Author: davidnovick

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

With 2014 closer than you think, Chevy is bringing the name Stingray to their Corvette collection — something that will definitely give you the chills. Coming off the line with a LT1 6.2-liter V8 and an estimated 450 horsepower, the rejuvenated Stingray will be the center of attention. GM reports that the Stingray will sprint from 0-60 in under 4 seconds. One of the new features to the transmission is you will be able to choose from a 6-speed automatic or a 7-speed manual. The Stingray will be engineered with the lightest and stiffest aluminum material to date. The hood and roof of The Stingray will be made out of carbon fiber material making the car lighter and quicker. The 2014 Stingray will begin to be sold in the second half of 2013 along with the Z51 performance package.

: Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

: Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

: Photo courtesy of Chevrolet

Video courtesy of Chevrolet Channel

2013 Ram 1500: Truck Of The Year

Hands down, the 2013 Ram 1500 takes the cake! Having won 4 separate awards for 2013 Truck of the Year, it is clear the Chrysler Group knows what they are doing. If style and power doesn’t sell you, just wait until you see what else the truck of the year has to offer. For starters, the Ram offers a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, 8-speed automatic transmission, pushing 305 horsepower with a best in class 25 mpg on the highway. The Ram 1500 comes with a 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, 40,000 miles more than Ford offers. According to ALG 2013 and JDP 2013, the Ram 1500 has a better resale and brand reliability than Ford and Chevrolet. If you’re into big time power, another thing that the Ram offers is the 5.7 liter HEMI V8 that cranks out 395 horses.

Congratulations to the 2013 Ram 1500, Truck of the Year.

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(HEMI is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC)

Nine-Speed Automatic!

Chrysler has made plans to invest over $370 million to manufacture nine-speed automatic transmissions in the USA. This will happen next Spring as the company says it will form over 1200 new jobs at Pentastar’s transmission plant in Indiana. With this new project approaching fast, it is also said that this will make it the largest transmission installation center in the world. With the announcement for the new nine-speed automatics, Chrysler also announced that production has started for the eight-speed automatic that will be placed in the 2013 Dodge Charger and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Photo courtesy of Mopar

The new nine-speed will most likely start in the Dodge Dart and 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The new transmission is reported to bring fuel efficiency gains up 16 percent. That’s due to the high overall gear-ratio spread of 9.84, and further amplified by the small ratio differences between each of the nine gears. This should help performance, as the gearbox is expected to keep the engine in the thick of its powerband, while the torque converter will lock at lower engine speeds.

Mercedes G63 6×6: Luxuriously Rugged

When you thought you’ve seen it all, Mercedes has done it again. Do you ever wish you had the ruggedness of a Jeep and the luxury of a high end SUV in the same vehicle? Mercedes brings you the G63 6×6, not 4-wheel drive, but a 6-wheel drive beast! SUV’s with 6-wheel-drive have been around for years but have been used for military or commercial use. Now, its time to bring it to the public!

The AMG engineers at Mercedes-Benz have taken the drivetrain from the G63 AMG, sporting a 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V-8 cranking out 536 hp, mated to a seven-speed transmission. This monster weighs in at 8,300-lb. and is still able to get up to 60 mph in about six seconds. Inside, there’s room for four passengers to ride in luxury, with white leather seats, a carbon-fiber accented dash and a bamboo-lined cargo area.

Photo Courtesy of Yahoo News

AMG splits the torque 30/40/30 among the axles from front to rear for maximum traction, with locking differentials for all 37-inch wheels; the 6×6 can go in water more than three feet deep. When in the desert, the tires can be inflated and deflated from a panel in the cabin.

Mercedes plans to build about 20 to 30 of these SUV’s starting in October for a price just below $457,000 — which is what AMG will charge for an all-electric SLS. This will definitely be some sight to see on the road. Watch the video below showing off this 6×6 beast.

Video courtesy of MercedesBenzTV

Fiat 500 Abarth Commercial

Fiat’s 1.4-Liter I4 turbo engine produces 160HP and 170lb-ft of torque — a good amount of power for a small car. A little car with a ton of power? It’s no wonder this car is such a big hit. The 500 Abarth starts at a very reasonable $22,000 and will get you 28 miles to the gallon in the city and 34 miles to the gallon on the highway. This is definitely the perfect car for running to the store for some things or even a joy ride to the beach for the day. Wherever you go, the Fiat 500 Abarth will definitely get you noticed. Check out this awesome Fiat commercial featuring the legendary Charlie Sheen!

Video courtesy of FiatDealer On YouTube

High Performance: Audi S/RS/R Models

For years, Audi has been one of the leading manufacturers in high performance luxury cars. With the S models looking more aggressive than ever and having very quick shifting transmissions and all wheel drive, these cars are guaranteed to add that little something extra to your morning commute. Right when you thought there was no more room for improvement, Audi hits you faster than ever with the impressive RS line. The RS models have been designed using technology from around the racetrack by professional drivers. The RS line most definitely represents Audi’s top notch work. Last but definitely not least, the Audi R8 is breath taking. This super car rumbles down the road with an exhilarating 5.2 liter V10 providing 525 horsepower and going 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. Check out the Audi S8 commercial and all of the S/RS/R models below.

Video from Audi of America || All photos from http://www.audiperformancecars.com (unless otherwise noted)

Steve McQueen as Bullitt

Hands down, “Bullitt” featuring Steve McQueen is one of the best car movies made–also boasting one of the most famous car chases. For this movie, Steve McQueen who was an actual racing enthusiast, is seen driving a 1968 Ford Mustang through the hilly streets of San Francisco. Steve McQueen also did most of his stunts for this movie which is not a common thing to find among actors in movies these days. “Bullitt” won an Oscar in 1968 for Best Film Editing. If you have not seen the movie already, go and watch it as soon as you can for a full-throttle thrill!

Bentley Continental – The New Flying Spur

0-60 in 4.3 seconds. The new Bentley Flying Spur has a 6-liter W12 engine cranking out 616 bhp and a top speed of 200 mph. The new Flying Spur was built with everyone’s thoughts put into consideration. Designed for those who want luxury along with performance, it allows for the most ideal experiences, between both the driver and passengers.

Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

The interior of the new Flying Spur shows off the masterful craftsmanship of Bentley and how many components are done by hand and not machines. Each leather seat is hand-sewn individually, and hand-fitted and signed by the upholsterer on the back of the hide, which goes through a tanning process, to give it a rich leather aroma. Every occupant has more than enough legroom. From the air vent controls to the touch screen Infotainment system and the touch screen remote in back, passengers alike have never enjoyed so much control over their environment.

Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

Born to Drive: Danica Patrick Sits On Top

On Sunday, February 24th, Danica Patrick will be a part of history as she has become the first woman in NASCAR and the Sprint Cup to take the pole position. With NASCAR’s biggest event, Patrick could not have picked a better race to qualify for the pole position. Patrick was told that about 17 percent of Daytona 500 pole winners finish first, to which she responded, “I’ll take those odds”. When everything is said and done, Danica was born ready and knows what to do.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Daytona 500-Qualifying

Photo Courtesy of NASCAR

How does Danica plan on winning this sunday? “No. 1: not crashing out. It’s really easy to crash at Daytona,” Patrick said. “Finishing is going to put you in a pretty decent spot. Being able to race toward the front. If I can manage making my way toward the front kinda on my own. If I can do something like what Tony’s (Stewart) able to do out there…he does a masterful job at it. For me, it’ll be about earning some respect and trust”.

Jeep – Operation Safe Return

Having war veterans in our families, we know how it feels to have loved ones overseas serving their country. It is our pleasure to bring this post to you recognizing Jeep and the ones who serve us. Along side Operation Safe Return (OSR), Jeep will be donating $1 million of vehicles and funding to the United Service Organizations (USO) for programs that support the return of U.S. military services.

Video from Jeep.

“For the past two years, we have used the largest television viewing audience to highlight the pride, the resilience and the determination that form an integral part of the American character”, said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO of Chrysler, in a statement released after the advertisement aired. Oprah Winfrey, who narrated the ad said, “It was an honor to lend my voice in support of those that serve us all”.

The ad opens up to a black screen with a quote from Winfrey saying, “We wait. We hope. We pray until you’re home again”. Throughout the ad we are faced with images of military men and women getting welcomed with open arms by family members as they arrive home. If this ad doesn’t shed a tear, we don’t know what will.

In the language of the proud servicemen and servicewomen who truly exemplify freedom, being “on the move” or “on mission” represents the special status given to those who have served to protect our country. The Jeep® brand is proud to honor this duty to country with the new Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Freedom Edition.

God Bless America and thank you to all those who have served and are still serving and protecting this country.

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