[postlink]http://guidetocars.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-ford-mustang-was-brought-out-five.html[/postlink]

The Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang was brought out five months before the normal start of the 1965 production year. The earliest versions are often referred to as 1964½ models, but VIN coded by Ford and titled as 1965 models with production beginning in Dearborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964 and the new car was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair.

Executive stylist John Najjar, who was a fan of the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane, is credited by Ford to have suggested the name. John Najjar co-designed the first prototype of the Ford Mustang known as Ford Mustang I in 1961, working jointly with fellow Ford stylist Philip T. Clark. The Mustang I made its formal debut at the United States Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York on October 7, 1962, where test driver and contemporary Formula One race driver Dan Gurney lapped the track in a demonstration using the second "race" prototype. His lap times were only slightly off the pace of the F1 race cars.

An alternative view was that Robert J. Eggert, Ford Division market research manager, first suggested the Mustang name. Eggert, a breeder of quarterhorses, received a birthday present from his wife of the book, The Mustangs by J. Frank Dobie in 1960. Later, the book's title gave him the idea of adding the "Mustang" name for Ford's new concept car. The designer preferred Cougar orTorino (and an advertising campaign using the Torino name was actually prepared), while Henry Ford II wanted T-bird II. As the person responsible for Ford's research on potential names, Eggert added "Mustang" to the list to be tested by focus groups; “Mustang,” by a wide margin, came out on top under the heading: "Suitability as Name for the Special Car."The name could not be used in Germany, however, because it was owned by Krupp, which had manufactured trucks between 1951 and 1964 with the name Mustang. Ford refused to buy the name for about US$10,000 from Krupp at the time. Kreidler, a manufacturer of mopeds, also used the name, so Mustang was sold in Germany as the "T-5" until December 1978.

Mustangs grew larger and heavier with each model year until, in response to the 1971–1973 models, Ford returned the car to its original size and concept for 1974. It has since seen several platform generations and designs. Although some other pony cars have seen a revival, the Mustang is the only original pony car to remain in uninterrupted production over five decades of development and revision.

[postlink]http://guidetocars.blogspot.com/2013/05/audi-e-tron-spyder-hybrid-audi-e-tron.html[/postlink]

Audi e-tron Spyder hybrid

The Audi e-tron Spyder’s blend of bi-turbo diesel and electric power sacrifices none of its sensational performance to its incredible economy potential.

The latest stunning interpretation of e-tron concept made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2010. It is capable of making the 0-62mph dash in 4.4 seconds, has a top speed of 155mph, combined economy of 128.4mpg, CO2 emissions of just 59g/km and a total range of 621 miles.

The two-seater plug-in hybrid combines a new 300PS, bi-turbo version of latest 3.0-litre TDI engine and two electric motors, which have a range of 31 miles under purely electric power and develop 64kW each. The Audi e-tron Spyder's low total weight of around 1,450 kilograms also helps to improve performance and economy.

The e-tron Spyder can combine the powerful 650Nm torque output of its TDI engine with the 352 Nm developed by its two electric motors during acceleration in a process known as ‘boosting’.

The body structure is based on Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology with elements of the bonnet and numerous aerodynamic components made out of carbon to keep weight as low as possible. Thanks to this low weight, short wheelbase and perfect 50:50 weight distribution for dynamic handling, the Audi e-tron Spyder has all the drivability of a go-kart – good on bends and neutral right up to the very high handling limit.

At 1.81 meters wide, just 4.06 metres long and only 1.11 metres in height, the e-tron Spyder has the classic proportions of an open, high-performance sports car, while its silhouette is characterised by a sharp, sweeping line that immediately identifies it as an Audi. The sharply tapered front end lends the Audi e-tron Spyder show car a distinctly wedge-like basic shape. The trapeze of the single-frame grille dominates the distinctly wedge-shaped front end and is flanked by two large air intakes. They serve as cooling intakes for the electric drive system and also for the TDI engine at the rear of the vehicle.

[postlink]http://guidetocars.blogspot.com/2013/05/honda-civic-type-r-2013-iteration-no-we.html[/postlink]

Honda Civic Type-R: the 2013 iteration

No, we wouldn't expect to see a whopping great big rear spoiler on the back of the Type-R either. It's likely that the engineers are playing with the aero package ahead of deciding on the roadgoing car's design.

Although Honda has shied away from performance derivatives in recent years, company top brass has pledged to return Honda to its sporting roots.

Hence the NSX concept car shown at the 2012 Detroit auto show. And we hear more Type-R sports derivatives are coming to add some zing to a brand whose allure has become slightly dulled in recent years.

What can we expect of the next Civic Type-R?

Honda is busy rolling out a new family of engines, one of which will likely power the 2013 Civic Type-R. Under the catch-all banner of Earth Dreams Technology (how Honda is that?), the company has pledged to lower CO2 emissions by 30% by 2020.

That'll be achieved through a mix of engine tech, downsizing, hybrids and pure electric vehicles. We expect, however, that the new Civic Type-R will stick with a more conventional VTEC engine, rather than use an NSX-alike hybrid solution.

What with the new Focus ST, VW Golf GTI and Vauxhall Astra VXR looming, it seems that we may be about to repeat the 1980s all over again - with a batch of fun hot hatches to add interest to humdrum mainstream cars.

[postlink]http://guidetocars.blogspot.com/2013/05/mazda6-review-2013-mazda-mazda6-ranks.html[/postlink]

Mazda6 Review

The 2013 Mazda Mazda6 ranks 10 out of 18 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 32 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda Mazda6, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Test drivers like the Mazda6’s spacious interior and lively handling, but its redesigned competitors offer better fuel economy, more standard features and higher safety scores. 

The 2013 Mazda6 is one of few affordable midsize cars that still offer a manual transmission, and reviewers say it has precise shifts. The manual is found only on the base four-cylinder Mazda6. A five-speed automatic with manual mode is available on four-cylinder models. The top-of-the-line s Grand Touring trim has a V6 and six-speed automatic with manual mode. Four-cylinder models with either transmission average 21/30 mpg city/highway, while V6 models earn 18/27 mpg. Both fuel economy ratings are low for the class. Auto critics think the Mazda6’s athletic handling, accurate steering and strong brakes make it one of the most engaging midsize cars to drive. Like many midsize cars, they think the base engine is just fine, but the V6 is notably powerful.

The Mazda6 earns points with reviewers with its sporty styling, large cabin and trunk and upscale materials. They think the seats are comfortable and supportive and the trunk’s large opening makes loading cargo a breeze. The Mazda6 doesn’t have as many standard features as some of its rivals, only offering an auxiliary audio jack and CD player. USB iPod connectivity isn’t available at all, but the Mazda6 can be outfitted with features like Bluetooth, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, navigation and satellite radio. One test driver thinks the optional navigation system is slightly confusing, but overall, reviewers like the clean, simple control layout.

[postlink]http://guidetocars.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-post.html[/postlink]

The 10 best cars in the world?

[postlink]http://guidetocars.blogspot.com/2013/04/worlds-fastest-cars-1.html[/postlink]

World's Fastest Cars:

1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 267 mph (429 km/h), 0-60 in 2.4 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $2,400,000. Although the Bugatti Veyron lost the title to SSC Ultimate Aero on March 2007, Bugatti challenged the record in Germany on July 10, 2010 with the new Super Sport and the Bugatti Veyron reclaimed the title of the fastest car in the world at 267 mph. The original Bugatti Veyron had a top speed of 253 mph, priced at $1,700,000 with 1001 hp.

#2 is a tie at 260 mph!

2. Hennessey Venom GT: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, has a 6.2-liter LS9 Turbocharged V8 Twin Turbo V8 Engine producing 1200 hp, with a price tag of $950,000. The Venom GT has yet to be tested and proven, but could possibly hit a top speed of 275 mph. This might just be the Veyron Super Sport's closest challenger!

2. Koenigsegg Agera R: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 mph in 2.9 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you're into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, the current tested top speed is 260 mph. Expect this snow car to be the Bugatti's arch enemy for the next 5 years.

Also a tie for #3.

3. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010. On March 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R also surpassed it, forcing this American made car to the #3 spot. Shelby SuperCars will continue their quest to reclaim the fastest car title, and their new SSC Tuatura might do the job (we'll just have to wait).

3. 9ff GT9-R: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. The 4.0 Liter flat-6 Twin-Turbo Engine with 1120 hp, comes with a base price is $695,000. Based on the Porsche 911, the 9ff GT9-R 1120 hp version is limited to 20 units and the exterior may be modified to suit the owner.

4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph (399 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

5. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph (394 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is the older brother of the Agera R, only losing to 4 other supercars in the world.

6. McLaren F1: 240 mph (386 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. The fastest car in the 20th century with doors that looks like bat wings. Maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black

7. Zenvo ST1: 233 mph (374 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. Twin-Charged 7.0 liter V8 Engine forging 1,104 hp. Base price: $1,225,000. The first Supercar from Zenvo Automotive, a Danish sports car company in pursuit of speed and perfection. This 100% Danish made supercar is limited to 15 units and the company even promised "flying doctors" to keep your baby functioning.

There is a tie for 8th place at 225 mph.

8. Gumpert Apollo: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.

8. Noble M600: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.

There is a 3-way tie for #9!

9. Aston Martin One-77: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. 7.3 litre V12 Engine with 750 hp. Base price: $1,850,000. The production of this is limited to 77, hence the name One-77. This is beauty and power packed into One.

9. Ascari A10: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0 litre BMW V8 S62 Engine with 625 hp. Base price: $650,000. The company planned to produce 50 of these supercars at its factory in Banbury, England.

9. Lamborghini Aventador: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. V12 Engine with 700 hp, base price is $379,700. According to Lamborghini, Aventador is the name of a Bull that entered into battle at the Saragossa Arena on October 1993. This is the fastest bull in the world!

We have another 3-way a tie for 10th place:

10. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. Twin turbocharged AMG V12 engine that produces 678 hp. Base price is $1,850,000. The Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is a limited-edition, with five ever produced. It is the quintessential exotic and exclusive supercar.

10. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 were ever produced; the price goes up every time someone crashes.

10. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still has what it takes to make the list.