Ford Approves Hurricane Engine Program
Ford has approved a future-engine program named “Hurricane” to
compete with Dodge’s Hemi V-8 engine. Ford should have the new 6.2-liter
engine available when the redesigned F-Series pickup truck is
introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model. It is likely to be used in
E-Series vans and motorhomes, also.
Dodge Updates ’07 Durango
Dodge is updating its Durango SUV for 2007 and is rumored to be
preparing a hybrid version for 2008. The 4.7-liter V-8 engine offered in
Durango is now available to run on E85 ethanol-blend fuel. For 2008,
the Durango will get more changes so a HEMI-powered version can be made
into a hybrid. Dodge claims up to 25-percent fuel-economy gains from the
hybrid.
GM’s StabiliTrak Systems Prevent Rollovers
Electronic stability control systems such as GM’s StabiliTrak,
have helped prevent rollovers in about 41 percent of cars and SUVs
involved in single-vehicle accidents, according to a GM spokesman. GM’s
accident data show that two-thirds of accidents involving SUVs alone
could have resulted in rollovers without the electronic stability
systems. The rollover prevention total for cars was 35 percent.
