First up at SEMA we’ve got Resilient Technologies’ NPT – Non-Pneumatic Tire, under development by the US Military with prototype delivery scheduled for late 2011. According to Resilient PR: “US military Humvees currently operate with a pneumatic tire with a run-flat donuts insert. After a “ballistic event” where pressure is lost, the trucks can limp away at 30 MPH for up to 30 miles. The Resilient Technologies NPT is designed to operate at full capacity after an event with no limit to top speed or range.” An unlimited, non-tread-wearing bullet and bomb proof tire, probably something you want in the deserts of Afghanistan (Yes, we’re still over there).

But you don’t need to be in the Military for a good tank wheel – just get a Ken Block Subaru complete with Mattracks all-terrain tracks. It’s a must have if you live in New Hampshire or Vermont – Ken Block’s 400 horse power Subaru WRX STI “all-terrain” wants to be out in the snow as often as possible, and can handle the ice underneath.

Falcon was never in the balloon, and he outted Pops when the news asked who put him up to it. It seems Mom & Dad had plans to get back on TV, as they were on Wife Swap and wanted nothing more then to be on screens nation-wide again. Looks like they accomplished this task. Balloon Boy may have wasted our time, but at least he gave us a great online game.

Back in the Auto industry – MOPAR is going a little horse power crazy, a they prepare for SEMA 2009. Some of the vehicle include a Jeep Wrangler with 40-inch tires, a 556hp Challenger and a Jeep Wrangler Overland Image Vehicle: “A Stop-anywhere, Camp-anywhere Jeep” The Jeep Wrangler Overland is perfect for those craving travel and adventure. The Mopar design team took a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and turned it into a mobile “on-the-go” self-contained campsite.

And lastly – Whatever happened to the Hybrid car? Small, fuel efficient vehicles like Smart, Prius & Honda’s Insight have seen a drop in both sales and online traffic over the past quarter. Now that gas prices are back to reasonable ranges is the hybrid-vehicle fad going extinct? We will investigate more later this week on Automopedia!