Hot on the heels of the 2014 Silverado reveal and the show stealing Ford Atlas concept truck from the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota has announced it will reveal their third generation Tundra in just over a week! We will have to wait and see if there is anything truly radical in the re-design like the Silverado and Atlas have shown us. As soon as we get more details we will be sure to throw them your way.

The concept boasts a next generation Eco-Boost engine and some very very nice new technology to go along with the revamped look. Some of the tech goodies include: Dynamic Hitch Assist, trailer backup assist, active grille shutters, LED headlights and tail lights, drop down front air dam… the list goes on and on. The new design look is very aggressive while maintaining functionality at the same time. Many of these features if not all could easily make their way to the 2015 F-150 line if not sooner.

BMW has stated that it will begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles in January 2013. The apparent problem at hand with the X5 diesel models is a faulty idler pulley bolt which could break, resulting in immediate loss of power steering and could also cause a crash. The affected X5 diesel models were manufactured between September 1, 2008 and November 15, 2012. If you have any questions about your X5 you can contact BMW directly at 1-800-525-7417.

Gone apparently is the all too familiar rear gate mounted spare tire, along with the swing out rear gate itself. It appears to have some drastic restyling to give it a more ‘car’ appearance, including a sporty looking front fascia. The interior appears to have had an update as well with a redesigned dash/control unit area, glove box area and seating. We will have to see when it is fully un-veiled just how much has been changed.

Nothing extravagant has been done but the tweaks wrangled (sorry) in to the 10th anniversary edition do not dissapoint at all. The interior has been hit with red leather seating sporting a 10th anniversary embroidered logo. It has also been given custom floor mats, gauge cluster setup and some badging throughout. On the outside we see it sporting some very nice anniversary wheels, tail lamp guards, off road bumpers, front and rear hooks and of course Rubicon anniversary decals on the hood. All of this will be powered by the 3.6L Pentastar V6 which puts out 285 HP and 260 ftlbs of torque. You can look for the Rubicon climbing into dealers in spring of 2013.

The eHow Auto Center will be a show that provides tips, information and viewer Q&A regarding information related to every day automotive needs. William Deloney, the producer and director of eHow Auto Center said: “Chris was a natural pick for the eHow Auto Center series because he has a great presentation style and he shares our passion for do-it-yourself automotive care using common tools and proven techniques. He has a great way of explaining how to complete each project with confidence covering the tools and safety rules, while also making sure he identifies the projects that are better left to the professionals.”

In the press release Chris Duke said:”Being selected as the host for the eHow Auto Center has been very exciting. I have a passion for helping folks learn how to handle maintenance and improvement projects themselves, and the eHow Auto Center is another great way for me to do that. We’ve already completed several of the 25 episodes we have on the schedule, including topics like tire and wheel upgrades, proper tire care, how and when to change vehicle spark plugs, and a special episode on do-it-yourself headlight restoration. Its been a wonderful experience working with the eHow team, and I know this is going to be a great series!”

The series will debut on October 1, 2012 at www.ehow.com

[Full Press Release]

It’s the end of another long work week and look who has a little something for you… Motorz Season 5 Episode 8 is now online for your viewing pleasure!

In this episode Chris shows you how to replace the upholstery in your vehicle using the fantastic custom leather replacements from the folks at Katzkin Leather. Chris goes step by step to show you exactly what is entailed in doing the work, as well as showing you a few time saving tips along the way.

So head on over and watch Chris, Olivia and the rest of the Motorz crew as they show you how to make your worn out interior look brand new! This and all previous episodes of Motorz can be viewed at the Motorz website.

[Motorz]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Not shown from the front so as not to scare women and children.

A little over two years ago there was a lot of talk about the possibility of a small diesel powered pickup from Mahindra hitting US shores. Plans were made, deals struck and supposed dealership plans in the works. Well, after many delays (we did say two years), and several lawsuits, Mahindra has announced that it will not be selling their small, ugly, diesel powered trucks in the US.

The powers that be cited “changes in the U.S. regulatory and market situation” as the reason for the final decision to end the long delayed move to the US consumer. It will be interesting to see what comes of the numerous lawsuits that were filed against Mahindra from investors hoping to setup dealerships here in the US, as well as the affect the news has on their world market presence. It definitely is a black eye for Mahindra, but at least we won’t have to look in a rear view mirror and see that diesel powered ugliness behind us.

Unsuspecting tire shoppers? Check.

Stunt driver? Check.

Pinatas? Check.