A true enthusiast doesn't limit themselves to one car website or blog, so here's my list of the best automotive sites out there.
Car Buying
Cars.com- While certainly not aimed for the enthusiast market, cars.com is my favorite car search tool. I've spent many days on the site just browsing for cars I could never afford and ones that I would be insane to actually buy. For me, being able to scroll through photos of Ferraris and classic Mustangs on dealer lots makes it seem more attainable and thus easier to fantasize about driving these cars. Maybe its just me. Anyway, I chose cars.com because of the ease in filtering the exact car you are interested in so you don't have to look at any automatic Mustangs...
Cars-on-line.com- This is my choice for those interested in searching for classic cars. Once you click on the link you'll be taken to a website that clearly hasn't yet moved into the 21st century. While the site is showing its age, it still shows you what classic cars are available in your area. Cars-on-line.com also lets you search purely by make and only accepts cars on its site that are truly classics, allowing you to see only best classic cars.
Blogs
Jalopnik- If you're a common reader of EAE you already know that Jalopnik holds a special place in my heart. Jalopnik's mix of bold writing style and "small blog" humor make it perfect for those who have a passion for cars. Jalopnik ignores those non-enthusiast readers that other blogs seem to cater to and in doing so has created a close-knit online automotive community.
Autoblog- Autoblog makes no attempt to match Jalopnik's humor or community but does do a great job of providing auto news. If you are interested in spy shots of the newest sports cars, you'll love Autoblog. Anytime I'm looking for the most up-to-date car commentary I head to Autoblog to get the scoop.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
Top 5 Vipers
As many of you surely know, the Viper is witnessing its last golden sunset as 2017 will be the last year of the wide-hipped snake we know and love. Motor Trend recently reported, however, that despite struggling sales figures in recent years, all 215 25th Anniversary Edition cars sold out only a few days after Dodge made the announcement. With the Age of the Viper coming to a close, I thought I'd show you my Top 5 Viper Trims/Special Editions.
5. First-Gen Viper Convertible
The one that started it all. It doesn't get any more 90's than the factory ketchup and mustard wheel and paint configuration. Sporting a massive 8 liter V10 the Viper was like no other supercar in the world when it entered production in 1992. The Viper was inspired by the legendary Shelby Cobra of the 60's and was no less terrifying to drive.
4. Second-Gen Viper Coupe
While this generation of Viper was never appreciated by the automotive community, I always loved the second-gen Vipers aggressive front-end not to mention the V10 that made over 500 Horsepower.
3. 2013 Dodge Viper
The current Viper improved on the second-gen in practically every single way. The smoothed over styling that payed homage to the original worked magnificently. That, combined with the improved interior and dedication to the monster V10 even as government regulations maligned such a car earns it a podium finish.
2. 2008 Dodge Viper ACR
The Viper ACR was to the automotive community what the Miracle on Ice was to hockey. The 2008 Viper ACR dominated nearly every production car lap record that existed from the Nurburgring to Laguna Seca. The ACR laughed in the face of Ferrari Scuderia's and Porsche GT3's and showed that an American production car could still beat the greats at their own game.
1. Dodge Viper GTS
Only when Dodge decided to put a top on its then convertible-only Viper did the snake see its full potential. The styling was somehow improved over the RT/10 and included the "double bubble" roof last seen in 60's race cars. The racing success of the highly related GTS-R cemented this Viper as my number 1.
5. First-Gen Viper Convertible
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| https://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2010/01/18/23/39/2009_dodge_viper_srt10_coupe-pic-871685882498139690-640x480.jpeg |
The one that started it all. It doesn't get any more 90's than the factory ketchup and mustard wheel and paint configuration. Sporting a massive 8 liter V10 the Viper was like no other supercar in the world when it entered production in 1992. The Viper was inspired by the legendary Shelby Cobra of the 60's and was no less terrifying to drive.
4. Second-Gen Viper Coupe
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| https://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2010/01/18/23/39/2009_dodge_viper_srt10_coupe-pic-871685882498139690-640x480.jpeg |
While this generation of Viper was never appreciated by the automotive community, I always loved the second-gen Vipers aggressive front-end not to mention the V10 that made over 500 Horsepower.
3. 2013 Dodge Viper
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| http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201204/2013-srt-viper_600x0w.jpg |
2. 2008 Dodge Viper ACR
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| http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-news/2010-dodge-viper-acr-bests-laguna-seca-lap-record-at-1-3391/27286096+w750/2008-dodge-viper-acr-front.jpg |
The Viper ACR was to the automotive community what the Miracle on Ice was to hockey. The 2008 Viper ACR dominated nearly every production car lap record that existed from the Nurburgring to Laguna Seca. The ACR laughed in the face of Ferrari Scuderia's and Porsche GT3's and showed that an American production car could still beat the greats at their own game.
1. Dodge Viper GTS
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| http://thefabweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ZdcbG.jpg |
2012 Ford Mustang V6 Review
In the spirit of the 4th of July I thought I'd review a 2012 Ford Mustang V6. This particular Mustang belongs to a close friend and thus I have had a great deal of experience driving it. As always, before I go into the details of what the 'stang is like to drive, I'll give you a rundown of the features and modifications.
Engine: 3.7 V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Options: Premium & Sport Package
Mods: Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust, Airaid Cold-Air Intake, 73mm Throttle Body, SR Performance Lower Control Arms, Bremmer Kraft wheels
As you can see, this particular Mustang celebrates the classic Mustang "make-it-your-own" mentality. This is one of the things I always appreciated about the Mustang community as almost all owners seem to personalize their ride. The first thing I'll tell you about driving the Mustang is that 13 years has drastically changed what the V6 pony represents. No longer is it the couldn't-afford-a-V8 choice that I owned. With 305 Horsepower before any of the modifications, this Mustang will outperform BMW 3-Series' and Nissan 370Z's alike. But I wouldn't care even if it was slower than those cars. Why? Because the Mustang has bad attitude in spades. Opening up the exhaust and throttle body to more air has quickened the V6's throttle response while giving it a unique burble and crackle on throttle-down similar to the 3.8 in my old Mustang. Handling was never one of the Mustang's strong suits and that doesn't change with this particular car. While the lower control arms help stiffen the rear end and reduce axle-hop, the car still doesn't communicate anything to the driver. Compared to a new GTI, the seating position is ridiculously high and still doesn't give the driver a good view of whats in front of him/her (I compare it to riding an actual horse).
So handling isn't great but who cares? If you're buying a V6 Mustang its not like you're taking it to Road America and running hot laps. What hasn't changed with this mustang is that its not afraid of being what it is. While the Mustang has picked up a ton a speed over the years, it still represents perhaps the best fun-to-dollar ratio and allows enthusiasts access to one of the largest automotive modification communities out there. American Muscle is where nearly all of this Mustang's aftermarket mods came from and one visit to the site will affirm that the Mustang community is still booming after all these years.
Fun: 9/10
Practical: 6/10
Fast: 9/10
Total: 24/30
Engine: 3.7 V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Options: Premium & Sport Package
Mods: Magnaflow Cat-Back Exhaust, Airaid Cold-Air Intake, 73mm Throttle Body, SR Performance Lower Control Arms, Bremmer Kraft wheels
As you can see, this particular Mustang celebrates the classic Mustang "make-it-your-own" mentality. This is one of the things I always appreciated about the Mustang community as almost all owners seem to personalize their ride. The first thing I'll tell you about driving the Mustang is that 13 years has drastically changed what the V6 pony represents. No longer is it the couldn't-afford-a-V8 choice that I owned. With 305 Horsepower before any of the modifications, this Mustang will outperform BMW 3-Series' and Nissan 370Z's alike. But I wouldn't care even if it was slower than those cars. Why? Because the Mustang has bad attitude in spades. Opening up the exhaust and throttle body to more air has quickened the V6's throttle response while giving it a unique burble and crackle on throttle-down similar to the 3.8 in my old Mustang. Handling was never one of the Mustang's strong suits and that doesn't change with this particular car. While the lower control arms help stiffen the rear end and reduce axle-hop, the car still doesn't communicate anything to the driver. Compared to a new GTI, the seating position is ridiculously high and still doesn't give the driver a good view of whats in front of him/her (I compare it to riding an actual horse).
So handling isn't great but who cares? If you're buying a V6 Mustang its not like you're taking it to Road America and running hot laps. What hasn't changed with this mustang is that its not afraid of being what it is. While the Mustang has picked up a ton a speed over the years, it still represents perhaps the best fun-to-dollar ratio and allows enthusiasts access to one of the largest automotive modification communities out there. American Muscle is where nearly all of this Mustang's aftermarket mods came from and one visit to the site will affirm that the Mustang community is still booming after all these years.
Fun: 9/10
Practical: 6/10
Fast: 9/10
Total: 24/30
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