Ford Bronco, Please!

Retro was huge at Ford long before the recent Mustang came along. Between the sleek shape of the resurrected—then killed again—Thunderbird, the Forty-Nine concept, and other streamlined throwbacks, the blue-oval division introduced the brutish Bronco concept at the 2004 Detroit auto show.

The 1965-inspired Bronco was the most interesting update of the old-school bunch. It was powered by a turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four making 128 hp and 244 lb-ft of torque, and it sported a nitrous system capable of bumping output by 50 hp for those times when your rock crawling went vertical. Jeep’s Wrangler has existed for six decades with little natural competition; this Bronco could have changed that. Now that Chrysler is struggling with its current identity and with its vendors dropping off like dead flees… Not to mention, Toyota’s FJ is no longer in production… Would or could Ford bring to market this vehicle in time to capitalize on the increasing void being created for a true off road, affordable, fun and practical sport vehicle.

Perhaps we may wish to ask Mr. Mulally to sponsor this project with his increasingly valued stock options that has accumulated as of late. Estimated just shy of 18 million last year. Throw a rock at the “Glass House” AKA Ford World Headquarters and see if we can convey a strong business case for this to be considered for production. All the while running as fast as you can from the security that will be hot on your tail for throwing rocks at their glass windows.

Ferrari 330 P-4

Some very talented friends of mine from Scottsdale, Arizona have completed their latest work-of-art. Joe Mischik and his son Trevor built this Ferrari 330 P-4 replica that has just been unveiled at their local car shows for all to drool, scratch their head and possibly find themselves muttering, now that is the right way to build a car. I have not yet seen this vehicle in person; however, I can attest to the quality and attention to detail that has been put into every part of a vehicle assembly they have had their hands on in the past. So, be on the look out for this beauty to be present in most upcoming high-end shows this year. I’m certain that this will appear in many and will command a second look from most. Joe may even be willing to part with this latest creation if the price is right in order to take on a new challenge just around the corner. His son may have a different opinion on that… so be warned.

Congratulations, gentlemen!

Horse Whisperer Passes

Donald Frey, a senior product planning manager at Ford Motor Co. in the 1960s who along with Hal Sperlich and Lee Iacocca developed the iconic Ford Mustang, died on March 5 in Evanston, Ill., from a stroke. He was 87 years old. Frey led the team at Ford that set out to develop an affordable, sporty car in the early 1960s.

With Ford reeling from the Edsel flop, Frey couldn't get a standard budget for the project. So he piggybacked on other programs--borrowing the platform and instrument panel from the Ford Falcon--to create the Mustang. The program was created in just 18 months. The original Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair. Managers expected to sell a bit less than 90,000 units the first year, but sales topped the 400,000 mark.

Over 8 million units sold since 1964, the Mustang lives on for a few more gallops. It will be interesting to see how much longer this American Icon will continue to remain in the stable of Ford’s offerings.

When Driving a Porsche Doesn't Make Your Penis Big Enough, Try Whale Penis Skin

This story was forwarded by our good friend, "d-oopsmat".

It's a story we can thank Pamela Anderson for... as if her early days in Playboy didn't make all of the young boys sprout a few extra inches anyway.  But not the point of this story.  This story is about a Russian tuner Dartz.  He created a rise last November when he announced they would be finishing the interior of an SUV in whale penis leather.

Pamela spoke out for all animal-rights activists giving Dartz much more media coverage and in turn, they junked their plans and switched to a whale vinyl substitute.  The Porsche pictured here has the feel of whale skin penis on the exterior, as if I would ever be able to tell, and does absolutely nothing to improve the overall appearance.

The fake interior whale hide will now carry a "save the whales" logo and the promise that both the interior and exterior will be as famed as vinyl tops last seen on pimp-mobile Cad-y-lacs.

Customers can order the whale skin vinyl finish through Dartz's French branch Dartz France (www.dartz.fr).

Ferrari’s GT Roller Coaster

Ferrari has previewed its World Abu Dhabi GT roller coaster in United Arab Emirates, and it promises to be one of the most memorable amusement park rides on the planet. “The GT roller coaster is a racing coaster, which will send two competing roller coaster carriages sprinting along twisting parallel tracks on a race to the finish line," said Ferrari in a statement. "Each coaster car is a replica of a Ferrari F430 Spider.” It is the second of two roller coasters that will anchor the amusement park. The other is billed as the world's fastest roller coaster, with a speed of up to 125 mph that is intended to simulate the feeling of driving a Ferrari F1 racing car.

Tanner Foust Drifting On Mulholland Highway

Not sure who decided they wanted to buy a Scion after seeing this, but regardless it makes for lots of entertainment. Especially if you have driven that stretch of Mulholland Highway which I am proud to say I have, just like the guy in the film.

Yeah, the guy in the film who was the scout that found this stretch of highway, now holding up court under trees in the fifth hairpin with the walkie-talkie.  He was quoted as saying, "Holy fri-moly, gots to get me a rolly polly, no way I could do that even if I was smoking a telephone polly."

Calling All Hands On Deck

In the latest reports announced by GM in its efforts to right the ship… was a memo released that they plan on repaying the Federal Government starting this June. This also raises an eyebrow or two by the same token they also believe they will become profitable for the first time this year after five plus consecutive years of bleeding out money faster than Rosie O’Donnell can irritate Donald Trump. Both are train wrecks but nonetheless fascinate the American audiences.

With a glimmer of hope and steps in the right direction GM’s Chevrolet brand has set forth on reviving the Corvette nameplate. Now, I know what you’re about to say…it hasn't been paused or stopped in the way of production at any time as of late. However, the C6 was merely warmed over to bridge a stopgap and satisfy the many followers for the current C7 enthusiast. In deed, there was an attempt to introduce the “Blue Devil” the new ZR1 to compete with the likes of European or Japanese exotics… but let’s be realistic about it. When you crossover the 100 K threshold you expect more from the vehicle than what the Corvette has to offer. Sure you can take weight out of the oversized frame and body by adding long overdue lighter carbon fiber components. Bigger 15-inch front brakes and improved Magnetic Ride Control but that is only adding items left over from the parts bin of the C6R vehicles.

“Common Man”, seriously… I have recently purchased and drive a new MY10 CTS-V that has all of the above and a slightly detuned LS9 556 hp with a supercharger that is smaller and much more comfortable to drive on or off the track. Best of all it is 32 K less money to own. I recently drove the ZR1 and was disappointed by the poorly designed seats, interior materials, rattles, odd noises from the rear drivers tire well and poor sight line over the enormous front clip of the vehicle.

So in my long-winded approach to this rant is to let everyone know that GM has called on all of their global design team to come up with a truly revolutionary new C8 Corvette. It will be right sized by being smaller in girth and length while being more nimble with a mid engine design. Likely to shock Corvette purists is the suggestion that a V6 will replace a V8 in the C8, although 440 hp courtesy of twin turbochargers ought to calm fears of reduced power output.

I’ve always toyed with the idea of purchasing the Corvette but after reminding myself by driving one for a period reassured me that again this is not the model for me. I truly like the design logic behind the next generation vehicle in the works and hope that its projected 2016 introduction to the market isn’t too late.

The Earliest Test Tracks, Roof Top

The following story was forwarded to me by "BC the third."  It's a great account of the early test tracks built by Studebaker, Packard and Fiat once you read through the story and into the comments. I had no idea that Fiat built a track on the rooftops of their factory.  Amazing.

When it opened in 1923, Fiat’s Lingotto Building was the largest car factory in the world. It featured an entirely unique design where raw materials entered on the ground floor, and the cars were constructed on an assembly line which climbed through the building. Eventually, the finished cars emerged onto the roof – directly onto a rooftop test track that had high bank turns.

Check out these links.

• Studebaker test with signature sign made out of trees.

• Packard test track.

• Fiat test track on the roof tops. 2nd photo.

Going Topless

Normally, seeing this title “going topless” would spark some sort of excitement. However, in the case of the Porsche Panamera… this leaves me scratching my head and saying, “don’t do it man”. It has been recently reported that Porsche has been seeking patent approvals for the United States and European countries for a convertible Panemara model. I may be one of very few who has the opportunity to run all three trim levels through their paces on a Porsche sponsored road course here in the Bay Area; and was left with the desire to own this technologically advance sport sedan some day.

I hope that the latest report is just one of design rumor. I truly believe that this vehicle should retain its nimble maneuverability by staying with the structurally sound metal/glass greenhouse. Can you imagine how heavy this vehicle will become once the top is removed and structural support is added back in to the vehicle? VW’s approach with the limited production Audi R8 is a more plausible option to execute. This vehicle is a racy two passenger that warrants the look of a topless option. Think of it as poor man’s Bugatti Veyron. The Panemara is the latest jewel in the Porsche crown that provides the similar driving dynamics of a 911 but the ability to carry three more friends and their golf bags. I personally don’t believe you need to remove the top on this sedan to achieve more market share for this vehicle line.

That’s just me.

Red Light Cameras A Money Machine

Tell me something I don't know.  Well, did you know that the crooks in Chicago actually admit that they don't give a shit about safety?

"Aldermen today questioned whether Chicago's red light cameras are making drivers safer or simply filling city coffers during debate on a measure that would offer traffic school for drivers whose violations are caught on film...."

"It's a money machine, that's all. Period," he added.

Read the entire story.

Thanks again to the wetnoodle for this heads up.

Simple Nomenclature

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 / A, E, Q, R, S and T.

Audi is developing a reincarnation of the A2 small car that will slot between the A3 and the A1 minicar introduced in Geneva last week for the European markets. It is still undetermined if North America will see this Easter egg shaped vehicle any time soon.

Audi does make it rather easy to see where this vehicle fits in its offered line-up simply by its numerical nomenclature. Rather refreshing for those who don't even follow Audi that closely... could this simple attribute have something to do with its recent increased sales which has dealers screaming for more inventory with less than 14 days supply?

• A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8
• E-Tron (electric concept)
• Q5 and Q7
• R8
• TT

Sub categories:

• Avant (wagon)
• Cabriolet (convertible)
• Coupe (2-door)
• L (extended length, ie. A8)
• Sedan (4-door)
• S-Line (performance/appearance enhanced)
• TDI (clean diesel)

It all comes down to offering a product that the consumer wants or desires. The KISS (keep it simple stupid) method sure helps.

Cars We Will Never See Again, Unless It's The Thunderbolt

My father-in-law forwards me emails that I always take the time to read.  I figure a minute out of my day for a little entertainment and a possible reply to the ol' man ain't wasted time.  The latest was of cars and trains.  The train shots were beautiful and had me missing Greenfield Village.  Can you only imagine turning off your engine at this crossing to watch time go by?

The second half of the email had a bunch of old cars shots that were one offs for auto shows back in the day.  The Thunderbolt was wrongly referred to as being gone.  I don't mind telling you that I shed a tear at this email thinking about these cars and how no one cared for them after while.  Show cars, race cars and everything special became old news, washed up and practically given away.  

A few smart people held on to what they could, including the two brothers who showed up at Pebble last year with the Thunderbolt.  They had gone through a painstaking 10 year (or something like that) restoration.  Only question when they were all done.  How much paint stripper did you actually inhale before selecting the color palette?  

A Rare Find

They ARE still out there somewhere! ! ! 1950 Chevrolet Club Coupe 437 original, actual miles, only 3 owners. Check out the dealer installed "oil filter”, the rusty carb, and you can even see the spark plugs if they need changing.

Purchased new by Mr. And Mrs. Jessie Trueblood of Modesto. Shortly after purchasing this car, Mr. Trueblood took a day off to go fishing. While waiting for the "big one" to bite he witnessed a woman fall out of her boat. Mr. Trueblood jumped in to help only to fall victim of a fatal heart attack. Mrs.. Trueblood returned the car home and placed it in the garage for the next 12 years. The odometer reading at that time (1962) was 413 miles.

Mrs. Trueblood lived next door to a used car lot owned by Mr. William E. Wilson (now 81 years old). Mr. Wilson spoke with her frequently and often told her he would like to buy the car for himself to keep. In 1962 the time had come. Mrs. Trueblood told Mr.. Wilson she needed a car for her bookkeeper that didn't really care for the ol' Chevy and would prefer a Rambler. No problem. Mr. Wilson went down to the local Rambler dealer and bought a brand new one for $1,650.00 ($100.00 over cost) and made the swap. He then took the car home and parked it with 433 actual miles. There it sat for the next 45 years, occasionally being started and moved in and out of the garage... In 2007 Mr. Wilson decided to sell the car and started spreading the word around Modesto that the ol' Chevy with 433 miles on it was for sale. Many had heard about the car, but hardly anyone had ever laid eyes on it. In fact, according to Mr. Wilson he believes he only showed the car to about 5 people in 45 years. Word spread quickly about the car and soon a buyer arrived ready and willing to pay the $60,000 asking price.

When Mr. Wilson told the story of this car he complained heavily of the "capital gains" tax he was required to pay and wished he had never sold it. As of this writing, Mr. Wilson is still alive and well in Modesto and can verify the miles and originality of this car. Simply put, this is a true 100% factory original survivor (that includes the air in the tires). This ol' Chevy now has 437 original miles and is most likely the world's lowest mileage 1950 Chevy.

Cockroaches May Survive Nuclear War

Well, I finally have the 912 engine apart and started looking at the crank, main bearings and what nots.  Stuff found inside the engine:

- Three and a half dead, oil soaked cockroaches
- One seed of some sort
- Miscellaneous small bugs of another sort
- Oil and parts that actually belonged there

Keep in mind, this is the engine block that I bought from a guy who had it in his garage for years.  It's pretty solid and should serve me well for the rebuild because it was low miles.  Next steps: plant the seed, study the cockroaches for new pesticide that will make me millions and then get the heads, valve train and everything else lined up for resurfacing.

 

General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz Will Retire

From a bulletin: "General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world's leading automakers. Lutz, 78, rejoined GM September 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company's resurgence in developing great cars and trucks. He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford. Lutz said he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM's four brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term."

Difficult to say how I feel about this it is.  I mean on the one side, I like talking in the Yoda vernacular.  It makes pondering a point like the great car czar retirement more thorough.  But simply from the above quote, without digging into everything Lutz, how can a resurgence be led when including bankruptcy and a bailout?

Tag You're It

Tag Heuer has long been affiliated with likes of celebrities, sports figures, models and the racing scene to promote their attractive wristwatches. With the recent departure of Tiger Woods from their celebrity sports business vertical… it looks as though Tag has found a new pursuit in the way of Silicon Valley, CA. The Tag Heuer Tesla Roadster, the first fruit of a new partnership between the longtime Swiss watchmaker and the electric-car startup, features a specially designed center console. The console was made for Tag Heuer's concept watch, which is set for a formal unveiling at a watch exposition on March 18 in Basel, Switzerland. The car's exterior paint is Foucault Field Gray, which takes its inspiration from the concept watch, said to feature a "technical milestone in mechanical movements."

"Engineers at both Tag Heuer and Tesla understand intuitively that technology — whether worn on your wrist or driven on the road — can help us live better while we tread more lightly on this planet," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a statement on Monday. Putting aside the over the top decals and the funky driver's side red skull cap mirror cover and the passenger's side being green ... It isn't that bad. In fact it would be interesting to see what price "tag" this will have.

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

The Porsche 918 Spyder concept mates a 500-hp V8 with three electric motors in a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This trio, made up of Porsche's new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery, and the two-seater high-performance 918 Spyder mid-engine sports car with plug-in hybrid technology, clearly demonstrates not only the great bandwidth of this new drive technology of Porsche as a genuine pioneer in hybrid drive.

The highly innovative 918 Spyder concept car combines Porsche's Intelligent Performance philosophy with the high technology from motorsport, with classic but modern design to make a truly convincing statement. This open two-seater is powered by a high-revving V8 developing more than 500 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm, as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 horsepower. This vehicle is intended to offer the performance of a super sports car with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 198 mph, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nurburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT.

Sign me up for one of these super-hybrids!

Prancing Horse Goes Green

Ferrari 599 Hybrid will join a plethora of other "green" concept and production vehicles at the 2010 Geneva. It is not expected to be sitting in any dealership windows soon for us to drool over and place our nose, forehead and hand prints on the windows. Ferrari stated that the model will most likely be put into production mid-decade. High-end hybrids are here and it will be interesting to see the process evolve. These hybrid vehicles are still sport cars that stir the emotions.