Autoblog

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

John Neff — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:41:00 EST

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery

Motor Trend magazine's 2010 Truck of the Year competition was an odd one this year. Only four models met MT's criteria of being new or substantially changed from the previous model year. Of those, only two were actual work trucks: the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Toyota Tundra 4.6-liter work truck. The other two contenders, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and Transit Connect, likely won't ever do much of the work that we normally associate with trucks (hauling, towing, etc.). Perhaps that hindered their chances at winning the coveted Golden Calipers, because the truck that did win was the purest pickup of them all.

If you hadn't guessed yet, the Motor Trend 2010 Truck of the Year is the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which was substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year. We'll let the MT editors explain why the Ram HD was their unanimous choice, but the gist is that it arrives to market a full year ahead of substantially new versions of Ford and General Motors' heavy-duty trucks. As such, it will be the reigning HD truck in nearly every category that matters to heavy-duty pickup buyers, at least for a model year or two.

Not to take away from the Dodge's victory, but we would've chosen the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor if it were our award to give. While the Ram HD no doubt beats it in every measure as a work truck, the Raptor is extra special if for no other reason than that it shows this industry of ours still has a little spark of life left. Ford deserves credit for not only driving out on a limb with the Raptor but also handing its development over to SVT, which guaranteed the final product offer legitimate high performance.

What about you? Did Motor Trend get it right or is there a more deserving Truck of the Year? Sound off in the comments. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Ford Super Duty Fire Truck developed for charity, doing good in LA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Truck, Work, Ford

2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty Fire Truck - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're always up for a good cause, and that's exactly what this Ford Super Duty Fire Truck represents. According to Ford, it will make an initial $10,000 contribution to the Los Angeles County Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund, plus $10 for each person that visits its stand at the LA Auto Show and another $20 for every person that takes a test drive in a new Ford vehicle throughout the duration of the show - up to a maximum of another $6,000 per day.

Naturally, Ford is looking for a little exposure along the way, and we don't really have any problem with that. After all, it's certainly not uncommon to see Super Duty chassis cabs upfitted as fire department vehicles, and that's exactly what Ford has on display right now in LA. Included in the makeover are a 300-gallon water tank, eight-gallon foam cell, two pumps, an electric rewind reel with 150 feet of hose, three-stage winch with 8,000-pound capacity and 100 feet of wire rope.

Naturally, the top-spec 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel Power Stroke V8 engine is present and accounted for, along with a heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission that features available Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO), which allows the truck's engine to power axillary equipment whether the truck is stationary or in motion. See more in the press release after the break and check out our photo gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford F-550 Super Duty Fire Truck

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford Super Duty Fire Truck developed for charity, doing good in LA

LA 2009: Ford Super Duty Fire Truck developed for charity, doing good in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra maps out 'potential' U.S. dealer network for forthcoming small diesel pickup

Chris Paukert — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Work, India, Diesel, Off-Road

Mahindra 'potential' dealer network - Click above to enlarge

No, you're not looking at yet another voting map, or even a topographical depiction of the WalMarting of America (trust us, you don't want to see that). The image seen above is that of Mahindra's "dealership network." We're putting quotes on that because the Indian automaker says on its website that the dots represent only "potential" outlets for their forthcoming small diesel pickup trucks.

Even if the map hasn't been finalized (and doesn't have an associated time frame for each franchise coming on-line), the map is interesting because it illustrates widespread interest in the brand. Credit for that in part should go to the promise of a robust, cheap, and fuel-efficient small truck from a major global player - but it should be equally predictable because there are lots of showrooms sitting empty (or on their way to doing so) thanks to the downsizing of dealer networks associated with General Motors, Chrysler and other automakers.

We could have predicted widespread traction for the brand in regions like the Midwest and even the Northeast, but the concentration of likely franchises in Florida surprises us. Either way, we'll have to wait a bit longer to see just who finally ends up selling the automaker's TR20 and TR40 models - they are expected to go on sale in the first quarter of next year. Hat tip to Sunny B!

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Mahindra]

Mahindra maps out 'potential' U.S. dealer network for forthcoming small diesel pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Dodge, Fiat

Fiat Doblo - click above for high-res gallery

You're feasting your eyes on Fiat's new Doblo. First debuting in 2001, Fiat has manged to sell over one million Doblos, both as panel work vans (know as the Doblo Cargo) and as five or seven passenger "leisure activity vehicles." This is the first ground-up redesign in the Doblo's relatively short life, and we're thinking Fiat might have bigger plans for its tiny work truck.

If you look closely at Chrysler's five-year plan, you'll see the following bullet point, "Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)." So let's see... small commercial van, supplied by Fiat... we're thinking they mean the Doblo. And with the Ford Transit Connect doing well in the U.S., the Doblo might find some takers. But, whatever Fiat brings over as a new Ram is still a few years off. Until then, chew on the fact that a version of the Doblo is made and sold in North Korea as the Ppeokkugi. Full press release, after the jump.

Gallery: Fiat Doblo and Fiat Doble Cargo

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect?

Fiat reveals new Doblo... will it come to America to challenge Ford's Transit Connect? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Work, Celebrities, Specialty

We're not precisely sure how to treat this one, so we're going to go ahead and use the "jump in with both feet" method. TLC is launching a new reality show called Family Armor that follows the exploits of two Mormon brothers-in-law that build bulletproof cars for a living. That doesn't sounds so sexy. Try this quote from the press release on for size:

"When not at the factory, Trent is the father of six rowdy children and married to his live-wire of a wife, Courtney. Jason and his wife Lacy are first-time parents, working to catch up in the baby race. Trent and Jason devote their time to work, kin and religion...and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow things up."

Yeah! Much better, right? It's such a hairbrained, preposterous, stretch of an idea for a show that it just might work. Now, we know they're on different networks, but if Family Armor can somehow hook up with The Real Housewives of Atlanta, well, fireworks people - fireworks! Full press release after the jump.

[Source: TLC]

Continue reading New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Heavy Equipment Calendar is for you who like your pinups big and dirty

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Work

2010 Heavy Equipment Calendar - Click above for image gallery

Sure, there's a Porsche calendar and a Mini calendar, but what if you're the kind of enthusiast who likes the bigger things in life - and we mean really big. Like, industrial-mining and earth-moving big. If so, then the 2010 Heavy Equipment Calendar is for you. The folks at Baumaschinen24 spent four months all over Europe capturing some of the biggest objects man has ever built , such as the Terex O&K RH120-E Mining Excavator, in slinky, naked, dirt-flinging poses.

As with the date-keepers from Pirelli et al, there's quite a bit of airbrushing. Still, as a symbol of what went into it, its makers call it "THE Construction Equipment Calendar," to distinguish it from all those other construction calendars you've been eying. It's available now for €29.80 ($44.69 U.S.), and make sure you check out the 'Making of' section at the site. Sports Illustrated, watch out... Hat tip to Jens.

Gallery: 2010 Heavy Equipment Calendar

[Source: Bauforum24]

2010 Heavy Equipment Calendar is for you who like your pinups big and dirty originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Ford announces it will build all-new Police Interceptor for 2011

Chris Paukert — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Work, Ford, Australia, Specialty

In a surprise move, Ford has announced that it will pursue the development of an all-new Police Interceptor model. The move comes on the heels of General Motors' announcement that it plans to challenge the Crown Victoria's law enforcement dominance with its own heavy-duty Chevrolet Caprice sedan.

Details are slim, but Ford says the forthcoming PI will arrive in 2011 and it will sport durability, safety, and performance parameters that are superior to that of the Jurassic Panther-platform Crown Vic. Given the relatively tight timeframe and durability targets, we have to assume that the replacement cop car could be based on the rear-drive Australian-market Ford Falcon shown above. The Blue Oval promises that the car will be engineered and built in America, so it could also be an Ecoboost version of the Ford Taurus (as seen in the SHO), but front-drive cars have had trouble meeting the durability and cost requirements of police duty in the past, making this something of an open question. In an official release posted after the jump, Ford says it will disclose full vehicle specs in the first quarter of 2010, which should give enough time for both law enforcement and police vehicle equipment manufacturers to prepare for the changeover.

Ford says it presently shifts about 45,000 of the 60,000 police cars sold in the States each year, so it makes sense that Dearborn would not be willing to cede this market to Chevy's Caprice and the already established Dodge Charger.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading BREAKING: Ford announces it will build all-new Police Interceptor for 2011

BREAKING: Ford announces it will build all-new Police Interceptor for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why a boat-tail semi isn't as silly as it might sound

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Technology, Work

Sure, a six-foot protrusion sticking off the rear end of any vehicle is kinda funny looking. Unless we're talking about a Porsche 917/30 or a Plymouth Superbird. Those cars have some very fine rear extensions. Okay, fine - a six-foot protrusion looks a little bit weird when growing out of a semi-truck's rear. Happy?

But a boat-tailed tractor trailer might be just what we need. Why? Because when fitted with such a piece of aerodynamic kit, total fuel-consumption reportedly drops by 7.5%. The tests in question were conducted by the Dutch PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport) public-private partnership platform on public roads. One truck without any aero-aid was driven around for a year, as was another truck with the boat-tail.

Not only did the boat-tailed machine get a 7.5% fuel economy bump, but at the same time, emissions were slashed by about the same margin. Even though these numbers are indeed promising, PART wants to figure out a way to reduce semi truck fuel consumption and emissions by 20%.

[Source: Science Daily]

Why a boat-tail semi isn't as silly as it might sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Work, Mercedes-Benz

Last year, there were 350 dealers selling Sprinters, but the signs in front of those dealerships had the word "Dodge" on them. Now that Sprinters have been pulled from Chrysler's pipeline, Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz has established its own U.S. van subsidiary and is canvassing dealers to sell the hardy haulers.

Of the 165 Mercedes and Freightliner dealers invited to add Sprinters to their lineups, 143 have accepted the call. Even though 14,600 Sprinters were moved through Dodge outlets and another 3,682 by Freightliner, Mercedes set the minimum for its dealers at 30 vans annually to begin with.

If you're looking for a Sprinter, you'll probably be able to find it with a three-pointed star early next year. In the meantime, dealers are creating the necessary showroom space and adding repair bay features to deal with the big boxes.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd.]

Still want a Sprinter? 100 Mercedes dealers sign on to sell big van originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Work, Specialty

The Proud American and Bonneville Boss - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before our favorite weekly Southern California car gathering this Saturday, we had been told by a friend that he'd be bringing his new rocket truck. Rocket truck? What the heck's a rocket truck? Visions of rocket-powered pickups and semis running the quarter mile immediately came to mind. Did some drag racer sell Tom his race truck? Is that what he was bringing to the show?

As soon as we came around the corner we knew he hadn't. We knew this with absolute certainty because we saw a giant nosecone towering above the treeline. There was, in fact, a rocket-powered land speed record (LSR) car positioned at a launch-worthy angle atop a most amazing truck. Rocket, truck... Rocket truck. Makes sense now. But what was this thing and where did it come from? You can read the whole wacky story after the jump.

Gallery: Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss"

Continue reading The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck

The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Autoline on Autoblog

CHRYSLER CONSIDERS GETTING BACK INTO BIG RIGS

One of the more intriguing tidbits that dribbled out of Chrysler's grueling 8-hour press conference on Wednesday is that the company is considering getting back into the heavy truck business. They're not talking about heavy duty pick-ups, they're talking about 18-wheelers.

Up until the early 1970's Dodge sold heavy trucks, including semi-tractors. In fact, Dodge trucks were famous the world over. But like GM and Ford, the Chrysler Corporation decided to get out of that business at a time when the commercial truck sector was under pressure.

When times are good heavy trucks generate a significant amount of profits. Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota (Hino), Nissan and Mitsubishi (Fuso) are still in the business. But it takes a lot of capital investment to get into and stay in the highly cyclical heavy truck segment, which is why the American car companies abandoned that market years ago.

In this case, the idea to get Chrysler back into the heavy truck market is Fiat's, not Chrysler's. And that is precisely why this could actually happen.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fun, frolic and destruction with a dump truck at Detroit's Packard plant

Alex Nunez — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Work, Humor

This dump truck is going to take a dive - Click above to watch the video

In future Detroit, pushing a junked dump truck out of a fourth floor window at the old Packard plant might result in a swarm of gen-1 Taurus police cars surrounding the building, and, if you're particularly unlucky, intervention by ED-209. ("You have 20 seconds to comply...").

In the present day, this creative bit of criminal mischief gets you featured on The Wall Street Journal website. Go figure! Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fun, frolic and destruction with a dump truck at Detroit's Packard plant

VIDEO: Fun, frolic and destruction with a dump truck at Detroit's Packard plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ram brand may enter heavy-duty 18-wheeler market

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Dodge

2007 Dodge Ram BFT Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the passing note about considering a unibody replacement for the slow-selling Dodge Dakota, Ram CEO Fred Diaz said (with conviction...!) that they are strongly considering entering the heavy-duty 18-wheeler market with the Ram brand.

Interesting, no? The consumer-grade pickup that popularized the big rig styling on a smaller scale might make the jump up the ranks and into the heavy-hauler market. In the past, Dodge has teamed up with both Sterling and Freightliner - both of which are big players in the large truck marketplace - and the Ram brand is sure to keep up its current partnership with heavy truck engine maker Cummins. In other words, it might not be as big a leap as you may at first think to see a Ram-badged 18-wheeler rolling down a highway near you within the next few years.

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Dodge Ram BFT

Ram brand may enter heavy-duty 18-wheeler market originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: A quintet of concept Scions leaves us hungry for more

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Work, Hatchback, Scion, Specialty

2009 SEMA Scion xB DJ 2.0 Concept by Five Axis - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just like last year, Scion had a group of tuners develop a whole range of models for SEMA 2009. Clustered in one corner of the Central Hall, the group included the Brandon Leung pickup and 0-60 Rally xD we showed you earlier, as well as another handful of tricked out Toyota lites.

First up was the Epic Cartel tC, the only tC in the group and a unique take on open-air motoring and completes what they are calling the Trilogy/Cartel Open Air Collection.

Next up was the xB DJ 2.0 by Five Axis (above). With its widened track and massive contrasting wheel arches it looked like it was ready for some Touring Car duty, but the real purpose was what lay inside: A full mobile DJ set-up. Sadly, it was locked up when we went by for a peek.

Eneri Abillar did up an xB for the xB Tuner Challenge, with a fairly straightforward tuner look and some blazing red-orange paint. Suspension, brakes and engine upgrades made this a runner too.

It was similar to the xB done by Peter Colello, although his was blue, didn't have the Greddy turbo, opting for a BullsEye Power T04B instead. The inside was a wild mix of alcantara, speakers, roll cage and gauges.

The one we had wanted to see the most, however, was the Scion xD by MV Designz. When we saw the name of it in the preview, we had hoped we'd finally get to taste the elusive, underground, Korean BBQ from Kogi. When closed up, the xD looks a lot like any other Scion runabout. When opened, it transforms into a mobile kitchen, complete with fridge, sink, cutting board and grill! Sadly, it was closed for business when we stopped by so no Kogi once again. We promise to check back regularly though.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The Scions of SEMA

SEMA 2009: A quintet of concept Scions leaves us hungry for more originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

Chris Shunk — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, First Drive

2010 Dodge Ram HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 1993, truck drivers had no choice but to depend on domestic automakers for work-ready pickups, and only Ford and General Motors offered competitive haulers. That all changed a year later when Dodge set the pickup truck market on its leaf springs with the introduction of its all-new Ram. With a big-rig appearance thanks to an imposing front grille that looked ready to kick you in the Truck Nutz, Dodge's truck sales tripled inside of 12 months and gave load-hauling manly men a real alternative to Ford and Chevy. But while Dodge hit a home run with the 1994 Ram, the Penta-horned brand didn't have a heavy-duty option in its lineup until 2003, and an all-important diesel powerplant didn't come online until 2004. In 2008, Dodge filled out its pickup lineup with heavy-duty 4500 and 5500 variants, finally giving Chrysler's trucking arm the range of choices necessary to get plucky with the competition from Detroit and Dearborn.

Last year, Dodge introduced a new light-duty Ram, with sleek updated aesthetics and controversial coil springs that provide a superior ride at the expense of some towing and hauling capability. Fast-forward a year and the truckmakers at Chrysler are set to unleash a new heavy-duty Ram that's been redesigned to provide customers more capability, more options and a better ride while competing against offerings from its crosstown rivals with a lower cost of entry. We headed out to Ann Arbor, MI to drive, tow, brake, climb and traverse in the new Ram HD to see if Chrysler's truck team has succeeded. Follow along with us after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds

First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD comes strong with more models, configurations and classier duds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: The rest of the best from Ford and Lincoln

John Neff — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Minivan/Van, Performance, SUV, Truck, Work, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, Specialty

2009 Ford SEMA vehicles - Click above for image gallery

In addition to the slew of Mustangs that will be at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next week, Ford has well over a dozen more vehicles represented including perennial favorites like the Focus, Fusion, Flex and F-150, as well as newcomers like the Taurus SHO, Transit Connect and MKS.

Our personal faves include the Taurus "Best of SHO" by MRT-Direct that improves on the stock SHO with a subtle ground effects kit and vented hood, as well as adds performance improvements through tweaks of EcoBoost engine's turbocharging system and exhaust. Another cool newbie is the Transit Connect by Azentek and Grant Products that features a road-hugging body kit on the outside and a pull-out kitchen and upper bunk bed on the inside.

Our two favorites F-150s that will be on display at SEMA are the "Freedom Truck" that pays tribute to all those who have served in the U.S. armed forces with a patriotic paint job and the Super Duty DeWALT Contractor "Concept", the latter of which looks like a contractor's dream come true.

You can check out all the remaining SEMA vehicles from FoMoCo in the gallery below, complete with descriptions attached for each model.

Gallery: Ford and Lincoln at SEMA 2009

[Source: Ford]

SEMA Preview: The rest of the best from Ford and Lincoln originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Work, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Military, Specialty

7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo - Click above for our huge image gallery

This past Sunday was the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California, and after our experience there last year, we just had to go back for more. As you might guess from the title, this is more than just another hot rod gathering. Attendees get a chance to see mega horsepower air transport as well as earthbound movers and shakers. Even better, folks can actually get up close and personal with military vehicles, airplanes, jets and helicopters too. It's like an open house for the military, with a few hundred muscle cars thrown in for good measure. Hot rodders (and bikers) tend to be a fairly patriotic bunch, so the combination is a perfect match. Make the jump for our report from the ground.

Gallery: 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo

Continue reading Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Dodge Ram HD priced from $28,165 and Power Wagon returns!

Chris Shunk — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, Diesel

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty is ready to put some pressure on Ford and Chevrolet with new sheet metal and added capability, as well as lead the way as the first product under the new Ram brand banner. But the Ram team isn't content to compete on product alone, as Chrysler's horned division is also revealing some very competitive pricing today. The Dodge Ram's bread and butter work truck, the 2500 4X2 ST Regular Cab with the eight foot box, starts at $28,165 including $950 destination, which is $1,970 cheaper than the 2009 model. Dodge is also offering a Crew Cab configuration for the first time. Choose the 2500 crew cab SLT 4x4 and you pay $39,430 or $40 less than the 2009 Quad Cab.

If a three-quarter ton pickup isn't manly enough for you, the new 3500 can be had for a few more greenbacks. The 3500 4x2 Reg Cab ST with the eight-foot box retails for $35,630, but if you like to do your trucking in the lap of luxury you can also opt for the 3500 4x4 Crew Cab Laramie for (gulp) $51,095. The Ram brand has also seen fit to resurrect ye old Power Wagon moniker as an available trim level. Available only as a 2500 4x4 Crew Cab model with a 6-foot-4-inch box, the Power Wagon starts at $45,780 and features electric-locking front and rear differentials, an electronic disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein shocks, 32-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires, underbody skid plate protection, a 4.56 axle ratio for hill climbing and a custom-built Warn 12,000-pound winch. Aesthetically, the Power Wagon gets unique graphics and a lower two-tone paint scheme.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Ram HD, with pricing for every combination known to man (we count 43). You can also click below for a high-res image gallery of some heavy duty Rams we tested at Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Ground. Stay tuned for our First Drive report.

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2010 Dodge Ram HD priced from $28,165 and Power Wagon returns!

2010 Dodge Ram HD priced from $28,165 and Power Wagon returns! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST

Filed under: Work, GM, Hummer, Specialty, Electric

Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.

According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.

With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should also be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.

Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Vehicle Production Group MV-1

[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]

AM General to build VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram CEO gets interviewed, reveals tough job ahead

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge

When Chrysler announced plans to spin off the Ram brand from the Dodge division, more questions than answers were left in its wake. So the truck-obsessives at Pickuptrucks.com sat down with the newly-appointed President and CEO of the Ram brand, Fred Diaz Jr., to suss out the details - to varying levels of success.

As expected, the 20-year Chrysler veteran did the executive shuffle around Pickuptrucks.com's most pointed questions, but it's clear Chrysler has plans to market and advertise the newly-formed truck and commercial vehicle division separately from its former Dodge umbrella.

Diaz didn't divulge much about how Ram will be differentiated from its former parent, only saying, "The car side is definitely going to be marketed and branded different than the Ram brand, which is all about trucks and their capabilities."

On November 4, Chrysler is holding a lengthy press event where the automaker is expected to divulge some of its future product plans and how each individual brand will be marketed going forward. While we've already heard rumblings (and seen one TV spot) of Chrysler's attempted move upmarket, it's unclear how Dodge will be positioned. The smart money is on a more performance and consumer oriented image (similar to Chevrolet), while Ram is sure to capitalize on its rough-and-tumble truck persona. To that end, Diaz told Pickuptrucks.com, "At the end of the day, the Ram [pickup] will still have some Dodge DNA to it. Anything that's a real, true truck is part of Ram and the Ram brand going forward."

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]

Dodge Ram CEO gets interviewed, reveals tough job ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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