Rodedawg: Out-Hummering the Hummer
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 08.11.05
Here's a new road-monstrosity for the un-treehugger category: Beijing Jeep, Chrysler's Chinese partner, makes amphibious vehicles. They used to be sold only to the Chinese military, but Rodedawg International Industries has bought the marketing rights to the beasts and intend to sell them to civilians all around the globe for around $50,000 apiece. Sadly, it is a predictable thing that many insecure suburbanites will trade in their Hummers for one of those, "just in case" they ever need both the off-road and amphibious capabilities, y'know. I wonder if these things come with spray-on mud? Gotta look adventurous to impress the in-laws...
::Rodedawg Official Website, via ::Jalopnik
Michael, I totally agree with you - these are stupid and unneccessary vehicles BUT... I'm pleased to report after having navigated my way through their horrendous flash site, this is a diesel. In my books that makes it better than a Hummer (not that those purchasing this would have any interest in running biodiesel though)...
I seriously doubt it's anywhere "clean diesel", though. It probably follows the same kind of emission standards as a 10-wheeler...
I think they should change the name from Rodedawg to Ohmygawd. That is one ugly vehicle. Looks like an old boat on wheels. Good luck marketing that monstrosity.
Um, actually, I'd buy it, and I know a bunch of people who would (and who would run it on biodiesel). A boat that size for lazing around on the lake in - no trailering hassle - for $50K? I wouldn't drive it to work, mind you...
According to the specification page this gets better than average fuel economy for an suv at 10.5km/L or about 24mpg from its 91hp diesel. I don't think they will be selling this to anyone but hardcore outdoor enthusiasts.
I wonder if it would have to pass marine emisions? Or just truck for the US?
Ah wherefore be the 21st century version of the VW Schwimwagon? :(
Laugh all you want at this vehicle but I bet a lot of people who live in New Orleans wished they owned one of these Puppy Dawgs when Katrina hit.
I agree with Morfydd I wouldn't drive it to work everyday but I went thru their site & the convertible would make a mad lake boat for fishing.
Dam no trailer to drag along, You don't have to worry about your car & trailer left behind on land for the thieves to rob
Just a worry free day on the lake with no hassles fishing. I say load up the cooler & go for it
Oh Yeah & the convertible really isn't that ugly just stay away from the yellow !
Umm. As the previous poster noted, this would be a *wise* vehicle purchasing decision for anyone living in flood-prone areas, for emergency services groups, or for folks who despise trailering yet like boating.
Best of all, the more of them out there in private hands, paid for and maintained by private funds, the more there are available to utilize in case of civil emergency.
JD
I think this thing would actually save a lot of fuel because a chevy 350 pulling a boat can't get better than 10MPG, and this thing could combine both. Morfydd said the engine is only 91hp, this will scare away all the suburban wannabes. I personally would love one. BTW: any diesel can be cleaned up by adding water injection to cool the burn, cutting down the NOx emissions and hydrogen injection to increase the burn speed, and get rid of the soot. http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2005/11/69529