Simply put, the ultimate gadget guide, Gizmodo, totally rocks for finding the weirdest things on the Internet. This Friday Beerblog gem wins the Ghetto Car Stereo award, which is a piece of crap car, where someone installed a 52x PC CD Rom Drive as the head unit to play Cd's. They also stuffed foam into the stereo-din to hold the unit in place. Check out the full resolution photo inside.
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.
Sunpro, "The Performance Legend," has an exciting offer for car and truck owners who want to add a performance tachometer and gauges to their vehicle. The Sunpro Sport ST Value Pack (CP7931) features Sunpro's new 5-inch Sport ST Tachometer and includes a StyleLine oil pressure gauge, water/oil temperature gauge and a trim-to-fit universal double gauge pod to mount them in.
Chrysler have announced they will be offering In-Car Internet, beginning this year. "The feature will be added to existing vehicles by dealers beginning this year and later be installed on the assembly line" stated Chrysler's Product Development Chief, Frank Klegon. Chrysler also hopes to make the radio itself a WiFi port. The technology will not be free though, and will utilize mobile phone towers for its signal, so you will need a wireless phone carrier for the system to work. The new Internet option can be added to existing models and will be worked into the future assembly line soon. Now you have an excuse to check out Truckblog even more, and become an even greater traffic hazard! What happened to safety?
In an article by The Motley Fool, General Motors is facing very weak truck sales figures, down 20 percent in February alone. With oil prices well over $100 per barrel, automakers in the truck industry are fighting one another for each truck sold. And with heavy hitters like the Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150, the race is becoming tighter and tighter.
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.
As California prepares to go “hands-free” this summer, Ford is ready to help the 29.7 million cell phone subscribers in California with its state-of-the-art SYNC in-car communications and entertainment system, developed with Microsoft. Ford SYNC provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players – Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and other MP3 players – and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle...
Pickuptruck.com have posted their review of the 2008 Dodge Dakota as well, although the results were not so satisfying. "Although the Dakota has an obvious edge with the V8 offering, fingers point to the Nissan Frontier for all-around small truck satisfaction in this comparison". The article highlights the newly redesigned truck features, such as the beefy 4.7-liter V8, exterior styling, and interior upgrades. Check out the review by clicking here.
Autoweek reports that Ford Motor Company will be equipping their Sync multimedia in-car system with telematics services in the near future. Customers will be able to upgrade their current Sync systems through a portable thumb drive, without having to go to their local dealership.
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.
Posted on Detroit Free Press, Ford Motor Company has issued a new recall, this time effecting 100,000 2008 F-250 through F-550 Super Duty trucks for problems with "the weld connecting a bracket and the driver’s front seat back could crack on a small number of vehicles..."
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.
America’s top selling full-size van for 29 years running – delivers an improved interior for 2009, along with new tools designed to help customers manage their fleets more efficiently, track and secure tools and better serve customers.
At the end of the year, Ford will have to hand over the keys to their exclusive rights with Microsoft Corporation and their automotive operating system. Microsoft is planning on announcing another major automaker deal, providing their operating and communications systems.
To bolster its versatile and dynamic product line, enhance the company's bold and adventurous brand identity and further expand the growing line of products marketed by approximately 500 Suzuki dealers nationwide, American Suzuki Motor Corp. debuts its all-new 2009 Equator midsize pickup truck at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The introduction of the Equator marks Suzuki's first entry into the midsize pickup truck market and expands the company's offering of activity-oriented cars and trucks.
The 2008 Toyota 4Runner midsize SUV with an all-new Sport Edition Urban Runner Package will make its debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Adding a new dimension in style, value, and upscale luxury to the capable SUV, the Urban Runner Package delivers an extraordinary value with a manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Ford is further expanding its ‘smart’ features for truck customers, announcing today a collection of industry-exclusive technologies for F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans that will help make business owners more productive and successful.
GM Holden’s global design capability was showcased today on the world stage when GMC took the covers off a stunning concept vehicle at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The GMC Denali XT was designed and constructed at GM Holden’s design centre in Port Melbourne, Victoria. GMC drew upon General Motors’ global resources and expertise in Australia to produce the show stopper.
XtremeMac today announced its InCharge FM™ transmitter and car charger for Apple’s iPod. InCharge FM will charge an iPod while simultaneously transmitting audio from the iPod wirelessly to any FM radio. InCharge FM incorporates PureFM™ technology by Quintic and proprietary audio enhancements by XtremeMac to deliver unmatched performance. This means a consistently clean signal and excellent dynamic range for wireless transmission of near CD quality sound.
Chrysler have decided to update their 2008 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models, with new exterior colors, added interior features including air conditioning as a standard, upgraded transmission now with Auto Stick option, improved driveability and reduced powertrain noise, added packages and more. For more details, check out the releases inside.
The Clean Breeze Truck Screen is an innovative NEW product designed to improve the experience of driving your truck. If you have a sliding rear window, then you know what it's like to want the open air feeling, but don't enjoy the resulting debris that enters your cab. The Clean Breeze Truck Screen eliminates this problem, by providing a durable barrier between you and the elements, making the open rear slider a more enjoyable option.
Auto Meter Products, Inc, an innovator in high quality, performance instrumentation, has stepped it up another notch with the release of their Nexus system of gauges. They definitely live up to their motto of the “Next generation instruments,’ as the gauges in the Nexus line up features an integrated approach that uses a master control unit, electronic sending units, and displays. Simply put, this series of gauges are the BEST gauges available, hands down. What makes them the best? Find out inside. – DrSpeed
Dubbed "Auto Chick Power", three young women took control of designing the Lincoln MKT Concepts interior, which is featured at the Detroit Auto Show this week. The designers were Joann Jung (31), Amy Kim (26) and Jennifer Hewlett (27) and they are calling themselves "Auto Chick Power". "It's overwhelming. It's very personal to me. It's like I'm opening my own room to the public. But I want to share it," designer Joann Jung said. Reported by The Detroit News.
There are only but two interfaces between the driver the vehicle – the pedals and the steering wheel. Accounting fifty percent of the driver’s input to the vehicle, pedals are equally important as the steering wheel!
That’s why in the racing world, pedals are such a critical part of the race vehicle. Any erroneous blip of the throttle, stab of the brake, or slip off the clutch results in the difference between first place and the retaining wall! Translate that onto the street, and the stakes could be higher – your ego and pride could get hurt if you miss a shift! – DrSpeed
Rostra Precision Controls Inc. now offers its RearSight(r) back-up camera system for the 2007 Toyota Tundra. The system features a specially designed camera (part #250-8106) that mounts directly to the truck's tailgate latch in the same manner as the optional factory camera. It was designed for easy installation utilizing the factory harness and connectors. The Rostra RearSight system features a 0.5 Lux shrouded CCD camera, an Electronic Auto Iris, an anti-fog lens and a waterproof case.
Building on the success of SYNC, Ford Motor Company unveils the next generation of in-car communications at the International CES on Sunday. The company will announce what comes next for SYNC –developed in partnership with Microsoft – as well as introduce International CES attendees to Ford’s new SIRIUS Travel Link™ navigation system.
AutoWeek, have posted their review of the 2008 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4 Edition, stating the new SUV "handled a snowy weekend in Detroit with ease". With all the furious competition in the SUV market, the Ford Explorer still proves to be a serious contender, and offers great features with supreme dependability.
As reported by Yahoo Finance, truck maker Volvo AB announced they are recalling 125,000 trucks in North America, due to a potential fire hazard in the main switch with its lighting system. The models affected are the Volvo VN, VHD and VT's produced from 2003 to the present. "There's a problem in the main switch in the lighting system which can lead to an overheating in the component. The light can go off, or the component could short circuit and lead to a fire," said Tommy Kohle, a spokesman for the company. Volvo stated they will fix the problem free of charge.
High-intensity headlights subject motorcycle riders to eye-straining reflections from their rear-view mirrors-especially at night. AlphaMirror has developed a solution for these high-intensity reflections: the Billet Auto-dimming Mirror for Trucks.
Our friend, Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com, was able to get his hands on a set of spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum Edition Interior, which is replacing the Lincoln Mark LT pickup truck, after news that Ford dropped production of the luxurious pickup. Features include a Superduty designed dash, Superduty type tow mirrors, new gauge cluster, new shifter, different bolstered seats, and more. Click here to view the article.
Ford decided to become to the first automaker to offer High Definition Digital Radio. The dealer-installed option is now available nationwide on nearly all 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles and the radio can also be installed on earlier models from 2005, 2006 and 2007. "As a result, consumers hear a wide range of new HD2 multicast stations as well as their favorite radio stations in crystal clear digital sound with no monthly subscription fee". Read on for more details.
The Car Connection has released information regarding updates to the 2008 Hummer H2. New for 2008 is an upgraded 6.2-liter V-8 engine that is rated at 393 horsepower paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The towing capacity has also been increased to 8200 pounds for 2008. Read on for more features and pictures.
Sunpro Gauges has introduced a line of Sport ST(tm) gauges to complement the look of today's new-era muscle cars, sport compact performers and street-savvy trucks. Sport ST performance meters feature vibration-proof, air-core, electronic driver or bourdon tube meter movement to ensure the pointer responds rapidly to system changes for a precise reading while their contemporary styling reflects the design characteristics of today's most popular modified compacts, trucks and SUVs.
Here at Truckblog, we try our best to deliver the top news and latest aftermarket products, across the automotive industry. This one is a real gem of the internet. It's called "Insta-Sunroof", an "extremely fashion and new aparent sun roof, made of a sticker that will give any car the image of a real sunroof." and It can be installed in only 5 minutes! Check it out!
The Lincoln Navigator, America’s original full-size luxury SUV, continues to deliver uncompromising levels of luxury, capability, functionality. For 2008, the award-winning Navigator raises the bar by offering many must-have comfort and convenience features as standard equipment. In addition, the newly available Rearview Camera System adds even more appeal for full-size SUV owners.
The Lincoln Navigator’s expressive design brings a unique elegance and an unrivaled presence to the full-size luxury-utility segment.
The easiest thing a person can do to customize their vehicle is with an aftermarket set of wheels and tires. Nothing more says “this is mine” like bolting up a set of “low pros” on dubs, or a set of monster truck tires. In either case, when you alter the diameter of the tire, it will alter the reading of the speedometer – and it needs to be changed back to read proper speed. Enter the Speed Wizard from Merlin Controls. – DrSpeed
Universal CNC Machined Billet Aluminum LED Light Pod Algona, WA – Vision X Off-Road, a division of Vision Motor Sports, has done it again, another revolutionary concept to change the way you use their lights. The brand new CNC Machined Billet aluminum universal LED Light allows you to mount the Light directly to your roll cage or frame. The Billet Aluminum Led Light contains 15 bright 5mm LED’s, which is the equivalent of 1 watt of LED light output. Read on for more details.
"There is proposed legislation going through the Senate right now that will ban the use of radar detectors in the US. According to the legislation, it's supposed "to protect the public from drivers who think they can speed with impunity by using radar detection devices." The legislation, sponsored by Senator Steve Oelrich of Gainesville, Flroida, would make using a radar detector a secondary traffic infraction, which means you could be ticketed were pulled over for another offense and found to be using a radar detector," according to I Go Cars
Ok, so maybe GM and Chrysler aren't merging, but XM and Sirius are. "The deal would consolidate the only two companies in the emerging business of subscription-only satellite radio, and is sure to face tough scrutiny from federal regulators. Investors and analysts have been speculating about a deal for months," MSNBC reports.
Going Christmas shopping this weekend and wondering what to get the race fan, young driver or gear-head in your life this holiday season? Here's a list of ten unique gift ideas that will not only put a smile on their faces but may just save their lives!
"Live TV could be in your car by 2007. According to an article from MediaPost Communications, Sirius Satellite Radio plans to offer live television service---but only for the back seat. I don't know why. Distraction is all around us. Talking on cell phones has already upped the accidents. Why not make it a real free-for-all? Better still, why not place a holographic see-through image on the windshield?" SEMA has reported.
AutoWeek reports, "Chrysler has launched the latest salvo in the in-car infotainment wars by offering its MyGIG system as a $1,700 option on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan. The system goes a step beyond iPods and other entertainment devices by putting a 20-gigabyte hard drive in the dashboard."
Nothing beats a bright and shiny billet interior piece for adding a custom touch to your ride. Now you can personalize your Chevrolet HHR with Billetbadges' custom billet aluminum running boards cap. They can create a completely unique running board cap for you with your personalized text and graphics. Billetbadges are a must have modification for your HHR, whether it's for show or go. Check them out at Truck Hownd!
Ford today announced it is adding another tool to make F-Series pickups, America’s hardest working trucks, into the hardest working offices with a new in-vehicle computer, FordLink™. FordLink is a rugged yet lightweight, portable mobile office system available as a dealer-installed accessory through Ford U.S. dealer network.
ROUSH Performance announced two new ways to add a distinctive flair to your truck with the addition of a Billet Fuel Door and aluminum Sill Plates to their extensive line of styling accessories. The Billet Fuel Door is tastefully adorned with the ROUSH logo and fits all 2005-2007 F-150 models. ROUSH also unveiled their new aluminum Sill Plate set.
"When it comes to gadgets, cell phones are so last century. A new generation of technological devices — from BlackBerries to iPods to multi-channel satellite radios — are distracting today’s drivers. And they’re compounding the dangers of driver distraction," MSNBC reports.
Many years ago we owned another enthusiast site that became very popular. One of the exciting things we did each month is we gave away free aftermarket products -- all you had to do is enter. Fast forward six years and we're at it again at Truckblog.com. Today we start with our first product, a cold air intake system from Outlaw Power (over $300 value!) More products are on the way for April, but you can enter anytime to qualify for any products we announce throughout the month!
Keep coming back every day to enter, and every month we'll have more products to hand out to the lucky winners. Please tell your friends about this... they don't have to be Truckblog members to enter. Just complete the form to enter!
Also, if you represent a truck aftermarket manufacturer and are interested in participating, please contact us for more information. Or heck, email your favorite
"There is proposed legislation going through the Senate right now that will ban the use of radar detectors in the US. According to the legislation, it's supposed "to protect the public from drivers who think they can speed with impunity by using radar detection devices." The legislation, sponsored by Senator Steve Oelrich of Gainesville, Flroida, would make using a radar detector a secondary traffic infraction, which means you could be ticketed were pulled over for another offense and found to be using a radar detector," according to I Go Cars
Ok, so maybe GM and Chrysler aren't merging, but XM and Sirius are. "The deal would consolidate the only two companies in the emerging business of subscription-only satellite radio, and is sure to face tough scrutiny from federal regulators. Investors and analysts have been speculating about a deal for months," MSNBC reports.
"Live TV could be in your car by 2007. According to an article from MediaPost Communications, Sirius Satellite Radio plans to offer live television service---but only for the back seat. I don't know why. Distraction is all around us. Talking on cell phones has already upped the accidents. Why not make it a real free-for-all? Better still, why not place a holographic see-through image on the windshield?" SEMA has reported.
AutoWeek reports, "Chrysler has launched the latest salvo in the in-car infotainment wars by offering its MyGIG system as a $1,700 option on the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan. The system goes a step beyond iPods and other entertainment devices by putting a 20-gigabyte hard drive in the dashboard."
ROUSH Performance announced two new ways to add a distinctive flair to your truck with the addition of a Billet Fuel Door and aluminum Sill Plates to their extensive line of styling accessories. The Billet Fuel Door is tastefully adorned with the ROUSH logo and fits all 2005-2007 F-150 models. ROUSH also unveiled their new aluminum Sill Plate set.
"When it comes to gadgets, cell phones are so last century. A new generation of technological devices — from BlackBerries to iPods to multi-channel satellite radios — are distracting today’s drivers. And they’re compounding the dangers of driver distraction," MSNBC reports.
