Truckblog is back online! Our network of websites including www.MuscleCarBlog.com, were down for maintenance all last week and received a new server upgrade at the same time. You will notice the site runs a lot faster because of the changes! There are a few bugs still being worked out but a majority of the website should be running smoothly. If not, let us know by going to our contact page.
According to Gasbuddy.com, gasoline prices continue to fall to a national average of $2.11 per gallon in comparison to the $2.76 one year ago. The national average is one of the lowest prices since 2005, a relief not often felt since then. Lucky motorists in Tulsa, Oklahoma are only paying $1.69 per gallon, the lowest price in the country. If you want to save a buck or two on gasoline for your truck, head on over to Gasbuddy.com's Map Gas Pricing page.
Chrysler LLC has decided to seek a new buyer for their failing company, leaving their talks with General Motors behind. Both companies are facing daunting challenges for recovering their businesses and both keep laying off more workers in addition to closing factories. A merger of the two companies would not benefit either one, except for Cerberus Capital Management and their own finances whom own Chrysler LLC. What may help both of the companies is not the merger itself, but economic help from the United States' Federal Government for a bailout. But that bailout will also come as an expense to the U.S. taxpayer, which is not agreed upon with taxpayers. What will happen is still to come. Reported by Freep.
Advantage Truck Accessories Inc. has announced the introduction of a new side arm clamp for use with its folding tonneau covers. The patented clamp is ergonomically designed to operate by pulling the lever toward the person, not requiring awkward downward pressure that the company claims frequently causes other clamps to become displaced or otherwise fail to properly engage. For more information visit www.advantagetruckaccessories.com.
Founded in 1948, Warn Industries has gone from a small shop in the Pacific Northwest to the worldwide leader in off-road products and accessories. To celebrate the company's 60th Anniversary, WARN® is releasing a limited-edition version of its iconic M8274 electric winch, called the M8274-60. For decades, the M8274 has been a favorite of off-road enthusiasts because of its fast line speeds, extra-long rope, and exceptional durability.
Carscoop obtained images of the new re-designed 2010 Lexus RX SUV without any camouflage. Some speculation has also rose regarding a 7 passenger longer wheel base version of the RX, similar to the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition but those rumors have not been confirmed. The new RX350 and RX450 are packed with an updated V6 hybrid motor and we could see these options become available as early as the beginning of next year.
Although General Motors are struggling with selling vehicles on dealer lots resulting to their huge third quarter losses, GM is working on a new version of the presidential vehicle called "Cadillac One", a stretched Cadillac DTS for the Presidential-Elect, Barack Obama. Based off of a GMC TopKick heavy duty truck platform, the Cadillac will essentially be transformed into a portal bunker for the new president. The United States Secret Service will not release any specific details about the vehicle, to help protect the future president. Reported by Boston.
Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One of the largest concepts vehicle ever created by Nissan, the innovative NV2500 Concept previews the company’s entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle (CV) market in 2010 and is designed to highlight multi-purpose utility solutions in the real world.
The official start of winter may be still be a month away, but Infiniti is launching its annual Limited Engagement Winter Event now. In addition to the best deals of the year on its complete line of luxury performance automobiles, Infiniti also is offering zero percent financing for 36 months on all 2008 models. Longer term financing also is available and attractive lease deals remain an option for Infiniti buyers.
Today GM released their third quarter results which included the following statement, I wanted to share with you: “In addition, we have recently explored the possibility of a strategic acquisition that we believed would generate significant cost reduction synergies and substantially strengthen our financial position in the medium and long term, while being neutral or modestly positive to cash flow even in the near term. While the acquisition could potentially have provided significant benefits..."
Just in case you crawled under a rock last week and did not get the memo about our SEMA coverage, this weeks "Monday Morning Recap" is comprised of our SEMA coverage from last week including the launch of Ford's SVT Raptor F-150 and sighting of the 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition. MOTORZ also launched their 13th episode, a full how-to installation of an Alpine Electronics stereo system.
For a huge list of all our SEMA blogs from last week, go to live.truckblog.com.
Edmunds Inside Line were lucky enough to get their hands on a 2008 Toyota TRD Supercharged Tundra pickup truck and see what it can do. With 22 inch wheels stock, 16 inch big brakes and 504 horsepower & 550 foot pounds of torque under the hood, the TRD supercharged Tundra is one to compare with the Ford Lightning...some may say. You'll have to head on over to their website to read their review and check out their video feature of the new pickup truck.
In an article by the Detroit Free Press, General Motors Corporation will initiate temporary shut downs of plants and "indefinitely" lay off about 3,600 workers beginning early next year in response to the horrible financial reports released on Friday. Production will also be reduced beginning in January or February. General Motors spokesman, Tony Sapienza stated in an interview "the changes are intended to better align production with the recent steep decline in U.S. consumer demand for new vehicles". The plants that are effected by the shut down are the following: Lansing Delta Township, Oshawa, Hamtramck, Wentsville, Bowling Green, Lordstown, Spring Hill, Fairfax, Orion, and Lansing Grand River.
MOTORZ TV have walked the floors of the 2008 SEMA Show all week long searching for the latest aftermarket products from manufacturers to install on their how-to installation series. Keep checking www.Motorz.tv for future episodes and products for both trucks and muscle cars!
If you have not checked out the 13th episode, the Alpine Electronics Audio Upgrade, is now online at our videos page, as well as on the MOTORZ website and Apple iTunes. The video shows you how to upgrade the stock speakers on a Ford F-150 replacing them with high end component speakers, subwoofer, and amplifiers from Alpine Electronics, a subwoofer enclosure from SuperCrewSound.com, and yellow top deep cycle battery from Optima Batteries.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor of Edmunds' Inside Line had the opportunity to test drive the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck out in the Nevada desert prior to SEMA. The video below showcases an interior view of the truck in action, as well as its handling, ride quality, and ability to suck up the bumps at over 90 miles per hour.
After comparing trucks this August at the Ram Challenge Test Drive in St. Louis, Adam Brittengham, 22, of Montgomery City, Mo., is the winner of an all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, courtesy of Chrysler Financial and Chrysler LLC. More than 11,000 consumers in 12 cities took part in the Ram Challenge Test Drive. Participants received an early look at the 2009 Dodge Ram before it arrived in dealer showrooms and were able to test drive the Ram, and its competition, on challenging on- and off-road courses. While participating in Ram Challenge Test Drives, consumers could enter the sweepstakes to win a new truck.
When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, Toyota's new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine will help make the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) one of the best in its segment in the areas of fuel economy, low emissions, performance, and value. It is expected to appeal to value-driven, mid-size SUV buyers seeking these characteristics without the price premium of a V6.
AT&T is launching CruiseCast, a state of the art satellite technology for your vehicle with 22 video channels and 20 audio channels, nationwide. For more information check out www.cruisecast.com
