The F Series line of pickups from Ford have stood the test of time.  I myself have owned two different ones, a 97 F150 and an 04 F150, both of which I was very happy with.  Dependability, performance, even a little luxury, but maybe they weren't quite as rugged as I would have liked.  That's why Ford offers Super Duty F Series options, for those who really need to beat up their trucks.

The redesigned 2011 Super Duty will over 2 different engine configurations.  The gasoline V8 will be a whopping 6.2 liters, while the diesel version will be a 6.7 turbo charged v8.  Either one sounds like they won't have any trouble pulling whatever you might be able to hook up to.  Also, thanks to Ford's relentless pursuit of efficiency, just because you need a big dog doesn't mean it will eat like one.  Ford claims that the new Diesel 2011 Super Duty will be the best-in-class for fuel economy.

2011 Ford Super Duty

Green News

The Chevy Volt and other electric, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicles need high gas prices.  Without the threat looming of $4 per gallon gasoline it makes it difficult to stomach a $40,000 investment, in some cases.  Obviously the higher the fuel prices the shorter time it takes to break even and to have the electric car start actually saving you money.

Looking at it this way makes me look like I hate the environment, but that's not the case.  I'm all for doing my part to keep the Earth green and blue, but not at the cost of being in debt up to my eye balls without any return.  There must be a breaking point, where investment shows return, even when talking about green technology.  So, I guess this idea only applies to those who aren't independently wealthy green freaks.

No doubt if fuel prices remain relatively low it will devastate the huge investment companies like Chevrolet have made with the Volt.  Everyone was able to jump on board the research and development when gas prices were high, but what will happen financially to the company now that sales will be directly effected by the fuel prices?  Surely there will be more financial incentive to buy a new all electric car or at least lower the expected price all across the board.

I hope that we will see falling vehicle prices on all cars, trucks, suv's, and not just the special niche green market.  The idea that a vehicle should cost 1/2 as much as most peoples homes is getting to be a little bit ridiculous.  Let's start by slashing that all electric Chevy Volt price.

Seems like 'All New' is the number one method used to increase sales in a recession, at least for automobile manufacturers like Ford.  The all new 2010 Taurus is no exception, marking yet another generation change for the popular sedan.  Ford is labeling it, "Americas Smartest Full Size Sedan."

Personally, I love it, everything about it.  The new redesign doesn't remind of the 4 door sedans elder and instead looks on par with the edgier luxury sedans on the market.  Also, it doesn't quite scream reworked 500, like the previous generation, rather an entire new concept for the Taurus.

Consider this, buyers will be able to put one of the 2010 Ford Taurus into their drive way for around $26,000.  A very attractive price point considering the complete revamping of the line and luxurious feel.

Subaru has announced that they will be opening 9 more Zone Offices in the United States.  Zone Offices are what Subaru calls their dealer support offices, to help create a localized market presence.  The total number of Zone Offices will be 12, once these 9 are opened.

Unlike the usual automotive manufacturer news, Subaru has actually seen an increase in sales over the past 3 months.

"We have made great strides over the past few years improving our
performance in a challenging marketplace. We have our best ever product
line-up, a marketing strategy that is successfully building the brand and
increasing dealership traffic, and we are continually improving our dealer
network. The increase in the number of SOA zone offices will allow us to work
even more closely with our dealers and help us meet our medium and long-term
business goals and sales objectives."

According to Subaru, these new offices will be functional come January 1st, 2010.

Forget your dreams about owning one of the smallest and fastest cars ever created by Dodge.  The 2010 Caliber SRT4 has been discontinued and will not be put back into production in the foreseeable future.

For all intents and purposes the boring line of Dodge Calibers has remained unchanged.  However, the 285hp turbo charged 4 cylinder will not be available as an option.

Yes, I can hear all 4 of you sighing and upset at your chances to own a Dodge Caliber SRT4, so here are some images of SRT4's that will never be.  Seems like it was just yesterday we were reporting on the upcoming 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT 4.

Buy A Caliber SRT4 off of eBay:

Dodge Caliber SRT 4 Rare 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT 4 LOADED MINT 2K miles    US $17,500.00

Dodge Caliber SRT4 2008 Black Caliber SRT LOADED LIKE NEW FAST NO RES    US $16,995.00

Well, they all have spots on Leno, of course.

Jay Leno took a step down (or up) from late night TV and started broadcasting in Prime Time.  Well, Ford is taking advantage of this exposure and Leno's love for vehicles, to help get the American public accustomed to driving Electric vehicles.  That's why the Sept 18th show will feature Drew Barrymore racing a new all electric Ford Focus.

The car Barrymore will be driving won't actually be available until sometime in 2011, so don't get out your checkbooks just yet.  However, it might not be a bad idea to start saving now.  Most estimates put the new all electric Ford Focus at $10,000 higher than it's all gasoline counter part.  eeek!

I'm sorry, I just don't agree with the greenies that the SUV will go the way of the DoDo Bird.  I think the SUV will be around, in some form, for a long time to come, because you can't haul kids to soccer practice in a glorified golf cart.  Apparently Cadillac agrees and has applied great focus to their upcoming 2010 Cadillac SRX.

Cadillac has directly targeted the Lexus SUV market with this addition to their lineup.  Most professional reviews of this Luxury Crossover declare this a clear winner for those looking to purchase a luxury SUV.  And to up the ante, Cadillac has announced the 2010 SRX will come with an optional Turbo Charged V6.  That means market competitors will have to worry about a growling 300hp beast in the woods.

Toyota announced that they will be showing off their latest in green technology at the Frnakfurt Auto Show with the Plug-In Prius hybrid.  The all new Prius is known as the 2010 PHV or plug-in hybrid vehicle will be released later this year, with Toyota promising 500 sold to fleets world wide.

Unlike other traditional Plug-In style electric cars, the 2010 Prius PHV will only have a limited distance of 12 miles to run on battery alone.  After reaching a distance of 12 miles the plug-in battery is depleted and the Prius returns to standard hybrid mode.  The hybrid mode of this PHV is similar to that of what's found in existing model Toyota Prius's.

Lexus is counting on buyers going smaller and more efficient in the years to come.  And why not?  With the success of the US governments clunker program and other incentives why wouldn't someone buy a fuel efficient daily driver?

Lexus has released a picture of what they think the future of luxury hybrids will be, with the LF-Ch concept.  View the pics below and chime in with your opinions.  I personally don't think anyone looking for expensive luxury would have any need for a smaller package.  But perhaps Lexus is hoping to flesh out a new niche, not yet attained by competing manufacturers.

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid