Tag Archives: Muscle car

2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible Review

dsc_0026

Before this review, the 2012 Nissan GT-R that I reviewed had the most horsepower of any car I have reviewed. That is not the case anymore. Another car has claimed the title of having the most horsepower of any car that I have reviewed, and that is the 2013 Chevrolet ZL1. 580 horsepower mated to a six speed manual transmission. Before I get into the review itself, I should start with the expected introduction about what exactly is the ZL1 model and how it differentiates itself from other Camaros. Alongside the regular Camaro, the ZL1 originated in late 1960’s, 1969 to be exact. This is a little complicated, so do not take my word on the history of the ZL1. It is my understanding that the ZL1 came to fruition because Chevrolet dealers wanted bigger engines available for the Camaros. 69 models were made in 1969. Its exclusivity and performance made it a rare and coveted Camaro for car collectors (Do not take my word on the history of the ZL1). In 2012, the ZL1 was revitalized as a performance version of the Camaro. Even though I have already reviewed a Camaro, a SS version, I was keen on trying out the ZL1. As mentioned, the 580 horsepower engine makes for one memorable Camaro. The question is, is the ZL1 worth it?  Continue reading

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Dodge Challenger R/T Review

challenger 2

Seeing how the market reacted to the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang in the 1960s, Dodge went to work at developing a rival. In late 1969, the Dodge Challenger and its twin, the Plymouth Barracuda were introduced. Their advantage over the aforementioned Camaro and Mustang was that they both could be ordered in numerous trims and options with any engine from Chrysler’s lineup (Dodge and Plymouth are owned by Chrysler). Plymouth positioned the Barracuda against the Camaro and the Mustang while the Challenger rivaled luxury muscle cars such as the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird. It sold well but there was one caveat: timing. These two muscle cars rose to prominence as the muscle car segment declined, not to mention there was the oil crisis shortly after. Discontinued in 1974, the Challenger was revived not as a muscle car, but as a rebadged Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. Unsurprisingly, this Challenger was discontinued in 1983. As the 2004 Ford Mustang restarted the pony war, Dodge revived the Challenger. This time, it would stay true to the 1970s Challengers and Barracudas.

Continue reading

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2014 Ford Mustang GT Review

mustang 4

For the review of the Mustang V6 click here.

Introduced in April 1964, the Mustang became Ford’s most successful model since the Model T. It is also one of the longest running American nameplates in automotive history. Following the 2005 redesign, the Mustang grew in size and power yet was more influenced by the classic Mustangs than the previous generation. Updated in 2009, the Mustang was revised in styling and for 2011, received new powertrains. For the 2013 model year, it was updated again with upgraded sheet metal.

Continue reading

Tagged , , , , ,

2011 Ford Mustang Review

fordmustang1

Disclaimer: The car is not stock. The upgrades are magnaflow catback exhaust system, fully adjustable Koni shocks, and Eibach Springs. Driving experience may vary.

Many of you know already what this car is. It is America’s sports car. In my sophomore English class, we had to do a research paper on a biography. Naturally I did my paper on an automotive industry individual, Lee Iacocca. He was the man who was behind the original Ford Mustang. Celebrating its 50 year anniversary, the Ford Mustang debuted in 1964. 18 months after the Mustang debuted in April 1964, a million were made. The Mustang was wildly successful, and it started the muscle car craze in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The Mustang soldiered on, even with the debacle that is the Mustang II (It was bigger and slower and had four cylinder engines). Before the 1994 redesign, the Mustang was close to being discontinued as it had morphed into an uninteresting sports car. But the 1994 redesign changed its outcome, as the design was retro and the driving performance drastically better. Since then, the Mustang has been thriving. Continue reading

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,