2011 Isuzu Trucks South Africa preview and specification

2011 Isuzu Trucks South Africa preview and specificationAston Martin Car News: http://car-wheelx.blogspot.com/search/label/aston%20martin

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

2009 Truck of the Year: Ford F-150

This is it. Crunch time. The 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram are rolling onto the market like a pair of gigantic craps dice, and the companies tossing them are each betting big on this game. Unfortunately, the rules changed while these dice were in mid-air. Fuel prices skyrocketed, the economy tanked, consumer confidence evaporated, and folks who once chose half-ton pickups more for their Marlboro-Man-image-enhancing qualities than for their towing or hauling capabilities are shopping elsewhere.

Ford claims it sells more of its half-ton pickups to work and commercial customers than its competitors do, and Ford predicts this segment will grow to 45 percent of F-150 sales. Toward that end, the truck's fully boxed chassis is further fortified to provide best-in-class rigidity, payload capacity (up to 3030 pounds), and tow ratings (up to 11,300 pounds). As such, the new F-150 is well positioned to capture contractors migrating down-market out of Super-Dutys to save money and gas (did we mention that a new six-speed automatic, a lighter, more aerodynamic cab, and other tweaks boost fuel economy by 12 percent with the 5.4-liter?).

Ford claims payload and towing numbers like that simply can't be had with a coil-sprung rear axle, so it stuck with leafs but made them longer to smooth the ride and wider with new mounting hardware to improve lateral rigidity and roll control. The ride doesn't quite match Dodge's, but the chassis engineers managed to tune the steering for pleasing heft and remarkable accuracy that had many judges lauding the F-150s for feeling smaller and nimbler than their Dodge counterparts. Lateral grip of 0.70 g for both Fords bested all but the feathery base Dodge and Suzuki, and our rear-drive SXT scored the best stop at 133 feet from 60 mph (the three-ton Lariat needed 144 feet).

Status-conscious contractors will have eight F-150 models from which to choose (including the forthcoming SVT Raptor), which Detroit editor Todd Lassa reckons is "about four too many," adding, "If this Lariat is the third truck from the top, how much of a boudoir must the King Ranch and Platinum interiors be?" Judges praised the low noise levels and interior materials quality, though some found the design cartoonishly macho. Still, handy features like the Tailgate Step, Box Side Step, a stowable bed-extender, and rear seats that fold up with one hand to reveal a broad, flat load floor help tally a strong superiority score.

SsangYong Actyon Sports now with 6-speed automatic!

Competitive Supreme Sdn Bhd (CSSB), the sole importer and distributor for SsangYong Motor Company of Korea has introduced the first 6-Speed Automatic Transmission Sports Utility Truck in Malaysia by upgrading its Actyon Sports to 6-Speed Automatic. According to Melvinder Singh, the General Manager of CSSB, �The gearbox is electronically controlled and the software has been designed to maximise

Mitsubishi Triton 3.2 and Triton Lite

Click on images to enlarge Catering to the growing popularity of pick-up trucks, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) added to its Triton pick-up truck line-up with the new Triton 3.2-litre 4x4 automatic and the Triton Lite 2.5-litre 4x2 manual. The two new variants will join the current line-up consisting of the Triton 2.5-litre 4x4 with automatic and manual transmissions. Backed by a

Tried and Tested: SsangYong Actyon Sports XDi 200

By Dr LongClick on images to enlargeI must admit I was really impressed (somehow!) by looks of the new SsangYong Actyon SUV at the last Bangkok Motor Show. My close pal � a big time Toyota freak - finds it hideous even though its miles better looking than the knights-and-armour themed Kyron sibling. In short, this is one vehicle that you can easily say �I think I�ll pass� if you can�t get beyond

Isuzu D-Max Facelift 2.5 & 3.0

Due to the war heating up in the pick-up truck segment, Isuzu�s D-Max has undergone a facelift for 2007. The tough pick-up now sports a refreshed frontal visage plus some sheet metal changes. Interestingly, this is the third �nip-and-tuck� since its introduction in Malaysia.Striking changes this time around are sharper looking headlamp which utilises an ellipsoidal projector lens (3.0L D-Max only

Drive Review: Mitsubishi Triton 2.5L DI-D

By Dr LongImposing, modern and trendy: that�s my first impression of the Red Metallic tester unit collected from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). Yes, I have never imagined describing a pick-up in such a manner, until the Triton came along, as replacement model for the Mitsubishi L200 aka Mitsubishi Storm.You�d probably have heard this half a dozen times or more by now. Whether its Gundam, Star

New Ford Ranger 2.5TDCi in Malaysia

By Dr LongFord Malaysia has launched their new Ford Ranger yesterday. The improvements highlight of this replacement model is the new 2.5L DuraTorq turbodiesel capable of 141bhp @ 3,500rpm and 330Nm at a low 1,800rpm. Better still, Ford claims a 22% improvements in fuel efficency despite higher power and torque! Pioneering a first in the history of pick-ups in Malaysia, is a full 5-speed A/T 'box

2007 All-New Ford Ranger

By Dr LongMaking a centre-stage appearance at the 2007 Bangkok Motor Show� Ford display area, is the bigger and more imposing all new Ford Ranger. The frontal visage is bolder now, with more presence, not unlike the Toyota Hilux. Its 2.5L turbodiesel engine is uprated - 143bhp @ 3,500rpm and 330Nm @ a low 1,800rpm - to wrest �The most powerful pick-up� bragging tagline from the current leader in