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Trucks forthe tradeWhen It’sMetal Halide,Make Sure It’s VentureAs one of its engine options, the Chevy Express offers the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 that delivers 250 hp and 460 lb-ft oftorque. It is teamed with the Hydra-Matic 4L85 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Photo © GM Corp.clean the exhaust filter and service the A/C system; warningsthat the transmission is hot, traction control has beendisengaged, the fuel level is low and a vehicle theft has beenattempted; and reminders that a turn signal has been lefton, the gas cap has not been properly tightened and that thevehicle’s top speed is limited. The warnings, instructions andreminders can be viewed in English and French.Customers are offered a choice of five gasoline engines,including four small-block V8 engines. A 195-hp Vortec4.3L V6 with multi-port fuel injection is the base enginefor light-duty Express Cargo. A central fuel injector deliversa separate flow of fuel to six individual hybrid injectors forbetter performance and improved emissions. Designed forquiet operation, these engines include a friction-reducingpolymer coating on piston skirts, full floating piston pins,timing chain tensioner and a quieter alternator.The small-block V8 engines in the line-up include theVortec 4.8L V8, which cranks out 233 hp or 246 hp (dependingon its weight class) and is used for heavy-duty applicationsin the 2500 Series cargo vans. Meantime, the Vortec 5.3LV8 delivers 301 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the Vortec5.3L is the standard engine in H1500 Cargo models. All 5.3Lengines available are E85-compatible.Express also offers the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 thatdelivers 250 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It is teamed with theHydra-Matic 4L85 electronically controlled four-speed automatictransmission, and is available on G2500 and G3500Express Cargo Van models. A fuel-operated heater (FOH) isstandard for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quicklyprovide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. Features suchas electronic throttle control, fast-heating glow plugs and easyserviceitems enhance the driving and ownership experience.The F-150 Series offersnumerous body configurations,including three cabchoices, three box lengths,two box styles and fiveunique series: the entry-levelF-150 XL, F-150 STX, F-150XLT, F-150 FX4 and luxuryF-150 Lariat (to which theKing Ranch version addseven more luxury). Photo ©2007 Ford Motor Co.2008 Ford F-150 pickupWith a maximum tow rating of 11,000 lb (when properlyequipped) and maximum payload capacity of 3050 lb, the FordF-150 pickup boasts it is the most capable full-size pickup inits class. The F-150 Series offers numerous body configurations,including three cab choices, three box lengths, two box stylesand five unique series: the entry-level F-150 XL, F-150 STX,F-150 XLT, F-150 FX4 and luxury F-150 Lariat (to which theKing Ranch version adds even more luxury). All cabs featurefour doors for easy access.The F-150 includes the factory-installed Cargo ManagementSystem, a feature available on any truck with the 6.5-ft Stylesidebox. It provides a simple, easy-to-use solution for secure storageof all types of cargo. The basic system comes with two side rails,a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and header bar. Extra bins andcrossbars are easily added when extra capability and flexibilityis needed.Strong extruded aluminum double channel rails allowmultiple accessories to be installed. Rails have cleat positionsevery 90 mm, and easily adjustable, cast-aluminum cleats aredesigned to hold over 600 lb. Extruded aluminum crossbarshold up to 100 lb and feature T-Slots on all four sides designedfor non-traditional attachments. Side-mounted, blow-mouldedplastic tool bins can hold up to 60 lb and feature double-wallconstruction. The pushbutton lock on the bins automaticallykeys itself to the first ignition key that is turned in the lock,enabling you to use one key for all bins.A rearview camera system is mounted in the tailgate handlebezel and is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse,giving you a clear view behind. The video image is displayed inthe self-dimming rearview mirror—a natural place for you tolook while reversing. A tire pressure monitoring system is alsoincluded (in the Heavy Duty Package).You can choose a mid-box—mounted in front of the standardpickup bow and behind the cab—that provides lockablestorage for tools and other valuable items. The rugged, steelThe flow-through centre console gives you the option of two captain’schairs, with a floor shifter on FX4 and Lariat models. Photo© 2007 Ford Motor Co. and Wieck Media Services Inc.construction features double-panelled doors that are accessiblefrom both sides of the vehicle, and lock/unlock withthe cab door key. Latches feature double-bitted keys andlock tumblers designed to provide exceptional security. Themid-box is available on Regular Cab with 145-in. wheelbaseand SuperCab with 163-in. wheelbase.Inside, three different instrument cluster designs give eachseries a distinctive look. All models feature an upscale, twotoneinstrument panel. The flow-through centre consolegives you the option of two captain’s chairs, with a floorshifter on FX4 and Lariat models. Vehicles equipped with a40/20/40-split-front-bench seat have a different instrumentpanel centre stack optimized for middle-passenger legroom.The F-150 offers three engine choices: a 4.2L V6, 4.6LTriton V8 and 5.4L three-valve Triton V8. The 5.4L delivers300 hp at 5000 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. Aflex-fuel version can run on E85. Liquid-filled engine mounts(‘hydromounts’) on the V8 engine stifle much of its noise andvibration before it can reach the cab. Both 4x2 and 4x4 modelsuse coil-on-shock, long-spindle, double-wishbone frontsuspension, which reduces unsprung weight to provide betterride and stability on choppy, broken surfaces.The World Leaderin Metal Halide Technology VentureLighting.comInfo no. 31www. mag.com • november/december 2007 • 29Venture_2_EB_Nov07.indd 110/30/07 9:38:31 AM