truth about domestics

Not only does the 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup feature new exterior styling and a whole host of new technologies inside, but it also features two new engine choices; an all new 6.7L diesel designed by Ford, and a 6.2L gas V8.  This truck will further extend Ford’s supremacy in the truck market by offering best in class towing, payload and fuel economy.  For more details, along with tons of great photos, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Ford Motor Company)

Battle fronts are forming in the fight against Chinese made tires.  Companies have shifted production there to get cheaper labor, while Chinese tires are just cheaper all together.  Thousands of jobs have been lost to countries over seas that are using unfair trade practices.  China’s tire manufacturers are being accused of this now.  For the full story, head on over to MSNBC.

(Image source: The Tire Source; thanks megster for the tip!)

There is finally some good news for the General and it’s workers, as word has come out that third shifts will be added at three plants.  Those plants are located in Michigan, Kansas and Indiana.  Most of the increased production that is accounting for the additional workers comes at the expense of other plants closing, but it’s all in the name of increased efficiency!  One of the vehicles being moved is the Chevrolet Traverse pictured above.  For more, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Hennessey has decided that the 2010 Camaro SS just didn’t have enough power.  So, they dropped the LS9 in it from the Corvette ZR1 and made a few modifications along the way.  The result?  645 horsepower at the rear wheels, and 653 lb-ft of torque.  Only 24 will be built, so please let me know if there is someone out there who has money and is in need of a kidney.

Ok, ok, so my headline is a bit cheesy.  Can you blame me?  I’m so excited about the products that are coming from all of the big three, so it’s great to see people are finally taking notice!  In this comparison between the 2010 Honda Fit and the 2011 Ford Fiesta, the Fiesta really makes its mark on the automotive world by offering things many drivers wouldn’t expect in the subcompact market.  For the full review, as well as the winner of the test, head on over to Edmunds.

(Image source: Ford Motor Company)

You heard it here…uhm, probably second or third, but at least you heard it!  According to Tom Stephens, GM’s vice chairman of global product development, both of those options are possible, although only if necessary to keep the program alive.  Instead, for the time being, the plans are to add cylinder deactivation, electric power steering, and a lighter vehicle overall to both increase performance AND drive up fuel economy.  For more on this developing story, head over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Here’s something for all you tree huggers out there.  Chrysler has decided to make their owner’s manual digital; offering a 60-80 “page” DVD that is in full color instead of the several pound inch thick paperback most of us have grown up with.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Chrysler)

According to the spies on Pickuptrucks.com, Ford is planning on offering a crew cab version of their off road wonder, the F-150 SVT Raptor.  For more information, including possibly engine configurations, click on the link in the previous sentence (so I’m too lazy to re-insert a link, get over it, I’m watching a movie!)

(Image source: Pickuptrucks.com)

GM has decided that an increase in truck demand is coming and in order to meet that demand, they will need more light duty crew cabs.  What to do, what to do?  Well, if I was GM, I would add production capacity at their heavy duty truck plant, right here in the great state of Michigan!  Whadda ya know?  That’s exactly what GM has decided to do!  New tooling to the tune of $21,000,000 will be added to the site, with production starting in July 2010.  For more on the story, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: GM)

Ford Racing has opened its order book to allow teams to purchase bodies straight from the factory to build your own racing Mustang.  This is one of the only programs like it in the world (save for maybe Porsche…but even that I’m not sure on…)  Ford will also let you purchase interior, exterior, seat and roll cage kits.  For more details, head on over to Autoblog.

(Image source: Autoblog)