As part of a six-year, 72-vehicle commitment, Hummer has donated 12 more H2 and H3 SUVs to the American Red Cross for use in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C. The 19 Hummers currently in the Red Cross fleet have already been used in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, flooding in New York state, and California's wildfires.
Apress release came into our e-mail box recently with the news that SPAL's Rocket Ranger pickup, powered by a 6.0L Power Stroke engine wearing Hypermax series turbochargers, set a C/Diesel truck class speed record of 215.091 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats this summer. According to SPAL, this feat, recognized by the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI), earned the Rocket Ranger the title of World's Fastest Diesel Pickup.
The SPAL Rocket Ranger went 215.091 mph last August, setting national and SCTA/BNI speed records. The Banks Sidewinder went 217.301 mph in October 2002, setting international and FIA speed records.
Not long after we got another press release, this time from Gale Banks, disputing SPAL's "fastest diesel pickup" claim. "They have the national record at 215.091," said Banks, "but the SCI-SCTA International and FIA (Federation International d'Automobile, the acknowledged world-record sanctioning body for motorsports) world's record are still held by our 'Banks Sidewinder Dakota' at 217.301." Banks' team set that mark in October 2002, after Banks drove the Sidewinder Dakota onto the salt flats towing its own support trailer.
"The SPAL guys have made it interesting, and it sounds like I might need to dust off the Sidewinder and get salty," Banks added. "The bragging rights over 'fastest' might sometimes be a blur at 200-plus miles per hour, but the truth is not. That's why FIA world records are so important, and that's why they're so important to keep straight."
Dodge used the State Fair of Texas to announce a new Resistol edition of the Ram 3500 Laramie Mega Cab dualie. Available early in 2008, the truck will be available in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations and equipped with a 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel, 17-inch chrome wheels, a unique two-tone paint job, fender flares, tubular side steps, and-you could see this coming, right?-a Resistol Black Gold 20X felt cowboy hat. Prices will begin at $48,310.
There's no official word of this in GMC's press material, but buried deep within the brand's consumer Web site is a notice that the Canyon's powertrain choices will include a V-8 engine in "early 2008." It makes sense; GM has already put a 5.3L V-8 in the Hummer H3 Alpha, which shares its platform with the midsize pickups. But does this mean the V-8 will be a GMC-only option, or that Chevy's online writers were less forthcoming?
While on our honeymoon safari in South Africa and Zimbabwe, we went off-roading on a game drive safari. The vehicle is an elephant named Jack. We thought a quick break waiting for the water hole was the perfect time to read your latest issue. From the looks of the photo, so did our driver.
Nicole Girkey
Granbury, TX
* Consumer Reports has published a new reliability survey that finds Toyota slipping from First overall to Third place, behind Honda and Subaru. CR subscribers (whose input forms the basis of the survey) reported problems with the 4WD system in new Tundras equipped with a V-8, as well as issues with the Camry and a Lexus sedan. Even so, there are still six Toyota pickups and SUVs on CR's "Most Reliable" list, a record many other automakers would envy.
* BFGoodrich has extended its "official tire" agreement with SCORE to stretch until 2018. BFG has been a big supporter of SCORE's Baja races; the tiremaker will dedicate 10 full-service tractor-trailer pit vehicles and nearly 250 volunteers and active personnel to support those racers in the upcoming Baja 1000 who compete on BFGs.
* American Expedition Vehicles, which builds custom Jeeps and supplies aftermarket Jeep parts, will be adding suspension lift inventory from the recently closed Nth Degree Mobility to its offerings. "Nth Degree has been a major innovator in the suspension industry and has developed a near cult following with good reason," said Dave Harriton, president of AEV. "It is our goal to have most of the existing suspension line back on the market along with several new products in the near future.
* The Whipsaw Trail in British Columbia is the latest addition to the Outstanding Trails Program, sponsored by BFGoodrich in conjunction with Tread Lightly! and the United Four Wheel Drive Associations. Tucked into the Cascade Mountains, the Whipsaw Trail "offers something for every skill level and combines off-road adventure with unbelievable views," said Joe Mazur, BFG's light-truck brand category manager.