The economy is less than perfect at the moment for many of us. Especially for those who are driving around in the large SUV’s and pick-up trucks. Yet, there might just be a small silver lining to it all. Dealers are working over-time to try to get rid of the 2008 Dodge Rams so that they will have room for the 2009 models that are arriving any day now. How are they pulling people in? Taking $13,000 off the price tag is a sure fire way to attract most anybody.
A war is about to erupt in the diesel-powered half-ton pickup truck segment. GM has recently released details on the weapon in its arsenal, a 4.5L Duramax diesel. Due to a narrow angle V-block, this motor is small enough to fit in the same space as many of GM’s small block gasoline powered V8s. This provides hope for applications other than half ton pickup trucks. Surely GM’s large SUVs will see this motor under the hood.
For the 2009 model year, Porsche has some significant upgrades in store for its already impressive 911 models. These upgrades apply to the 2009 Carrera, Carrera S and their C4 and Targa variants. The base 3.6L base motor will receive a 20 horsepower boost, putting the rating at 345 horses while the Carrera/Targa S models’ 3.8L power plant will see a healthy jump to 385 horsepower. Both engines also receive a significant increase in the torque department. In addition to the power increases, both motors are expected to have increased fuel economy and lowered emissions levels.
When the first Shelby GT500KR hit showroom floors in 1968, people started to realize that it truly lived up to its name as the King of the Road. With a worked over 428 Cobra Jet, the classic muscle car produced 335hp and 440ft. lbs. of torque, deeming it virtually untouchable. After setting the standard for the performance car industry in the ’60s, Carroll Shelby knew he had to make a comeback when he noticed the muscle car wars were about to get bigger than ever between the “Big Three” car manufacturers, so he decided to build an all new GT500KR.
