70 HEMI 'CUDA " THE MOST SAUGHT AFTER OF ALL !! "

From 1966-71, Dodge stuffed their massive Hemi into the small E-Body platform and the 1970 Hemi 'Cuda is widely accepted as one of the most saught after of these. Only 652 were built when new, including 14 rare convertibles, making an original Hemi 'Cuda a rare sight. The Hemi 'Cuda was forced in scarcity due to the extra $900 it cost to build one-nearly a third of the standard purchase price. At $250, the 390 bhp 440 V8 became the norm and made the Hemi Cuda an exception. Motor Trend tested the 426 Hemi ’Cuda in their May 1970 issue, reaching 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 14 seconds at 102 mph. The long list of options made available for 1970 Barracudas included such goodies as a Track Pak with a 3.54:1 differential ratio, Rallye wheels, a range of exciting colors including Plum Crazy, pistol grip shifters, hockey stick sport stripes, hood pins and a variety of creature comforts. Of all the options, the R-code steet Hemi 426 was the most legendary Mopar engine. It typically delivered 425 bhp through the solid 727 Torqueflight automatic and a 3.55:1 Sure Grip rear axle. That is, unless the car was one of the 284 that got a 4-speed manual. With their classic shape, tire-shredding American power, limited production and huge popularity a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda can easily fetch over $150 000 USD. This is a remarkable amount for a car with the same build quailty as a mass-produced Plymouth. However, the aggressive sound of Hemi combined with visual street cred and Barrett-Jackson publicity now make these Cudas more expensive than most Ferraris produced in the same era. Changes for 1971 were minimal and included a more complex 6 inlet grille design and fender gill louvers. Only 100 or so of these were built and the seven ultra-rare 1971 convertibles are the most expensive muscle cars money can buy. In 72, the government and EPA kicked the muscle car in the ass with emissions regulations. After that time, no more Hemi or more big block models could be ordered

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Its Back !! The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss "302"

The car that Mustang fans have been hoping Ford would build for a very, very long time is finally here: the 2012 Boss 302.

"Boss is a hallowed word around here, and we couldn't put that name on a new Mustang until we were sure everything was in place to make this car a worthy successor. We were either going to do it right or not do it at all - no one on the team was going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package."

A true Boss 302 is raw, hardcore and race-inspired, and Ford delivered the goods. The latest special edition Mustang comes with plenty of items that will excite road racing fans - an upgraded clutch, short-throw shifter, adjustable suspension, improved brakes and a more potent version of the 5.0-liter V8 that produces 440 horsepower and 380 lb-ft torque thanks to a new intake and more aggressive camshafts. Ford claims the Boss 302 will be able to break 1.0g and lap a typical road course two seconds faster than the standard Mustang GT. Ford engineers even reportedly benchmarked the BMW M3 when developing the Boss 302, aiming to beat the famous Bavarian coupe around Laguna Seca, which they claim to have achieved.

The exterior is inspired by the original 1969 model with either a black or white roof panel, C-stripe, closed fog lamp openings and a more aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler. Available colors are more eye-catching than the standard choices and include Competition Orange, Performance White, Kona Blue Metallic, Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat Metallic and Race Red.

2010 Boss 302 owners will enjoy a more aural experience from the cockpit thanks to eleven pounds of sound-deadening material removed from the car. The interior also gets a dark metallic finish for the instrument panel, gauge cluster and door panel trim, Alcantara-covered steering wheel and an optional package with Recaro high performance seats.

Finally, Ford is also planning to release a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models that offer more body stiffness, a stronger chassis and an aero package lifted straight from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

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