Autoblog

Thinking of trading your gas-guzzling SUV in for something smaller, a bit more fuel efficient? You are not alone. The rocketing cost of gasoline, and diesel fuel, is having a ripple effect on the SUV market. With consumers trading in their behemoths by the thousands in exchange for more frugal transportation, dealers are stuck with a surplus of unwanted sport-utes sitting on their lots with values dissolving.

Diesel-burning trucks aren't immune either. As diesel fuel costs hovering about fifty cents per-gallon above gasoline, some of the bigger oil-burning SUVs and trucks are losing measurable resale by the day. Overall, according to CNW Marketing Research, used SUV sales were down 14% in March alone. With any surplus, come big discounts. It may be a ghastly time to fill a 30-gallon tank on an SUV, but it is the perfect time to negotiate with a dealer for that seven-passenger family truckster you've been fancying. No need to hurry -- there will be an even better selection tomorrow.

Thanks to Jim for the tip!

[Source: U.S. News and World Report]

The Hummer H8 website (NSFW due to profanity) is a parody* of all those 'manly-man' characteristics attributed to the brand's customer base like physical bravado, sexual prowess and the ability to eliminate the ozone layer in one fell swoop. It's also the perfect vehicle for the woman who can drive an entire soccer team to practice while applying make up, chatting on her cell and stradling two lanes on the highway.

Shirts with slogans like "I'm a full 3" with my H8" and the handout, "My Hummer H8 can kick your SUV's ass!" are available on the website.

*The alphanumeric "H8" is a well-know acronym for the word 'hate'.

[Source: PR Web]

This large unibody SUV from Hyundai could be a replacement for the  Terracan sold elsewhere around the world or it could be a new CUV developed specifically with the North American market in mind. The Car Connection seems to believe the latter, and who are we to argue? Known internally as the “EN”, this Ford Explorer-sized utility vehicle would occupy the territory above the Sante Fe in Hyundai’s line-up. The two vehicles would share the same platform, except the EN would receive a stretched and widened version to go with its unique interior and exterior. Motivation will most likely come from Hyundai’s flagship 3.8L V6 being used in the Azera at the moment.

[Source: The Car Connection]

UPDATE: Corrected availability of Terracan - it's also sold in Europe, as well as Asia.