Siskel and Ebert review Planes, Trains & Automobiles starring John Candy and Steve Martin
Siskel and Ebert: Planes,Trains & Automobiles
Spotlight on the 2010 Ford Mustang
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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Finding a Good Automotive Repair School
If you have set your sights on a career in the automotive industry, you’ll want to set yourself up for success. Just about anybody with a mechanical inclination can bust tires; but if you want your career to go beyond an entry level tire tech or”lube guy” type of position, you will need an education from a good automotive repair school.
An automotive education proves to employers that you know your trade, making them feel more comfortable about taking a chance on you. It also qualifies you for higher-level openings in the automotive industry, such as mechanic or master mechanic positions, depending on your accompanying experience. Here are some ways to ensure that the automotive repair school you choose will make a good impression on your resume.
Verify the school’s reputation. If an automotive repair school has a good reputation among employers, you can bet there is a good reason for it. Most likely, the employers have hired graduates of the school’s programs, and have been duly impressed. Even if you don’t necessarily have the money or the desire to go to one of the nation’s top automotive schools, you can easily narrow down your list of potential schools by eliminating those with questionable reputations in the industry.
Research the school’s degree programs. Almost all automotive schools have an associate’s degree to help you get started in the automotive industry. This degree can usually be completed in a relatively short amount of time, allowing you to enter the field as soon as possible. In addition, many schools also have a master’s program to help ambitious students reach more esteemed positions, such as those of mechanic or master mechanic. In all cases, do your research and make sure the program genuinely teaches all of the knowledge and skills you will need to have in your chosen career.
Ensure that the school offers ASE certification. ASE Automotive Standards of Excellence certification is extremely important to members of the automotive industry. ASE certification lets your employer know which areas you can claim expert status in, as well as reassuring your customers that their cars are in good hands. Any automotive repair school that is worth its salt will gear its programs toward ASE certification. Some schools simply help you study for the tests, while others may offer testing at their location, making it easier for you to get certified.
Make sure the school offers internship or employment opportunities. The best way to enter the automotive industry is to hold a job in the field while you are in school. Working while in school gives you valuable on-the-job experience that will help you to get your first job as a program graduate. Most automotive schools have relationships with local garages, dealerships, auto parts stores, and other businesses in the industry, enabling you to easily find internships or part-time jobs while you are attending the school.
Find out what resources the school offers its students. Most automotive schools offer a variety of student resources. One of the most important resources to look for is job placement assistance. Ensure that the school has a good program for helping students or graduates prepare for their job search, doing tasks such as creating a winning resume, teaching interviewing skills, and providing automotive job listings.
Verify the cost of the program. Most people can’t ignore the price tag on the package, a good automotive repair school also has to be affordable. Research the cost of the program, and what the cost includes: for example, some schools will quote you one price for everything, while others list only the cost of the courses itself, leaving you to buy books, tools, and other necessities separately. Also, find out if the school provides any type of financial aid; many well-established schools can help qualified students get loans to afford their schooling.
What you do to prepare for your automotive career can literally affect the rest of your life. Attending a shoddy school can be almost as bad as getting no education at all. In your search for a good automotive repair school, you will need to look at more than just the degrees a school offers: you will also need to pay close attention to the educational program that you will undergo, the additional resources the school offers, the school’s reputation, and of course the cost of the program. As long as you take your time researching and choosing an automotive repair school, you should get off to a good start in your chosen career!