. My baja will stay in family till she decides to die. The final upgrades to her will be a charger to compete with new 2016 tacos speed and modern day and bigger tired and maybe 1 inch lift after 7 yr warranty expires.

 

lol wut

 

This. 30k vs 60k.

The Raptor is a beast of a truck with a beast of a price tag. Both the Raptor and the TRD Pro can be made for a lot less with aftermarket stuff. Better, too.

But the masses buy 'em, so give 'em what they want.

 

Ford haters love to say this. Unfortunately it is just not true. F-Series outsold the GM twins by just over 12,000 units last year (and has outsold them for the past 37 years).

 

I'll be honest. If Ford made a smaller version of the Raptor it would be a done deal. Like, tomorrow.

 

Chevy is out for me, got my money in the bailout, how does the number 1 auto maker for 100 years go broke? To big to fail? Sorry fellows, I work hard for my money.