I love a good diesel engine and when combined with engine braking it is even better. Growing up in logging country, the sound of Jake Brakes was very common. I never minded the putt-putt sound of Jake Brakes, but it drove some people nuts. No worries, this Duramax's engine braking won't send anyone from the hills. Enjoy the video!
If you really want to relive the action, you can buy this Peterbilt Jake Brake switch cover. Fun!
California Autos Examiner
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Duramax Diesel struts its stuff
Saturday, March 27, 2010
More wagon than you have a right to?
It is no secret that I love wagons. Wagons of all shapes and sizes. Sadly in this country, wagons keep getting screwed over. Mercedes pulled its C-Class wagon when the latest C-Class debuted, BMW is pulling its 5-Series wagon in favor of the oddly shaped and hugely overpriced GT, Volvo (V70 wagon is leaving the US) and Subaru (Legacy wagon is long gone) seem to feel that they can only sell wagons that have been puffed up to look like crossovers (they are probably right), Ford is repackaging the former Freestyle as the new Explorer and the list goes on.
Enter the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon which proudly proclaims, "I'm just a wagon, not a jacked up, pseudo utility vehicle." Bold. Of course, it must battle the brand's own SRX crossover and Cadillac has already had to adjust the wagon's pricing because consumers were choosing the SRX "for a few dollars more."
Now Cadillac is testing the waters with this CTS-V concept wagon. While many blog readers have been screaming for it, I am unclear as to how many would fork over 60+ grand for such an all conquering wagon.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Mercedes R-Class gets better looking
I have always liked the idea of the R-Class, I've just never liked the family hauler in person. Just compare the redesign model with the current edition below, see what I mean?
I doesn't look nearly as much like an ant eater. Combine with the available BlueTEC diesel and I am very interested! Of course, by interested I don't mean that I'd buy one. The starting price on a current edition BlueTEC is $51,675 with delivery. Throw in some popular options and you are looking at 60 grand and you don't even get real leather for that price.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Toyota makes it official: Lexus CT 200h hybrid will be sold in the United States
Lexus CT 200h (Courtesy: Lexus)
The announcement ends months of "Will they? Won't they?" speculation on whether or not the premium hatch will join the Lexus HS 250h as Lexus' second dedicated hybrid and fifth hybrid vehicle its United States line-up.
You can view a nice gallery of exterior and interior Lexus CT 200h photos in the slideshow below this linked slideshow.
The new CT 200h is arguably much better looking than the HS, but some petrol heads have wondered out loud if a premium Lexus hatch would resound with US buyers.
Conditions seem to be changing in the US market when it comes to hatchbacks. One has MINI to thank largely for the acceptance of premium hatches here in the United States although a supporting case can certainly be made for the Volkswagen GTI. Over the next few years, many well-equipped hatchbacks will be pouring into showrooms from a wide variety of manufacturers, a great development for US buyers.
A premium Lexus hatchback has been rumored since 2005 and was envisioned by master auto illustrator Mark Stehrenberger in this drawing (please note that while Autoblog used this picture in 2009, Mark actually penned it years in advance).
If you read this CarSpyshots.net forum thread dating back to 2005, it is interesting to read so many comments about how a Lexus hatchback would likely never be sold in the USA. It is a testament to how far this market has come in five years that few question the decision today.
Full Toyota press release is quoted below:
Thursday, March 04, 2010
We don't have to wait for the weather, we make it
Pretty cool video on how GM tests its vehicles in a climatic wind tunnel. This place can range from -40F up to 140F. That means you can simulate Arctic Circle to Death Valley.
2011 Volkswagen Touareg debuts: Weighs less, thriftier on fuel
2011 Volkswagen Touareg (Courtesy: Volkswagen)
You can view more images of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg in this linked slideshow.
The base model has been to Jenny Craig and has lost an amazing 460 pounds in the process. There will be gasoline-hybrid, diesel and traditional gasoline powered models available. All engine options will be yoked to an eight speed automatic transmission. Overall the new 2011 Touareg is said to be 20 percent more efficient.
As mentioned above, Volkswagen did remove some extreme off-roading capability that most buyers never used from the base model, but you can get a "Terrain Tech Packet" (they'll probably change that name for US models) that features a more rugged transfer case designed for off-road duty, reduction gearing and center and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking.
The interior of the first Touareg was always a highlight and the next generation looks to keep that streak going. What remains to be seen is what Volkswagen has done about the quality of the Touareg. The first generation model was dinged by many for faults continuously appearing. At one point Volkswagen even handed out airline vouchers to disgruntled owners.
Provided that Volkswagen can get its quality house in order, the new Touareg looks be an attractive, efficient sequel to what was a very handsome original.
Full press release is quoted below:
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Honda Odyssey Concept foreshadows a more rakish 2011 production van
Honda Odyssey concept (Courtesy: Honda)
Be sure to check out the this linked image gallery for all the official images of the Honda Odyssey concept.
The Odyssey "concept" is very close to the model that will be shipping to dealers later this year. The most radical view of the van is its side profile with a "lightning-bolt" design that brings to mind the Lincoln MKT. The roofline is 1 inch lower and the van is about 1.4 inches wider than the current model.
Honda is aiming for EPA ratings of 19 city and 28 highway. Outside of those stated specifications, there were no other major details released today. The interior was only shown in sketch form.
The full press release from Honda is quoted below.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
I'm back: Literally
After a rather painful back injury I am "back" on the case. Thanks for all those who kept on stopping by. Fresh content is headed your way soon!
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