Dodge's New Cummins
All of the Big Three truck makers have developed new diesel engines in the wake of the 2007 mandate for cleaner emissions (a law that includes the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel). Starting in January, '07 Dodge Ram 2500- and 3500-series pickups will have a 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel on their options list, capable of putting out 650 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm and 350 hp at just a tick above 3,000. That's an improvement over the 325 horses and 610 lb-ft produced by the outgoing 5.9L Cummins. Also new is a six-speed automatic transmission available to back the new 6.7. Dodge's 5.7L Hemi gasoline engine remains the standard powerplant for the big Rams.
GM's New Duramax
Buyers of Chevy and GMC 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups are getting a new turbodiesel too: a 6.6L Duramax V-8. GM hasn't released final output figures for the engine, though the company estimates power production at around 360 hp at 3,200 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. The Chevy Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium-duty trucks will get the 6.6 too, though one that produces a bit less oomph. The new Duramax is fitted with a variable-geometry turbocharger that provides boost over a wide range of driving conditions.
Introducing 8-Lug Diesel Truck
Following the successful launch of Diesel Power, Primedia has announced a new magazine for the heavy-duty diesel pickup enthusiast. 8-Lug Diesel Truck is aimed exclusively at the 3/4- and 1-ton truck owner who wants to modify his or her favorite rig to improve its performance. The premiere issue (which went on sale in October) highlighted a 5-inch lift kit to put 37s under a Super Duty, a Cummins buildup, and brake improvements for Chevys. Watch for future issues of 8-Lug Diesel Truck at your local newsstand, or call 800.777.5182 to subscribe.
Little Hummer
Anyone familiar with the Hummer brand knows there's usually nothing "little" about them. But this time we're talking about a toy, a limited-edition Team Hummer H3 available at Hummer dealers. It's similar to the toys offered recently in McDonald's Happy Meals, only this one is done up like Rod Hall's racing H3. Only 250,000 were made to distribute through Hummer's 173 dealers, so if you don't have yours already, it may be too late.
Mercedes Offers Diesel in SUV
At the luxurious end of DaimlerChrysler's spectrum, the Mercedes GL-series SUV will be available in the U.S. with a 3.0L common-rail-diesel (CRD) V-6. It will be sold only in 45 states, however, due to emissions. This is the same engine found in the CRD model of the Grand Cherokee, and it produces 376 lb-ft of torque in the Mercedes.
Ford's New Power Stroke
This time next month we can show you the '08 Ford Super Duty and release details about its new diesel, the 6.4L Power Stroke V-8. Until then, here's all we know: Up in displacement from the previous 6.0L 'Stroke, the new engine features a common-rail fuel-injection system with piezo-electric injectors, which "allow ultra precise timing of fuel injection for quietness and better emissions," says Ford. The new Power Stroke "is the cleanest and quietest diesel ever sold in America," the company claims.
Scott Douglas' Big Weekend
Labor Day weekend was a sweet one for off-road racer Scott Douglas. At the 2006 Crandon World Championships, he found himself on the winner's podium no fewer than five times-for outright wins in Pro 4 both Saturday and Sunday, Second and Third Place finishes in Pro 2, and as the winner of the Borg-Warner World Championship Off-Road Cup, a massive trophy similar to the Borg-Warner Cup awarded to winners of the Indy 500. Douglas is only the second driver to win the Borg-Warner Cup twice. He scored his victories behind the wheel of two F-150 race trucks, the AMSOIL/Kumho-sponsored 4x4 in Pro 4, and the Rancho-sponsored 4x2 in Pro 2.
Tundra Delayed
Eager to see what Toyota's new truly fullsize truck will be like? So are we, but we'll all have to wait just a little longer. A report by Wardsauto.com said the launch won't take place in January, as originally planned, but at least a month later. Toyota doesn't want to "rush" the introduction, said one exec, to make sure quality is where it should be. As far as we know, the truck will make its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and we'll bring you photos and details as soon after that as we can.