IS THERE A NEW 2015 CHEVELLE IN THE FUTURE ?

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Pictured above are three pictures of what could be Chevrolet's next addition to their already stellar lineup of  Muscle Cars reborn.

We have all seen the new examples of Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers out driving around town, many of us Chevy people have been  wondering if the beloved Chevelle will be added to the choice of Retro-muscle cars that we have at our disposal.
 
There is a rumor of the car receiving a 6.2L LS3 engine, which  I think would be a nice fit in the car. There are also rumors circulating that the platform might not be a full size car, but more along the lines of Camaro. Maybe they will share the same chassis, but have a unique body.

While the car is billed as a 2014 Chevelle, most of the talk refers to the car actually coming out in 2015, citing the Chevelle trademark is moving closer to being finalized. 

 I do hope that Chevy will come out with a new Chevelle. However I want it to be its own unique platform and be different than a reskinned Camaro. If there is a new Chevelle coming out, you can be sure I will be covering it! 

10 CONCEPT VEHICLES THAT PUSHED THE ENVELOPE IN 2013

OK, here's the skinny, a few of these vehicles were featured in a previous blog, "SEVEN RISKY VEHICLES AUTOMAKERS GAMBLED ON". the overlap is purely circumstantial.

As the 2013 concept cars had made their debuts, the future seemed  ever closer. From hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles to body-steered innovations, the daring design pieces from the world’s top automakers stole auto shows throughout the year. Here are the 10 concepts that truly pushed the envelope in 2013.

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1. Honda FCEV

 

 When Honda releases this car in 2015, the FCEV will actually be the second hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, offer by the automaker. The FCEV sports the design language of the future.

  Unlike the FCX Clarity, which is already being test-marketed for lease in Southern California, the FCEV is waiting for it's 2015 debut. Both vehicles run on hydrogen fuel tanks that power electric motors,  the system provides more range than lithium ion battery vehicles.

 

A lack of fueling infrastructure is their chief drawback. Best of all, refueling a hydrogen car takes just a few minutes.

 

 

2. Ford Atlas 

This truck is a win-win vehicle for consumers. The Atlas delivers superior fuel economy and performance for a time when carbon emissions have much stricter limits. It proved that it had a vision for the 21st century with the Atlas pickup it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

 

Declared the “most significant vehicle” by Autoweek following the show, Ford Motor Co. has put up an impressive number of F-Series sales in 2013, over 700,000 units by early December.

 

 

3. Nissan Friend-ME

 

 Nissan wanted to add a sporty quality vehicle that would not prove too edgy to be mainstream. In the attractive Friend-ME, they appear to have met their goals. The only adjustment the car might need is a different name.

 

Nissan says this four-door party on wheels is aimed at Chinese millennial of whom there are 240 million. The concept vehicle debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. Nissan tipped its hat to the Facebook generation with the slick Friend-ME.

 

 

 4. Toyota FV2

I know the general rule of thumb is,try not to buy a vehicle that was built on a Monday or a Friday . Monday, autoworkers have a hangover, Friday, everybody Is itching to get their hangover. Result, poorly built cars on those two days. What is pictured above in the Toyota FV2, is what happens when everyone in the Toyota operation HAD A HANGOVER ! With that said, Toyota was making news  for much of the year with its envelope-pushing concept vehicles.

I can see why.

 

Toyota has been trying to address issues of overcrowding and carbon emissions with its new vehicles. The FV2 does that and more.  The FV2  debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, is a body-steered machine the driver maneuvers in a semi-standing position. Sounds scary, just saying.

 

  The biggest innovation? Toyota claims the FV2 will monitor the mood of the driver through image and voice recognition.  YEOW !

 

 

5.Cadillac Elmiraj

A “two-door sedan” capable of generating 500 horsepower on 500 pounds-feet of torque, the 17-foot Cadillac Elmiraj is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan that will be highly sought after if GM ever puts it into production.       

 

GM appeared intent on doing what Cadillac does best with the impressive Elmiraj that the automaker debuted at the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach in August.

 

 

6. Nissan BladeGlider
OK, imagine kissing an 18 wheeler that just happened to wander in your lane, enough said.

 Nissan managed to set the standard with a handful of concepts from its design department in 2013. Among the most infamous was the BladeGlider that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in November

 The triangular vehicle featured one front seat and two back seats and rear-wheel electric motors that have engineers and drivers curious about Nissan’s “hyper-agile” concept.

7. Lexus LF-NX

Aimed at the expanding crossover market, Lexus wants to attract young buyers  for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor to deliver utility and operation in electric-only mode at low speeds. 

 

The ferocious Lexus LF-NX hybrid crossover appears to be something futuristic (yet green) villains will drive into battle Toyota also brought curiosity to its luxury division in 2013.

 



8. McLaren P1

 

 The McLaren P1 gives drivers a powertrain capable of producing 903 horsepower and zinging from 0-60 in under 3 seconds. 

 

While Porsche was busy mesmerizing possible clientele with its  918 Spyder hybrid supercar, McLaren, an even more powerful hybrid vehicle at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

 

Top speeds will climb to around 217 mph.Take that, Porsche.

 

 

9. Toyota FCV

 

 Toyota made clear it has a expanded approach to zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles of it's future vehicles. 

 

The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle it debuted in Japan was a look at a sporty green car Toyota says will be released in 2015.

 

 Like the Honda FCEV, the Toyota FCV will face roadblocks in fueling, but long-range hydrogen cars are gaining acceptance in the automotive industry. 

 

 

 

 10. Mercedes AMG Vision Gran Turismo

 

 In an effort to steal the L.A. Auto Show in November, Mercedes pulled out all the stops in developing a real-world version of the supercar it created for the Gran Turismo video game.

 

 It achieved it's goal in astonishing crowds and centering the focus on the Mercedes AMG performance unit as it continues its astonishing run.

 

 If this car ever make it to production, it will feature an engine capable of 577 hp on 590 lb-ft of torque. Not bad for a car that started out as a video game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 JAW-DROPPING AUTOMOBILES YOU CAN'T BUY IN AMERICA

If you are a visitor from another country, you might be surprised at the arsenal of cars we Americans have at our fingertips. With that said, there are still some awesome cars that are not available for sale in the United states. Here are seven unique vehicles that even the most prominent American consumers can't gain access to for a Sunday drive. 

 1. Peugeot RCZ Coupe

 

 The Peugeot RCZ Coupe is a slick, light car that has nine different engines for drivers to select. At a base price of 21,850 British pounds ($36,000), it’s a become a favorite among lovers of sporty coupes around the globe. Peugeot hasn’t been selling cars in the U.S. for decades. 

2. Holden UTE

It had been widely rumored that the Holden was set to be the next generation of Chevrolet El Caminos, I don't believe I'm going to hold my breath on that one. Although I would be a nice piece in Chevrolet's lineup.

 Holden, the GM'S sister  in Australia, builds a powerful and aerodynamic sport truck known as the Ute. It’s a no-brainer
to see how well this vehicle would sell in the United States, but it won’t happen anytime soon.  The 6.0-liter V8 is capable of generating 362 horsepower on 391 lb-ft of torque

3. Audi RS 6 Avant

 

 

 

This vehicle gives the name Audi a whole new meaning.

 

With  a 4.0-liter V8 that can generate over 550 hp on 516 pounds-feet of torque. It’s not for your average soccer mom. Americans have been starving for this ride because of what’s under the hood of the RS 6 Avant.

 

There are cars on this list that I Believe would sell really good in the United states.
 

 

 4. Morgan Aero Coupe


Of the seven cars that do not sell in the United States, this has to be my favorite.

The breathtaking Morgan Aero Coupe is something one would expect a modern Jay Gatsby to drive on the weekends. It can jump from 0-62 in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph without a problem according to the Morgan's website.

 British automaker Morgan produces some cars that can’t be driven in the U.S. due to airbag restrictions, The majority aren't sold here anyway.

 

5. Land Rover Defender

Under the hood is a 2.2-liter diesel engine that's capable of towing with 266 lb-ft of torque. Here's another ultimate off-road machine from Land Rover. 

The Defender is hampered by safety regulations that keep it out of the showrooms of American consumers. This Land Rover is also notable for hitting top speeds over 90 mph.

Source: Norbert Aepli, Wikimedia

6. Alfa Romeo 4C

 

With the ability to scorch 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and top speeds of 160 mph under 240 hp, it’s easy to see how popular this car would become if it ever were to appear on U.S. dealer lots.

As many lightweight cars have proven over the years, it’s not all about horsepower. The Alfa Romeo 4C is a shining example of how to develop a fast car on minimal horses. 
 

 

 

 

 7. Wiesmann Roadster MF4

 

 

 

 It’s hard to find fault with the Wiesmann Roadster MF4. In terms of jaw-dropping beauty, this stylish ride packs a 407-hp twin-turbo V8 under the hood capable of scorching the earth 0-62 in 4.6 seconds. It can climb to top speeds over 190 mph. For now, only a select few car buyers  can enjoy these German-built masterpieces. Americans car lovers can’t.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 RISKY VEHICLES AUTOMAKERS GAMBLED ON

There was a time in the automotive world that cars and trucks would take years of product development and huge investments by automakers. Automakers took huge risks on their investments, because if the vehicle failed to be accepted by the consumers buying vehicles, it could damage the company’s reputation for years. The times they are a changing.

Automakers are hedging their bets on vehicles that will take their brands in different directions. These automakers are thinking outside the box, and maybe a car company that was known for giving it's car all the bells and whistles, now will offer a car with an electric motor. Or maybe a company that was famous for durable trucks, will now offer a truck with different body armor.

Take a look at seven vehicles that are soon to hit dealer's showrooms, that are a definite gamble for the auto manufacturers.

1. Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Crossover

Let's say that you are a Hyundai car salesperson, and you tell your prospective buyer that they need a hydrogen station to fill up a car’s tank, you would have a gamble on your hands. 

This isn't stopping Asian automakers from paving the road for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. California drivers (who else?) will be the first at getting a taste of the innovative technology.

The Hyundai Tucson and other fuel-cell models have electric motors on board and has sparked a feud between electric car makers that will power their vehicles using hydrogen and those that already do so with lithium-ion batteries.

The Korean automaker is eliminating most of the risk it is taking in the rollout. The gamble comes in the bet the technology will catch on and the automaker’s extensive investment in development will be worth it.

 Hyundai is going ahead with its fuel-cell Tucson that produces only water vapor emissions. By March 2014, customers will be able to lease the crossover in Southern California at $499 a month with fuel and maintenance included. 

2. 2015 Ford Mustang

You know the old saying, If something isn't broke, don't fix it. But if you are a car manufacture, you want to keep your line up fresh. There is still one problem. If part of your lineup is a legendary icon, you are walking a tight rope keeping your icon looking improved, yet keeping the customer base happy. It's a draconian gamble.

Ford walked that tight rope when the redesigned the 2015 Mustang. I, through the power of the internet had a chance to view early renditions, let's call them test balloons of the '15 Mustang, and I wasn't impressed, neither was my 33 yr. old daughter, who fits the demographic for the Mustang. Luckily (for Ford), the finished product has a lot more sex appeal.

The '15 Mustang will be offered with a four cylinder engine, and before you get your ponies in a bunch, it will also have the option of the fire breathing V-8. Ford is reaching out to a global market, and I believe that's where the four cylinder fits in. Countries like India and China will appreciate the fuel economy of a four cylinder.

3. Cadillac ELR

A Cadillac you plug into your garage wall electrical outlet. This definitely isn't you grandfathers Cadillac.

I was told a story once about how when electricity first became available to people for use in their houses, some people feared it.
I wonder what they would think of this.

Cadillac's borrowing  the Chevy Volt powertrain,
which delivers electric-only power for more than thirty miles.
Cadillac is taking a serious gamble with the ELR. The lack of the Cadillac growl in electric mode may turn off some loyal fans.
The steep price tag presents a far bigger challenge. At a base price over $75,000, it’s reasonable to wonder who's going to pay such a sum when some other highly regarded Cadillacs cost far less.

Plus the all-electric Telsa Model S, which also has a lower base price than the ELR and a much greater all-electric driving range.

 

4. Honda FCEV

Sweet Mother of God ,what have we here! Oh, ok, It's a Honda. I didn't want to blame this creature on an American car company. This article I'm writing is all about Risk, Friends, this vehicle took 1st place for the biggest risk.

What we have here is Honda's answer to the fuel-cell vehicles. It's already being test-marketed in California, .........go figure. This vehicle, which appeared at auto shows in late 2013, is the fuel-cell car with the most futuristic design.

Besides the hydrogen factor, which still must pass numerous hurdles to make it to the general public, Honda is taking a major gamble on the styling front, and that's the truth. Much like its competitors, it is powered to travel over 300 miles after fueling the hydrogen cells that power an electric motor.

Are car buyers really ready for a car that looks at home in a sci-fi flick ?

5. Kia K900

When you think of luxury cars, does the name Kia come to mind? If you are Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Cadillac, you better look in your rear view mirror, there's new competition in town.

Sure, it's a gamble for Kia to enter the luxury car market, it's unchartered waters for Kia. Seriously, I believe they have what it takes. Consumers looking for a long-wheelbase top of the line automobile have yet one more choice to look at in that market segment.

The new Kia K900 has a lot of things luxury car buyers want, long wheel base for a better ride, rear wheel drive, a 420-hp V-8 and a more spacious interior than it's luxury counterparts.

The Kia K900 is worth an honest look.

6. Toyota FCV

OK, Honda FCEV, Bad news..........This Toyota, which ALMOST looks less appealing than the Prius, is going nose to nose with you for this post's biggest Risk.

The development of the Prius hybrid family remains one of the most draconian game-changing moves in recent decades. I can't believe the American consumer fell for it. And they said the Edsel and AMC Pacer were hard on the eyes.

Toyota has cornered the market when it comes to gambling on innovative technology. Toyota is showing it is not done making history, with the introduction of a fuel-cell vehicle.

 The Toyota FCV will appear by 2015 and use hydrogen to power electric motors that emit water vapor as the only emission, like the Honda and Hyundai fuel-cell vehicles.Toyota is taking a significant risk in betting hydrogen will supplant lithium-ion batteries in the coming decade.Toyota could have doubled down on plug-ins in the line of the Prius and Model S.

 7. 2015 Ford F-150

This is daring and risky, and if it works everybody building trucks will follow, and Ford will be a hero.

Ford  will introduce an aluminum-body F-150 for the 2015 model year redesign.To mess with the runaway best-selling vehicle in the United States for 30+ years is an enormous gamble.

“Ford Tough”-ness  has made the vehicle so popular among construction workers and other people relying on this vehicle for their jobs. F-Series pickup owners depend on the durability.

 Another question is pricing. Will Ford be able to keep the cost low with an aluminum body?



 

LADIE'S, IF A GUY'S PICKING YOU UP FOR A DATE, HERE'S THE HOTTEST CAR HE COULD BE DRIVING

OK ladie's admit it, there's something to be said for the type of car,(or truck) that a guy picks you up for a date with, that makes him sexy.

There's a case to be made that people do have opinions on what cars have the sexiest drivers. Of 2,000 people surveyed by insure.com, the survey rounded up answers from both men and women on what they prefer the opposite sex to drive.

The hottest car (or truck) for guys to drive is…  A black pickup truck.  Here's the top-five list for guys:

1. Pickup trucks
2. Sports cars
3. SUVs
4. Sedans
5. Hybrid or electric cars

Somewhere they lost me on a guy being sexy driving a hybrid or electric car, although I guess Telsa Car Co. could make a strong argument towards it. A guy driving a Toyota Prius just doesn't seem sexy. But who am I to judge.

And guys, if you like your special lady to be the one behind the wheel to pick you up for a night on the town, here's the top five hottest cars (or truck ) for women to drive :

1. Sports cars
2. Sedans
3. SUVs
4. Pickup trucks
5. Hybrid or electric vehicles

I just can't get my arms around the hybrid or electric car idea.


 
 

HERE ARE 10 CLASSIC MUSCLE CAR YOU CAN AFFORD ( CAR & DRIVER , ) PART 2

Here is Part 2 of  "Here are 10 Muscle Cars you can afford, (Car & Driver.)"

This list carries a bit more credence than Pat 1 did. There are a few cars that somewhat qualify to be called muscle cars, take away the fact that Federal Emission Laws choked the horsepower right out them. Insurance companies also had a part in the decreased horsepower.

Nonetheless, here are the remaining five cars, plus an additional bonus car.

6. 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 WS6

It's funny, when this car was brand new, I knew a couple that had two of these, bet they wish they still had them.

 It was  during the 1979 model year that the Formula was available with the 220-hp true Pontiac 400 (6.6 liter) V-8 and the WS6 handling package that brought four-wheel disc brakes and the glorious “snowflake” alloy wheels along with it.

Late-’70s Trans Am prices have been inflated by a generation of Bandit wannabes, but the less flashy Formula is lagging. There were only 24,851 Formulas made during ’79. How many of those had the 400 and WS6? Not many.

 Values: $11,200/$16,600

7.  1985–90 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z and Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The Third Generation Camaro is probably my personal favorite, I had a 1989 Camaro RS. Truth be told, it only had a 2.8 L V-6, with that said, I purchased the vehicle to hand to my daughter, when she turned 16. She learned to drive on this car. We ended up sharing it.

New Jersey cool is now entering the collector-car market, so the objects of their teenage lust remain relatively affordable. The generation that grew up worshiping these icons of 1980s, can now buy them at a reasonable price.

There are dozens of variations of the IROC and Trans Am available, and most are dirt cheap. The 225-horse, 5.7-liter TPI V-8 was phased in during ’86 and ’87.The third F-body didn't hit its stride until the 215-hp, tuned-and-port-injected 5.0-liter V-8 and gorgeous IROC-Z arrived for ’85.

   Values: IROC-Z, $4500/$9050; Firebird Trans Am, $5475/$8650

 

8. 1989 Pontiac 20th Anniversary Trans Am

 ***Here’s the section that matters in Car and Driver’s test of the 20th Anniversary Trans Am: “Our test car scorched the drag strip with a 0-to-60-mph blast of 4.6 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 13.4 seconds at 101 mph. That means, as we go to press, that the turbocharged Trans Am is the quickest 0-to-60 sprinter available in any U.S. production-car showroom—at any price.” Top speed: 153 mph.

The car is more than worthy to be a Muscle Car, and be part of this list.

The 20th Anniversary Trans Am is special because only 1500 were built and because they were all powered by Buick’s turbocharged 250-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 that had been used in that division’s storied Grand National.

Values: $19,600/$23,800

(***Credit Car & Driver)


9. 1993 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra

The Cobra was the first car to come out of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team. Only 4993 were made. Another 107 were built as “R” models, but those are pricier.

Riding on a specially tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels, powered by a 235-horse version of the classic injected 5.0 V-8, and perfectly decorated to be distinctive and handsome.

 Of all the 5.0-liter (er, 4.9 liter) Mustangs built from 1979 to 1993, this one is the best.

Values: $8450/$12,550

10. 1994–96 Chevrolet Impala SS

A very special friend of mine, who has since passed away, managed to obtain one of these fine pre-owned creatures. We were both working at a GM dealership together at the time, He fought tooth & nail with the General Manager to get his price, I was very happy for him. This car fit him like a T. 

Comfortable, surprisingly nimble, great-looking, and engineered like a girder bridge, the Impala SS is still too new to be considered a “classic” for pricing purposes. But there are people out there already hoarding prime examples.

 So big it can be used as a banquet hall, the mid-’90s Impala SS is essentially a redecorated Caprice 9C1 cop car powered a 260-hp version of the Corvette’s old-school LT1 small-block V-8.
Values: $9350/$13,450

11. BONUS MINI-MUSCLE: 1986–87 Dodge Omni GLH-S

OK my Muscle Car fans, here's the bonus care I promised you. It's incredible the dollars this cars is commanding.

You already knew that GLH stood for “Goes Like Hell” and the S for “Some More.”

 If you buy the GLH-S as a collectible, you’ll love it for all its antisocial tendencies bred when Shelby tweaked the Omni GLH model.

  This mini monster is a front-wheel-drive five-door based on the  unloved Omni and powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 175-hp, 2.2-liter four usually found in several undistinguished K-car variants.

The Omni GLH-S has Shelby heritage, a reputation for ludicrous performance, and turbo lag that lasts a century.

Values: $9850/$20,000 

HERE ARE 10 CLASSIC MUSCLE CAR YOU CAN AFFORD ( CAR & DRIVER , ) PART 1

Off  the record, I had a seriously tough time taking this list seriously.  Calling the aforementioned automobiles muscle cars is a stretch. My Idea of watching a reality show is tuning into a Barrett-Jackson Auto -Auction. The problem with the cars at Barrett-Jackson is, the are above my pay grade, and most peoples pay grade I'm going to give you the list, take away from it all that you can. I just can't take it serious.


1. 1970–71 Ford Torino GT and Mercury Cyclone GT 

 Ford Motor Co took a gamble and refreshed it's lineup in 1970. American consumer did not kike that very much.

In theory, it could be because Ford kept campaigning the long-nose 1969 Ford Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler in NASCAR.

 Torino GT Cobra and Cyclone GT Spoiler models were often powered by the Super Cobra Jet 429 (7.0 liter) V-8 rated at 360 horsepower.  Most 1970 Torino GTs and Cyclone GTs came with the 250-hp, 351-cubic-inch (5.8 liter) V-8.

 

Values: Torino GT, $11,950/$15,900; Cyclone GT, $12,350/$18,400.

 

2. 1973 Pontiac GTO and 1973–75 Pontiac Grand Am

 

 The bodies for ’73, all got larger and heavier, for GM’s mid-size A-cars, it was the last traditional, mid-size GTO.

Pontiac put little effort into it,  the GTO was nearly a spent force by then. Most of the 4806 built had a 230-hp, 400-cubic-inch (6.6 liter) V-8; a 250-hp 455 (7.5 liter) was optional.

The Grand Am, using the same body as the GTO, many were built with the 400 and the 250-horse 455. More interesting, and more popular, was the squishy nosed Grand Am available as a coupe or sedan.

More interesting, and more popular, was the squishy nosed Grand Am available as a coupe or sedan.

 3. 1971 AMC Hornet SC/360

  The power for the '71AMCHornet comes from an AMC V-8, with a two-barrel Motorcraft carb rated at 245 gross horsepower or a four-barrel at 285 horsepower.

AMC built only 784 of these muscled-up versions of the AMC Hornet SC/360 compact. The various Javelins and AMXs are more flamboyant, but this might be the rarest AMC muscle of them all.

The earlier SC/Rambler and Rebel Machine are more prominent among collectors

Values: $22,800/$31,400

4.  1971–75 Ford Maverick Grabber

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.The Grabber could be had powered by a 210-gross-horsepower, two-barrel 302-cubic-inch (4.9 liter) V-8. Not so much a muscle car as a car that looks like one,



Not so much a muscle car as a car that looks like one,   That dropped to 140 horsepower when Ford adopted net ratings in ’72 and 129 horsepower when emissions strangled output in ’75.

Still, the Grabber was good-looking and simple to work on, and the Brazilians swear by their version.

Values: $6275/$10,200

5. 1974–76 Dodge Dart Sport 360

  Car and Driver organized a top-speed test of four cars and a truck. In second, behind the Corvette and ahead of the Trans Am, was the ordinary Dodge Dart Sport 360. “America's fastest sedan is also one of its most innocuous; it blends into traffic like a lane divider,” a young Don Sherman concluded about the Dart.

American performance was near its nadir in 1976. With 200 net horsepower from a 360-cubic-inch (5.9 liter) V-8 under its hood and no catalyst clogging its dual exhaust system, the Dart freight-trained to 121.8 mph for C/D. Awesome for the time.

Values: $5200/$8500