VOTD – Babies + Cars + Fire….What could go wrong?!

This a part of me that thinks that this is absolutly awesome! But then there’s the part of me that thinks that anyone that puts the baby in a toy that breathes fire is a mental case! Which side do you come down on?

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The TrailBlazer That You Want – But Can’t Have

Asia Only Duramax TrailblazerThis has been a trend for a long time – outher countries get all the cool vehicles. This TrailBlazer that was introduced at the Bangkok International Auto Show, is based on the same body-on-frame archetecture that GM is utilizing. While its designed for family transport and daily commuting, it shares a lot of the same engineering as the Chevy Colorado. It has two motor options: 2.5 liter and 2.8 liter Duramax turbo-diesels providing class leading efficiency and torque.

“Exterior highlights include a “body in-wheels out” design that delivers high approach and departure angles. A dramatic power dome in the hood combined with a raised cowl designed to give the Trailblazer a strong, purposeful appearance, while higher-mounted dual projector headlamps are positioned beneath the power dome, emphasizing the visual strength in the face of the vehicle.”

Asia Only Duramax Trailblazer

Additional interior details include:
• Second row 60/40 split seats with single latch forward gravity tumble, fold-flat capability, and six-degree seat-back reclining with integrated folding armrests, incorporated with cup holders;
• Third row 50/50 split seats with center console storage and fold-flat capability;
• Flat floor storage from the front row rearward when all seats are folded to provide extreme load capability;
• Auxiliary power plug with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

All that counts for a pretty impressive mid-size sport ute. But if you’re in in Asia, don’t worry about cause you won’t be getting your hands on it.

Photos and news source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/production-2013-chevrolet-trailblazer-debuts-no-plans-for-u-s/#continued

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VOTD – Overland Expo 2012 Teaser

Overland Expo is one of the world’s largest events for vehicle reliant and adventure travel enthusiasts. Many of the folks that have been interviewed on the podcast will be there and you could meet them face-to-face! You’ll also be able to see an adventure travel film festival, participate in classes on overlanding or adventure motorcycling, food, demonstrations, discussions and check out a vendor area with over 100 vendors!

I'd love to make it to this event in the future and hopefully I'll see you there!

 

Information source: http://overlandexpo.com

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VOTD – Video of the Day for 4 Apr

I definitely enjoyed the Superbowl halftime spot narrated by the gruff inspirational voice of Clint Eastwood.  This spot also seems to have that uplifting good feeling in it.  It may not show off the reason I enjoy 4wheeling and Jeeps, but still makes me want a new 2012 Wrangler.  How about you?

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New G-Class with boosted power!

The German automaker Mercedes-Benz may not be your first instinct when looking for a 4wheeler if you live in the States, but the company has been going at it with the G-Class for 33 years now and has a very quality production.  That quality certainly comes with a cost though, and with the most recent model, Mercedes would like you to once again to consider the value of their workmanship.

Word has it that the premier for this rig will be next month in Beijing.  The pic was grabbed from a media release about the Mercedes GLK.  From the image, we can tell that the new model will have daytime running LED’s and slightly different side mirrors.  The continuation of the AMG brand for the new G63 is said to have an improved Twin-turbo 5.5 Liter V8 that puts out 536 bhp.  And if you just said, psh… that’s not good enough, then maybe the G65 AMG is for you!  The power plant in this rig will be the same Twin-turbo 6.0 Liter V12  that is also used in the SL65 AMG.  This motor puts out 621 bhp and 737 lb*ft of torque.  With power like this, you should be able to hit 60 from zero in about 5.2 seconds.

The G65 AMG will also have some slightly different styling concepts.  Both models will use the fuel saving 7G-tronic gearbox and the G63 will have a stop/start functions and some racing inspired brake energy recuperation technology.  There will also be two options for wheelbases:  2.4 meters and 2.85 meters.  More information will likely be released after the Beijing Auto Show.

For more information, check out: http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/261982/

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Headgasket for your iPhone

If you didn’t know before, I’ll go ahead and let you know, I’m a bit of a gadget freak.  There I said it.  You may also know that I’m not an iPhone user but I know many of you are and if you’re reading this, then you’re probably a gearhead as well. 

idAmerica has a range of different cases for you iPhone made from a wide range a materials and will provide different levels of protection.  The Head Gasket iPhone 4 and 4S case is designed out of lightweight and sturdy aluminum and has suede lining to prevent scratching your precious glass.   This case design won’t provide you any protection from the outdoors elements but it does make your phone look more comfortable when its hanging out its Craftsman buddies in the garage.

 

Does this get your iPhone motor running?

 As a bonus, if you drop it and the backside glass does shatter, you won’t have to take the case off to see the damage!

 

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Other Custom Rides Shown off at Moab

Mopar is not the only company that is showing off concepts and custom rigs at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT.  Venchurs Vehicles Systems has all brought out a few of their own monsters. 

For some background: 

“Venchurs utilizes its 40-plus year history providing OE product solutions to major auto makers with flawless product supply and after sale support. We have taken our knowledge and experience to form Venchurs Vehicle Systems (VVS), bringing a full complement of experience, assets and award-winning quality systems to commercial and new car dealer vehicle conversion programs. Venchurs Vehicle Systems programs and partners include a who’s who list of major industry leaders including Mopar, Ford, GM, Toyota, Case New Holland, Michelin/BF Goodrich and the National Park Foundation. Supporting Venchurs Vehicle Systems in our unique service offerings are: CNG Conversions, VWerks and Xplore Adventure Series Vehicles.” –http://www.venchurs.com/venchurs-vehicle-systems

 

First up is a Dodge Ram being called “Caballo Diablo” and it gets its name from being AK-47 “bulletproof” and the fact that it “projects a wall of fire around the truck.”  While that sounds pretty awesome, that isn’t what makes it bulletproof; that comes from the Dragon Skin armor that the Ram is packing.  I have no need for that extra weight on my rig, but the KORE suspension, heavy duty axles, sweet bumpers and the optional night vision would sure come in handy!

The Recon J8 takes the J8 Jeep JK that was shown at SEMA and adds armor plate and a mounting system for  M2 .50 cal and M240 machine guns.  Here’s the thing though, you could add a .50 cal to a VW Beetle and all of a sudden its full of awesome.

The last of the trio is something that has a lot more usefulness and practicality.  A natural gas powered Ford F-250.  The bi-fuel version will grant you up to 650 miles of back country fun before having to fill up.  You’ll lose some of the bed space as the CNG tank goes back there but you’ll get to enjoy the outdoors more knowing that you can get there and back using a renewable fuel source such as natural gas.  PS, CNG costs less to fill up than its gasoline or diesel counterparts.

 Photos and News Source: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/flame-throwing-ram-other-custom-vehicles-bow-in-moab-121075.html

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Toyota LandCruiser 70-Series dual-cab ute coming…maybe…and not to the US

One of my favorite things about traveling internationally, besides the amazing food you find, is the vehicles. There are so many cool vehicles out there that will never (aside from the handful of specially imported ones) lay treads on American soil. One of those vehicles is the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series.

The 200 Series is the work truck version that can be had in Cab Chassis, Troop Carrier and Wagon forms but there has been significant demand for a more family-friendly variant by our friends down in Australia.  This dual-cab varient will likely have the same 4.5 liter V-8 turbo diesel (I KNOW!  I WANT ONE TOO!)  that produces about 200 HP and 317 lb-ft while getting about 20 MPG! 

 

For more info, check out http://www.caradvice.com.au/157052/toyota-landcruiser-70-series-dual-cab-ute-coming/

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VOTD – Video of the Day for 3 Apr

You know that you have a rational fear of getting too close to the edge on that shelf road, even if all your friends think you need to relax. Well now here’s something to show all your friends that keep telling you to just calm down!

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VOTD – Video of the Day of 2 April

I certainly wouldn’t recommend trying this out even if you know that your snorkle system is well sealed.  Sucking water into your engine will cause whats called as hydrolock.  Water does not compress in the same manner as air.  So when water gets into the cylinder of a running motor, somethings gonna give and usually its either piston rings, gaskets, seals or something worse. 

All that being said, check out the video and prepare to be in awe!

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