Just like the scene from Office Space when Dom Portwood asks Peter if he received the memo about his TPS reports, today I ask you Truckblog fans, did you get that memo from last week about Truckblog TV and our other huge stories? If you didn't, below is a list of our top blogs last week for you to read this Monday morning. "So if you could just remember to do that from now on, that'd be great. All right!".
With rising gas prices, today’s car buyers admit fuel efficiency and diversity is not just a necessity, it’s also fashion forward. If Americans had to choose between driving a car that was beautiful on the outside vs. one that was “greener” on the inside, nearly eight in 10 Americans (79 percent) who plan to buy or lease a car within the next two years would choose the greener car. These and more compelling statistics are a result of a national survey recently conducted by Challenge X – a national collegiate engineering competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors.
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.
Scott Burgess of the Detroit News recently test drove the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and wrote a review, stating the new hybrid SUV has great fuel mileage ratings, ratings that are "on par with '09 Camry", a hybrid sedan in a seperate vehicle class and nearly 3,000 pounds lighter. "The Tahoe Hybrid hits the same city mileage as a four-cylinder 2009 Toyota Camry. Its 21 mpg (on the two-wheel drive model) is even 2 mpg better than a Camry with a V-6". Powered by a six liter V8 with a hybrid system that includes two electric motors running on 300-volt system, the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid tips the scale at over $52,000. Is the price really worth it? Find out inside.
In response to direct customer feedback citing the prospect of rising gas prices as a top concern, Chrysler LLC today announces its own economic stimulus package: an exclusive gas price protection policy that eliminates the risk of further spikes in fuel prices. With the U.S. purchase of eligible Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles, customers can enroll in the “Let’s Refuel America” program and receive a gas card that immediately lowers their gas price to $2.99 a gallon, and keeps it there for three years. The offer is available at 3,511 U.S. Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships through June 2, 2008, and is available on vehicles ranging from popular new compacts, crossovers and minivans to full-size diesel-powered pickup trucks.
General Motors Corp.'s revolutionary new 4.5L V-8 Duramax turbo-diesel, which makes its debut in Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty trucks in the 2010 model year, is compact, powerful and fuel-efficient. The engine also is lighter, an important consideration in the competitive light truck market, because it was designed with more than 70 fewer parts. The new dual-overhead cam, four-valve V-8 diesel engine boasts a number of innovative design approaches that have enabled its compact size and mass, including integral aluminum cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds and a narrow V-angle block.
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.
General Motors Corp. and Mascoma Corp. today announced a strategic relationship to develop cellulosic ethanol focused on Mascoma's single-step biochemical conversion of non-grain biomass into low-carbon alternative fuels to help address increasing energy demand. The relationship, which includes an undisclosed equity investment by GM, complements an earlier investment in a cellulosic ethanol startup that uses a thermo-chemical process to make ethanol from non-grain sources.
In an article by US News, with gas prices climbing past the $4.00 dollar per gallon mark nation wide, SUV trade in values and sales have fallen over 14 percent in March alone, compared to the same time one year ago. The SUV used car sales have been so bad, that some dealers have been forced to sell them overseas, facing expensive transportation costs and little profit. Al Johnson of AutoNation's Maroone Nissan in Pembroke, Florida said "the dealership had been exporting about one car a month" in recent years, but this year they average roughly 10".
As announced by Autoweek, Ford Motor Company is recalling 65,000 of their 2008 F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks due to a weak fuel tank mount that could cause a gasoline leak in a head on collision of 30 miles per hour or more. The gasoline tank could move forward in the event of an accident and spill fuel, creating a fire hazard. You can contact your local Ford dealer to fix the problem, free of charge.
Did you have to wake your ass up at 6am every morning last week to do the drywall at the new McDonalds? Just like Lawrence from Office Space did? If so, that means you missed our best blogs from last week! Check them out below.
General Motors Corp.’s role in helping Coskata Inc. bring its next-generation cellulosic ethanol to market traces back a quarter of a century to technology developed for a GM iron foundry in northwest Ohio. Coskata announced Friday that its pilot plant will be located at the Westinghouse Plasma Center in Madison, the current site of a pilot-plant gasifier.
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.
In an article by BusinessWeek, Americans are now consuming less gasoline, resulting in less vehicles on the road due to high gasoline prices. In a study conducted in Palm Beach County, Florida, for the past 20 years, workers have been counting vehicles with special sensors to monitor their activity. Nearly every year since the study started, the number of vehicles on the road has risen at least 2 percent annually. However in 2007, traffic levels noticed a decline, and so far for 2008 are down 7.5 percent.
Ford began working on hydrogen technology in the early 1990s. The company’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine demonstration vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of the company’s first drivable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology.
GM intends to meet the tough, new national CAFE standards of 35 mpg for cars and trucks combined by 2020, a dramatic increase of 40 percent. NHTSA’s proposed rule lays out the first set of standards toward this target. GM will work with NHTSA throughout its rulemaking process on the yearly targets and the sensible mechanisms needed to meet this challenge. GM has an established track record of innovation and a commitment to improving the fuel economy in its cars and trucks.
Durakon Industries, manufacturer of the top selling drop-in bedliner for trucks and a leading brand of truck tonneau covers, is now setting a new standard in “GREEN” corporate initiatives to ensure a healthier, more sustainable world. In addition to their corporate iniatives to conserve energy, reclaim used water, and build wetlands at their headquarters in Lapeer, the company is now proud to announce that both Duraliner and All Star bedliners are manufactured with almost 100% recycled and recyclable material.
Andrew Posner of TreeHugger.com says that the price for a gallon of gas is selling for around $3.00 per gallon in New Jersey, a price that is lower than the nations average of $3.51. Why, you ask? Here's your answer. "New Jersey has the nation’s third-lowest gasoline tax, at 14.5 cents a gallon, and it hasn’t gone up in almost two decades".
TreeHugger has posted a report by Kambiz Salari, of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, who claims that "for a truck travelling 70 MPH, 65 per cent of the fuel burned is just overcoming aerodynamic drag. Much of that drag come from the air vortices generated behind the vehicle as it moves, that low-pressure zone that bicyclists and hyper-milers love to "draft" in". Kambiz Salari is also applying for a patent on this claim as well, one that will assist in pushing air into the truck, while improving gas mileage and cancelling out the vehicle's draft at the same time.
Earth Day (April 22) is a time to reflect on what society is doing to address climate change and energy security, and a reminder that preserving the earth is the responsibility of all who use it. As part of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to do its part, the company is dramatically improving the efficiency of its manufacturing operations worldwide and increasing the use of renewable or “green” energy sources.
Just in case that "PC Load Letter" error is getting you down this morning, we have composed a list of last week's top blogs to make you happy again. Especially the 2010 Ford F-150 4.4 Liter Diesel pictures! Check out the full list below.
The USA Today has published an article about automotive manufacturers producing more cars that run off premium gasoline, at a time when prices at the pump are breaking records every day. In an analysis by Kelley Blue Book, the number of new vehicles that need premium gasoline has risen from 166 vehicles in the 2002 model year to 282 vehicles this year, almost double the amount at a time when fuel efficiency is of great importance.
Edmunds Inside Line, published their test drive review of the 2009 Honda Pilot, which boasts a 250-hp V6 with the variable displacement management and a 5 speed transmission, that when combined, achieves an average of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per gallon on the highway. As Executive Editor, Michael Jordan, stated "...the 2009 Honda Pilot relentlessly improving space-efficiency, utility, fuel economy and performance". To read their full review, click here.
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.
With rising prices at the pump, it’s no surprise that more than 58 percent of car consumers polled by Kelly Blue Book in March indicated that fuel prices affected their purchase decision. While Ford, along with other automakers, are exploring game-changing, long-term solutions, developing affordable, near-term ways to improve fuel efficiency is critical as well.
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.
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?
Texans with flex-fuel vehicles gained easier access Friday to E85 ethanol at the first public biofuel pumps in the nation owned by a new car and truck dealership. Classic Chevrolet/HUMMER, which sold more Chevrolet trucks than any dealer in the nation in 2007, spent more than $500,000 to install nine pumps dedicated to E85, E10 and biodiesel at the new Classic Clean Fuels station adjacent to its Mr. Good Wrench Quick Lube Plus and HUMMER dealership in suburban Dallas.
In racing, it is absolutely mandatory that the fuel pressure regulator provides stable and proper fuel pressure to the carburetor, especially under extreme conditions. Until recently, changing out a regulator, or testing the fuel supply with traditional fittings required dealing with leaky dripping fuel lines, and then making sure the fittings are properly torqued. The quicker, easier solution is to use Jiffy-tite Quick Connect Fluid Fittings. These Quick-Connects provide a safe leak-proof seal and unsurpassed performance even under the most extreme racing conditions; allowing changeovers or checks to the fuel to occur in seconds, not minutes.
Ford Motor Company confirmed today that they have sold their Jaguar and Land Rover brands to India's Tata Motors, for over $2 Billion. The deal also includes that Ford will pay nearly $600 Million in pension funds for Jaguar and Land Rover employees. Ford will continue to supply engines and body parts to Tata Motors for the two brands. Jaguar and Land Rover's petrol engines are currently built at a Ford plant in South Whales, and their diesel engines are produced in Dagenham, located in eastern London. An official announcement is expected later today. As posted by Yahoo Finance.
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.
In an article by The Detroit News, more and more automakers are jumping on the fuel economy bandwagon, and are beginning to convert over to diesel fueled engines as a new standard. "Although they are more costly to produce, diesel engines get about 25 percent better mileage than traditional gas-powered engines" stated Jim Hossack of AutoPacific Inc. However, "The rising cost of fuel will play a role in their growth in the U.S. market". So is converting to diesel technology really worth the money? Let us know your thoughts by using our comments system.
