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.
Found on Axis of Over Steer, this accident happened in Hungary during the Central Europe Rally, which is part of the Dakar Racing Series. The driver and co-pilot both survived, however the VW Touareg trophy truck did not. The picture leaves us begging the question: What Would Jesus Do? Check out the larger version inside.
General Motor’s Hummer division and the nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! announced today the launch of a new partnership called Hummer’s Recreation Rescue, which will provide grants to outdoor recreation sites. The grants will be dedicated towards land use education, management and trail maintenance.
Just in case you wanted to decorate your tires for the next car show, there's a new product on the market called SweetSkinz. What is it? Sweetskinz are colorized graphics that can be printed with specialty inks, which hold special reflective elements inside known as "Retro Reflectivity". This technology allows you to map out your image across the tire without painting it on, using a vulcanizing process. This product might be perfect for the hunter in mind. Camouflaged tires anyone?
Team Hummer earned first place in every production class in Saturday’s Best in the Desert Racing Series Terrible’s 250 at Primm, marking the first time the team has earned three victories in a race. In addition to the stock class wins, Emily Miller earned a Safari Pre-Runner class second place finish in her inaugural race, driving the Team Hummer H2 SUV.
Hummer off-road racing teams are making final preparations to demonstrate their off-road prowess on opposite sides of the globe this weekend. The competition begins with Team Hummer’s entry in Best in the Desert Racing Series Terrible’s 250 at Primm, April 19, and concludes with Robby Gordon Motorsport’s Team Dakar USA’s Hummer H3 race trucks competing in the inaugural Dakar Series Central Europe Rally, April 20-26.
Mopar and the Mopar Underground team showcased their customized Jeep vehicles and Dodge trucks at Moab Jeep Safari 2008 in March. “Jeep engineering has been coming to Moab for years. Mopar is at Moab to test, evaluate and prove the authenticity of our Mopar Performance Parts for Jeep vehicles and Dodge trucks on the most grueling off-road trails in Moab,” said Simon Boag, President – Service & Parts/Mopar, Chrysler LLC.
As an update to our previous blog, Hummer H3T Pickup Truck Put To The Test, Mike Levine has now posted his full review, as well as an video interview, of the new 2009 Hummer H3T Alpha in action. Check out the video inside.
Baja Designs new Diablo Rally light will have you seeing double by incorporating their race proven Diablo lens not once, but twice! The new Diablo Rally doubles your light output by incorporating two Baja Designs Diablo lenses stacked one on top of the other.
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?
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.
Hummer, the world's most iconic boy's toy, has converted the new right-hand drive H3 into the ultimate gadget for grown ups - a life sized remote controlled car that definitely won't be available in your local toyshop. The hardy on/off road vehicle has been converted to make life a little less dull – those lucky enough to have a play, will experience the unrivalled agility and off-road capability of the new H3 from the palm of their hand.
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.
The One Up Steps mount in the factory location and provide a cleaner more protective step then original equipment tube or plastic steps. Design to disappear more then get noticed we Powder Coat them with black texture for a long lasting finish. Your unfinished pinch weld is fully covered by heavy gauge steel that is laser cut and CNC formed. These quality steps will take the abuse before your cab is damaged. – DrSpeed
When it comes to lifting a Ford F-450, you’ve got to make sure that the conversion kit can do the job right. Kelderman, known for quality engineered air ride suspension kits for light and medium duty trucks, has now developed both air and non-air lift kits for the 450 Ford Super Duty, giving the consumer more options than ever for this class 4 truck.
Known for the late 1990's famous tv show called TRUCKS!, Stacey David is now hosting a new tv show called GearZ, which premieres this Saturday for its second season, February 23rd at 9:00 am EST on the SPEED channel.
One Up Offroad are now offering a steering differential cover for the 1999 to 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks equipped with Dana 60 front axles. The steering differential cover can be used with either a 2.0 series or 2.5 series steering stabilizer, as well as a hydraulic assist steering ram. – DrSpeed
Edmunds Inside Line has really stepped it up a notch, placing a 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha to the test and pushing its capabilities. As you will see in the video, the H3 Alpha was taken off-road and pushed through mud, trails, and more. There are not many times where you see a vehicle be truly tested, and Edmunds pushed the H3 Alpha to do wheelies. You can view the video here, within their review of the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha.
Hummer will bring the HX Concept, a nimble, reconfigurable off-road concept vehicle, to the Geneva Motor Show next month. With unmistakable Hummer design cues and a compact, go-anywhere attitude, the HX is an entry-level, open-air vehicle that packs the off-road acumen for which Hummer has become legendary into an easily convertible body that acclimates to trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims.
Following our blog last week of the baja inspired, long travel Ford F-150 "Raptor", our friend Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com has obtained new images of the off road F-150, solidifying all speculations of the F-150's features.
Attention all Off-Road enthusiasts! Flowmaster Mufflers have designed and developed their new Super 44 Off-Road series mufflers proven for the trail. Offering a massive improvement of crush resistance over previous mufflers, these heavy-duty off-road series mufflers utilize the same technology as used in the Super 44 series mufflers, found on our most popular model vehicles.
Reflecting upon last week, we at Truckblog delivered news about Ford's new Work Solutions line-up, a new recall from them regarding 225k vehicles, and posted information about a new lift kit for the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Tundra. Then, Suzuki stepped up into the truck relm with their new concepts, we talked about a crazy Honda Civic tractor, another hybrid truck was announced, new information about a unibody truck from GMC was released, and finally, a slick LED lightstrip was installed on Project Truckblog. Whew, what a week! Below is a list of last weeks top stories:
Is this for real? Unfortunately, it is. You are looking at a one-of-a-kind, Honda Civic Tractor, customized by the guy featured in these photos. I'm sure when he cruises into town or across a field, all of the girls "think his tractor's sexy" (for all of you Kenny Chesney fans). The custom Honda Civic Tractor appears to also be amphibious, although I doubt it would hold up in any mud bogging. Either way, it grabbed some Beerblog status this week. More pictures inside.
While walking around the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com found the Toyota "Warrior", buried in the "back-40" of Toyota's booth at the Chicago Auto Show. Mike was able to speak with Toyota spokesman, Joe Tetherow, about the "Warrior" truck and its features.
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.
As an update to our blog last week about Ford releasing a long travel edition F-150, now Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com has posted a possible image of the F-150, dubbed "Raptor". Note, the wider front suspension stance, flared fenders under the camouflage, and lifted suspension.
Walker Evans now offers a 20 inch Bead Lock offroad race wheel in their lineup. Made of a one-piece pressured cast aluminum wheel, the 20 inch rim offers a custom backspace from 4 and 3/4 inch to 6 inch spacing. The wheel comes in the standard 5, 6 and 8 lug bolt patterns and includes a bead lock ring, bolts and steel insert already installed. You also have the option of choosing a machine and shotpeen finish, polish or power coat. For more information visit www.walkerevansracing.com
Every Monday morning we give you a re-cap of last weeks festivities, from automotive manufacturer announcements to the hottest (and sometimes worst) products available. Below is a list of last weeks top stories:
Autoweek has published their review of the 2008 Nissan Frontier Nismo King Cab, stating "This is a nice piece to drive, solidly built, plenty of power, good steering feel and handling, given what it is, even a really nice ride for an off-roadable truck. The Nismo folks have gotten their sums right." Powered by a 260 horse power 4.0 liter V-6, this little pickup is guaranteed to handle the trails. Click Here to check out the review.
Four Wheeler Magazine has uncovered some information regarding Ford Motor Company and their long travel suspension 2009 F-150. Being codenamed "Raptor" (any Jurassic Park fans?), the program is well into development and is roughly a year and a half to two years away from being in production.
This is insane. What do you do with 2 monster trucks, a helicopter, a CORR series race truck, a calculator, and a group of 10 freestyle motorcycle riders? You choreograph them launching off 4 seperate ramps at the same time, of course! This extreme stunt is sure to grant them the most viewed section on YouTube for this week!
Motor Trend's Truck Trend Magazine had the opportunity to feature and showcase, the very popular Toyota Tundra dually diesel pickup truck that we blogged about from SEMA 2007. Packing an 8.0-liter turbo diesel inline-six cylinder engine that produces 305 horse power and 610 foot pounds of torque, Toyota has emphasized that this truck is not a concept and that it is truely a one-off project truck to fantasize about. If you like this truck as much as we do, then Click here for the Truck Trend feature and Click here for our SEMA coverage of the dually diesel.
HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed. The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market.
Rize Industries of El Cajon, California have launched their 2003 to 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 8 inch lift kits. The system comes with a true 8 inches of lift, enough to clear 37 inch tires.
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.
Toyota Australia will unveil the supercharged TRD HiLux at the Brisbane International Motor Show ahead of its launch in the second quarter of 2008. Queensland manager Sean Hanley said the TRD HiLux had completed all testing and would begin production in the second half of February.
Edmunds Inside Line has posted their review of the 2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4 SUV, stating "The new Sequoia might have the backbone of a simple pickup truck, but it could be the perfect full-size luxury sport-utility". Powered by a 381 horse power 5.7-liter V8 and 6 speed automatic transmission, the "power delivery is smooth and civilized, with gentle throttle tip-in and a wide, manageable spread of torque". Check out the detailed review by visiting this link.
Following the success of the FJ Cruiser TRD limited edition, Toyota is pleased to introduce the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition. White roof and body with black trim pieces sets this FJ apart from the rest.
B-Cool Billets announced the release of their Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Grille for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. Made of stainless steel wire mesh grille inserts, the B-Cool Billets grille will definately make your Jeep unique. For more information, visit www.b-coolbillets.com.
With its unmistakable HUMMER design and a compact, go-anywhere driving ethic, the HUMMER HX concept challenges the hierarchy of the trail. HUMMER displayed the nimble, reconfigurable off-roader at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.
Ford is meeting the demand of their customers sooner than later, with changes in their 2008 and newer Super Duty trucks to help increase gas mileage, replacing the standard 3.73 gear ratio on F-250 and F-350 models, with a 3.55 gearing ratio. Towing capabilities will not drop for either trucks, and those equipped with the 3.55 gear ratio will be able to still tow the same load as their predecessor 3.73 trucks.
Wrapping up our SEMA coverage, our SEMA Video Part Two has been posted. Featuring customized rides, new products, and models or as we call them, "booth babes", part two offers another insight to the largest automotive trade show on the planet. Be sure to check out our full list of coverage as well.
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.
For years, Red Bull USA energy drink has sponsored extreme athletes performing wild stunts and consistantly pushing the boundaries. Being dubbed "The Red Bull Experiment", on the strike of midnight on New Years Eve, famous Formula D driver, Rhys Millen, will attempt a first-ever backflip in an off-road racing truck, hoping to set a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records. Millen will actually jump twice, once at the strike of "12" on the East Coast, and once again for the West Coast.
