That Futurliner we mentioned the other day just went for $4.1 million at Barrett Jackson. New record price.
A number of really great older trucks have been going across the block at pretty reasonable prices, all things considered. Here’s a few:
1960 El Camino $21,060.00
1957 GMC 1/2 Ton Stepside $50,220.00
1948 FORD F-4 1 Ton Dually $11,880.00
1960 FORD F-100 Stepside custom $27,540.00
1940 FORD 1/2 Ton $54,000.00
1956 FORD F-100 $60,480.00
That last F-100 there had a 383 Chevy Stroker in it and it looked really nice. There’s a lot more auction, it runs through this weekend, so tune in and see what happens.
Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG, indicates there will be more diesels in Chrysler’s line up before long.
We are installing BlueTec (diesel technology) in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. How far we will stretch this technology in the Chrysler product lineup is not finally decided at this time. But quite definitely, DaimlerChrysler, including the different brands, is serious in leveraging the opportunity this technology builds for the U.S. market.
The advantages of diesels are many, as most truck guys already know, and the advanced diesel technology available in Europe for some time, is now coming over to the States because of the stricter emissions regulations. This is a positive sign and we look forward to seeing these engines appearing in trucks as soon as possible.
Steve Saleen has built another high performance vehicle which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and this time it’s a truck. The S331 is based on the Ford F150 and comes in two flavors, regular and super. The normally aspirated version of the 5.4L 3 valve engine puts out 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque while the supercharged engine gives you 450 bhp @ 5200 RPM, and 500 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 RPM.
Both versions have reworked suspension, body modifications and an upgraded interior. The S331 is scheduled to go on sale next year in July of 2007. Prices are in the high $30,000 range while the supercharged version will be close to $50k.
via Inside Line
It looks like the car guys are finally catching on to diesels. Trucks have always had a strong diesel contingent, we all know they go forever, make tons of torque and get better mileage than your basic gasoline engine. When hybrids began getting popular with the car crowd, some of us kept asking, “Why not diesel?” Well, a lot of other folks are asking the same question, finally.
This year, low sulfur diesel will be available everywhere, and combined with all of the new electronics, diesels are smoke free, low emission, quiet and powerful engines. On top of that, we already have diesel mechanics all over the place. Where are you going to take your hybrid when it starts to go wrong?
Diesel engines in cars had a bad start in the U.S. and a lot of people still think of those days when they think of diesels, unfortunately for them, today’s diesels are a totally different breed and they are missing out on one of the best engine options out there when they only think gasoline or hybrid. The extra paid for a diesel is no more than you would pay for the hybrid option, maybe less, and I bet diesels are one helluva lot more durable. It will be interesting to see how the market for diesel grows this year. Maybe the car guys will finally see the light.
The Michelin Challenge Design 2006 running in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has some fascinating designs including this one, the Quasar Terragen, a hydrogen electric pickup designed by Tomas Sarnovsky from the Czech Republic. The wheels are designed with the Michelin Tweel, an airless tire design and the pickup bed can be reconfigured for extra space, it has a sort of built in bed extender. Nice thinking, neat design.
Ford unveiled its F250 Super Chief concept truck with a tri-fuel supercharged V10 engine and it is one imposing vehicle. The gasoline, ethanol, hydrogen capable engine can drive this truck for up to 500 miles between fillups. The interior is at an ultimate luxury level and reflects the open view of the Super Chief trains with their observation cars since this F250 has a glass roof divided by a leather wrapped grid.
Along with loads of high technology it also features a blocker beam designed to prevent cars from sliding underneath in the event of a collision.
If you like the big Super Duty Fords, you’ll love this one. Very nice.
source: Ford
