The most important vehicle in America?

In February, Ford sold almost 33,000 Ford F Series trucks, making it the top selling vehicle in America, by far. Of the top 3 selling vehicles, 2 were trucks. Inevitably, day after day, month after month, year after year, and decade after decade, large trucks dominate the top of US auto sales.

Nonetheless, while the bread and butter of the Big 3, the 17 mpg all-American truck is killing America.

Fortunately, a few years ago, GM made a pretty smart move and added hybrid technology to its trucks. Unfortunately, despite big increases in fuel economy, especially in city traffic (although how many really need a truck in city driving?), sales for hybrid trucks, such as the Chevy Silverado hybrid, have been almost non-existent because of the significant upfront costs.

Of course, sales for the Chevy Volt range extended electric car will be much better than GM’s hybrid trucks. Still, it might take more than a decade for the Volt to achieve even a third of the sales the F Series is currently achieving and possibly far longer.

While the development of small hybrid and electric cars is critical, isn’t it time to put more energy into the real problem?

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This weeks story of a San Diego man and his runaway Prius marks the turning point on when Toyotas unintended acceleration issues crossed over into hysteria. While observers cast doubt on the truthfulness of the high-profile incident, more drivers have reported cases of Prius sudden acceleration. With each new report, there is a growing counter-movement that points to human psychologyrather than technical malfunctionsas an explanation.

On Tuesday, a New York woman said her 2005 shot forward into a stone wall. A day later, a Minnesota doctor and his wife complained that their 2007 Prius suddenly took offin reverse. On Wednesday, a 76-year-old Connecticut woman reported that her 2007 Toyota (model unidentified) took off across the lawn of her church and crashed into the church steps. Its a miracle, said Father Rev. James Bogiatzis, when he surveyed the damage and yet nobody was hurt.

Satan Behind the Wheel?

Toyota originally blamed floor mats for stuck acceleration pedals. Although some Prius owners doubted the explanation, the company issued a voluntary recall to correct for “floor mat entrapment.”

How do you explain the sudden spike in incidents? Lars Perner, professor of clinical marketing at the University of Southern California, told Associated Press, When people expect problems, they’re more likely to find them.

The Wall Street Journal reported that increases in complaints to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by car owners are common after automakers announce plans for recalls. In just the first 10 weeks of this year, 272 complaints have been filed nationwide for speed control problems with the Prius, according to an Associated Press analysis of unverified complaints received by the NHTSA. Only 74 complaints were filed last year, and eight in 2008. Theres been a similar jump in reports of problems with Prius brakes: 1,816 this year, versus 90 in 2009 and fewer than 20 every other year of the last decade.

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Mrs. JPs Adventures in Satellite TV

Meanwhile, in case you werent aware Versus is broadcasting some lil Ol Open wheel Racing series this weekend, which WOO-HOO! Your esteemed scribe will be able to either watch live or record before gallavanting across the Mountaintops

VERSUS IndyCar Info
Versus will air an action-packed weekend of sports, beginning on Saturday, March 13, at 2PM ET, with 60 minutes of pre-race qualifying coverage for the Sao Paulo Indy 300 race - the 2010 season-opening IZOD IndyCar Series event, before the network shifts into high-gear on Sunday, March 14, with three hours of live race coverage beginning at 11:30 AM ET.

Also, I believe that Versus will be re-airing the Sao Paolo IndyCar race Monday night at 9PM ET. But as ALWAYS! Check your local listings and also beware that many portions of the country Spring Forward this Sunday morning at 2AM!
And lastly, if by any chance Yall have dirrectTV and can void your contract in order to receive Versus, then by all means DUMP the BASTARDOES TOOT SWEET!

As I hear that DishTV is CHEAPER!

Im certainly warming-up to listening to this Dynamic Duo pontificate each week on 1070-The Fan, which Ive been tunin into via le internets As after all, where else can you go to hear Curt Cavin actually make Gil De Ferran laugh out loud multiple times? Or go from The Captains other Prodigal Son, a.k.a. Gil De Ferran, whos quite methodical, and always uses thought out reasoning to the mile O minute, flame retardant required verbosity of Davey STUD! Hamilton As I was totally unaware of the fact that Davey and Gil have something in common Theyre both members of the 1995 Indy 500 Rookie Class

Along with the somewhat coy musings of Cavin, like; were still awaiting the announcement of who Dale Coynes Primary Driver will be After Kevin announced Milka Dunos full season inking Not to mention Curts quip about Milka only meeting 2 of the 4 portions of Boy Scouts of America requirements

And Im certain that both Kevin N Cavin will have plenty to say during this Thursday evenings Preamble for the Indy Car season opener on the Streets of Sao Paolo

Photo Credit: Yamaha

The Yamaha homepage features details on the LE Limited Edition R1, decked out with Valentino Rossi/Fiat Yamaha livery including the number 46 and The Doctor logos.

According to Yamaha, the R1 is the worlds first production motorcycle with a crossplane crankshaft. Originally pioneered in MotoGP racing with the M1, crossplane technology puts each crank pin 90 degrees from the next, with an uneven firing interval of 270-180-90-180 degrees. The result is incredibly smooth, roll-on power delivery with outrageous amounts of torque.

Photo Credit: Yamaha

The inclusion of D-MODE variable throttle control function enables the rider to adjust performance characteristics to match a variety of riding conditions. In addition to standard mode mapped for optimum performance, the rider can select from A mode for sportier response in low to mid-speed range, and B mode for somewhat less sharp response for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. These 3 different maps at the push of a button allow the rider to choose the optimum power character for their riding situation.

Photo Credit: Yamaha

The new engine is housed in an equally advanced chassis. Control filled die-cast frame rails balance high vertical rigidity with relatively low lateral rigidity for increased high speed stability while improving handling, especially while leaned over during corner exit. A control filled die-cast magnesium sub frame cuts weight far from the center of balance and contributes to concentration of mass.

Source: Yamaha

Photo Credit: Kenworth

The 2010 PACCAR PX-6 and PACCAR PX-8 engines offer enhancements in torque and horsepower options which will provide greater benefits to Kenworth customers in a variety of medium duty applications, said Jason Skoog, Kenworth director of marketing planning and research. Both engines feature a fully integrated electronic control system for increased power density, enhanced reliability and serviceability, and optimized performance.

The 2010 PACCAR PX-6 and PACCAR PX-8 engines are both available for the Kenworth T270 Class 6 and T370 Class 7 models. The Kenworth T170 Class 5 vehicle is available with the 2010 PACCAR PX-6 engine.

Photo Credit: Kenworth

For 2010, Kenworth offers three diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank options for the medium duty market. Useable DEF capacities are 6.6, 9 and 18 gallons which provide diesel fuel capacities of 110, 150 and 300 gallons, respectively.

Source: Kenworth