Driven by The Best!

08
DEC

NEW F-150 NAMED 2018 MOTOR TREND TRUCK OF THE YEAR; FORD FIRST WITH FULL TRUCK LINE BACK-TO-BACK WINS


New F-150 earns 2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year for the fifth time to score back-to-back wins for Ford F-Series on the heels of the all-new Super Duty capturing top honors for 2017

F-150 win comes after Motor Trend editors evaluated 2018 F-150 XL, Lariat, Platinum and Raptor trucks against the latest competitive offerings for design, engineering excellence, safety, value, efficiency and performance

Even tougher, even smarter and even more capable new Ford F-150 features best-in-class fuel economy and towing, class-exclusive technologies, plus new Built Ford Tough exterior design and freshened interiors

Los Angeles, Nov. 27, 2017 – Ford, America’s truck leader for 40 straight years, has bested all competitors to earn 2018 Motor Trend Truck of the Year honors for the new Ford F-150. This is the fifth win for F-150, and this award follows the all-new Ford Super Duty capturing the award in 2017.

“Back-to-back wins for F-150 and Super Duty reflect what we’re also seeing and hearing from customers as we celebrate 40 straight years as America’s favorite and best-selling trucks,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president and president, North America. “The Ford Truck team stretched further than ever to deliver our toughest, most capable and smartest trucks.”

“This year’s competition was fierce, but the vote was unanimous,” said Ed Loh, Motor Trend editor in chief. ”The newly redesigned 2018 F-150 exceeded our expectations in every category – powertrain, performance, technology and overall execution.”

The Ford F-150 line went up against the latest competitive truck offerings in a program that combined empirical and real-world testing to find the truck that best met the award’s key criteria: advancement in design, engineering excellence, safety, value, efficiency and performance of intended function. Motor Trend editors put to the test four vehicles from the Ford pickup lineup: the 2018 F-150 XL with the all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine, F-150 Lariat with the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost®, F-150 Platinum with an enhanced 5.0-liter V8, and the high-performance off-road F-150 Raptor.

Judges cited overall towing capability, advanced technology functionality and powertrain performance among their favorite F-150 attributes. They also noted exemplary on- and off-road driving performance, best-in-class fuel economy and innovative cab design as F-150 strengths.

New features and improvements put F-150 over the top
The 2018 F-150 features a number of design updates and technology enhancements across its powertrain, driver-assist and connectivity offerings, making it tougher, smarter and more capable than ever.

Major exterior freshening across the lineup includes new grilles, bumpers, headlights, tail lamps, tailgate outers, wheels and more. Interior updates on XLT Sport, XLT Special Edition, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited trucks include color and material changes for seats, instrument panel and console trim. An all-new B&O PLAY™ audio system by HARMAN is also available.

With an EPA-estimated rating of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, the second-generation 2.7-liter EcoBoost-equipped F-150 delivers best-in-class fuel economy. Powered by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, F-150 offers best-in-class towing capacity of 13,200 pounds.

F-150 shines with clever design, all-new 3.3-liter engine, towing capability
Design elements such as rear-hinged doors on the SuperCab truck that ease access to the rear passenger compartment, an available twin-panel power moonroof, and new technology features like Apple CarPlay and SYNC 3 got high marks from Motor Trend editors.

“Ford deserves a lot of credit for how the extended cab is designed,” said one judge. “Unlike its rivals with B-pillars and normal opening doors, the nearly 180-degree-opening rear doors and flat load floor allow owners to maximize utility in the back, and make it easier for passengers to get in and out.”

Praise for the F-150 XL with all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine touched on how easily the truck can tow trailers weighing 7,700 pounds – the maximum rating for the base engine.

“The 3.3-liter has zero trouble towing a 5,000-pound trailer,” said one judge. “Tow/Haul mode keeps the gears low and the engine roaring, with no shift shock. This powertrain is more than adequate to get F-150 down the road quickly.”

In terms of the overall lineup, Motor Trend editors were impressed with the ease and accuracy of features such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist and a multi-angle 360-degree camera system, as well as F-150’s competent powertrains. One judge, an admitted towing novice, said the truck’s towing capabilities are simply “fantastic.”

High series trucks, all-new EcoBoost elicit ‘wows’
Motor Trend editors were as impressed with the power and handling of the all-new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 in F-150 Lariat as they were with the truck’s ride and level of luxury appointments. The chassis smooths out large road undulations with ease, and steering is “shockingly precise,” they reported.

“Wow, I thought this was the V8 when I first hopped in,” said one. “Power delivery is excellent, with no perceivable lag. This 2.7-liter turbo is all the engine most folks will ever need.”

Judges also tested the F-150 Platinum with 5.0-liter V8 that features significant upgrades, including advanced dual port and direct-injection technology and spray-on bore liner technology for reduced weight and best-in-class payload capacity of 3,270 pounds. The enhanced engine is paired to a segment-first 10-speed Ford SelectShift™ automatic transmission with four selectable drive modes – normal, tow/haul, snow/wet and sport. The new 10-speed automatic is shared with the 2.7-liter and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines as well.

One Motor Trend editor said the 5.0-liter V8 is a sweetheart of an engine, with tons of power.

“It cruises oh so well, and tows like a champ,” he reported. “It didn’t seem to struggle at all with a 9,000-pound trailer attached. This truck is happy to be put to work.”

F-150 Raptor is a class of one
With 450 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, F-150 Raptor impressed judges with the quick and responsive kick from its twin-turbocharged, high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, enhanced by its segment-exclusive Ford SelectShift 10-speed automatic and industry-leading six-mode Terrain Management System™. Raptor’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body saves 500 pounds over the previous model, which pays off in a stronger, more agile truck.

“As great as this thing is off-road, it’s shocking how good it is on pavement,” said one judge. “It’s more than happy to carve corners with precise steering, good brakes, great power and a suspension that hunkers down and leans into corners.”

F-150 Raptor’s competition-proven chassis sets the performance bar with its second-generation BFGoodrich KO2 tires designed exclusively for the truck’s extended off-road capabilities. In addition, FOX shocks, jointly engineered by Ford Performance and FOX, feature three-inch-diameter shock canisters and nine-stage bypass damping to optimize suspension control and provide massive suspension travel that includes 13 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear.

Built at Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri, the 2018 F-150 is available now at Ford dealerships nationwide.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 203,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

06
DEC

CHEVROLET TRUCKS MARKS 100 YEARS WITH CUSTOMIZED CLASSIC

Vintage C/10 concept carries Centennial theme, features ZZ6 Connect & Cruise system

2018 Centennial Edition Silverado and Colorado - To commemorate 100 years of Chevy Trucks, both trucks offer Centennial Blue exterior paint color, exclusive front and rear heritage bowties and 100 year door badges, which were inspired by colors and design cues found on early Chevrolet Trucks. Centennial Editions also include a spray-in bedliner with heritage bowtie emblem and accessory floor liners with heritage bowtie emblems.

LAS VEGAS — A customized, classic Chevrolet C/10 pickup is helping the brand celebrate 100 years of building trucks.

The pickup blends classic style with contemporary crate powertrain technology and shares the exclusive color and other heritage cues of 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Edition production models.

“One hundred years and 85 million trucks later, Chevrolet trucks continue to inspire, support and reward through hard work and recreation,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director. “We are celebrating this historic milestone with the customers who have trusted Chevy Trucks for generations.”

A century ago, Chevrolet’s first trucks included a half-ton light-duty model and a 1.5-ton commercial vehicle. The modern era of pickups was born with the 1960 introduction of the C/K series, which offered greater passenger comfort and fresh styling. That was largely due to a new independent front suspension that greatly improved the ride and a frame design that allowed the cab to ride lower on it, for a sleeker look.

Chevy’s second generation C/K debuted in 1967, with suspension enhancements that provided a smoother ride. It also introduced new styling that, in time, would be revered by hot rodders for its pure, timeless design. That’s where Chevy’s designers and concept craftsmen started with this project.

Built in-house by Chevrolet, the ’67 C/10 started as a long-bed model with a rare big rear window. The frame and cargo box were shortened to give the truck classic short-box proportions. The suspension was also lowered and matched with 20-inch wheels, while the rest of the truck features more styling enhancements — from the smoothed and customized bumpers and tailgate to the brushed trim and custom engine compartment closeouts — than there are pounds-feet of torque churning out of its Chevrolet Performance ZZ6 Small Block crate engine.

The ZZ6, which is rated at 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, is one of approximately 50 Small Block, Big Block LS/LSX and LT crate engines offered by Chevrolet Performance. In this application, it’s paired with a 4L65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission as part of Chevrolet Performance’s Connect & Cruise lineup of factory-matched powertrain systems.

Each Connect & Cruise system matches the crate engine with a complementary transmission, as well as the engine and transmission controllers, installation kits and more. There are more than 60 combinations available for all engine families, matching them with manual and automatic transmissions.

Connect & Cruise systems also include E-ROD crate engines that are emissions-compliant for millions of 1996 and older vehicles in California.

“No matter what kind of project you’re building, Chevrolet Performance has a crate engine solution to make it work,” said Piszar. “We’ve got it all.”

Additional details for the C/10 concept include:
Centennial Blue exterior with heritage Chevrolet bowtie emblems matching cues for Silverado and Colorado Centennial Edition production models
Suspension lowered with drop spindles, custom springs and modified original front control arms
Disc brake conversion with Chevrolet components
20 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels
255/40R20 front and 295/40R20 rear tires
Raised Chevrolet Centennial bowtie on the bed floor
Brushed-finish exterior trim
LED exterior and interior lighting
Modified instrument cluster with custom gauges
Modified bench seat with headrests and embossed with the Chevrolet logo
Interior trimmed in Porcelain White

The C/10 concept joins approximately 20 additional Chevrolet models this week at the SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Follow the action at ChevySEMA.com, #CHEVYSEMA, @ChevroletPerformance on Instagram and Chevrolet Performance on Facebook.

ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

06
DEC

CHEVROLET TRUCKS MARKS 100 YEARS WITH CUSTOMIZED CLASSIC

Vintage C/10 concept carries Centennial theme, features ZZ6 Connect & Cruise system

2018 Centennial Edition Silverado and Colorado - To commemorate 100 years of Chevy Trucks, both trucks offer Centennial Blue exterior paint color, exclusive front and rear heritage bowties and 100 year door badges, which were inspired by colors and design cues found on early Chevrolet Trucks. Centennial Editions also include a spray-in bedliner with heritage bowtie emblem and accessory floor liners with heritage bowtie emblems.

LAS VEGAS — A customized, classic Chevrolet C/10 pickup is helping the brand celebrate 100 years of building trucks.

The pickup blends classic style with contemporary crate powertrain technology and shares the exclusive color and other heritage cues of 2018 Silverado and Colorado Centennial Edition production models.

“One hundred years and 85 million trucks later, Chevrolet trucks continue to inspire, support and reward through hard work and recreation,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks marketing director. “We are celebrating this historic milestone with the customers who have trusted Chevy Trucks for generations.”

A century ago, Chevrolet’s first trucks included a half-ton light-duty model and a 1.5-ton commercial vehicle. The modern era of pickups was born with the 1960 introduction of the C/K series, which offered greater passenger comfort and fresh styling. That was largely due to a new independent front suspension that greatly improved the ride and a frame design that allowed the cab to ride lower on it, for a sleeker look.

Chevy’s second generation C/K debuted in 1967, with suspension enhancements that provided a smoother ride. It also introduced new styling that, in time, would be revered by hot rodders for its pure, timeless design. That’s where Chevy’s designers and concept craftsmen started with this project.

Built in-house by Chevrolet, the ’67 C/10 started as a long-bed model with a rare big rear window. The frame and cargo box were shortened to give the truck classic short-box proportions. The suspension was also lowered and matched with 20-inch wheels, while the rest of the truck features more styling enhancements — from the smoothed and customized bumpers and tailgate to the brushed trim and custom engine compartment closeouts — than there are pounds-feet of torque churning out of its Chevrolet Performance ZZ6 Small Block crate engine.

The ZZ6, which is rated at 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, is one of approximately 50 Small Block, Big Block LS/LSX and LT crate engines offered by Chevrolet Performance. In this application, it’s paired with a 4L65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission as part of Chevrolet Performance’s Connect & Cruise lineup of factory-matched powertrain systems.

Each Connect & Cruise system matches the crate engine with a complementary transmission, as well as the engine and transmission controllers, installation kits and more. There are more than 60 combinations available for all engine families, matching them with manual and automatic transmissions.

Connect & Cruise systems also include E-ROD crate engines that are emissions-compliant for millions of 1996 and older vehicles in California.

“No matter what kind of project you’re building, Chevrolet Performance has a crate engine solution to make it work,” said Piszar. “We’ve got it all.”

Additional details for the C/10 concept include:
Centennial Blue exterior with heritage Chevrolet bowtie emblems matching cues for Silverado and Colorado Centennial Edition production models
Suspension lowered with drop spindles, custom springs and modified original front control arms
Disc brake conversion with Chevrolet components
20 x 8.5-inch front and 20 x 10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels
255/40R20 front and 295/40R20 rear tires
Raised Chevrolet Centennial bowtie on the bed floor
Brushed-finish exterior trim
LED exterior and interior lighting
Modified instrument cluster with custom gauges
Modified bench seat with headrests and embossed with the Chevrolet logo
Interior trimmed in Porcelain White

The C/10 concept joins approximately 20 additional Chevrolet models this week at the SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Follow the action at ChevySEMA.com, #CHEVYSEMA, @ChevroletPerformance on Instagram and Chevrolet Performance on Facebook.

ABOUT CHEVROLET
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

04
DEC

GMC Sierra All Mountain Concept Conquers Uncharted Territory at Vail Mountain


VAIL, Colo. — The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD All Mountain concept, a one-of-a-kind snow-climbing machine, will debut this week at Vail Mountain. The Sierra All Mountain concept takes GMC’s signature bold design and engineering excellence to new heights, adding tank-like tracks that help it navigate rugged, snow-covered terrain.

Built on a GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali 4WD Crew Cab platform, the epitome of GMC’s strength and design, the All Mountain concept stands ready to tackle steep slopes and extreme weather conditions. It combines the power of the 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine and first-class interior appointments of the Sierra 2500HD Denali and adds enhanced capability and features through concept Mattracks® technology and GMC Accessories.

“With GMC’s focus on premium capability and design, we wanted to ensure that this concept took these signature attributes to an entirely new level,” said Carl Zipfel, GMC exterior designer. “The Sierra All Mountain concept Mattracks® technology enables the truck to conquer uncharted territory while highlighting premium interior features such as Bose speakers and upscale leather treatments.”

Sierra All Mountain Concept Features:
Mattracks® 150 Series Tracks with GMC Red finish
Bodyside graphics
Wheel well and underbody LED lights
Snowboard Racks, associated accessories by Thule®
Amplifier and Dual Pod Speaker Kit, associated accessories by KICKER®
RIGID E-Series 30-Inch Light Bar
Soft roll-up tonneau cover by Advantage
Duramax® 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque
Allison® 1000 six-speed automatic transmission

The GMC Sierra All Mountain will remain on display at Vail for the winter season as part of an exclusive partnership announced earlier this year with Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN), the leading global mountain resort company. In addition to the main partnership with Vail Resorts, Inc., GMC has extended its presence by also collaborating with the Vail Valley Foundation and the Town of Vail. GMC will have a large presence in the Town of Vail through vehicle displays, courtesy vehicles, signage and special events.

“The Sierra All Mountain concept is perfectly suited for the outdoor activities offered at Vail properties,” said Rich Latek, director of GMC Marketing. “This unique concept truck is a fun way to attract attention to GMC and highlight our partnership with Vail Resorts.”

A similar Sierra All Mountain concept, built on a Sierra 2500HD All Terrain X platform, will be on display at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali sub-brand representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

About the Vail Valley Foundation
The Vail Valley Foundation is a nonprofit with the mission to enhance and sustain the quality of life in the Vail Valley by providing leadership in arts, education and athletics. The organization has hosted premiere events, operated two world-class performing arts venues, and provided education enrichment to Eagle County residents since 1981.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries operate 11 world-class mountain resorts and three urban ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada; Perisher in Australia; Stowe in Vermont; Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. Vail Resorts owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.

04
DEC

GMC Sierra All Mountain Concept Conquers Uncharted Territory at Vail Mountain


VAIL, Colo. — The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD All Mountain concept, a one-of-a-kind snow-climbing machine, will debut this week at Vail Mountain. The Sierra All Mountain concept takes GMC’s signature bold design and engineering excellence to new heights, adding tank-like tracks that help it navigate rugged, snow-covered terrain.

Built on a GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali 4WD Crew Cab platform, the epitome of GMC’s strength and design, the All Mountain concept stands ready to tackle steep slopes and extreme weather conditions. It combines the power of the 6.6L turbo-diesel V-8 engine and first-class interior appointments of the Sierra 2500HD Denali and adds enhanced capability and features through concept Mattracks® technology and GMC Accessories.

“With GMC’s focus on premium capability and design, we wanted to ensure that this concept took these signature attributes to an entirely new level,” said Carl Zipfel, GMC exterior designer. “The Sierra All Mountain concept Mattracks® technology enables the truck to conquer uncharted territory while highlighting premium interior features such as Bose speakers and upscale leather treatments.”

Sierra All Mountain Concept Features:
Mattracks® 150 Series Tracks with GMC Red finish
Bodyside graphics
Wheel well and underbody LED lights
Snowboard Racks, associated accessories by Thule®
Amplifier and Dual Pod Speaker Kit, associated accessories by KICKER®
RIGID E-Series 30-Inch Light Bar
Soft roll-up tonneau cover by Advantage
Duramax® 6.6L Turbo Diesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque
Allison® 1000 six-speed automatic transmission

The GMC Sierra All Mountain will remain on display at Vail for the winter season as part of an exclusive partnership announced earlier this year with Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN), the leading global mountain resort company. In addition to the main partnership with Vail Resorts, Inc., GMC has extended its presence by also collaborating with the Vail Valley Foundation and the Town of Vail. GMC will have a large presence in the Town of Vail through vehicle displays, courtesy vehicles, signage and special events.

“The Sierra All Mountain concept is perfectly suited for the outdoor activities offered at Vail properties,” said Rich Latek, director of GMC Marketing. “This unique concept truck is a fun way to attract attention to GMC and highlight our partnership with Vail Resorts.”

A similar Sierra All Mountain concept, built on a Sierra 2500HD All Terrain X platform, will be on display at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

About GMC
With a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 and now selling in a dozen countries across the world, GMC offers purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest standard. From the all-new compact SUV Terrain to the Sierra HD, our trucks and crossovers deliver GMC’s signature combination of intuitive technologies and premium execution, with the popular Denali sub-brand representing the pinnacle of GMC design, performance and amenities. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at www.facebook.com/gmc.

About the Vail Valley Foundation
The Vail Valley Foundation is a nonprofit with the mission to enhance and sustain the quality of life in the Vail Valley by providing leadership in arts, education and athletics. The organization has hosted premiere events, operated two world-class performing arts venues, and provided education enrichment to Eagle County residents since 1981.

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries operate 11 world-class mountain resorts and three urban ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada; Perisher in Australia; Stowe in Vermont; Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. Vail Resorts owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.