Domestic car manufacturers were handed a big helping hand a few weeks ago, when Toyota announced the recall of 2.3million vehicles.  Toyota has already been fighting back the consumer backlash, spending a fortune on recall fixes, advertising, and supporting their local dealers to gain back trust.  So, as expected, domestic manufacturers have seen a slight up tic in sales, but will it last?

I suspect the disdain for Toyota won't last and with the money Honda spent on Super Bowl ads we should expect them to gain a larger portion of market share.  Now I have to ask myself, what does America need, to compete in this economy and against steep competition from imports?  I believe the answer lies in a budget friendly car and by that, I mean cheap.

Cheap means different things to different people.  To some, cheap means value, how much they get for the money they spend.  However,  in this situation, when I say cheap, I mean a brand new car, decent equipped for less than $10,000.  We don't need a Toyota Scion knock off and we don't need another throw away car, what we need is a cheap car that is easy to work on, a vehicle built by Americans for Americans.

Originally when Toyota announced the release of a Scion branded small car, I believe it was intended to fill this niche market.  Perhaps the niche proved too profitable and the demand for their go-kart style cars became too much, so like any good Capitalist they raised their prices.  Now it's not unusual to see Scions go for $17,000+, still a good deal in comparison to $25,000 cars, but not cheap enough.

Americans need a reliable vehicle they can purchase for under $10k, which is roomy enough to appeal to families.  This car needs to be serviceable, meaning drop all the bells and whistles, roll back the technology to a decade ago...or even further.  I understand the need for smog equipment, but lets leave off the equipment that takes millions of dollars worth or research and development.  Give me an engine bay that has enough room to turn a wrench and less electronics and I'll show you a happy consumer willing to get dirty, rather than go deeper in debt.

A car serves a purpose, get from point A to point B.  The problem comes when manufacturers decide that it's not profitable enough to fill that need, so they create a need in the mind of the consumer.  I need power windows, I need advanced engine computer controls, I need power seats.  These things are not needs, but they are all too soon becoming standard equipment, driving that inexpensive car price tag, to that of a luxury car just a few short years ago.  We need a company that can get this ideal across and sell it well.

The company, ideally a spin off from one of the Big 3, should embrace the culture of do-it-yourselfers and those wanting to live a lifestyle away from status symbols.  This company should spend marketing dollars on showing the value of having a reliable mid-size car capable of fulfilling a need and show what the money wasted on other products can now pay for.  A better life, away from debt, away from worry if it breaks down, and away from the stigma of a throwaway car.

This new market niche can be created, it can be exploited, and can be profitable based on volume.  We can have nice cars built for less than $10k, but as Americans we have to be taught that the most important aspect of a car is its ability to reach point B.  This new market won't care about $1 million prototypes or how shiny the concept model looked at the Detroit Auto Show.  This new market will fall in love with a car they can repair in their drive way and be proud to take the kids to school in.

It's a bold and brave endeavor, if only somebody would step up to the task.

The Honda rumor mill is at it again and this time it involves a hybrid, Type R attention, and enough hope to make it to reality.  A lot of industry experts were caught swooning over the debut of the Honda CR-Z at the Detroit Auto Show, but now the possibility of a Type R pampered CR-Z has those same people picking their jaws up off the floor.  A Honda hybrid sport coupe with a Type R badge, meaning ready for the twisty turns with power to spare.

The ones responsible for this Type R CR-Z rumor state that the standard CR-Z will be released with a 105 horsepower traditional motor and a 20 horsepower electric motor.  Once wrapped in Type R badging the new CR-Z will be equipped with a 150 horsepower traditional motor and an even more potent 50 horsepower electric.

Of course we all know the details will be in the handling and other amenities.  We can only stand around and hold our breath until Honda makes an official announcement.  Until then, check out the Honda CR-Z pics below.

It began as a rumor, but now confirmed by Toyota, the Lexus CT 200h will not becoming to the US market any time soon.  A spokesman for Toyota was quoted as saying, "There are no plans, at present, to bring this vehicle to the U.S."

The CT 200h will be the first and only full hybrid luxury compact on the market.  My guess is because there really isn't a market, at least in this economy.  Who needs a status symbol in the drive way when you can have something much nicer for half as much?

Toyota can keep their Lexus CT 200h.

If the Super Bowl ads weren't enough to convince you that real men want Dodge vehicles, then perhaps their latest color option will have you questioning your manhood.  Dodge has released the most vibrant pink color I've ever seen and it's called Furious Fuchsia.  Yes, that's how it's spelled, but I always type fuschia instead, so whatever makes you happy.

It's basically one step away from being an Avon Hemi or an Avon R/T.  But Dodge is convinced that it's the next step in gaining market share, so they've released these pink neon muscle cars as a special edition.  Consider that about 85% of the people that buy Challengers are Male...would even women want this color on their ride?

At any rate, whether you like it or love it, the special edition Furious Fuchsia Challenger SRT 8 will be limited to 400.  Complete with white interior, don't expect to swap the tires and then climb in without leaving a mess all over everything.  And just after I spent all day tidying up.

By now, if you follow automotive news at all, you've heard of the 2.3 million vehicles recalled by Toyota.  It's not like other car manufacturers don't have recalls, but Toyota's is massive, and involves a very serious component of the vehicles.  Toyota's recall affects the gas pedal, which can be extremely dangerous if it fails, unlike the Camaro battery cable recall.

Affected Toyota Recall Vehicles:

• 2009-2010 Rav 4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia

Ignore the immediate millions of dollars needed to actually fix these vehicles, imagine the consumer backlash of not trusting Toyota vehicles in the future.  What kind of affect will this Toyota recall have on future sales?  In an attempt to keep dealerships happy, Toyota has agreed to pay up to $75,000 per dealership to cover incidentals involved with this recall.  It's money to keep dealerships from jumping ship and switching manufacturers.

In January alone it's estimated that Toyota dealerships have lost more than 20,000 unit sales.  Couple the gas pedal scare with the latest news of brake problems with the Prius in Japan and you have the right mixture to create consumer hatred for a long time to come.  Perhaps if Toyota would have responded faster to eradicate acceleration faster, as far back as 2002, they wouldn't be in the mess they are in now.

In Japan, shouldn't the CEO go fall on a sword?

Gasoline and Diesel are both types of fuel used to power all types of vehicles and equipment.  Gasoline and Diesel are also often sold at the same gas station, so what is the difference between gasoline and diesel?  For this discussion we will compare the similarities and differences between petroleum based gasoline and diesel.  There are different types of diesel fuel available, like bio-diesel, which I will discuss in a  later Difference Between post.

Difference in Refining

The difference between gasoline and diesel begins with how it's produced.  Petroleum is refined to produce gasoline and diesel, but the type of fuel is decided at different refining points.  Crude oil, which is the thick black stuff you see exploding from oil wells, is refined in a chemical process.  Think of the process as like a tower and time spent refining yields a different product from the same crude oil.  During the process the crude oil is refined into Heavy Gas Oil, then Lubricating Oil, and then into Diesel.

Diesel fuel takes less time and is lower on the refining process, which typically leads to it being lower in price.  The next step of the refining process produces Kerosene and then finally Gasoline which is used in your car.  This is a simplification of the refining process, which also includes removing impurities, and lastly involves treating the fuel with additives, generally to increase octane rating.

Rating Difference

Typically when fueling up at the gas station you will notice different octane rated gasoline.  Diesel fuel is not measured by octane rating, rather by a cetane rating.  The ratings are similar in that they are used to rate the combustion quality of the fuel.

Use Difference

Diesel and gasoline are not interchangeable.  Gasoline engines are specifically designed to operate with gasoline properties and diesel engines are designed to operate under diesel fuels properties.  Using diesel fuel in a gasoline engine and vice versa could damage your engine.

In addition, gasoline will gel at a much lower temperature than diesel fuel.  This is why during the winter time, diesel vehicles will some times be plugged in, to allow a heater to keep the fuel above it's gelling temperature.  This core heater will allow for a much easier start in frigid temperatures.

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This has been a post into a series of articles on explaining entry level questions to automotive enthusiasts.

Other Difference Articles:

Difference Between Halogen and HID Lights

Difference Between Turgo and Super Chargers

Difference Between Hybrid and Regular Cars

I don't need to tell you how many problems the automotive industry has had in recent years, but despite it's plagues, there is a glimmer of good news. Ford has announced an all new 2011 Ford Explorer, which more importantly, will be built in Chicago creating close to 1,200 new jobs.

Production will being in 4th quarter of 2010 and bring a relief to automotive workers needing jobs in the Chicago area. In addition, the retooling of the Chicago plant, along with updates, will cost roughly $400 million a healthy shot into the industries arm.

As far as the 2011 Ford Explorer is concerned, Explorer enthusiasts will love the more fuel efficient redesign. The concept of the 2011 Explorer was shown back in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show, but I'm sure the final product will not be nearly as concepty. Yes, concepty is a word, I just invented it. Check out the concept 2011 Ford Explorer below and some 2011 Spy Pics as well, which tell a much more believable tale of what we can expect out of Chicago late this year.

CarMagazine.Co.UK has released some anonymous spy pics of the upcoming Lexus LF-Ch premium compact.  Resembling a rather expensive Honda Civic hatch back, these spy pictures hint at the sportiness of this upcoming release.  Unfortunately the pictures are only of the back, but I've included the  concept drawings below for reference.

The Lexus LF-Ch will be available for purchase sometime in late 2010 in the UK.  US droolers need not apply.

Lexus license plate frame, chrome. Sale Price: $12.99 Average Rating:

The 5.0 was a tried and true engine for Ford and graced the Mustang's engine bay all the way up until 1996. It wasn't until 1996 that Ford release a 4.6 liter engine, to replace the bullet proof 5.0, albeit less efficient. Even though the 4.6 provided bigger horsepower and torque numbers, the 5.0 remains one of the easiest engines to modify.  Maybe that's why Ford has decided to revive the legend and increase the performance that 5 liters of Ford engineering has to offer.

The Coyote engine marks the triumphant return of the 5 oh.  Available in the GT trim of the 2011 Mustang, the 5.0 liter V8 engine will produce a ground thumping 400 horsepower.  It's worth noting that Ford is notorious for understating horsepower numbers, which can realistically place the new 5.0 Mustang at 425-450 galloping horses.  Maybe that's why the 2011 Mustang GT was choosen to be the official pace car of the Daytona 500.

Already the new Coyote named 5.0 engine is garnering attention from industry analysts.  The 2011 Mustang GT will undoubtedly dominate the new face of muscle cars everywhere, trumping even GM's daring Camaro SS.

Not only has Ford gone bat shit crazy with horsepower packed 5.0 engines, it's also produced the nimblest Mustang ever built.  According to Ford the handling will be unmatched amongst previous Mustangs and be paired with a blast to drive 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.  With these kind of figures and performance leaps it's hard to imagine what the next Shelby, Roush, or Saleen will look like.  The anty has been upped and I've yet to year of anyone wanting to call out the new Coyote 2011 Mustang GT.

Cold weather is hard on your cars battery, which will lead to break downs on the road, or mornings where your vehicle won't start. Unfortunately this normally happens at the worst time, normally when there is no one else around to help give you a jump. That's why I recommend the Duracell Powerpack 600 jump starter and emergency power source, the radio is just a bonus.

Not only is the Powerpack 600 capable of jump starting your car, it also has the power to run small appliances. Basically it can come in handy when the ladies need to dry their hair while camping or you need to power a light when working on your car.

The Duracell Powerpack 600 comes with the jumper cables necessary to jump start most vehicles. It also comes with AC adapters to charge the Powerpack from a wall outlet or a DC adapter to charge the Powerpack from a standard cigarette lighter found in most cars.

Duracell DPP-600HD Powerpack 600 Jump Starter & Emergency Power Source with Radio List Price: $189.99 Sale Price: $119.95 Used From: $103.99 Average Rating: