New Jeep Engine Saves Money

The new 2012 Wrangler is making waves in the media thanks in part to the outstanding 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. Sure it has 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque - that 83 hp increase translates into a 26% improvement in 0-60mph acceleration. But what about fuel economy? That's improved 10% as well. What does it mean to the pocketbook? Compare the 2011 Wrangler with its 3.8L V6 and plug in the new 2012 3.6L V6 to fueleconomy.gov and you'll find there is a substantial savings over the long haul. Look at the 5-year savings - $1,319 . . . that's not chump change. About enough to buy a nice Warn winch for your ride.

Mortgaging the Future of our Kids

A CNN commentary by Mark Sanford revealed some interesting information about the Stimulus bill:

"As for the jobs created in the short-term, what's the cost? The Heritage Foundation crunched the president's own numbers and came up with this startling figure: for every single job the bill creates, American taxpayers will spend $223,000."

That kind of ROI wouldn't fly in any real-world business sector. I don't know why our government should be held to a different measure of success. Mark closed his argument with this poignant statement:

"The president's stimulus represents the largest and most invasive economic action in our government's history. For a relatively small number of short-term jobs, this administration and this Congress are poised to mortgage the economic future of my four boys and the millions of young Americans just like them. To me, that's simply not a morally acceptable outcome."

What do you think?

BMW's Secret Weapon

Remember Raiders of the Lost Ark when the Arc of the Covenant was boxed up and put away in storage in the Smithsonian warehouse? (The government warehouse plot device even has its own website) It turns out that BMW sealed up a secret weapon of its own for long term storage.

Recently revealed in Issue #3 of BMW Motorcycle Magazine, is the 1934 R7 prototype. This stunningly creative, art deco concept was boxed up and shelved as World War II approached. With the economy the way it is, we all need lift. Perhaps with sales down, some engineers decided to see what was down in the basement. As the story goes, they opened up a crate and found this 70-year-old 800cc treasure complete with its innovative hydraulically dampened telescopic forks. Perhaps this is BMW's secret weapon hidden behind a glass plate that says “Break glass in case of economy.” This wickedly beautiful bike is just what the doctor ordered.