Putt News Extra: No Truck Can Outrun Inflation
Weekly Round-Up of Pickup, SUV, and Automotive News
Every week, there’s a wealth of news stories that cross our desks. While not all of them are significant enough for a full article, we’re here to bring you this weekly round-up of the smaller stories that might interest you.
Performance Truck Underperforms Inflation
For some, trucks are just tools for work and daily life — they’re not toys. However, others enjoy upgrading their vehicles with powerful engines and custom modifications. This 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 recently sold for $42,000, which is impressive for a decades-old truck, especially when considering it originally sold for $45,000.
When adjusted for inflation, $45,000 in 2004 is equivalent to about $77,850 today. Additionally, the truck has only 41,000 miles on it and has had thousands of dollars worth of aftermarket upgrades. So, if you were hoping to sell your high-performance truck and retire on the proceeds, you might want to rethink that plan. Still, it’s an impressive vehicle.
GM Thinks You Need More Screens
Truck enthusiasts often have specific requests for features, upgrades, and improvements. According to at least one source, General Motors (GM) is planning to add an extra screen to new 2027 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models. While this isn’t something many people typically ask for, GM seems to believe it’s what customers want. The second screen would allow passengers to watch TV from the front seat. Imagine the wife catching up on her favorite shows while you drive, or even switching places so you can watch the latest episodes.
GM Recalls … Everything? Sort Of
The bad news is that GM issued a recall affecting nearly every 2026 model they produced. The good news is that only a small number of each model may be affected. The issue is that the owner’s manual wasn’t preloaded into the infotainment system. However, you can still download the manual on your phone, tablet, laptop, or home computer. Plus, most people don’t read the manuals anyway, so you might be safe ignoring this recall.
The Kei Truck Dream is Dead…Again
According to reports, Oregon’s bill legalizing kei trucks — small, adorable pickups from Japan — for use on Oregonian roads has been put on hold again. This time, it didn’t make it to a vote due to a time crunch, despite bipartisan support. It’s a shame, but maybe the bill will see another chance in the next legislative session.
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- Is the Ram 1500 Hurricane Engine Reliable?
