Picture of Report: Toyota sales may bounce back big time in March [source:autoblog.com]

On March 1, Toyota announced zero percent financing, subsidized leases and free maintenance for two years, and the early results appear to be extremely favorable. Automotive News reports that analysts are seeing big time gains for the Japanese automaker, with evidence that sales are up 50 percent so far for the month. A 50 percent sales increase for the month would more than wipe out Toyota's depressing January and February, but analysts like Edmund's Jessica Caldwell reportedly feel sales will level out to a predicted 30 percent rise by March 31. "Incentives work best in the early going, but they start to peter out as the month goes along."

So does news of a Toyota sales increase means that Americans are tuning out the recent influx of bad news including a pair of reported runaway Prius hybrids in the interest of saving money? AN reports that analysts like Caldwell and George Magliano at IHS Global Insight feel Toyota loyalists are jumping at the company's big time incentives, and the brand will have to try new things to attract new customers in the months ahead. That may be true, but we're thinking Toyota must be more than a bit relieved that customers are coming back to showrooms, at least for now.

[Source: Automotive News sub. req. | Image: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images] [source:autoblog.com]

Picture of 2011 GMC Sierra HD Denali: Has Ford Super Duty Met its Match? [source:cargurus.com]

Well the engineers at GMC must not be reasonable people, because they have gone and outdone the spankin new Super Duty with their new Sierra HD Denali. Well, partly outdone it anyway.

The Super Duty still shines in some areas, while the Sierra kicks its tailpipe in others.

Lets compare some specs of the diesel varieties, shall we?

Fords all new 6.7 liter Power Stroke turbo diesel V8 produces 390 horsepower and 735 lb ft of twist at 1,600 rpm. The F350, which is the closest competitor to the GMC equivalent, brings 21,600 pounds of towing capacity and 6,520 pounds of payload to the party.

GMCs 6.6 liter Duramax turbo diesel has 397 horsepower and 765 lb ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm, beating Ford in both crucial numbers and laying claim as the power king. But power doesnt always equate to capability, as the Sierra HD Denalis tow towing capacity comes in at 20,000 pounds and its payload limit is 6,335, both lower than the Super Dutys.

Neither truck lists official fuel economy numbers, but GMC brags that the Sierra HD Denali can squeeze out 680 miles on the highway. A little simple math based on the trucks 36 gallon fuel tank reveals cruising economy of nearly 19 MPG. Of course thats only when the 10 ton trailer stays home. Ford claims its fuel efficiency is class leading, so we can only assume its somewhere close.

What the Sierra HD Denali does have over the Super Duty is that classically elegant, drilled out 4 bar chrome grille. It also features heated and cooled leather seats and a matching wood trimmed heated steering wheel.

While the Super Duty brings a more in your face look of power, the Sierra HD Denali is more subdued and classy. I like it, and think GM did a fine job of giving Ford a worthy opponent.

Would Fords slight advantage in towing and payload make a difference to you in deciding which truck to buy?

or Subscribe to comments feed [source:cargurus.com]

Picture of Scoripion King: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Power Stroke Diesel is cleanest ever [source:autobloggreen.com]

Compared to the outgoing 2010 models, Ford claims the diesel pickup trucks now get 18 percent better fuel efficiency and chassis cab models (like those used for tow trucks and flat beds) get a 25 percent boost. The EPA doesn't provide official mileage values for vehicles with a gross weight rating over 8,500 pounds. During the recent first drive in Arizona , media averaged anywhere from 20 miles per gallon to as much as 29 mpg on a mixed driving loop with the new diesel Super Duty. The new trucks are also the first Fords officially rated for operation on B20 biodiesel.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford F Series Super Duty

2011 FORD F SERIES SUPER DUTY POWER STROKE DIESEL IS CLEANEST EVER; FUEL ECONOMY GREATLY IMPROVED

The all new 2011 Ford F Series Super Duty features all new diesel and gas powertrains that deliver best in class torque and horsepower as well as class leading fuel economy

The Ford F Series Super Duty equipped with the 6.7 liter Power Stroke V 8 turbocharged diesel engine averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. Trucks equipped with new base 6.2 liter V 8 gas engine average a 15 percent improvement versus 2010 models

The new diesel engine is B20 biodiesel compatible and the new gas engine is E85 compatible, providing customers a wide range of fueling options

Best in class fuel economy and class leading capability towing of 26,400 pounds and a 6,520 pound payload is due largely to the all new 6R140 heavy duty TorqShift six speed automatic transmission, providing more than half the overall improved fuel economy

ST. LOUIS, March 9, 2010 The all new 2011 Ford F Series Super Duty delivers best in class torque, horsepower, towing and payload capability and does it all more efficiently, resulting in less fuel usage and extended maintenance intervals that can translate directly into bottom line savings for customers.

"The 2011 Super Duty is not only the most powerful, most capable and fuel efficient heavy duty pickup truck on the road, it performs the tough jobs with even more efficiency than ever before," said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. "Customers can be confident that Super Duty's class leading capability comes with Ford's 'and solution' of best in class fuel economy."

All new diesel and gas engine powertrains are the backbone of the 2011 Super Duty's best in class towing (26,400 pounds for F 550 chassis cab with fifth wheel hitch) and payload capability (6,520 pounds for F 350 dual rear wheel pickup). The Ford designed, Ford engineered and Ford built 6.7 liter Power Stroke V 8 turbocharged diesel engine produces best in class 735 ft. lb. of torque at 1,600 rpm and best in class 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpm. The new engine is compatible up to B20 biodiesel fuel as well.

The new 6.2 liter V 8 gasoline engine also boasts best in class numbers of 405 ft. lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm and 385 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The new engine is E85 compatible.

Mated to each engine is the all new 6R140 heavy duty TorqShift six speed automatic transmission. The added feature content and overall efficiency of the transmission are the main reasons for the improved fuel economy. The all new 2011 Ford F Series Super Duty equipped with the 6.7 liter Power Stroke diesel averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. Trucks equipped with new base 6.2 liter V 8 gas engine average a 15 percent improvement versus 2010 models.

"The new transmission is a 'clean sheet' design, developed specifically to handle the significantly increased torque produced by the new diesel engine and the higher rotational speeds produced by the new gas engine, and to deliver the power to the wheels seamlessly and efficiently for heavy duty truck customers," said Al Bruck, transmission engineering manager. "Each system and component was scrutinized to deliver optimum performance."

Here's a closer look at what was achieved and the benefits to the customer:

New torque converter that locks at a far lower rpm than the competition: The new, stronger torque converter is core to the improved transmission performance. One key component is the long travel turbine damper that allows the transmission to lock earlier, at a lower rpm, which translates to less slip and more fuel efficiency. The new transmission locks down to 900 rpm, which is about 200 rpm less than the outgoing product and more than 100 rpm less than competitors. The second key component of the torque converter is the closed piston design. This design allows for better control of the lock up clutch, which enables controlled converter clutch slip during lock to lock upshifts that are seamless to the customer.

Customer fuel economy benefit: Locked converter operation at lower speeds means less wasted heat energy and better fuel economy.

Optimized shift and converter lock up schedule: After analyzing the entire shift schedule, Ford calibration engineers fine tuned it by measuring and optimizing the fuel flow. The system recognizes light or heavy throttle use, and puts the transmission in the right gear for best performance and efficiency. The entire operating range has been optimized to get the best fuel economy by locking up the converter as soon as possible and as much as possible.

Customer fuel economy benefit: Optimizing the shift schedule and lock schedule ensures customers automatically operate in the most efficient gears and save fuel.

Gearing and double overdrive: The 6R140 transmission has a ratio span of about 5.9, which is quite a bit wider than competitors. This wider span means the transmission has a deeper first gear that allows customers to get the load moving quicker, and a tall overdrive ratio for good highway efficiency. While the gearing itself is important, the key to overall efficiency is matching that gearing to the correct axle. With the diesel engine, up to four axle ratios are available on the pickups 3.31, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.30. Matching up the gearing with the right axles means better overall efficiency.

Customer fuel economy benefit: The double overdrive gear means even if a customer gets a downshift on the highway, the transmission remains in overdrive. Also, the F 450 pickup went from a 4.88 axle to a 4.30 axle at launch for the 2011 model mated to the wide ratio span of the transmission. This and other optimizations mean the F 450 now has about a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Optimized pumping pressure: A certain amount of pressure is required to hold the clutches together so they don't slip. The trick is to have the right amount of pressure to do the job. Too much pressure wastes fuel. The solution is to optimize the size of the pump and precisely control the pressure for all operating conditions.

Customer fuel economy benefit: At highway speeds, for example, the line pressure is reduced, which helps save fuel. The system maintains the right amount of pressure for any given speed range. The less energy needed for internal pump pressure means less fuel used.

Optimized drainback to reduce spin losses: A main objective is to get the fluid through the main barrel to lubricate and cool components, and get it back to the sump as quickly as possible. This reduces windage and parasitic loss. The clutch friction plates were designed to allow fluid to flow through them efficiently for cooling and reduced drag. Clutch housings, connecting shells and the main case housing were optimized to quickly drain the fluid out of rotating components and back into the sump.

Customer fuel economy benefit: Fewer parasitic losses due to reduced churning of fluid increases fuel economy.

Warmer operating temperature: Tied in with spin losses, the 6R140 cooling system has been optimized to allow for the proper amount of cooling when towing heavy loads in high ambient temperatures, while running at an overall higher stabilized temperature. This higher stabilized temperature lowers the viscosity and helps the fluid flow more easily, which reduces parasitic losses and saves fuel. The fluid also warms up faster because it does not flow to the cooling circuit until properly warmed up. Faster warm up also reduces overall parasitic losses.

Customer fuel economy benefit: Fewer parasitic losses due to reduced fluid viscosity translates to less internal drag on the system and increases fuel economy.

The 6R140 transmission is about 25 pounds lighter than those of competitors. The new engines are lighter than the outgoing products as well, which altogether means much more efficient power flow on a pound for pound basis. The 6R140 also has a 150,000 mile fluid change interval, which is 2 times greater than the outgoing product. A patent pending high efficiency dual media filter is the main reason for the extended maintenance interval, which is another savings for customers.

The new 6.7 liter Power Stroke V 8 turbocharged diesel employs an aftertreatment system to help comply with 2010 federal regulations to reduce NOx levels in diesel emissions by more than 80 percent compared with the previous standard. The Ford aftertreatment system is a three stage process; a key component is the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Injection of DEF to reduce NOx is a proven technology that's been used throughout the automotive industry. Unlike other strategies used to control NOx, the DEF system allows the diesel engine to run at its optimum range in terms of fuel mixture. Some systems require the engine to run richer which can be harmful to diesel engines in order to control the NOx.

Step One: Cleaning and Heating The first step in cleaning the diesel exhaust occurs when the exhaust stream enters the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). The role of the DOC is twofold. First, it converts and oxidizes hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide. This conversion happens at about 250 degrees Celsius.

Second, the DOC is used to provide and promote heat, using specific engine management strategies, into the exhaust system. Through appropriate thermal management, this heat increases the conversion efficiency of the downstream subsystems in reducing emissions.

Step Two: Knocking Out the NOx The next step in the process is what's known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). In this process, the NOx in the exhaust stream is converted into water and inert nitrogen, which is present in the atmosphere and harmless. Before the exhaust gas enters the SCR chamber, it is dosed with DEF, an aqueous solution that is approximately 67.5 percent water and 32.5 percent pure urea.

When heated, the DEF splits into ammonia and carbon dioxide. These molecules are atomized and vaporized, then enter a mixer that resembles a corkscrew. This twist mixer evenly distributes the ammonia within the exhaust flow. The ammonia enters the SCR module, which contains a catalyzed substrate, and through chemical reactions combines and converts the NOx and ammonia into the harmless inert nitrogen and water. Dosing occurs between 200 and 500 degrees Celsius.

Step Three: Scrubbing Away the Soot The final part of the cleansing system for the diesel exhaust gas involves the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The DPF traps any remaining soot, which is then periodically burned away, known as regenerating, when sensors detect the trap is full. The regeneration process sees temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius to burn away soot.

This industry proven technology ensures that the new 6.7 liter diesel is the cleanest Power Stroke ever, as well as the most fuel efficient.

"Having this diesel designed in house at Ford meant we were able to work on optimizations and refinements right from the start," said Tim Ogilvie, vehicle energy supervisor. "We're able to deliver to customers a more refined, more fuel efficient Super Duty, with class leading torque and horsepower and the class leading capability they demand." [source:autobloggreen.com]

Picture of Bmw to build the X1 compact SUV in China [source:autospies.com]

At the Geneva Motor Show, BMW chairman and CEO Norbert Reithofer announced that the X1 would be the third model to be built at the Chinese facility. Earlier this year, BMW Brilliance halted the 3 Series production to expand the production sites capacity. It compensated by importing the model. [source:autospies.com]

Picture of Spy Shots: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class update [source:autoblog.com]

So, what's new? Up front, a new front fascia integrates LED daytime running lamps something that's becoming standard fare on the entire Mercedes Benz lineup. From there, we see slightly revised headlamps, what appears to be a more upright grille and a new hood. Out back, there's a modified rear bumper and revised LED taillights.

Our spies also suggest that minor interior and mechanical updates could be present in the new C Class. We aren't expecting giant leaps from the already very good current car, but squeezing a few more miles per gallon out of the Merc's mill probably isn't out of the question. [source:autoblog.com]

Picture of Reader’s Rides: Jackie’s 1964 Chevy Impala SS [source:Ride-Lust.com]

Jackie Farias owns this particular Impala SS, but he didnt include any specs with his pictures. I think I see a 327 badge on the side of the car, indicating that its got the classic small block Chevy motor under the hood. The modern wheels give it a clean resto rod look and work well with the lines of the car.

Jackie, feel free to send me some specs (and a few more pics) and Ill be happy to update the information.[source:Ride-Lust.com]

Picture of Hey man, wanna sponsor me? [source:thegarageblog.com]

As weve all been there, done that, we all know what the response is: Sorry son, not this year. Come back when youve won a few and have been on TV a few times.

Even at a fun level, racing costs money. Serious money. It is natural that we want to attempt to supplement our expenses. Some of us have greater plans and need some real money to get us onto the racing worlds stage. If you cant get a few stickers without a proper presentation, how do you think you are going to get the six figures youll need to go pro?

It cant be viewed as just scoring a sponsor any more, you are hoping to create a business partnership where you provide a complete marketing package that will provide a potential corporate partner a better value than some other opportunity. Most of us dont have marketing degrees though, so where do we begin?

Long time friend of The Garage, Perry Ianuzzi, had been helping businesses promote themselves for years before he caught the racing bug. Once the bug bit, it bit hard. Perry not only had a ball racing, but he played a pivotal role in the marketing and development of the Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. Working with other racers, Ianuzzi saw many racers approach sponsors just like our friendly racer up above, only to fall flat. Clearly there was an opportunity for someone to coach racers on how to pull together a professional package and bring them together with potential corporate partners. Pure Motorsports Marketing was born.

A natural extension of Perrys promotional communications company, Pure Motorsports Marketing offers racers a wide variety of services developed to attract partners. From basic promotional materials to full marketing plans complete with presentation skills training, PMMs packages are comprehensive. If that werent quite enough, PMM also offers complete on car visual packages including numbers etc that you werent sure where to get.

Whether you are going regional racing or plan to climb the open wheel ladder, it would be well worth your time to sit down for a chat with Perry Ianuzzi and his team at Pure Motorsports Marketing. It might just make the difference between being in the race and being on the sidelines.

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Picture of The Car Company with the Most Problems Is… [source:cargurus.com]

The car company with the worst start to 2010 is Chrysler, at least according to an article at CNNMoney. The article says,

Industry experts say that even though Chryslers overall sales are down only 3% during the first two months of the year, estimates show more than half of Chryslers sales have been to fleet customers, such as rental car companies.

Thats not good, folks. Chryslers sales to consumers are down more than 44 percent.

Compare that number to Toyotas: Despite not being able to sell its best selling models for more than a week, Toyotas sales are down only 14 percent.

Selling over half your cars to fleets is not only bad for business, it can kill it. First off, those cars are sold at massive discounts. Second, when they hit the used car market in a couple of years, they will be discounted again, further eroding the value of new models.

High sales to rental fleets is only causing consumer demand for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge products to fall, and fast. Massive fleet sales might prop up sales figures temporarily, but it will only lead to disaster if it continues.

The CNN article quotes an unnamed Chrysler spokeswoman as saying,

We have to rebuild consumers confidence in the company. The fact that large companies are willing to buy our vehicles helps rebuild that confidence, so fleet is part our businesses strategy [sic].

Im sorry to say, Ms. Spokeswoman, but supplying thousands of low quality rental cars is not going to build confidence. Confidence is built by offering high quality cars that people want to buy. See your neighbors GM and Ford as examples.

The good news here is that if Fiats attempt to save Chrysler with new product doesnt work, maybe the company can just become the sole supplier of Americas rental cars and not even worry about retail sales anymore.

What does Chrysler have to do to rebuild demand for its product? Will selling to rental fleets do it?

or Subscribe to comments feed [source:cargurus.com]

Picture of Volvo re-engineers S60 platform [source:4wheelsnews.com]

The reduced weight allows for better ride and handling. Product boss Hans Nilsson said that while the structure is the same, its actually much lighter. Stiffer steel is used on the S60s new steering column to have more precision with the steering. The S60 is equipped with bushings that are stiffer than the S80/Mondeo. To resist cornering forces better, the S60s front struts were also redesigned. A switch to alloy brake calipers was also made that reduced unsprung weight, leading to dynamic improvements.[source:4wheelsnews.com]

(no votes) 0 comments [source:eurocarblog.com]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Picture of Videos: Dacia Duster looks good in motion [source:autoblog.com]

Renault's Romanian bred SUV is built to be affordable, attractive and capable, with a 30 degree approach and a 36 degree departure for relatively some serious off roading. The Duster even comes diesel ready, with a 105 horsepower, 266 pound feet of torque powerplant that we'd love to try for ourselves. And if an earlier report from The Wall Street Journal is correct, Renault is even pondering bringing the Duster to U.S. shores.

Until that happens, we have to make do with a couple of videos showing off just how capable the Duster is. The first spot shows us how the Dacia handles off road chores and the second seeks to illustrate that it isn't a dud on dry pavement, either. Hit the jump to watch the two videos for yourself. [source:autoblog.com]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Picture of Markey and Reed: opening up carbon-based energy sector will bring jobs, lots of them [source:autobloggreen.com]

Nothing will pull innovation into the energy sector more than wind farms demanding better storage technology, solar farms demanding better ways of capturing and converting sunlight into electricity, and appliances and electric vehicles that can talk to the grid if it is smart enough. Markey and Reed take their inspiration from the "market opening Telecommunications Act of 1996." They believe that the Waxman Markey bill, which passed the House in June, is the kind of law that can do for the carbon based energy sector today what the Telecomunications Act did in the mid '90s. That is, encourage "private investment in a 21st century energy economy built on alternatives such as wind, sun, biomass and geothermal." When we replace the old networks (literally then, and literally and figuratively now) with something clean and green, we will see billions of private money stimulate the overall economy. Or so they say. [source:autobloggreen.com]