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 Ford Bobcat Dual Fuel Engine
Our friend Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks had the opportunity to interview Ford diesel engineers and ask them questions about Ford's "bobcat" dual fuel engine which blends gasoline and ethanol into each cylinder, delivering power equivalent to a diesel powered engine. The technology is actually really interesting as is worth the read.
Head on over to Pickuptrucks.
 
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| | |  State of CA Looking For Higher CARB Standards Beyond 2016 Goals
In a report by Reuters, California's representatives are already looking for higher CARB standards, beyond those passed last week by 2016 and approved by President Obama. The new standards create a new requirement average of 35.5 miles per gallon for automakers and now California is looking to raise that standard again, striving for "a much more stringent standard", said Mary Nichols of the California Air Resources Board. Nichols continued with (the rules) "doesn't signal any kind of flagging interest on the part of California in being part of a transformation of the auto fleet to something much more efficient than what it is today". A new EPA waiver request is being created and applied for and is expected to appear sometime next year.
WHO ELECTS THESE PEOPLE?<./rant>
 
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|  General Motors Drops 6.0 Liter V8, Introduces New 4.8 Liter V8
General Motors have released their 2010 Fleet Vehicle Guide to dealerships and changes have occurred to their pickup trucks. GM Inside News points out that GM are dropping their 6.0 liter V8 Vortech engine for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks from normal production but will continue to use the engine for their two mode hybrid pickup trucks. Other engine options for 2010 include a Vortec 4.3 liter V6, Flex Fuel Vortec 4.8 liter V8, Flex Fuel 5.3 liter V8 and a Flex Fuel Vortec 6.2 liter V8. The old 6.0 liter will also be available as a standard option for GM's heavy duty 2500 and 3500 series pickup trucks.
 
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| | |  New Rule by President Obama to Raise MPG and Pricing of Vehicles
President Barack Obama is announcing today a new gas mileage standard for all cars and light trucks beginning in 2016. The new requirement will cost $1,300 extra per vehicle but "drivers will be saving at the pump". According to an administration official, the increased mileage of vehicles will help save "save 1.8 billion barrels of oil through 2016 and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 900 million tons, the equivalent to shutting down 194 coal plants". The new increases will require a 35.5 miles per gallon average for both cars and light trucks, with a raise from 27.5 to 39 miles per gallon standard for cars and 24 to 30 miles per gallon for trucks.
Source: MSNBC
 
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| |  Exxon Mobil Earns First Place Fortune 500, Chevron and ConocoPhillips 3rd and 4th
Good ole' Exxon Mobil earned the first place spot on the Fortune 500 for 2008, achieving $443 billion in sales and $45 billion in revenue, passing Wal-Mart and dropping the giant to second place with only $406 billion for 2008. Not far behind were Chevron and ConocoPhillips in 3rd and 4th place, where ConocoPhillips actually lost $17 billion in 2008 due to money losing oil refineries. Amazingly, Ford Motor Company and General Motors rounded off the 6th and 7th place victories as top companies.
Sources: CNN Money via Autoblog
 
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|  2009 Is The Year For Family Vacations
According to the Energy Information Administration gasoline prices will remain an average of $2.23 per gallon this summer in comparison to the $3.81 per gallon price we paid last summer, allowing us to all have a Griswold vacation (I can see Mort already hopping into his van). The reason for such cheap gasoline is due to low crude oil prices and an increase in barrel production thanks to two new oil drilling platforms stationed off the Gulf of Mexico.
Source: KSBW
 
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| |  AT&T To Purchase New Hybrid And Natural Gas Powered Trucks
According to an article on The Detroit Free Press, AT&T announced they will spend $565 million dollars on 15,000 Ford Motor Company hybrid and natural gas powered vehicles over the next ten years. AT&T will spend $350 million on nearly 8,000 natural gas trucks like the propane powered trucks from Roush.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson commented on the decision "While there are no easy solutions to the challenges facing our nation, this investment is a first step on our part to help boost other industries while at the same time encouraging wider use and production of efficient vehicles and domestic fuel alternatives".
Source: Freep
 
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| |  Average Price Of Diesel Fuel Finally Drops, Cheaper Than Premium Gasoline
Good news for you diesel truck owners out there, the average price per gallon of diesel fuel has finally dipped into gasoline price territory, cheaper than premium octane at $2.18 per gallon. Recently diesel fuel has taken a beating at the pump due to an increased cost of refinement, price of oil, and premium diesel engine costs, but those worries are starting to go away-for now. With pickup truck sales in the tank and massive discounts being given on new models, maybe now is the time to go out and buy that heavy duty diesel pickup you always wanted.
Sources: EIA, The Car Connection, Autoblog
 
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| | | | | |  Chrysler LLC Holds Off On Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel Pickup
According to Pickuptrucks.com Chrysler LLC have delayed the light duty diesel engine for the Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. Frank Klegon, Chrysler’s executive vice president of product development, says "It will be 2011 calendar year or later". Chrysler also noted the main reason for the delay has to do with the "high cost of new hardware needed to meet diesel emissions regulations in all 50 states for 2010". Klegon concluded with "We were hoping to use our current system (NOx catalyst trap), but the extra cost is a reason to bring (urea) SCR forward in time".
 
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| |  Land Rover Adds New Turbocharged V6 Diesel Engine
Land Rover announced they will add a new engine to their LR3 and Discovery SUV lineup, borrowing Jaguar's 3.0 liter twin turbocharged V6 diesel engine. Delivering 272 horsepower and 420 foot pounds of torque, the diesel engine offers a 12 percent increase in gas mileage which is a desperate need for the sport utility vehicle. The new motor will be replacing Land Rover's current 2.7 liter TDV6, good for 190 horsepower and 324 foot pounds of torque. Not too shabby, increase in power and fuel efficiency at the same time!
Sources: Autocar via Autoblog
 
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| |  Chrysler LLC Says They Will Build Ram Hybrid and Ram Light Duty Diesel
In an interview with Chrysler LLC, Mike Levine of pickuptrucks has confirmed that Chrysler is in fact planning on offering a light duty diesel engine for their Dodge Ram 1500 pickup as well as a Ram Hybrid version. “It still makes sense to offer a light-duty diesel,” said Frank Klegon, Chrysler’s executive vice president of product development. “We think from the total perspective of the regulatory environment, fuel efficiency and other things down the road, diesel is still going to be an element that’s important in this market, and that customers will be attracted to a diesel light-duty truck". In order to develop and build the new light duty diesel engine, Chrysler has teamed up with Cummins who have been producing their current diesel motors since 1988. Fuel efficiency is also noted as a priority for the new motor, over towing performance and other common requests, and the new engine may be produced as a 5.0 liter version. Mr. Klegon also confirmed that Chrysler has promised a hybrid version of the Ram for the 2010 model year and the Ram Hybrid "is still on track". We'll keep you posted Truckblog!
 
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| |  OPEC Approves Largest Output Cut Ever, Attempt To Drive Prices Back Up?
The news has just broke at MSNBC that OPEC have agreed to cut oil production back nearly 2.2 million barrels per day, the single largest cut ever in history. OPEC President Chekib Khelil stated "I hope we surprised you" after reporters were surprised at the large cut. "If you're not surprised we need to do something about it". OPEC made the announcement as an effort to help counterbalance consumer confidence and drive the price of crude oil back up, after it sank to nearly $40 dollars per barrel, a figure not seen in nearly 5 years. "In just five months, crude has given up all of the price gains made over the past four years". Khelil finished his statements with "if unchecked, prices could fall to levels which would place in jeopardy the investments required to guarantee adequate energy supplies in the medium to long term".
What do you think Truckblog? Do you believe this is just an attempt by OPEC to drive oil prices back up?
 
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| | | | | | |  Exxon Mobil Corp Posts $15 Billion Profit For Third Quarter, That's $1,865.69 Per Second
What would you do with $1,865.69 dollars per second? Those are the profits that oil giant Exxon Mobil Corporation posted for their quarterly reports this morning. In an article from CNN Money, the United States oil company said its third quarter net profit "was $14.83 billion, or $2.86 per share, up from $9.41 billion, or $1.70, a year earlier. That profit included $1.45 billion in special items". Earlier this year during the second quarter the company reported a previous record of $11.68 billion, but that has obviously been broken again in just a few months. Their total revenue for the third quarter has marked a record $137.7 billion, a 40 percent jump over one year ago, accounting for a net income of $12.2 billion and 28 percent surge in revenue to $131.13 billion. Meanwhile, oil prices that were trading at a high of $140.97 this past summer are now trading at less than $70 per barrel. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike this past year only made a small dent in the company, accounting for only $50 million lost before taxes. Bummer, and I thought the whole world was going to end when the hurricanes hit our "oil filled" Gulf of Mexico.
Price gouging anyone?
 
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|  Monday Morning Recap: SEMA Countdown Begins, Bio Diesel Fuel DIY, MOTORZ TV, and Auto Maker UpdatesMore in: Roundup, Diesel, Dodge, Engine, Ford, General Motors, Hybrid, Jeep, Mobile Electronics, MOTORZ TV, Nissan, SEMA, SUV | Comments | Permalink | 78,271 Views
The official SEMA 2008 countdown has begun. Exactly one week from today it's going down, Truckblog.com, Las Vegas, right here, right now. A summary of Truckblog's Live Blogging can be found here.
Check out the list below of our top stories from last week:
• Reminder: Truckblog Live Blogging SEMA Show 2008 Begins Nov. 2nd
• Top Gear Season 10 Now on iTunes Along with MOTORZ TV
• AMP Research Product Installation Videos Available on MOTORZ TV
• 2009 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Offroad Edition Tested
• BioBot Lets You Make Your Own Bio Diesel Fuel
• General Motors' New 4.5 Liter Details Revealed
• SEMA 2008 Preview: Dodge Ram Mopar Street Package
• Sirius XM Radio Inc Dual Radio Receivers To Come In 15 Years
• Maintenance Still Important for Pickup Trucks Driven Less
• 2008 Jeep Patriot Gets Top Crash Test Rating from Auto Safety Group
• Most Powerful Hybrid SUVs Now Offer Best-in-Class Fuel Economy
• 2011 Ford Explorer Spotted, No Longer an SUV
 
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|  BioBot Lets You Make Your Own Bio Diesel Fuel
Gizmodo posted this neat gadget yesterday called BioBot (warning: their website sucks), which allows you to create your own bio diesel fuel from home. In just eight easy steps, BioBot can produce nearly 20 gallons of diesel fuel per cycle. It uses cooking oil, methoxide, and a catalyst mix to produce the fuel and does so in as little as six hours. The whole BioBot system costs approximately $5,000 and is said to "pay itself within two years". (Note: Cougar not included).
 
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|  General Motors' New 4.5 Liter Details Revealed
Autoblog posted information about General Motors' new 4.5 liter Duramax diesel motor that is promising a near 35 percent increase in fuel economy for their full size pickup truck segment. The new engine design utilizes an aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifold, integral cam cover intake manifold, hollow balance shaft, aluminum upper oil pan, reduction in vibration, crank journal design, and overall uses less parts within the motor. All of this combined, the new 4.5 liter is expected to produce 310 horse power and 525 foot pounds of torque. Look for the new engine next Fall where it is slated for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.
 
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|  Monday Morning Roundup: MOTORZ, SEMA, Fuel Prices, and moreMore in: Roundup, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Diesel, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Suspension, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 75,769 Views
Our pre-SEMA show coverage continues with four more project vehicles that were added last week including trucks from Chrysler & Dodge and Screet Scene Equipment. A new episode of MOTORZ was uploaded which covered the install of a AMP Research Bed X-Tender on a 2008 GMC pickup truck, a gas station charged only 35 cents causing a fueling frenzy, and General Motors announced more SUV factory closures.
Check out the list of stories below:
• MOTORZ Episode #12 Bed X-Tender Online
• Oil Prices Drop As Fast As Auto Sales, OPEC in 'Crisis Mode', Calls Urgent Meeting
• Toyota Motor Corporation To Export U.S. Built Pickup Truck and SUVs
• General Motors And Chrysler LLC Merger
• Skyjacker Suspension Releases 2 Inch Leveling Kit For GM And Chevrolet Pickup Trucks
• General Motors Closing SUV Factories in Wisconsin and Michigan
• Chryslers Re-Designed 2011 Nissan Titan Revealed
• Gas Station Accidently Charges 35 Cents Per Gallon, Happy Customers!
• GMAC Financing Now Requires Minimum 700 Credit Score for Auto Loans
 
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| |  Ford Places F-150 4.4 Liter Diesel Motor On Hold
Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks uncovered new information about the status of the 2010 Ford F-150 4.4 liter diesel motor. Ford's truck and SUV marketing manager, Doug Scott said "We’re TBD on diesel-engine timing (for the F-150)" and "We can go either way", after questions were raised about the status of the new diesel motor and the current market conditions. Scott noted the reason for the changes is the "continued premium at the pump for diesel fuel as the primary reason for re-examining the business case of a light-duty diesel engine" and concluded with "Even though fuel prices have fallen recently, the (price) differential between gas and diesel hasn’t changed".
 
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|  Gas Station Accidently Charges 35 Cents Per Gallon, Happy Customers!
In an article posted by MSNBC, Monday morning a Citgo gasoline station in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin accidentally typed in the wrong fuel price at the pump, $0.34 cents per gallon, causing a 90 minute long wait for gasoline. The sign outside the station advertised $3.43 for premium. "That was amazing" said Kelly Joosten, a very happy customer that morning who usually spends over $100 per fill-up on her 1998 Ford Expedition SUV. It only cost Joosten $8.85 for 25 gallons. Gas station owner JP Raval said "the attendant on duty couldn't figure out why the station was suddenly so busy"..."People kept coming, so fast...Everything was crowded; it was like a fairground".
 
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|  Monday Morning Roundup: More SEMA NewsMore in: Roundup, Diesel, Dodge, Engine, General Motors, GMC, Jeep, Safety, SEMA, SUV, Toyota, Wheels | Comments | Permalink | 76,733 Views
Last week we bought you two new SEMA project trucks, the Turbonetics 2009 F-150 and ICON's Toyota FJ45 classic pickup truck. The 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab truck was put to the test, as well as Toyota placing the Tundra Heavy Duty under its own tests of whether or not the truck will survive. General Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation both announced huge savings deals on new vehicles, and Ford's new 6.7 liter diesel engine was spotted.
Check out these exciting stories below:
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Put To The Test
• Ford's New 6.7 Liter Scorpion Diesel Engine Spotted
• SEMA 2008 Preview: Turbonetics 2009 Ford F-150
• SEMA 2008 Preview: ICON Toyota FJ45 Classic Pickup Truck
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires and Wheels Introduces New SideBiter Wheel
• Toyota Announces Zero Percent Financing on 11 Models including Pickup Trucks and SUVs
• Toyota Second Guesses Full Ton Diesel Truck Segment, Tundra Pulls Back Too
• Bush Administration Says it Needs More Time for Roof Strength Rule
• Jeep CJ-7 Transformed Into General Lee
• General Motors Launches 0 Percent Financing for 6 Years or 7K Cash Back
 
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| | 2010 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Diesel Pickup Truck Found
Pickuptrucks.com spotted the 2010 GMC Sierra 2500 heavy duty diesel pickup truck on the road again in Michigan last Friday. Slated to feature GM's updated 6.6 liter Duramax diesel eight cylinder motor that can produce over 700 foot pounds of torque, the truck also features an upgraded grille, head light assembly, and front bumper.
 
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| |  Ford's New 6.7 Liter Scorpion Diesel Engine Spotted
Pickuptrucks obtained the latest image of Ford's next generation diesel motor slated for the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck. Dubbed "Scorpion", the 6.7 liter diesel eight cylinder engine was found driving around the factory in Dearborne, Michigan. The new motor is expected to replace the current Navistar 6.4 liter "Power Stroke" by 2011 and is said to produce nearly 390 horsepower and 720 foot pounds of torque. If you look closely at the photo, you'll notice that the motor is actually slanted back, almost to allow for an even larger radiator. What do you think?
 
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|  Chrysler Launches Jeep Wrangler ''EV'' Electric Vehicle
Chrysler LLC announced today that the Company and its ENVI organization have new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicles – one for each of its brands, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009. The Company said that it is well into the development of advanced, production-intent electric vehicles, and that it will apply electric-drive technology to its front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive platforms in the next several years.Full Story... 
 
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| | | | | |  Monday Morning Roundup Recaps What You MissedMore in: Beerblog, Chrysler, Dodge, Engine, Ford, General Motors, MOTORZ TV, Nissan, Off-Road, Recall, Safety, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 76,522 Views
If you were too concentrated on the
Republican National Convention last week and did not check out Truckblog at all (which is a depressing thing), this is your chance to get a recap on our top stories.
Also for our jubilee of "Office Space" remembrance this week I ask, how many pieces of flare did you wear to work today or over the weekend?
• Truckblog.TV Episode 9 Is Now Streaming
• Conquer the World with the EarthRoamer XV-LT Ford F-550
• Truckblog.TV and Website Updates Including HD Podcast, iPhone Support, and more!
• Pickup Truck Wars, like Star Wars but Without the Clones
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck Gets Road Tested
• General Motors Issues Recall for Over 850,000 Pickup Truck and SUVs
• Nissan Replaces Endurance V8 with Chrysler Hemi V8 on Next Titan Pickup
• NHTSA Closes Investigation Of Toyota Tacoma Acceleration Problems
 
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| | |  Monday Morning Roundup: Truckblog.TV Makes You Show Your OH FaceMore in: Roundup, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Engine, Hybrid, Jeep, Nissan, Off-Road, Suspension, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 70,125 Views
Just like the scene from "Office Space" where Drew talks about a particular person showing their "OH" face, Truckblog.TV HD is guaranteed to make you show your "OH" face. Check it out at hd.truckblog.tv on Apple iTunes. Here's our wrath from last week, just in case you missed it.
• Interview With Stacey David
• Chevrolet Employee Discounts Are Good, Real Good
• Fabtech Releases 6 Inch Dodge Ram 2500 And 3500 4 Wheel Drive Coilover Conversion
• Production Of 2009 Dodge Durango And Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUVs Begin
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck Gets Road Tested
• Conquer The Trails With The EarthRoamer XV-JP
• Nissan To Jump Into Commercial Truck Segment In 2010
• Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck To Get Hybrid Engine
 
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| | | | | |  Ford EcoBoost Engine For F-150 To Produce Significant Power Gains Over Current Model
Advanced Engine Design Manager, Brett Hinds of Ford Motor Company believes the 3.5 liter six cylinder EcoBoost engine that will find its way into the Ford F-150 pickup truck in 2010 will produce "significantly more than 340 horse power and 340 foot pounds of torque" which beats the current 300 horse power 5.4 eight cylinder currently offered with the pickup truck. The new EcoBoost option is also believed to be equipped with two turbochargers, which prove to be very fuel efficient while producing more power. There is also a chance that the EcoBoost engine may find itself under the hood of the re-designed 2010 Ford Mustang but that has yet to be confirmed. Truck owners, get excited. Reported by AutoNews
 
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| | Office Equipment Malfunctioning? Have A Little Birthday Cake RemixMore in: Roundup, Cadillac, Diesel, Engine, Ford, General Motors, Hybrid, Mobile Electronics, Sport Trucks, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 56,831 Views
If all of the computer equipment at your work is malfunctioning and makes you T.O.'d like the guys in the movie "Office Space", maybe it's a good time to leave your cubical for a few and go purchase a "Birthday Cake Remix" ice cream love affair from a local Cold Stone Creamery. Or if you want to take your mind off things check out Truckblog.TV on iTunes. Click it and subscribe, you know you want to.
Here's the low down from last week.
• 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Is Only $71k, Saves Money On Fuel Prices
• J.D. Power And Associates Rewards Toyota Tundra For Third Consecutive Year
• Sirius XM Radio Inc To Offer Interoperable Radios Within 9 Months
• Ford Drops F-100 Pickup Idea, F-150 To Get EcoBoost Engine In 18 Months
• 2009 General Motors Hybrid Pickup Trucks Delayed
• Pontiac G8 ST Sport Truck Gets Finalized
• Drivers Fined And Impounded For Extra Illegal Mexico Diesel Fuel
• Toyota Profits Plunge, So Does Tundra Heavy Duty Diesel Pickup Truck Project
 
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|  2009 General Motors Hybrid Pickup Trucks Delayed
Pickuptrucks has reported that General Motors are delaying the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups "until the first half of 2009" because of GM reducing their full-size pickup truck production. According to Gary White, Vice President of GM North America, a small number of hybrid pickup trucks will reach showroom floors by the end of the year, but the numbers will be limited. Both trucks were slated to launch this Fall.
 
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| | | | | | |  FASS Direct Replacement Fuel Pump For 1998.5 To 2002 Dodge Pickup Trucks
Need reliable fuel delivery but not ready to make the investment in a full FASS system? As we continue to set the standards for our industry we are proud to announce our latest innovation to the FASS product line. The Direct Dodge Replacement fuel pump better known as the DDRP, will replace the Dodge 1998.5 to 2002 factory fuel pump.
Now you have the dependability of FASS brands without the cost of a full system. With a half an hour or less of install time we’re even offering a 4 year warranty. That means for the low cost of $299 you will have about a 33 percent of increased flow than what your stock fuel pump can offer. Your new DDRP will have a high torque to gear ratio to ensure extreme cold weather starts. For more information visit www.fassride.com – DrSpeed
 
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| | |  How To Not Collate At Your Work From 9 Till 11More in: Roundup, Diesel, Dodge, Engine, Ford, Hummer, Hybrid, Jeep, Mobile Electronics, MOTORZ TV, Performance, Suspension, SUV, Website | Comments | Permalink | 74,890 Views
Is that no talent ass clown in the cubical next to you listening to the radio loudly while you are trying to collate information, just like Peter Gibbons experienced in "Office Space"? Unfortunately right now, the time is 9:00 AM and he is allowed to listen to the radio from 9 till 11. That gives you a two hour time frame to check out Truckblog.TV and read through the list of blogs below from last week.
• Truckblog.TV Episode 7 Now Online And On iTunes
• Sirius And XM Satellite Radio Merger Finally Approved
• Rancho Suspension Releases 2007 To 2008 Jeep JK Wrangler Short Arm Suspension
• Transformers 2 Hummer HX Found Again, Along With Optimus Prime
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. Unveils World's First Plug-in Hybrid Ford F-150 Pickup
• 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid Proves To Be Less Thirsty
• Streetfire.net Adds Truckblog.TV As A Featured Channel
• K&N High-Flow Air Filter For The 2008 Ram Cummins 6.7L Diesel Pickup Truck
 
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|  2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid Proves To Be Less Thirsty
Last week they brought you the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4x4, and now this week Edmund's Inside Line brings you their review of the 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid sport utility vehicle. Dubbed "The Gas-Saving Gas Guzzler", the new Durango Hybrid achieves a fuel economy rating of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway and is powered by a 345 horsepower 5.7 liter eight cylinder motor that also features two additional electric motors. Check out the road test video by clicking here.
 
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| |  Do You Have Road Rage? Read ThisMore in: Roundup, Diesel, Engine, Ford, Jeep, MOTORZ TV, New Products, Performance, Safety, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 56,605 Views
Did you have a severe road rage incident while driving to work this morning just like Samir Nainanajad does in the beginning of the comedy movie "Office Space"? Now that you are at work and have hopefully cooled down before receiving your TPS reports (you can go ahead and ignore them), take some time to check out our big blogs from last week, then watch the best of Office Space on YouTube so that you understand all of my Office Space references I've made every Monday morning for the past six months. Once you are done with that, please subscribe to our free podcast on iTunes and check out our latest Truckblog.TV episode.
• Truckblog.TV Episode 7 Now Online And On iTunes
• 2010 Ford F-150 Diesel Pickup Truck Photos
• Bully Dog Performance Management Tool Raises The Bar In Diesel Performance
• Ford ''Scorpion'' 6.7-liter V8 Diesel Engine To Hit SuperDuty Pickups By 2011
• Inside Line Tests The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4x4
• Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs
• Ford's New 4.4 Liter V8 Diesel Engine Photos
• IIHS Tests Small Pickups For First Time: Toyota, Good And Others Rated ''Dismal''
• Friday Beerblog: Dudes Jump Beater Truck Off Home Made Ramps, Breaks Back
 
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| | | | | | Did You See The Memo...About...This?More in: Roundup, Engine, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hummer, Jeep, Mazda, Mobile Electronics, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 54,765 Views
Has the boss approached you yet this morning about the missing cover sheet on your TPS reports? Did you see the memo about Truckblog.TV and Apple iTunes within those reports? Just in case you haven't yet, check out the TPS report here, which lists information about our free podcast on iTunes. Click the subscribe button within iTunes and help support Truckblog. Positive feedback and comments are appreciated too! As Bill Lumberg from "Office Space" says, "If you could make sure you do that from now on, that would be grrrreeeat....and i'll make sure you get another copy of that memo, Mmmmkay?".
There's also another memo about reading the top blogs from last week but that can come second, after subscribing to our podcast. Educate below.
• Jeep J8 Launches In Germany With Diesel Engine
• Hummer Announces Pricing For All-New H3T Pickup Truck
• General Motors To Cut Truck Production By Over 300K And 20 Percent Of Jobs
• Four Cylinder EcoBoost Engine Might Hit The F-150 Platform
• Ford Sues Uncle Sam For $445 Million In Interest Payments Due By IRS
• Toyota Moves Tundra Production To Texas, Highlander SUV To Indiana
• Friday Beerblog: Genius Towing RV Crashes Into ATM Drive Through, Whole Roof Collpases
• SUV Battle: 2009 Honda Pilot VS 2008 Mazda CX-9 VS 2008 Toyota Highlander
• MyGallons.com Caught By BBB For Expired Contract, Busted
• Toyota Offers Bluetooth Hands-Free System On Trucks And SUVs
 
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| | | |  Four Cylinder EcoBoost Engine Might Hit The F-150 Platform
According to sources that spoke with Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks.com, Ford Motor Company are possibly working on an Ford EcoBoost four cylinder engine for their popular (and now struggling) F-150 pickup truck by the year 2013. The source claims the engine displacement will be "around 2.5-liters, produce 260 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque". Ford has made the decision to drop their 4.2 liter six cylinder motor into the F-150 for the 2009 model year and only offering the 4.6 liter eight cylinder, dropping the 5.4 eight cylinder motor. It is too soon to tell how these engines will be put into effect since the price of gasoline and crude oil are unpredictable, Ford's director of powertrain research, Dan Kapp, stated "The EcoBoost range of engines are likely to find their way into several different models across Ford's line up". We shall see.
 
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| | Monday Morning Roundup: Can't Talk To My Mother So I Talk To My DiaryMore in: Roundup, Chevrolet, Diesel, Dodge, Engine, Exhaust, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Hybrid, Jeep, MOTORZ TV, Truck Jam, Wheels | Comments | Permalink | 74,300 Views
Don't you hate it when you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on your way to work and there's some no talent ass clown blasting his stereo so loud even the dead can hear it? Plus they are rapping words such as "I got this killa up inside of me...I can't talk to my mother so I talk to my diary". That incident happens to be one of my favorite scenes from the movie, "Office Space". If you have not seen it, click here for the YouTube link.
An alternative idea for dealing with the situation is to throw a brick at their window check out the list of last week's blogs at www.Truckblog.com via your new Apple iPhone 3G you desperately waited in line all day for over the weekend, or watch our latest Truckblog.TV video on iTunes from your laptop while stuck in traffic. Check out the list below.
• Truckblog.TV Invades California Truck Jamboree Plus In Episode 6
• Toyota Offers Solar Panels On Prius Hybrid Car, Possible Pickup Truck Applications?
• Gas Mileage Vehicle Savings Calculator, Is It Worth Trading Your Truck?
• General Motors Offers 13 2009 Truck And SUV Models With E85 Ethanol Flex Fuel At No Extra Charge
• Chevrolet Luv Diesel Pickup Shows No Love To General Public, Except The Streets Of Detroit
• Dodge Now Offering 0% Financing Up To 72 Months On 2009 Dodge Ram Pickup
• Video Of 2010 Ford F-150 Raptor SVT Pickup Truck
• MBRP Introduces Off-Road Performance Exhaust Systems For Jeep Wrangler TJ
• Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels Launches New Dick Cepek Torque Wheel
• Friday Beerblog: $3,800 Summer Vacation, 1984 GMC 4 Axle Plus Sauna
 
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| |  General Motors Offers 13 2009 Truck And SUV Models With E85 Ethanol Flex Fuel At No Extra Charge
For 2009, General Motors offers 18 FlexFuel models capable of running on E85 ethanol, ordinary gasoline or any combination of the two – more than any automaker. The models cover the gamut from the four-cylinder Chevrolet HHR small crossover to the full-size Cadillac Escalade ESV luxury utility. E85, which consists of up to 85 percent ethanol mixed with gasoline, is a cleaner-burning, higher-octane fuel that can help offset rising demand for oil. “We continue to believe that biofuels, specifically E85, is the most significant thing we can do in the near-term to offset future energy demands,” said Beth Lowery, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy.Full Story... 
 
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| Get Zapped This Morning? Read ThisMore in: Roundup, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Diesel, Engine, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Hummer, Hybrid, Lincoln, Mobile Electronics, Performance, SUV, Toyota | Comments | Permalink | 81,023 Views
First and foremost, we at Truckblog hope you all had a great holiday weekend and are now back online to stay logged to the blog!
When you entered the "pit of doom" this morning, also known as your office, cubical or workplace, did you experience an annoying electromagnetic shock from the metal door handle just like Peter Gibbons endured in "Office Space"? If that is the case, well that sucks for you. Maybe you need to not shuffle your feet as much on the carpet. But getting zapped by the door handle is not nearly as bad as the $9 million dollars that was awarded to American Axle's CEO last week or the new laws that ban cell phone usage while driving in California and Washington or the fact that I had to compose a list of 15 hypermiling tricks for your pickup truck to help you save gas because the price of fuel is too high to make ends meet. To solve that problem, check out the MyGallons gas card along with the slew of other blogs from last week.
• American Axle CEO Awarded Nearly $9 Million For Strike Efforts
• 15 Hypermile Tricks For Your Pickup Truck That Help Save Gas
• Gold Eagle DieselPower! Line Perfect For Any Size Diesel Engine
• General Motors To Build Hybrid GMC And Chevrolet Pickup Trucks This Fall
• Ban On Cell Phones While Driving Starts Today For California And Washington Drivers
• Saleen Releases Superchargers For Ford Expedition And Lincoln Navigator
• 2007 And Newer Toyota Tundras Get TRD Supercharging Action!
• Save Money On Gasoline Purchases With The MyGallons Card
• Chrysler LLC Extends Let’s Refuel America $2.99 Gas Guarantee Through July 31
• Automotive Manufacturers Fight Against New Fuel Rules
• Moron Tries To Drive Hummer H2 Through Pond
• Friday Beerblog: Monster Motor Bike Crushes Cars Like No Other, With Video
 
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| | |  Save Money On Gasoline Purchases With The MyGallons Card
Mygallons.com is making it easier for consumers to save money on gasoline prices by pre-purchasing gas at today's rates and saving you money at the pump by using your MyGallons Card when fuel prices rise. An example given on their site is if you purchase 100 gallons of fuel at $3.50 per gallon and when the actual price of fuel at the gas station is $4.00 per gallon, you save $.50 cents per gallon. The cost for the card is $29.95 annually and it is accepted at most major gas stations including Exxon, Citgo, Getty, Sundco, Wawa, Lukoil, 76, BP, Chevron, Amoco, Shell, Texaco, and more.
 
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| | | | |  Get Stuck In Bumper To Bumper Traffic?
Did you get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic this morning like Peter Gibbons does in "Office Space"? You slide on over to the fast lane just in the nick of time for it to slow down and the lane you were in then speeds ahead. This stop and go traffic completely destroys the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, causing you to get worse gas mileage. Our top blog from last week, Fuel Saving Tips Revisited, Save Dollars And Cents Using These Techniques, can be used as a guide to help your vehicle become more fuel efficient and save you money at the pump. And while you are scrolling, take some time to check out our other top articles from last week. We all know how many minutes of actual work are done anyway, right?.
• Fuel Saving Tips Revisited, Save Dollars And Cents Using These Techniques
• Truckblog.TV Episode 5 Just Uploaded, Also On iTunes
• Ford Slams Brakes Of 2009 F-150 Launch, Teases Us With Down And Dirty Photos
• Citibank Selected To Review Hummer Brand
• Ford Places F-150 Boss 6.2 Liter V8 Engine On The Back Burner
• Ford Considering Further Ranger Production
• Dodge Announces Improved Fuel Economy, Best-In-Class Horsepower For 2009 Dodge Ram
• Friday Beerblog: Hunting Fanatics Aware, Truck Antlers Turn Your Truck Into A Buck
 
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| | General Motors To Build Hybrid GMC And Chevrolet Pickup Trucks This Fall
CBC announced that General Motors have made the decision to build hybrid pickup trucks at their Oshawa, Ontario plant this fall but are still on schedule to close the truck plant next year. "After careful consideration, GM has decided to launch the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrid production operations at the Oshawa truck plant" stated GM spokesman Stew Low. Low also added during the conference "this does not impact the decision to cease operations at the plant in 2009 or sooner, depending on market conditions". The closure of the Ontario plant next year will also eliminate 2,600 jobs. No further details have been released.
 
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