SHELBY AUTOMOBILES BEGINS PRODUCTION ON NEW SHELBY GT-H AT ITS LAS VEGAS FACILITY
4/17/2006
SHELBY AUTOMOBILES BEGINS PRODUCTION ON NEW SHELBY GT-H
AT ITS LAS VEGAS FACILITY
Special Edition Performance Mustang Rental Draws Excitement after Recent Debut at New York International Auto Show
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 17, 2006) -- On the 42nd birthday of the Ford Mustang (introduced on April 17, 1964), Carroll Shelby International Inc’s (CSBI.PK) wholly owned subsidiary Shelby Automobiles, Inc. announced today the start of production of the new Shelby GT-H at its Las Vegas production facility. The Shelby GT-H was recently unveiled to press on April 12th at the media days at the New York International Auto Show and received rave reviews from the crowd with anticipation building for their introduction to the rental market later this year.
Forty years ago, Ford Motor Company, Carroll Shelby and The Hertz Corporation came up with an ingenious program to help get high-performance, special-edition Ford Mustangs into the hands of rental customers who also happened to be car enthusiasts. Today, the story of Shelby's 1966 GT350 Hertz "Rent-A-Racer" program is legendary.
To connect that car's magical past with the modern capabilities of the new Ford Mustang, Ford, Shelby and Hertz have again teamed up to offer the 2006 Shelby GT-H – a hot, new performance Mustang that will be available only to Hertz rental customers beginning later this year.
Like the original “Rent-a-Racer,” the Shelby GT-H will be instantly recognizable with its Black-and-Gold Hertz exterior paint-and-stripes theme, Shelby Automobiles performance hood, and other exterior styling enhancements, including a special front fascia and side scoops. Each Shelby GT-H will also wear unique emblems and feature a numbered dash badge with Carroll Shelby's signature.
“The Ford Shelby GT-H is going to be a unique rental experience for some lucky drivers,” said Carroll Shelby, CEO of Shelby Automobiles, Inc. “We are excited to produce these cars at our Las Vegas production facility which will ensure the Shelby GT-Hs have all of the performance capabilities our fans expect from a Shelby Mustang.”
To add a genuine Ford performance kick, the Shelby Team has raided the Ford Racing Performance Parts closet to add some additional adrenaline to the already strong Mustang GT. The car's 4.6L V-8/Automatic powertrain gets a Ford Racing Performance Power
Pack, including a 90mm Cold Air kit, the Muffler Kit and the special Ford Racing engine calibration. And to put that extra power to the ground, Ford Racing Performance Parts also supplies its Handling Pack, including special dampers, lowering springs, sway bars and strut tower brace – even a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly. These modifications increase the overall horsepower to 325 and torque to 330 ft lbs, a 25 HP and 10 ft lb increase respectively.
With production expected to number only around 500 units in Hertz rental fleets across the country, this special edition Ford Shelby GT-H is sure to give Hertz customers a truly exclusive driving experience like only Shelby and the Ford Mustang can deliver.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Rick's First Generation Camaro Everthing for the Early Camaro's
Rick's First Generation Camaro
Largest, most up to date selection of restoration parts
Quality parts at great prices
Technical Assistance
The Best Parts at the Best Price...
More than just a slogan, we are committed to providing only the highest quality products at the lowest price. We select your parts exclusively from the world's leading brand name manufacturers to provide you technically correct parts of the very best quality. Whether you need a single repair part or are undertaking a major restoration project, all our parts, including original GM, are individually selected for quality and value.
Everything For Your Car...
Our specialization and dedication toward your car means we concentrate all our efforts and resources on your vehicle. For the most complete selection of technically correct parts, latest reproductions, hard to find used or ultra-rare or historical pieces, give us a call, toll free.
Superior Quality Parts...
We offer Officially Licensed GM Restoration Parts including only the best selections from Classic Headquarters, Original Equipment Reproduction and other leading, brand name manufacturer's products whenever possible to ensure manufacturing quality and technical standards that meet or exceed original GM specifications. All OER and Classic Headquarters licensed products are backed by a full one year manufacturer warranty. All products that carry the GM restoration Parts emblem are officially licensed and approved by General Motors. Rick's First Generation Camaro is contractually authorized to display the GM Restoration Parts, Officially Licensed Product and emblems by the Service Parts Operations group of General Motors.
World Class Shipping & Order Fulfillment...
We stock over 99.9% of everything we sell! Place your phone/fax order before 3:00 p.m. EST ( On-Line Store 2:00 PM) Monday-Friday and we will normally ship that same day. Over 98% of all orders ship complete with no back orders. Our industry leading, proprietary computer controlled inventory and our willingness to put our money on the shelves to better serve you - keeps your parts in stock, in quantity, ready to ship today directly from our door to yours! All Rick's First Generation Camaro parts are individually part number labeled, bar-coded and match scanned to ensure you get the parts you need. Join the tens of thousands of our customers who have already discovered what service really means.
Toll Free: 1-800-359-7717
Visit Rick's First Generation Camaro
Largest, most up to date selection of restoration parts
Quality parts at great prices
Technical Assistance
The Best Parts at the Best Price...
More than just a slogan, we are committed to providing only the highest quality products at the lowest price. We select your parts exclusively from the world's leading brand name manufacturers to provide you technically correct parts of the very best quality. Whether you need a single repair part or are undertaking a major restoration project, all our parts, including original GM, are individually selected for quality and value.
Everything For Your Car...
Our specialization and dedication toward your car means we concentrate all our efforts and resources on your vehicle. For the most complete selection of technically correct parts, latest reproductions, hard to find used or ultra-rare or historical pieces, give us a call, toll free.
Superior Quality Parts...
We offer Officially Licensed GM Restoration Parts including only the best selections from Classic Headquarters, Original Equipment Reproduction and other leading, brand name manufacturer's products whenever possible to ensure manufacturing quality and technical standards that meet or exceed original GM specifications. All OER and Classic Headquarters licensed products are backed by a full one year manufacturer warranty. All products that carry the GM restoration Parts emblem are officially licensed and approved by General Motors. Rick's First Generation Camaro is contractually authorized to display the GM Restoration Parts, Officially Licensed Product and emblems by the Service Parts Operations group of General Motors.
World Class Shipping & Order Fulfillment...
We stock over 99.9% of everything we sell! Place your phone/fax order before 3:00 p.m. EST ( On-Line Store 2:00 PM) Monday-Friday and we will normally ship that same day. Over 98% of all orders ship complete with no back orders. Our industry leading, proprietary computer controlled inventory and our willingness to put our money on the shelves to better serve you - keeps your parts in stock, in quantity, ready to ship today directly from our door to yours! All Rick's First Generation Camaro parts are individually part number labeled, bar-coded and match scanned to ensure you get the parts you need. Join the tens of thousands of our customers who have already discovered what service really means.
Toll Free: 1-800-359-7717
Visit Rick's First Generation Camaro
Friday, March 26, 2010
Roush Performance Weekend Racer "427R" Track Pak Mustang
ROUSH caters to weekend racers with the 427R Trak Pak Mustang
Roush has come out with a new variant of its ground-pounding 427R. the 427R Trak Pak Mustang is designed for drivers who want to track their road cars on race weekends and such. Naturally, a host of changes have been made which differentiate the Trak Pak from the standard 427R. The 427R's plenty powerful (435 hp/400 lb.-ft.), but to make it really track-ready, Roush bestowed the Trak Pack with improved cooling, enhanced chassis rigidity, a fully-overhauled suspension, upgraded 6-piston brakes, and a new aero kit with an optional adjustable rear wing (as shown above). New 18" wheels, extra-sticky rubber, and unique graphics cap off the 427R Trak Pak's imposing look. The interior is similarly upgraded with a performance gauge package, shift light, short-throw shifter, leather sport seats, and aluminum pedals. Roush expects many buyers to use the 427R Trak Pack as a daily driver in addition to flogging it on a closed course, hence the presence of the comfort items like the leather seats. Pricing's been set at $58,245 and production will be limited to 100 cars, which will start becoming available later this summer. Follow the jump for the complete skinny from Roush, which calls the 427R Trak Pak its best-handling Mustang ever.
PRESS RELEASE:
ROUSH TAKES THE POLE WITH THE NEW 427R TRAK PAK MUSTANG
LIVONIA, Mich. (July 20, 2007) - Jack Roush knows a thing or two about racing and Mustangs. His road racing career includes more than 110 wins and 20 national championships, and this vast expertise is evident throughout the latest special edition Mustang offering from ROUSH Performance - the 2008 ROUSH 427R Trak Pak.
Designed for the daily driver who enjoys pushing his car to the limits on open track days, the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang has plenty of specialized content to accommodate the unique needs of those who like driving up to the edge on the racetrack in a safe, controlled environment.
With the addition of the intercooled ROUSHcharger* the 427R Trak Pak Mustang has 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power to quickly get up to speed on the straightaways. The cooling system has been enhanced with a black bar high flow front grille and radiator cooling shields. There is a functional strut tower brace under the hood to help strengthen the chassis and decrease unwanted twisting.
The suspension system has been completely revamped to easily manage the twists and turns of a road course. The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak suspension includes adjustable front and rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilization bars, front and rear jounce bumpers and adjustable camber/caster plates.
To whoa this pony down ROUSH adds 6-piston front calipers with 14-inch, two-piece slotted front rotors and slotted rear rotors. The brake pads are replaced with high-performance racing quality versions, and the new ROUSH brake cooling system and high temperature brake fluid will ensure that the brakes will be ready when you need them the most.
The ROUSH three-piece aerobody kit gives the car a menacing look as it roars past the other cars on the track, and consists of a front fascia, front chin spoiler and hood scoop. The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang will also be available with an optional functional, adjustable rear carbon fiber spoiler, which in testing, provided additional rear downforce. The car rides on 18-inch forged wheels painted a dark charcoal and mounted to ultra-performance tires for maximum grip on the racetrack. The functional hood pins, unique graphics and badging add to the overall styling of the car.
Inside the cockpit the driver will immediately notice the addition of the new three-gauge dash pod with engine oil temperature, coolent temperature and a boost gauge. A shift light has also been integrated into this dash pod as well. The ROUSH sport leather seating, short throw shifter with retro-style ball, and four-piece performance pedal kit help to round out the interior styling.
"There is a lot of innovation in these cars that came directly from what we used in my Trans-Am and IMSA racing days and to see it transferred to a street car and for open track use is extremely gratifying," said Jack Roush. "There are no other Mustangs on the market with standard equipment like adjustable camber plates or brake cooling ducts and I fully expect to see this car flex its American muscle and run past the European imports that seem to dominate these types of track events."
"Even though this car has, obviously, a lot of content which was designed for track use, I foresee most owners using this as a 'daily driver' as the handling of the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang is our best-handling Mustang ever," said Joe Thompson, ROUSH Performance vice-president and general manager. "The handling on this Trak Pak Mustang is truly something amazing."
The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang went through thousands of miles of testing on the streets and racetracks prior to being approved for production. The ROUSH engineering staff would continually evaluate the functionality and durability of the parts on racetracks such as Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wis.), Gingerman Raceway (South Haven, Mich.), and Hallett Motor Racing Circuit (Hallett, Okla.).
There are just a handful of options available for the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang, including white electro luminescent gauges, carbon fiber dash trim kit, and the ROUSH rear quarter window louvers.
The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang has a suggested retail price of $58,245. The vehicle is expected to be available in the late summer, just in time to put some humility into the other drivers prior to the end of the open track season. This car will be limited in production to 100 units.
Current owners of ROUSH Mustangs will be pleased to learn that some of the 427R Trak Pak Mustang components will be available separately. Pricing and component details will be available shortly.
Based in Livonia, Mich., "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes place at ROUSH Performance. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.
Visit Roush Performance!
Roush has come out with a new variant of its ground-pounding 427R. the 427R Trak Pak Mustang is designed for drivers who want to track their road cars on race weekends and such. Naturally, a host of changes have been made which differentiate the Trak Pak from the standard 427R. The 427R's plenty powerful (435 hp/400 lb.-ft.), but to make it really track-ready, Roush bestowed the Trak Pack with improved cooling, enhanced chassis rigidity, a fully-overhauled suspension, upgraded 6-piston brakes, and a new aero kit with an optional adjustable rear wing (as shown above). New 18" wheels, extra-sticky rubber, and unique graphics cap off the 427R Trak Pak's imposing look. The interior is similarly upgraded with a performance gauge package, shift light, short-throw shifter, leather sport seats, and aluminum pedals. Roush expects many buyers to use the 427R Trak Pack as a daily driver in addition to flogging it on a closed course, hence the presence of the comfort items like the leather seats. Pricing's been set at $58,245 and production will be limited to 100 cars, which will start becoming available later this summer. Follow the jump for the complete skinny from Roush, which calls the 427R Trak Pak its best-handling Mustang ever.
PRESS RELEASE:
ROUSH TAKES THE POLE WITH THE NEW 427R TRAK PAK MUSTANG
LIVONIA, Mich. (July 20, 2007) - Jack Roush knows a thing or two about racing and Mustangs. His road racing career includes more than 110 wins and 20 national championships, and this vast expertise is evident throughout the latest special edition Mustang offering from ROUSH Performance - the 2008 ROUSH 427R Trak Pak.
Designed for the daily driver who enjoys pushing his car to the limits on open track days, the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang has plenty of specialized content to accommodate the unique needs of those who like driving up to the edge on the racetrack in a safe, controlled environment.
With the addition of the intercooled ROUSHcharger* the 427R Trak Pak Mustang has 435 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power to quickly get up to speed on the straightaways. The cooling system has been enhanced with a black bar high flow front grille and radiator cooling shields. There is a functional strut tower brace under the hood to help strengthen the chassis and decrease unwanted twisting.
The suspension system has been completely revamped to easily manage the twists and turns of a road course. The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak suspension includes adjustable front and rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilization bars, front and rear jounce bumpers and adjustable camber/caster plates.
To whoa this pony down ROUSH adds 6-piston front calipers with 14-inch, two-piece slotted front rotors and slotted rear rotors. The brake pads are replaced with high-performance racing quality versions, and the new ROUSH brake cooling system and high temperature brake fluid will ensure that the brakes will be ready when you need them the most.
The ROUSH three-piece aerobody kit gives the car a menacing look as it roars past the other cars on the track, and consists of a front fascia, front chin spoiler and hood scoop. The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang will also be available with an optional functional, adjustable rear carbon fiber spoiler, which in testing, provided additional rear downforce. The car rides on 18-inch forged wheels painted a dark charcoal and mounted to ultra-performance tires for maximum grip on the racetrack. The functional hood pins, unique graphics and badging add to the overall styling of the car.
Inside the cockpit the driver will immediately notice the addition of the new three-gauge dash pod with engine oil temperature, coolent temperature and a boost gauge. A shift light has also been integrated into this dash pod as well. The ROUSH sport leather seating, short throw shifter with retro-style ball, and four-piece performance pedal kit help to round out the interior styling.
"There is a lot of innovation in these cars that came directly from what we used in my Trans-Am and IMSA racing days and to see it transferred to a street car and for open track use is extremely gratifying," said Jack Roush. "There are no other Mustangs on the market with standard equipment like adjustable camber plates or brake cooling ducts and I fully expect to see this car flex its American muscle and run past the European imports that seem to dominate these types of track events."
"Even though this car has, obviously, a lot of content which was designed for track use, I foresee most owners using this as a 'daily driver' as the handling of the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang is our best-handling Mustang ever," said Joe Thompson, ROUSH Performance vice-president and general manager. "The handling on this Trak Pak Mustang is truly something amazing."
The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang went through thousands of miles of testing on the streets and racetracks prior to being approved for production. The ROUSH engineering staff would continually evaluate the functionality and durability of the parts on racetracks such as Road America (Elkhart Lake, Wis.), Gingerman Raceway (South Haven, Mich.), and Hallett Motor Racing Circuit (Hallett, Okla.).
There are just a handful of options available for the ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang, including white electro luminescent gauges, carbon fiber dash trim kit, and the ROUSH rear quarter window louvers.
The ROUSH 427R Trak Pak Mustang has a suggested retail price of $58,245. The vehicle is expected to be available in the late summer, just in time to put some humility into the other drivers prior to the end of the open track season. This car will be limited in production to 100 units.
Current owners of ROUSH Mustangs will be pleased to learn that some of the 427R Trak Pak Mustang components will be available separately. Pricing and component details will be available shortly.
Based in Livonia, Mich., "The Art of Performance Engineering" takes place at ROUSH Performance. In addition to the array of Ford Mustang and F-150 styling, handling and performance upgrades, a complete line of performance parts and crate engines are offered. For more information see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH.
Visit Roush Performance!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
2010 Camaro Twin Turbo " 1000 HP " The Big Bad Wolf !!!
The HPE1000 Twin Turbo Camaro
“My, What Big Turbos You Have”
Meet the Big Bad American Wolf &ndash the 2010 HPE1000 Camaro: Its fully-forged LSX devouring every PSI of boost from a pair of howling tubrochargers. Unleash a hair-raising 1,000HP on unsuspecting strips of pavement as you fearlessly streak down the highway with the widest grin you've ever made strapped across your face.
Power:
• 1,000 HP
• 900 lb-ft TQ
The HPE1000 Upgrade Includes:
• 427 cid LSX Block
• Forged Aluminum Pistons
• Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank
• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
• Ported Cylinder Heads w/ Valves & Valve Job
• Custom HPE Camshaft
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• FAST LSX Intake Manifold
• 90mm Throttle Body
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Include Lines, Rails & Secondary Pump)
• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Dual Air-to-Air Intercoolers
• Dual K&N Air Filters
• Boost Controller
• HPE Stainless Steel Turbo Manifolds
• 3 inch Stainless Steel Exhaust
• Professional Installation
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• HPE1000 & Hennessey Badging
• Limited Edition Dash Plaque & Engine Plaque w/ Serial Number
• Hennessey Premium Floormats
• 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty
REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
• 6spd Manual: Twin Disc Clutch
• Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade
Additional Appearance and Performance Options
for the HPE1000 also Available:
• Exterior Graphics Package
• Lightweight Wheels
• Full Coliover Suspension Kit
• Hennessey CarbonAero&trade Body Kit
• Custom Leather Interior
• And More!
Please Call Hennessey Performance Today at (979) 885-1300
for More Information. Package components and availability subject to change.
Visit Hennessey Performance!
“My, What Big Turbos You Have”
Meet the Big Bad American Wolf &ndash the 2010 HPE1000 Camaro: Its fully-forged LSX devouring every PSI of boost from a pair of howling tubrochargers. Unleash a hair-raising 1,000HP on unsuspecting strips of pavement as you fearlessly streak down the highway with the widest grin you've ever made strapped across your face.
Power:
• 1,000 HP
• 900 lb-ft TQ
The HPE1000 Upgrade Includes:
• 427 cid LSX Block
• Forged Aluminum Pistons
• Forged Steel Connecting Rods
• Callies 4340 Forged Steel Crank
• Balanced and Blueprinted Rotating Assembly
• ARP Main Studs & Head Bolts
• Ported Cylinder Heads w/ Valves & Valve Job
• Custom HPE Camshaft
• High Flow Cylinder Heads
• FAST LSX Intake Manifold
• 90mm Throttle Body
• Upgraded Fuel Injectors
• Upgraded Fuel System (Include Lines, Rails & Secondary Pump)
• Twin Ball Bearing Turbochargers
• Dual Wastegates
• Dual Air-to-Air Intercoolers
• Dual K&N Air Filters
• Boost Controller
• HPE Stainless Steel Turbo Manifolds
• 3 inch Stainless Steel Exhaust
• Professional Installation
• Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
• HPE1000 & Hennessey Badging
• Limited Edition Dash Plaque & Engine Plaque w/ Serial Number
• Hennessey Premium Floormats
• 1 Year / 12,000 Mile Limited Warranty
REQUIRED TRANSMISSION UPGRADE:
• 6spd Manual: Twin Disc Clutch
• Automatic: Performance Build & Torque Converter Upgrade
Additional Appearance and Performance Options
for the HPE1000 also Available:
• Exterior Graphics Package
• Lightweight Wheels
• Full Coliover Suspension Kit
• Hennessey CarbonAero&trade Body Kit
• Custom Leather Interior
• And More!
Please Call Hennessey Performance Today at (979) 885-1300
for More Information. Package components and availability subject to change.
Visit Hennessey Performance!
2010/2011 Camaro Z-28 LS7 Deadly Fast !!!
As I stood atop the media tower at Memphis Motorsports Park, I couldn't help but listen in on a group of bench racers standing nearby. As each car came under the tunnel, someone in the group would comment on how fast it would be or how much they liked it, you know, the normal trackside banter. Just as the black Fastlane 2010 Camaro pulled past the water box I heard "You know, these new Camaros are too heavy to be fast. They take too much power to go anywhere; plus, this one looks like a roller skate with that GM body kit." Admittedly, at idle, the Fastlane car doesn't sound like much. In fact, thanks to what is under the hood, it was probably the quietest 2010 on the grounds. As the light turned green, with a calm, somewhat boring launch, it took off. For the first 200 feet, my bench racer friends remained unimpressed. "You can't go fast on a 20-inch wheel," they said. "You can't run with a fourth-gen in one of those, not with the IRS," one of them murmured. But then, about 300 feet out, everyone got quiet. Right as Nick Field of Fastlane really started applying power, the 2010 began accelerating at warp speed. Out the back door, it ran a 10.86 at 127 mph. The crowd went wild and my newly humbled friends got very quiet.
Nick Field would go on to pilot Sean West's Camaro to the top of the 2010 Camaro Shootout that weekend, making it the fastest fifth-gen in Memphis and winning them an LSX block, an LSX jacket, and an entire year's worth of bragging rights. So, what did it take to get them to the top? Quite honestly, not much, just a quality plan, a couple of well thought-out parts, and an eye on making useable, reliable horsepower without breaking parts or spinning tires. "We built this simply to compete in the Shootout." Starting with a stock Camaro, Fastlane first had to decide on an appropriate power adder, a choice that was fairly simple considering its expertise in turbocharging. "We build our Fastlane ZL1 turbo kit for stock motors, providing GM reliability and big-block power." The heart of this system is a 72mm BorgWarner extended-tip turbocharger, which helps make a massive amount of power on the otherwise stock engine.
"We received this Camaro brand new, right off the showroom floor. It came to us in black, with the GM Accessories ground effects already installed." And with it in the Fastlane shop, the team began tearing into it, first to see what could stay and then to see what needed to go. As you may well be aware, the new L99/LS3 engine is a killer piece in stock form, coming from GM with enough power to run high 12s to low 13s (stock). With 6.2 liters to draw from, they really don't need too much work to get going, but going isn't what Fastlane was after-they wanted to win. With everything up in the air, the team decided to pull the stock camshaft, replacing it with a top secret, custom hydraulic roller that, interestingly enough, still retains the stock "Displacement-On-Demand" (DOD) lifters and the cam phasing ability.
With the new stick installed, and ground specifically for boost, it was time for the real work to begin. For Fastlane and owner Sean West, this meant installing one of its ZL1 turbo systems. With the stock exhaust manifolds removed, Fastlane fabricated a new pair of turbo manifolds, which merge inside the engine bay right behind the driver-side headlight. With the BorgWarner 72mm turbocharger bolted to the manifolds, the team turned its attention to heat management and exhaust routing. To keep the underhood temperatures down, a turbo blanket was wrapped around the hot side, which is placed just far enough away from anything not worth burning. The exhaust starts as a 4-inch downpipe, which is quickly merged down to 3-inches before heading out of the engine bay, where it is eventually split to meet up with a custom 3-inch catback exhaust, with twin 3-inch MagnaFlow mufflers. Because this car came with the optional GM ground effects package, the crew decided to keep the stock tips, which gives the rear a nice, classy touch.
Of course, a turbo is only useful with a quality intake tract, and Fastlane took its time here to build a quality intercooler system that would allow for big flow, while keeping charge temperatures under control. "We build a custom three-core air-to-air intercooler, which sits almost completely hidden behind the stock grille." Once air passes through the intercooler, it is sent up a 3-inch mandrel-bent charge pipe, right into the stock L99 Drive-By-Wire throttle body. Believe it or not, all of this air is balanced perfectly by a set of stock injectors, which are fed fuel by the Fastlane dual fuel pump module known as "The Deuce." Using OEM pumps custom-mounted in a dual bucket, The Deuce allows Fastlane to keep the stock tank, along with stock driveability and reliability. Tuning is all done in-house, using EFI Live software to keep everything in check.
As the turbo spools, power is transferred to a Circle D 3,000-stall converter, which is the only part of the drivetrain that has been touched. That's right, from the converter back; everything is stock-including the driveshaft, rearend, and axles. In fact, for the LSX Shootout, even the wheels were stock, wrapped in a pair of 20-inch Nitto NT555R drag radials. Of course, the tires do get some help, in the form of some well-placed suspension pieces. Front and rear, this car sports a set of Pedders coilovers, which not only help transfer power, but complete the killer stance. Out back, a pair of BMR trailing arms help keep the tires planted and out of wheelhop, a major advantage when trying to track one of these new Camaros.
Interestingly, it seems another major advantage when racing one of these new Camaros is to keep it simple. As many others found out during the 2010 Shootout, having all the bells and whistles also means having to fix them, and in racing, sometimes just going rounds can keep you at the top. Of course, Fastlane happened to win by maximizing on both fronts, building a solid, reliable race car that also happened to be deadly fast. Remember when a 10-second car had to be a race car? Those days are long gone, with Fastlane shattering the 10s, winning the Shootout, and heading home with the A/C blasting and the full interior intact. It's almost impossible to not be impressed, even if you weren't a new Camaro fan.
Nick Field would go on to pilot Sean West's Camaro to the top of the 2010 Camaro Shootout that weekend, making it the fastest fifth-gen in Memphis and winning them an LSX block, an LSX jacket, and an entire year's worth of bragging rights. So, what did it take to get them to the top? Quite honestly, not much, just a quality plan, a couple of well thought-out parts, and an eye on making useable, reliable horsepower without breaking parts or spinning tires. "We built this simply to compete in the Shootout." Starting with a stock Camaro, Fastlane first had to decide on an appropriate power adder, a choice that was fairly simple considering its expertise in turbocharging. "We build our Fastlane ZL1 turbo kit for stock motors, providing GM reliability and big-block power." The heart of this system is a 72mm BorgWarner extended-tip turbocharger, which helps make a massive amount of power on the otherwise stock engine.
"We received this Camaro brand new, right off the showroom floor. It came to us in black, with the GM Accessories ground effects already installed." And with it in the Fastlane shop, the team began tearing into it, first to see what could stay and then to see what needed to go. As you may well be aware, the new L99/LS3 engine is a killer piece in stock form, coming from GM with enough power to run high 12s to low 13s (stock). With 6.2 liters to draw from, they really don't need too much work to get going, but going isn't what Fastlane was after-they wanted to win. With everything up in the air, the team decided to pull the stock camshaft, replacing it with a top secret, custom hydraulic roller that, interestingly enough, still retains the stock "Displacement-On-Demand" (DOD) lifters and the cam phasing ability.
With the new stick installed, and ground specifically for boost, it was time for the real work to begin. For Fastlane and owner Sean West, this meant installing one of its ZL1 turbo systems. With the stock exhaust manifolds removed, Fastlane fabricated a new pair of turbo manifolds, which merge inside the engine bay right behind the driver-side headlight. With the BorgWarner 72mm turbocharger bolted to the manifolds, the team turned its attention to heat management and exhaust routing. To keep the underhood temperatures down, a turbo blanket was wrapped around the hot side, which is placed just far enough away from anything not worth burning. The exhaust starts as a 4-inch downpipe, which is quickly merged down to 3-inches before heading out of the engine bay, where it is eventually split to meet up with a custom 3-inch catback exhaust, with twin 3-inch MagnaFlow mufflers. Because this car came with the optional GM ground effects package, the crew decided to keep the stock tips, which gives the rear a nice, classy touch.
Of course, a turbo is only useful with a quality intake tract, and Fastlane took its time here to build a quality intercooler system that would allow for big flow, while keeping charge temperatures under control. "We build a custom three-core air-to-air intercooler, which sits almost completely hidden behind the stock grille." Once air passes through the intercooler, it is sent up a 3-inch mandrel-bent charge pipe, right into the stock L99 Drive-By-Wire throttle body. Believe it or not, all of this air is balanced perfectly by a set of stock injectors, which are fed fuel by the Fastlane dual fuel pump module known as "The Deuce." Using OEM pumps custom-mounted in a dual bucket, The Deuce allows Fastlane to keep the stock tank, along with stock driveability and reliability. Tuning is all done in-house, using EFI Live software to keep everything in check.
As the turbo spools, power is transferred to a Circle D 3,000-stall converter, which is the only part of the drivetrain that has been touched. That's right, from the converter back; everything is stock-including the driveshaft, rearend, and axles. In fact, for the LSX Shootout, even the wheels were stock, wrapped in a pair of 20-inch Nitto NT555R drag radials. Of course, the tires do get some help, in the form of some well-placed suspension pieces. Front and rear, this car sports a set of Pedders coilovers, which not only help transfer power, but complete the killer stance. Out back, a pair of BMR trailing arms help keep the tires planted and out of wheelhop, a major advantage when trying to track one of these new Camaros.
Interestingly, it seems another major advantage when racing one of these new Camaros is to keep it simple. As many others found out during the 2010 Shootout, having all the bells and whistles also means having to fix them, and in racing, sometimes just going rounds can keep you at the top. Of course, Fastlane happened to win by maximizing on both fronts, building a solid, reliable race car that also happened to be deadly fast. Remember when a 10-second car had to be a race car? Those days are long gone, with Fastlane shattering the 10s, winning the Shootout, and heading home with the A/C blasting and the full interior intact. It's almost impossible to not be impressed, even if you weren't a new Camaro fan.
Satellite Direct " Watching TV through the Internet " Check it out !!
What Is It?: Satellite Direct is software that allows you to watch TV through the internet. It works by locating over 3500 satellite HD channels and playing them just like TV through your internet connection. You don’t need to purchase any separate receivers or satellite dishes or anything – just load the software and you’ll be watching TV through the internet in no time.
What I Liked About It: I was skeptical about the quality of the HD stations before this Satellite Direct review. I wasn’t sure how quality TV through internet connections could be, but I was pleasantly surprised. Satellite Direct provided high quality stations. For the price of $49.95 (through our special link), you will be able to watch TV through the internet for life – I have since cancelled my home cable service (which cost me more than $49.95 every single month).
What I Disliked About It: This is another review that I have absolutely nothing bad to say about. I was quite thrilled with my Satellite Direct review. If you’re a skeptic about TV through internet services, I would honestly say that you have to try Satellite Direct.
Would I Recommend It?: I would definitely have to recommend this program. This Satellite Direct review has surely been one of my favorite things that I have reviewed so far. I was a bit skeptic going into it (I was cautious about TV through internet connections), but I have to say that I was overwhelmed with the number of channels and they’re great quality. For the very affordable price of $49.95 (though our special link), which is less than one month’s cable bill, you have unlimited access to loads of HD channels that are just as clear as TV through your internet
Satellite Direct Review.
What I Liked About It: I was skeptical about the quality of the HD stations before this Satellite Direct review. I wasn’t sure how quality TV through internet connections could be, but I was pleasantly surprised. Satellite Direct provided high quality stations. For the price of $49.95 (through our special link), you will be able to watch TV through the internet for life – I have since cancelled my home cable service (which cost me more than $49.95 every single month).
What I Disliked About It: This is another review that I have absolutely nothing bad to say about. I was quite thrilled with my Satellite Direct review. If you’re a skeptic about TV through internet services, I would honestly say that you have to try Satellite Direct.
Would I Recommend It?: I would definitely have to recommend this program. This Satellite Direct review has surely been one of my favorite things that I have reviewed so far. I was a bit skeptic going into it (I was cautious about TV through internet connections), but I have to say that I was overwhelmed with the number of channels and they’re great quality. For the very affordable price of $49.95 (though our special link), which is less than one month’s cable bill, you have unlimited access to loads of HD channels that are just as clear as TV through your internet
Satellite Direct Review.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Roush - Barrett Jackson " 540 HP " Limited Production Concept Mustang
March 18, 2010
ROUSH and Barrett-Jackson to Offer Limited Edition Mustang with Custom Paint and Monster Horsepower
Concept Car for New Limited Edition Series to be Sold at Palm Beach Auction
LIVONIA, Mich. – ROUSH Performance® and Barrett-Jackson have teamed together to offer a limited edition, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The concept car for the Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will be sold at No Reserve during the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach on April 1-3, 2010, at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
“The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang ties two leading automotive brands together in an amazing package combining performance and unique styling,” said Jack Roush. “People who drive a regular production ROUSH Mustang are used to getting plenty of second looks. But with the custom Barrett-Jackson paint in such gorgeous colors, these owners will experience envy on an entirely new level.”
The concept vehicle will be auctioned to the highest bidder on Saturday, April 3 at the Barrett-Jackson event in Palm Beach, Fla.; the car is expected to be shown live during the SPEED broadcast. This Mustang will be painted with a base of metallic “Back in Black” with “Red Hot Chili Pepper” stripes on the front. This car will be the model for a run of up to 25 units based on the 2010 Mustang, and an additional 25 units on the 2011 chassis.
“The only thing faster than this muscular ROUSH Mustang concept set to go across the auction block will be the bidding,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “With the ROUSHcharger, forged internal components and a resonator exhaust, this is one good looking Mustang that really moves.”
With a maximum of 25 serialized units built on the 2010 chassis, this car represents the first time that ROUSH will completely re-paint a Mustang from front fascia to rear bumper. Customers ordering the car, or the ROUSH authorized Ford dealerships that inventory a unit, can custom order both the base coat and the side stripes in any combination from the 25 available smoking hot Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints.
“We wanted to give customers the opportunity to enjoy the collectability of a very limited edition series of performance cars but still be able to customize it,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “By teaming with ROUSH and Planet Color, we merged the two, giving enthusiasts literally the best of both worlds.”
In addition to the custom paint schemes, the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will sport 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood thanks to the R2300 ROUSHcharger® and several forged internal components such as the pistons and crankshaft. The Mustang will ride on 20-inch chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires; the suspension package includes ROUSH front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers to turn any commute into a slalom course.
It comes fully-loaded with ROUSH body components to add to its appearance; resonator exhaust for a deep V-8 rumble; four-piston front brakes with 14-inch rotors and painted rear calipers with slotted rotors; and new upper and lower billet grille that removes the fog lamps and streamlines the appearance of the new Mustang while improving cooling performance. Interior enhancements include leather seats with an embroidered Barrett-Jackson logo; four-piece performance pedals; ROUSH illuminated sill plates; short throw shifter with black or white ball; and a new interior badge with the serial number engraved.
The suggested retail for the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang package is $41,495 plus the Mustang chassis. Each vehicle will be covered with the traditional ROUSH 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, and are available in manual transmission only. For more information on the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang, or to see the complete content list, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.
Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. For more information, see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH. Follow us on Twitter @_ROUSH_ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushperformance.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
ROUSH and Barrett-Jackson to Offer Limited Edition Mustang with Custom Paint and Monster Horsepower
Concept Car for New Limited Edition Series to be Sold at Palm Beach Auction
LIVONIA, Mich. – ROUSH Performance® and Barrett-Jackson have teamed together to offer a limited edition, high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. The concept car for the Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will be sold at No Reserve during the 8th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach on April 1-3, 2010, at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
“The 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang ties two leading automotive brands together in an amazing package combining performance and unique styling,” said Jack Roush. “People who drive a regular production ROUSH Mustang are used to getting plenty of second looks. But with the custom Barrett-Jackson paint in such gorgeous colors, these owners will experience envy on an entirely new level.”
The concept vehicle will be auctioned to the highest bidder on Saturday, April 3 at the Barrett-Jackson event in Palm Beach, Fla.; the car is expected to be shown live during the SPEED broadcast. This Mustang will be painted with a base of metallic “Back in Black” with “Red Hot Chili Pepper” stripes on the front. This car will be the model for a run of up to 25 units based on the 2010 Mustang, and an additional 25 units on the 2011 chassis.
“The only thing faster than this muscular ROUSH Mustang concept set to go across the auction block will be the bidding,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “With the ROUSHcharger, forged internal components and a resonator exhaust, this is one good looking Mustang that really moves.”
With a maximum of 25 serialized units built on the 2010 chassis, this car represents the first time that ROUSH will completely re-paint a Mustang from front fascia to rear bumper. Customers ordering the car, or the ROUSH authorized Ford dealerships that inventory a unit, can custom order both the base coat and the side stripes in any combination from the 25 available smoking hot Planet Color Barrett-Jackson Collector Color Series paints.
“We wanted to give customers the opportunity to enjoy the collectability of a very limited edition series of performance cars but still be able to customize it,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “By teaming with ROUSH and Planet Color, we merged the two, giving enthusiasts literally the best of both worlds.”
In addition to the custom paint schemes, the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang will sport 540 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque under the hood thanks to the R2300 ROUSHcharger® and several forged internal components such as the pistons and crankshaft. The Mustang will ride on 20-inch chrome wheels with high-performance Cooper RS3 tires; the suspension package includes ROUSH front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and jounce bumpers to turn any commute into a slalom course.
It comes fully-loaded with ROUSH body components to add to its appearance; resonator exhaust for a deep V-8 rumble; four-piston front brakes with 14-inch rotors and painted rear calipers with slotted rotors; and new upper and lower billet grille that removes the fog lamps and streamlines the appearance of the new Mustang while improving cooling performance. Interior enhancements include leather seats with an embroidered Barrett-Jackson logo; four-piece performance pedals; ROUSH illuminated sill plates; short throw shifter with black or white ball; and a new interior badge with the serial number engraved.
The suggested retail for the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang package is $41,495 plus the Mustang chassis. Each vehicle will be covered with the traditional ROUSH 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, and are available in manual transmission only. For more information on the 2010 Barrett-Jackson Edition ROUSH Mustang, or to see the complete content list, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com.
Based in Livonia, Mich., “The Art of Performance Engineering” takes place at ROUSH Performance. To get a look behind the scenes at what goes on at ROUSH and how the vehicles are designed, manufactured and produced logon to www.ROUSHtv.com. For more information, see your local ROUSH dealer, visit www.ROUSHperformance.com or telephone toll-free (800) 59-ROUSH. Follow us on Twitter @_ROUSH_ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roushperformance.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Skate Boards Graphics
New to Robbies Tees Skate Board Designs are now being created check it out.
http://www.zazzle.com/robbiestees
http://www.zazzle.com/robbiestees
Friday, March 19, 2010
Classic 62 Corvette Style with the New Style C5 Performance Check out " CRC "
62 Corvette Body Style for C5 Corvette – The CRC
The 1962 Corvette had a classic body style, a favorite of many Corvette enthusiasts, but the tremendous advances in suspension and drivetrain make the modern Corvette so superior to the early models, there simply isn’t any comparison. If a great driving experience is what you’re after, the new Vettes are the clear winner.
But what if you could re-body your C5 Corvette to look much like the ‘62 while retaining all of the performance and driveability you expect from a modern car? Classic Reflection Coachworks of Lakewood, Washington has your answer, the CRC. Starting with your C5, the body panels are carefully removed then everything is precisely measured to be sure the frame and underlying structure is aligned to factory specs. Then, all of the new panels are installed, fitted and aligned. When everything is set, the body is prepared for paint and the color is applied. When the painting is complete, the new interior is fitted and after final inspection, you now have a beautiful new Corvette that looks like what might have been the logical extension of the ‘62 body style if things hadn’t changed in 1963. The CRC is definitely not a kit car, the entire process takes place in Lakewood, Washington and you can check in on the progress of your car right from their web site.
The CRC came about when an initial car was built on a ‘93 chassis using a stock ‘62 body, somewhat like the SN65 Mustang project we wrote about earlier. The success of the car and the interest from those who saw the result was the impetus to design a new body on computers at the Boeing Company. Engineers in the Boeing Chairman’s Innovation Initiative Program, spun off their project forming REALADI, a company that can reverse engineer 3D forms when no model exists. Once in the computer, the information can be used to create CAD drawings for use in production of those parts.
The engineering information was used to create the molds for the body which is made from SPRINT CBS, a material used by Aston Martin and Mercedes for their SLR McLaren. Much of the trim was manufactured specifically for this car. The complete car is quite stunning, just what you would expect from a high end project of this type.
If you think your C5 Corvette might look good with a little retro styling, check out CRC. They have what you need.
The 1962 Corvette had a classic body style, a favorite of many Corvette enthusiasts, but the tremendous advances in suspension and drivetrain make the modern Corvette so superior to the early models, there simply isn’t any comparison. If a great driving experience is what you’re after, the new Vettes are the clear winner.
But what if you could re-body your C5 Corvette to look much like the ‘62 while retaining all of the performance and driveability you expect from a modern car? Classic Reflection Coachworks of Lakewood, Washington has your answer, the CRC. Starting with your C5, the body panels are carefully removed then everything is precisely measured to be sure the frame and underlying structure is aligned to factory specs. Then, all of the new panels are installed, fitted and aligned. When everything is set, the body is prepared for paint and the color is applied. When the painting is complete, the new interior is fitted and after final inspection, you now have a beautiful new Corvette that looks like what might have been the logical extension of the ‘62 body style if things hadn’t changed in 1963. The CRC is definitely not a kit car, the entire process takes place in Lakewood, Washington and you can check in on the progress of your car right from their web site.
The CRC came about when an initial car was built on a ‘93 chassis using a stock ‘62 body, somewhat like the SN65 Mustang project we wrote about earlier. The success of the car and the interest from those who saw the result was the impetus to design a new body on computers at the Boeing Company. Engineers in the Boeing Chairman’s Innovation Initiative Program, spun off their project forming REALADI, a company that can reverse engineer 3D forms when no model exists. Once in the computer, the information can be used to create CAD drawings for use in production of those parts.
The engineering information was used to create the molds for the body which is made from SPRINT CBS, a material used by Aston Martin and Mercedes for their SLR McLaren. Much of the trim was manufactured specifically for this car. The complete car is quite stunning, just what you would expect from a high end project of this type.
If you think your C5 Corvette might look good with a little retro styling, check out CRC. They have what you need.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
1969 - 1970 Horsepower was everything !!
The Golden Age of Muscle Cars: 1969, 1970
If there were signs in 1969 and 1970 that the classic age of muscle cars was nearing an end, you couldn't tell by perusing American automobile showrooms. Dealerships were bursting with ever-more-powerful and outrageous high-performance machines -- muscle cars were at their pinnacle.
The 1969 field featured a slew of limited-edition street machines built to qualify for racing. The Mustang Boss 302 and Firebird Trans Am answered the Camaro Z-28 in SCCA. NASCAR needs prompted an aero-styled Dodge Charger 500 and a heroically winged Charger Daytona, plus a "droop-snoot" fastback Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
Motor Trend called the 1970 Buick GSX "the quickest
American production car we have ever tested."
The budget-muscle ranks expanded with the Torino Cobra and a lower-priced GTO, The Judge. Oldsmobile reprised a Cutlass-based Hurst/Olds package with "Forced Air" induction on a colossal 455-cid V-8, plus flashy gold striping and, of course, a Hurst shifter.
•The 1969 Yenko Camaro 427 got its name from Chevy dealer Don Yenko and its muscle from a sneaky engine transplant.
•Muscle got no meaner than the 1969 Dodge Super Bee Six Pack, named for the three Holley two-barrels on its 440-cid V-8.
•Few classic muscle cars looked wilder, and none had more torque, than the thrilling 1970 Buick GSX.
•Big size, big power, big fun -- the 1970 Ford Torino Cobra uncoiled up to 375 bhp from its ram-air 429-cid V-8.
Hood scoops sprouted like weeds. A new Mustang Mach 1 had a "shaker hood," an air intake attached to the engine that stuck up through a hole and throbbed along with the V-8. Top-power Road Runners offered a pop-up "Air Grabber" scoop. Plymouth also added brash 'Cuda packages for its sporty compact, including a formidable few with big 440s squeezed in.
For pure, unadulterated Detroit performance, 1970 was the storm before the calm. And what a perfect storm it was. Start with General Motors, where a 400-cube limited was lifted and acceleration took off. Buick's midsize muscle was now a racy-looking GS455 with 350 or 360 bhp.
There was also a new velvet-gloved iron fist called GSX packing 370 bhp in "Stage 1" guise. Motor Trend clocked one at 13.38 seconds/105.5 mph in the quarter-mile, "the quickest American production car we have ever tested."
Chevrolet replied with SS Chevelles listing big-block 396s (actually displacing 402 cubes now) and new 454s. Tops among the latter was the rare 450-bhp LS-6 version that rocketed Hot Rod through the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 108.7 mph. "The future may never see a car like this," the editors said. And for a long time, they were right.
Oldsmobile shot back with a regular-production 455 option for the 4-4-2 with 365 bhp stock, 370 with the W-30 performance group. It was a wild ride, though not quite as quick as the GSX or SS 454.
Pontiac's original muscle car also added an optional 455, though rated horsepower topped out at 360. The hot "Goat" setup still was Pontiac's Ram Air 400 with automatic and a tight axle ratio, though Car Life managed a best ET of only 14.6 seconds/99.5 mph. Whatever their performance or nameplate, all of GM's 1970 muscle cars got nice updates of 1968-69 styling. And arguably, GTOs still looked the best, highlighted by a simple bumper/grille combo covered in body-color Endura plastic.
GM also heated up the 1970 pony car scene with a redesigned Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Their convertibles were dropped, but the new coupes had shapely lines that some thought quite European. SS Camaros offered Chevelle's new 402/396-cid V-8, but the racy Z-28 moved to a 360-bhp solid-lifter 350 borrowed from the Corvette. Pontiac's pony car again offered four flavors, with the hottest Firebird 400s and Trans Ams listing up to 370 bhp with new Ram Air shaker hood.
Chrysler, meantime, finally got serious about pony cars, trotting out a burly new 1970 Barracuda and an even huskier Dodge Challenger. Both listed Hemi and 440 V-8 options, though only a relative few were ordered that way; most buyers were quite happy with the strong 340- and 383-cid V-8s, both of which comfortably delivered more than 300 bhp.
Also rare among Mopar's 1970 ponys were the Challenger T/A and AAR 'Cuda featuring super-tuned 340 small-blocks and built to qualify the cars for Trans Am racing. Qualify they did, joining Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs, Cougars, and upstart AMC Javelins to make for the most competitive and exciting Trans Am season ever. In fact, 1970 stands as the series' high-point. Mustang claimed the championship.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A was patterned after a Trans Am race car.
Plymouth was the year's winningest name in NASCAR, thanks to Richard "The King" Petty and his high-wing, bullet-nose Road Runner Superbird. The Bird was much like 1969's Dodge Charger Daytona but saw 1,920 assemblies versus 503 for the Daytona.
Dearborn made muscle news with restyled Ford Torinos and Mercury Cyclones offering new high-performance Cobra Jet 429s with 360-375 bhp. The same basic mill also powered a drag-worthy Boss 429 Mustang, carried over from '69, and the Mercury Cougar Eliminator. Otherwise, 1970 was a quiet year for Ford performance -- ominously so, after the company abruptly ended its memorable "Total Performance" program.
It was a sign of changing times. From here on, muscle cars would never be the same. But their influence on American culture was broad, deep, and lasting.
If there were signs in 1969 and 1970 that the classic age of muscle cars was nearing an end, you couldn't tell by perusing American automobile showrooms. Dealerships were bursting with ever-more-powerful and outrageous high-performance machines -- muscle cars were at their pinnacle.
The 1969 field featured a slew of limited-edition street machines built to qualify for racing. The Mustang Boss 302 and Firebird Trans Am answered the Camaro Z-28 in SCCA. NASCAR needs prompted an aero-styled Dodge Charger 500 and a heroically winged Charger Daytona, plus a "droop-snoot" fastback Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
Motor Trend called the 1970 Buick GSX "the quickest
American production car we have ever tested."
The budget-muscle ranks expanded with the Torino Cobra and a lower-priced GTO, The Judge. Oldsmobile reprised a Cutlass-based Hurst/Olds package with "Forced Air" induction on a colossal 455-cid V-8, plus flashy gold striping and, of course, a Hurst shifter.
•The 1969 Yenko Camaro 427 got its name from Chevy dealer Don Yenko and its muscle from a sneaky engine transplant.
•Muscle got no meaner than the 1969 Dodge Super Bee Six Pack, named for the three Holley two-barrels on its 440-cid V-8.
•Few classic muscle cars looked wilder, and none had more torque, than the thrilling 1970 Buick GSX.
•Big size, big power, big fun -- the 1970 Ford Torino Cobra uncoiled up to 375 bhp from its ram-air 429-cid V-8.
Hood scoops sprouted like weeds. A new Mustang Mach 1 had a "shaker hood," an air intake attached to the engine that stuck up through a hole and throbbed along with the V-8. Top-power Road Runners offered a pop-up "Air Grabber" scoop. Plymouth also added brash 'Cuda packages for its sporty compact, including a formidable few with big 440s squeezed in.
For pure, unadulterated Detroit performance, 1970 was the storm before the calm. And what a perfect storm it was. Start with General Motors, where a 400-cube limited was lifted and acceleration took off. Buick's midsize muscle was now a racy-looking GS455 with 350 or 360 bhp.
There was also a new velvet-gloved iron fist called GSX packing 370 bhp in "Stage 1" guise. Motor Trend clocked one at 13.38 seconds/105.5 mph in the quarter-mile, "the quickest American production car we have ever tested."
Chevrolet replied with SS Chevelles listing big-block 396s (actually displacing 402 cubes now) and new 454s. Tops among the latter was the rare 450-bhp LS-6 version that rocketed Hot Rod through the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 108.7 mph. "The future may never see a car like this," the editors said. And for a long time, they were right.
Oldsmobile shot back with a regular-production 455 option for the 4-4-2 with 365 bhp stock, 370 with the W-30 performance group. It was a wild ride, though not quite as quick as the GSX or SS 454.
Pontiac's original muscle car also added an optional 455, though rated horsepower topped out at 360. The hot "Goat" setup still was Pontiac's Ram Air 400 with automatic and a tight axle ratio, though Car Life managed a best ET of only 14.6 seconds/99.5 mph. Whatever their performance or nameplate, all of GM's 1970 muscle cars got nice updates of 1968-69 styling. And arguably, GTOs still looked the best, highlighted by a simple bumper/grille combo covered in body-color Endura plastic.
GM also heated up the 1970 pony car scene with a redesigned Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Their convertibles were dropped, but the new coupes had shapely lines that some thought quite European. SS Camaros offered Chevelle's new 402/396-cid V-8, but the racy Z-28 moved to a 360-bhp solid-lifter 350 borrowed from the Corvette. Pontiac's pony car again offered four flavors, with the hottest Firebird 400s and Trans Ams listing up to 370 bhp with new Ram Air shaker hood.
Chrysler, meantime, finally got serious about pony cars, trotting out a burly new 1970 Barracuda and an even huskier Dodge Challenger. Both listed Hemi and 440 V-8 options, though only a relative few were ordered that way; most buyers were quite happy with the strong 340- and 383-cid V-8s, both of which comfortably delivered more than 300 bhp.
Also rare among Mopar's 1970 ponys were the Challenger T/A and AAR 'Cuda featuring super-tuned 340 small-blocks and built to qualify the cars for Trans Am racing. Qualify they did, joining Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs, Cougars, and upstart AMC Javelins to make for the most competitive and exciting Trans Am season ever. In fact, 1970 stands as the series' high-point. Mustang claimed the championship.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A was patterned after a Trans Am race car.
Plymouth was the year's winningest name in NASCAR, thanks to Richard "The King" Petty and his high-wing, bullet-nose Road Runner Superbird. The Bird was much like 1969's Dodge Charger Daytona but saw 1,920 assemblies versus 503 for the Daytona.
Dearborn made muscle news with restyled Ford Torinos and Mercury Cyclones offering new high-performance Cobra Jet 429s with 360-375 bhp. The same basic mill also powered a drag-worthy Boss 429 Mustang, carried over from '69, and the Mercury Cougar Eliminator. Otherwise, 1970 was a quiet year for Ford performance -- ominously so, after the company abruptly ended its memorable "Total Performance" program.
It was a sign of changing times. From here on, muscle cars would never be the same. But their influence on American culture was broad, deep, and lasting.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Trans AM Racing from the " Beginning to Present "
History
The Beginnings (1966 - 1967)
Kwech/Andrey 1966 Trans-Am Championship Alfa Romeo GTAAt first, the Trans-Am vehicles were primarily modified versions of the road-going car. The competition was divided into two classes- an "Under 2 Liter" class (predominantly small European sedans) and the "Over 2 Liters" class (displacement limited to 5.0 liters, or 302 cu. in. ).
The first race was in 1966 at Sebring International Raceway. The overall win went to Jochen Rindt driving an Alfa Romeo GTA (an Under 2 Liter entry), with Bob Tullius (driving a Dodge Dart) taking second overall, but first in the Over 2 Liter class.
Allan Moffat in an Under 2 Liter Lotus Cortina won the third race at Bryar. Ford had full factory effort with the Alan Mann Cortinas but suffered from reliability issues. In 1966 the Over 2 Liter manufacturers' champion was Ford and the Under 2 Liter manufacturers' champion Alfa Romeo with the Kwech/Andrey GTA scoring 39 of the 57 manufacturers' points for Alfa. The Alfa Romeo of Horst Kwech and Gaston Andrey also scored the most points in the first unofficial drivers' championship, edging out Bob Johnson.
In 1967 Porsche lobbied the SCCA to have the 911 accepted as a sedan and then dominated the Under 2 Liter field winning the manufacturers championship over Alfa Romeo. In Over 2 Liter, Ford edged out Mercury (automobile) to win the manufacturers' championship. Jerry Titus won the second unofficial drivers' championship.
The Golden Era (1968-1972)
These years were largely dominated by Mark Donohue, driving for Roger Penske. Penske campaigned Camaros through 1969, when he signed with American Motors to race the Javelin in 1970 and 1971. Donohue would chalk up 20 race victories between 1967 and 1970 and three unofficial drivers's championships, the third achieved in 1971. The 1970 Trans Am series is regarded by most racing historians as the high water mark of American road racing. Every "pony car" manufacturer was represented with a factory team and top driving talent: Chevrolet had the Chaparral Chevy Camaro Z28 team with Jim Hall, Ed Leslie, and Vic Elford. Ford's Bud Moore Boss 302 Mustangs were driven by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer. For Plymouth, the All American Racing Cudas were handled by Dan Gurney and Swede Savage. Sam Posey, and occasionally Tony Adamowicz, drove Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics Challenger TA, Jerry Titus had the Pontiac TransAm, and Roger Penske's Sunoco AMC Javelin team starred Mark Donohue and Peter Revson. The Mercury Cougars were driven by Charlie Rainville, Bruce Jennings, and three other drivers in two races of the 1968 season.
Most of these cars have been preserved or restored and are still racing in vintage events today. The Historic Trans Am Group[1] events often reunite drivers from the era with the cars they raced "back in the day".
The Two-Five Challenge
In 1969 the "U2" class was renamed when the engine displacement limit was increased to 2.5 litres. Porsche 911s and Alfa Romeo GTVs were dominant, until 1971 when the BRE Datsuns entered the series and dominated through 1972, when Alfa-Romeo and BMW quit the series because an inability to beat the BRE prepared Datsuns. When these two marques dropped out interest in the series waned and the SCCA cancelled the series. Successful drivers included Peter H. Gregg, Horst Kwech, Bob Sharp, and John Morton. The Vintage Sedan Racers Group[6] or VSRG is made up of vintage race drivers, car owners, car builders and enthusiast working together to bring the excitement of Trans-Am 2.5 and B-Sedan cars to vintage racing.
Beginning in the seventies, Trans Am cars would also be seen competing in the IMSA GT Series.
Evolution
Rules evolved over the years, incorporating FIA touring and grand-touring classes as well as SCCA Club Racing classes. The different classes had restrictions placed on the allowed modifications in an effort to equalize competition between the different cars. In 1976, Trans-Am returned to the two category format, classifying FIA Group 4 and 5 cars as "Category II".
The Modern Era (1980 - 2006)
In 1980, the SCCA developed a weight-to-displacement ratio for handicapping cars. Five-liter, 2600 pound vehicles dominated the field. Soon, tube-frame cars would begin to appear on the grid, eventually becoming the standard for Trans-Am competitors.
Roush Racing entered into Trans-Am competition in 1984. For the next six years Roush entries would dominate the series, winning 46 of the 83 races. This first decade also saw notable champions such as Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (1985 and 1986), Scott Pruett (1987), Hurley Haywood (1988), and Dorsey Schroeder (1989).
In 1988, after years of rallying, Audi would enter the series with the 200 turbo quattro via the services of Bob Tullius's Group 44 Racing. As usual the car ran their trademark Quattro system. However this did not run without controversy as the car, piloted by Haywood and with both Walter Röhrl and Hans Joachim Stuck sharing duties, steamrollered the opposition taking eight out of thirteen wins. As Audi would defect to IMSA by the end of the season, the SCCA would change the regulation to a two wheel drive only and banning cars with non American engines from taking part. The Historic Trans-am & IMSA Group[7] is dedicated to the preservation of the cars that ran in the SCCA Trans-am series and the similar IMSA GTO class from 1980 until 1991. The variety of cars in these classes ran the gamut from turbo charged 4 cylinder Merkurs to Corvettes with 358 cu in. V-8’s.
In the nineties Tommy Kendall, in a Ford, was the driver to beat- he would take four driver's championships in this decade. Chevrolet was also prominent in this time period, with 6 drivers' champions in their cars.
Paul Gentilozzi rose to the fore beginning in 1998 with his first championship in Trans-Am. He would win four more championships, his latest in 2006, driving a Chevrolet, Ford, and Jaguar. These latter years also saw more marques enter the field, with exotics such as the Panoz Esperante, Qvale Mangusta and Jaguar XKR. Later in the 2004 season, a Rocketsports Racing Jaguar XKR raced with a production-based 4.5 liter 650 hp DOHC AJ-V8. A 2006 season seemed unlikely until late in the year when a short two race season was run with both races taking place at Heartland Park Topeka. Fields were shored up by a makeshift assortment of SCCA GT-1 class amateur racers in town for the National Championship Runoffs later that week.
Return
The first race of the revived series at Road AtlantaIt was announced on December 11, 2008 that Trans Am would be returning in 2009.[8] The first race was held March 22. The revived series utilizes the same vehicle rules as SCCA's amateur GT-1 class, providing top GT-1 competitors a professional series to progress to.
The Beginnings (1966 - 1967)
Kwech/Andrey 1966 Trans-Am Championship Alfa Romeo GTAAt first, the Trans-Am vehicles were primarily modified versions of the road-going car. The competition was divided into two classes- an "Under 2 Liter" class (predominantly small European sedans) and the "Over 2 Liters" class (displacement limited to 5.0 liters, or 302 cu. in. ).
The first race was in 1966 at Sebring International Raceway. The overall win went to Jochen Rindt driving an Alfa Romeo GTA (an Under 2 Liter entry), with Bob Tullius (driving a Dodge Dart) taking second overall, but first in the Over 2 Liter class.
Allan Moffat in an Under 2 Liter Lotus Cortina won the third race at Bryar. Ford had full factory effort with the Alan Mann Cortinas but suffered from reliability issues. In 1966 the Over 2 Liter manufacturers' champion was Ford and the Under 2 Liter manufacturers' champion Alfa Romeo with the Kwech/Andrey GTA scoring 39 of the 57 manufacturers' points for Alfa. The Alfa Romeo of Horst Kwech and Gaston Andrey also scored the most points in the first unofficial drivers' championship, edging out Bob Johnson.
In 1967 Porsche lobbied the SCCA to have the 911 accepted as a sedan and then dominated the Under 2 Liter field winning the manufacturers championship over Alfa Romeo. In Over 2 Liter, Ford edged out Mercury (automobile) to win the manufacturers' championship. Jerry Titus won the second unofficial drivers' championship.
The Golden Era (1968-1972)
These years were largely dominated by Mark Donohue, driving for Roger Penske. Penske campaigned Camaros through 1969, when he signed with American Motors to race the Javelin in 1970 and 1971. Donohue would chalk up 20 race victories between 1967 and 1970 and three unofficial drivers's championships, the third achieved in 1971. The 1970 Trans Am series is regarded by most racing historians as the high water mark of American road racing. Every "pony car" manufacturer was represented with a factory team and top driving talent: Chevrolet had the Chaparral Chevy Camaro Z28 team with Jim Hall, Ed Leslie, and Vic Elford. Ford's Bud Moore Boss 302 Mustangs were driven by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer. For Plymouth, the All American Racing Cudas were handled by Dan Gurney and Swede Savage. Sam Posey, and occasionally Tony Adamowicz, drove Ray Caldwell's Autodynamics Challenger TA, Jerry Titus had the Pontiac TransAm, and Roger Penske's Sunoco AMC Javelin team starred Mark Donohue and Peter Revson. The Mercury Cougars were driven by Charlie Rainville, Bruce Jennings, and three other drivers in two races of the 1968 season.
Most of these cars have been preserved or restored and are still racing in vintage events today. The Historic Trans Am Group[1] events often reunite drivers from the era with the cars they raced "back in the day".
The Two-Five Challenge
In 1969 the "U2" class was renamed when the engine displacement limit was increased to 2.5 litres. Porsche 911s and Alfa Romeo GTVs were dominant, until 1971 when the BRE Datsuns entered the series and dominated through 1972, when Alfa-Romeo and BMW quit the series because an inability to beat the BRE prepared Datsuns. When these two marques dropped out interest in the series waned and the SCCA cancelled the series. Successful drivers included Peter H. Gregg, Horst Kwech, Bob Sharp, and John Morton. The Vintage Sedan Racers Group[6] or VSRG is made up of vintage race drivers, car owners, car builders and enthusiast working together to bring the excitement of Trans-Am 2.5 and B-Sedan cars to vintage racing.
Beginning in the seventies, Trans Am cars would also be seen competing in the IMSA GT Series.
Evolution
Rules evolved over the years, incorporating FIA touring and grand-touring classes as well as SCCA Club Racing classes. The different classes had restrictions placed on the allowed modifications in an effort to equalize competition between the different cars. In 1976, Trans-Am returned to the two category format, classifying FIA Group 4 and 5 cars as "Category II".
The Modern Era (1980 - 2006)
In 1980, the SCCA developed a weight-to-displacement ratio for handicapping cars. Five-liter, 2600 pound vehicles dominated the field. Soon, tube-frame cars would begin to appear on the grid, eventually becoming the standard for Trans-Am competitors.
Roush Racing entered into Trans-Am competition in 1984. For the next six years Roush entries would dominate the series, winning 46 of the 83 races. This first decade also saw notable champions such as Wally Dallenbach, Jr. (1985 and 1986), Scott Pruett (1987), Hurley Haywood (1988), and Dorsey Schroeder (1989).
In 1988, after years of rallying, Audi would enter the series with the 200 turbo quattro via the services of Bob Tullius's Group 44 Racing. As usual the car ran their trademark Quattro system. However this did not run without controversy as the car, piloted by Haywood and with both Walter Röhrl and Hans Joachim Stuck sharing duties, steamrollered the opposition taking eight out of thirteen wins. As Audi would defect to IMSA by the end of the season, the SCCA would change the regulation to a two wheel drive only and banning cars with non American engines from taking part. The Historic Trans-am & IMSA Group[7] is dedicated to the preservation of the cars that ran in the SCCA Trans-am series and the similar IMSA GTO class from 1980 until 1991. The variety of cars in these classes ran the gamut from turbo charged 4 cylinder Merkurs to Corvettes with 358 cu in. V-8’s.
In the nineties Tommy Kendall, in a Ford, was the driver to beat- he would take four driver's championships in this decade. Chevrolet was also prominent in this time period, with 6 drivers' champions in their cars.
Paul Gentilozzi rose to the fore beginning in 1998 with his first championship in Trans-Am. He would win four more championships, his latest in 2006, driving a Chevrolet, Ford, and Jaguar. These latter years also saw more marques enter the field, with exotics such as the Panoz Esperante, Qvale Mangusta and Jaguar XKR. Later in the 2004 season, a Rocketsports Racing Jaguar XKR raced with a production-based 4.5 liter 650 hp DOHC AJ-V8. A 2006 season seemed unlikely until late in the year when a short two race season was run with both races taking place at Heartland Park Topeka. Fields were shored up by a makeshift assortment of SCCA GT-1 class amateur racers in town for the National Championship Runoffs later that week.
Return
The first race of the revived series at Road AtlantaIt was announced on December 11, 2008 that Trans Am would be returning in 2009.[8] The first race was held March 22. The revived series utilizes the same vehicle rules as SCCA's amateur GT-1 class, providing top GT-1 competitors a professional series to progress to.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The History of the "Legend" Carroll Shelby on display in Canada
Texan Carroll Shelby turned up for one of his first race meets wearing his chicken farmer bib overalls but went on to become one of the most enduring legends of North American motorsport. The cars he drove and created along the way will be a focal point of this year's Canadian International Auto Show.
Shelby's lifetime – he's now 87 – of involvement in racing was honoured in the lead-up to the show's opening with a reception at which he was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame. His career will also be celebrated at the show with an exhibit of the cars with which he's been associated.
This task was given to classic auto expert Richard Pickering, who has assembled 45 superb automobiles, which will be displayed on the 700 level of the Metro Convention Centre's South Building.
From an example of the tiny MG he raced in his first events to the Cobras that have given him lasting fame, each marks a key milestone in the career of the iconic American racer, team manager and creator of one of the most recognized sports cars of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra. “What we ended up with was an eclectic collection of racing cars with the common element being Carroll Shelby,” says Pickering.
A stock MG TC will stand in for the first car Shelby drove to success against more potent competition in one of his first events in Oklahoma in the early 1950s. Among those competitors was a Jaguar XK120, a car he also later raced and an example of which will be part of the display.
The car that really boosted Shelby's career is the beautifully restored Cad Allard J2X he drove in road races in Texas, wearing the striped bib overalls that became his trademark, and which brought him to the attention of Aston-Martin team manager John Wyer. This resulted in a drive at Sebring and the launch of his international career.
The J2X is a mix of Cadillac V-8 power in a lightweight British chassis with a notoriously tricky split I-beam front suspension, and may have provided the inspiration for Shelby's stuffing a Ford V-8 into a British AC that lead to the creation the Cobra.
Shelby had also come to the attention of British car builder Donald Healey, then putting together his special Austin-Healey 100S, and helped set records with the car on the Bonneville salt flats. He then raced one in the Mexican Carrera Panamericana road race, destroying it after hitting a rock at high speed. A 100S in Carrera Panamericana livery is included in the display.
In 1960 Shelby was afflicted with heart problems, but continued to race with nitro-glycerin tablets dissolving under his tongue, winning the Los Angeles Times/Mirror Grand Prix for sports cars in a Maserati Birdcage and the USAC championship before hanging up his helmet.
He then operated a Goodyear tire shop, but was soon talking to AC Cars of Britain about installing Ford's new 260-cubic-inch V-8 in one of their sports cars. The name Cobra appeared to him in a dream, and part two of the Shelby legend was born.
Pickering has snagged a number of rare Cobras for the show, including chassis number CSX002, the first production Cobra and the first Cobra racer, driven by Bill Kraus in West Coast events and later sold to Canadian Chuck Rathgeb's Comstock Racing Team.
Pickering recalls actually seeing it and a second car race in the Canadian Grand Prix for Sports Cars in 1963 where they “dusted” the competition in the production sports car event. And later in the main event, they won the GT class and ran strongly against world-class purpose-built racers.
Other Cobras on display include a USRRC racer, an early FIA Cobra that first took the name to Europe, the Flip-Top Cobra, a 390-cubic-inch-engined experimental car put together to counter the challenge of Corvette's Gran Sport and driven by Ken Miles, and the Essex Wire 427-cubic-inch-engined racer, the most successful racing Cobra of all time.
Another racing car that came under Shelby's influence (as team manager) was Ford's GT40, which won the Le Mans 24-hour race four times in a row in the late 1960s, putting an end to a feud between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari. The GT40 was also raced by the Comstock team, and the car driven by Eppie Wietzes and Craig Fisher in the 1966 Sebring 12-hour race is part of the display. Another example on view is the GT40 Mk4 J-car, one of only 10 built. This one was crashed by Mario Andretti on the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans at about 230 mph.
Yet another fabulous Shelby racer is the Cobra Daytona Coupe, one of six examples built of this highly aerodynamic, 190-mph-plus car that won the World Manufacturers Championship in 1965.
The Shelby name has also been long associated with Mustangs and close to every example made will be included in the car show display. They range from a pair of Shelby GT350R racing cars from the mid-'60s, to one driven by Mark Donohue, to current-day cars and a prototype 2011 GT500.
There's also a 2000 Shelby Mk1 Roadster, and a couple of interesting Vipers representing Shelby's Dodge connection.
“This is undoubtedly the most comprehensive salute to Carroll Shelby and his cars ever put together in Canada,” says Pickering.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Tribute to the " Late Great Mickey Thompson "
Mickey Thompson exhibit at NHRA MuseumFebruary 03, 2010
Four hundred and six-point-six miles an hour (406.6). The fastest speed that an American driver had ever traveled over land in a wheel-driven vehicle. The date was September 9, 1960 and the driver was Mickey Thompson, racer, designer, builder, dreamer, showman, businessman, and first class hot-rodder.
On Friday, February 12, 2010 the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum will open a very special new exhibit honoring the late Mickey Thompson and celebrating the 50th anniversary of his incredible motorsports milestone.
The presenting sponsor of the new show will be Gale Banks Engineering/Banks Power, a company that's led by one of Thompson's friends, contemporaries, and fellow hot-rodder Gale Banks. "When we heard that there was an opportunity to help Tony Thacker and the Museum put this tribute to Mickey together," Banks explained, "My only question was, ‘How can we get involved?'"
Banks and Thompson led remarkably parallel lives, both had fathers who were in law enforcement and both grew up in and around the San Gabriel Valley, a geographic area that produced more than its share of notable motorsports names. Thompson and Banks key among them.
"Mickey was ten years older than me and already pretty well-known when I opened my first little speed shop in 1958." The two crossed paths often in those days but somehow, they never became on or off-track rivals. "What I was doing with engines always intrigued Mickey, and the progress that he was making with advanced chassis design and wide tires always got my full attention," Banks recalled.
The exhibit will feature many of the innovative machines that Mickey Thompson designed, built, and in many cases drove into the record books, including "Challenger I" the incredible four supercharged Pontiac-engined bolide that he blasted through the 400 mile-per-hour barrier over the Bonneville salt flats some 50 years ago.
Other landmark Thompson cars will be on display, precedent-makers and record-breakers like his rear-engined Indy car that introduced the racing world to his radical super-wide, small diameter racing semi-slicks ... Tires that changed motorsports forever almost overnight.
Among the pace-setting machines also set for display in Pomona is Thompson's game-changing monoque-framed "flip-top" Funny Car, a Ford Mustang that looks like no "Mustang" before or since.
Ever the innovator, Mickey Thompson was constantly in motion, building his companies, racing his creations, and even starting what became a whole new form of motorsports entertainment, the Off-Road Championship Grand Prix.
Thompson is even credited by some with coining the actual term "Funny Car", having explained to a reporter that one of his suppose-to-be-stock-bodied-wildly-modified race cars was, in his words, "... Just a little funny." Meaning that some of the cars weren't exactly "factory" in looks.
"It's a great honor for me personally to have the name Banks associated with both Mickey Thompson and the legendary Wally Parks, two men that I felt very privileged to call friends", Banks concluded.
Four hundred and six-point-six miles an hour (406.6). The fastest speed that an American driver had ever traveled over land in a wheel-driven vehicle. The date was September 9, 1960 and the driver was Mickey Thompson, racer, designer, builder, dreamer, showman, businessman, and first class hot-rodder.
On Friday, February 12, 2010 the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum will open a very special new exhibit honoring the late Mickey Thompson and celebrating the 50th anniversary of his incredible motorsports milestone.
The presenting sponsor of the new show will be Gale Banks Engineering/Banks Power, a company that's led by one of Thompson's friends, contemporaries, and fellow hot-rodder Gale Banks. "When we heard that there was an opportunity to help Tony Thacker and the Museum put this tribute to Mickey together," Banks explained, "My only question was, ‘How can we get involved?'"
Banks and Thompson led remarkably parallel lives, both had fathers who were in law enforcement and both grew up in and around the San Gabriel Valley, a geographic area that produced more than its share of notable motorsports names. Thompson and Banks key among them.
"Mickey was ten years older than me and already pretty well-known when I opened my first little speed shop in 1958." The two crossed paths often in those days but somehow, they never became on or off-track rivals. "What I was doing with engines always intrigued Mickey, and the progress that he was making with advanced chassis design and wide tires always got my full attention," Banks recalled.
The exhibit will feature many of the innovative machines that Mickey Thompson designed, built, and in many cases drove into the record books, including "Challenger I" the incredible four supercharged Pontiac-engined bolide that he blasted through the 400 mile-per-hour barrier over the Bonneville salt flats some 50 years ago.
Other landmark Thompson cars will be on display, precedent-makers and record-breakers like his rear-engined Indy car that introduced the racing world to his radical super-wide, small diameter racing semi-slicks ... Tires that changed motorsports forever almost overnight.
Among the pace-setting machines also set for display in Pomona is Thompson's game-changing monoque-framed "flip-top" Funny Car, a Ford Mustang that looks like no "Mustang" before or since.
Ever the innovator, Mickey Thompson was constantly in motion, building his companies, racing his creations, and even starting what became a whole new form of motorsports entertainment, the Off-Road Championship Grand Prix.
Thompson is even credited by some with coining the actual term "Funny Car", having explained to a reporter that one of his suppose-to-be-stock-bodied-wildly-modified race cars was, in his words, "... Just a little funny." Meaning that some of the cars weren't exactly "factory" in looks.
"It's a great honor for me personally to have the name Banks associated with both Mickey Thompson and the legendary Wally Parks, two men that I felt very privileged to call friends", Banks concluded.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Thanks for the " Great Comment " I try to make the blog worth coming to :)
Comment:
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i may not have considered this had been splendid just a few years ago nonetheless it's amusing the way in which years evolves the manner of how you comprehend various creative concepts, many thanks regarding the posting it's pleasant to browse some thing intelligent once in a while instead of the popular garbage mascarading as blogs on the internet, cheers
Thursday, March 4, 2010
New from Saleen for 2010
2010 SALEEN S281: DYNAMIC IN FORM AND FUNCTION
LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled the first in its 2010 premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2010 Saleen S281. The introduction took place at the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is the second Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the 2010 435S introduced in August.
The S281, based on the 2010 Ford Mustang, displays a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match. It builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined driveability for real-world road conditions.
“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’m proud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”
The S281’s exterior design features carefully crafted sculptural detailing, with lines and forms that flow naturally and suggest suppleness, power and agility. It features an understated yet imposing grille and front fascia, and a refined treatment of the familiar Saleen extended rear fascia and trunk lid with a simple, elegant, integrated wing.
“Our goal was to create the most visually enticing American sports car ever,” said David Byron, design director at Saleen Performance Vehicles. “Ford provided the perfect launching pad with the 2010 Mustang, which allowed our team to create a car that’s world class and authentically Saleen. We painstakingly toiled over every bend and break in the body and every stitch and fold in the interior.”
The S281’s 4.6-liter V8 engine is equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler. It produces 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a short-throw, five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio.
The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is new, and includes specially tuned, single-rate front and rear springs; nitrogen-pressurized front struts and rear shocks with a wide range of damping adjustments; and a specially tuned front sway bar with performance pivot bushings.
The interior features new, leather sport seats with Ultra-Suede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultra-Suede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. There also are contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that illuminate when the door is opened.
Additional exterior highlights include unique, 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires, and Saleen S281 Supercharged fender badging.
About Saleen Performance Vehicles
Saleen Performance Vehicles is a manufacturer of limited-edition, high-performance cars and trucks, head-quartered in Troy, Michigan. Saleen vehicles embody sophistication in engineering, styling and performance, resulting in a dynamic driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. Together with its sister companies, Control-Tec LLC, Power-Tec LLC and its subsidiary, Arrow Racing Engines, Saleen encompasses a broad range of capabilities and services in automotive design, development and manufacturing. For more information, please visit the Saleen Performance Vehicles website at www.saleen.com.
LAS VEGAS, Nev., Nov. 4, 2009 – Saleen Performance Vehicles today unveiled the first in its 2010 premiere line of high-performance cars, the 2010 Saleen S281. The introduction took place at the annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This is the second Saleen vehicle launched this year, following the 2010 435S introduced in August.
The S281, based on the 2010 Ford Mustang, displays a premium level of design consideration, both exterior and interior, with performance to match. It builds on the Saleen tradition of offering limited-edition, high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who are looking for an exhilarating driving experience, with refined driveability for real-world road conditions.
“For more than 25 years the Saleen name has stood for excellence in design, engineering, and driving dynamics,” said Mike Shields, CEO of Saleen Performance Vehicles. “The new S281 is an excellent example of what those words mean when we craft concepts into real cars. Our team has done a terrific job; I’m proud of them and proud to be offering this car to our customers.”
The S281’s exterior design features carefully crafted sculptural detailing, with lines and forms that flow naturally and suggest suppleness, power and agility. It features an understated yet imposing grille and front fascia, and a refined treatment of the familiar Saleen extended rear fascia and trunk lid with a simple, elegant, integrated wing.
“Our goal was to create the most visually enticing American sports car ever,” said David Byron, design director at Saleen Performance Vehicles. “Ford provided the perfect launching pad with the 2010 Mustang, which allowed our team to create a car that’s world class and authentically Saleen. We painstakingly toiled over every bend and break in the body and every stitch and fold in the interior.”
The S281’s 4.6-liter V8 engine is equipped with a Saleen Series VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and dual-stage intercooler. It produces 485 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, sent to the rear wheels through a short-throw, five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 final drive ratio.
The Saleen Racecraft suspension system is new, and includes specially tuned, single-rate front and rear springs; nitrogen-pressurized front struts and rear shocks with a wide range of damping adjustments; and a specially tuned front sway bar with performance pivot bushings.
The interior features new, leather sport seats with Ultra-Suede inserts, highlighted by chevron-like Ultra-Suede red tabs in the seatback bolsters, and unique treatments of the gauges, steering wheel, center console and shifter. There also are contrasting Saleen logos in the door panels, and Saleen logos in the door sill plates that illuminate when the door is opened.
Additional exterior highlights include unique, 20-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso high-performance tires, and Saleen S281 Supercharged fender badging.
About Saleen Performance Vehicles
Saleen Performance Vehicles is a manufacturer of limited-edition, high-performance cars and trucks, head-quartered in Troy, Michigan. Saleen vehicles embody sophistication in engineering, styling and performance, resulting in a dynamic driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. Together with its sister companies, Control-Tec LLC, Power-Tec LLC and its subsidiary, Arrow Racing Engines, Saleen encompasses a broad range of capabilities and services in automotive design, development and manufacturing. For more information, please visit the Saleen Performance Vehicles website at www.saleen.com.
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