Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
For each new model year, truck manufacturers are one-upping each other, and 2011 was no exception, with Ford’s F-150 receiving a much-needed boost in the engine department. With that in mind, and me being in the market for a new pickup, I drove the “Big 3″ – Ford, GMC and RAM, and came up with a conclusive winner, which I ended up bring home to park in my own driveway. Continue Reading to see how things shaped up.
Continue reading ‘Comparison Test: 2011 GMC Sierra vs Ford F-150′
Well, it’s award time in the automotive industry! Last week, Car & Driver announced its Top 10 Cars of 2012, and this week, Motor Trend has announced their Truck Of The Year winner, the Ford F-150. With around 650,000 variations, not including paint colors, there’s something for everyone. The F-150′s configurational highlights include four engine choices, three bed lengths, three cab lengths, and a myriad of creature comforts and capability-enhancing options. The engine which gave the F-150 a leg up in the competition was the EcoBoost V6, with its twin-turbo and direct injection technologies. Its power and fuel economy bested that of the V8s in its rivals. Click on over to Motor Trend to read their press release.
by John Suit
Source: Motor Trend
Image Source: Motor Trend
For most, cleaning the snow off of their car before driving is automatic. For others, there’s a reminder after the jump. Each year, plenty of accidents are caused by snow and ice flying off of cars and landing on other cars, or scaring other drivers into swerving, sometimes into oncoming traffic. While the video after the jump isn’t a car, it shows an extreme result of snow not being removed from a vehicle. PS: I don’t condone videotaping while driving, but am glad this footage was caught.
Continue reading ‘PSA: Clean snow off of your car before driving (w/video)’
Ever wonder how they test the barriers in use in front of military bases? So do I, so when I saw the video below, I just had to watch it! No real explanation needed, just watch the video and see for yourself – it’s surprising.
Continue reading ‘Video: Truck versus Military Base barrier’
Since it’s under so much scrutiny today, from the NHTSA to the Federal Government, as well as consumers worldwide, Toyota is quickly recalling about 8,000 2010 Tacoma pickups. Only the four-wheel drive models are affected, and Toyota says that most of the recalled trucks are still in Toyota’s pipeline – namely dealer lots and distribution centers. The problem stems from a cracked driveshaft that connects to the front wheels. Over time, the cracks can become worse, leading to the drive shaft disconnecting from the vehicle. Toyota says there are only a few lot numbers of affected drive shafts, so a quick dealer inspection will tell whether or not the truck has a faulty part.
by John Suit
Source: Toyota
In Chicago, Ohare Towing, as seen on the Speed channel, uses professional towing equipment, including chains, big-rig wreckers, as well as lots of training to do their job. In Chile, this crew apparently uses whatever is handy and will do the job. While I’m all for repurposing tools to do different jobs they work just fine for, you still have to take precautions. Click past the jump to see what I’m talking about.
Continue reading ‘Oops: How NOT to right an overturned truck’
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]
Edgar commented on Owner’s Log: 2010 Nissan Maxima, Update 1
hi i have a 2012 nissan maxima and everytime i shut it off i hear the engine cooling fan shut [more]