World's first flat pack truck developed for emerging markets

Published May 15, 2013

FoxNews.com

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Talk about a special delivery.

A British philanthropist has built the world’s first flat-pack truck.

Automotive World reports that Sir Torquil Norman’s Global Vehicle Trust developed the simple, low-cost vehicle to service emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

The boxy, compact pickup can be disassembled in less than six hours and have all of its parts, including the four-cylinder diesel engine and independent suspension, stored within the confines of its chassis, allowing six of them to fit in a standard shipping container. Three people can then reassemble it in about 12 hours upon delivery. No special tools are required.

Shorter in length than most compact cars, the tough little front-wheel-drive truck can reportedly carry 4400 pounds and ford water two and a half feet deep. Configured for passengers, thirteen people will fit on board, including three in the front cabin. The driver sits in the middle allowing the vehicle to be used in right and left hand drive countries without requiring any extensive reengineering.

Norman says his group spent $1.5 million to build the prototype, but needs $4.6 million more to get it ready for production. He hopes to sell the vehicles to other non-profit charities and aid organizations who will distribute them throughout the developing world.

The price of the vehicle has not been determined, but the goal is to keep it as low as possible. A similar low-cost truck concept proposed by Kenya’s Mobius Motors has a target price of $6,000.

Photos: The $6,000 SUV

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Watch: Truck eats car

Published May 15, 2013

FoxNews.com

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The next time your spouse tells you the garbage can is too full, show them this.

New Way Trucks devised a clever way to show that its refuse trucks have the stuff to crush even the most challenging trash.

The Scranton, Pennsylvania-based company loaded an entire Pontiac Grand Am into the back of one of its Cobra Magnum, which proceeded to compact it in a matter of moments and drive away like it just took in a load of defective marshmallows.

New Way says the Cobra Magnum “delivers a crushing bite to anything you throw at it,” and from the looks of the video, it ain't lying.

So, if your local sanitation department uses one of these, don’t worry about jamming another dirty diaper in the can before you take out the trash, the truck can handle it.

The sanitation workers, however, may have something to say about it.

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Chevrolet's Texas-only pickup truck

Published May 06, 2013

FoxNews.com

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Chevy is not messing around when it comes to Texas.

The automaker has announced it will yet again be offering a Texas Edition of its upcoming 2014 Silverado pickup truck that will be sold only in The Lone Star State.

Available on LT or LTZ trim level Silverados, the special edition adds unique “Texas Edition” badges, 20-inch wheels, trailering equipment and a locking rear differential. LTZs also get a top shelf Bose audio system and chrome mirror caps and door handles.

LTs can be ordered with either a 285 hp 4.3-liter V6 or 355 hp 5.3-liter V8, while LTZs come standard with the bigger engine.

Chevrolet says it sells one out of every six of its pickup trucks in Texas, and the special edition is a tip of the hat to its loyal market. It’s offered the unique package on Silverado 1500s and Heavy Duty trucks in recent years.

But don’t be looking for any “Land of Enchantment” or “Garden State” Silverados soon. The Texas Edition is a state specific one-off for now, but a nearly identical Custom Sport model will be sold in the other 49 states, just without the fancy badges.

The Texas Edition package costs $2,165 on LT and $1,895 LTZ Silverados.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado climbs upmarket with High Country model

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Shelby builds a pickup truck

Published March 28, 2013

FoxNews.com

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This ain't no Cobra, but it can haul in more ways than one.

Noted Ford tuner Shelby American has unveiled a high performance pickup truck at the New York Auto Show.

The Shelby Raptor F-150 is a 575-hp supercharged take on Ford’s high speed desert runner.

Along with the performance modifications, which include a Shelby-spec 2.9-liter Whipple blower strapped to the Raptor's 6.2-liter V8 and a Stinger exhaust system, the truck gets boost and fuel pressure gauges, a set of heat extractors in its front fenders, custom interior and a choice of graphics packages that run the gamut from classic to gaudy.

Only 100 trucks will be built each year at a price of $17,995 plus the cost of a donor truck, which goes for $44.625 new.

If trucks aren't your thing, don't worry, Shelby also introduced a 1,200 hp Ford Mustang at the show.

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Jeep builds a transparent truck

Published March 21, 2013

FoxNews.com

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You’ll want to be careful about wearing yoga pants in this one.

Jeep has created a truck that’s so lightweight, you can see through it.

The Wrangler Stitch is a trimmed-down version of the iconic off-roader that features an aluminum floor pan, gas tank and control arms, chrome moly roll cage and carbon fiber hood. Even the windshield has been chopped two inches to drop a few pounds.

But it’s most apparent weight-saving measures are transparent body panels made from architectural fabric wrapped over a solid frame.

Other upgrades include racing seats borrowed from the SRT Viper supercar, a Mopar cold air intake and exhaust, 17-inch aluminum wheels, DynaTrac Pro Rock 44 axles and a host of other off-road mods.

The result is a vehicle that tips the scales at just 3,000 pounds, about 800 pounds less than a stock Wrangler. Tread lightly, indeed.

The Wrangler Stitch is one of six custom vehicles created by Jeep to showcase its selection of aftermarket parts and ideas for the future at its annual Easter Jeep Safari event in Moab, Utah, which begins next week.

Read: Jeep Sand Trooper is just what the Jawa ordered

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