Auto Trends

2011 FORD F350, originally uploaded by Beast 1

Ford has yanked the blanket of of it newest 2011 F-Series Super Duty Truck, and quite frankly they couldn’t have found a more enthusiastic crowd than at the Texas State Fair this year. It was actually here that they also unveiled a previous F-Series update back in 2006.

If I were to take one word to describe the newest Ford offering, I would have to say it does appear to be rather… bold!

Ford has taken the time to add strength, power, and convenience, as well as a few extra changes to the exterior, allowing those on the outside know this is no run of the mill truck. Well, but what else should you expect from a vehicle with the word “super” embedded right into its name. There have only been a few super vehicles in history, such as the Dodge Super Bee, so consumers will undoubtedly be expecting a lot, but I have a feeling that Ford is going to deliver.

The big news of the Super Duty is its all new, Ford designed 6.7 liter “Power Stroke” turbodiesel. Now, the actually horsepower and torque have yet to be released, but we do know that the power output will be significantly improved over its predecessor. Ford also claims that its fuel economy will be among the top of its class, which considering that most hybrid/electric trucks have a hard time leaping over the 20 mpg mark, let’s not set our expectations too high.

The new Ford designed diesel has been engineered to weigh approximately 160 lbs less than the original, which is already a step in the right direction towards much improved power and handling. For those who aren’t big diesel fans, a new 6.2-liter V-8 will take its place over the current base 5.4-liter V-8 (300 horsepower, 365 lb-ft of torque), and just below the big 6.8-liter V-10 (362 horsepower, 457 lb-ft of torque). A “Heavy Duty” TorqShift six-speed automatic/psuedo-manual will also be helping to put all this new-found power to the open road/dirt.

Improvements in the Super Duty’s aesthetics include a bulging hood and a new, bold chrome grill that says, Get out of my way! Well, either that or, Hey, guess how much bling I can put on this truck before it starts to look like a Christmas ornament. I say this with all due respect, as with most bold grill designs, buyers will either love or hate it, but there’s always a can of flat black spray paint to fall back on.

In addition, the Super Duty goes high tech in 2011 with a slew of worldly advancements, such as Hill Start Assist/Descent Control, an electronic locking differential (great, just one more thing to break), single sequential turbocharger, and a never before seen exhaust design which appears to use internal fins to aid in overall efficiency. The truck also promises improved steering and suspension travel via its twin I-beam suspension and interval valve shocks, boosting payload capability, while also keeping the ride relatively smooth.

I’d say it has earned its title of “Super” for the time being… It will be put to the real test once consumers get their hands on it later next year!

Nissan 370Z Roadster, originally uploaded by www.Dream-car.tv

The photos are out of the new Nissan 370Z Roadster, and while many enthusiasts prefer the all out masculinity of the coupe… the drop top really isn’t half bad. In fact, it is not bad at all, it is rather quite improved over the original 350Z convertible.

The Changes from the Old

Originally Uploaded by  cienporcienmotor

The new 2010 370Z Roadster by Nissan carries a presence with it that signifies class and finesse. While the casual enthusiast may not notice a lot of change from the 350Z roadster, there is. The top itself is made of a much higher grade of canvas, rather than vinyl. The top has also been reconfigured to follow the smooth transitions of its sleek, sexy body. In other words, the top looks as if it was designed for the body, rather than as an afterthought.

How many times do you ever see a 350Z with its top up on a nice day. Not often, and there is good reason for it. It just does not quite look as good. Well, many convertibles don’t look as good, but the new 370Z roadster is a slight exception to this rule. The canvas top now follows the same basic slope as the coupe, allowing a gradual transition from canvas to metal, which offers a much less clumsy overall appeal.

The roadster also has a slightly adjusted rear-end, which offers a more soft and rounded muscularity that compliments the Z when covered or topless. It has also had some improvements on refinement and insulation towards the interior. A new inside liner has been put in place, which not only looks better, but functions better at removing unwanted road noise. This offers a slightly better atmosphere from which to pump out your tunes with the optional Bose performance audio system, or to take on the blustery, cold winter weather of the North.

The Similarities of the New

Originally uploaded by www.Dream-car.tv

You’ll be happy to know that this is where the changes stop, and its similarities to the coupe begins. The engine remains the current 3.7-liter V-6 with 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. I’m sure you are wondering how much added weight the roadster adds to the coupe, and I’m happy to report that Nissan says its 194 pounds of added reinforcement/safety features, will only add 0.2 or 0.4 seconds to its already quick 0-60 in 5.1 seconds (Edmunds.com road test).

The roadster has a remarkable presence on the road, which does not offer any excuses for its topless condition. Yes, the true hardcore driver may notice a reduction in its prowess over bumpy terrain, but for the average enthusiast, the Z is plenty capable and fun to drive. While the chassis has been de-tuned slightly to keep the ride comfortable, it still comes with its basic sport-tuned suspension, SynchroRev Match shifting, and 18-inch wheels.

Starting at $37,500, the new Z roadster offers little loss in performance and style, for the optimum gain of open air motoring. This is one of those rare times in automotive history, where the convertible option actually offers a win-win situation for the consumer. Go test drive one for yourself, they are scheduled to be on the lots by this coming month (September 2009)… just in time for those Fall road trips through the Aspen trees.

All Photos Originally Uploaded by Cars dot com

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR Sterling Moss Edition is nothing more than a dream for most. It is a tribute to the renowned British race car driver, Stirling Moss, who victoriously won the 1955 Mille Miglia race in Italy, using only his talent, an original Mercedes 300 SLR, and a wee bit of luck. The SLR Sterling started production in June of 2009 and is scheduled to run through December of 2009, producing a total of 75 of these masterpieces.

The Stirling will be blessed with supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, featuring 650 bhp. Its acceleration from 0-60 is expected to be somewhere within the range of 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph. The entire body shell will be handmade from carbon fiber sheets, with the remaining components and interior pieces topped off with either a high-quality aluminum, or supple leather. They really spared no expense!

The cost for admission of the Stirling Moss will be $1.05 Million (U.S. Dollars), but there’s a little more to it than that. Only those who have purchased a previous SLR worth $495,000 or greater will even be offered a chance at owning one of these babies. This is strictly a customer loyalty edition, which is sure to weed out most of the ultra elite, and go straight to the ultra-mega-alpha elite.

Take a gander at its specifications:

While the basic styling is decidedly impractical, it will be a lot more functional that it may at first appear. The aero-shaped windscreen and rear wind deflectors have been tested to strategically redirect airflow and bugs away from the driver and passenger’s face and teeth (you’d be grinning when driving this I’d imagine).

A nifty tonneau cover can be installed on the passenger side for a true one-seat, race car, experience. There is also a matching tonneau cover for the drivers side that can be locked into place, helping to keep nosy fingers and rain off its six-figure, supple leather upholstery. Upswing doors, functional air scoops and rollover bars will complete the total million dollar package.

This is one of those times when I wished I would have listened to my Mom and became a doctor, oil tycoon, or Tzar or something. Oh well, it’s free to look at the pictures!