Known for leaking the 2009 Dodge Ram on the intarweb earlier this year, Dodge has accidentally posted an image of what appears to be the 2009 Dodge Ram R/T or SRT-10. The vehicle can also be found in a promotional video for the new Rambox, a bedside storage system being offered in the new 2009 Ram. Click here to visit the Dodge Ram website.
The big shift is on at Ford Motor Company, as the automaker plans to more than double the number – to 1.4 million – of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009. The advanced transmissions provide customers 4 to 6 percent improved fuel economy compared with typical 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, as well as better acceleration and a quieter and more refined driving experience.
Edmund's Inside Line have posted their thorough review of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 CRD SUV. Earning an average of 19.3 miles per gallon, the new diesel powered Jeep Grand Cherokee serves as a perfect replacement for it's V8 SRT8 cousin, which only boasts a hefty 13.4 miles per gallon. Another advantage of the new 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee's diesel engine is it's price, at only $1,655 which is far cheaper than it's full size heavy duty pickup truck brothers. The bottom line of the new Cherokee is that it provides an "Affordable diesel option [that] makes the Grand Cherokee a far more practical proposition". Click here to read their review.
If you're furious at work right now and are not happy with the events of your Monday morning (case of the Mondays?), and have also announced to your fellow co-workers that work sucks, then just remember what Lawrence said to Peter in Office Space... "No. No, man. Shit, no, man. I believe you'd get your ass kicked sayin' something like that, man". If that's the case, don't leave your cubical, and take a moment to read last weeks blogging wrath.
Diesel performance is all about flow. Boost, fuel and especially the vehicles exhaust. That is why it is so important to keep your forced induction systems back pressure as low as possible. Low back pressure helps keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGT's) low and helps aid turbo performance and durability. This part is a great stand-alone as well as a complimentary up sell item to go with the Turbonetics bolt-on 7.3L Ceramic Ball Bearing upgrade turbo.
NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Car racers will soon head to Summit Motorsports Park at Norwalk, Ohio for a chance to win $50,000 at the 2008 K&N Horsepower Challenge Race. Racers are not the only ones that can win. You can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to attend the race courtesy of K&N and a chance to win the Pontiac G6 courtesy of General Motors by entering “The K&N Horsepower Challenge” Sweepstakes.
In efforts to protest gasoline and diesel fuel prices, a sign painter in Kentucky has hung up his paint brushes, and traded in his pickup truck for a new model horse. I don't know how he could possibly be saving money though, as the cost of oats for a horse are higher than the price of gas, at $84.61 for a 50 pound bag, according to Simply Natural. Oh well, at least homeboy made it on CNN. If you feel inclined to see the story on TV, you can view the video here.
Corsa Performance has designed new exhaust systems that complement the power and sound for both the 2004-2006 and 2007-2008 Nissan Titan V8 pickups. The new Nissan Titan exhaust systems feature full 3-inch mandrel bent pipes, 3-inch high-flow mufflers and a single side exit with handcrafted, twin 4.0-inch Pro-Series polished 304L stainless tips for enhanced appearance.
Removing the heavy steel clutch fan from your 2003 to 2008 Cummins diesel equipped Dodge Ram, sounds like a strange way to make more horsepower and torque. Yet, Flex-A-Lite’s testing shows that significant performance can be gained this way, by reducing the load on the engine while improving on the cooling system for improved towing and fuel economy. – DrSpeed
According to Autoweek, Chrysler LLC has plans to debut their hybrid option for the Dodge Ram pickup truck in 2010. "The hybrid version of its high-volume hauler is part of the automaker’s plans to reshape its product portfolio in the coming years", stated Frank Klegon, Chrysler's Executive Vice President of Product Development.
The often overlooked transmission is proving to be a secret weapon for Ford Motor Company in the quest for improved fuel economy. “Transmission technology is playing a key role in bringing down fuel consumption,” said Craig Renneker, chief engineer for new automatic transmissions for Ford Powertrain Operations. “That’s why Ford is rolling out an industry-leading array of fuel-efficient, six-speed automatic transmissions on more than half of the North American product lineup, including the new 2009 Ford F-150.”
Producing 330 horsepower and 420 foot pounds of torque, the highly anticipated 2010 Ford 4.4 liter diesel engine has surfaced at last week's national dealer show, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Built for the F-150, Ford is stating that the engine is expected to be also available for the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Ford E-Series vans, and F-Series SuperDuty trucks.
To redesign the 2009 F-150, the Ford engineering team worked with its customer base to determine the needs and wants of today’s truck buyer. The 2009 F-150 gives Ford owners more choice and more options than before – with the ability to create 35 separate configurations – all delivered with Ford quality.
Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of the "consultants" at work, being asked to explain what you do at work every day? Just like Peter Gibbons had to do in the comedy movie, Office Space. "What would you say...Ya do here?". Well our Monday morning recap should solidify exactly what you're not doing for them, and instead, you are catching up on the hottest news from last week, just in case you missed it all.
PX3 Xtreme Oil Booster, released by PX3 Lubricants, has dynamometer tests confirming an increase in Horsepower and Torque up to 5% or more; offers protection against heat and cold dry starts; and reduces friction and engine wear. Additionally, users have reported improved fuel efficiency resulting in significant increases in gas mileage. Dynamometer tests on the Powerblock television broadcasts confirmed PX3 Lubricant’s statements.
Pickuptruck.com has posted pictures and information of a new TRD supercharger system for the Toyota 5.7-liter iForce V8. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) are claiming that the unit produces 504 horsepower, and runs the quarter mile in the mid 13 second mark. That's all fine and dandy, but with gasoline prices now at a national average of $3.33 (and $4.00 here in CA), according to the Energy Information Administration, is a supercharged eight cylinder truck something we really need?
The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2008 Ford F-150 5.4L V8, (part no. 63-2556), increases horsepower by 15.47 hp at 3829 rpm over the F-150’s stock configuration. To achieve more horsepower, K&N replaces the original intake assembly; including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design.
Earlier this year, YouTube's nottasrt4 spotted a Nissan 350Z with a "modified K&M Supercharger" in the wild. With camcorder in hand, he recorded a mini-documentary of what he saw. Upon catching up with the youthful driver of the 350Z a second time at a stop light, nottasrt4 rolled his window down and got an exclusive interview with the driver, revealing the true power of this sweet ride with 422 HP at the rear wheels. The driver claims his K&M blower runs at 14 PSI, his chipped 3.5L has stainless-steel twin cold air intakes, and rocks a stock exhaust which actually gets "better horsepower with the stock". The videos have to be seen to be believed. [via Muscle Car Blog]
ROUSH introduces the first dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck using an advanced liquid propane injection system. The ROUSH F-150 liquid propane injection system is designed and manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same horsepower, torque and drivability of an F-150 equipped with a gasoline-powered 5.4-liter, 3-valve TritonTM V-8 engine.
The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2008 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8, increases horsepower by 14.3 hp at 4786 rpm over the stock Toyota intake configuration. To achieve such a performance increase, K&N replaces the Tundra’s original intake assembly; including the air box, air filter and intake tube with an all-new intake design.
I don't know where the guys at Jalopnik find this crap, but it's really amazing. As seen in the photographs, the vehicle is a Holden UTE sport truck, which are sold in Australia. Lifted on huge Mickey Thompson Baja Claws and packed with a 6.0 liter V8 engine, "Da Hulk" as it's called, also has what seems to be hydraulic cross over steering, a full Dana 60 front axle, leaf springs, a Westin Bull Bar, six Lightforce HID off road lights, flared fenders, chrome side steps, and roll bar. Mudding anyone?
Gale Banks Engineering are now offering a direct-mount, exhaust brake for the 2004.5 to 2006 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel engine pickup trucks. The exhaust brake helps cut downhill speed, while saving your pickup truck brakes.
Mike Levine over at Pickuptruck has been busy once again, this time posting a review of the new Hummer H3T pickup truck. Did the H3T's 5.3 liter V8 engine leave a big enough foot print out on the trails, where true Hummers are tested? Check out the results so far, via this link.
Giving props to DiamondBack, the new Hummer H3T is sporting a HUMMER-branded DiamondBack tonneau cover. This one of a kind H3T cover will be available directly through Hummer dealers when this vehicle is launched in late August, early September. It will also be available through many aftermarket sources and you can choose from the traditional diamond plate style or a new LINE-X XTRA option shown in the pictures.
In an article by the Detroit News, General Motors vice chairman, Bob Lutz, announced yesterday that the automaker would be producing 80 percent of their vehicles in a hybrid platform by 2020, due to tougher fuel economy standards set by the U.S. Congress back in December 2007.
Mopar, Chrysler LLC’s original equipment parts manufacturer and supplier, announced it has introduced a new 3-year/100,000-mile warranty on its remanufactured powertrain assemblies for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Mopar’s new comprehensive warranty on the reman powertrain assemblies covers the costs of all parts and labor. It includes a $75 towing allowance and is transferable. There is also no deductible required.
The Detroit News have revealed the new 2010 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid SUV. Boasting a 3.6 liter V6 engine, the hybrid model is expected to "offer at least a 15% fuel savings, possibly up to 25 or 30 percent depending on applications". Whether or not those savings really help or matter at all, is questionable, especially when you're paying over $90,000 for an SUV anyway. If you are interested in the new hybrid Porsche SUV, you can hopefully see it on dealer lots by 2010.
Can you believe it's already Monday again? What happened to the weekend? Well, one thing is for sure, at least this week we get to look forward to more exciting news about our economy. Starting off with the price of oil tipping $110 per barrel, $3.29 dollar average gasoline prices (don't forget the diesel guys at well over $4.00 already!), continued market share decline for domestic automakers, Union employees not agreeing yet on contracts, and more vehicle recalls. However, on a happier note, here's a list of our top stories from last week that you may have missed in the midst of all the action last week.
ATS Diesel Performance of Arvada, Colorado have released their performance exhaust manifold systems for the 6.6 liter Duramax diesel engines. The manifolds are high flow "up-pipes", which prevents restriction and blown up diesel engine internals.
Woo hoo Jeep lovers! Jeep Performance, which is a division of Mopar, are working on a 2.8 liter diesel engine swap kit for your Jeep. Everything needed will be included in the kits, "including a stand-alone wiring harness and non-EGR motor!". Apparently the Jeep Liberty diesel engines had problems with their exhaust gas recirculation systems, so Jeep has responded with a kit that will replace the Liberty diesel engine, as well as a drop in kit for all other Jeep platforms. Further details are to be released. As posted by 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine.
Back in October of last year, Chris and I were lucky enough to test drive the new 2008 Ford F-450 at an exclusive media event at Ford's proving grounds in Romeo, Michigan, just outside of Detroit. Although these heavy duty trucks were put to the test (and we were very happy with the results), we never had the chance to test them in the "real world".
Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com released his opinion today of the TRD Supercharged 2008 Toyota Tacoma, which dials in at a price tag of nearly $37,000 dollars, a bit steep for a mid-size truck. The supercharger option sets you back a good $4,000, and with gas prices at over $4 per gallon, I do not think customers will be requesting that option all that much. The estimated EPA gas mileage numbers for the Tacoma are 18 miles per gallon in the city, which is not that much better from its bigger brother, the full-size Tundra at 14 miles per gallon.
Autoblog wrote a very informative and "breathless" review of the 2008 Dodge Dakota Sport pickup truck. Dodge offers a 302-hp 4.7L V8 platform for the midsized pickup, which turns out to be a perfect power output combination.
The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee S Limited debuts at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva. This package combines the high-performance appearance of the SRT8 model with the efficiency of the 3.0-litre V-6 CRD engine or the recently revised 4.7-litre V-8 petrol engine. All Jeep Grand Cherokee models received styling refinements just a few months ago, and the new S Limited further broadens customer appeal.
Corsa Performance Exhausts have developed their cat-back exhaust system for the 2007 to 2008 Toyota Tundra pickup. Featuring a patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology, the exhaust adds power and sound while eliminating interior exhaust drone.
Today Edge Products announced the release of their latest Evolution programmer for the 2007.5 Chevy/GMC Duramax (LMM motor). Similar to Edge’s other Evolution programmers, this unit comes with four standard power levels, quickly changes power levels, functions as a full diagnostic tool, and stays mounted in the cab to provide real-time monitoring of the truck’s vital engine information. Best of all, it comes with a custom pod designed to integrate with the trucks dash and includes and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) probe at no extra cost.
Back by popular demand, Edge Products has reintroduced the standard Juice with Attitude for the 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke to the aftermarket industry. Standard with every Juice with Attitude product that Edge manufactures, this product comes with five on-the-fly adjustable power levels, built-in safety features, boasts solid horsepower and torque gains, and even has a setting designed to increase fuel economy.
Anchored by three powerful, capable and durable work trucks, the 2008 Dodge Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs; the 2008 Dodge Sprinter, the market’s top-performing full-size van; and the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan cargo van, Dodge continues its commercial vehicle market offensive with a barrage of product enhancements that will deliver maximum uptime, capability and savings to commercial customers. Enhancements were announced this morning at the 2008 National Truck Equipment (NTEA) Work Truck Show in Atlanta.
The new Roush Vent Gauge Pod is cleverly designed to integrate in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vent of any 2005-2008 Ford Mustang (including the Shelby GT500) or 2004-2008 Ford F-150 truck. Installation is simple - just remove the HVAC air louvers by gently pulling outwards to remove. The ROUSH Vent Gauge Pod then replaces these louvers with no cutting, drilling, or trimming required. Installation time is just minutes.
If you have a "case of the Mondays", just like Peter Gibbons did from the 1999 comedy, Office Space (a Truckblog favorite), then we've got some TPS Reports...I mean, blogs, for you! Here's a wrap up of our best blogs from last week.
Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a wholly owned subsidiary of ECOtality, Inc., a renewable energy company that acquires and commercially advances clean electric technologies and applications, and The Center for Hydrogen Research (CHR) today unveiled the eTec Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) Silverado truck in Aiken, South Carolina. Purchased by the CHR, the eTec HICE Silverado is the
