transportation – Page 14 – The Unmuffled Auto News

September 21, 2013 zoomvroom Car Culture, Car Reviews

The Top Twenty-Five Future Collector Cars!

I have always wanted to do a blog post on this. I know that it’s kind of generic, but everybody has their own impressions of what cars should be future collectibles, right? Enjoy my list, and tell me what you would like to see as a future collectible in the comments section.

2013 SRT Viper/GTS/TA: The SRT Viper is one of the best American cars on the road. It’s loud, brash, fast, and it will scare the living daylights out of you and make you a better driver at the same time. It’s a rare combination that won’t live long. It’s got an iconic design that will still look downright diabolical 50 years down the road. It’s also got one of the biggest engines in the world, with a massive 8.4-liter V10 wedged under the hood. It pumps out 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. For the Viper, there is no replacement for displacement.
2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Corvette Convertible: Essentially a 2013 Corvette ZO6 with a convertible top, the Corvette 427 Convertible is the last iteration of the C6 Corvette. It’s also one of the best Corvettes. Ever.
Audi RS5: The 2013 Audi RS5 is a homage to the wailing, stylish DTM racers of the late 20th century. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 that pumps out 414 horsepower at 8000 RPM. As Motor Trend described it, it’s an R8 with a slightly detuned engine for those who need more space. It’s a beautiful car, too, with big, blacked-out wheels, fender flares, and a grille that pays tribute to the Auto Union racers of the 1930’s.
2014 Porsche Cayman/S: The second-generation Porsche Cayman is sure to win awards, praises, and thumbs-ups from everybody. It is the car that the 911 should be. The engine is in the right place, it behaves like a race car, it can go just as fast around the hallowed Nurburgring as the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. What could possibly be better? Nothing, as far as I’m concerned!
2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible: The Chevrolet Camaro is a good car. The ZL1 takes it to a completely different level. It’s fast, loud, fun to drive, and it looks spectacular. The ZL1 convertible takes away the bunker-like visibility of the coupe, and lets the NASCAR-like engine note pierce the cabin. It also happens to be Chevrolet’s most powerful production convertible ever. It will most likely be bought by hardcore enthusiasts and it will command a premium over the ZL1 coupe when it shows up at auctions in about 10 years.
2013 Tesla Model S: Not only did it win Motor Trend’s 2013 Car of the Year award, but it recently set electric car records at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. It gets to 60 mph in five seconds, so this car is a sleeper in a efficient, silent way. I want one.
Mazda Miata: The Mazda Miata helped turn around the definition of sports cars when it was introduced in 1990. It took the idea of classic British roadsters, mixed it with reliability, a cheap buying price, and charm. Hundreds of thousands have been sold since then. It also happens to be the most popular car for racing.
2009 Cadillac CTS-V: Ten years ago, you would have been laughed off of the face of the planet for telling people that Cadillac would build a high-performance car. There might never be another. If you want a true unicorn of a car, get the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon. It’s got 556 horsepower, thanks to a detuned Corvette LS9 engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed slushbox. It tops out at 193 mph, yet it is a refined street car, thanks to a special Magnetic Ride Control suspension system that was developed by Delphi Suspension Systems.
2007 Dodge Magnum SRT8: The merger of Chrysler Motor Co. and Daimler Motor Co. was short-lived and unsuccessful. However, some interesting cars were built in that time. Take the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Magnum, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. They’re all kissing cousins. The Dodge Magnum is the coolest and baddest bruiser on the block. The Magnum SRT8 is rare and awesome. It’s got clear hot rod DNA, yet it wasn’t a sales hit. Just 4,219 were sold in two years.
2008 Honda S2000 CR: Honda redefined supercar in the early 1990’s with the mid-engine, all-aluminum NSX. The chief engineer’s retirement present to the world was the 2008 Honda S2000 CR. The S2000 was already a great track car, but the S2000 CR took it to a whole new level. It made 260 horsepower at a wailing 8300 RPM, and sent those shrieking ponies to the ground via one of the world’s best six-speed manuals ever made.
Porsche Carrera GT: It’s a rare time when Porsche’s engineers make a supercar. The Porsche Carrera GT is an amazing car that showcases Le Mans technology, high speeds, prices, and looks. The thing’s a bloody unicorn. Using a chassis and bodywork from a failed Le Mans prototype that never made it to racing, a F1-style V10 that made 612 horsepower at 8000 rpm. It put it’s power down with a six-speed manual with a carbon composite clutch.
Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: Ford summed it up best, with their description of the Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. “It’s a race car with a license plate.” It was an affordable one at that, costing buyers $48,100 in 2011 and 2012. Mustang lovers and just about anybody who appreciates cars will want one in their collection, whether it’s now or 50 years from now.
BMW M3: The E92 BMW M3 is the last car of a dying breed. It’s 4.0-liter flat-plane V8 makes 414 horsepower at a rev-happy 8400 RPM. Because the future of BMW’s M cars lie with turbocharging, the E92 M3 is sure to become a collectible with many enthusiasts.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: The 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is the first Mustang with a top speed of 200 mph. Randy Pobst and Motor Trend reached 197 mph, but I have no doubt that the GT500 would reach 200 or more with enough road. It’s also the last car to have direct influence by Carroll Shelby himself.
HUMMER H2: Even though it was just a butched-up Chevrolet Tahoe, the HUMMER H2 represented the peak of an era when off-roading was at it;s peak. A massive tax loophole at the time made it popular with everybody from hip-hop stars, lawyers, contractors, and just about anybody with their own business.
2004 Toyota Prius: The second-generation Toyota Prius redefined the way the world thought about hybrids. It may be an egg-shaped nerdmobile, but it sure as heck is a benchmark for many automakers today. It’s an engineering marvel, and sales of the Prius peaked in 2008, when the economy crashed and fuel prices went through the roof.
Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S: The sports car market as we knew it from around 2000-2012 was focused on big, powerful engines that made cars go fast and handle badly. The joint venture between Toyota/Scion and Subaru turned out to be a success. The cars weigh under 3000 pounds, they have rev-happy engines mated to crisp transmissions that redefine the definition of affordable sports car. They can zip around a track just as fast as a Porsche 911 Turbo. Look for them to command high premiums in 30 years or so at auctions.
1987 Buick GNX: One of the most desirable cars of all time is the Buick GNX. Based off of the already diabolical Buick Regal Grand National coupe with one sweet engine. A big turbo and a new intercooler bumped horsepower to 276 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Ford F150 SVT Raptor: At a time when automakers were just starting to redesign trucks because of increasing demand, Ford came out with a true unicorn of a car. It now comes with a big, rip-snorting 6.2-liter V8, but it was plenty fast before that. It is a Baja-racing style truck that performs well enough on the pavement to outperform those guys in their hopped-up fartcan Honda Civic’s, yet will leave a HUMVEE eating it’s dust anywhere. It’s a rare combination of engineering, pure fun, and years of experience that make this truck so collectible.
2002 Ford F150 SVT Lightning: This was the time of massive horsepower, fast trucks. Ford’s F150 SVT Lightning deserves a spot on this list. It came with a supercharged version of the 5.4-liter V8 found in the F250 that put out an impressive 450 lb-ft of torque and an equally impressive 380 horsepower. The tires helped keep the truck going in a straight line – mostly. It’s also a menacing track vehicle.
McLaren MP4-12C: The McLaren MP4-12C won’t outdo the legendary McLaren F1 of the 1990s. However, it is called one of the best-handling cars of all time. It’s got looks, speed, handling, power, and technology that would make any car proud.
2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI: Volkswagen realized that their bad-selling 2006-2011 Passat was a loser. They redesigned the Passat, and made it into an American car. It’s been softened, enlarged, and Americanized. It’s still a great car. It won Motor Trend’s 2012 Car of the Year award, so it should be destined to be a future collectible. Keep your eyes peeled.
2012 Fiat 500/Abarth: You’ve seen the raving reviews. After a hiatus of well over 30 years, Fiat has made a successful return to the States. Their tiny Fiat 500 has proved popular, thanks to the plethora of options, color choices, and price range. It appeals to many. For those who don’t want something lacking in power, get the Abarth model. Yeah, the one with the scorpion ads.
Audi R8: While it “only” shares a name, some design cues, and some technology from one of the winningest Le Mans prototypes, the beautifully styled Audi R8 is a car that pleases. It shares a V10 engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo, so you know that it will certainly play the part of a super car. It has the styling, handling, power, and speed to become a classic for many years to come. I want one. Make that need one!
2011 Ford Mustang GT: After 13 years of having modular V8’s in the iconic Mustang pony car, Ford decided it was time to bring back the iconic 5.0-liter V8 to the Mustang. While the old 5.0 used to displace 4942 cubic inches, or 4.9215 liters, the new 5.0 displaces 4951 cubic inches, or 5.016 liters. It’s got a sound at full throttle that sounds like a NASCAR engine from the 1960s, yet a docile growl at idle. This pony begs to be flogged. It’s also got performance to help it keep up with BMW M3’s at the track, thanks to an optional Track Package or a Brembo Brake package. Either package is well worth the money. Plus, the interior is as nice as a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. You can’t ask for much more out of a Ford. It’s a job well done.

That’s all for today! Remember, add your thoughts about the cars and/or put additions in the comments section.

August 14, 2013 zoomvroom Car Culture, World News

Quickest Off of the Line!

Lamborghini recently hit a milestone with their Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 – they have produced 2000 Aventadors’ in the short time span of two years. That comes out to five cars a day. The 2000th example is Nero Nemisis (black), bound for the U.S. AT&T’s Chief Information Officer, Thaddeus Arroyo. He also happens to own a Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder, according to Lamborghini.

In case you’ve forgotten, the Aventador is powered by a 6.5-liter V-12 engine good for 700 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a seven-speed single-clutch transmission to all four wheels via a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The Italian supercar is good for a top speed of 217 mph.

Here’s a picture of the proud Lamborghini crew posing in front of #2000. Congratulations, Lamborghini. I can’t wait to post on #10000!

August 10, 2013 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, World News

Yeah Baby

For those of you who remember seeing the little Dodge Omni’s tuned by Shelby in the 1980s will remember that their name, the Omni GLH fitted them. Very well. Before his death, Carroll Shelby bought a Ford Focus ST. Why? It reminded him of the old Dodge/Shelby Omni GLH-S’ from the disco days. He brought it to the factory, where they immediately started tuning it. This magical 2014 Ford Shelby Focus ST will cost $14,995 (on top of buying a $25,000 Ford Focus ST), but those dollars might be well-spent. The car gets: GT500-spec brakes, a Ford Racing suspension, Borla cat-back exhaust, an upgraded interior, new wheels and tires, and your choice between three graphics packages. Power is still the stock ratings, but Shelby is working on a 30-60 horsepower/torque upgrade that will still allow the car to use pump gas. All the while still being emissions-legal in all 50 states. Many enthusiasts will ask why it’s not called the GLH, but the reason is that there is still too much of a connection to Mopar for that. Sources at Shelby tell us that we can expect to see a new Shelby debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and it won’t be based off of a Mustang! Secretly, I am hoping for a Transit Connect panel van tuned to produce a lot of power and looks. Drool over the picture of the Shelby Focus ST. It’s definitely NOT a sleeper! That is, unless you live in a town with a LOT of hot rods…

August 7, 2013 zoomvroom World News

Some Lucky Buyers!

A stable of 11 of the world’s fastest super cars recently sold at auction for 3.1 Million Euros in France (about $4 Million USD). Originally, the cars belonged to Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the son of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. What a mouthful. The cars were seized in 2011 by French authorities under the alleged suspicion that Teodoro stole public funds to buy the cars and other items. While that’s bad, I’m more interested in the cars (sorry). Law’s not my calling.

When French authorities raided Mangue’s 101-room mansion near the Champs Elysees in Paris, France. The cars seized had little to no mileage on them, and they are: Two Bugatti Veyrons, a Ferrari Enzo, a Maserati MC12, a Porsche Carrera GT, a Ferrari 599 GTO, a Rolls-Royce Ghost, a Maybach 62S Landulet, an Aston Martin One-77, and a pair of Bentley’s (a Mulsanne and a Continental SuperSports).

International Business Times reported that international auction house Drouot sold the cars. Considering the fact that a Bugatti Veyron, even a used one will set you back at least $1 Million, the winning bidders made themselves the deal of a century.

Other items seized and sold at the auction were vintage wines, rare jewels, and paintings by artists such as Degas and Renoir.

Court documents revealed to the press that the cars were part of a fleet of 26 rare and expensive cars shipped to France from the U.S. in 2009 at a total cost of $12 Million. The remaining 15 cars were shipped to Equitorial Guinea in 2010. These same documents reveal that an arrest warrant has been issued to countries such as the U.S., France, England, New Guinea, Australia, and Germany. The grounds? Misused public funds. International Business Times also reports that Equitorial Guinea is appealing the case to the U.N. and have the investigation blocked because of diplomatic immunity. They claim that the Paris mansion is part of the country’s embassy. Only time and a U.N. court will give the verdict.

July 27, 2013 zoomvroom Car Reviews, Gifts for the Car Enthusiast, New car info, The History of Autos, World News

James Bond’s Next Rides!

Since Zagato, an Italian design firm that has been design partners with Aston Martin for over 50 years, it seems fitting that Zagato coachbuilt a couple of centennial-edition Aston Martins.

Sources from inside Aston Martin and Zagato have confirmed that two examples of an Aston Martin centennial special will be built. One is based off of a 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Convertible (no, Starbucks didn’t come up with the name!) and will be delivered to Peter Read; an Aston Martin enthusiast and collector in the U.S. The other is based off of a 2013 Aston Martin DBS Coupe, destined for an unnamed entrepreneur in Japan.

The designs of the cars were inspired by the 2002 DB7 Zagato, a car so popular that all 99 examples were spoken for before it even debuted at the 2002 Paris Auto Show! The same team that developed the 2002 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato helped Andrea and Marella Zagato, Peter Read, and Aston Martin develop the car.

When you look at the renderings of the cars, it takes a trained eye to find the Aston Martin underpinnings, but it’s almost impossible to miss the signature elements of Zagato and Aston Martin. The double-bubble roof, squared-off tail, and clean, sharp lines tell you that you’re looking at an Aston seconds before the winged badge comes howling into view.

When you look at the front of the cars, one cannot help but notice the design cues from the 1980’s Aston Martin V8 Zagato.

Peter Read, the owner of the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Convertible summed up the design team’s vision best. “The DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial perfectly merges Aston Martin and Zagato’s DNA by combining the elegance of design, typical of Zagato, with the soul, power and prestige of Aston Martin, all developed over the last 100 years.”

As with all Zagato specials, no mechanical changes were made. This means that both cars will come with Aston Martin’s wonderful 5.9-liter, 510 horsepower V12.

I want both of these cars to be mine. My readers might have to start an auction of their cars to afford my rides…Unfortunately, all Zagato Aston Martins are highly collectible, rare vehicles that stay in collections for many years. Then, they sell at auctions for prices close to $1 Million.

July 23, 2013 zoomvroom Recall Alert!

Recall Alert!

This is a very important recall. I also know that I missed publishing a post Friday. Sorry about that. But, this will grab your attention. It’s very important. I hope that you are not affected by the recall, and my wishes go out to those who are affected by the recall. Michelin, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of tires for cars, trucks, SUVs, and just about anything with wheels.

Today, Michelin announced that they are recalling over 100,000 Latitude Tour, X Radial, and LTX M/S2 tire families in a massive effort to track down just 2500 tires that are at risk of suffering a blowout that could possibly lead to a crash, severe injuries, and possibly death.

Here’s the reason behind the recall: Three different families of Michelin tires could possibly have a small perforation in the sidewall. This small perforation could lead to the loss of pressure while driving. In some cases, it could lead to rapid tire failure, which could result in a crash, injury, damage to the vehicle, or death.

Michelin will contact owners of the tires and certified Michelin dealers by the end of the month. The tires will be affected and replaced, free of charge. Owners of the affected tires can contact Michelin at 855-851-4951.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 100,000 tires are affected by the recall, but Michelin says that only 2500 of these tires may actually suffer from the sidewall perforation issue. The affected tires (which were manufactured in late 2012-early 2013) are:

Michelin LTX MS/2 in 275/55R/20

Michelin LTX MS/2 in 265/65R/18

Michelin LTX MS/2 in 265/60R/18

Michelin X Radial LT2 in 265/65R/18

Michelin X Radial LT2 in 275/55R/20

Michelin Latitude Tour in 255/60R/19

Michelin Latitude Tour in 255/70R/18

Please cooperate with Michelin, as they are only trying to help you. Remember, if you are concerned, you can always contact Michelin about your concern about the tires.

July 3, 2013 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, World News

Does the New 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 Have What it Takes to Rule It’s Class?

Let me know in the comments section if you think that the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 can become the car that can rule the uber-luxury class. I think it can, but then again, Mercedes usually does!

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class can sometimes go seven or eight years beforeinstituing a major refresh, redesign, or mechanical overhaul. But, it usually leads in terms of sales and looks. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class upholds that tradition, and it will likely be sold in droves – for a while. Then, all of the competing automakers will make newer, nicer, and possibly better cars. This segment is competitive. Currently, the S-Class, Lexus LS460, and Cadillac XTS are the segment sales leaders. The S-Class is likely to blow all of it’s competitors out of the water. It is just that good.

It is loaded with features that will make your jaw drop. This car isn’t yet another ordinary businessperson special with a cave-like interior. It will drive itself. Really, it will! It won’t drive itself completely, but it is semi-autonomous! It uses stereo cameras to guide it along the road. The name is awesome, as well: Traffic Jam Assist. No, it won’t send all of the rubberneckers to the grave. Only their own stupidity will do that. To activate this marvelous system, simply hold the brake pedal down while stationary, flick the Distronic (MBZ speak for cruise control) lever down, and give it gas. It will take you up to 37 mph. The cruise control is then set for up to 37 mph. It will follow the car ahead of you simply, smartly, and efficiently. It will do that until your speed increases or you take control of the steering wheel and pedals. Above 37 mph, it will still guide itself. Kind of. It will handle itself up to 125 mph, and it can bring itself to a complete stop at any speed if need be. Those stereo cameras are also able to read the lines in the road, and keep the plump S-Class in between those lines without any driver input. Above 37 mph, if you keep your hands off of the steering wheel for more than 10 seconds, then a loud BEEEEEP will sound, along with a flashing graphic instruction, until you place your hands on the wheel. But, that’s just Mercedes-Benz’s lawyers telling you to be a good driver. As long as you don’t take the S550 on any places where there aren’t any lines in the road (i.e. tracks and gravel roads), this car will take a person places where he/she has never gone before, all by itself.

There’s other zany technology stuffed into this car. Take the badly named Magic Body Control that is an optional active suspension feature. If you choose to order this, then the four-wheel air suspension goes away, and is replaced by oil-over-coil shocks. The “magic” part of that is that those same stereo cameras scan the road ahead to see if there is a pothole, a speed bump, or some roadkill. Given the right situation, the Magic Body Control is effective in a way that is quite simply effective, in a spooky sort of way. The result is one of the smoothest rides out there, this side of a Citroen or an old Buick Roadmaster. When you put the car in “Sport” mode, Magic Body Control is switched off, so you can hurtle around curves and crash and bang over the smallest road imperfections. But, that’s what makes the car so enjoyable to drive.

In the unlikely event that you will be in an accident, you will survive just about any crash. For those of you riding in the backseat (the place to be), there are inflatable seat belts. When the rear door is opened, the seat belt buckle receiver visibly rises. This is probably because most customers (think China) don’t wear their seat belts in the back seat. Once they buckle up for safety, the buckle will retract a few inches into the seat, therefore cinching the seat belt across their hips so they do not slide under the seat belt in a crash. Speaking of accidents, there’s a feature that will make any safety-conscious parent happy. It’s called Pre-Safe Plus. It actively and automatically prepares the car for a rear-end collision. What the car does when it’s about to be rear-ended (it has seven rear-facing cameras), it tightens all of the seatbelts (even if they’re not in use), applies the brakes completely, and, BAM. Applying the brakes for a full-ABS stop seems counter-intuitive, but it’s safer to not be moving when you’re hit. It can also “see” pedestrians and other cars. It reacts differently to both. When it sees a car cutting in front of it, the brakes are applied for a full-ABS stop. When it sees a pedestrian, the brakes are applied much earlier and gentler.

Even though it’s got enough technology in it to make a computer scientist have a heart attack, one of the best advances is in the interior. It’s truly the first German interior to really stand out from the British luxury brands (Bentley, Rolls Royce, Jaguar). Leather and wood gracefully snake their way throughout the stellar cabin. The interior designer said that these designs were influenced by swan wings. Let’s call this new technique “swanning,” okay? If You own the outgoing generation of the S-Class, you will know about those four rectangular vents on the dashboard. Six neat, circular vents have replaced them. Combine that with the clock, and the seven circles (vaguely) resemble the pearls on a woman’s necklace. I don’t ask. The head designer of MBZ’s interiors said that from now on, all vents in a Mercedes-Benz car will be round. I find it odd that the car that will be starting the round vent trend still has rectangular vents in the back. One other fun interior flourish are the speaker grilles for the Burmester audio system. They are covered in an impossibly complex pattern of tiny holes of varying sizes. If you have trypophobia, don’t look at it. For me, it becomes ever more fascinating when I look at the pictures.

The mechanical parts of the car are relatively unchanged. The seven-speed automatic is still their, as is the 5.5-liter, twin turbo V8. Power, however is better. It has been uprated from 429 horsepower to a more powerful 455 horsepower. Torque is the same at 516 lb-ft of torque.

Overall, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 is the car to be measured against for full-size luxury. It’s powerful, it’s loaded with technology that will take it’s competitors years to catch up with, it’s beautiful, and it’s got German engineering. And German reliability. I want one. I won’t ask my readers. I know the answer. And it’s not yes.

June 25, 2013 zoomvroom Car Reviews, Gifts for the Car Enthusiast, Humor, New car info, World News

The MOST Expen$ive NEW Motorhome to EVER Go on Sale!

Are you getting tired of your Winnebago? Tried the Newell Coach? Not enough? Try the essence of luxury with the eleMMent Palazzo! It is 40 feet long, it costs a cool $3.12 USD, AND it’s on sale in Dubai! The master bedroom alone is almost as big as my room, and it has a 40-inch HD plasma TV. It comes with a built-in fireplace that can actually BURN REAL WOOD! In the unlikely event that that didn’t blow your mind, the rooftop cocktail bar complete with underfloor heating, a refrigerator, a fully stocked bar, and an ice might. Plus, it can reach a top speed of 93 MPH!

The manufacturer says that oil-rich sheiks are buying them like crazy! While it would be nice to tour the world in the Palazzo, I think that I’ll go with something that my faithful readers can afford…http://www.newellcoach.com/newell-coaches/coach-1482/

The Newell Coach that I have in mind is barely half the price of the Palazzo. That’s affordable, right?

June 22, 2013 zoomvroom Car Culture, Car Reviews, The auto dictionary. Look it up here!, The History of Autos

The Top 25 Japanese Sports Cars That Enthusiasts Crave!

For those of you who have owned a Japanese sports car, you know that they have the perfect balance of performance, practicality, and speed. My dad drove a 1970 Datsun 240Z, one of the most sought-after Japanese cars – ever! It was fast, barrels of fun, reliable, and easy to drive (if one didn’t mind the light, loose rear end). It was fast in the curves, but it could win in a straight line, as well. He could get 1/4 mile times in the 11.5 second range. He would pass Ferrari’s, Porsche’s, Lamborghini’s, and just about every other super car of the early 1980’s. But, he would be smoked by the time he reached 1/2 of a mile. He was topped out by then. He didn’t mind.

One of our family friends owns a 1967? Datsun Fairlady Roadster. It’s a sight to see! It looks like a Triumph, but it’s way better! It seats the same amount of people, yet it weighs almost 300 pounds less. It’s also infinitely more reliable, and faster.

I have compiled a list of the top 25 Japanese sports cars that enthusiasts give the thumbs-up to. Enjoy my list.

1969 Toyota 2000GT: The Toyota 2000GT was Toyota’s answer to the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type. It was the unspoken answer. James Bond drove one in You Only Live Twice. To this day, that chase scene is one of the best in movie history. The Toyota 2000GT looked like a Jaguar E-Type Coupe that sat two. However, it’s high price and exclusivity prevented it from becoming the Japanese Jaguar E-Type.
1970 Datsun 240Z: The Datsun 240Z was designed to be an affordable, faster, better-looking competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911. The Datsun 240Z was powered by a 2.4-liter inline 6-cylinder engine making somewhere close to 200 horsepower. It weighed about 2500 pounds, so it went everywhere in a hurry. It could keep up with Ferrari 250 GTO’s on the track all day long, and shame a Camaro Z/28 in a drag race. This car was a rocket. Today, 240Z’s sell for about $25,000 for a good example. But, don’t buy one at an auction – Barrett-Jackson sold one in Monterrey for $155,000 in 2012.
1985 Toyota MR2: The Toyota MR2 was one of the smallest sports cars of the 1980s. It was also like looking at a race car. It had a mid-mounted 1.6-liter 4-banger that pumped out 125 horsepower. It revved to 9000 RPM, and had a cam for every 3000 RPM. It had a top speed of 154 mph, and it was stable in almost every condition. It tipped the scales at 1900 pounds.
1999 Toyota Supra: The Toyota Supra was the last true Toyota-built sports car. It was also a massive change in technology and direction for Japanese sports cars. It was powered by a 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine that was boosted by twin turbos that ramped power up to a raspy 220 horsepower. It was fast, and it looked like it came out of rally-car racing. It had a massive rear wing, a raspy engine note that turned into a bellowing howl at redline, and meaty tires that wouldn’t look out of place on a Dodge Viper. This puppy wants to play.
1986 Toyota Celica AE86: The 1980s were the peak of lightweight sports cars. The Toyota Celica AE86 was no exception. It was based off of the AE86-generation Corolla economy car (that generation was the only generation of Corolla that was fun to drive!). It was light, insane, relatively powerful, good-looking, and fun to drive. My dad wanted one (he ended up buying a Honda Accord). So did most teens and young adults. That’s how good the Celica AE86 was. It left a lasting impression on everybody who drove it.
1996 Nissan Silvia S15: The Nissan Silvia S15 was the last generation of the wildly popular Nissan Silvia. It boasted a powerful 250-horsepower six-cylinder engine that was helped out by a massive turbocharger. At full throttle, it sounded like a F/14 Tomcat fighter jet. Tuners adored it. Paul Walker, star of the Fast & Furious series movies, owns a 580-horsepower S15 Silvia.
1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata: The 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata turned the world around. Safety standards in the U.S. were so strict that it was almost impossible to build a light roadster. Mazda had the RX-7 (but it was powered by a rotary engine), but it was too heavy and large. Mazda built the Miata out of forged aluminum, which brought the car’s weight down to 2000 pounds. Other automakers were building cars that weighed 3500 pounds, because they thought it was more expensive to build cars out of forged aluminum. Mazda proved them all wrong. The 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata is still one of the most amazing cars in the world to drive.
1993 Mazda RX-7 CSL: The Mazda RX-7 is one of the few cars to be powered by a rotary engine. The RX-7 CSL was a lightweight version of the popular RX-7. It was faster, and all models were built for Japan (right hand drive). Except for one. The only Mazda RX-7 CSL to have left-hand drive is at Mazda USA’s headquarters in California.
2007 Toyota MR-S: The Toyota MR-S is viewed to be the last sports car that Toyota built. Yes, Lexus and Scion build sports cars, but Toyota doesn’t anymore. Anyways, the Toyota MR-S paid homage to the MR2 of the 1990s, with a mid-mounted engine and front-wheel drive. While it may look like a chick magnet, it is one fast chick magnet.
2000 Acura Integra GS-R: The Acura Integra was one of the best-selling Acura’s ever. It had a high-revving I4 engine, a five-speed manual transmission, it was practical, and it was fast. All of that was put together into a tidy, sleek package. The final iteration of the Integra introduced the world to something called VTEC. While VTEC is standard on all four-cylinder Honda’s and Acuras, altered valve timing and valve lift was F1 stuff in 2000.
2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3: The Mazda 3 was already a popular economy car, but Mazda knew that they could get far more out of the car. They turned to their in-house tuner, Mazdaspeed. Mazdaspeed turbocharged the engine, put big, aluminum rims, sticky tires, a big rear wing, and torque steer. Torque steer is what Mazdaspeed is associated with nowadays.
2000 Mazda RX-8: The Mazda RX-8 may have ended production in 2011, but that doesn’t stop it from being on this list. It had suicide doors (now only seen in pickup trucks), a rotary engine, and good looks. It also happened to be heavy and under powered. Nothing stopped people from loving, however.
1998 Nissan 240SX: The Nissan 240SX was popular here in the States. Not only did it have stunning looks, but it had performance to match it. Unfortunately, the only engine we got here was a 2.4-liter four-banger from the Frontier pickup truck.
1986 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R: This car could not be built again. It was a subcompact hatchback that could barely squeeze two adults into the tiny cabin. The GTI-R took performance to a whole different level. It was built to satisfy World Rally Championship homogilation rules. Only 5,000 baby Godzilla’s were built, but they were fast. Fast as a bat out of hell. It had a turbocharged engine, AWD, and lots of bodykit add-ons.
2009 Nissan GT-R: The Nissan GT-R has been around for over 40 years in some form or another. Godzilla was Motor Trend’s 2009 Car of the Year. It packed a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. Nissan has come out with various iterations of this generation of the GT-R. The most recent is the 2013 Nissan GT-R Track Pack (the fastest stock Nissan to date).
1988 Honda CRX Si: The Honda CRX was one of the fastest econoboxes of the 1980s. It was light, extremely fun to drive, and stylish. Plus, it was based off of the wildly popular Civic. The CRX Si was the final CRX. In the U.S., it came with a less powerful I4 than Japan’s. That ushered in the era of Honda shade-tree mechanics.
2003 Nissan 350Z: The Nissan 350Z brought back affordable, quick, sportiness to the world. It was about the same size of the 300SX, but it didn’t have two turbochargers. It had a powerful naturally-aspirated V6 that garnered praise from automotive journalists around the world. The engine was so sweet that Nissan still uses it for many of their V6 cars.
2000 Acura Integra Type-R: Yes, I know that there are two Acura Integra’s on this list. They deserve to be. Especially this one. The Integra Type-R was the last Integra made. It got the Type-R treatment (lower weight, more power, more looks, more chassis-stiffening). It was also the most stolen Acura to date.
2000 Honda S2000: Most people celebrate their 50th birthday with lots of friends and family. Honda built a very special car. The Honda S2000 was a track-oriented beast of a car. It had a 237-horsepower engine, rear-wheel-drive, and perfect balance. A manual transmission helped a lot, as well.
2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi: Subaru took the hum-drum Impreza, turned it into a rally-rocket with a turbocharged engine, a manual transmission, and lots of bodywork. Then, Subaru’s rally team got their hands on it. They built the raucous Impreza WRX STi. STi stands for Specially Tuned Impreza. It is fast, practical, and barrels of fun. It’s the equivalent of a bouncy ball coming out of a gumball dispenser. Unfortunately, it’s ending production. Buy one while you can.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO MR/GSR: This is possibly the most radical Mitsubishi ever. It has a 291-horsepower turbocharged I4. It also has a dual-clutch transmission pulled from rally cars. AWD is standard.
Datsun 510: The Datsun 510 closely resembles a BMW 2002 Tii. Why? Why not? Japanese automakers used to build their cars in a similar fashion to their European competitors. It came with fully independent suspension, a Positraction rear end, a five speed manual, and a high-revving four-banger. It was a hoot to drive.
Acura NSX: The first widely produced Japanese exotic car sent Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Chevy scrambling for the drawing board. It changed the definition of super car. In my eyes, it’s the most influential Honda ever. If that wasn’t a big enough slap to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Chevy, F1 driver Ayrton Senna assisted in the development of the car.
Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ: The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ may only have 200 horsepower, but they are so perfect at what they do that it’s not even funny. They are rear-wheel-drive beasts on winding roads and tracks. Just don’t drag race anything other than a Smart Car. You’ll lose. Badly.
1993 Honda Prelude: The Honda Prelude was one step behind the Acura NSX in terms of looks, performance, and just about everything. It had front-wheel-drive, VTEC (shhh!), seating for four, and stunning good looks. It revved to 10,000 RPM in some versions, and power was always there. It is still a collector’s item for Japanese car fans. I can only wonder why…

June 14, 2013 zoomvroom Car Culture, Field Trips, Out N' About, The History of Autos, Website Reccomendation

Coverage from the 11th Annual Peggy Sue All-American Cruise!

Every year, the Peggy Sue All-American Cruise and its related events take over sunny Santa Rosa, CA. Restored cars, hot rods, low riders, raised Jeeps, and antique American cars are all part of the mix. We have entered our 1950 GMC 100, “Betsy” twice. It’s always been a lot of fun for me to see all of the classic cars in the parade or the massive parking lot where they are displayed! This year, one of my good friends joined me in watching the classic American cars cruise around downtown Santa Rosa. Revving engines? Check. Drunk people yelling at drivers to “Step it up, dude!”? Check. Squealing tires? Check? The smell of burnt brakes? Check. Annoyed and overworked event staff? Right on. I know that you are getting bored reading my words about what was going on. I’ll cut to the chase: It was a LOT of fun, and you should join me next year. Enjoy the pictures.

I don’t know what this Chevy Nova had under the hood, but it sounded NASTY! Many of the cars at the parade were either restored to Concours-levels or were built for the drag strip. This one was built to rule the streets.

This 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is a rare “Fuelie.” Instead of a carburetor, it has a primitive version of fuel injection. This particular example was restored to a “Level 1.” Level 1 means that it is virtually perfect. That it is.

This 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne is a powerful, efficient, and stylish family sedan from the muscle car era. It has a 327 cubic-inch V8 engine and a two-speed automatic Powerglide transmission. It’s lovely.

I find it nice that the interior of the same Biscayne matches the exterior of the car. Even the steering wheel has chrome on it!

Same car. This is the model designation. The car is a barn find from somewhere around Redwood City, according to the owner. He restored it himself, and he did a very good job of it!

For those of you old enough, you should remember the aero-wars days, when big engines and aerodynamics were all the rage. The 1971 Plymouth Roadrunners and Superbirds were the car of choice for many famous NASCAR drivers. Richard Petty left Ford in 1969 to go to Plymouth. He did so much better in a Plymouth Superbird that Ford built the Torino Talladega as a response. This particular Roadrunner has the 440 Six Pack (a 440 cubic-inch V8 with THREE two-barrel carburetors!), which was just one step below the mighty 426 Hemi engine. It is painted in the iconic Lime Green that is popular with automotive restorers.

This Corvette is one of the nicest Corvettes that I’ve seen in a LONG time! It is painted Aqua Blue and Snow White, with a matching interior. It has the 283 cubic-inch V8 and a four-speed manual. It is a 1956 Corvette. The only shame? That it’s far too nice to tour Route 66 in.

Sorry about the fingertip on the top of the camera view. The sun was shining and I REALLY wanted to tell you about this truck! It’s a 1965 Chevy K10 with the optional 327 cubic-inch engine and a three-speed manual. It is built to tackle any trail, and take anything that you want with it. It may not be stock, but it looks like it will outrun just about any Jeep from the same era off-road.

Remember the Chevy Vega? If you don’t, it’s okay. The Vega was powered by a 305 cubic-inch V8. It was relatively powerful and fast, but it was a minor disaster for Chevy. This Vega is a 1974 model. It wasn’t the nicest car there, but it was one of the newer cars there.

The best part about this 1969 Chevrolet C30 is that it is used a lot. I don’t know how much, but I have seen it at Sonoma Raceway’s Wednesday Night Drags as a tow vehicle. It’s the perfect tow vehicle. It’s got a 350 cubic-inch engine that’s all-original. So is most of the truck.

This rare 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is one speedy car. It’s all stock, and plenty fast that way. It’s got the 350 cubic-inch V8 engine found in many GM vehicles from 1969-1999. The top speed is 130 mph. This car means business. The lucky driver had to keep the car in first gear. he also kept touching the brakes because the car wants to leap forward. Lucky him.

I’m going to apologize in advance for the direction of the photo. This 1951 Dodge cab-over semi has been so heavily customized that the only thing original about it is the cab. That’s it. The rest of it is custom-built. The truck is a heavy-duty car-hauler with three axles. The engine is a brand-new 6.7-liter Cummins Diesel engine that has two turbos instead of one. Wow!

While motorcycles aren’t as common in the parade as cars, there were still a good three or four. This 1946 Indian Roadmaster has the iconic “shovelhead” engine that many motorcycle enthusiasts favor. This Indian Roadmaster is banana yellow with the “caramel cream” seat. I like old motorcycles like this. Maybe some readers will buy me one…

The Indian logo is still in the original chrome, almost 65 years later. The gas tank can hold 10 gallons. It says that on the chrome gas cap.

I like the way that Indian made the front wheel cover so stylish. I was talking to the owner for a minute, and I found out that he drove it all the way down to Santa Rosa from Healdsburg. That’s not a lot of fun on an old motorcycle, yet Indian motorcycles are built to cruise. I’m guessing that it was probably a comfortable ride down to Santa Rosa.

This 1932 Ford Roadster is a sick hot rod. The lady standing by the car is the owner. The car has a Ford 351 Windsor V8 engine. It has a Jaguar rear end, and a five-speed manual. This car means business. I don’t know what I like more: The mechanical parts of the car, or the exterior? That’s a decision that YOU will let me know in the comments section…

This Ford Bronco looks like it came out of some post-apocalyptic movie. It’s got aggressive tires, a six-inch lift kit, and a 302 cubic inch V8. I don’t know the exact year, but it looks like it’s from around 1967-8. This is one nice Bronco.

This is one of the coolest, most amazing Jeep CJs that I’ve ever seen. And that’s saying a lot. This CJ is stock, and is a 1947 model. Between the drivers seat and the passengers seat, there is a metal rifle/shotgun holder for two high-powered guns. Not that it would be used for that!

How often do you see a stock 1932 Ford roadster? Not at all often! This is a stock 1932 Ford roadster that could sell for upwards of $150,000 in its current condition. It even has the rumble seat and the original interior! It’s beautiful!

That’s all, folks!

If you would like to check out the Peggy Sue’s Cruise website, it is http://www.peggysuescruise.com/home/