2009 Dodge Nitro car photos

2009 Dodge Nitro luxury car picture

2009 Dodge Nitro luxury car gallery

2009 Dodge Nitro luxury car photo

The 1946 Dodge Power Wagon

Starting all the way back in 1934, Dodge built a truck for the US Army that featured the first ever drive train that could be easily shifted from two wheel drive to four wheel, and back again, from within the cab of the truck. At the end of World War II the company saw the opportunity to take a civilian version of their popular military trucks to market.

The Power Wagon was one of the first two production four wheel drive vehicles available to the general public when it hit showrooms in 1946. While Willy's Jeep offered the other option this famous Dodge is considered the first true four wheel drive truck on the market. Up until this point the only production 4x4's were in the mid and heavy weight segments and used for commercial or military purposes. In the 1930's there was an option for private citizens to have their two wheel drive trucks converted to four wheel through various kits and companies however this was not a widespread practice.

The initial Power Wagon model offered to market by the boys at Dodge sported a 230ci flat head six putting out 94 horses, a two speed transfer case (instead of the one speed military version) and a four speed tranny. This first model was rated as a one ton and had a PTO for running add-on equipment and attachments from the front or rear of the vehicle. The model number on this truck was WDX and used a interior trim package and cab that were almost untouched from 1939.

With all the soldiers returning from World War II, it was a popular and profitable model introduction for the car maker. Rather than go through the expensive process of designing a whole new vehicle the company took what they already had and just tweaked it a bit for civilian use. The name for the new vehicle is actually an old one. As new forms of locomotion besides the horse were introduced a wagon that was powered by a motor was called a "power wagon."

The Power Wagon was advertised and marketed as a working truck above all else. This was a truck made to pull and carry loads and to provide power to out of the way places accessed with it's 4x4 drive system. With its rugged construction, PTO and 4x4 capabilities this machine could be used in place of a tractor on the farm and was advertised as such by Dodge in their marketing material. With the introduction in 1949 of a hydraulic kit that was operable from within the cab there was a flood of attachments and add-ons that hit the market. The options were many including several different types of plows, saws, loader scoops, diggers, augers, graders and even a street sweeper.

While the Jeep brand seems to have cornered the American market on all things four wheel drive it was Dodge who invented a practical four wheel drive system all the way back in the 1930's. The Power Wagon was produced in it's initial form from 1946 through 1968 when new safety requirements finally put this famous truck out of production.

Will gets a kick out of old Dodge models of all kinds. Be sure to check out DodgeRestoration.com to see photos and find more information. Thanks!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_K.

The New Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT

Its look is, as you might imagine with any convertible, sexy. In my opinion, the Spyder GT from Mitsubishi is hotter and more fun to drive than any of the other convertibles on the market. They amped up the look with a distinctive sleek design, even with the roof retracted.

The front bucket seats fit an average size person comfortably and even have room to spare for above average. The seats have adjustable lumbar support and the steering wheel has a touch height adjustable model with audio controls. Being a convertible, the rear bench seat is typically small. Like most convertibles, they have very little leg room and comfort is not easily found. The back bench is best for short drives with smaller people. Take it from me, and my contorted passengers.

The roof, ah what can't I say about the rag top? It's powered by hydraulics that stows or erects in about 20 seconds. You will have to clasp the windshield frame yourself, as well as push a button. Personally I prefer the hands on approach; it's quick and easy, and gives you the sense of a secure connection because of the hands-on touch. A hard panel helps to hide that "bloated" look in the rear, when the roof is stowed. This gives it a clean line, and a great profile. When the roof is in use, it looks stunning. The material is a dyed acrylic cloth which is a big step up from the vinyl on some cars of the same price point. The headliner is cotton, with a natural rubber layer between it and the acrylic. On older convertible cars, the rubber, called 'butyl', was cheap and its rubber led to a ballooning or bubbling look to the convertible roof. The natural rubber, on the Spyder holds its shape and resists stretching or shrinking even during the most extreme weather.

With this great top and quiet motoring (even on concrete freeways), I found the car was relatively draft-free. The door seals are similar to more-expensive cars, adopting a short stroke mechanism. This is great for wind noise reduction, and improves the atmospheric sealing leading to better heater and air-conditioning containment.

Driving is very smooth and tight. With its short wheelbase and low curb weight, you would expect the convertible to be agile, and it was. It was surprising to find that there was a high level of neutral handling and accurate steering too. The suspension was great, smooth with great cornering.

It has a 5 speed manual transmission, which helps it get 0-60 in less than 7 seconds. It's not the fastest sporty convertible, but it is good competition to the other v4 or v6 front wheel drives in its class and price point.

Mitsubishi also retuned the exhaust system for a quieter rumble. It lost 3 horsepower because of this, but I don't personally feel the difference. It still sounds and drives sexy so don't worry.

A warning though, the v-6 is so strong at low to medium revs, it looses some grip. I suggest leaving the traction control on.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is a great convertible for the cost. Yes it is a high value index; it is a convertible after all. At a base value of $25,942, and a premium model being $2650 more, the Eclipse Spyder GT, is a great purchase.

About the Author

The author would like to thank Tom Harris Auto Group for allowing us to test drive the Mitsubishi Spyder from their Nanaimo BC Car Dealer Harris Mitsubishi. As well as Tom Harris Cellular for the use of a Smart Phone while visiting Vancouver Island BC.