Nissan’s Eco Pedal should increase fuel economy on the models destined for the new technology, either because of the ingeniousness of the concept or the sheer embarrassment of having a gas pedal control our right foot.

Introduced at the beginning of August 2008, the Eco Pedal was just one component in a Nissan test model packed with safety-focused sensor technology, adding to a long list of machines smarter than their operators.

Nissan’s eco-pedal system explained. …click here to read more →

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First up, Edmunds.com posted a 2009 Dodge Ram first drive report on their Inside Line blog last week. While Edmunds was quick to point out that the vehicle they drove was a prototype, their review of the new Ram’s rear coil suspension was very complimentary. Here’s a snippet:

A set of gargantuan coil springs now supports the back half of the new Ram, improving ride and stability while miraculously preserving the payload and towing capacity of the 2008 model. If the competition doesn’t already have prototypes and test mules running around with this setup at their respective proving grounds, they’d best get on the ball.

Edmunds also went on to say that the new HEMI will have variable-valve timing (Tundra already has VVT-i), variable length intake runners (Tundra already has a similar acoustically controlled induction system), and a higher compression ratio than the old engine. Combined with Dodge’s cylinder de-activation system, the claim is that the new Ram will have slightly better fuel economy (13/19) while adding 45 hp for a total of 390 hp.

Sounds pretty awesome - we can’t wait to drive one. The coil spring suspension sounds good too, but it is interesting to note that Dodge didn’t increase the payload or tow rating of the 2009 Ram, despite increasing the power of the 5.7 Hemi substantially. Does this mean Dodge couldn’t make the new rear coil suspension any stronger than the old leaf setup? If so, that doesn’t speak well of it’s towing and hauling ability (especially long term). Again, it’s a prototype, so who knows… …click here to read more →

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Jeremy, one of the top contributors on TundraNetwork, posted this article about adding your own Hyperground-type electrical grounding system to your truck on the Tundra forum, and we decided it was so good it deserved placement on the blog. Thanks a lot Jeremy for sharing!

By the way, Jeremy’s truck now idles at a lower RPM and his gas mileage has improved about 0.5mpg after adding this kit.

Begin Forum Post:

Click to see a larger view.

Here is what you will need: (I found all the parts at my local megamart) …click here to read more →

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With rumors of yet another new engine for the Tundra flying about, we decided a recap was in order. Here’s what we’ve seen in regards to rumors of new engines for the Toyota Tundra.

Rumor #1: 4.6L gas replacing the 4.7L - Toyota’s 4.7L iForce engine is a few years old now, and with the recent federal mandate that all auto manufacturers improve the average fuel economy of their vehicles, it seems likely that Toyota will be forced to upgrade, update, or replace the 4.7. The rumor is that a 4.6L engine is being developed, but no one is able to confirm this. Our guess - a replacement for the 4.7L engine is coming, but it’s probably a couple of years away. Toyota doesn’t need this engine before 2011.

Rumor #2: New 4.5L clean diesel V8 - This is technically a rumor still (Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed the reports), but we’ve managed to confirm the existence of this engine with a couple of sources now. The big questions are still unanswered: How much will it cost? How much power will it produce? We expect this engine will be available late next year as a 2010 model. Read more about the Toyota Tundra 4.5L diesel engine.

Rumor #3: New large-displacement diesel - This rumor is based on a stated Toyota objective of offering a true heavy duty Toyota Tundra. While Edmunds.com reported that a 7.0L V8 diesel was in development, the recent and dramatic reduction in truck demand has likely endangered this engine’s future (not to mention the HD Tundra). Our official projection - the heavy duty diesel engine is still at least 3 years away, and 5 years seems much more likely.

Rumor #4: Hybrid engine for the Tundra - This rumor was well-founded as late as one year ago, but recent proclamations by Toyota leadership have all but acknowledged the Tundra Hybrid is dead for the immediate future. Toyota’s stated goal of providing a hybrid version of every model by 2020 seems to be the official timeline for a Tundra hybrid.

Anyone else want to share (or start) some engine rumors?

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Here’s an interesting story:

Helen and Renee Hopper of Muncie, Indiana awoke to an all-too-familiar sound early Friday when a brand new Toyota Tundra truck crashed into their front porch.

“My mother said the house was falling in,” said Renee, who replied it was just another vehicle hitting their home at 1524 S. Burlington Dr. …click here to read more →

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General Motors and Ford Motor Company may be on the road to collaboration on new engine and powertrain development, according to a report by the Detroit News. With gas prices reaching unprecedented heights and pick-up and SUV sales hitting new lows, the collaboration could be the one bright spot in both companies’ dismal financial outlook.

Neither company confirmed or denied the report, but insiders from both are providing information on the joint meetings and possible discussion points.

If the rumors play out, it won’t be the first time the two ailing giants have successfully shared technology. GM and Ford worked together two years ago on a fuel-saving, six-speed transmission that is now an integral part of both companies’ powertrain line up. This joint venture saved each company nearly half a billion dollars in R&D. In that light, the advantages of working together to develop an engine are obvious. New engine development costs can run as high as $1 billion - splitting the check makes a lot of sense.

When you consider that GM has already cut back on product development and R&D in order to cut costs, and it’s a near certainty that GM is going to work with someone to design and develop a new engine. But arch-nemesis Ford? Hard to imagine. …click here to read more →

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