hummer-hx-concept

Earlier this decade Hummers were all the rage.  The original H1 hummers, seen during the gulf war, made there way to the streets in the late 1990s. In fact an old colleague of mine had one. I believe the top speed was about 70 miles per hour, it was extra wide, not much space inside and a huge gas guzzler.  Even with all the negatives clearly visible, for a car (and truck) guy like me it was very cool!  $125K might get you into one at the time, but that was way out of my price range and I clearly had no logical need for one.

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2002 Ford Explorer

Recently Congress passed the “Cash for Clunkers” program. The program gives owners of older, low mileage, vehicles a trade in allowance of up to $4500 on the purchase of a new, higher combined mileage, vehicle. The idea is to help the auto industry improve sales volumes while also removing high fuel burning, polluting, older cars.

Currently 1 Billion dollars has been allocated and it is really unclear if that amount has been already used up. Congress is working, as we speak, to secure an additional 2 Billion to help keep the program active…

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 It’s nearly that time again, when the leaves change (ok not really in California), school is in session and when the new model year vehicles hit the show room floor.  

For true car enthusiast it’s rarely a surprise. With the internet, TV and a long list of car shows, most truly new cars are exposed long before the officially debut. Photos of the all new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro have been out for more than a year. Pictures of the restyled 2010 Ford Mustang debuted in late 2008, with a complete reveal earlier this year.  Both vehicles are now on the road and although production of the new Camaro has been a bit slow, the mustang is in full swing.

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I recently spotted Jay Leno’s newest project.  It’s a bio-diesel powered GM Jet car conceived with the partnership of GM.  It’s based on the Corvette Chassis and for now, may be more show than go.

Jay is known for having one of the most unique and interesting car collections in the world. From steam powered cars to fire engines and Muscle cars, Jay has something that every car guy and girl wants.

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I know most of the major manufacturers still make them, but nothing significantly new has taken place since 2005 in the area of small trucks.

The Ford Ranger has been around forever! and has been changed very little. This is really the last of the “small” trucks as the rest, Nissan, Toyota, Dodge and GM have moved to a mid-size model………

Due to age, Ford has been able to work out most of the kinks from the Ranger, but it still lacks refinement and versatility.  It truly is limited with an old 4 liter engine and a 2.3 that is good only for small hauling/delivery jobs and light contractor work.  How about takin

g a second look at the proposed F100?  Keep the 2.3 liter as the base engine and offer the 3.5 and 3.5 Eco-boost for the higher grades.

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