Click above for high-res image gallery of the Dodge Hornet concept
Fiat’s tentative global alliance with Chrysler should have the desired effect of bolstering the American automaker’s nonexistent small car line and give Fiat access to a nationwide network of dealerships in the United States. Don’t forget, however, that Nissan also has a deal in place with Chrysler that predates its tie-up with Fiat, and the Japanese automaker fully expects to make good on the arrangement that would provide Chrysler with two small cars developed by Nissan in exchange for one full-size Ram-based truck to replace the aging Titan. The first vehicle to spawn from this alliance is the Dodge Trazo C1.8 sedan, a carbon copy of the Nissan Versa (known as the Tiida in some other parts of the world) and sold in South America.
Before Fiat was ever considered (at least publicly) as a partner, it was assumed after initial negotiations with China’s Chery failed to pan out that the second vehicle Nissan would develop would be at least partially inspired by the Dodge Hornet first seen in concept form back in 2006. Since the arrangement with Nissan was announced back in April of 2008, it’s probably safe to assume that development work on the protracted small car project for Dodge is already underway and will conclude as planned. Whether or not any fruit of Chrysler’s partnership with Nissan will be sold in the U.S. or just South American markets is unknown, as Fiat has plenty of small cars that could be built, badged with a Pentastar and sold in on American soil.
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The Toyota Land Cruiser has been on the road for more than 27 years, and amassed more than 400,000 miles on its odometer.
In the past three months, it has endured a broken engine mounting, ruptured handbrake cable, broken cross-shaft, damaged power piston and more than a few cosmetic blemishes.
Time to head to the dealership, right?
For Emil and Liliana Schmid, not even close. While driving the 1982 Land Cruiser FJ60 over the past 27-and-a-half years, the Swiss couple has gone through 166 flat tires, 138 spark plugs, 54 shock absorbers, 31 batteries and 22 air filters.
The couple, which embarked on a worldwide travel extravaganza in 1984, hasn’t stopped, and neither has their Land Cruiser. They’ve ridden it through 172 different countries and logged 413,654 miles. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognized them and their vehicle for the longest travel journey, the most miles, and the most countries visited in a single car.
The journey began as a one-year escape from his job as a software developer and hers as a secretary, but it quickly spiraled into one without a return date. So far, they’ve parked the Land Cruiser near Egyptian pyramids and Australia’s Ayers Rock. And everywhere in between.
They’ve been on the road for 9,493 days, according to the meticulously kept statistics on their website, consumed 43,497 gallons of gas and been behind the wheel for 18,482 hours.
Truth be told, they pondered replacing their Land Cruiser once. But after a spirited debate in 2006, they found a place to fix the original in the town of Miri on the island of Borneo, and haven’t regretted the decision one bit.
Thinking about taking an epic journey like the Schmids? We’ve got a few cars that we think will serve you very well while you see the world.
MSRP: $77,955
Given how much success the Schmids have experienced with their 1982 Land Cruiser, we have to recommend the 2013 model.
The Toyota Land Cruiser remains at the top of the class when it comes to luxury and off-road capability. It provides legendary durability and reliability thanks to Toyota’s impressive level of quality control. A 381-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the four-wheel drive system. Driving at low speeds on rough or steep terrain, the Crawl Control system automatically controls the vehicle’s engine and brakes which allows the driver to focus on steering
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[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]