Posts Tagged classic car
Spotlight on the 2010 Ford Mustang
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 20, 2009
One of the most classic and loved cars in all of American history is no doubt the Ford Mustang. Its classic muscle car power and sleek lines have captured the hearts of car lovers for decades. Since its initial release in 1964, Ford knew they had a legend on their hands. Through the years, the Mustang has undergone many design changes but it has held its place on the list of classic American cars.
The Mustang has been in constant production since 1964 but has had many different looks. In 1974, the second generation Mustang was introduced to cope with more strict pollution laws. The Mustang had another overhaul in 1979 and again in 1994. The Mustang released in 1994 was the first major redesign this model had seen. This model had more modern, aerodynamic lines that strayed a bit from its classic muscle car days.
In 2005, Ford introduced another new, completely redesigned Mustang. This model was more reminiscent of its classic muscle car look with boxy, powerful lines. When this new design was unveiled, interest in this classic car peaked. In the times of hybrids and SUV’s, the new Mustang was a sigh of relief for car lovers everywhere. The 2010 redesign of the Mustang was no different and lived up to this car’s legendary status.
The new 2010 Mustang has kept its boxy, muscle car look but has improved the not-so-noticeable features. The first upgrade the new Mustang received was its interior. The 2010 model has more metallic features, including round dials on the dashboard and an optional Ford/Microsoft Sync system. The exterior got a slight facelift and bears a proud resemblance to the 1969 Mustang. It has a cool four-light grille, beveled bumpers on the front and back and a huge hood scoop.
Underneath the hood, there are some obvious improvements as well. The Mustang runs a cold-air system which trims its 0-60 times, but has not increased its power too much. The previous models had about 300 horsepower and the new 2010 model boasts about 315 horsepower. They have increased the car’s redline however, which has gone from 6250 to 6500rpm. The new Mustang also comes with a stiffer suspension and its standard 18-inch tires have increased its handling.
One of the cooler observations that Car and Driver made about the new Mustang is how it manages to be both quiet and loud at the same time. If you don’t rev the engine, road and wind noise is minimal making for a peaceful ride. However, if you feel the need for speed and rev up your V-8 engine, you can hear the power in surround sound, so to speak. Ford has introduced what is called a “sound induction tube” that connects the intake to the cabin of the car. This tube transmits only certain frequencies while restricting air flow – that’s pretty high-tech!
Another great thing about the new Mustang is the fact that even though Ford has made some improvements, they haven’t increased the price much. A base model V-6 Mustang will go for just under $22,000 while a GT will cost you just under $29,000. Gas mileage isn’t too bad either for a sporty ride. It will get you about 15mpg city and 23 highway. Not exactly a “green” car, but not too bad for a car that can give you a powerful, fun, legendary ride. All in all, the new Mustang has gotten great reviews and you can be sure that new customers and loyal Mustang owners alike will be lining up for the new 2010 pony.
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Cars – Ford and Chevy, Still Reeling in the Years
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 18, 2009
Henry Ford, arguably the most famous name in cars, founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903. His cars were cheap and mass produced by a loyal work force with with highest wages of any industry at the time ($4.00/day).
By 1908, Ford’s Model-Ts “Tin Lizzies” were filling the roads. Ford’s goal had been to create a car large enough for the entire family to enjoy weekend outings, together. Easy to maintain, and affordable (4 months salary for an assembly line worker); the Model T changed the way the World moved. You would no longer both live and die within 5 miles.
It is uncertain exactly when and what was the first automobile, and who invented it. In 1769, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot of France created the first self propelled road vehicle. It cruised along at just over 2 miles per hour powered by steam.
In the United States, Oliver Evans patented the first automobile on record (also a steam engine) in 1789. It is debated as to whether steam powered road vehicles can be categorized as cars. Those who do accept the notion of steam powered cars call Nicolas Cugnot, of France, the first inventor of the automobile with his self propelled tricycle. Proving very popular for locomotives, the steam engine added too much weight to be feasible for the road.
Sometime between 1832 and 1839 Robert Anderson of Scotland is said to have created the first electric car which also proved to be heavy, slow and expensive. Both the steam engines and the electrical engines were abandoned in favor of gas-powered vehicles. During the early 1900s, the electrical cars had had good sales in the United States, but with the improved system of roads, people wanted cars that could go the distance.
The invention of gas fueled cars is generally credited to Karl Benz of Germany in 1883. In 1926 Benz merged companies with Daimler-Maybach and began manufacturing their legendary cars.
The United States had the Duryea Brothers who formed their automobile company in 1893. Ransom Olds, debuted his Oldsmobile in 1902 and in 1903 Henry Ford was in production with his Ford Motor Company, expanding Olds’ assembly line concept.
Automotive development continued rapidly into front engine vehicles with rear wheel drive. Engine size, power and speed became a major focus of car companies as people became enthralled with the “Merry Oldsmobile” and the V8 engine.
Beginning in 1911, Chevrolet was known for innovative designs and unique styling. Entering the automobile market to compete with the Ford Model T, Louis Chevrolet and William Durant created models that would become part of automobile history. The 1914 “Classic Six” boasted a 6-cylinder engine with a top speed of 15 miles per hour. 1918 saw the first in a long line of Chevy V8 engines.
Chevy is widely known for some of the most popular classic cars ever produced, like the Corvette – one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world. Chevy models of the mid-50s remain wildly popular among car collectors. The ‘55 Bel Air, available in convertible, hardtop coupe, and 2- or 4- door sedan versions was considered superior in style to any other vehicle at the time, particularly due to its chrome accents and classic, refined look. The small-block V8, introduced in 1955, remains in continuous production to this day. Chevy innovations of this era included the first fuel-injected engine in 1957. In 1966, Chevrolet unveiled the Camaro that would become the pace car at the Indy 500.
In 1916, 55% of the cars in the world were Ford Model-Ts. This is a record that has never been (nor likely will be) broken.
In 1964, Chevrolet became the first American automaker to build more than 3 million vehicles in one year.
