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Usually when there is a transmission failure, it is something internal that, after many years of dutiful service, is expected to start breaking down. However, Nissan has announced that some of their best selling trucks and SUVs (2005-2010 Nissan Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinders) are experiencing radiator leaks that are finding their way into the components of their automatic transmissions. This leak is causing premature wearing of the automatic transmission that warrants replacement often at less than 100,000 miles. The New York Times reports that even after Nissan extended warranties on the effected models by 5 years/50,000 miles (for a total warranty coverage for 80K miles/8 years) owners still reported that "the radiator issues have affected the vehicles transmissions, causing premature failure...Lance Wiggins, Technical Director of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association points out ’what’s happening is the radiator cooler tanks are rupturing, forcing coolant into the five-speed automatic through the transmission cooler lines." Motor Trend also points out that for many of the owners of these vehicles (particularly the older models) are beyond the extended warranty. If the transmission fails, they will have to put forth a substantial investment for a new one. Nissan says they "would cover transmissions damaged by coolant, as long as they met the extended warranty guidelines." No warranty, no fix.
Although Nissan says "only a small proportion of models are affected," we are perplexed by their actions. They seem to be doing enough to belay a lawsuit, yet don’t seem to be real concerned about maintaining a loyal customer base, which is a real pity because we love the ruggedness and the utility of the Nissan trucks and SUVs.
We’ve been watching the Bugatti versus SSC battle closely with their back and forth efforts of one-upmanship fueling our need for speed. The record for the fastest vehicle on Earth is a hefty goal to attain, but soybean farmer, Brent Hajek, is working on a different kind of record. You see, Hajek also has a passion for speed and his company, Hajek Motorsports, has taken on the challenge of breaking the land speed record for diesel and biodiesel trucks. Not only did they take on the challenge, but they succeeded wholeheartedly with two land speed records.
Hajek Motorsports has joined the record breakers of the world by achieving these land speed records with a Ford F-250 SuperDuty. First, the F-250 SuperDuty got up to 171.123mph, hitting the new record for B Production Diesel Trucks. Then the F-250, running on bio-diesel fuel, smashed the existing 130.614 unlimited bio-diesel land speed record by getting up to 182mph.
The 2011 Ford F-250 SuperDuty is powered by a 6.7L Powerstroke V8 turbo diesel engine delivering 400 HP and 800 lb-ft of torque. The truck used for the record was mostly stock, but it did get some changes to the high pressure fuel pump, fuel injectors, and turbochargers for more fuel flow. The compression ratio was also modified.
In the rough and tumble world of pick-up trucks, the constant development for the baddest, meanest, and most powerful off-roader is a constant race for automakers determined to build the most imposing of them all and find the one that can be called the kingpin of all-utility vehicles. At the International Motor Show in Buenos Aires, Chevrolet introduced their latest offering to the fold, the Colorado Rally Concept. Next the concept will be making its way to Franfurt for its European premiere.
Based on the Colorado line of pick-ups that are considered one of the most popular in the world, the Colorado Rally Concept is the latest iteration concept that shows the new direction Chevrolet is undertaking for their next-generation off-roaders, particularly those that have rally racing in their future.
"Chevrolet has built trucks right from the start and they are an essential part of our brand. Through its purposeful design, refinement and uncompromising capability, the Colorado Rally Concept creatively reinterprets our proud heritage," said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe.
More details on the Chevrolet Colorado Rally Concept after the jump.
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Ford has paired up with Harley Davidson yet again to bring us one of the toughest trucks around: the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150. This collaboration of toughest proportions has been around for many years and each year, both companies’ efforts double to reveal a cooler design and more aggressive performance.
The 2012 Ford-Harley Davidson F-150 was presented in Sturgis, SD with distinctive new design enhancements, snakeskin leather interior accents, and unique body-side graphics. The pick-up also receives a new set of wheels, size 22" with painted accents and unique center cap for 2012. Under the hood, Ford has placed a 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture and delivers a total of 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque.
"This is a great pairing of two icons of the open road: Ford and Harley-Davidson. Both brands appeal to truck owners and motorcycle enthusiasts alike," said Marc Lapine, Ford F-150 marketing manager. "For 2012 we worked with Harley-Davidson to continue to push the styling envelope while still delivering the durability and power that F-150 is known for and that our collective customers expect. It perfectly captures both brands."
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150.
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The boys from Top Gear USA were back this week and they are starting to pick up a little bit of speed in terms of entertainment value. The discussions still tend to be a little too rehearsed, but we didn’t want to turn off the television as soon as they started talking. Well, except for when Adam opened his mouth, but we’re used to that.
The main focus this week was trying to figure out which truck was the best in America. After spending the entire first episode trying to convince us all that pick-up trucks could be convinced by two-door models, this was a welcome change. Other segments included battling it out between the Local Motors’ Rally Fighter and an airboat, and a trip around the Top Gear test track with actor/comedian Bill Engvall.
Hit the jump to check out the full details on Top Gear USA: Season 2 Episode 3.
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