buickanddeere
Super Member
Our tax dollars at work. Another over priced military vehicle. Third world armies seen to do just fine with a Toyota pickup costing what at most maybe $30,000 new?
Compact Diesel trucks that we can't get here
- Thread starter Scooby074
- Start date
- Views: 55674
Coincidentally, I was having a chat with somebody about a week ago, who has deep connections into the auto industry. We were talking about this exact platform, diesel-electric hybrid.
It's viewed as a problem, because it is a pretty disruptive technology. What do you do with all the transmission, drivetrain, and brake companies that you put out of business ?
I come from a different background, and am conditioned for a high level of disruption, so don't see what the big deal is..... just get on with it...... but enough grumbling.....
We won't see this in mass production for some time, but it's not really due to any technical reasons. Diesel-electric is a great platform, capable and efficient. Locomotives aren't built this way by accident.
As a design study, that Hellion is a success. Very efficient, for a hardened vehicle. Regardless of what one's views on the environment are, more efficient use of fuel is a strategic military advantage. I just wish our gubmints kept that in mind, in terms of what us peasants can access.
A Hilux is a tough vehicle, as civilian products go.... but put one RPG into it, and you take the truck and it's 10 rebels out pretty conclusively. First world countries tend to assign more value to their soldiers, both in $ and social terms so the trucks scale in price accordingly.
If I had to go off to battle, I know I'd much sooner be in the back of a purpose built vehicle like the Hellion, than bouncing around in the back of an open pickup like a sack of potatoes. Operationally, as good as a Hilux is, something like the Hellion will be more effective.
So, no, I don't have a problem with my tax dollars going into proper equipment for troops. Govt money gets wasted every day on worse expenditures.
In today's dollars, $260k doesn't seem high. Many guys on TBN probably drive Class A RVs worth that much, and if you go out to the oil-patch, what are selling well are Class A's that are $500k+.
Technically, it is telling that the choice of IC powerplant on this advanced proof of concept is a turbo-diesel. The govt knows what the right answer is, when the results really matter.
Rgds, D.
It's viewed as a problem, because it is a pretty disruptive technology. What do you do with all the transmission, drivetrain, and brake companies that you put out of business ?
I come from a different background, and am conditioned for a high level of disruption, so don't see what the big deal is..... just get on with it...... but enough grumbling.....
We won't see this in mass production for some time, but it's not really due to any technical reasons. Diesel-electric is a great platform, capable and efficient. Locomotives aren't built this way by accident.
As a design study, that Hellion is a success. Very efficient, for a hardened vehicle. Regardless of what one's views on the environment are, more efficient use of fuel is a strategic military advantage. I just wish our gubmints kept that in mind, in terms of what us peasants can access.
A Hilux is a tough vehicle, as civilian products go.... but put one RPG into it, and you take the truck and it's 10 rebels out pretty conclusively. First world countries tend to assign more value to their soldiers, both in $ and social terms so the trucks scale in price accordingly.
If I had to go off to battle, I know I'd much sooner be in the back of a purpose built vehicle like the Hellion, than bouncing around in the back of an open pickup like a sack of potatoes. Operationally, as good as a Hilux is, something like the Hellion will be more effective.
So, no, I don't have a problem with my tax dollars going into proper equipment for troops. Govt money gets wasted every day on worse expenditures.
In today's dollars, $260k doesn't seem high. Many guys on TBN probably drive Class A RVs worth that much, and if you go out to the oil-patch, what are selling well are Class A's that are $500k+.
Technically, it is telling that the choice of IC powerplant on this advanced proof of concept is a turbo-diesel. The govt knows what the right answer is, when the results really matter.
Rgds, D.
RalphVa
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 7,885
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Tractor
- JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
I've often liked that Chrysler will take design chances that the other 2 won't. Ex. the Prowler.
On the bbc link I posted recently, there is a link on that page to a VW Amorak "test" drive in Africa..... 53C ambient Temp ! I'd buy that thing in a heartbeat.... still hoping it makes it to Canada, with a stick option.
Rgds, D.
OP
Scooby074
Super Member
You're not the only one that wants it here:thumbsup: Better come with the stick too.
buickanddeere
Super Member
The military could probably make do with an ordinary 1 ton crew cab pickup with 24V mil spec electrical system and a P-pump equipped Cummins ISB engine. Put a layer of Kevlar in the tailgate and around all the doors, walls, floor, hood, fenders, grill and roof. Use polycarbonate windows. Open the diffs with Torrsen worm gear limited slips. Could probably purchase three of those for the cost of one Hummer.
CanuckPT
Gold Member
I've never owned a VW but this could seriously be my first it if ever makes it's way to the USA!! I'm salivating!
Volkswagen Amarok - YouTube
Amarok < Models < Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Amarok - YouTube
Amarok < Models < Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
With apologies to Scooby..... I just had to share.....
BBC - Autos - One diesel sports car to rule them all
The beginning of the article:
Back in 2006, boutique British carmaker Trident announced a plan to build a 200mph diesel-powered supercar. It was an audacious promise, to be sure, but the company followed through, building a running prototype in 2008 right around the time Audi unwrapped a version of its R8 supercar with a clattering 5.9-litre diesel V12 engine producing 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Six years later, the one-off Audi is a museum piece, but the Trident Iceni is headed for the production line and global availability.
Hey, at least it's compact, and it has a truck motor !
Rgds, D.
BBC - Autos - One diesel sports car to rule them all
The beginning of the article:
Back in 2006, boutique British carmaker Trident announced a plan to build a 200mph diesel-powered supercar. It was an audacious promise, to be sure, but the company followed through, building a running prototype in 2008 right around the time Audi unwrapped a version of its R8 supercar with a clattering 5.9-litre diesel V12 engine producing 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Six years later, the one-off Audi is a museum piece, but the Trident Iceni is headed for the production line and global availability.
Hey, at least it's compact, and it has a truck motor !
Rgds, D.
stephan
Silver Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2004
- Messages
- 170
- Location
- NSW, Australia
- Tractor
- Lamborghini 450 Runner, SAME Tiger 70, Kioti CS2610
Well guys finally we have a bit of green coming from you folks in the States. Usually, it goes the other way given what you play for your tractors, implements and the variety of both.
I own a VW Amaork Ultimate (fully loaded) and it is the shitz. Unladen I do get about 30mpg but on average, with all the towing I do I get about 24mpg. You can see my usage here Amarok (VW Amarok) | Fuelly
Great vehicle and I've owned a few in the "Dual cab ute" range. Here is another tempter Ultimate in the Yawal dirt - YouTube of my ute in the dirt.
Now just so you folks know this vehicle has a 2l 4 cylinder turbo diesel motor, small by anyone's standards, the normal size here is still 4 cylinder but 3.0l. It does put out 120kw and 400nm (sorry didn't convert to old money) and I find it ample for what I need. It's legal for me to tow 2.8T with it.
If you really want to see them look here AusAmarok - Volkswagen Amarok Forum of Australia & New Zealand
I own a VW Amaork Ultimate (fully loaded) and it is the shitz. Unladen I do get about 30mpg but on average, with all the towing I do I get about 24mpg. You can see my usage here Amarok (VW Amarok) | Fuelly
Great vehicle and I've owned a few in the "Dual cab ute" range. Here is another tempter Ultimate in the Yawal dirt - YouTube of my ute in the dirt.
Now just so you folks know this vehicle has a 2l 4 cylinder turbo diesel motor, small by anyone's standards, the normal size here is still 4 cylinder but 3.0l. It does put out 120kw and 400nm (sorry didn't convert to old money) and I find it ample for what I need. It's legal for me to tow 2.8T with it.
If you really want to see them look here AusAmarok - Volkswagen Amarok Forum of Australia & New Zealand
OP
Scooby074
Super Member
With apologies to Scooby..... I just had to share.....
BBC - Autos - One diesel sports car to rule them all
The beginning of the article:
Back in 2006, boutique British carmaker Trident announced a plan to build a 200mph diesel-powered supercar. It was an audacious promise, to be sure, but the company followed through, building a running prototype in 2008 right around the time Audi unwrapped a version of its R8 supercar with a clattering 5.9-litre diesel V12 engine producing 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Six years later, the one-off Audi is a museum piece, but the Trident Iceni is headed for the production line and global availability.
Hey, at least it's compact, and it has a truck motor !
Rgds, D.
You're forgiven dave... Thats a sexy car!
