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Winnebago re-introduces classic Brave RV [w/video]

Winnebago is saying 'Let's do the time warp again,' using its new Brave RV to do it – have a look at the first Winnebago RV from 1966 and you'll know exactly where this one comes from. The modern version of this swinging sixties motorhome is accurate from its size, either 26- or 27-foot version, to its trademark eyebrow above the front windshield. The foldaway bunk above the front seats that necessitated the eyebrow design has been updated, and is now a power bed that descends from the ceiling. It is among a set of standard features that also includes a 19-foot motorized awning, leveling jacks at all four corners, heated mirrors, LED ceiling lights, two available floorplans and detailing like a workstation for the front passenger, a sliding dash cluster and and a waterfall countertop in the kitchen with built-in extensions. The Brave sits on a Ford F53 chassis complete with its Triton V10 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. No word yet on any potential diesel alternatives. Naturally, that 1966 price of $4,000 will also come in for an update, but the company hasn't yet revealed it. The good folks from Winnebago will be happy to take you on a thorough personal tour of the Brave in the video below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Winnebago via YouTubeTip: John Auto News Ford Truck Special and Limited Editions Videos motorhome recreational vehicles winnebago

Shelby boosts production of 575-hp Raptor on early demand

Shelby American unveiled its all-new Shelby Raptor at the New York Auto Show last month, saying that it would build just 100 examples of its off-road bad boy, a pickup priced at $17,995 over the cost of the donor Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. But the Las Vegas outfit apparently underestimated just how popular the supercharged 575-horsepower 4x4 would actually be.
Strong early demand reportedly has Shelby singing a whole new tune, as the company is now saying it will build upwards of 500 units annually. While the increased production will likely make for at least 400 more happy owners, those who were on the original short list - possibly speculating on future values - might not be grinning as much. Needless to say, the company has assured everyone that each and every one of the modified Raptors will still be listed in the official Shelby registry.
Keep in mind that Ford isn't sitting idle on its trophy-truck-for-the-street, either. The company will reveal its own 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition this month.

Weekly Recap: Marchionne's Manifesto again calls for industry consolidation

Sergio Marchionne isn't taking no for an answer. Despite public rebuffs from General Motors and Ford, the leader of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles continues to push for consolidation within the auto industry. His latest assertion came Wednesday when he said a combination of FCA with another automaker could net savings of $5 billion or more annually. No, this isn't about selling his company, he claimed, it's about cutting costs. Put simply, the auto industry wastes money, Marchionne said during FCA's earnings conference call. Companies invest billions to develop basic components that all cars use, but many consumers don't care how they work or recognize the differences. "About half of this is really relevant in terms of positioning the car in the marketplace," he said. "The other half, in our view, is stuff which is neither visible to the consumer nor is it relevant to the consumer." In 2014, top automakers spent more than $100 million on product development, FCA estimated. Marchionne said consolidation could save up to $1 billion on powertrains alone, noting that almost every automaker offers four- and six-cylinder engines. Not everyone has to make their own, he contended. "The consumer could not give a flying leap whose engines we are using because they are irrelevant to the buying decision." That's pretty provocative for enthusiasts, but less so for average consumers. Still, there are major differences in power and efficiency ratings, even among similar engines. Skeptics could argue consolidation would also weaken competition and reduce choices for car buyers. Marchionne stressed his presentation, curiously entitled Confessions of a Capital Junkie, wouldn't require closing factories or dealerships. It's not his final "big deal" as CEO, intent to sell FCA, or a way to elevate his company up the automotive food chain. He claims he wants to fundamentally change the industry and its habit for burning cash. "The horrible part about this, and the thing that I find most offensive, is that the capital consumption rate is duplicative," he said. "It doesn't deliver real value to the consumer and it is in its purest form, economic waste." Other News & Notes Ford Profits dip in first quarter Ford profits fell $65 million to $924 million in the first quarter, hampered by slight dips in revenue and sales.