F-150 Scuba SuperCrew This self-contained sport truck is based on the F-series and the new SuperCrew four-door. Despite the claim by the VP of design, J Mays, that this is the "ultimate underwater adventure vehicle," we don't recommend booking it for your next Carnival Cruise. Its land-based water-inspired add-ons are 33x12.5R17 BFG tires made especially for maximum wet-surface performance, a weather-resistant neoprene interior, and running boards and step pads made of a marine-grade rubber that are said to withstand constant exposure to hard sea water. It's powered by the F-150 4.6L Triton V-8 and comes complete with all the gear you could possibly need for diving or fishing-an onboard compressor, an inflatable boat, a pull-out drawer for tanks and gear, and a drying rack.
Desert Excursion This one created quite a buzz-a pickup based on the Excursion SUV, featuring a 6.8L Triton V-10 mill that puts out a whopping 310 ponies. There's seating for six (on leather, no less), four fullsize doors, Trail Master shocks, skidplates, PIAA lights, a Ramsey winch, Haartz interior fabric, and Vritex mirrors. Bead lock rims, a steel bumper, and integrated steps were also added.
Miscellaneous
Jeep Woodster This one was built by Tim Dailey Automobile Coachworks Designs, with a few hands lended by Dick Cepek, Grant, IPF, Stockton Wheel, Tuff Country, and Wet Okole.
Dick Cepek and Fabtech Excursions There's no denying that the new Ford was the vehicle being built up. The Cepek model came with a custom 12-inch lift.
Ford F-750 This tow rig was the brainchild of Truck Creations by Verdone for Ford Racing. Dig it and those blue flames.
Skyjacker Jeep The modified Cherokee received most of its attention from dwellers lying beneath it-it sported the new Rock Ready 6-inch kit.
Campfire Talk
There is much denial going on by all parties about the possible purchase of a portion of Honda by DaimlerChrysler, despite a report in a German newspaper. The supposed coveted area of the company? Motorcycle engines, for DaimlerChrysler's Smart Car. But then we've also heard DaimlerChrysler wants a piece of Fiat and Peugeot. To pay off its debt, Mitsubishi has sold some of the pricey land used by its Tokyo plant, which makes light-duty trucks and industrial engines. Unfortunately, that's not enough-Mitsu is said to have had a $370 million loss for the six-month period that ended in September. Guess next month's rumor will be that DaimlerChrysler wants a chunk of that company too. Isuzu has let the Internet-savvy people out there name its newest concept SUV. It all began with the Isuzu Ultimate Naming Challenge. Isuzu is also in the news for being eyeballed by GM. The Automobile Association of America says gas prices are the highest they've been since September 1997. And that was before the recent price hikes in December.
DaimlerChrysler has stated that it will not have platform sharing like other manufacturers have been doing.
Daewoo will begin selling its vehicles directly on the Internet. Warner Bros. has bought a script called "Motor City," a murder mystery. The backdrop is Ford Motor Company's troubled and often-mocked Edsel launch.
An Illinois jury awarded State Farm Insurance policyholders $456 million in damages because they were forced to use less-expensive non-OE parts on their vehicles. State Farm is going to appeal.
A German supplier is developing a six-speed automatic transmission. For now, it's set for midsize and large cars.
DaimlerChrysler scientists have developed a computerized voice recognition system capable of understanding speech, regardless of accent or tone, and the content of entire sentences. Current systems are able to understand only words. The Mercedes C and E Class and CLK coupes already have similar systems. The Ford Ranger became the fastest-selling pickup in the U.K. since going on sale in 1999.