Currently under army testing in Afghanistan…is the ELSORV the next highly saught-after military surplus vehicle?  Probably not for a while since there are only 3 prototypes and they’re still only in testing.

Sounds cool with “modified Humvee engines that can conquer approach angles on 90 degrees and climb slopes at 80 degrees”.

[army.mil]

Underage Southern Girls in Big Jeeps…I’m not going to offer too much commentary on this one due to the potential effects on my marriage, reputation, insomnia condition, and criminal record…but read the article in the Louisiana News 2 Advocate and you’ll understand why this was worthy of a post…

[2theadvocate.com]

I wanna work for the Dept of Agriculture…they have cool company cars.

Actually, found this is a parking lot in Westminster.  I’m pretty sure it’s “retired”, but the Govt decal on the door is cool.  I’ve always like the Ramchargers, just not sure how I feel about the wraparound skylight windows…

Finally!  A Bronco I can live in…

Based on this video, I may start a new feature called “Don’t Do This”

Just don’t call it Mahindra…

Coming to the US next summer, this small Indian diesel rig.  Looks kind of fun…reminds me of the late 70′s Datsun pickups.

According to Pickuptruck.com,  they are still searching for an American-friendly name.  Ideas?

My vote is GR1 – Ghandi’s Rig

[pickuptruck.com] 

Well, as promised for most of our adult lives, we are finally starting to feel the pain of “petrol” prices the way Europeans and Canadians have for a long time. 

With the national average at $4 and rising, it seems likely we are witnessing a tipping point in American use, consumption, and perception of automobiles.  I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but I feel the need to air it out a bit…

Here are some general informational tidbits to frame the conversation.  These are taken from the CNET.com Car Tech Podcasts, and other sources: 

• The Toyota Camry and Corolla each outsold the iconic F150 last month.  Why is this significant?  It’s the first time a passenger car has outsold the F150 since October of 1991.
• Ford has now introduced employee pricing combined with cash incentives to move F150′s.  Desperate measures by Ford, shorty after it appeared they were starting to turn the corner financially.
• GM is shutting down 4 factories that build Full Size Pickups and Large SUV’s, and is shopping the Hummer brand to potential buyers (not sure who that would be).
• GM’s Truck to Car mix, currently 50/50, is expected to be 60/40 within 3 years.

What’s the point?  Apparently $4 is the point.  This is the magic number where the wheels seem to have come off for trucks (pun intended).

So why am I droning on about gas prices and the state of the automotive economy, when I’m supposed to be talking about mud, beer, and bikinis?  Because this is a good oppootunity to revisit the discussion of the ideal vehicle solution for our beloved off road hobby…

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