November 9, 2009
The Hudson Project: A Diesel Powered 1947 Hudson Pickup, Driven by a Quadriplegic
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
How many of you know anything about the Hudson Motorcar Company? Show of hands….. Well, at one time it was the most popular of the “independent” car makers in America. They “stepped out” of the shadows of the others when they introduced the “Step Down” Hudson models in 1948. Before this time, they did produce a conventionally styled car, with a companion pickup truck which was discontinued in 1947. After that little history lesson, I want to introduce you to one of those Hudson Pickups, only radically altered in many ways. Introducing The Hudson Project, at this years SEMA. Read more after the jump!
November 8, 2009
My Favorite Truck at SEMA: Steve Darnell's 1947 Diamond T (W/ a 1928 Dodge "Diesel Rod")
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for the owner of this rig to show up since I landed in Vegas on Monday. This morning I took the proverbial bull-by-the-horns, and left a note inside the cab, and finally made contact. Introducing the 1947 Diamond T (Soon to be named “Mater”), along with an amazing 1928 Dodge “Diesel Rod”. Read more after the jump!
November 5, 2009
The TAC-V JAMMA V-22 ITV: Fighting for Military Sales
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
Since I’ve been assigned to the truck and off-road side of the market, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t uncover this contender for future Military Sales, The TAC-V Joint All-Terrain Modular Mobility Asset, or JAMMA for short. This vehicle is targeted for special operations users around the world. According to the builders, it’s the only armor-ready, four occupant, high-performance off-road vehicle that’s capable of being transported inside the V-22 Osprey aircraft. See more below the jump.
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November 1, 2009
Truly Frightening Ford Super Duty
By Jen Dunnaway
Editor-at-Large
Rob swears he’s seen this F650 somewhere before, but it sure was new to me. I’m pretty certain that it’s the only vehicle at SEMA whose wheels needed to be coned off for safety reasons. And, um, what’s with the jet engine in the bed? According to its website, “The Frictionator” makes 7000 hp and is the world’s only street-legal jet truck. More pics and video below the jump.
It's A Diesel!
By Jen Dunnaway
Editor-at-Large
Another thing that’s going to be huge at SEMA this year? Diesel performance, and not just on trucks. This big mean Caddy puts a hot-rod spin on the trend, with a Viva Las Vegas-style sparkle top and a pretty burly turbo peeking out of a hole in the hood. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about this badass oil-burner. Check out more pics and video after the jump!
September 3, 2009
Diesel vs. Gas
By Chris Trout
Troutster52
Contrary to popular opinion, diesel is not new. Diesel engines have a history as old as the automobile itself. However, lately, they have been the focal point of a lot of good press. Most of the aforementioned hype is coming directly from the impressive fuel efficiency. Unlike hybrid, electric and hydrogen power, diesel is a time-tested technology. However, Americans, myself included, love gas-powered vehicles. Although much of this predisposition may come from simply what we are accustomed to, there are many reasons people are reluctant to own a diesel. I will do my best to bring to your attention the advantages and disadvantages of owning a diesel, and give voice to both the diesel and gas crowds.
June 30, 2009
Turbo Diesel Pickup Running 10s
By John Coyle
Deputy Editor
Recently, most of the news about diesel engines has revolved around the fact that today’s diesel motors are not the slow, dirty powerplants of yesteryear. And while this 740HP pickup definitely isn’t slow, it sure as hell is dirty. Now, I know it’s not really fair to compare a drag-tuned truck to something like Mercedes’ Bluetec engines—the first to win certification in California in two decades—but that’s all I could think about when I was watching this clip. Seriously, a few more seconds on the starting line, and I don’t think that the driver would have been able to see anything.
March 27, 2009
What Car Do You Regret Keeping?
By Jen Dunnaway
Editor-at-Large
Yesterday, Chris asked if you had misgivings about cars you’d sold. It seems like a lot of people do, which is part of the reason I can never let go of any of my rides. But what about the flip-side of this equation: what car do you rue the day you ever laid eyes on? Typically, the car you regret will be a major basketcase–that mother of all projects, the car that will always have you broke and stumped–the ride that, demonically, develops another catastrophic problem each time you fix the one that’s currently disabling it. And yet, you can’t let it go.
My ultimate basketcase is my ‘84 diesel Escort. Sure, it’s been fun learning how to work on diesels, and I haven’t stopped working on this car since the day I bought it. It’s got a Mazda motor–the parts for it are incredibly rare and obsolete, and anything I do to it costs me about five times more than the equivalent repair on my Ford-powered Escort, which generally runs like a top. The diesel has demanded major overhauls, presented me with massive parts failures, and generated huge bills. It’s left me stranded and once even caused me to wreck. In short, the diesel Escort is the bane of my existence, and it’s a car that needs to be gotten rid of. But I can’t–and I regret it more with each successive drama.
How about you? Ever had a car you wished would just be destroyed by an act of God? Do you still have it?
March 12, 2009
What's Next: Hydraulic Hybrid Technology For Passenger Cars
By Jen Dunnaway
Editor-at-Large
A hydraulic hybrid is a high-mpg propulsion system that eliminates the need for batteries. Basically, a small diesel motor powers a hydraulic pump that fills an accumulator, which in turns sends fluid pressure to pump motors that power the wheels. Then, regenerative braking grabs back as much as 70% of the vehicle’s stopping energy to charge the system back up. The result is a 50% increase in fuel efficiency. So far, hydraulic hybrids have been limited to commercial vehicles and military applications–UPS plans on adding hydraulic hybrids to its delivery fleet this year, and a company called Hydra-Drive has developed a hydraulic-hybrid Humvee and is planning to supply the US Army with more vehicles. But now, Lightning Hybrids, a contender for the Progressive Automotive X Prize, is developing a 100 mpg passenger car prototype for the open market, the first-ever attempt to put hydraulic hybrid technology in a civilian passenger vehicle. The ride has a pretty decent quotient of retro-styled cool, with a carbon-fiber body intended to evoke the ‘63 split-window Stingray, and it opens up like a clamshell in a manner reminiscent of the Saab Aero X concept. Keep an eye on this build–it looks like it’s going to be pretty cool when it’s done. More pics below the jump, and check out Wired to read more.
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November 25, 2008
Pint Size Play Toy: Brabus Smart Car
By Mike Musto
AKA Mr. Angry
Automobiles, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. We have big ones, little ones, fat ones and skinny ones, and they all have a certain appeal to them. This weekend I found myself driving around in a car that I never thought would fit someone who’s 6′4" and 235 pounds. It was a Smart ForTwo diesel that was all tweaked up by Brabus, the crazy German tuner that takes mild-mannered Mercedes and turns them into super cars. When I first got a glimpse of this thing I was really was stunned at how small it is. I mean, it’s SMALL. However, looks can be deceiving, very deceiving.
The Smart is basically an egg on wheels. Interior room is actually quite impressive as I fit in there with no problems. The cockpit is laid out to provide you with everything you need and nothing you don’t. A big speedo with integrated fuel and temperature gauge are right in front of you, while a tachometer and clock are positioned in the middle of the dash in separate external gauge pods. The Smart also comes with a basic stereo, climate control and power windows. Again, simplicity at its finest. Seats are four-way adjustable and really don’t offer any support. Anything more than a 40 mile trip means you’ll be hurting.
Continue reading after the jump.
