SUV mayhem: 1,000 HP Nissan Patrol

Nissan is currently getting ready to release it's next generation Patrol, an overseas sensation that may indeed be coming to the United States. There have been rampant rumors about a possible V8 powertrain, but the big news is a diesel engine developed in conjunction with Renault that pumps out 405 lbft of torque.



A certain Dubai business man apparently wasn't impressed enough with the new SUV to wait for it, so he turned his Patrol over to HKS and had them up the ante a little.



A little means an all wheel drive SUV that pumps out around 1,000hp, or 1,000 PS. The mostly stock exterior makes this ride a major sleeper, with the exception of the large squarish hood scoop. Just imagine the look on that guys face next to you when you embarrass him in his fancy pants sports car.

Detriot close to getting $25 billion in Government loans

Image by Getty Images via Daylife With Detroit automakers getting close to receiving $25 billion dollars in low interest government loans to try and stop some of the bleeding profits, there has been a lot of speculation on just what those dollars will be used for.



The government will only support investment in vehicles that improve fuel economy by at least 25 percent compared to their respective segments. In other words, don’t look for any federally funded V-8 muscle cars. The key to benefiting from these loans will lie in how far along automakers are in developing green cars.



For GM and Ford, the loans will turn out near immediate results. Both automakers already have advanced fuel-saving technologies, and can use the loans to implement them on a larger scale.



GM can offset costs for its Chevrolet Volt. It may also spread its Two Mode hybrid system (left) to other models. Right now, the system is only on its expensive full-size SUVs, but GM could use some of the loans to implement it on everything from the Buick Enclave to the Chevrolet Malibu.



GM could also produce more diesel engines and speed along development of its homogeneous charge compression engines. The engines supposedly combine the best attributes of gasoline and diesel, and are currently due around 2015.



Ford, meanwhile, can use the money for its upcoming Escape (top) and Mercury Mariner plug-in hybrids and its efficient EcoBoost engines, the first of which will appear in the Lincoln MKS. It could also consider bringing over more diesel engines along with its European small cars.



Chrysler, on the other hand, could find itself in a bit of a quandary. It certainly needs cash, but does not seem to have many programs for which the loans can apply. Chrysler could, like GM, spread the Two Mode hybrid system from its trucks to cars like the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. It may also apply the loans for its next generation of Cummins diesel truck engines, due out in 2010.



Import brands that build cars here are technically eligible for the loans, but will have difficulty meeting the requirements. In particular, the loans will give preference to automakers retooling plants more than 20 years old.



It will be your money backing these loans (estimated cost to taxpayers: $7.5 billion). There has been some backlash regarding the loans. Some compare this move to one that likens the U.S. to China, who regularly fund Chinese owned businesses.



I look at it this way. American automakers are in trouble, as a result of their attempts to satisfy the public desire for large and powerful vehicles. No speculation could have seen the current gas crisis coming. I would much rather the government attempt to help these companies than see them defect overseas, which is the other alternative.

Should you lease, buy new, or buy used?

Image by nateOne via Flickr

Buying a car is always an interesting endeavor. It is both exciting and challenging, and sometimes scary.



Whichever of the above applies to you, there are basically three general options available to potential car buyers. To lease a car, buy a new one, or buy a used vehicle. Each has several pros and cons.



Leasing is a popular option for many. Typically your payment is lower than it would be if you just purchased the car with a loan. You can lease a car for so many years and then simply turn it in and lease or buy another one. The nice thing about a lease is that you aren't saddled with your purchase and it's declining value after the lease period ends.



Now for the cons, and there are many. The biggest downfall is that you are paying all that money essentially with nothing to show for it. Unlike a purchase, when the lease is up the car goes away.



Most leases also limit the amount of mileage that you can drive per year. This is a disadvantage to those that have to drive long distances or with any frequency.



You are also liable for any damages to the vehicle that are beyond normal wear and tear, so that means no street racing!



Buying a used vehicle is an attractive option as well. For those who are affluent in vehicle maintenance, this is the way to go. The previous owner has already absorbed the initial depreciation of the vehicle. On a slightly used, low mileage car you can save thousands of dollars. Most new vehicles come with transferrable warrranties.



If properly cared for, a used vehicle can be a far superior purchase to a new car purchase. The key is to look for potential damage or "lemon" qualities, along with checking to see if the car has been in an accident or has a salvage title. This can potentially be a nightmare if you are not educated in vehicle maintenance.



The final option is to purchase a brand new vehicle. This is a positive way to go if you don't know much about vehicles. Most new cars come with a warranty that ranges in length from 36,000 miles up to 100,000 miles. When you buy a new car you don't have to worry about the previous owner and whether or not there is hidden damage.



When properly cared for, a new vehicle will last for a long time. However, a poor credit rating can cost you a fortune in interest fees. As soon as you drive off the lot the car depreciates in value.



The most important thing when making any kind of committment to a vehicle is to do your research. Make sure that you don't just pick the car that you like because it looks good or has that electronic widget that you like. Choose a car that is reliable and dependable. Making a decision with your head instead of your heart will go a long way towards saving you money down the road.




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Taurus X and Mercury Sable to be axed next year

Image via Wikipedia
Keeping with previous chatter out of Detroit, it has been reported that the Taurus X SUV and the Mercury Sable are on the chopping block for next year.

Officials at Ford Motor Company are stepping up their efforts to significantly restructure it's lineup after multiple rounds of recent layoffs.

Word coming out of Dearborn is that the Taurus X crossover and the venerable Sable are being axed due to slow sales combined with the companie's efforts to produce smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.

Rumors surround the demise of the Taurus X have been going around ever since the new Flex hit showrooms.

The decision to stop producing the Sable is in tune with Ford's vision to utilize Mercury as a critical outlet to sell small cars.

Last July, the Taurus X sold 2,304 units, down from the 2,705 the same time last year. The already slow-selling Sable managed only 2,276 sales last month compared to 2,589 a year ago.