re: Ram 1500 ecodiesel

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It isn't than much of a stretch to think that 700 lbs weight reduction + 2.7L eco + 10 speed trans could very well equal right around 30 mpg while NOT towing. Time will tell.

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Pickup trucks are eventually going to costs a fortune to purchase and insure if they keep moving this direction.

I'm envisioning expensive, lighter materials along with a muchlower stance, no ground clearance, low rolling resistance tires, more plastic bumper work to direct air flow, a unit body chassis, and virtually no off road capability.

I'd rather just have a small, clanky diesel than all that crap, and keep the attributes that make it a truck.

What concerns me is that there will be a significant gap between what the market demands in a pickup truck and what the automakers are legally allowed to sell. Not all of us want minivans with pickup beds that costs $100,000 and comes with a 2.0L gasoline motor with a hybrid electric drivetrain. An arbitrary EPA fuel economy requirement with unreasonable expectations before the technology exists to meet government demands is not a good formula. I'd much prefer a fuel tax to bullshite CAFE regulations.

They killed muscle cars and big American luxury cars in the 1970s that way and it took years for manufacturers to catch up. It looks like pickup trucks are next.

I bet they'll start attaching truck beds to commercial van chassis vehicles soon.

Cars weigh much less than trucks and ride much better. Add air bags to a truck and get both ride and comfort.

Ford has already said that all trucks will be painted no bare metal option. I'd like it though.