Category Archives: performance

Audi Buys Italian Motorcycle Maker Ducati

Ducati has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Audi said that the motorcycle market will “enjoy strong growth over the next few years,” especially in Asia where Honda dominates. Continue reading

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First Drive – 2013 Lexus GS 350 Sport Sedan

The GS 350 also, surprisingly, outperforms the BMW in extreme performance driving. The transmission has some features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. Continue reading

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Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service Improves

It seems a shift in the type of work done is largely responsible for the gains. In 2012, 72% of vehicle owners indicate their latest dealer service visit was for maintenance rather than repair, an increase from 63% in 2011. Customer satisfaction with maintenance visits is typically higher than satisfaction with repair visits, since visits for routine maintenance tend to be less expensive and less time-consuming. Continue reading

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Camaro, Corvette Auto Transmissions Faster than Manuals

The latest evidence against manual shifting comes from Chevrolet whose paddle shifter automatic transmissions on Camaro and Corvette models in 2012 have a new software algorithm that improves tap response time ~60% compared to the previous system. As a result, the 2012 Camaro ZL1’s six-speed automatic transmission has a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds – a tenth of a second faster than GM’s official manual transmission time. Continue reading

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Federal Regs Work as Airlines Cut Delays and Cancellations

It is a clear example of the effectiveness and the need for government regulation of industry since airline passengers were not treated fairly or getting reliable transportation until DOT put in place regulations with stiff fines to stop all too common abuses. Continue reading

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Mopar Debuts Third Factory Built Hot Rod off Chrysler 300

Still working its muscle car roots, the Mopar 300 has a 363 horsepower (hum the Charger was 370?) 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine and a now dated five-speed automatic transmission. A change from a 3.06:1 to a 3.91:1 final-drive means zero-to-60 mph times in the low 5-second range, according to Chrysler, same as the Charger. Continue reading

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New 1967 Mustang Convertible Body for $15,995

While purists will scoff, the chances of finding a rust-free, undamaged sixties era Mustang suitable for restoration are slight, given the popularity of the Mustang among car enthusiasts. Some panel adjustment and alignment has to be done, but the new-old Mustang body comes rust proofed and primed, ready for painting and assembly. Continue reading

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New 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine Debuts in the Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac version of GM’s new powerplant will be one of highest specific output automotive engines, bar none, and more than 20% higher than the next closest competitor, the Mercedes-Benz C250 1.8-liter turbo at 111.6 hp/L. The turbo four will be joined in the ATS with a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-Liter V6 engine when production begins next summer. Frankly, it’s the price of entry in a segment where Cadillac has failed several times with inferior offerings. Continue reading

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Chrysler to Build 2013 SRT Viper at Conner Avenue Plant

Chrysler Group announced today that it will reopen its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit for the production of the next generation 2013 SRT Viper. The closed Viper plant was the victim of the Chrysler bankruptcy in 2009 and was originally listed as an asset to be sold. However, there were no takers for the sale of the Viper and its entire Conner Avenue plant for only $10 million. The Viper business earned $16 million in 2008 by building 1,545 cars and engines, according to a bankruptcy filing. Continue reading

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Drag Racing 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang Revealed

The 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang has two 5.0-liter Ti-VCT engine options – a naturally aspirated engine with Cobra Jet induction system, CNC ported heads, high-lift cams and low-drag accessory drive; or a Whipple supercharged version with CNC port-matched manifold and heads, and what’s said to be a proprietary 10-rib supercharger drive system for high-rpm use without belt slip. Continue reading

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Ford Shelby GT500 to Offer 650 Horsepower Production V8

Ford is boasting that the ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – will offer the highest horsepower production V8 when the new 2013 model goes on sale next year. The 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block supercharged engine is claimed to be rated at 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world. The 3,850-pound car also will be exempt from the gas-guzzler tax, a claim that awaits EPA certification. Continue reading

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Camaro ZL1 Coupe Priced at $54,995 for 2012 Model

The Camaro pony car is capable of speeds up to 184 mph and can traverse the pavement from a rolling start to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, according to Chevrolet. As such, the Camaro ZL1 coupe presents strong competition not only for the performance versions of the Shelby Mustang, GT 500, but also the Cadillac CTS-V coupe (rated at 556 horsepower or 415 kW), which makes the coupe just as fast, arguably roomier and starts at $64,090. For the record, Camaro has consistently outsold the Mustang since its introduction Continue reading

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Build Your Own LS7, LS9 Chevrolet V8 Crate Engine

Chevrolet Performance is now offering customers the chance to build your own LS7 V8 or LS9 V8 crate engine – a unique program that combines a factory-engineered aftermarket engine with hands on experience for custom car builders and hot rodders. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Runs a 7:41.27 lap at Nürburgring

The Camaro joins a production Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR (American Club Racer) that posted a 7:12.13 lap time on the12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife last month, that was faster than a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which posted a lap time of 7:19.63 back in June. Continue reading

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Household Income Continues to Fall Significantly as Federal Government Claims the Great Recession is Officially Over

Real median annual household income has fallen significantly more during the so called economic recovery period from June 2009 to June 2011 than during the recession lasting from December 2007 to June 2009. That’s right, not only do we a jobless recovery, but we have one where incomes are dropping. Since when are politicians in the business of making people poorer in a grim reversal of the American Dream?

The report is bad news for the auto industry, which remains in a severe slump caused in part by record high new car prices – now averaging more than $30,000 a vehicle, and projections of even higher prices to come because of new emissions and safety regulations. Continue reading

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