Ford will launch the 2009 SVT Lightning version super truck at either the SEMA or the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Truck sales have been falling in the United States, but in spite of that, the lightning will strike again.

An obvious guess would be an F-150 powered by the GT500 engine. Whether it will use two or four wheels to deliver all that torque is unknown. This new truck will almost certainly not be called a Lightning; this new truck is likely to be the new Harley-Davidson F-150.

The red-winged manufacturer of motorcycles has announced a new system which completely removes the rider's direct control of the front and rear brakes.

Instead of a cable connection, the system uses brake-by-wire technology and allows an on-board computer to apply pressure to both the front and rear brakes as it sees fit. This new system is expected to debut on sport bikes first, which raises some eyebrows in the cycle-riding community.

The highest-performing bikes have ridiculously powerful brakes which are capable of locking up the front tyre very easily. Still, hardcore riders have proven very reluctant to give up any control to computers, especially on race tracks, where supersport bikes are expected to thrive.

With gas prices as high as they are, it might seem hard to believe that some gas companies are not profitable, but, apparently, Exxon Mobil isn't doing as well as it might wish.

The company just announced that it would be selling off its gas stations for financial reasons. We suspect that the industry keeps itself shrouded in mystery to protect its profit at times, but Exxon Mobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips, to name a few, have all stated that certain nebulous factors in the supply, demand and refinery process have led to a steep drop in profitability.

Included in the sale will be the company's namesake gas stations. The retail group includes 820 self-operated stations and about 1,400 dealer-managed outlets.

The famed 'World Engine', used by Hyundai and Mitsubishi as part of their global engine manufacturing alliance joint venture, has given the world such gems as the powerplants in the current Mitsubishi Evolution and Dodge Caliber SRT-4, and will also power the base version of the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

With fuel efficiency a top priority these days, the Diamond Star brand will soon be investing some nine-billion yen (US$84.2 million) into its engine plant in Japan, which makes the global four cylinder in 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 litre capacities. Expect to find these engines in various Lancer and Outlander models.

The bone-stock 2009 Cadillac CTS-V did a time around the famous Nurburgring circuit in seven minutes 59secs 32 one hundredths seconds, making it the fastest production sedan ever to have lapped the 'Ring circuit.

The car was run on stock Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires at standard inflation pressures of 32 psi, and that the car was heavier than stock due to the inclusion of a roll bar, driving seats, five-point harnesses, and fire extinguisher in the cockpit, about 4,300 pounds.

The car is an automatic and was left in 'drive' the entire lap, it clocked a top speed of 175 mph at redline (6,200 rpm) in fifth gear, averaging well more than 90 mph all the way around the circuit.

It will be powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre GM smallblock engine now rated at 556 hp at 6,100 rpm and 551 ft-lb at 3,800 rpm. time.

One option of the Nissan Maxima will be the first clean diesel with a manual transmission as its only option, according to Nissan.

Diesels already have a mildly bad reputation in some states due to some of the not-so-great oil-burning products the market has been cursed with in the past.

Americans have consistently chosen automatic transmission over manual.

Considering how well Nissan has done with its CVT transmission, critics are wondering if the company could find a way to pair it with the Renault-derived diesel slated for the Maxima.

The 2009 Zuma is a 125cc four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with four valves and a 10:1 compression ratio, with electronic fuel injection.

The bigger powerplant should make the 125 a willing around-town commuter, it has a fully automatic CV transmission and its ability to deliver an estimated 88 mpg should be a huge selling point these days.

The fuel capacity is 1.6 gallons. This is six litres so it should take less than J$500 to fill up. The cost is US$3,000. Would you consider a scooter as a working vehicle?

Honda has announced the start of production for its next-generation, hydrogen-powered, fuel cell vehicle, FCX Clarity.

The FCX Clarity is projected to produce a few dozen units within the next year, and approximately 200 units within three years.

Honda is making a landmark step by establishing the first fuel cell car to be certified for regular commercial use in the United States. A special three-year lease term at US$600 per month which includes maintenance and collision insurance.

Three-time rally Jamaica champ Gary 'The Colonel' Gregg has upgraded his WRC Ford Focus to a 2005 spec car. He was the best placed Caribbean driver in the 2008 Rally Barbados by coming in third.

Also in the rumour mill is that another rally Jamaica champ is following 'The Colonel' in getting a 2001 WRC Ford Focus. He, too, will be upgrading to a 2003 spec car, acquired from M Sport in the United Kingdom.

He had previously owned the beloved 'Tank' (WRC Toyota Celica), moved on to a Diamond Star and now to a Ford Focus.