I’m having a hard time making the mental leap from family sedans (I loved my Passat) and Euro Tuner Jettas to a rugged midsize 4×4…but it looks like VW may be heading in that direction.

Reports indicate that this VW may be a re-badge Toyota HiLux, which is one of those cool “not available in the US” trucks. Speculation is that this thing will hit Europe, South America, and possibly the US.
Very Interesting…

[pickuptruck.com]

Remember that great photo a couple months ago, showing the Impreza Rally Car getting big air on the snowboard hill? Well, it wasn’t a photoshop project. Video evidence is now showing up.

This is a really cool video if you’re into snowboarding or Rally Cars, and the soundtrack isn’t bad either…

[jalopnik]

After months of speculation and unofficial sightings, it appears there will be a production Hummer H3T…

Being a disgruntled Ford fan, it’s painful for me to get excited about a GM vehicle, but this thing looks like a winner.

Details here.

[pickuptruck.com]

This is pretty geeky…but I like it.  The Hummer HX is reported to have a front facing camera built in the rear view mirror that will record your wheeling adventures.  Beats the hell out of trying to hold a video camera still in the passenger seat…

Supposedly, video can be captured directly to an ipod for convenience (I assume other storage options are available).

Why would we need this feature?  So we can watch our wheeling adventures on the big screen next to the fire of course.

I wonder what the HX will cost if it makes it to production.

This article also has more photos of the HX for your viewing pleasure (still no Halo-style gun turret).

[jalopnik]

Say goodbye to your differential (in this case, the front one).  Never a nice sound.

Finally! Someone is taking action against Truck Nuts. These things are at the very top of my pet peeve list. Anyone with these things on their truck should be beaten mercilessly with…a set of truck nuts. Other items that are almost (but not quite) as annoying include:

1. “Piss on (Your Brand of Choice)” Window Decals
2. “Eatin’ Dodges, Shitn’ Fords” Decals (or any variation on the theme)
3. “It’s a Jeep Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand” (Oh, just shut the hell up)
4. “If You Can Read This, Turn Me Over” (very funny…moron)
5. Fake Boat Propeller receiver covers (only acceptable if your kid gave it to you)
6. Peeling DIY Window Tint
7. Giant Number 3′s and 8′s on the side of vehicles that are not Nascar racers (or even Chevrolet automobiles).

That pretty much sums up today’s rant. Don’t get me wrong…I am all in favor of promoting Redneck virtues, proclaiming brand loyalty, and drinking beer in the name of Nascar…but you have to draw the line somewhere.

Have I missed anything?

Maybe next I will come up with a list of crap you can hang off your truck that might actually show some legitimate authenticity, character, or creativity.

[jalponik]

Here we go Jeep fans. More concept vehicle drivel from the Detroit Auto Show.

If you just can’t get enough XJ, TJ, YJ, JK…and any other J, how about a Roadster for those off road rally/picnic combo afternoons?

Actually looks kind of cool, but not in the usual utilitarian Jeep kind of way.

[jalponik]

[autobloggreen]

The long awaited Hummer HX concept vehicle is out of hiding and making waves at the Detroit Auto Show. Reports indicate that the vehicle is smaller, greener, and aimed directly at the Younger/Wrangler Driving/Halo Playing public…

Is Jeep in trouble? Probably not.

Is this a cool vehicle? Definitely.

Is Ford losing more ground in this (abandoned) market segment. Yes.

Read on to see what the Hummer HX is all about.

[jalopnik]

[thecarconnection]