The Route 66 Rally is over. To say it was fun would be an understatement. It was one of the best experiences I could ever recommend to someone.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin R.

It was 4 days of driving and comradery on some of the best roads America has to offer. For those who missed it, not to worry, there will be another event bigger and better then this one. 2010 was just the first year of this annual event.

Below are the majority of vehicles that participated in this years rally. Will yours be in next years photos?  For more information on the 2011 Rally, please visit www.rallynorthamerica.com

Michael Schlee

Speed TV’s successful Bullrun reality show is returning for a 3rd season this winter. For those who do not know about it, you should. It is a fast past, adrenaline fuelled race across America that pits 12 teams against each other vying for $200 000 in cash. It is a car enthusiast’s ultimate dream competition.

Based on the successful Bullrun rally that began in 2004, the show takes place over the course of 10 days and involves checkpoints, challenges and explosions……lots of explosions.

One of the teams featured on this years show is ‘Team Mach 1’. Piloting a vintage 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1, the team consists of driver Tony Intrieri and co-driver Kenny Brown. I was fortunate enough to spend some time talking with Tony Intrieri recently about his time on the show. So, without further ado, I now present 10 questions with Team Mach 1.

Q: How was it making it onto the show after being a fan of Bullrun for so long?

A: The biggest thing about making it onto the show was not knowing about it until the last minute. We were not informed we made the show until 5 days before filming was to begin. It was a surreal feeling. Kenny and I didn’t believe it was real until we were on the plane headed to the starting line.

Q: Why the choice of a 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1?

A: It was ultimately Bullrun’s choice. I am a big Mustang fan and I submitted a few vehicles for them to choose from. I really like this car and specifically prefer the Mach 1 over other 1970 models due to its small block power plant. It gets decent fuel mileage and is more agile then the big block Mustangs.

Q: Did you feel you were at a disadvantage driving a classic collector’s item against the more modern machinery?

A: In some respects, yes. My car didn’t have cruise control, air conditioning or reclining seats. I am a 44 year old man and wouldn’t mind some of these comforts. Also, I had to deal with 1970’s technology. I mean, my headlights are still the original 1970 Ford equipment. I brought a whole bunch of tools along with me in case of any needed repairs. Overall though, I would say there were advantages and disadvantages.

Q: Season 2’s challenges stepped it up over Season’s 1 challenges. Has season 3 raised the bar again?

A: I would say for sure yes, absolutely. Season 3 has raised the bar over season 2 like season 2 raised it over season 1. The challenges seem a lot scarier. The explosions seemed far bigger, but it may also be that I was standing next to them.

Q: Season 2 was epic. The infamous EVO crash will live on in memory. Will season 3 be even more dramatic?

A: Without giving away anything, the season as a whole is more dramatic compared to season 2. Season 2 featured a few dramatic episodes, where as season is dramatic right from the start.

Q: When you first saw all of your competitors and their cars, what thoughts ran through your head?

A: Holy @*$&! It really was a moment like this. I thought going in that if you could win a challenge, then you were fine. Then I saw the overwhelming power of the cars involved. The cars were sick. I didn’t expect to see Viper there, nevermind a Hennessey Viper. Then I saw a lambo and a modified NSX. All the cars there were scary in their own respect. There was mini there with excellent MPG that would be a killer during the checkpoints. There are other cars too you might not expect to be able to compete; until you consider the nut behind the wheel.

Q: Did all the teams get along?

A: (laughing) I’m not going to say all of them, absolutely not all of them. All teams had their alliances and all teams had their enemies.

Q: You and your co-driver Kenny Brown are long time friends. How did spending 3 weeks alone together affect your friendship?

A: If anything, we are better friends now then before. Sure everyone annoys each other at times, but I have the upmost respect for Kenny.

Q: Will the Mustang community be proud of you?

A: (laughing) I hope so! They better be! Seriously though, I am not sure. I mean, when you are out there it is your car you are driving. You have to lay it all on the line and do the best you can. I think Kenny and I did.

Q: If given the opportunity, would you do it all over again?

A: Uh, yeah I would. I would go into it with a different perspective as nothing can prepare you for you this; but I would definitely do it again.

Season 3 of Bullrun will debut on Speed TV February 18, 2010.

Profiling 47 Classic Mustangs from Ford
 

Michael Schlee

For over forty five years Ford has produced the Mustang. Keeping a model alive for 45 years alone is an impressive feat. However, the Mustang has sold very well over the decades making it the 25th all time most sold model around the world. Not an easy feat for a vehicle only sold in North America.

2009 Ford Mustang GT

Since 1964 over 9 000 000 Mustangs have found homes in Canada and the USA (and a few have been exported to other countries).

It hasn’t always been easy for the Mustang. It has had to survive years with 90HP 4 cylinder engine options, lean years where V8 output hovered well below 200HP, a solid rear axle, the Ford Probe threat and of course the Mustang II. But through it all the Mustang thrived and has always been a sales success.

Recently Ford has released archive photos celebrating the life and times of the Mustang. Below is a gallery of Mustangs representing every model year from its long storied life (so far).

Rally Begins July 11, 2009 in New York City

Michael Schlee

Sometimes things do not go according to plans.  It is 3 days before I need to be in New York City for the start of Bullrun and my official Bullrun vinyl kit is M.I.A. I need it to be able to partake in the official start of the Bullrun rally. Now normally this would onset panic and dismay. I mean, I am an amateur when it comes to applying vinyl at the best of times and this is a substantial kit. Working fulltime would only leave me 3 evenings at best to get the 10 hour job done. Not to worry though, I have an ace up my sleeve; more on that later.

Bullrun RX-8 Lacking Decals

The event I am preparing for is the 2009 Bullrun Rally. For those not familiar with Bullrun, think of it as a mix between a road rally, a race and a week long non-stop party. With nothing more then a destination and road map, teams of two travel from checkpoint to checkpoint all over the USA during the course of one week. First one there (as determined by their starting and ending time) wins. Of course at the end of each day the teams enjoy some of the wildest and most exclusive night life each host city has to offer.

So if this event is so great, why is it not more popular? One word, exclusivity. The entry fee for the rally is $20 000 USD. People who run the rally are either rich enough to afford the entry fee on their own, or they scrape together enough sponsorship deals to cover the cost. Either way, one thing is certain; the rally attracts true car people who are all a little nuts.

Now this humble reporter did not have an extra $20 000 USD kicking around to enter the rally. Selling Autotrader.ca (Canada) on the idea of covering the cost of the rally in exchange for advertising in a market we are not in (USA) did not work to well either. So how exactly am I going to get to be in the starting line in New York City? Well that honour was given to me by the great people at Bullrun themselves.

Bullrun SLR

I have been an avid fan of both the Bullrun Rally and Bullrun reality television show for years. More recently I became an active member of Bullrun’s online forum where I can track the rally, talk about the television show and interact with other avid gearheads. It doesn’t hurt that it is a great community to be a part of either. If you ask anyone I know, for the past 6 months I have been talking about Bullrun at nauseam. As the rally drew closer, word was sent out that a few fans would be invited to take the green flag with the rally competitors. This is being done as a thank you to the fans for their support as well as a chance for us to taste what the rally we so wish we could be a part of is like. I could not pass up this opportunity and I applied at once. Lucky for me I was chosen to partake in the green flag drop.

Fast forward 2 months and it is 3 days before the rally. As I mentioned earlier I was still lacking my kit needed to take the starting line for the Bullrun rally. I figured after not receiving the kit by day 5 of a guaranteed 3 day delivery something was wrong. I contacted the shipping company to discover that they had no clue where my package was. Oh great. Starting to panic a bit I raised red flags on Bullrun.com that I may not be able to make the rally’s starting line. Within no more then 3 hours, Theresa from ASAP Signs (the company creating the decal kits for Bullrun) had contacted me three times, reprinted my entire set of vinyls, and express shipped them to NYC. All of this was done to fix an error that was not theirs to correct. If that wasn’t enough, 11 other fans and Bullrun entrants offered their help in getting my car prepped in New York City on Friday before the rally starts. Did I mention I have never actually met any of these people face to face and yet they are willing to lend a hand? This just reaffirmed in my mind why the Bullrun community is such a great place.

Bullrun Trans Am

It is now 2 days before my departure.  I have finally gotten word from the shipper that indeed my decals are lost.  So I am forced to head off to Manhattan with my blue RX-8 only partially ready.  Lucky for me a small army is ready to meet me in NYC to get the car up to spec.  This in itself will be a great experience and memory.

Friday morning I will start my trip to Manhattan.  I am ready to get a glimpse into what many describe as the experience of a lifetime. The rally is planned to head out of New York City at 9AM on Saturday July 11th and will finish in Texas a week later. Where will it be stopping? Well no one knows, that is the beauty of Bullrun. However, if you are travelling in the Eastern United States during the next week and a half, keep an eye out for some impressive machinery adorning Bullrun logos. 

Below are a few spy shots of both rally participants and fans that will be in New York City this Saturday.

V8′s Packing Serious Power

Michael Schlee

The 8 Cylinder engine is synonymous with performance vehicles. The V8 configuration could be the most famous engine of all time. Who doesn’t know what a V8 is, or recognize its awesome snarl?

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

There was a time in North America when nearly every family sedan and coupe rolled off the assembly line with a V8 engine. Those days are long gone and except for the recent resurgence of the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger and Pontiac G8, you would be hard pressed to find a V8 in any family car that doesn’t have a price tag beyond the reach of most people.

So beyond Luxury barges, where does that leave the V8? Two words, Sports Cars. The V8 is still alive and kicking in many sports cars that span the spectrum from the $35 244 Mustang GT to the $276 000+ Ferrari F430 Scuderia.

Below are the 11 hottest V8’s on the market today.

.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

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.

To be a true icon, I feel 4 stipulations must be met:

1. The model needs to have stood the test of time. I am speaking of models that have been around for decades, not just a few years. No flash in the pan models here.

2. The model needs to have not deviated from its original formula. Classic nameplates like Malibu, Charger and Impala may still be on sale today, but they have gone through many different interpretations over the years.

3. The model needs to still be on sale as of today. There have been other iconic cars in the past such as the Trans Am, original Beetle, 2CV and original Mini, but their time has come and gone.

4. The car needs to stir your soul. There are many other models that have been in production for what seems like forever. Vehicles such as the Civic, F-150, Corolla, Suburban, etc. However, these vehicles are missing that certain mystique and allure that true icons generate.

Do do the immense size of this topic, I had to split it up into two sections.  So here are the first 5 model lines that truly are iconic.   Part two of the post can be found here ICONS – Part 2

 Aston Martin DB Series:

Aston Martin DB5

The first DB, call the 2-Litre Sports (DB1) was produced in 1948.  Over the next 24 years 6 more DB models were produced.  Even though there was a 21 year hiatus (1972-1993), the DB series has been in production for 40 years combined now.   Power front engines, sporty chassis’s, and some of the most handsome bodywork ever created have always been these cars strong points.  Just ask James Bond.

BMW 3-Series:

BMW M3

What is quite possibly the quintessential sport sedan; the 3-series has been around for 34 years now.  Starting life as the 2002 in 1975, the 3 Series has always stuck to the same formula.  Luxurious appointments, a willing chassis, compact inline engines and comparably low weight have kept this car an enthusiast favourite for decades.  It has also achieved great racing success.

Chevrolet Camaro:

Chevrolet Camaro

It is unusual for a manufacture to have two long lasting iconic cars, but Chevrolet does.  The Camaro has always been the budget muscle car.  It has always represented a cheaper way to get near Corvette performance and has been a long time favourite of budget racers.  Names like SS and Z-28 are synonymous with the Camaro and have helped make it a legend.  Even though there was a 7 year hiatus recently, it is now back and is currently in its 36^th year of production.

Chevrolet Corvette:

Chevrolet Corvette

What needs to be said about the Corvette that hasn’t been said before?  It has been around for 55 years, never deviated from its original purpose or design, and is currently better then it has ever been before.  Who cares if it has leaf springs, a pushrod motor and a fibre glass body?  The ZR1 will spank almost every European and Japanese performance vehicle thrown at it around a track; and for a much cheaper price.  This is part of the reason it has had such a storied racing career.

Ford Mustang:

Ford Mustang Bullitt

The Ford Mustang is arguably right up there with the Corvette as the most recognizable American made car.  Its legacy in North America has been uninterrupted for the past 45 years (as long as you count the Mustang II days).  This car has stuck to its affordable roots of high horsepower motors driving a solid rear axle.  Always a best seller for Ford, the Mustang continues to roll through 2010 with a fresh redesign and even more powerful GT500 package.

What is Your Favourite Sub-$51,000 Sports Car

Michael Schlee

So here it is, one of those impossible to agree on classifications. What is the best sports car under $51,000? Everyone has their idea, and usually, they do not match. With the wide assortment of choices out there, it really all comes down to personal preference.

Dodge Challenger

But I thought hey, why not stir the pot a bit and make a poll on the subject? Let’s see what you, the Autotrader reader, would consider the best sports car under $51,000.

To keep the list a reasonable size, we have limited it to just one vehicle per manufacturer. Since some manufacturers (Honda, Chevrolet, Mazda, etc) have multiple sporty offerings under $51,000, we stuck with their ‘Halo’ cars. Mazda gets its rotary RX-8, Chevrolet gets its legendary Camaro and Honda gets its near-race-car S2000. 

You may see some vehicles missing that you feel should be in this poll.  Some cars weren’t quite sporty enough when dealing with the $51,000 price cieling, while others were just not quite sporty enough.  After all, we are talking serious sports car here and not warmed up sedans.

So, without taking up anymore web space, I turn it over to you.  Pick your poison and tells us why it’s the best.

The Top Supercharged Cars on the Market today
By Michael Schlee

There are a couple of ‘tricks’ in the auto industry to produce the maximum amount of power out of an engine. There are superchargers, turbochargers and direct injection to name a few. All of these systems have their pros and cons behind them.

Cadillac CTS-V

 Supercharging seems to be less popular these days when it comes to boosting engines. However, there still are a few very impressive cars on the market sporting superchargers.

So here are the top 10 supercharged cars available on the market today (in alphabetical order):

15 Cars With The Lowest Dollars-Per-Horsepower Amount

Michael Schlee

It is said in the automotive world that power isn’t everything. Specifically, horsepower isn’t everything. Sure, things like, handling, refinement, practicality, dependability, weight, mileage, etc are all important factors for a car. But hey, who doesn’t like hitting the go pedal and being thrust back into your seat?

Chevrolet Camaro SS

Horsepower isn’t all about driving shenanigans either. Power is useful if you are carrying a full car load, or for merging into highway traffic, or passing on a two lane highway.

Although a vehicles power to weight ratio is more accurate in determining acceleration and speed, horsepower ratings have always had a secondary, more sinister motive. Braggin’ rights! What is one of the first questions a ‘non-automotive’ inclined person asks you about your new car? “How much power does that thing have?”

So, I present to you the top 15 cars with the cheapest HP per $ ratio. Some notables that just missed the list include the 2009 Mazdaspeed 3, the Chevrolet HHR SS, the Dodge Charger SRT8 and the Honda Accord LX-V6.

All of these price figures quoted here are the cars official retail price in Canada. No incentive or discount plans have been subtracted. These rates vary almost day to day and would be impossible to keep up with. Check you local dealer as these cars (and others) could be even cheaper right now.

A look at the best 1964 had to offer

Michael Schlee

With the American Auto Industry in a crisis like it has never faced before, I thought we could take a look back at the past 100 years of American Vehicles to see the highlights (and lowlights) of an industry on the edge of collapse.

Pontiac GTO

This is a new feature that will become a regular segment for this blog.

Key Developments 1964:
• The biggest news of the year is the launch of the Ford Mustang on April 17, 1964.
• The Corvair gets a revised rear suspension amid safety concerns.
• Cadillac introduces the ‘automatic’ climate control in some models.
• All vehicles are now required to have a seatbelt for front passengers.
• Studebaker is now only making cars in Canada.

Top 5 New Models:
• Chevrolet Chevelle – All new for 1964 with a choice of 6 cylinders and V8s.
• Ford Mustang – One of the biggest hits in the automotive industry, the Mustang debuts as a 1964 ½ model.
• Ford Thunderbird – All new for 1964, it was bigger with an upgraded interior
• Pontiac GTO – Featured a 325HP 389cid (6.4L) V8 for under $3300.
• Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser – A new full-size wagon with ‘split level styling (see the windows mid-roof?)

Top 5 ‘Hottest’ Models:
• Buick Wildcat – Had a 425cid (7.0L) V8 with either 340HP or 360HP.
• Chevrolet Corvette – The split window on the rear windshield is gone.
• Chrysler 300K – Came in both hardtop and convertible. Featured a 413cid (6.8L) 360HP V8.
• Dodge Dart GT – The small Dart had a 274cid (4.5L) V8 making 180HP stuffed into it to make it a speedy little compact.
• Studebaker Avanti – Could be had with an engine producing 335HP in top R3 form.

The Best of the Ford Mustangs at the Motion Custom Car Show

Michael Schlee

The Motion Custom Car Show was held this past weekend at Exhibition Place in Toronto. There were vehicles from all walks of life represented at the show.

Mustang

There aren’t too many vehicles worldwide that get modified more often then the Ford Mustang.

Whenever there is a racing series or car show, it’s usually a safe bet that you will find a Mustang there. The Motion Custom Car Show was no exception. So, here are the highlights of the Ford Mustangs found at the Motion Custom Car Show.

A Look Back at the History of the American Automobile
By Michael Schlee

With the American Auto Industry in a crisis like it has never faced before, I thought we could take a look back at the past 100 years of American Vehicles to see the highlights (and lowlights) of an industry on the edge of collapse.

This is a new feature that will become a regular segment for this blog.

1999 Mercury Cougar

Key Developments 1999:

-  Chrysler Corporation kills off its division Eagle. The cancellation is due to poor sales.

-  Ford buys Volvo’s automotive arm, adding another luxury brand to its portfolio.

-  Ford unveils new options such as back-up warning sensors and power adjustable pedals.

-  Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight and Buick Rivera are in their last year with General Motors.

Top 5 New Models:

-  Cadillac Escalade – Cadillac’s first truck and a huge success for them over the next decade.

-  Chrysler 300M/LHS – New full sized vehicles for Chrysler. They are a new version of fabled Letter cars. They Come with a 3.5L 250HP V6.

-  Mercury Cougar – The Cougar is reborn as a sport compact car with edgy styling for its time.

-  Oldsmobile Alero – Oldsmobile’s new midsize car is vast improvement over the cutlass. A 150HP I-4 or 170HP V6 are offered.

-  Pontiac Grand Am – Bigger and more sophisticated then previous Grand Ams. A 150HP I-4 or 170HP V6 are offered.

Top 5 ‘Hottest’ Models:

-  Chevrolet Corvette – A new hardtop version is available which is lighter in weight. Power continues to be 345HP.

-  Ford Mustang – New Styling emerges. The base 3.8L V6 motor is up 40HP to 190HP. The GT’s 4.6L V8 is up 35HP to 260HP. This is the Mustang’s 35th anniversary.

-  Plymouth Prowler – The Prowler is back and features more power, up to 253HP (up 35HP).

-  Dodge Viper – Continues not much changed, but as cool as ever.

-  Pontiac Trans Am – The optional 320HP V8 continues to pack a punch.

A Look Back at the History of the American Automobile

By Michael Schlee

With the American Auto Industry in a crisis like it has never faced before, I thought we could take a look back at the past 100 years of American Vehicles to see the highlights (and lowlights) of an industry on the edge of collapse.

1972 Ford Torino

This is a new feature that will become a regular segment for this blog.

Key Developments 1972:
· Horsepower is now rated in “SAE Net” instead of “Gross”. Numbers appear much lower as this is a more accurate rating system.
· Sunroofs become very fashionable as safety regulations make convertibles less and less popular
· Chrysler has a new 400cid (6.6L) V8 in its line-up. It replaces the old 383cid (6.3L) V8.
· The fabled 426cid Hemi V8 stops being made. Another victim of tighter emissions controls.
· GM tests both Rotary engines and OBD systems. Although the rotary never makes it the Corvette or Vega as promised, OBD systems become standard in all cars in the future.
· Prestolite batteries become available. They are maintenance free and do not need water to be introduced.
· The Pontiac GTO goes from full-on model to trim package.

Top 4 New Models:
· Ford Toirno
· Mercury Montego
· Ford Thunderbird – The Ford Thunderbird can be had with 4 wheel disc brakes, and ABS.
· Lincoln Continental Mark IV – 460 cid V8 212HP

Top 5 ‘Hottest’ Models:
· Chevrolet Corvette: 455cid V8 – 365HP
· Pontiac Trans Am 455 HO: 0-60MPH in 5.4 seconds. 455cid V8 – 300HP
· Buick Grand Sport Stage 1: 455cid V8 – 270HP
· Plymouth Road Runner: 440cid V8 – 280HP
· Ford Mustang Mach 1: 351cid V8

Two of the most famous names in American motoring history, Mustang and Shelby, have been reunited once again for the 2010 model year.

Carroll Shelby himself was at hand at the 2009 North American International Auto Show to unveil the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible.

Compared to the 2008 model, the new GT500 gets a new body, which looks fantastic, a new, much improved interior, and a lot more muscle.

For 2010, all GT500’s will benefit from the same motor that was in the limited edition 2008 GT500KR model, that means a 5.4-liter, dual overhead cam, V8, producing 540 hp and 510 lb/ft of torque. This mean 0-100 km/h is dealt with in 4.6 seconds and it will top out at nearly 290 km/h.

Ford Mustang GT500 (Photo: Isaac Adams-Hands)

To stop this beast, the GT500 gets bigger brakes in the front, 250 mm in diameter compared to 215 mm on the outgoing model. The new brakes are constructed from copper and fiberglass which makes them more robust.

The new model also features new 19-inch rims, wrapped in Goodyear F1 supercar tires for better handling. While the new chassis tuning is said to provide better body control, the GT500 still has to make do with a live-beam rear axle.

The new GT500 will be in showrooms from this summer, however no Canadian pricing has been revealed.