Car Fact of the Day

In 1910 Cadillac was the first volume automotive manufacturer to offer a fully enclosed cabin. In 1912 Cadillac began to incorporate an electrical system into their vehicles that allowed starting, ignition, and lighting.

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 1903 Cadillac)

Video of the Day: BMW Performance Release

2011 Mustang 5.0 GT Full Details

At 12:01AM on December 28, Ford announced the full details of the 2011 Mustang GT. The new power plant is the 5.0L V8 that has been rumored for some time now. It will produce 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The new engine is also matted to two new transmission; either a six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic that will deliver around 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The 5.0L engine was designed with TI-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft timing) to increase power and fuel efficiency. A track pack is also offered with a strut tower brace and Brembo brakes. Large 5.0 badges will adore the fenders of the new Mustang. With the Mustang being, hopefully, cheaper, faster and more fuel efficient, it will give Chevy and Dodge a run for the quickest E/T times. Now we have to see what Shelby will do for 2011. Expect the 2011 Mustang GT to go on sale in the spring of 2010.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Ford Mustang from Autoblog)

[Source: Autoblog]

Big 3 Hold Full-Sized Pickups Market

In the first 11 months of 2009, full-sized pickup truck sales declined 31.2 percent. Though there has been a demand for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles, full-size trucks still make up around 20 percent of the market. In 2009 Detroit automakers sold 91 percent of all full-sized pickups during this period. Dealers are looking at a large rebound in 2010 as foreign competition like Toyota and Nissan have failed to capture a large segment of the market.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: The Free Press]

MINI E Range Decline in Cold Weather

According to a report by the Washington Post, there are many MINI E drivers that are noticing a decline in their driving range in colder weather. The average decline is around 20 percent, though some drivers are seeing significantly larger losses. A driver in New Jersey was left stranded after only going 55 miles, while the car is advertised as having a 100 mile range.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: GM-Volt]

EPA and Stop-Start Technology

It appears that the EPA's testing methods is hurting automakers from introducing stop-start technology in vehicles in the United States. The technology, which is popular throughout the world, turns off the car's engine when the vehicle is stopped and the driver applies the brake. The issue with the EPA is that its current city driving test only include one complete stop. This test makes the stop-start technology appear to have no affect on fuel economy. This technology is an added cost to consumers, and with no marketing strategy, has forced automakers to keep the technology out of U.S vehicles. The EPA is currently looking at making some changes to give vehicles with stop-start technology a higher rating, though a final decision is not expected until April of 2010.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: emgCarTech]

Term of the Day

Fuel Injector - The mechanical or electromechanical device that meters fuel into the cylinder in a fuel injected engine.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: Fuel Injector from Dynotechonline.com)

PickupTrucks.com Top 10 Trucks of the Past Decade

Pickuptrucks.com has announced its list of the decades best pickup trucks. There are a few surprises so see if your favorite made the list.

• 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
• 2001 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra HD w/ 6.6L Duramax Diesel
• 2002 Chevy Avalanche
• 2004 Nissan Titan
• 2005 Toyota Tacoma
• 2005 Honda Ridgeline
• 2007 Toyota Tundra
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2009 Ford F-150 (Most Significant 2000-2009)
• 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Honerable Mention:

• 2001 Ford Explorer Sprot Trac
• 2009 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra Two Mode Hybrid

Click the Source link to see the top 10's significance and why they were chosen.

-Anthony Alaniz

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

GM Recalls 2005 to 2007 Corvettes

GM has recalled all 2005 to 2007 Corvettes that have a removable top due to adhesive failure. This causes the outer roof panel to separate from the Corvette's roof frame and fly off, possibly causing injuries or property Damage. All 22,090 2005 to 2007 Corvette owner's are being advised to go to their local dealerships and get a new roof replacement.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]