TRD Offers Rock Warrior Tundra
Toyota's 2009 Tundra fullsize pickup truck will enhance its trail appeal with the addition of a new option package from Toyota Racing Development. The new TRD Rock Warrior Package is specially tuned for backcountry adventure and will be available exclusively on the Tundra 4x4 Double Cab (standard bed) and CrewMax equipped with the 5.7L V-8 engine. In addition to its tuned suspension, the Rock Warrior is equipped with Bilstein shocks, TRD 17-inch forged alloy wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, a color-keyed front bumper and grille surround, a matte-black rear bumper, foglamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, an accessory shift knob and pedal covers, and TRD Rock Warrior side-panel graphics. The Rock Warrior will come in two exterior colors: Black and Super White.
Ford Delays F-150 Diesel
Ford has decided to indefinitely delay the introduction of the 4.4L turbodiesel V-8 in the F-150, citing uncertainties of a constantly changing market where variables include the fuel price premium of diesel over gas and a shrinking truck market. The diesel F-150 was originally to be introduced for the 2010 model year and was expected to make 9 percent more horsepower, 15 percent more torque, and get 20 percent better fuel economy than a similarly equipped 5.4L V-8 F-150. Ford is currently trying to determine if a light-duty diesel makes sense if diesel continues to be 20 percent higher than gas in most of the country, especially when the initial cost of clean diesel engines over gas is considered.
Super Duty Gets Cabela's FX4 Package
Ford is expanding its relationship with Cabela's, the world's largest outdoor outfitter, by offering a new Cabela's FX4 package for 2009. According to Ford data, 76 percent of F-Series buyers hunt and fish. A key way for Ford to connect with those outdoor enthusiasts is as the official truck of Cabela's. The Cabela's FX4 package features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic, and Silver Metallic with Sterling Grey Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings. Custom mud flaps and unique Cabela's badging finish off the exterior. The interior features standard cloth seats with the Cabela's logo or available Aniline leather seats with a unique two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqu. All weather floor mats also wear the Cabela's logo. And for the avid outdoor enthusiast, additional lockable storage in the front console and underneath the rear seats is perfect for keeping equipment secure and out of sight.
San Diego 4 Wheelers Dedicate Kiosk
At a Dedication Ceremony held in the Superstition Mountain OHVA last October, the San Diego 4 Wheelers turned over a new information kiosk to the BLM. The four-wheel-drive club replaced the aging BLM kiosk with funds provided in a grant from BFGoodrich Tires. Last May, BFGoodrich Tires honored Superstition by naming it as one of the "Outstanding Trails 2008" in recognition of the area and the conservation work done by the San Diego 4 Wheelers. Club President Richard Jackson presented the kiosk to Dallas Meeks of the BLM on behalf of the Club and BFGoodrich Tires. The Club holds an annual fundraising event at Superstition in January. On January 17 and 18, 2009, the Club will hold Superstition 11. For more information, log on to www.sd4wheel.com.
GM Brings High-Performance To Online Shoppers
GM Performance Parts has launched an online superstore that promises to simplify shopping for high-performance engines, parts, and components. The site, www.gmperformanceparts.com, is the first OE performance parts site that actually allows consumers to purchase their hard-core hardware online and have it shipped straight to their door. The GMPP website simplifies this process of planning, research, and shopping by providing enthusiasts with access to the most popular GMPP products on a trusted GM site 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Unlike many online shopping sites that refer consumers to a retailer for pricing, www.gmperformanceparts.com makes it simple to buy what you want, when you want it. Payment methods include all major credit cards, as well as PayPal.
Yamaha Continues Strong Support For OHV Access
In its largest quarter of funding to date, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., through its popular OHV Access Initiative, donated more than $200,000 in cash and equipment to projects supporting safe, responsible riding and sustainable, open riding areas across the country. Sixteen organizations from 11 states received GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation's Trails) funds for projects including: Trail mapping equipment and staffing, legislative lobbying efforts, responsible OHV rider education and outreach campaigns, signage and building materials for trail heads, campground supplies, and construction equipment for trail development. Yamaha continues to support the greater OHV community including public land managers, private landowners, riding clubs, and associations in their efforts to produce and maintain areas for off-highway vehicle use. So far this year, Yamaha has awarded nearly $600,000 in GRANTs. Updated guidelines, an application form, and information on the OHV Access Initiative are available at: www.yamaha-motor.com/ohvaccess. For questions regarding the OHV Access Initiative, groups can call Yamaha's dedicated OHV Access Initiative Hotline at 877/OHV-TRAIL (877/648-8724), e-mail OHVAccess@yamaha-motor.com or write to: Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Review Committee, 6555 Katella Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630-5101.
Land Use Notes
Defending OHV Access To Public Lands
The SAN submitted comments to federal lawmakers defending continued use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on federal lands in the Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel region in Southern California. The SAN opposes legislation (H.R. 6156) to designate as "wilderness" 475,000 acres of the federal lands located in Mono, Inyo, and Los Angeles Counties. OHVs would be denied access to the land since motorized recreation is not permitted in wilderness areas. The bill was the topic of a hearing by a panel of the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee. The SAN recommended an alternative approach that would protect our nation's natural wonders and motorized recreation. The SAN recommended that the bill specifically protect OHV use on "cherry-stemmed" routes. These routes are often old roads, trails, or paths formerly used for mining, logging, or agricultural operations. The SAN also recommended the use of less restrictive land designations for portions of the land, such as a "Backcountry Recreation" designation proposed by the Blue Ribbon Coalition (www.sharetrails.org/backcountry). The SAN recommended continued access to the Furnace Creek Road.
Quick Hits
* New Internet rumors have the next-generation Suburban being built on GM's unibody Lambda platform and the Tahoe and Yukon not being replaced.
* As of press time, GM and Chrysler were moving forward with discussions of a merger.
* Navistar has quietly killed the CXT, MXT, and RXT consumer pickup trucks.