CarZi » American Cars

Origins: The Muscle Car

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 02:04:43 +0000

Muscle cars, it is generally agreed, can be blamed on Oldsmobile. That's right. The dowdy "This is not your father's Oldsmobile" kind of car started the muscle revolution in 1949. Oldsmobile took an intermediate car and replaced the V-6 engine with a high compression overhead V-8 for more power. From Musclecars magazine, “The idea of putting a full-size V8 under the hood of an intermediate body and making it run like Jesse Owens in Berlin belongs to none other than Oldsmobile…” Looking to start and capture a market, Chrysler introduced the C300 in 1955. Advertised as the most powerful car ever sold, the C300 came out as a limited edition with a 300 bhp engine. Driven with the pedal to the floor the car reached 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and could reach speeds up to 130 mph.

Moving forward, Ford and Mopar's battle in drag-racing in the early 1960s led to an increased production muscle cars. Ford turned out its 7 L Thunderbolt engine and Mopar turned out its 7 L hemi engine. The Pontiac GTO with its 6.4 L engine became its own model in 1966. This car was developed in a special division lead by John DeLorean who broke corporate rules to put this car on the market. This car was an answer to the Dodge Polera and the Plymouth Barracuda. These high performance cars attracted young people to the showrooms, but they ended up buying the more sedate street models. This lead the auto manufacturers to come out with a more compact, economic model of the muscle car. These models included American Motor's (the 4th car company) Rebel Machine, Plymouth's Road Runner, Dodge's Super Bee, Ford's Torino, and Chevy's Chevelle.

Muscle cars were also produced in Australia (the Holden HG Monaro), the United Kingdom ( Capri 300GT), and South Africa (Firenza CamAm). But, the end was near.

The engine size for the muscle cars peaked around 1970. Muscle cars had obtained a status of being dangerous as traffic fatalities occurred with car owners drag racing their cars and speeding on roadways with cross traffic. Most owners found themselves paying much higher insurance quotes. Further, the gas embargo of 1973 made these cars extremely expensive to drive. In addition, beginning in 1970, car manufacturers were required by law to increase their mileage and reduce pollution. The heaviest polluters and the cars with the worst gas mileage were the muscle cars. Another issue that effected these cars was the impending phaseout of leaded gasolines. The muscle cars of the 1970s were not designed to run on lead proof gas. Between the laws and the desire from consumers for more affordable cars, these behemoths were pulled out of production. Cars became smaller and smaller as imports and higher fuel economy became a necessity.

Beginning in the late 1980's and 1990's, muscle cars of a sort made a return. Based on more efficient engines and less weighty bodies, pony cars, smaller, sportier versions of muscle cars, returned. This led in the early 2000's to the return of some of the muscle car brands including Thunderbird, Camero, and Charger. Gas prices stabilized during this time, and since these cars were better designed, higher insurance quotes were not necessarily a given. The public had tired of small cars.

Once again, however, a spike in gasoline prices to almost $4.00 per gallon has led to a decrease in production and sales of large cars. Along with the recession of 2008 and the increase in hybrid cars, the new muscle cars are being driven out of production once again.

2011 Dubai Motor Show Photos

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:47:25 +0000

The 2011 Dubai International Motor Show Photos opened yesterday and runs until November 14th. MadWhips contributor Tariq199 has just uploaded his first batch of his Day1 coverage for all of us to enjoy. Included are 3 Special Edition Bugatti Veyrons and custom modified supercars by Mansory, Hamann, AC Schnitzer, Gemballa and more. There are also a pair of Rolls Royce Phantom’s (Coupe & Drophead) with a 2300 diamonds (g color, vs clarity) “flying lady” hood ornament weighing in at 38.53 carats to celebrate her centenial!

Stay tuned and check back daily for more photo coverage of the show!

[Source: MadWhips.com]

2011 SEMA Show Custom Mustangs Photos

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:12:46 +0000

The title says it all! Looks like there were quite a few bad ass 2011 SEMA Show Custom Mustangs Photos this year! Can’t decide which is my favorite, but the ones highlighted below definitely are front runners! Don’t forget to checkout my earlier post of photos from Monday 2011 SEMA Show Outdoor Event. Enjoy these pics from my friend Richard Owen of Supercars.net!

Galpin Auto Sports Ford Mustang BOSS 302-X

Matte Black custom Widebody Ford Mustang GT

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

GAS (Galpin Auto Sports) Murdered Out Widebody Ford Mustang GT500 Super Snake

[Source: MadWhips.com]

2011 SEMA Show Outdoor Photos

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:54:14 +0000

Another year, another slow economy for the USA and specifically sunny Las Vegas, yet the 2011 SEMA Show Photos seems to be packed full of modified and exotic cars. It truly is something to visit SEMA, and see all the sweat, blood and money that goes into some of the custom cars and trucks at this show. Special thanks go out to my friend Richard Owen (founder of supercars.net) for these pictures and the rest to come this week!

[Source: MadWhips.com]

2011 McCalls Monterey Jet Center Party Pics

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:02:10 +0000

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the McCalls Motorworks Revival private event at the Monterey Jet Center.Lotus debuted the Evora GTE Road Car Concept, Lamborghini had 2 LP700-4 Aventador’s, Hennessey also displayed their first Venom GT (destined for a domestic customer) and Aston Martin brought a bright red V12 Zagato. Full Photo Album: 2011 McCalls Monterey Jet Center Party Pics

Checkout more supercars spotted in Monterey in August 2011!

[Source: Stephan Bauer via MadWhips.com]

Top 5 Ways To Improve Your Camaro, Vette or Stang

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:22:56 +0000

We’re willing to bet that it was none other than a classic American muscle car that first ignited your passion for automobiles. That vintage, “cool guy” thing really resonated with you, and ever since your heart thumps like a cartoon character’s every time a Stang, Corvette or Camaro rolls up next to you at the limit line. From their aggressive stance and glistening paint jobs to their rumblin’ exhausts, there’s no wondering why muscle cars are the top performers out in the gravel jungle.

Top Mod #1 Exhaust

If you own a Mustang, Camaro or Corvette, you probably drop the names Borla, Flowmaster, Magnaflow and Gibson like they are your high school buddies. Those restrictive stock pipes are not enough for you, so you count on those “buddies” of yours to deliver big power gains, throaty grows and sometimes increased fuel economy.

Top Mod #2 Air Intake System & Air Filter

Let’s face it—OEM parts are just not up to par with your sporty ride. Let your Camaro, Corvette or Mustang inhale fresh air when you drop in high-flow cold air intake systems and air filters. Your ride’s horsepower, torque and even fuel economy are sure to boost like never before.

Top Mod #3 Chips & Programmers

Unlocking huge power gains is as simple as plugging a power chip or programmer into your Mustang, Corvette or Camaro. There’s a wide assortment of brand name performance chips and programmers guaranteed to transform your classic ride into the beast it was created to be. Just plug ‘em in and let that engine roar.

Top Mod #4 Brakes

For every stop there is a go—and vice versa. Plus, it’s only natural to make your classic ride push the speed limits, but be sure you have the braking power to bring yourself to a stop safely. With performance rotors and pads, your brakes are ready for anything—even that last minute stop sign!

Top Mod #5 Gauges

There’s nothing like being in-tune with everything under your Mustang, Camaro or Corvette’s hood. Drop some boost gauges, tachometers, speedometers, oil & water pressure gauges and more into your ride to keep the critical info within a quick glance.

AutoAnything carries these and other top products for your American Muscle car. Everything from car care to interior accessories such as floor mats and seat covers, AutoAnything can help you customize your ride. And, for the truck lovers out there they’ve got quality nerf bars, tonneau covers and more to choose from. What’s more, they want to make sure CarZi.com visitors get a square deal. So enter CARZI at checkout and receive 10% off orders over $100!

[Source: MadWhips.com]

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 VIDEO

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:14:27 +0000

Ken Block does a 3rd installment showing off his spectacular driving skills in Gymkhana 3. Crank the volume and welcome yourself to Wednesday

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 – Part 1

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 – Part 2

[Source: YouTube.com]

Ken Block Fiesta Snow Drift Video

Anthony Carbone — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:04:52 +0000

Watching some young punk snow drift in his dads Rolls Royce Phantom Snow Drift Video was cool, but not as bad ass as Mr. Ken Block snow drifting his brand new 2011 Monster Ford Fiesta Rally car down the icey roads of Gladwin Michigan to prepare for Rally America’s 1st race of the year!. Checkout the snow drift video below and a 2nd video of his new car up close and personal!

[Source: YouTube.com]

Enzo Ferrari vs Cuda Video

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:47:07 +0000

Checkout this crazy video of the Legendary Motorcar Company 522 Super Cuda (which debut at the 2009 SEMA Show) which houses a twin turbo Viper V10 engine as it races an Enzo Ferrari!

[Source: YouTube.com]

Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR-X Pics & Video

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:53 +0000

Just in time for Xmas, Dodge and it’s SRT group just released the specs on the new 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X. It delivers a heart thumping 640 horsepower from it’s 8.4L V10 and only costs $110,000 USD.

Slated to be produced spring 2010 (just in time for the Viper Spec racing series which starts in July) the new ACR-X gets new track tuned suspension, a diet resulting in a weight loss of 160lbs, some new racing headers and exhaust and some aerodynamic enhancements to improve downforce.

Dodge Targets Road Racing Enthusiasts With 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X

* Turn-key, spec-series racer aimed at continuing Dodge Viper’s storied racing history
* Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
* Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety
* Dodge Viper Cup spec series will debut in July 2010

Orlando, Fla., Dec 10, 2009 – Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand. “This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world.”

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. “”We’re going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track,” added Gilles. “The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car.”

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer’s lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.

“The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible,” said Wittmer. “After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit.

“All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue,” Wittmer added. “This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!”

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com

Dodge Viper Cup:

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.

Per Race Cash Mopar Voucher Total
1st $6,500 $1,000 $7,500
2nd $4,500 $500 $5,000
3rd $2,500 $250 $2,750
4th $1,250 $150 $1,400
5th $500 $100 $600

Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.

Viper Racing Heritage:

The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

[Source: AutomotiveAddicts.com]

SEMA 2009 Preview – Chevy Camaro Convertible

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:29:42 +0000

UPDATE: 2009 SEMA SHOW PICTURES!!!!!

Because most of you hardcore Chevy Camaro die hards can’t wait until the official production 2011 Chevy Camaro convertible, Drop Top Customs is offering an $18,000 conversion option which will debut at the 2009 SEMA SHOW in Las Vegas!

Checkout the spy photo below that was recently taken outside GM’s Holden plant in Australia of 8 pre-production drop tops! I wonder if the drop top’s will make this car look any better, as I am not a huge fan of them anymore.

Related Chevy Camaro Posts
2009 Chevy Camaro SS Media Pics

2009 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Concept PHOTOS

[Source: DropTopCustoms.com, Camaro5.com]

Brad Pitt’s Chevy Camaro SS

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:36:43 +0000

Brad Pitt was recently spotted getting into his new black Chevy Camaro SS.

[Source: CelebrityCarsBlog.com]

SEMA SHOW 2009 Details – Girls & Cars Pictures

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:05:40 +0000

UPDATE: 2009 SEMA SHOW PICTURES!!!!!

CAR BABES: 2009 SEMA SHOW GIRLS

CarZi.com is going to the 2009 SEMA Show this NOV 3,4,5,6 in LAS VEGAS, NV.

Check back regularly during the 1st week of November for exclusive photos, and videos, as well as hang time updates with the talented Jason Thorgalsen!

Carzi and MadWhips extensively covered the 2008 SEMA Show Photos last year and walked away with 581 Photo Albums (about 90% of the vehicles) for your viewing pleasure!

2009 SEMA Show Exhibit Hours
Tuesday, November 3: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, November 4: 9am – 5pm
Thursday, November 5: 9am – 5pm
Friday, November 6: 9am – 4pm

Here is a refresher of the 2008 SEMA Show Girls, taken by yours truly

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures I

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures II

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures III

CLICK HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Girls Pictures IV

The SEMA SHOW is more than just about the girls… here is a refresher of the 2008 SEMA Show Cars!

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Lamborghini Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Rolls Royce Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Ferrari Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show BMW Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Porsche Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Bentley Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Nissan Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Mercedes-Benz Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Lexus Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Toyota Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Ford Mustang Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Range Rover Photo Albums

Click HERE: 2008 SEMA Show Hummer Photo Albums

The SEMA SHOW is the premier automotive specialty performance products trade event in the world featuring performance, accessories, restoration and motorsports products in the following 12 categories:

Business Services – Services specific to the automotive industry—hardware, software, computers, store fixtures, warehouse equipment, financial services, fleet services, personnel and human resources services and systems, CAD systems, consultants.

Hot Rod Alley – Street rod/hot rod custom and specialty parts, tires and accessories, including bodies, chassis parts, gauges, aluminum radiators, alternators, catalytic converters, disc brakes, electrical systems and components, exhaust systems, sheet metal, shocks, valve covers and wiring kits.

Mobile Electronics & Technology – Sound systems, LCD video systems, MP3, DVD, CD, satellite radio, telematics, security systems, CB, GPS, on-board technology, antennas, cellular telephones and accessories, computer chips and PROMs and radar detectors.

Paint, Body & Equipment – Vehicle paint, prep stations, paint booths, body work, frame machines, spray guns and safety/filtration/breathing apparatus. Related accessories, equipment, systems, coating/refinishing products, services and publications.

Powersports & Utility Vehicles – Manufacturers of power-driven equipment, such as personal transporters; motorcycles; motor scooters; two-, three- and four-wheel ATVs; pocket bikes; specialty golf carts; mini-bikes; dirt bikes; and accessories and services.

Performance Tires & Wheels (Sponsored by TIA) – Racing, performance, street, track and off-road tires and wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Single and multi-piece wheels, aluminum alloy, steel, forged and cast. Tire and wheel accessories, including lug nuts, wheel studs, hubcaps and spinners. Tires for agricultural, industrial, medium-duty, heavy-duty and OTR vehicles. Alignment equipment, balancers, changers and tire changing tools.

Racing & Performance – Performance and racing products, including engine parts, carburetors, shifters, fuel injection, gears, nitrous oxide systems, racing fuels, racing safety equipment, sport compact enhancements, superchargers, turbochargers, gears, performance brakes, performance enhancements, racing accessories, lighting, racing suits, car haulers and engine building equipment.

Restoration Marketplace – Replacement parts, tires and accessories for muscle cars, classics and restored vehicles 20 years of age or older.

Restyling & Accessories – Paint, striping and graphics, ground effects, interior enhancements, lenses, headliners and door panels, louvers, sun visors, shades, power windows and door accessories, headlight/taillight covers, light bars, dashboards and covers, floor mats, seat covers and sheepskins, steering wheels and steering wheel covers, sun-roofs, window film, ground effects, racks and spoilers.

Tools & Equipment – Lathes, grinders, hand tools, dynamometers, air conditioning, body shop, hoists and lifts, jacks, power tools, paint booths, containers, electrical, testers.

Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road – Caps, bedliners, camper shells, tonneau covers, carriers, bed rails, grilles, towing accessories, bumpers, brush guards, roll bars, tool boxes, nerf bars, roof racks, off-road lighting and light bars, fender flares, running boards, suspension components, shocks and struts, springs and boosters, tie downs, tow ropes, straps, van accessories, off-road accessories and winches.

OEM – The SEMA Show continues to serve as a business-to-business lesson in the benefits of sharing, as SEMA continues to expand its symbiotic relationship between its member companies and OEMs.

[Source: SemaShow.com, MadWhips.com ]

John Mayer Ferrari 599, Audi R8, Ford GT Photos

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:35:03 +0000

Not only does John Mayer have an appetite for hot Hollywood celebs (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Minka Kelly, Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry to name a few), but he also has an appetite for luxurious exotic super cars!

Back in June 2009 John was originally spotted putting some high grade octane in his black Ferrari 599 GTB at a gas station in Calabasas, then just a couple weeks ago he was spotted getting out of a white Audi R8, and just recently again at a gas station with his Ferrari 599. In 2008 John Mayer was also spotted at a gas station with his Gulf Blue and Orange Ford GT and also with a Land Rover Defender!

[Source: Celebrity-Gossip.net, CelebrityCarsBlog.com]

2010 Hennessey HPE650 Camaro SS

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:26:54 +0000

Checkout the 2010 HPE650 Chevy Camaro SS by Hennessey Performance. It lays down 592 rear wheel hp on the chassis dyno with a 91 octane. Checkout the dyno video below.

[Source: HennesseyPerformance.com]