All-new 6.7-liter diesel V8 of Ford

Ford's issues with its long-time heavy duty diesel engine supplier Navistar will soon be coming to an end. The 2011 edition of the Ford Super Duty pickup will get an all-new diesel V8 designed in-house code-named Scorpion. So now, if Ford has any durability issues with its big diesels, it will have no one to blame but itself.



Officially the Scorpion retains the Power Stroke badge, but that and eight cylinders in a V-configuration are all that is carried over. The Scorpion engine picks up a variety of technologies that have been appearing on other recent engines, both gas- and diesel-fueled, as well as adding a few new tricks, particularly the turbocharger. The biggest change for the architecture is the move to an inside-out layout. Since the early days of the V-engine configuration, most examples have had the intake system mounted in the valley between the banks with the exhaust on the outside. Like BMW's new turbocharged gas V8 and GM's current on-the-shelf Duramax 4500, the Scorpion switches this around. Read on after the jump to learn more.

2009 smart fortwo.

The RDX is Acura's turbocharged crossover, combining car-like performance and handling characteristics with the versatility of a compact sport utility vehicle.

The smart fortwo with its small stature provides excellent maneuverability in the city. On the road, its exceptional fuel economy makes it a great commuter vehicle.

The smart fortwo is available in either pure, passion, or BRABUS trims. The pure is solely available in coupe form, while the passion and BRABUS are offered as a coupe or cabriolet. Power comes from a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a five-speed automated manual transmission. Standard safety features include electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes, four-airbags, and tridion safety cell.

For 2009 the smart fortwo receives a new performance oriented BRABUS trim.

2009 Jeep Wrangler

The Subaru Forester is a crossover vehicle that combines some of the best attributes of a sport-utility vehicle with the ride and driving dynamics of a car.

The Wrangler is one of the most fun-to-drive, off-road-capable Jeeps ever made. For open-air driving at the beach or on the trail or even the just on the street, the standard soft top can be folded down or the available hard top can be taken off, the doors can be removed and the windshield can be folded down.

The two-door Wrangler is configurable in either X, Sahara and Rubicon trim with standard four-wheel drive. The standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 202 horsepower, and the standard transmission is a six-speed manual with overdrive. An optional four-speed automatic with overdrive is available. Electronic stability control with roll control, traction control, brake assist and hill hold control are standard on all Wranglers. The Sahara offers body colour flares, Infinity speakers, remote keyless entry, power window, security alarm and 18-inch wheels. The Rubicon features equipment that off-road enthusiasts usually add anyway, including heavy duty axles, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 32-inch BF Goodrich mud tires, sway bar disconnect system, rock rails and a heavy-duty transfer case with 4:1 low-gear ratio. The available Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop allows panels to be removed above the driver or passenger. Other options include Dual Top Group, half doors, remote start system, front seat-mounted side air bags, and MyGIG infotainment system with navigation.

For 2009, the Sahara receives power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry as standard equipment.

2009 Honda Civic.

The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable and popular economy compact cars in its class. For years it has set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact car market.

Available in sedan or coupe bodies, all but the GX and Si trims are powered by a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic. The performance-oriented Si, comes with a 197 horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4 bolted to a six-speed manual, while the GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the 1.8-liter gas engine, and a five-speed automatic. Standard safety features on all Civics include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints and tire pressure monitoring.

For 2009, the Honda Civic gets refreshed exterior styling and new optional tech features, while the sedan adds two new trims, a DX-VP (Value Package) and an LX-S.

2009 Ford F-150.

The all new 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck delivers outstanding performance with its distinct trim levels, equipment packages and its broad range of cab styles and pickup box configurations.

The F-150 trims consist of the rugged and reliable XL, the sporty STX, the versatile and well equipped XLT, the durable FX4 and the luxurious Lariat. Each trim boasts its own unique styling, appearance and capabilities. All 2009 F-150's come equipped with a V8 engine and an automatic transmission. A 2-valve 4.6-liter V8 is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 3-valve 4.6-liter or 5.4-liter V8 are mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The F-150's versatility offers 4x2 or 4x4 drive systems, three cab styles, various pickup box designs and a host of option groups and available features. The F-150 can be ordered in millions of combinations to suit specific needs and individual tastes. The King Ranch and the new for 2009 Platinum Edition package add to the refinement and distinctiveness of this pickup truck.

For 2009, the regular cab FX4 trim has been discontinued, and several new and innovative options have been offered. These include: pickup box side access steps, rear tailgate step, SYNC voice-activated mobile phone and digital music system, a trailer brake controller, a remote starter system and a host of useful Ford Work Solution options.

Bad Brakes.

There's surprisingly little to say here. "D'oh!" comes to mind, as does "Epic Fail." A picture of a spazzed out cat captioned with, "I can haz brakes?" would also work. As would a photo of Jill Wagner getting a tetanus shot. Other than that, um, you would think someone would have noticed something before it got this bad, right?

We've heard about wearing 'em down to the rotors, but this is just silly. And for all you heroic defenders of the mighty Panther platform about to come out of the woodwork, we agree – it's probably an aberration. But still... yeesh.

Man builds mini Batman

You jumped at the chance to pick up a full-size replica of the Batsuit as worn by the Caped Crusader during his cleanup of Gotham City in The Dark Knight. What's next? Might we suggest a fully functional replica of Batman's Tumbler... albeit somewhat downsized and powered by a 6.5-horsepower engine?

That's right, you can now purchase plans to build your very own Tumbler go kart on eBay or on T-Man's official site. Pictures of the finished product can be seen below, so there's no worry that it can't be built – assuming you've got the welding chops to make it happen. Full 31-page thread of the build available here, and a video of the (mostly) finished product in operation can be viewed after the jump. We can only hope a removable Batpod is up next.