Not sure if early 80′s Toyotas are “classics” or just old, but this one makes for an artistic photo.

Let’s review a few facts before I launch into this mild rant;  I am a Ford fan.  I believe Ford has the best in-cab technology in the business.  I believe Ford’s current product line is superior to the competition in most segments and that Ford is the best positioned of the Detroit 3 to actually survive the next several years.

End of disclaimer.  Beginning of rant:

And so goes the American auto industry…the would-be new Ford F-100 will not be built after all.  Motor Trend reports that the project has been killed.

Seems that Ford execs arrived at this decision based on the need to build a product that more-better-bigger-bubba-ford-toughs-the hell out of the competition, rather than merely competing well and taking a chunk out of the mid size truck segment.  While I generally approve of this mentality, it was clearly counter-productive in this instance…

Reportedly, Ford execs decided that a mid-size F-100 would require a 7500lb towing capacity, rather than the generally accepted standard of 5500-6000lbs in the category.  This resulted in a vehicle that was suddenly too heavy ,inefficient, and too expensive to be commercially viable as a mid-size truck…may as well just buy an F150 at that point, right?

Oh well, I guess to remain properly stagnant as a business you really have to stick to your guns.

End of rant.

[motortrend.com]

[pickuptrucks.com]

Your company is about to go belly up and you’re building a Ridgeline?

According to Autoblog, Chrysler (which has been canceling projects left and right lately) is considering a uni-body pickup.  For some reason, many companies are now considering this route for future “truck” projects, including Toyota and GM.

I’m not sure why this is the hot new direction in trucks, given that the reference point Honda Ridgeline has reportedly been a mediocre sales performer at best.

Is the uni-body pseudo-truck the next revolution in the automotive industry?  We’ll see…

I have to admit, I kind of like the body styling and that tailgate ramp.

[Autoblog]

Check out this hot looking GM Midsize truck!  A Z71 Colorado Concept.  Good ground clearance, reasonable approach angle, aggressive styling…

The key word, of course, is concept.  You will probably never be able to buy on of these unless you attend the upcoming Barrett Jackson Auction featuring unique and one-off GM’s.

Sounds like a pretty good idea.  Not to mention it may help GM keep the lights on for a few more hours.

[pickuptrucks.com]

Just a free plug for Oakley and Chevy.  Chevy probably needs it more…