Tag Archives | Diesel Trucks

?Diesel Truck MPG – Beating Gasoline Engines For More Miles Per Gallon

Often times the diesel engine truck is used to haul very heavy items, opting to pick a diesel engine will not only benefit for the heavy load, but it will also help with the miles per gallon (mpg). Diesel truck mpg is much better than that of gasoline engines. While regular unleaded gasoline runs more smoothly and is easier to find, the engine that runs on diesel fuel should still be considered when buying a new truck.

If a consumer is in the market for a new truck and they need to haul heavy loads regularly, that person should probably stick with diesel. Since diesel trucks can get better mileage (for they are built to go 250,000 miles more) they are ideal for heavy loads and many trips back and forth. Because of all these reasons, and although diesel trucks tend to cost more, they will end up being well worth the money in the long run.

One reason diesel fuel might have a higher cost than most gas is that it has higher energy content than gasoline, and diesel performance is usually better in terms of engine output. These reasons also mean that vehicles running on diesel put less global-warming pollution into the air. Thanks to its higher energy content and its efficient combustion process, diesel performance enables cars and trucks to travel at least 30% farther on a gallon of fuel than comparable gasoline models. The improved efficiency of diesel engines can also help reduce oil consumption.

Many dealerships are not offering a choice of either a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. While both are equal in different ways, the diesel engines have less keep up. Gasoline engines need a tune up every thirty thousand miles, while a diesel engine can go much longer without a tune up.

General Motors, Ford and many other companies are doing extensive research on putting forth a car that does not run on gasoline, but currently there are many consumers that are opting for a diesel engine over a gasoline engine. While most gasoline engines are a standard in cars, in order to keep diesel truck mpg down, a lot of companies are making the diesel engine a standard in most trucks. Hybrid trucks are also becoming quite a popular commodity as well, but until the price of hybrid trucks goes down, the diesel truck will still be one of the best choices.

?Listen To The Voice In Your Head And Purchase Superchips

I think a lot of guys know this problem: You have just bought a new car or truck that is really hot, but after the first drive you recognize that there are a lot of other vehicles nicer than yours. Of course you are not willing to sell it after a few days just to be competitive with the other drivers. And primarily if you do it like this you will recognize after a while that your wallet gets lighter and lighter. So you have to find other ways to pimp your vehicle without spending too much money.

This was the beginning of my search for ways to pimp my truck so that I wouldn’t just be one in the crowd. The first idea was painting my truck with nice graffiti that definitely would get everyone’s attention. But honestly is it really a good plan to make your truck look like a wall where dozens of guys have painted their not very innovative pictures? This was the question I asked myself my answer was: I love this truck and I usually don’t paint things that I love. Remember Tim, would you like a couple pictures on the body of your lovely girlfriend?”” Of course not, so I had to find another way to facilitate the pimping of my truck. So I decided to try and copy a few ideas that I saw on the streets, but the selection was huge. I could see all kinds of truck accessories, every possible variety of alloy rims. I was really impressed of them. But I asked myself again, “”Tim, do you want to have accessories for things you love?”” And then I remembered the day when my lovely girlfriend came home with such a huge earring that I had the impression my lovely girlfriend wanted to start a zoo in our house and this would be serve as a swing for the monkeys. So I decided to continue my research for the best way to create a special truck that will stand out from the other ones.

My next idea was nearly the solution to my nearly endless research. I remembered a nice music video where a few hot girls were standing on the truck bed and dancing with each other. I already wanted to call a company that offers girls, who are available for all kinds of activity, when I asked me again, “”Tim, do you want to have girls on things you really love?”” Oh guys, I think you know my answer to that question. So I screamed just “”Yes”” and continued my call. When my lovely girlfriend arrived and asked me why I was shouting like this, I had to tell her the whole reason. Till know I am angry with myself because I was not able to lie to her. But remember, she is lovely and who can cheat on lovely girls?

You can imagine that she did not agree with my new tuning plan and so I had to continue my search. After a lot of brainstorming and that many soliloquies I just wanted to finish. I turned on my PC, the fastest and easiest way to find any kind of stuff, and I crossed the ultimate solution for getting more horsepower: Superchips MAX MicroTuner. I was convinced of this great product, but before I could make the decision I had to ask myself again,”” Tim, do you really want a tool to make your beloved things go faster?”” And then I remembered last night with my lovely girlfriend and I knew that I have found the solution to all my problems!

?Diesel Pulling Trucks – What Are They?

Diesel pulling trucks are a different kind of species in the automobile jungle. They are big like wrestling stars and they gulp diesel like hungry kids. Trucks cannot be judged by the characteristics that we normally use to assess the vehicles, such as sleekness in structure and fuel efficiency. They are normally rated by their overall efficiency and functional durability. The longer the time a truck can go on without getting repair work, the better will be the rating of the truck. Since trucks are used to carry heavier items to longer distances, its ability to pull the heavy containers continuously for long periods and distances is also a rating aspect.

Diesel pulling trucks are utilized for a variety of purposes. These are basically used for taking heavy loads of goods from one place to another safely. These are used in construction industry for taking the construction equipment and materials from one worksite to another. These are also used for carrying raw materials from various sites to factories in various industries. And then, take various finished products from the factories to shops. Companies that function in logistics sector also make use of these trucks.

In the United States of America, there are mainly four companies engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of diesel pulling trucks. These companies are Ford Motors, General Motors, Dodge, and Toyota. Recently there was a legislation change regarding the emission standard of these vehicles. Earlier, it was found that the level of air pollution and noise caused by the big trucks are too high for comfort. As a result, the companies are manufacturing trucks that comply with the newly formed tighter emission standards. But all the companies have succeeded in incorporating the required changes without affecting its pulling efficiency and mileage.

Of the four companies that manufacture diesel pulling trucks, Ford Motors make the trucks in the United States. The same can be said about Toyota trucks. At the same time, Dodge trucks are made in Mexico. General Motors create these trucks from their factory in Canada. Because of these widely known facts, some truck watchers have termed trucks made by Ford Motors and Toyota as truly American products. The trucks command tremendous loyalty from satisfied customers. A truck has to be solid and be able to survive arduous journeys.

But there are several criticisms regarding the new models of diesel pulling trucks. Although the noise level and air pollution levels are considerably decreased, the critics argue that, the trucks have become less convenient for its fundamental function: that of carrying goods. Some blame it on decrease in storage space, while some blame it on increased height of the career platform. But everybody agrees that the new trucks are more fuel-efficient and have better speed.

?Why Green is Good for Trucks

Today’s modern SUVs were originally based on trucks and with good reasons. Trucks are versatile machines, transporting soil from Home Depot; towing the yacht to the lake; to hauling family members, their belongings, and even a mid-sized car to use for jaunts to the local restaurant after parking the truck at one’s favorite camping spot.

So it’s surprising that truck owners have not embraced hybrid technology. Who wouldn’t want phenomenally better gas mileage? But in some ways the reaction is understandable. The most well-known hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, is not known for its power to go up mountains or tow even a small cart much less two tons of rocks. Trucks, to fulfill their duties, need power first.

But ‘hybrid’ means merger and in this case, a gasoline engine and battery pack with the latter either supplementing or replacing the former depending on driving conditions. This combination can be tuned to emphasize power or fuel economy, many times providing both. The six-cylinder hybrid Honda Accord, for example, gets an additional fifteen ponies compared to its non-hybrid version while providing gas mileage like its four-cylinder Civic siblings. GM’s first full-sized hybrid trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, are estimated to get an additional ten percent increase in their mileage. While this may not sound like much, it adds ‘high mileage’ to the pair’s already impressive list of features. But most importantly, neither truck suffers lost of torque for speed, hauling or pulling power with the hybrid powertrain.

The batteries provide other advantages as well. The Silverado and Sierra can use their hybrid batteries to power equipment when on site, for example. Reviewers of the trucks for Automobile magazine found the feature heaven-sent when their computer equipment ran out of juice out in the middle of nowhere. Why haul miniature power plants or extra batteries when you drive one?

Finally, some of the most powerful and popular trucks have diesel option which is not allowed in many states due to environmental concerns. Hybrids were developed to be environmentally friendly and hybrid pickups could be used in lieu of their diesel brethren in such states.

Hybrids offer far more than just being friendly to one’s environment or better gas mileage. Truck owners, already driving one of the most versatile vehicles around, would have all those advantages magnified by a hybrid powertrain.

?Diesel Pickup Trucks

Diesel pickup trucks are designed for towing or carrying heavy loads and can do any work associated with commercial medium-duty segment trucks. A number of companies manufacture pickup trucks such as Ford, General Motors, Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota.

Pickup truck interiors are designed to provide maximum comfort to passengers while negotiating uneven terrain at campsites. Sound insulation mechanics installed in pickup trucks offers an exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabin environment. These trucks are built on a sturdy chassis and have thick glass windows, inset doors with double layer seals to prevent unwanted noise from the road, tires, and engines. Engine noise is also reduced with the use of intake resonator and low-restriction exhaust system.

Pickup trucks use multiple valve diesel engines to provide maximum power in excess of 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Sophisticated electronic throttle control system is used to provide seamless and consistent transmission quality at various altitudes. They use wide tires that provide maximum traction at high speeds and have advanced suspension systems for excellent handling and a quiet, composed ride. They are equipped with advanced steering system to provide a predictable and linear steering response to the driver. They use standard four-wheel disk brakes and anti lock braking system (ABS) to provide excellent braking on roads or dirt tracks.

The electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system is used to manage the brake force between the front and rear wheels. It helps in reducing braking distances and maximizes rear-wheel braking, especially while towing.

The exteriors are designed to give an elegant and sporty look to these vehicles. They are designed to accommodate different accessories and are the most commonly used vehicles in agricultural farms. Campers can also be attached with these vehicles to convert them into recreational vehicles (RV) used for camping activities.

?International Trucks – Miles Ahead in Customer Satisfaction!

The interesting logo of the International Truck and Engine Corporation inspires confidence in truckers and truck lovers across over 90 countries around the world. The company manufactures automotive trucks, buses, school buses, diesel engines and chassis. It also designs and manufactures private diesel engines for SUVs, pick-up trucks and vans. Like other reputable companies such as Ford, Isuzu and GMC Navistar International also manufactures rental trucks for Budget Rental Truck.

The International Harvesting Company was formed in 1902 in Chicago, Illinois, as a result of the merger of the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and the Deering Harvester Company. In the following three decades the company diversified to include manufacturing of farming equipment, gar turbines, construction equipment, trucks, buses and allied components. It was in the mid 1980s that the company began to downsize and concentrated its operations on International truck and engine manufacturing. It retained its original logo and also its excellent reputation in customer satisfaction. The Navistar International Corporation is the parent company of the International Truck and Engine Company.

Today International truck and engine are regarded as the best and assure customer satisfaction each and every time. International Truck and Engine Corporation understands the financial constraints that customers often face and hence has a subsidiary, Navistar Financial Corporation that takes care of this aspect. It also sells through its wide and diverse International truck dealers network new as well as used trucks. Whatever the choice the customer is always guaranteed the utmost level of satisfaction in service.

The diesel range of International engines have now been named ‘Maxxforce’. Thus the name of the truck engine will be Maxxforce, followed by the approximate number of the engine’s displacement. The company endeavors to provide its truckers the best driving experience and hence offers interior packages to suit the driver’s needs. The International Chrome Package for International Class 8 trucks offer a trendy look and reliable service with top grade 304, non-magnetic, non-corroding stainless steel.

Medium and heavy duty International trucks are used in many different vocations and markets such as hauling freight, construction, pickup and delivery, over the road, military, corporate, school buses, emergency services, utility and governments. Some of the heavy duty and medium duty trucks offered by International include the International 9900, International CityStar, International ProStar, International DuraStar, International PayStar and International TranStar

It has always been International Truck and Engine Corporation’s effort to provide their customers the very best service. They have even designed the International WorkStar in a multi-piece manner, which essentially means that in case of any damage only one part will have to be replaced rather than the whole unit. International truck parts are available easily and are characterized by their superior quality and reliability.

The International truck dealers network ensures that truckers are able to find the parts they want in minimum time. International won the 2006 JD Power Award and has the highest customer satisfaction rate among Vocational Class 8 customers. When it comes to brand loyalty International is far beyond its competitors and 91% International vocational truck drivers say that they would replace their current truck only with an International because of the superior performance of the trucks and excellent customer service.

?Diesel Pickup Trucks – Popular Models That Save You Money on Gas and Maintenance

Because gas prices are climbing at a steady and steep rate, a lot of people who require the use of pickup trucks for their personal or professional lives find themselves suffering. Generally, those people who use trucks on a daily basis, especially for their jobs, need such a big vehicle because they are carrying heavy loads. In such cases, a lot of them prefer a pickup truck diesel rather than a gas powered truck, because these pickup truck diesels are specifically designed to tow or carry extremely heavy loads without showing ill effects. For the most part, the same Big Three names which make the more popular gas driven pickups also make up the most favored diesel engines: Dodge, GMC, and Ford. Harley Davidson, Cadillac, Nissan, Toyota, and even Mitsubishi all have at least one brand pickup truck diesel as well.

The capabilities of the exterior of a pickup truck diesel engine have an effect on their interiors, which are generally designed to be roomy and comfortable for the passengers, even when the truck is engaging in rough activities. For that reason, some sort of sound cushioning or even sound proofing is often incorporated. The windows are thick, the chassis is built solidly and sturdy, and there are usually double layers located within the doors. Most pickup truck diesel engines also have intake resonators and exhaust systems with low restriction, which further blocks out the effects of road noise and rough terrain.

Most pickup truck diesel engines come fitted with multiple valves which is designed to offer the maximum amount of power, which in turn allows diesel trucks to pull and carry heavier loads, thanks to high amounts of horsepower and torque – generally 300 horsepower or better, and 365 feet per pounds of torque or better. The majority of them also have electronic throttle control systems. These make for high quality transmissions which can handle all different types of altitudes equally well. Their steering systems are also advanced, because handling heavy loads safely and confidently is important.

It may be beneficial to look into purchasing a pickup truck diesel driven. Research shows that their outdoor capabilities can actually save money in terms of gas and maintenance, especially during a long run of time. That being said, they might be for everyone, but those who rely on their pickup trucks may want to consider them; they provide excellent standard safety features as well, which is just as important if your job requires you to frequently haul heavy loads or drive through rough terrain.

?Who Owns Best Of What’s New Award?

Wild guess. Who (or what) is the recipient of the Best of What’s New award for Popular Science Magazine’s automotive category?

Are you thinking Ford? Are you thinking Jaguar? Are you thinking General Motors? Or how about the automatic dimming rearview mirror created by Gentex? How about those Chevy parts that look as if they were made from the future?

If you guessed these, then you are totally wrong.

You see, the recipient of the Best of What’s New award for Popular Science Magazine’s automotive category is the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo. This award is actually part of this year’s 19th Annual Best of What’s New awards by the mentioned magazine.

If you are interested in knowing more about this vehicle and how come it was the one chosen by Popular Science Magazine, then you may want to catch the December issue of the magazine which would soon be hitting newsstands (and perhaps even your favorite bookstore) come the 14th of this month.

According to the editors of Popular Science Magazine, the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo was chosen because it used the Porsche variable turbine geometry (or the VTG) setup. Such was first developed and used in the mentioned vehicle. And this was also created with the assistance and cooperation of yet another company – the Borg Warner Turbo Systems.

Many are not yet quite familiar with this vehicle, after all, it has only been on sale just this summer. However, this award just goes to see that even the newest could also be the best.

As per the VTG setup, the technology was actually based on the type of technology that has been used in previous years by diesel engines that were used in early 1990s units. The technology has been quite successful for such vehicles and Porsche did believe that it could also work well for the 2007 Porsche 911 Turbo.

Experts in the industry do say that such a concept is quite alike to other manufacturers of turbo who make use of variable nozzle or geometry compressors. These other manufacturers also do make use of a system that was for a short time used on some series of gasoline production engines.

?Diesel Pickup Truck – Advantages of Ownership and Why They Are So Popular

Pickup trucks have been doing the rounds for a long time now. These trucks were not so popular, some time back. But in the recent time, these pickup trucks are used extensively for various purposes. In the pickup segment, the diesel pickup truck is the most popular.

Diesel pickup trucks are primarily used for carrying or towing away heavy loads. These trucks best fit the bill of medium duty segment in the commercial arena. There are several companies manufacturing these diesel trucks. Some of the best-known names in the business include Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Harley Davidson, Toyota, and Nissan.

Mileage is one of the biggest advantages of these diesel pickups. They offer great mpg both on the highway and the city. This is one of the prime reasons why many truck owners prefer diesel pickup trucks. And with the steep increase in fuel prices, this factor has gained even more importance.

The exteriors of these trucks are equally good looking. They are designed to give the vehicle an overall sporty look. They can also accommodate several accessories because of their design. Available in both small and standard sizes the user always ahs a choice.

The general perception of a truck is that of a rugged and sturdy vehicle. But despite being sturdy enough on the outside, these trucks offer gentle exteriors. Bearing the comfort factor in mind, they are designed in an absolutely passenger friendly manner. So even if you are traversing the most uneven terrains, you won’t have a hard time.

One of the most common reasons for people avoiding traveling in these is the noise they have to bear. But with these vehicles being updated with the latest technology, that is also no longer an issue. Contemporary diesel pickup trucks feature windows made of thick glass and double layer sealed doors to cut the noise levels. To further make the journey a silent one, an exhaust system with low restriction and an intake resonator is also used.

These trucks score high on not just the comfort but the power quotient too. A multiple valve diesel engine enable them to deliver maximum power which is as high as 300 horsepower and can go even above that. They offer you a consistent transmission quality at various altitudes, courtesy- an advanced throttle control system. Convenience personified is what you get with these diesel pickup trucks.

Other notable features of diesel pickup trucks include a standard four-wheel disk brake and an anti lock braking system (ABS). This provides an excellent braking system to the truck both on road and dirt tracks. A diesel pickup truck also has an electronic brake force distribution. This brake force distribution reduces braking distances, and also supplements the braking of the rear wheel.

?Hybrid Versus Gas Cars – What’s Better For You?

Hybrid vehicles have become very popular. According to J.D. Power and Associates, sales of hybrid and diesel powered cars will triple by 2015.

Hybrid cars are more fuel-efficient than regular gasoline engine vehicles, which is better for the environment. These vehicles are more fuel efficient, in short, because of its engine structure. Hybrid cars use a gasoline engine as well as an electric engine, which allow it to get better gas mileage.

Toyota has been leading the way in hybrid engine technology with its Prius line of cars. Toyota’s Camry and Highlander also are available with hybrid engines. Other major car companies such as General Motors, Honda and Ford have added hybrid vehicle to its line-up of vehicles.

Yet for all the touted benefits of a hybrid car, it’s a difficult decision when choosing between a hybrid and a regular car. Things like price, repair costs and performance factor into the decision-making process when deciding between a hybrid and a gas-powered car.

To help you decide, which car is right for you, we have compiled a list a several factors to consider before you purchase your car.

SelectionMost of the major car manufactures do not have hybrid versions of all vehicle models. As noted earlier, Toyota has hybrids for the following: Prius, Camry, Highlander. Honda has hybrids for the Accord, Civic and Insight.

By choosing a hybrid, you will limit your choice of cars and trucks you can buy. The good thing is that most car companies have hybrids for their best-selling vehicles.

PerformanceHybrids have a reputation of taking a little longer to accelerate from a stop. Thanks to advances in engineering, the torque on hybrid engines has been improved over the years. For people that are looking for a more performance-based vehicle they may want a gas engine instead of a hybrid.

EnvironmentHere is where the hybrid out performs traditional gas engine cars. The hybrid gets better gas mileage than traditional vehicles. For instance, the 2011 Toyota Prius gets an estimated 51/48 miles per gallon. By comparison the 2011 Toyota Corolla gets an estimated 26/35 miles per gallon.

When deciding what type of vehicle is right for you, be sure to calculate your regular driving distances in a week to see how much you would save by purchasing a hybrid.

CostCost is obviously one of the more important factors in helping you decide which vehicle to purchase. In terms of sticker price, hybrid vehicles are typically a little more expensive than traditional vehicles.

For instance, the 2011 Toyota Camry starts at $19,720 while the Toyota Camry hybrid starts at $26,575. This is obviously an important factor in deciding, which vehicle is right for you.

In terms of repair costs, hybrid repair costs are similar to that of regular cars. Repairs to a hybrids battery can be a little pricy costing a few thousand dollars to replace.

?Diesel or Hybrid – Which Fuel-Efficient Car Solution Is Right for You?

The world is getting greener – or at least that is the impression as the car manufacturers seem to be launching new, more environmentally-friendly models on an almost weekly basis.

But however much you want to save the planet, the main deciding factor when you buy your next new car will usually be financial. The more fuel you save, the more money you keep in your pocket. So how do hybrids and diesels, the great rivals in the race to better fuel consumption, compare? And how do you choose which is right for you?

Let’s take the older of these two technologies first: Diesel gets its name from Rudolf Diesel, who developed the basic processes used in the engines that bear his name way back in 1897.

Although diesel engines have a very long history, it is fair to say that over many decades, they did not really change very much. In fact until the last 15 years or so, diesel engines have been associated with noise and black exhaust smoke, and it was beginning to look like they should be consigned to history.

The black smoke that older diesel engines are responsible for is actually made up of very small particles of soot, called particulate matter (PM), which can cause respiratory illnesses. This resulted in some countries, such as Japan, imposing increasingly strict regulations which all but removed diesel vehicles from the roads.

However, in recent years, diesel has made a comeback. Now championed by such companies as Audi and Mercedes Benz, diesels have become increasingly refined, and the “”common rail”” fuel injection system first commercialized by the Denso corporation in Japan in 1995 has also resulted in lower emissions. It is not just trucks and tractors that use diesel engines now – you can find them in many refined luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, Jaguar and BMW also.

Now, you many be surprised to know that hybrid drivetrains also have a long history. The founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche, built a hybrid called Semper Vivus all the way back in 1900. However, unlike diesel, hybrid powertrains did not take off back then. Perhaps it was the complexity and cost of this solution? Anyway, for years the hybrid looked like an evolutionary dead end – an interesting anomaly in the history of the automobile.

And then came the Prius. First launched in Japan in December 1997, this first full-on commercialization of the hybrid system in a passenger car could also have withered and died on the branch. Back in the late 90s when I had my first ride in this first-generation Prius, it seemed like a technical tour de force, but there was always a question as to who would be buying one?

A lesser company would have let it expire, but not Toyota. They say that Japanese corporations have a much longer planning horizon than western companies, and Toyota is no exception. This first-generation Prius was just part of a long-term strategy – not only to create a specialist hybrid model, but also for the hybrid powertrain to be offered across the model range.

Now, 14 years later, Toyota’s foresight and dedication to the hybrid cause is bearing incredible fruit. One major benefit for them is that “”hybrid”” as a concept is very closely associated with the Toyota brand in general, and with the Prius model in particular. It is no surprise that over 3 million Prius have been sold worldwide, with one million sales in the US alone.

What is interesting to me is how the history in the development of these two different approaches to powering cars actually has a very important bearing on which is going to be best for you when you buy a new car.

As you can see, the diesel solution was born in Germany and it is the German manufacturers who have pushed development furthest. The hybrid, on the other hand, did not make it very far in Germany, but has been championed by a Japanese car maker.

So why is this significant? Well, you just have to look at the driving situations in these two countries to see why their engineers have preferred these different solutions: Germany is famous for the autobahn – wide, fast highways with sections that have no speed limits. Japan, in contrast, has congested roads with innumerable stop lights.

This background actually gives you a very big clue as to which will most suit your driving style and situation: If you tend to do longer, highway-cruising journeys, then the diesel option will be best for you. (After all, a hybrid at speed is just a regular petrol-engined car lugging around a lot of extra battery ballast.) On the other hand, if you do a lot of city driving, then you need to opt for the hybrid powertrain which revels in stop-start driving conditions.

In the future, this choice between diesel and hybrid is likely to end: Volkswagen is leading the way with its XL1 two-seater commuter car coming in 2013. This car combines an 800cc diesel engine with a hybrid system to produce a car with an incredible fuel economy of 313 miles per gallon.

Until then, the frugal car-buyer needs to make a choice: And which way you should go is best answered by looking at the kind of journeys you do.

?What’s Coming This Autumn in the Men’s Underwear World?

2(X)IST: For 2(x)ist key trends for next season are Campus with the striped school tie effect trim, diffused logos and heathered space dye effects, while ‘Tux’ adopts satin trim, mimicking dinner suit trousers. Fabrics are technical with wicking effects, using bamboo and soft modal in the ‘Optic’ range. Core colours remain black, white and heather grey, with seasonal tones of navy, cranberry, emerald, chili pepper and sangria.

One totally new innovation is 2(x)ist’s Form control pant for guys, using 80% cotton and 20% Spandex banding and an extended waistband, available in black or white from July 2009.

BJORN BORG: Bjorn Borg men’s underwear is selling very well and refreshing collections every month to six weeks. Their autumn 2009 collection is inspired by two themes – tennis heritage and hand painted prints in vivid colours together with computer graphics, both with signature logo waistbands. Bjorn Borg loungewear adds tight and loose-fitting designs, while socks match underwear with emphasis on stripes and more plain options. Men’s underwear styles include trunks, piquet briefs and knee-length shorts.

BRUNO BANANI: Broadening its portfolio, Bruno Banani will launch an additional young men’s underwear collection this autumn, targeting the 15-29 age group. Colours include violet, orange, red and neon kiwi. The main collection brings 17 lines for the season, featuring two new fabrics – Sorona made from sustainable, environmentally friendly cornflower and another made from milk! Yes milk protein fibres – bacteriostatic, breathable and aiding skin’s moisture.

CALVIN KLEIN: Calvin Klein’s autumn line-up focuses on ranges called Black and White in complementary product groups. Black, in ultra lightweight microfibre using a patented fabric construction, features four-way stretch and breathability. And no pilling. The five-piece range features a woven black jacquard waistband, a sophisticated logo and embossed detail. White comes in superfine cotton with spandex for an easy stretch.

DIESEL: Diesel Intimates caused quite a stir (actually jaw dropping surprise for some!) at the Paris trade show early in the year with mud wrestlers on their stand. As always blending humour and provocation, the combatants promoted new Fall collections – including new colours for men (brights, graduated rainbow shades and masculine classics black, grey and white), graphics, trompe l’oeil and denim effects. Underwear extends into night and loungewear with pyjamas in woven fabrics, separates and one-pieces.

FRED&GINGER: Founder of luxury brand Fred&Ginger Victoria Holt explains that their autumn designs focus on the glamour and sophistication of the Fifties, using French silks, fine English cottons and Swiss jerseys. Colours compliment her lingerie collection, including slate and lilac greys, aubergine, black and Indian pink in designs inspired by the landscape and waters of the Mekong Delta.

FRUIT OF THE LOOM: Fruit of the Loom design their collections specifically for European men using purely cotton-rich fabrics, design details and contemporary styles. All garments are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 approved and packaging is recyclable. For 2009 there are three collections – Style in white, black or navy, with contrast colour waistbands, Comfort offering a modern twist on traditional styling and fashion colours sienna and soft slate, while Classic comes in pure cotton woven and knitted garments in five colour options. Many styles are label-fee for maximum comfort.

GINCH GONCH: Ginch Gonch’s inspiration for the new season is Boys & Toys and early 2009 hits like their Fire Trucks print will continue throughout the year. Their PR, known as the ‘Director of Schmoozing and Carousing’, says: “”Our strategy has always been extremely unconventional with regards to both our product as well as our marketing and promotional initiatives. To alleviate the post-holiday boredom, we often introduce new and exciting surprise collections accompanied by fun imagery and even promotional songs and videos. We believe that our customers should never be taken for granted and deserve to be entertained. That is the core of the Ginch Gonch philosophy. As we always say, ‘Live like a kid!’.””

HANRO: Hanro, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, targets men who are conscientious about feeling good in what they wear and about classic style. Their autumn theme Soiree de Luxe introduces silk modal and new fine wovens from Austria, as well as fashion shades graphite, misty grey and faded lilac.

HOM: HOM will offer lots of exciting new designs to stimulate customers as well as engage younger consumers with, for example, the new e.Go range. There will be new packaging for many series to freshen appeal and promotions such as “”Safe Love”” (HOM will make a donation to AIDS charity Sidaction for every brief sold). Along with edgy e.Go in bright colours and urban prints, best seller HO1 with the patented horizontal opening debuts in four patterns including shirt stripes and a flower motif. Other arrivals include Business undies, contrasting inner waistbands and bright shades for HOM Sport designs.

JOHN SMEDLEY: Totally new but from an historic name in fashion – as part of the John Smedley 225th anniversary celebrations, the brand has launched a range of fine undergarments for men and women. In 30 gauge fully fashioned John Smedley Sea Island Cotton, the menswear selection, in store from July, comprises five tops, a trunk and long john.

JULIPET: The Julipet collection for autumn interprets two styles: elegant and refined inspired by the fine tailoring of Sartoria Italiana and Old Fashioned Style, expressing a classic, distinctly masculine feel, while keeping an eye on new trends. Nordic Sea and Sport Couture reflect the fashion sportswear look using homewear which can easily be worn as outerwear. Their underwear range coordinates with nightwear themes, focusing attention on the innovative use of new materials, from stretch waistbands to stitching. The image is clean, linear and sophisticated, offered in timeless white, navy and black alongside more striking combinations navy/indigo, brown/sand, light grey/charcoal and contrast colour details.

MEY: Totally new for autumn from Mey are a Meryl-elastane range in three colours and an extension to the Club series, Range 682 Club – only in black with silver and semi-transparent stripes. New colours take in snow, tobacco, midnight and Nordic blue, plus iron, as well as hugely fashionable purple.

OLAF BENZ & MANSTORE: From Germany, Premium Bodywear’s Olaf Benz and Manstore Guywear brands grow stronger in the UK. Olaf Benz extends its offer for autumn with around 100 shapes, colours and design variations including silk pants, microfibre hotpants and mini pants.

From risqué Manstore Guywear come trendy designs, eccentric fabrics and overt sex appeal, net and lacquered fabrics and rubber-like textures. Mastercut provides very low cut briefs and pants. The Adviser range even adds a rivet collar and wristband that can be chained with a carabiner to the hotpants!

SLOGGI MEN: While Sloggi Basics continue as the brand’s best seller, new for autumn is a contemporary range, sloggi men Black in a premium cotton-elastane mix, with a wide logo waistband and three styles, midi, hipster and shorts. The first Sloggi men series and best seller Basic adds a skin shade with a logo waistband in the mini and short.

WAXX: Originally targeted to the extreme sports market, WAXX from France has established itself as a cult collectable brand. New prints include Kiss, Bones, Flower Power, Wallpaper, Metro and Pole whilst the ever popular Las Vegas, Goldmember, Balls and more will carry forward to the new season. WAXX is packaged in a re-usable metal tin with a free key ring and sticker.

The brand also raises its profile by sponsoring some of the top DJs (eg David Guetta) and extreme sports stars.

XTG: XTG is a four-year-old brand from Spain offering vivid colours, religious and comic imagery for autumn in boxers, briefs and Ts. The autumn season sees XTG’s first use of modal fabric and a top-end stretch silk. Picture prints use drawings of roses, skulls, playing cards and dice, while low-key designs add horizontal stripes and tartan.

?Diesel Engines – Tap the Advantage!

If you own a diesel powered vehicle, you probably appreciate the inherent qualities of this type of engine. More torque, better fuel economy, easier maintenance are some of the attributes of owning a diesel powered vehicle. Still, some motorists complain about the engine’s weak power, particularly when accelerating from a full stop. What you may not know is that a diesel engine can be tweaked to produce more power without harming fuel economy. Let’s take a look at diesel engines and what you can do to squeeze out more power.

Thanks to the work of one man, Rudolf Diesel, we have a choice when it comes to driving. Besides hybrid or rotary engines, the chief way most vehicles run is via a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. However, with Diesel’s 1892 patent of the engine that bears his name, diesel power has played a significant role in powering buses and trucks across North America. Some passenger vehicles, particularly pick up trucks, are also diesel powered giving motorists an option to gasoline.

Diesel engines have the following advantages over their gasoline counterparts:

Diesels use air compression to create combustion versus the air/fuel mixture required by gasoline powered cars. This attribute means that diesel engines do not require spark plugs and thus do not have to be tuned up.

Diesel fuel has a higher fuel density than gasoline resulting in fuel economy increases of 20-30% over comparable gasoline powered models.

Diesel engines are cheaper to maintain as they have less parts vs. a gasoline engine. The lifespan of a diesel engine is also significantly longer.

If it is torque you need, particularly for pulling a boat, camper, or equipment, than a diesel engine has the advantage. A diesel engine is definitely slower especially when starting from a dead stop, but when climbing hills or going over bridges, your diesel powered vehicle can definitely handle the challenge.

So, why aren’t more vehicles built in North America diesel powered? A few reasons including:

Stricter emissions control standards. Diesel engines pollute more, so not many manufacturers have improved upon the technology to produce an engine that is environmentally friendly. However, several upcoming engines from VW and others may change all of that.

Not enough power. Yes, a common complaint, even with turbo diesels, is that the engines are not powerful enough. North American drivers are accustomed to getting on the highway with a minimum amount of effort. With a diesel engine, it can take as much as twice as long to get up to full speed.

Fortunately, several aftermarket product developers are helping motorists squeeze out more power from their diesel engines. Performance programmers, made for specific diesel engines, are helping motorists see a nice spike in horsepower as well as increases in torque. The beauty of some of these aftermarket parts is that they don’t harm fuel economy. In fact, some claim to help improve it.

Yes, the number of diesel powered passenger vehicles presently on North American highways is presently very small; however with newer, cleaner and stronger engines on the way, you may soon find yourself opting for a diesel powered vehicle too.

?How to Save Diesel Fuel – Converting Your Truck to Run on Water

If you drive a truck, you will be experiencing a higher cost every time you go to the diesel pump at the gas station. With the high global crude oil prices, the prices of diesel are climbing with the same alarming rate. Most truck drivers are blue collar workers. It is a challenge for everyone to figure out how to save diesel fuel. One of the most unique answers to that question is converting your truck to run on water.

There has been news report online that you can actually use water as an alternative fuel to diesel. This is done by installing a device that extracts hydrogen gas (H2) from water and channeling it into the engine air intake system. When H2 is mixed with conventional diesel and burnt in the combustion chambers, it has the ability to increase the power output. Theoretically, with the same amount of fuel used and a higher engine power, you are improving your truck mileage therefore saving costs.

The challenge is, how do you separate hydrogen gas from water? You use a process call electrolysis. Water is an element made out of 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen. That is why the chemical name for water is H2O. By delivering electricity current through water, it will separate the hydrogen or “”Brown gas”” from water. Brown gas is a highly combustible gas and can be used to power your truck.

To convert your truck to run on water is by install an electrolysis device. You can make the device by yourself with parts easily available from a hardware store. What you will need is some hand tools and good instructional guides. The guides are easily available from the internet. Installing the device is not too difficult. Generally, the guides come with step by step instruction with pictures. What you will need is some patience and the dedication to finish the project. With the current sky rocketing fuel prices, any idea that can save diesel cost will be a blessing.

?Diesel Cars For Sale

Diesel cars are cars that depend largely on diesel as their primary source of energy. These cars are quite efficient in terms of their performances. In recent times, there has been increasing popularity of economical diesel cars. This is attributed to the rising prices of fuel in recent times. Hence, most drivers are looking for other alternative means. Even many renown car companies have diverted their attention to producing diesel cars.

Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Audi and so many others, are among the leading produces of diesel cars. That is why we have a lot of diesel autos for sale. Diesel autos are limited to automotive racing applications due to their weight and lower output. Its engine is of internal combustion type that is, compression ignition engine. Exposing the fuel to high temperature and pressure of compressed gas causes fuel ignition.

I know the commonest question is diesel car or used car which is the better? One major pro of the diesel engine is its economic use of fuel. Even the little extra 25 to 35 percent efficient use of fuel makes a lot of difference. The fuel savings on a diesel is so impressive that you’ll make up the extra cost of the engine in just a few years.

Also, diesels are recommended when towing or carrying out a heavy-weighted work compared with gasoline engines, diesel engines handles heavy loads a lot better. This explains the fact why big, strong, heavy-duty trucks like Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge are affordable with diesel engines. So, if you are an engineer that works with a construction company, always stop by where you see, “”diesel cars for sale””.

Another merit of diesel engine is that diesel engine demonstrates better driving performance compared with petrol or gasoline. A person who always drives at high speed will definitely need diesel.

Diesel autos are a little noisier than the normal gasoline. But their noise difference is becoming more and more negligible. Modern technology has lead to the inventing of lesser noisier diesel engines compared to older ones.