Archive for June, 2009

Looooong Term Road Test

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

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Road Testing a Ford Tempo, 16 Years Later

Michael Schlee

 

This past week I had the opportunity to travel back in time. I did not need a Delorean, a flux capacitor, or a vehicle capable of 88MPH (which is a good thing because the car I got wasn’t up to the task). All I needed was a 1994 Ford Tempo. So how did this come to be? Well, this week I took my car in for much needed maintenance. I am prepping it for an appearance at the Bullrun event in New York City in two weeks time. More on that event in future blogs.

1994 Ford Tempo

1994 Ford Tempo

While my car was in the shop, I needed to get into work. I am one of those people who lives no where near their place of work.  There is no viable public transportation options to get there either. I had no car, but absolutely needed to get into the office. So what was I to do? Borrow a 1994 Ford Tempo!  I made a call and found out it wasn’t being used that day. Success! What better suited vehicle could there be to travel clear across Toronto 50KM during rush hour? So what if it is 16 years old and has never driven more then 2KM at a time in the past 10 years? I had wheels.

 

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Times, They Have Been a Changin’

Friday, June 26th, 2009

 

How Far Have Cars Come in 13 Years?

Michael Schlee

 

In the Automotive world, change happens quickly. If you don’t keep pace with the times, you will be left behind. There are several manufacturers who did not keep up with consumer tastes and needs over the past few decades and they are now feeling the pain. I’ll be nice and avoid naming names.

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

So just how quickly do vehicles change and evolve? Well, I thought I would take a look at 10 popular models that have been around for the past 13 years. I took one example each from 10 popular vehicle categories. Without being too general, there are 3 trends that all of these vehicles have followed; bigger size, bigger power and increased options.

 

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Serious Sixes

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

 

6-Cylinder Engines That Pack a Serious Punch

Michael Schlee

 

The 6 Cylinder engine once was the ‘small guy’ in the North American automotive world. If you wanted an efficient vehicle in the 1950’s and 1960’s, you would opt for the 6 cylinder engine.

Nissan GT-R

Nissan GT-R

With the exception of a few European and Japanese makes, the 6-cylinder engine was not the first choice for sports cars.

 

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10 Furious Fours

Friday, June 5th, 2009

 

4 Cylinder Engines NOT Focused on MPG

Michael Schlee

 

The 4 Cylinder engine is the ‘small guy’ when it comes to North American automobile engines. Outside of the Smart car that still has a 3 cylinder engine, nothing else is smaller or more fuel efficient.

 

Subaru WRX STi

Subaru WRX STi

 

4 Cylinder engines have become the main stay of compact cars, hybrids and entry level midsize sedans.

 

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ICONS – Part 1

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
 

.Models That Have Stood The Test of Time

 

Michael Schlee

Everywhere in life there are icons. They can be found in movies, music, business, sports, and yes, even the automotive world. Automotive icons are a rare breed. They represent more then just a model line for their manufacturer.

Car Icons represent a manufacturer’s ideals, technology, passion and purpose. Okay, that may be overstating things a bit, but for the most part it is true.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

So what qualifies as car as an Icon? Many great cars have come and gone in North America over the years, such as the Countach, Viper, Supra, Chevelle, Cobra, etc. But the question is, were they truly icons? Great cars, yes; amazing cars even, but true long lasting icons? They were all important during their time in history, but for one reason or another, they were all discontinued. Also, being that we live in North America, we are only dealing with icons that made it to our shores.

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ICONS – Part 2

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

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Models That Have Stood The Test of Time
 

Michael Schlee

 

This is a continuation of the previous post ICONS – Part 1. To summarize, car Icons represent a manufacturer’s ideals, technology, passion and purpose. Okay, that may be overstating things a bit, but for the most part it is true.

Porsche 911

Porsche 911

So what qualifies as car as an Icon? Many great cars have come and gone in North America over the years, such as the Countach, Viper, Supra, Chevelle, Cobra, etc. But the question is, where they truly icons? Great cars, yes; amazing cars even, but true long lasting icons? They were all important during their time in history, but for one reason or another, they were all discontinued. Also, being that we live in North America, we are only dealing with icons that made it to our shores.

 

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