Editor's Note: Submit your dirt to jordan.may@off-roadweb.com.
Lighting the Spark
Ford engineers have reportedly joined forces with scientists at Liverpool University to develop a laser-beam-ignition system to replace the aging spark-plug system. The researchers claim their technology is highly efficient and reliable and will allow vehicles to start easier in extreme temperatures and damp climates. According to the engineers, the laser light may be split into multiple beams distributing ignition points within the cylinders. The laser beam ignition aides in combustion as well as lowering emissions during cold starts. The system also improves efficiency by monitoring the ignition inside of the combustion chamber and relaying messages back to the ECU to adjust the fuel mixtures, timing, and ignition. The researchers also said that the lasers use less energy than spark plugs while eliminating wear items and wires. The system will use fiber optics to carry the laser beam to the cylinders.
Ford is projected to introduce the technology in its top models within the upcoming years and will make it more widely available soon after.
For more information, visit: Ford Motors Company, www.ford.com
New Power Wagon Spotted
Spy shots of the new 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon have surfaced on the Web and we have to say that it is exactly what a factory off-road truck should look like. The Power Wagon starts off on the right foot with an integrated winch in the front bumper along with 4.56 gearing and a pair of solid axles. As if that wasn't enough to tickle your brain, the Power Wagon also comes with both front and rear locking differentials as well as electronic sway-bar disconnects, much like the JK Rubicon. The tires designated for this off-road-ready rig are LT285X70R17 BF Goodrich All Terrain KOs that measure in at 33 inches in diameter. From the looks of it we're willing to bet that some 35-inch tires will fit just fine with some minor massaging of the fenders. Heck, it already has 4.56 gears! The Power Wagon has a menacing HD front end as well as the always cool clearance lights.
For more information, visit: Dodge, www.dodge.com and www.pickuptrucks.com
4 Wheel Parts' Truck And Jeep Fest
We made it to 4 Wheel Parts' annual Truck and Jeep Fest during the middle of July in Denver, Colorado. It has organized multiple free shows around the country that enable enthusiasts to meet and talk to the vendors that supply the products in the 4 Wheel Parts catalog. What is even better is that if you find some parts you want to buy, a lot of them are offered at a discount and can be ordered right at the event.
For more information, visit 4 Wheel Parts, www.4wheelparts.com.
Toyota Invests in Indiana
Toyota Motor Corp. has confirmed that it is investing about $467.2 million into its Indiana plant to retool it in order to build its Sequoia and Highlander SUVs on the same line. Officials at Toyota have not commented about rumors that it had entered talks with General Motors about buying out GM's share in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) venture after GM announced that it was abandoning its 50-percent stake in the partnership. No word yet on how many of the 5,440 employees, who currently work at the NUMMI plant, will be affected.
For more information, visit: Toyota Motors Corp, www.toyota.com
EPA Grants California Waiver
The EPA reversed its decision of denying the state of California's green house gas emissions waiver on June 30. The EPA ruled that the criterion for denying the waiver was not within reason and overturned its decision by granting California the waiver. By doing this, the state will be able to enforce its more stringent emissions standards for vehicles that are model years 2009 and newer.
According to the California Air Resource Board, 100.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions would be removed from our air by 2020 compared to the 59.9 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions reduction from the federal fuel economy standards. California's green house gas emission standards will not raise the fuel economy standards but will however enforce pollution standards to a higher level.
For more information, visit: EPA, www.epa.gov
SVT Raptor Super Crew?
There are rumors going around the Web that Ford is considering building a crew cab SVT F-150 Raptor. Apparently, they have received more than a few requests for a Super Crew version of the F-150 SVT Raptor. Mark Gruber, Ford marketing manager, has said that although they have gotten a few requests, they haven't made any decisions whether they will build it or not but he did admit that the demand for the Super Crew Raptor is there. The high demand for the SVT Raptor makes a crew cab version of the SVT Raptor highly possible in the near future. All we can say is, if Ford builds it, we'll wheel it.
For more information, visit: Ford Motors Company, www.ford.com