Saturday, April 9, 2011

Report: Auto leasing surges to highest level since 2005

From: Dan Roth
Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2011 6:41 PM
Subject: Report: Auto leasing surges to highest level since 2005


Filed under: , ,

car shopper reading window sticker

Leasing is back in a big way, says The Detroit News. After virtually disappearing, lease packages with monthly payments below $199 and no money down are popping up everywhere lately, and those deals are finding consumers. Take it as a sign of economic improvement, but the reemergence could come back to bite automakers in a few years, too. With leases accounting for more than twenty percent of new car sales in February and March, a whole bunch of returned vehicles could flood the used market in just a few years, cratering the resale values that make automakers and lenders so enthusiastic to offer good lease terms right now.

If irrational exuberance takes hold again and artificially low, unsustainable lease rates are used to pump up sales figures, it's hard to see how we're not in for an eventual crash. Attractive lease deals on brand-new models like the Chevrolet Cruze are cause for concern to some analysts. Leasing is more often used to move luxury vehicles and aging models, so coming out of the gate with a sharp lease deal smacks of a grab at market share. General Motors counters that it has merely brought leasing back to 15-20 percent of sales, a healthy level, and it's being careful.

Dealers are happy to see the increased showroom traffic the new surge in leasing has brought. Many stores saw sales implode as the recession was busy taking everyone off a cliff. Being able to offer a popular car with an affordable payment again is an effective sheepdog to direct people into dealerships, and besides, the used car market has been depleted for months thanks to measures like Cash For Clunkers and people holding on to their cars longer, keeping them out of circulation.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Auto leasing surges to highest level since 2005 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to Get EcoBoost in Your Television

 

From: Mike Levine
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 12:56 PM
Subject: How to Get EcoBoost in Your Television


How to Get EcoBoost in Your Television

We're busy crunching numbers and making pretty charts to summarize our recent twin truck Ford F-150 EcoBoost road test but you can learn more about Ford's all-new gasoline turbo direct injection six-cylinder this Sunday on TV.

NBC will broadcast the "Ford F-150 EcoBoost Torture Test" at 4:30 p.m. ET, which details the incredible punishment inflicted on the 3.5 liter V-6 engine. The program, narrated by Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame, uses footage from the six webisodes and the tear down event, according to Ford spokesman Richard Truett.

If you have questions during or after the show, jump online for a live chat with Jim Mazuchowski, Ford's manager of V-6 engines, from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm ET at www.thefordstory.com.

Audi makes it right with disgruntled customer, loans free S4 until order arrives

From: Chris Shunk
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 2:31 PM
Subject: Audi makes it right with disgruntled customer, loans free S4 until order arrives


Filed under: , , , ,

Audi S4
2010 Audi S4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ordering a special edition luxury vehicle from Germany can take some time. The plant needs to put you in the production queue with the rest of the orders, shipping across the Atlantic can eat up weeks and parts availability can also throw off timing. Such a protracted timeline played out for Audi forum member Datz as he waited for his brand new S4, except three months became five months and then his December order led to a July delivery.

Instead of sitting back and listening to excuse after excuse from the dealership, Datz reportedly took to the Internets in search of justice. The expectant owner even sent a note out to Audi U.S.A. chief Johan de Nysschen, and he says he focused his vitriol on Audi's goal to be the global leader in luxury autos instead of complaining about his plight at the dealership.

Instead of ignoring the email, de Nysschen took action, calling the disgruntled buyer to see how he could hep. The Audi boss apologized for the delays, telling him that his $2,500 Daytona Gray paint job and trunk component delays were the issue, though he reportedly added that those issues are Audi's, not his.

Calling the customer was a very cool thing for de Nysschen to do, but he went a monumental leap forward by providing a 2010 S4 loaner to use while he waited for his new vehicle. He also called the plant and had production moved up to April, with a June delivery date. Nicely done Audi, and way to use the Internet to your advantage, Datz! Now you can beat the snot out of the loaner to get it out of your system before you get your own S4 to coddle.



Photos copyright (C)2011 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audizine.com via Quattro World via Motor Authority]

Audi makes it right with disgruntled customer, loans free S4 until order arrives originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Introduces Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Pickup Truck Conversion Kit

From: Mike Levine
Sent: Friday, April 08, 2011 4:03 PM
Subject: Video: Mopar Introduces Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Pickup Truck Conversion Kit


Video: Mopar Introduces Jeep Wrangler Pickup Truck Conversion Kit

Yesterday, we told you about the Jeep Wrangler JK-8 Independence headed to Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT. It previews a conversion kit that Chrysler's Mopar parts division will sell that will allow off-road enthusiasts to turn a Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited into a pickup truck.

Today, we have video of Jim Sassorossi, head of Mopar sales and marketing, introducing it to the media.

Better Ways to Buy Tires

Better Ways to Buy Tires

Investing in tires generally is difficult to understand. It's so hard to know where to start, and especially if you're new to buying tires you might not know where to begin. I'm sure this asset will help you purchase your next set of tires. This is the kind of guide we wish we would of had the first time we bought tires.

Step 1: Closely examine the tires you have on your car at this time. Examine the volume, brand, model #'s etc... All this information is easily read off the sidewall of the tire. If you don't understand what it all means, that's ok. Be sure you jot it down on a piece of paper for reference though. You should also confirm that you actually need new tires.

Step 2: Call up our featured tire shop or the tire shop of your choice and say: Hi, I own a 2003 Honda Civic and I'd like to see what you have in stock that would fit my car? (replace your make and model obviously) Make sure you have pen and paper handy, and copy down everything they say. Get the exact pricing information including installation, and all the detailed info on the tires. If they don't tell you,get an idea of the mileage the manufacture expects for the specific tire. NOTE: There are shops that won't be able to tell you what tires fit your vehicle. That's exactly why I had you copy down your current tire information. Give them this information instead and they should be able to help.

Step 3: Call around to a few other tire shops and compare the prices, mileage, and other factors of the tires.

Step 4: With all this information in hand, narrow your choices down to 2-3 potential tires. Look up the details of your tire possibilities in a search engine and see what the experts say about each tire. Read customer comments, trade blogs, anything you can find.

Step 5: You're all set, you've done your homework and are ready to make a tire purchase.
We really hope this guide helped you in some way. If you learn something you'd like to share during your tire purchase please leave a comment so others can learn as well. Thanks!
Learn more about tires and how to make an excellent tire purchase at our site http://howtobuytireskc.weebly.com/

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut

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Ford shows off 67-mpg Focus Econetic ahead of Amsterdam debut

2012 Ford Focus Econetic
Ford Focus Econetic – Click above for high-res image gallery

We may have the 40-mile-per-gallon SFE trim on the 2012 Ford Focus here in the States, but European eco-warriors will soon be able to sink their teeth into the new Focus Econetic, designed purely with efficiency in mind. Ford claims that the Focus Econetic can achieve up to 80 mpg on the European testing cycle, or about 67 mpg here in the U.S.

Ford's road to super-efficiency starts with the automaker's 103-horsepower, 1.6-liter Duratorq diesel engine. That, combined with start-stop, smart regenerative charging, Eco mode and a revised final drive ratio allow this engine to perform as efficiently as possible at all times. For reference, the standard Euro-spec Focus equipped with the 1.6-liter diesel four is good for about 55 mpg (U.S.).

Aerodynamic enhancements consist of active grille shutters on the front fascia, as well as special low-drag wheel covers. We're all for added efficiency, but it might be nice if these plastic wheel caps didn't look like they were ripped straight from a 1992 Honda Accord.

The Focus Econetic makes its official debut next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show, with the first examples hitting the streets in early 2012. Both four- and five-door body styles will be available. Follow the jump for the full details.


Gallery: Ford Focus Econetic

  • Ford Focus Econetic Ford Focus Econetic Ford Focus Econetic Ford Focus Econetic Ford Focus Econetic 

[Source: Ford]
Show full PR text
FORD REVEALS NEW FOCUS ECONETIC – EUROPE'S MOST FUEL EFFICIENT COMPACT CAR
 
- New Focus ECOnetic debuting early next year is expected to achieve 80mpg* (less than 3.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres) – better than all compact cars currently on the market in Europe
 
- Focus ECOnetic expected to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when final certification is completed later this year
 
- 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engine further optimised with new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge air cooling and friction reduction technologies
 
- Additional features include unique aerodynamic package with standard Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres and revised final drive ratio
 
- Full range of Ford ECOnetic technologies shared with other new Focus models including Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light
 
- New Ford Focus ECOnetic available in five-door and estate bodystyles
 
Brentwood, Essex, 6 April, 2011 – Ford Motor Company today announced the new Focus ECOnetic, debuting next week at the Amsterdam Motor Show, will establish a new industry benchmark for fuel efficiency in the popular compact class.
 
The new Focus ECOnetic, which will go on sale in the UK early next year, leverages a host of advanced technologies that are expected to make it more fuel efficient than any other compact vehicle on the road today in Europe, including diesel, petrol and hybrid powered vehicles.
 
Focus ECOnetic is expected to achieve 80mpg* on the combined cycle (less than 3.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres). In addition, Focus EConetic is expected to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions of less than 95g/km when certification is completed later this year.
 
"The Focus ECOnetic is a testament to our company's relentless drive for technological innovation and commitment to environmental leadership," says Gunnar Herrmann, Ford's global medium car line director. "It's also going to be a great car to drive."
 
The new Focus ECOnetic will be available in both stylish five-door and estate bodystyles.
 
Latest Low-CO2 Technologies
To achieve its outstanding fuel economy, the new Focus ECOnetic employs the latest low-CO2 technologies in its powertrain, aerodynamics and driver information systems.
 
The vehicle is powered by a new 105PS version of the 1.6-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel which has been optimised for enhanced fuel efficiency, with a new injection system and turbocharger, enhanced charge cooling and further friction reduction measures.
 
The Focus ECOnetic also benefits a number of additional low-CO2 features which have been developed specifically for this model including a unique aerodynamic package with an Active Grille Shutter, ultra-low rolling resistance tyres and a revised final drive ratio.
 
The new Focus ECOnetic incorporates the full range of Ford ECOnetic Technologies shared with other models in the all-new Focus line-up, including Ford Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light.
 
Unique High-Efficiency Engine
 
The common-rail fuel injection system of the diesel engine has been completely redesigned, with eight-hole nano sac injectors operating at injection pressures of up to 1,600 bar, controlled by a more powerful engine management system. The new injection system delivers more precise control and increased combustion efficiency.
 
To provide more accurate control of the charge air temperature and to deliver a cooler, denser charge, the intake system features a water cooled intercooler in place of the standard air-to-air system.
 
Other new, or completely revised, features to enhance fuel efficiency include:
 
New variable geometry turbocharger design
Reduced engine friction from low-friction piston ring coatings and variable flow oil pump
Additional reduction in engine losses from low inertia vacuum pump and asymmetric crank sprocket design
Updated emissions system combining a diesel NOx-reducing catalyst with a coated Diesel Particulate Filter system
 
The 1.6-litre ECOnetic diesel is paired with Ford's six-speed Durashift manual transmission. This transmission is a totally new high-efficiency design which has been optimised to eliminate frictional losses, and utilises special low friction transmission oil.
 
A revised final drive ratio has been selected to raise the overall gearing, reducing engine speed and offering improved fuel economy when cruising in top gear. Economy is further enhanced by fitting the latest-generation dedicated low rolling resistance tyres.
 
Exclusive Aerodynamic Package
 
While the standard all-new Focus already boasts an exceptionally aerodynamic bodyshell (five-door CD = 0.295), the ECOnetic model has been designed with a number of additional features to minimise drag still further.
 
Much of the aerodynamic development was concentrated on smoothing the airflow underneath the vehicle. The ECOnetic derivative features additional undershields and deflectors.
 
Aerodynamic performance is also improved by the use of special low-drag ECOnetic wheel covers, which are more streamlined than a conventional alloy wheel design.
 
The ECOnetic model features, as standard, the innovative Active Grille Shutter – an advanced new system that optimises aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.
 
If air is required to cool the engine the vents are opened; but if no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, thereby significantly reducing aerodynamic drag. When fully closed, the reduction in drag means that the Active Grille Shutter can reduce CO2 emissions by two per cent.
 
Low-CO2 Ford ECOnetic Technologies
 
The Focus ECOnetic incorporates as standard the full range of low-CO2 Ford ECOnetic Technologies which are shared with other models in the new Focus line-up including Ford Auto-start-stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Ford Eco Mode and Shift Indicator Light. In addition the Focus ECOnetic includes:
 
Electric Power Assisted Steering
Low-friction engine and transmission oils
Low tension Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD)
Thermal Management Systems to optimise warm-up
 
Customer Availability in Early 2012
 
Available with either five-door or estate bodystyles, the new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be produced for the UK market at the lead Focus manufacturing plant in Saarlouis, Germany. Market introduction is scheduled to be in early 2012.
 
The existing Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi, which went on sale last month, and is available across all series, emits 109g CO2 /km while returning 67mpg*
*Note: Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.
 
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.co.uk
 
If you have any further enquiries or require publication-quality, downloadable photographs on Ford Motor Company products or services, visit our dedicated media website www.media.ford.com or contact our press officers.
Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Diesel
 
Tags: amsterdam, econetic, europe, focus, ford, ford focus econetic

2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake with 800 horsepower headed for New York

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2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake with 800 horsepower headed for New York

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake
2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shelby has no qualms about constantly upping the horsepower of its range-topping Ford GT500 Super Snake. When first introduced in 2008, the base Super Snake had a mere 605 ponies under the hood with an option for up to 725. That number increased to 750 for 2010, and now for the 2012 model year, Shelby is set to unveil the latest Super Snake with up to 800 tire-shredding horsepower on tap from its 5.4-liter supercharged V8.

Like previous Super Snake models, the latest version will come with a host of other upgrades including a sport suspension system, Baer six-piston brakes, Borla exhaust system, Alcoa 20-inch wheels, fiberglass hood and more.

We'll get our first look at the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake when it debuts at the New York Auto Show later this month, but until then, you can read more details about the car in the press release after the jump or check out the outgoing car in our gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

 
 
LAS VEGAS– April 6, 2011 – Shelby American Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) will unveil its new Super Snake post title package for the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 at the New York International Auto Show. With 800 horsepower, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake will be the most powerful American muscle car introduced at the show. In addition to the Super Snake, Shelby American will also display the limited edition 2012 Shelby GT350 coupe and convertible.
 
"Shelby American has a rich history at the New York International Auto Show," said John Luft, president of Shelby American Inc. "The very first Shelby car was introduced there in 1962, as well as the 1968 and 2008 Shelby GT500KR and the 2006 Shelby Hertz GT-H. This year, we're returning with one of the most powerful and important Shelbys ever built."
 
Born on the drag strip and road course of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Shelby American and its partner Ford Racing, created an aggressive suspension and engine package that turns the Ford Shelby GT500 into a world class supercar. Even more power is available for the 2012 model year. There will be a limited production of Super Snakes available to customers starting May 1, 2011.
 
"With more horsepower, the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake is a strong performer both on the road and the track," noted Gary Patterson, vice president of operations at Shelby American. "This Super Snake will deliver the driving experience that enthusiasts expect from the Shelby brand."
 
The new Super Snake post title package is one of the very few vehicles that generates up to 800 horsepower on pump gas. Not only is the high performance vehicle legal in 50 states, the unique, limited production supercar allows Shelby fans the opportunity to experience the power of one of America's legendary muscle cars for under $100,000; this includes the Shelby Super Snake package and the GT500 base vehicle.
 
The 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake post title package includes:
 
• Ford Racing handling pack including dynamic adjustable dampers, lowering springs, tuned stabilizer bars and front strut tower brace
• An optional Shelby / Eibach handling pack is available
• 6-speed manual transmission with 3.73:1 rear axle ratio and short-throw shifter
• The standard tune upgrades power to over 750 HP and 590 ft./lbs. of torque
• Optional Shelby / Kenne Bell 800 horsepower tune on pump gas
• Borla exhaust system
• Shelby-designed Alcoa 20-inch wheels in durabright or anthracite
• Forged Shelby / Baer brakes with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled / vented rotors
• Front brake cooling ducts and behind the door side scoops
• Unique fiberglass hood featuring classic Shelby design and pins
• Shelby signature Super Snake stripes in either matte black or matte white
• "Super Snake" vehicle badges and official Shelby CSM interior plate
• "Shelby" lettering across the rear deck lid
• Optional two tone leather interior
• Shelby signature embroidered headrests, floor mats and other Shelby designed components
 
Customers can build their dream Shelby Super Snake online with Shelby American's new "Build-One" car building program at http://shelbyamerican.com/buildhome.asp.
The 2012 Shelby GT350 coupe and convertible will also be exhibited at the Shelby American booth, #1325, during the New York Auto Show. The 2012 model year car is offered in two new body colors, Race Red and Kona Blue. Those interested in a Shelby GT500 Super Snake or Shelby GT350 should call (702) 942-7325 or log onto www.shelbyamerican.com.
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford
 
Tags: 2011 new york auto show, 2012 shelby gt500 super snake, new york 2011, new york auto show, shelby, shelby gt500, shelby gt500 super snake

Fw: What We're Testing This Week: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6

 

From: Mike Levine
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 12:02 AM
Subject: What We're Testing This Week: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6


What We're Testing This Week: 2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6

Is Ford's new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 worth its $750 premium over the company's new 5.0-liter V-8 and does it perform as well as the brawny 6.2-liter V-8? That's what we plan to find out this week during a challenging 2,000 mile road test.

The innovative small displacement 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is rated at 365 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. It's the first application of gasoline direct-injection twin-turbo technology in a half-ton pickup.

On paper, EcoBoost outperforms the 360 horsepower, 380 pounds-feet 5.0 in both gas mileage and power. It's rated to tow up to 11,300 pounds, the same as the 411 horsepower, 434 pounds-feet 6.2.

As we discovered in February, the 5.0 is no slouch. We loved its performance in the 2011 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 we drove. The 6.2-liter V-8 is an off-road monster in the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and it's a towing machine in the Platinum and Lariat F-150 models, as well as the Ford Super Duty.

Our EcoBoost test will push the V-6 harder than we've driven the 5.0-liter and 6.2-liter V-8s. Some might say twice as hard because we're not just testing a single EcoBoost V-6 truck. Ford has provided two identical 2011 F-150 SuperCrew FX2 two-wheel drive pickups with 3.55 rear axles.

Eb-no-beauty-560

Why are we testing duplicate EcoBoost F-150s? One pickup will be empty and the other will tow a 9,000 pound ballasted trailer. We're going to measure their individual performance and fuel economy trucking from Los Angeles to Denver in city and highway driving conditions at low and high altitudes as both trucks shadow each other.

Dyno Test

We've already completed our first test using a Dynojet Research chassis dyno, courtesy of our friends at K&N Engineering in Riverside. At the EcoBoost F-150's rear wheels, we measured 316 horsepower and 355 pounds-feet.

There are several interesting items to note about our EcoBoost's dyno results. First, peak torque occured further up the power band (4,150 rpm) than what Ford claims at the crankshaft (2,500 rpm). The turbos did an excellent job keeping torque above 300 pounds-feet from around 2,800 rpm to approximately 5,700 rpm, just ahead of fuel cutoff at 5,800 rpm. Second, horsepower showed an interesting downward blip around 5,000 rpm before hitting its peak at 5,125 rpm. Could this be for emissions reasons or to hit a higher horsepower number than the 5.0? Finally, you can see where torque and horsepower intersect at 5,252 rpm but horsepower falls from there, never crossing the torque curve.

For comparison purposes, we've plotted the 3.5 dyno results against the 5.0 that was tested on the same dyno -- corrected using SAE factors for humidity, temperature and barometric pressure.

So far, EcoBoost appears worth its $750 premium.

2011-f150-dyno-runs2

On the Road

We head to Colorado Monday morning to start the real world evaluation. We'll be stopping along the way for fuel and food. If you catch us, we'll be happy to chat and buy you a cup of coffee or a meal. We shouldn't be too hard to spot with the trailer and two Race Red FX2 F-150s.

Follow along on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Fw: Study: Female buyers not considering many domestic vehicles

 

From: Chris Shunk
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 3:02 PM
Subject: Study: Female buyers not considering many domestic vehicles


Filed under:

RL Polk women car preferences

We don't have a demographic breakdown for Autoblog's core audience to share, but we can tell you that the overwhelming majority of our readers are men. That said, women tend to be very specific about which vehicles they choose, and according to R.L. Polk, Asian automakers ranging from Toyota to Kia are winning over women on a grand scale.

Take a look at the graphic above, which shows the top five vehicle selections by (non-Caucasian) ethnic group. The Toyota Camry takes the top spot, scoring the number one spot in five ethnic groups. The Corolla, Civic, Accord and CR-V round out the top five, which makes sense due to the fact that those five vehicles are typically among the top-selling passenger vehicles each month. But where are the domestics?

The bottom of the chart shows the top domestic model as chosen by each ethnic group. Ford dominates the list, taking the top spot in seven of the eight ethnic groups, though judging by Polk's data, it's apparent that domestics are very low on the priority list. The only ethnic groups to choose a domestic in the top 10 are African-Americans (Malibu) and Hispanics (Ford F-Series).

[Source: R.L. Polk]

Study: Female buyers not considering many domestic vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fw: The Ultimate in Super-Duty Expedition Vehicles

 

From: Mike Levine
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 1:32 PM
Subject: The Ultimate in Super-Duty Expedition Vehicles


Gev-main
By Mark Williams

We've seen some well-built Super Duties in our day, but this one had us stopping in our tracks at the 2011 Overland Expo in Amado, Ariz.

Built by Global Expedition Vehicles, this UXV 550 starts with a Ford F-550 crew-cab dually frame and makes quite a few body and suspension modifications, putting military-grade airbags at all four corners with military spec rims and tires as well.

Body camper construction can be customized to order. This S84 model includes a small dining area, an oversized Teak wood bathroom, an overhead sleeping deck, all the kitchen amenities and two large swing-out windows.

Gev2

The outer body uses bullet-train and marine-grade technologies to mold, support reinforce the structure and skin. Under the hood is a 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine. Two full-size spare tires are in back, with a small winch-operated bike rack held out of harm's way.


Gev4

Racer (and self-described outlaw) Jesse James heard about this vehicle being built and thought it would be perfect as a support vehicle for his race team, as well as the ultimate base camp explorer. Global Expedition Vehicles doesn't sell a lot of vehicles — just a few a year — but when they do, it's something special. And it's not limited to Fords. Current models are also built on Unimog, International and Mercedes-Benz chassis.

Gev3

As you might expect, these units are not cheap. Many models start at several hundred-thousand dollars and build from there. It all depends on what you want, what you need, and how deep into the backcountry you want to explore.



Fw: Ram, Mopar to Sponsor TORC Racing Series

 

From: Mike Levine
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 5:34 PM
Subject: Ram, Mopar to Sponsor TORC Racing Series


Torc1-main


Rendering courtesy of Chrysler Group LLC

By Dave Lee

The deal puts five PRO-class drivers at the wheel of a Ram truck during the 14-race TORC series, which is the one of the fastest and most punishing short-course racing series in the world. Ram and Mopar will be sponsoring the Traxxas Racing team, led by Mike and Mark Jenkins, as well as the Menzies Motorsports team owned by Steve Menzies.

Under the partnership, Ram will be the official vehicle of the series, and a Mopar Ram Runner will serve as the official pace truck. Fans at the races will have the chance to experience an off-road test drive.

"From the drag strip to the circle track, the Mopar brand has a proud heritage in racing," Mopar President and CEO Pietro Gorlier said. "We are excited to extend our presence into off-road racing, where many of our Mopar fanatics reside."

Mopar offers a conversion kit for the Ram Runner, which debuted last April at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari. The kit turns a half-ton Ram 1500 pickup truck into a hardened desert racer using components inspired by Baja trophy trucks. It includes custom body and suspension pieces such as 3-inch diameter Fox Racing internal bypass dampers at all four corners, custom upper and lower control arms for the front suspension and flared widetrack fenders.

The five drivers sponsored by Ram and Mopar are Rob MacCachren and Samuel Hubinette of Traxxas Racing and Ricky Johnson, Bryce Menzies and Luke Johnson of Menzies Motorsports.

The first race kicks off Memorial Day weekend in Buchanan, Mich.