This past week, a most prolific figure of American motoring celebrated their centennial. Founded by Swiss engineer Louis Chevrolet and early American car business mogul William Durant on November 3rd 1911, Chevrolet assembled their first prototype vehicle in an era when the number of auto companies was as diverse as the mobile App world today. Surviving the sizable competition, two world wars, heightened government regulations and the recent bankruptcy of parent company General Motors, Chevrolet is entering 100 years as an industry star. Enjoying sales success with the new Chevrolet Cruze compact, winning back consumer enthusiasm with the Corvette ZR1 and Chevrolet Camaro as well as preparing a new globalized focus to be highlighted with the upcoming Malibu, the motivation for the auto brand is as absolute as their past achievements.

While particular Chevy products will mean something to a variety of world motorists, the following eight vehicles display the evolution of the 100-year old car company.

1912 Chevrolet Series C Classic Six

The car that launched the Chevrolet name, the first prototype was constructed in 1911 with regular production started in 1912. Producing fewer than 9,000 examples of the Series C Classic Six over three years, this earliest Chevrolet was a high society touring vehicle featuring European styling inspiration. In 1914, this vehicle was succeeded by the smaller, less expensive Baby Grand. The first Chevrolets wore an insignia reflecting an adaptation on the Swiss cross that would eventually morph into the iconic “Bowtie“ badge.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Launched in 1967, the Chevrolet Camaro was immediately positioned against the Ford Mustang in order to capture the young drivers seeking a nimble but powerful American sports car. The 1969 model year of the Camaro allowed the car to project itself as more than a “me too” entry in the pony car segment. Featuring seven different engines starting with a 140-horsepower inline six-cylinder powerplant, maximum power was acquired through the COPO sourced Camaro ZL1. The last year for the first generation body style, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro also served as the Indianapolis 500 pace car for the triumph of Mario Andretti at the Brickyard. The pace car wearing white with orange striping has grown to be one of the most recognized designs ever to lead the Indy 500 competitors to green. The colouring scheme was revived for the 2011 500-mile event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Chevy shares a centennial celebration with the Brickyard.

1960 Chevrolet Corvair

While performance and overall abundance allows most Chevrolets to become major cultural items, a particular car in the auto brand’s history had an indirect and unintentional impact the whole car industry.

A creative attempt at a compact car, the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair debuted in 1959 as a 1960 model. Attaching some European flair to this economy vehicle in the Chevrolet line-up, the Corvair was definitely am attractive car sold in coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible and even utility-oriented van as well as pick-up in the early 1960s. Selling well at the beginning, the Corvair became the example of public safety activist Ralph Nader. Though the Chevrolet Corvair was targeted as unsafe, the vehicle was roughly no less unstable than many other automobiles on the market. However, the damage done against the Chevrolet Corvair enacted a new level of safety standards that has saved countless lives on the roads.

1957 Chevrolet Belair

Considered by many as on of the most beautiful American cars ever built, the Chevrolet Belair in the 1957 model year combined the best of V-8 power and striking yet simple style. Built in an era where automakers would build almost their entire vehicle line-up off one chassis, the premium-trimmed Chevrolet Belair coupe or convertible model is the most envied model. Rare models of the 1957 Chevrolet Belair featured the brand’s first application of fuel injection allowing a 283 cubic-inch engine to produce 283 horsepower (a major feat for the 1950s). One year after the 1957 model, Chevrolet sailed along the styling path of the late 1950s involving excessive chrome and monster vehicle proportions.

1955 Chevrolet Corvette

While the first year of the Chevrolet Corvette in 1953 was a monumental time for the long-enduring American built sports car, the 1955 model year presented the fiberglass two-seater with its soul.

Selling just over 3,800 vehicles in the first two years of production, the Corvette was almost dismissed by General Motors by the time 1955 rolled forward. Powered by the adequate ‘Blue Flame’ inline-six initially, Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was able to persuade that the 1955 model should have a V-8 engine. The first of what would be known as the small-block engines, the 265 cubic-inch V-8 was introduced just as Ford began marketing their potent Thunderbird sports car. Thanks to the competition from a long-standing foe and a new devotion to speed, the Chevrolet Corvette speaks American performance driving on the streets and on the track through every incarnation since the 1955 model year.

1977 Chevrolet Caprice

Affectionately called the ‘Flying Brick’ by some, the Chevrolet Caprice built from 1977 to 1990 was a staple of United States cities. The 1977 model year Chevrolet Caprice was one of many larger General Motors to undergo a much-publicized downsizing in the wake of the oil crisis of the earlier 1970s. Seeing its wheelbase reduced by 5.5 inches compared to the previous generation Caprice, the modern-looking downsized car was well received by customers in showrooms but found growing admiration among larger entities. Law Enforcement agencies ordered a bundle of Chevrolet Caprice sedans revering the V-8 power and still beefy steel bodies. Taxi companies were also a steady customer of the Caprice appreciating the rear room and trunk space as good for business. Redesigned in 1991, the Caprice would remain an American fleet duty worker until 1997. Recently, the Caprice name is readying for a return to the United States as Chevrolet’s new law enforcement product.

1998 Chevrolet Silverado

It is amusing to note that the richest history of Chevrolet is found in the work-duty pickup trucks. Dating back to their first truck in around 1918, Chevrolet progression in the pickup truck category involves steady capability and even style. During the 1950s, Chevrolet trucks were defined by employing design cues shared with cars including the 1957 Belair.

Carrying on from the tradition of tough truck endurance of the C/K line, the Silverado pickup truck succeeded the full-sized true utility vehicle in the 1998 model year. Making the Chevrolet Silverado so important was the changing urban automotive landscape that accepted larger trucks. The Silverado was considerably more refined and adaptable for a variety of terrains. At one time, the high volumes of Chevrolet Silverado and other related large utility vehicles were integral for General Motors business model. When fuel costs skyrocketed in 2008, General Motors overdependence on their truck sales (which began to slump considerably) almost led to the auto company’s downfall. However, even as cars have become the new focus with the bowtie brand, the Chevrolet Silverado continues to be a pivotal leader in brand sales accounting for nearly one of every four Chevrolet products sold in 2011 up to the end of October.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The first plug-in hybrid vehicle introduced for the mass market, the Chevrolet Volt started as a 2007 concept car that Robert Lutz quickly green lit for production frustrated that Japanese auto company Toyota was receiving all the press for their hybrid drive system. Able to travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, Chevrolet constructed a four-door compact sedan possessing a 0.28 drag coefficient skin around the innovative powertrain. Sold in limited markets since last year, Chevrolet has widened the availability of the Volt for the 2012 model year. Retailing with a suggested manufacturer price tag at nearly $40,000, ownership of the Chevrolet Volt is assisted by government tax credits while the technology remains an experiment.

Potentially reshaping not just Chevrolet but the whole 21st century auto industry, the Chevrolet Volt could be the key to many more anniversaries for the car company.

Information source: General Motors, Corvette-America’s Sports Car, Cars of the Sizzling ‘60s
Photo Source: Chris Nagy, General Motors

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Originally sold in 1969 as a special dealer-sourced special request under Chevrolet’s COPO (Central Office Production Order) group, the Camaro ZL1 maintained a rather low-key appearance in the General Motors pony car line-up. Helped by the fact that only 69 examples of the 1969 Chevy Camaro were produced with the pricy ZL1 package, the mystique of this high-performance 427 cubic-inch big block car became a legend despite its limited numbers.

A performance line so powerful, General Motors chose to use the ZL1 name over the more recognized Z28 when identifying their 580 horsepower Chevrolet Camaro. While the 2012 return of the Chevy Camaro ZL1 arrives in coupe form, much like its first incarnation, the bowtie brand is already creating a more sizable wave prior to the latest announcement regarding the super pony car. Even ahead of the coupe’s early 2012 arrival to customers. Chevrolet is blowing the roof off the Camaro ZL1 starting in the 2013 model year with a drop top convertible.

Making its first public showing in California’s sunny, convertible-loving climate of the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible presents the unique attributes of the upcoming performance car with the open-air rush of the daily breeze. The unique ZL1 front-end treatment and hood adorn the convertible version as space is made for the LSA 6.2 liter V-8 engine. For the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, all 580 SAE Certified horses provided on the coupe model will usher the rear wheels. To emerge in the 2013 model year as Chevrolet’s most powerful production ragtop, the Camaro ZL1 Convertible will exceed the momentum of the open-air Corvette Grand Sport.

Having recently introduced the Camaro Convertible to the wider line of Chevrolet’s pony car stable, the ZL1 version will receive the appropriate engineering adjustments for the ZL1 to go topless without compromise. Additional structural support within the windshield including hydroformed tubing is installed to preserve the lasting convertible shape. Cross bracing under the hood between suspension towers, transmission support as well as underside reinforcements insure the 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible is rigid and maintains a quiet ride.

Crossing over with the LSA V-8 engine, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s standard Performance Traction Management system will also be found on the convertible. Allowing for driver-adjusted handling for street and track optimized performances, the 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible will offer magnetic ride, launch control and electronic stability technology working in concert.

Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show starting November 18th, many will be awaiting the first opportunity of taking the 580-horsepower 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible to the streets. As a drop top performance machine, Chevrolet already touts the upcoming Camaro ZL1 Convertible as a fighter against other more expensive open-air sports cars. Said to retain much of the sport handling of the coupe model, the nature of the 2013 convertible will be evident when the Camaro ZL1 arrives last year.

Information source: General Motors

Photo source: General Motors, Lee Anderson for Chevrolet

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The 21st century revisiting of the pony car wars has stirred up a corporate competition not seen since the 1960s. Much in the same way tech-savvy Apple fans eagerly await the newest iPad or iPhone, the changes amongst the Detroit 3 pony cars may appear subtle to non-enthusiasts but ignites the desires of the faithful followers. In 2012, while Chevrolet celebrates 100 years of automobile manufacturing, their popular Camaro will record 45 years since the Ford Mustang fighter was rushed into production for the 1967 model year.

At the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, the hyper-powered Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was introduced as the model line-up’s new flagship. Along with the 550 horsepower hot rod ready for 2012 release, the Camaro ZL1 firmly mounts stronger competition against other top-ranked V-8 performance cars. For 2012, the performance offense runs deeper in the Camaro line than the V-8 engine.

A part of the Chevrolet Camaro since inception, the six-cylinder model in previous generations was valued only as an economy runner. However, thanks to direct injection and much better mechanical refinement, the current V-6 powered incarnation of the Chevrolet Camaro earns a reputation as a very stout performer. For 2012, the six-cylinder engine is upgraded to the all-new LFX design holding little in common with the previous powerplant other than a 3.6 liter displacement size. The 2012 Camaro’s LFX engine features redesigned cylinder heads, a composite intake manifold, new fuel pump and a restructured valvetrain. The improved LFX engine is good for 323 horsepower (an 11 horsepower enhancement over the 2011 model year Camaro V-6) without sacrificing fuel economy projected at 30 miles per gallon highway.

Promising 323 horsepower from a six-cylinder engine in 2012, the number attached to the Chevrolet Camaro is evermore impressive in historical context. In 1967, the inline-6 powerplant found in the base Chevrolet Camaro produced a meager 140 horsepower. For the 35th anniversary year (2002 which was also the final year for the 4th generation Camaro), the 5.7 liter LS1 V-8 engine achieved 325 horsepower inside the last Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Horsepower for Camaro SS models remain the same in 2012 (400 horsepower with the automatic transmission and 420 horsepower with the 6-speed manual) but the car adds more dynamic handling thanks to a suspension upgrade option. Called the FE4 package, the advancements include retuned shock absorbers as well as solid stabilizer bars on the front and rear corners of the Camaro SS. Completed with 20-inch aluminum wheels on performance tires, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS armed with the FE4 performance handling suspension is track tested for better body control and response through cornering.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro 45th Anniversary Edition

A special 45th anniversary Chevrolet Camaro will also be presented to customers for either the coupe or convertible of the base Camaro or the SS trim level model. Found on the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Centennial Edition, the 2012 Camaro 45th anniversary model shares the Carbon Flash Metallic exterior paint job. Decked with silver striping and red, the center of the special edition Chevy Camaro’s hood features graphic details mirroring the look of the cowl induction hood on later 2nd generation Camaro models. On a jet black interior, stitching in red, white and blue proves eye-catching. White door inserts and instrument panel also works to contrast the shadowy ride. Dark silver 20-inch wheels and lighting bezels, rear spoiler as well as HID headlamps are standard inclusion on the special edition 2012 Chevy Camaro. Of course, the application of specialized 45th anniversary badging is promised on the outer and inside surfaces.

Another changes coming to the wide range of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro includes a new rear spoiler, Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior colouring and a Rear Vision Package with rear-view camera is found in the equipment list. While many of us realize this 45th anniversary of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro as somewhat tainted by a 7-year absence, the chance to pay tribute to an American motoring classic is a worthy celebration at any time.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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Being Valentine’s day, some of us seek to honour those true loves in our lives. Those lucky enough to find their special peer to share this time are given a great gift in humanity.

While automobiles are not human, there are many who associate those same loving emotions to sheetmetal and wheels sensing that an automobile is in essence a living being. Breathing air, requiring food to function and benefiting from proper care, an automobile is believed to return emotions. Spotlighting a few examples, let us examine the rich personality in the 2011 auto industry.

Chevrolet Camaro

Like that old high school crush you have met at a reunion, the Chevrolet Camaro presence was reasserted in 2009 bringing back old memories while wearing modern skin. Seven years away from the showroom sees the newest Camaro launch clearly invigorated. Emotions were strong enough for 129,405 units to be produced in 2010 meeting up with the hearts of eager owners. Showing appreciation to V-6 buyers, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro performance is bumped up to 312-horsepower. The Camero SS still reigns as a more enchanting yet obtainable experience making drivers fall in love with V-8 power. Including a convertible Camaro and a newly-announced 550-horsepower ZL1 model, look for 2011 and 2012 roads to be livened by the classic, American beauty.

Ford Mustang

Just mentioning the Chevrolet Camaro’s celebrated return, some automotive lovers are still hurting by the jilted feeling the General Motors pony car’s disappearance brought. Looking for a tried and true pony car that his attracted car fans through 47 continuous years, the Ford Mustang remains a fixture of American performance and the very best of the Blue Oval brand. Even when Ford tried to identify themselves with the GT supercar, very pure Mustang fans refused to be tempted by the more untouchable mid-engined car.

Into 2011, the Ford Mustang continues to serve up a broad taste of affectionate models. Starting with a respectable 305 horsepower V-6, the convertible and 5.0 liter V-8 producing up to 412 horsepower provides more alluring eye-candy. Of course, those who are willing to handle a ride like no other Ford Mustang, the Shelby GT500 can be a fun-loving ride a select few can handle.

Ferrari 458 Italia

Whenever Ferrari sports car engineering and Pininfarina styling meet, there is definitely an intensive merging of infectious romance. Bearing many love children since their first collaboration in , the latest offspring between the Italian industrial interests have created the Ferrari 458 Italia. A two-seat supercar possessing under 3.5 second 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration and a top speed of 202 MPH, a driver behind the wheel of a motioning Ferrari 458 Italia is guaranteed to forget any human passenger.

Thanks to published reports on adhesive failure triggering engine fires, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s reputation as a hot supercar in those incidents is difficult to ignore. Though like only a very special love, the desire to change for the better emerged through summer of 2010 through a fix by Ferrari engineers.

Ford Fiesta

A pint-sized B-Segment vehicle in a land where one would be ruled a misfit, the entrance of the Ford Fiesta has allowed some of us to show remarkable foresight in seeking a mechanical companion. On the United States market for only a short amount of time, the lovely compact vehicle available in smart-looking five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. Modest in demands but bringing a lot to a relationship as either standard features or reasonably-priced options makes the Ford Fiesta a real charmer.

For a little spice to the relationship, Ford Accessories allows the individual look to a Fiesta shaping beauty in countless combinations.

Toyota Prius

Invoking emotions positive and negative, the Toyota Prius is certainly the most passionate vehicles in the Japanese-based auto company’s lineup. Associated as an electrifying personality, the hybrid powertrain is maintained by this very smart compact car maximizing fuel economy for a longer time together between gas stations. At the 2011 North American Auto Show in Detroit, this gasoline/electric hybrid has shown it still has a lot more love to give. Showing off the already announced, the showcase introduced a Toyota Prius v and a Prius c adjusting to a new group of admirers in the upcoming model years.

Is the before-mentioned the only vehicle worthy of a special connection or love? Of course not. Admitting in the automobiles genre as a less decisive person, I can’t even suggest the one true motoring love of my life. Each one of the vehicles represented an individual attribute sporting beauty, grace, bravery, intelligence and even selflessness to one who expresses compassion for the mechanical being.

Combining passion and playful bashfulness, the Fiat 500 might be the objection of your affection. Maybe a choice crossover or full utility vehicle could be that perfect travel companion bringing as much of the world with you or even trot an intimate escape path.

The consideration for the vehicle of your life, unlike a human relationship, can be a much simpler form of enchantment able to take many shapes and sizes.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Toyota

Photo Source: Chris Nagy, General Motors, Hamann, Toyota

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For the Z28 fans eagerly awaiting the high-performance Camaro meant to revive the famous moniker, the 2011 Chicago Auto Show debut of Chevrolet’s newest pony car is a bittersweet unveiling. Fulfilling the desires for a Chevrolet Camaro performing above the current top of the line SS trim, it’s apparent that the spied prototype many identify as the Camaro Z28 was working under assumed name. Launching in 2012, the 550-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro is named the ZL1.

While some bowtie fans hold the Z28 name in the highest of esteem, many of those same Chevrolet enthusiasts recognize the ZL1 with significance. In 1969, only 69 examples special-ordered Chevrolet Camaro vehicles were produced as a meticulously hand-built, all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch Big Block V-8 estimated to producing 550 horsepower. Devoted for drag racing competition, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early application of lightweight technology and rarity makes the car a hot commodity at classic car auctions. During the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, one bidder paid $880,000 for a white Camaro ZL1 coupe. Intended for a higher production number and more widely available, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will again bring high-performance to the General Motors pony car.

Exemplifying the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 coupe, the primary exterior detail is the aluminum hood featuring a raised carbon fiber insert within the center. Incorporating special vents GM call air extractors, excess airflow is allowed to escape through the hood over top of the Camaro ZL1 inspiring improved aerodynamics. Front end look of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 casts an exotic street performance appearance with an unique fascia integrating a lower splitter. Standard HID headlamps, fog lights and 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels centered within specially-developed Goodyear Supercar F2 tires accomplishes the ZL1 outer character.

Inside the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, a black, leather interior decorated with specific microfiber suede inserts is found with a full-array of standard features. Heated, six-way power-adjustable bucket seats with ‘ZL1′ embroidered on the front headrests. Other interior equipment on the Camaro ZL1 includes Boston Acoustics premium sound system, rear camera system and Bluetooth connectivity livening up its technical convenience allure.

Stepping beyond simple aesthetics and lavishness, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is outfitted with advances in handling. All Camaro ZL1 models ride on the Magnetic Ride Control featuring setting for ‘Sport’ and ‘Tour’. For stopping power, performance brake company Brembo has contributed to the development of 14.4-inch disc brakes on the front and 14.2-inch disc brakes on the rear wheels. Drivers of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will also reap the benefits of electric power steering which promotes greater reaction and feedback as the Camaro ZL1 is being put through its paces.

Of course, the heart this masterpiece is a supercharged version of the SS’ 6.2 liter V-8 engine. The same LSA engine found on the Cadillac CTS-V models, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 boasts 124 horsepower more than the Camaro SS fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. The first Chevrolet Camaro production car to feature electric power steering, the Camaro will also be the first General Motors car in North America to manage wheel power through a dual-disc clutch transmission. A six-speed manual model, ZL1 drivers will enjoy the performance of a full manual gearbox with the smoothness of an automatic transmission. Actual performance numbers for the Camaro ZL1 are yet to be published but expect 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration in the lower end of the 4-second range.

With official pricing information planned for a later date, more details on the supercharged V-8 powered Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be released ahead of its early 2012 year debut.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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Coming up to a special time of year where many of us look for that one special gift under the Christmas tree, some motorheads will be devoting their sugarplum dreams to what awaits under a drag racing Christmas tree. Just in time for holiday planning, Chrysler’s Mopar brand released some exciting new high-performance parts at the annual 2010 Performance Racing Industry Show in Orlando, Florida. Displaying amongst some of their modified Chrysler products which they called “Moparized”, Mopar’s latest speed-improving components is certain to rev-up the new year for fans of Mopar.

The centerpiece technology of Mopar’s exhibit at the Performance Racing Industry is their reintroduction of the passion and spirit of Chrysler’s historic racing powerplant deemed the “elephant motor”. A reboot of the 426 HEMI V-8, the new Mopar 426 crate motor features modern all-aluminum construction. The Mopar 426 All-Aluminum HEMI engine instantly captures the performance echelons reached by the original powerplant with 540 horsepower and 530 pounds-feet of torque. Being a crate motor priced at $13,675, this engine comes ready to be dropped into a Chrysler muscle car and other project. Noting the Mopar 426 engine as a member of the HEMI Gen III family, Mopar has also shown off a host of new compatible components with the new powerplant such as drivetrain tie bars and a distributor.

For vehicles on the Chrysler LX Platform (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger), a host of new Mopar performance enhancement parts. Starting with special rear strut tower designed for greater chassis rigidity, a Mopar Cold-Air Intake system is introduced for the 5.7 and 6.1 liter HEMI V-8 equipped LX platform cars subjecting cold air into the intake manifold. For those modern Chrysler buyers concerned that only the HEMI engine is receiving attention during Performance Racing Industry will be relieved to see an new add-on for 2011. The Mopar Cold-Air Intake system is also available for the 3.5 liter V-6 engines built prior between 2008 to 2010 (prior to the Pentastar V-6 engine). Mopar has not been stated for what the Cold-Air Intake system offers in measurable performance.

Among other products Mopar will be featuring at the Performance Racing Industry Show is the Mopar W2 cylinder heads for Chrysler Wedge small block engines and a new cylinder head for the 4-cylinder engines used with their USAC Midget car racing program.

The Mopar display, accented with a 2011 Mopar Challenger V-10 Drag Pak car, continues to honour the rich history which the entire Chrysler Group is wise to recognize as part of their restructuring. Having revealed their 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 more than a month ago, the present time reimagining of prized Mopar-linked names appears to be turning out some faithful creations.

Information and photo source: Chrysler

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Wrapping up the look back at Ford Motor Company’s departed Mercury division, the last car to earn profiling is a vehicle that once represented performance and personal luxury in perfect harmony.

Today, the use of the word Cougar (other than referring to a member of the cat family) implies the woman dating a man considerably her junior. However, in the context of the now-retired Mercury division, Cougar symbolizes 33 years of noteworthy American automobile history. Through the soul of Mercury Cougar, this single product is most likely to keep the brand hard-wired in the minds of car lovers.

The story of the Cougar began in the Ford Motor Company reveling in the runaway success of the Ford Mustang. The pony car allure had Mercury begging for their own coupe roughly two years after the Mustang’s debut. For the conception of the Mercury example, the Cougar was never destined to draw the youthful crowds of the Mustang. Debuting 3 inches longer in wheelbase and 6.7 inches in total length, the Mercury Cougar’s 1967 model year introduction came as a luxury sports car.

Heavier than the Ford Mustang, the 1967 Cougar premiered with some rather alluring features starting with the hidden headlamps. Like the 1949-1951 Mercurys, buyers of the Mercury Cougar were never required to settle for a 6-cylinder powerplant. Promoted with a 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine generating 200 horsepower in base trim, 390 cubic-inch V-8 was also available. Becoming Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year in 1967, Mercury sold over 150,000 units of the cougar in its first year as the cat immediately found its stride in the pony car era. Catered for a more premium vehicle market, the Cougar brought many of its convenience features courtesy of channeled vacuum pressure from the engine including the headlamp door panels. A more expensive XR-7 model (a code which would be long used on the Mercury Cougar) also lent high-class items such as a leather interior to the Cougar two-door coupe. The next year, XR-7s accounted for 1 of every 5 Mercury Cougars sold indicating that maybe the market accepts this pony car for luxury rather than performance. In 1969, a big counterstrike was waged by Mercury hoping to ‘eliminate’ that notion.

Mercury’s take on the Ford Mustang Mach 1, the a high-performance Cougar once created through the inspiration from the ‘Eliminator’ NHRA Funny Car driven by “Dyno” Don Nicholson. Given some sassy styling touches such as a ram air hood scoop and rear spoiler, the Mercury Cougar Eliminator featured a best of Ford’s muscle car stock of engines. The Boss 302 engine, the smallest and in fact rarer powerplant inside the Mercury Cougar Eliminator was accompanied by a 351 and 390 cubic inch V-8 before setting up to the 335 horsepower 428 Cobra Jet. Built in 1969 and 1970, two Cougar Eliminators were even fitted with the Boss 429 engine existing as the most rare of 4,517 examples of the Mercury muscle car. Since the Cougar Eliminator’s demise, attention to high-performance never completely returned to Mercury (one exception being for the Marauder).

Abandoning the similar underpinnings of the Ford Mustang in 1974, the Cougar averted the planned downsizing of the pony car but was reunited on Ford’s Fox chassis 6 years later. However, by this time, the Cougar identity had been integrated more closely to the Ford Thunderbird. Both the Cougar and Thunderbird would remain joined until 1997.

Long-associated as a two-door coupe, 1969 to 1973 model year Mercury Cougars were able to assume the form of a convertible. However, as Mercury tipped into the late 1970s, the Ford division chose to redefine the Cougar through greater diversity. Between 1977 to 1982, the Cougar nameplate was worn on a four-door sedan as well as a station wagon as Mercury was intent on using their popular name . Because of the Mercury Cougar being made available in three different body configurations, sales of the model name reached a all-time high. Peaking in 1978 with over 213,000 vehicles sold, the net gain for expanding the Cougar name would be short-lived and a decision came to revert back to a two-door coupe.

The Mercury Cougar was associated with production-derived auto racing through much of its life span. In one of two peak eras for seeing the Cougar name in motorsports, late 1960s saw professional drag racing and the Trans-Am series. The second time period occurred in the 1980s through NASCAR Cup circuit action. Neil Bonnett won Mercury’s final NASCAR Cup series event in 1980 driving a #21 Wood Brothers Cougar to victory at Talladega. After NASCAR, the Cougar made a brief return to the road courses for IMSA competition thanks to the resources of Roush Racing.

As Ford Motor Company dropped the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar personal luxury cars in 1997, an era ended as a new V-8 powered Cougar would never again roam out of a Lincoln-Mercury dealership. However, to the pleasure of those wanting the Mercury Cougar to continue a modern existence, the brand was able to briefly resurrect the model as a compact sport coupe. Other than the name and two doors, this compact car built between 1999-2002 left little in common with the previous Mercury Cougars. Production wrapped with roughly 150,000 units to complete what was a less successful attempt of Mercury to lure the sport compact enthusiast market. Probably unknown at the time, the discontinuation of the Mercury Cougar’s second coming signified the division would be unable to attract a large enough younger customer base to sustain the its future.

While the latest Mercury Cougars can be snatched up between $2,000 to $4,000 on the resale car market, some of the more classical examples of the two-door have drawn some dedicated attention. With many well-maintained conventional pony car Cougars still a steal at under $20,000, a 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator equipped with a Cobra Jet 428 engine fetched $128,700 at the 2007 Scottsdale Barrett Jackson auction.

As the final 2010 Mercury clears off the Lincoln-Mercury dealership property, remembering the past successes of the now-idled auto brand by profiling some noted marques is only a snapshot to the devotion and fanfare which continues to reign.

Information and photo source: Ford Motor Company

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In June of this year, Ford Motor Company brought resolution to the future of Mercury by announcing the brand’s discontinuation. As of the end of 2010, Mercury is going to way of other long-running brands such as Pontiac last year and Plymouth back in 2001.

As the mercury sets on the thermometers for many regions of North America continent, it is worth warming are automotive hearts to 6 of the most significant vehicles to bare the name of the Roman god of trade. For the first spotlight vehicle this standoff of Mercury, let’s be reacquainted to a briefly run but power name; the Marauder.

Turning back the clock to 1963, the Marauder name was first applied to Mercury’s version of the Ford Galaxie 500. Advertised on introduction as “A new breed of scat”, the 1963 ½ Mercury Marauder debuted content as a ferocious example of the brand’s upscale identity. The a flashy performer, the Marauder’s top engine available was a 427-inch V-8 accounting for 425 horsepower and 480 pounds-feet of torque. Such a well-balanced power and weight combination, a Mercury Marauder was driven by Parnelli Jones to victory in the 1963 Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

Since the introduction of the first Mercury Marauder, this vehicle never became a long-running moniker. With the initial Marauder available until 1965, the nameplate did returned for another brief outing for 1969 as a more lavish two-door coupe. Weighing over 2-tons and never effectively standing as a performance car, this second-generation Mercury Marauder lasted another two years.

23 years later as Mercury suffered a decreasing profile, the Ford Motor Company-based brand exercised a last ditch attempt to improve their presence within an auto market where domestic and import competition was fierce. Summoning their brand history, Mercury revived the Marauder name once more in 2003.

Assembled as a large-scale sports sedan the Grand Marquis-based vehicle, exterior appearance improvements featured blacking out chrome trim, custom alloy wheels and unique headlamps. Returning for the first time since the 1950s, the original badge depicting the Roman god Mercury was worn on the Marauder.

The Mercury Marauder also received a hefty performance enhancement courtesy of the Ford parts bin. Among the leading pieces of donated included a 4.6 liter Modular V8 engine made popular in the Ford Mustang. Producing a throaty 302 horsepower, the V-8 sound was piped through a dual exhaust system with far more dramatics than the Grand Marquis’ standard powerplant.

Lasting just two years, this full-sized sedan was unable to trumpet up initial appeal to the Marauder. The major impairment to the Mercury Marauder could have been the four-speed automatic transmission. Perhaps if the car would have been introduced 4-5 years later, a manually-shifting automatic would have made the Marauder a more satisfying sports sedans. Calls to upgrade the 4.6 liter V-8 with a supercharger were also left unanswered by Mercury. In this latter case, aftermarket performance companies rose to the occasion. Reinhart Automotive belted a Vortech Supercharger onto the Marauder’s powerplant on route to over 450 horsepower.

Much like the first two renditions of the Mercury Marauder, the latest full-sized sedan fizzled out of the marketplace with only a little more than 11,000 built. A concept convertible Marauder was also brought to light at auto show appearances but Mercury had no intentions to build this boulevard cruiser.

Similar to Chevrolet’s brief reintroduction of the Impala SS name with the Caprice body in the mid-1990s, the 2003-2004 Marauders have become cherished vehicles defining the golden years of American motoring where big and brute equaled beautiful.

Information source: Ford Motor Company and Reinhart Automotive
Photo source: Ford Motor Company

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If you are a fan of Chrysler’s HEMI engine, the number 392 would drum up some very special emotions. While we now know modern HEMI culture exists largely as a brand name only, there’s nothing like a limited edition Dodge Challenger to play history teacher once again for seeing a forerunner to the muscle car era.

Accepting that the actual framework and fanfare of the American muscle car assembled around the Pontiac GTO in 1964 as kicking off the high-performance wars of the 1960s, the 1957 Chrysler 300 C is arguably a pioneer of things to come. That model year, the 392 cubic inch Hemi V-8 (branded as a Fire Power V-8 in the 1950s) released outstanding power potential but was anchored within a heavy, personal luxury car of an era of styling flash. Shared mainly between the posh Chrysler and Imperial cars during production, drag racers soon discovered the performance range of the 392 cubic inch V-8 or soon revered as simply the “92″ granting the powerplant a special place in automotive history. Chronicling the time when the HEMI name rose to prominence, a release of 1,492 Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition vehicles.

Making this exclusive 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 so ground-breaking is an enlarged HEMI V-8 engine. Bored out to 392 cubic inches (For metric people, the displacement translation is more than 6.4 liters), there would only be one logical reason for proceeding with such an action; of course, this means extra power. With 0.3 liters more displacement located within this modern 392 powerplant, the Challenger SRT8 generates incredible muscle to the rear wheels. A 45 horsepower improvement over the 2010 Challenger SRT8`s 6.1 liter engine, the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 fires 470 horsepower. The number 470 also relates to torque production in pounds-feet with the showroom street machine.

Sporting all SRT goodies, Chrysler engineers did not rest on their laurels the exclusive when dropping the larger 392 cubic inch engine into the two-door muscle car. Modification over last year`s SRT8 model includes attention paid to the suspension, steering system as well as aerodynamics. A new front splitter is worn under the Challenger`s front fascia. Partnering the redesigned handling components with the 470 horsepower engine, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 reports a skid pad test for lateral acceleration at 0.93Gs.

Apart from the front spoiler, the exterior look of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will be given unmistakable markers to existing as 1 of 1,492 first year examples. Exterior trim will consist of either a Deep Water Blue with Stone White striping or an opposing scheme consisting of a Bright White clear coat with Viper Blue striping. Inside as well as out, “392″ and “392 HEMI” are worn to identify the monster which beats under the Challenger hood. Standard 20 inch five-spoke wheels allows the special edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition to ride with custom rodding grace.

Just introducing the 3.7 liter Pentastar V-6 as a low-cost, fuel efficient option to owning a Dodge Challenger in 2011, the modern recreation of the Chrysler Corporation muscle car takes a step into the direction of peak performance.

Information and photo source: Chrysler Group

Related posts:

1. Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR Debuts at 2011 SEMA Show
2. Dodge Shows us the 2008 Challenger SRT8
3. 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Review

In a quiet Detroit suburb of Ferndale, Michigan, one gathering of historic wheels is assembled on the 21st of August. Called the Woodward Dream Cruise, the event’s surrounding the cruise has drawn 40,000 classic and collectible cars in recent years as well as the support of the so-called Detroit 3 automakers. Though rain fell throughout the 2010 edition of the Woodward Dream Cruise, the shower did nothing to wash away the passion and some automobile-loving attendees. While the actual cruise occurs on the Saturday, the entire weekend is devoted to creating colourful scenery.

Consisting of a 16 mile cruise down Woodward Drive, reflecting back on a day when cars could freely run the streets of America without the hateful sneers of environmentalist or under the government-appointed microscope. Classic, restored and street rods roared down the roadways representing full individuals and car clubs.

Like previous Woodward Dream Cruises, the major automakers set up extensive displays in close proximity to their past creations. With Ford, GM and Chrysler optimistic of a continuing existence in the modern automotive landscape, the 2010 show was perhaps an ideal outdoor event to showcase their refreshed attitude to building cars. Making its first openly public appearance, Ford brought the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 and the Boss 302 Laguna Seca to a special Mustang Alley display on West 9 Mile Road. As part of the Ferndale Classic & Cruis’n Legends Vehicle Show, Ford Motor Company’s addition to the Dream Cruise party included new products like the Raptor SVT, a Ford Shelby GT500 as well as the Ford Fiesta to stand alongside some beloved Fords of yesteryear.

Further North up Woodward Drive, General Motors showed off the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, a GM Powertrain Engine display and another public showing of the Chevrolet Volt. Both the GM and Ford supported areas featured classic cars brought by their employees. For the Ford display, that included as many as 10 first generation Boss Mustangs.

Finally there was the Chrysler display featuring a cornucopia of Mopar muscle. Past representatives of Chrysler cars featured a 1970 Plymouth Cuda, a 1968 Dodge Coronet Convertible and a more contemporary Dodge Viper GTS from the 1998 model year. Current offerings such as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee along with 4 different variations of the Dodge Challenger were present including a Dodge Targa Challenger. A longtime supporter of the event, Chrysler’s previous enthusiasm saw the creation of a special edition PT Cruiser called simply the Dream Cruiser. This year’s show had the Fiat 500 join the Chrysler display of cars consisting of a European spec model featured alongside a 1970 Fiat 500 version.

Unlike the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance set on the previous weekend on the other half of the United States, the show is free event to the public as well as to the classic car entrants. Also unlike the Pebble Beach show where the wine and champagne flowed into the glasses of rather adult guests, the Woodward Dream Cruise is a fully-devoted event for families. Besides providing eye candy of stylish sheetmetal, there were plenty of activities to entertain including a photo trailer at the GM display where you could have a picture with a favourite Team Chevy driver thanks to the use of a green screen. Children at heart are also treated to some delights beyond the car show scene. Many part vendors (including factory performance parts from the 3 automakers) and even a car auction area might provide opportunities for those not already involved in the event to be contributors in 2011.

Mother Nature delivered a cruel blow with the 15th year of the Woodward Dream Cruise, a little water was not enough to hold back custom 1930s Fords, a commandingly long Chrysler Imperial, the grouping of Cobra sports cars or an antique fire truck. With at least 30,000 cars involved in this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise, the automotive festivity concluded as another recent tribute to the automobile as past and present form into a rich motoring future.

Information Source: Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Woodward Dream Cruise inc.

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“Dodge Challenger SRT10″.

Got a helluva nice ring to it, dontcha think?

The current top-o-the-line Challenger, the SRT8, is a pretty beastly muscle car, one that delivered more than its rabid fans had expected. Quite frankly, its performance statistics are more than enough.

Dodge’s high octane SRT team apparently didn’t think so. I bet what happened is one day after work one of the SRT boys was a little more depressed than usual: the Viper is getting axed, performance now bows to mileage, the days of the muscle car is ending, etc. So he decided, screw it, if we’re going to go out, then we’re gonna go out with one hell of a bang.

Which left the question: how? Well I bet that was solved rather quickly, just get a bigger engine, and a bigger engine means only one thing: going to the Viper for its V-10.

Performance info and pics (including that of the Challenger SRT10 chillin’ with the Viper) after the jump.

The 8.4 liter V-10 engine boasts 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. No word yet on performance statistics, as this is just a show car. Exterior modifications include a functional carbon fiber shaker hood, a carbon fiber front splitter and rear deck, a new spoiler, Bilstein shocks, larger wheels, bigger brakes, and beastly quad exhaust tips. The interior is decked out in carbon fiber and features the push button engine start found in the Viper as well.

I certainly hope Dodge will consider building this, perhaps as a low-volume competitor to Ford’s Shelby GT500 KR.

Related posts:

1. Dodge Challenger SRT8 ACR Debuts at 2011 SEMA Show
2. 2008 Dodge Viper update
3. Spy Video of the 2008 McLaren Dodge Viper

This is what happens when you combine a modern muscle car with some good ol’ nostalgia.

The LS7 Concept was inspired by the COPO Camaros of the late 1960s. For those who are unfamiliar with the “COPO” designation, it was made famous by motorheads like Don Yenko in the late 60s. What happened was you could walk into any Chevy dealership and decide you wanted a COPO Camaro for drag racing. You checked the box, and a beastly race-bred Camaro was yours, fitted out with the requisite goods like drag racing tires, the standard safety equipment, suspension, roll bars, basically all you needed to dominate those puttering Mustangs at the track.

As is self evident, the LS7 badge means that GM has decided to stick a big, fat, 550 horsepower middle finger to the evironment, the economy, and all those advocators of GM’s and the muscle car’s deaths. GM has also thrown in a 6-speed Tremec manual transmission, a Hurst shifter, Brembo brakes all-around, performance exhaust, 20 inch wheels, and lowered ride height.

Keep in mind that the Chevrolet Camaro is the official car of SEMA this year, so stay tuned for more Camaro concepts.

More pics of the LS7 after the jump, as well as some live shots.

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No, no, no!

Say it ain’t so! This is terrible news!

Dodge is apparently going to begin negotiations for the sale of its “Viper” nameplate. Chrysler has always been the most anemic of the Big Three, and with Ford and GM both hit hard by the economy crisis, I can only imagine what the situation is like at Chrysler’s big brass. Must be hell.

But this is sad, terrible news, even though it was kind of expected. I had always hoped that Chrysler would find a way to keep the Viper alive, maybe as a low volume, limited production a year type of image car. But the financial strain was apparently too great, and now its the Viper that is under the axe.

This is personally rather distressing for me, as the Viper has always held a special spot in my heart (and that of many others). Though the Viper and Corvette have always blood enemies in competition, I hold them both in equal esteem and adoration. To me, they symbolize the epitome of the American muscle car, that is to say, a no frills, rude, obnoxious, rough, aggressive, and above all, powerful car. The Corvette and the Viper aren’t elegant, they aren’t refined, they have absolutely no finesse— instead they’re just dominant, raw, and beastly, and that scares the crap out of everyone else.

To hear that the Viper, an icon of Dodge and of America, is going to be sold… well, my day just got a little less bright. I hear that it might be sold to a tuning company, or a group of investors, whatever it is, I hope that at least in stays in America (if it becomes the Tata Viper I’ll shoot myself). The look might stay the same, the badge and performance might remain, but it will no longer be the Dodge Viper, and that’s a damn shame.

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Times change. It used to be that a car was measured in terms of torque and horsepower, then the focus became more on horsepower, and then the Veyron came out, and everything became measured in terms of top speed. Then gas hit four bucks a gallon, so now it’s all about mileage. So I’ll give you the crucial, most important news about the new Camaro first: It gets an EPA estimated 26 miles to the gallon. With conservative driving (e.g. not going 80 mph in a 60 mph zone) that number can rise to the low 30′s. So that’s the important news, the real juicy stuff, and if you still care about such mundane items as performance, which is just sooo déclassé, then here is the Nürburgring time for the Camaro SS— 8:20.

But back to the important stuff, like carbon emissions…whoa. Wait a minute. An 8:20 on the ‘Ring? Damn! That’s pretty good, considering the rather hefty curb weight and almost complete disregard to aerodynamics of the Camaro.

I hope you realized that I was kidding about all that performance-isn’t-important-anymore stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for high mpg and environmentally green cars, but I’ve just gotten so sick of hearing eco-weenies whining and bitching about how automakers are destroying the planet, and condemning the Big Three for making gas slurping trucks and SUVs, that I’m glad that GM, Ford, and Chrysler can rise above the criticism and still make powerful, beastly muscle machines. Performance is still a crucial aspect of an automobile, at least for me, because it’s the only factor that prevents everything from becoming a plodding, boring little Japanese car.

Back to the Camaro’s ‘Ring time, to put the 8:20 into perspective, the Chevy Cobalt SS, the BMW E46 M3, and the new BMW M Coupe all posted a time of 8:22, with the Lotus Exige S and Porsche Cayman S running it in 8:25.

Autoblog’s got some more pictures.

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Check out these two comparisons by Car and Driver and Motor Trend. Both feature the all new Dodge Challenger, and in both tests, the Challenger was pitted against its only current rival— the Mustang. Now, since the Dodge will only be sold in SRT8 trim for this year (the most powerful of the bunch), it’s only fair that it competes against an equally powerful Mustang. Car and Driver chose the Mustang Bullitt, and Motor Trend selected the Shelby GT500.

The Mustang was the first true muscle car in a few decades, and its retro fifth generation design stole the hearts of many consumers (and a good chunk of their change). The Mustang has been the undisputed champ, partly because it was a good car, but mostly because it had the segment all to itself. Now, however, the old ‘Merican pony is going to have to fight for its title, with the new Dodge Challenger the first to strike, and the Mustang’s most feared rival, the Chevy Camaro, due to brawl with both of them in 2009. From the looks of things, it’s going to be one heckuva fight.

Go to the links above for the comparisons, if you could care less about the tests but just want the results, I’ll have the gist of both tests, the winners, and a lot more pics after the jump.

Car and Driver’s Test

Their Challenger was a fiery muscle machine decked out in Hemi Orange, and the classic styling— the long hood short deck, squared off nose and back, and the humps over the wheels— is a toss back to the heydays of the American car. The Mustang Bullitt is actually a Mustang GT that went through the $3,310 Bullitt package. It is the exact opposite of the Challenger, opting for a more stealthy, under-estimated menace look. It comes draped in dark Highland Green, and grayed out wheels and the lack of flashy badges make this one mean machine.

The Bullitt isn’t just a visual mod, ’cause the Mustang’s performance gets beastly when the Bullitt badges are slapped on. The engine is a ___liter V-8 with 315 horsepower and ___ pound-feet of torque. This stealthy pony blasts from 0-60 in 5 seconds flat, and has a top speed of ___mph. Not too bad, but is it good enough to take on the Challenger? Well, the numbers say no. The Dodge’s 6.1 liter V-8 has 425 horses and 420 pound-feet torque, and together they get this machine to 60 in 4.8 seconds, as tested by Car and Driver, and on to a top speed of 170 mph.

Interior-wise, the Bullitt is nicer than the stock GT’s, but its use of plastics and overall simple feel instantly mark it as a Mustang. Exclusive to the Bullitt is a replicated engine-turned swirly design for the dash, and the aluminum ball that sits atop of the shifter. The Challenger’s interior was favored by Car and Driver, who praised the better seats and the roomier set-up.

Car and Driver did have complaints with both, and the biggest strike against the Bullitt was its uncomfortable ride, and the overall “racket of driving”. The only real Challenger criticism is its price tag, which at $40,208, is about $5,000 more than the Bullit’s. On the other hand, the Bullitt’s highlights include the snorty sound of the V-8, the smooth clutch, and the sheer joy of pure driving. The Challenger scored high marks with its beastly engine and performance, and its classy looks.

Motor Trend’s Test

Motor Trend’s Challenger came in silver, and is not as attention demanding (some might say obnoxious) as the bright orange one. The Shelby GT500, on the other hand, is undoubtedly hotter in blazing red with slick white racing stripes.

The GT500, though based on the outdated live axle platform, is a complete beast when it comes to performance— its screeching 5.4 liter V-8 pumps out 540 horses and 480 pound-feet of torque, and it blasts to 60 in a stupendous 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of an electronically limited 155 mph. The Challenger, though outgunned, still ain’t no wimp, and it uses its 6.1 liter V-8 (yeah, it’s a Hemi), to produce 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet torque. It scoots to 60 in a respectable 4.7 seconds, and to a top speed of 170 mph, all with the good ol’ American rumble of the classic V-8, compared with the less appealing supercharged whine of the GT500.

For the interior, Motor Trend was rather disappointed with the Challenger, and I am too. Seems like we both expected a cabin closer to that of the concept’s. But, of course, for some reason the Big Three can’t make a concept into a production model without making it worse. While the concept featured retro touches and flashier trim, the SRT8′s interior looks like it was lifted from a Charger or 300C, and just doesn’t look like it belongs in such a good looking machine. Motor Trend also laments the big ugly steering wheel, and preferred the sportier three-spoke version of the GT500′s. However, like Car and Driver they love the beefy leather seats.

Motor Trend didn’t give any opinions on the GT500′s interior, so I’ll inject some of my own. The whole cabin is a lot more attractive than the Challenger’s, which is plain and boring, not befitting of a top of the line SRT8. The Shelby, on the other hand, features blazing red seat and door panel inserts. Flashier trim and sportier steering wheel land this Mustang up front. Plus, it’s got that cool, evil little Cobra badge on the steering wheel to give a better first impression.

As for Motor Trend’s criticisms, the main one against the Mustang is its use of the outdated live axle platform, especially when compared to the Challenger’s fully independent suspension. Motor Trend did praise the GT500′s superior speed, acceleration, and handling. The biggest strike against the Challenger was the fact that it was almost too well-mannered. They wanted an exhaust with more crackle and boom. They also slammed the Dodge for not having a manual. I agree, as every muscle car, as a matter of fact, every performance car should be a manual. Automatics belong only in family sedans, compacts, and worthless things like SUVs and trucks.

Verdict

So who won? Car and Driver, after much deliberation, chose the Challenger. Better performance, better looks, and a better interior means it outscores the Bullitt in everything, though it was a close call.

Motor Trend, who compared the Challenger to the GT500, which is faster, more powerful, and more expensive, gave the number one to the Challenger as well. Perhaps the best way of stating why the Challenger won on both accounts is what Motor Trend said—

“It’s one of the closest comparo calls we’ve made of late, but the nod goes to the all-new Challenger from Dodge. The Shelby GT500 remains a fast and compelling piece, but the Challenger is simply a better-sorted automobile, a 20th-century icon reborn with 21st-century sophistication and poise”.

So the Dodge Challenger, which is brand new, managed to beat the Mustang on two tests. How did that happen? Well, in addition to the reasons given by both Car and Driver and Motor Trend, I think that people just got bored with the Mustang. Ever since its introduction in 1964, it has been ever present, a familiar face that is getting too familiar. The Challenger, on the other hand, looks good, is powerful, but more than that it’s new, and people are interested. That’s also why the new Camaro is so hounded by the press, because it looks good, it’s a muscle car, but most importantly, it is new, something different from the common Mustang.

Speaking of the Camaro, Dodge had better not get too confident from these wins and think the Camaro will be a pushover, ’cause GM won’t spare anything to make the new Camaro the best yet. So, as Motor Trend put it, “Kudos, Dodge, but remember: Don’t spare the sizzle for 2009. Retro Round Two, Challenger versus Camaro, will be here before you can say ‘time warp’”.

Challenger vs. Mustang Bullitt

Price (as tested): $40,208/ $31,525

Engine: 6.1 liter V-8/

Top Speed: 170 mph/

Horsepower: 425/ 315

Torque: 420 lb-ft/

0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds/ 5 seconds

Mileage: 13 city, 18 highway/ 15 city, 23 highway

Challenger vs. Shelby GT500

Price (as tested): $41,158/ $47,210

Engine: 6.1 liter V-8/ 5.4 liter supercharged V-8

Top Speed: 170 mph/ 155 mph (electronically limited)

Horsepower: 425/ 540

Torque: 420 lb-ft/ 480 lb-ft

0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds/ 4.3 seconds

Mileage: 13 city, 18 highway/ 14 city, 20 highway

Car and Driver Pics

Motor Trend Pics

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