Autoblog

Muscle cars light the fires at the Dream Cruise

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Specialty

Let there be no doubt: Classic American muscle cars are the bread and butter of the Woodward Dream Cruise. And why not? These machines hearken back to a time when horsepower was king, nameplates like Mustang, Camaro, GTO and Charger first started rolling off the tongue and Detroit was at the forefront of the automotive world.

That said, we've noticed an interesting trend over the last several years. Modern muscle is making up a more significant portion of the festivities than ever before, a fact we can surely attribute to the rise in quality and performance of today's crop of high-horsepower offerings. Naturally, you'll see plenty of Detroit muscle from the 1960s straight on through today in this gallery from the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise.

We'd like to take a moment to explain our definition of muscle cars. We're mostly cutting Detroit's history into two segments: classics and muscle, using 1964, the inaugural year of the seminal Pontiac GTO, as the dividing line. Two seats, four seats or five; two doors or four; modern or vintage - these are the cars that place straight-line performance above all else... and we love 'em for it.

We went ahead and labeled each vehicle, but if we're off by a year or two on some of them, we apologize in advance to all you hardcore muscle car enthusiasts out there... With all that in mind, enjoy the gallery!

Muscle cars light the fires at the Dream Cruise originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM

Old muscle versus new muscle - Click above to watch the video after the break

All day long, boys. All. Day. Long.

To what are we referring, you ask? Well, that's how long all six muscle cars rounded up by the staff at Motor Trend will eviscerate their tires. Such is the nature of the beast, and, in fact, it's why many automotive enthusiasts just can't get enough horsepower at the rear wheels.

What we have here are Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs, gathered in pairs - one vintage example from the height of the muscle car's reign of terror in 1969 and '70 along with one 2011 model. This begs the question: Which era of American performance resulted in the better car?

Well now, that depends on just what you're looking for...

There's simply no arguing the fact that the 2011 Camaro SS, Challenger SRT8 392 and Shelby Mustang GT500 can accelerate (though the quarter-mile results would be closer if the old bias-ply tires were replaced with something more... modern), turn and stop better than their old-timer predecessors.

But, as the editors of Motor Trend found out, that's not the whole story. Check out the video after the break to find out what we're on about.

One last thing: Words cannot express how badly we want the keys to that 1970 Challenger. It's nothing short of muscle car perfection.

Continue reading Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present

Motor Trend compares muscle cars, past and present originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Woodward: Muscled up in Motown

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows

Muscle Cars: 2010 Woodward - Click above for high-res image galleries

Every year, the muscle car is the most well-represented vehicle type at the Woodward Dream Cruise. And with good reason: These burly V8-powered steeds reinforce Detroit's legend as the Motor City.

As we discussed in our post on Woodward's classic cars, we've kinda sorta arbitrarily split American automotive history into two parts, using 1964 as the dividing line. Everything post-1964 is a muscle car... at least for our purposes. With that in mind, take a look at a bunch of classic Mustangs, Chevelles, Corvettes and, of course, Pontiac GTOs in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Muscle Cars: 2010 Woodward

2010 Woodward: Muscled up in Motown originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars.com launches interactive map of Muscle Car areas

Chris Shunk — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Chrysler, Ford, GM

The muscle car war is raging, with the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang jockeying for the title of top pony car. The Dodge Challenger is no slouch either, with a pair of new engines rumored for the 2011 model year. Our friends over at Cars.com are celebrating the recent success of America's reborn pony cars with an extremely neat interactive map that illustrates the towns most interested in a particular vehicle. The color-coded map differentiates the models, and you can click on any circle to see the percentage above average. The bigger the circle, the larger the search disparity.

For example, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, Ford Mustang searches on Cars.com are 1,894 percent higher than the national average. In Fitzgerald, Georgia, Chevy Camaro searches are 753 percent above average and in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Dodge Challenger searches are 1,840 percent above the national average.

There's one catch to the map, however: the percentages are highest in small towns, so if you live in a big city, a substantial spike in pony car searches is unlikely. For the record, Cars.com says that the Mustang has the highest search total of the three vehicles. Hit the jump to see if your city is obsessed with one muscle car in particular.

[Source: Cars.com]

Continue reading Cars.com launches interactive map of Muscle Car areas

Cars.com launches interactive map of Muscle Car areas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California

Drew Phillips — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

RM's Classic Muscle & Modern Performance Auction Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Muscle car fans and collectors take note - make sure to put June 19th down on your schedule. That's the day that RM Auctions has set to schedule off a private muscle car collection in San Diego, and more than 80 fine examples of American iron will be looking for new homes.

The auction will be highlighted by some of the performance icons of the muscle car era including an ultra rare 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible, a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, a 1970 Boss 429 Mustang and a pair of 1969 Camaro Z28s. The best part? All of the cars will be offered at no reserve. You can read more details about the auction in the press release after the jump or head over to RM's web site for the full list of cars up for sale.

Gallery: RM Classic Muscle & Modern Performance Auction

[Source: RM Auctions, Image courtesy of RM Auctions / Darin Schnabel]

Continue reading RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California

RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Canada

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - click above image for hi-res gallery

Years and years and years ago (like back in the Eighties), we read a study that broke down car ownership by gender. The car most purchased by men? The Porsche 928, with a score of 97% male. Most by women? 69% of the time the ladies bought Nissan Pulsars - you know, those oddball notchback/shooting brake/targa-top modular things that usually came in pink. We mention this because traditionally, muscle cars have aimed at and appreciated by men. In fact, the gender breakdown for the 4th-generation Camaro is 80% male to 20% female. Not anymore.

Despite 'Vettes getting 'em wet as the sleeveless t-shirt proclaims, it seems that what women actually want is a brand new Chevrolet Camaro. At least, that appears to be the case with America's neighbors up in the True North Strong and Free. According to Autos Canada, it's looking like new 2010 Camaro sales in Canada are splitting the gender divide right down the middle, as in 50-50 in some locations. "Unlike the older versions of the Camaro where you probably had the typical motorhead, male, buyer, this is totally the opposite," says one Canadian Chevy dealer.

Why is this? Says General Motors spokesman George Saratlic, "One of our biggest challenges was the muscle car association to the car. We knew we couldn't do a replica of a '69 Camaro - It limits your audience." What does that say about fans of the 2010 Camaro? Probably not much, as the 426 horsepower LS3 version still skews heavily male. Also, the heavy dose of marketing via Michael Bay's Transformers movie series ensures that eight-year-olds and their ilk are way into GM's latest pony car as well. Still, women are clearly seeing something exciting in the Camaro. Thanks for the tip, Lawrence!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

[Source: Autos Canada]

PSA: Canadian chicks dig Chevrolet's new Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Work, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Military, Specialty

7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo - Click above for our huge image gallery

This past Sunday was the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California, and after our experience there last year, we just had to go back for more. As you might guess from the title, this is more than just another hot rod gathering. Attendees get a chance to see mega horsepower air transport as well as earthbound movers and shakers. Even better, folks can actually get up close and personal with military vehicles, airplanes, jets and helicopters too. It's like an open house for the military, with a few hundred muscle cars thrown in for good measure. Hot rodders (and bikers) tend to be a fairly patriotic bunch, so the combination is a perfect match. Make the jump for our report from the ground.

Gallery: 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo

Continue reading Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yenko brand still kicking 45 years later, new vehicles coming?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

1968 Yenko Super Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

This post represents something of a dilemma for us. On the one hand, we could tell you about General Marketing Capital Incorporated (GMCI) owner Jeff Leonard and how he's just taken control of the Yenko name and brand. But on the other, we could ask only that you stare at the above image (and those in the gallery) for five minutes in absolute reverential silence. Do you really care that Leonard will more likely than not be bringing new Yenko products to market? Sure, a 2010 Yenko Super Camaro would be sweeter than cookie dough ice cream, but hey... look up.

Additionally, we could explain how almost forty-five years ago Don Yenko gamed GM's COPO (Central Office Production Order) program to build his first factory hot rod, the Yenko Stinger Corvair, but we just cannot take our eyes off of the gorgeous blue 1968 Yenko Camaro with the 427 motor and M-21 four-speed manual. Because really, besides the Stinger Corvair, have you ever seen anything hotter? Really? What?

And what would a 2010 Yenko consist of anyhow? Well, the Yenko formula was simply to put the best performance parts possible under the skin of a given car. Meaning we're talking about a LS9 powered Camaro with carbon ceramic brakes and magnetic-rheological shocks. Actually, that sounds pretty good. The question, then, really is whether or not Mr. Leonard will be able to make new Yenkos as blisteringly desirable to people in 2055 as Don Yenko's products are to us today at the end of 2009. Any bets? Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 1968 Yenko Super Camaro

[Source: General Marketing Capital Incorporated]

Continue reading Yenko brand still kicking 45 years later, new vehicles coming?

Yenko brand still kicking 45 years later, new vehicles coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Consumer Reports previews muscle car comparo

John Neff — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Click above to watch video after the jump

Consumer Reports has never compared the predicted reliability of a Ferrari versus a Lamborghini. Rather, these guys and gals are famous for testing the vehicles we actually buy: econoboxes, mid-size sedans, CUVs and the like. They're the NPR of the auto reviewing world, except they're really not. We know the people at CR's automotive department, and they're true car fans. That fact is on display in this video, which previews the mag's upcoming triple comparo of the Ford Mustang GT, Chevy Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T. While CR usually buys all of the vehicles that get reviewed in its pages, the team is still shopping for a Mustang and Camaro and so had to borrow examples for this video. We hope they gave the owners some money for new tires, because most of that rubber went up in smoke during filming. Follow the jump to watch the CR crew kick off their loafers and get crazy.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading VIDEO: Consumer Reports previews muscle car comparo

VIDEO: Consumer Reports previews muscle car comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog spends a day at the 22nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for huge high-res gallery from Seal Beach

We love spring for a multitude of reasons, but mainly for the car shows that start popping up around the country. The sun comes out and so do the classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars. This weekend we stopped by the 22nd Annual Classic Car Show in Seal Beach, California along with about 25,000 other folks. The show features around 500 cars, stretching from PCH to the pier right down the heart of Main Street.

The day includes a pancake breakfast, a running of the local pinewood derby, and a whole lotta' fun. Besides the bands that show up to play everything from swing to rock-and-roll, there were also the sounds of the cars themselves during the periodic cacklefest moments of the day. That's when the show participants are encouraged to start 'em up and stomp the loud pedal. It's quite an earful, especially if you happen to be standing next to one of the dozen or so race cars in attendance, like we did when a vintage Yeakel dragster once piloted by Tom "Mongoose" McEwen dropped the throttle.

Although muscle cars are generally king at these types of gatherings, there are also a number of other classes. Everything from the aforementioned race cars to European classics; from hot rods to Woodies; from customs to boats, bikes and even buses. A great event that puts a big emphasis on wholesome family fun in a quintessentially American way and you can check it out in our massive gallery below.

Gallery: 22nd Seal Beach Classic Car Show

Autoblog spends a day at the 22nd Annual Seal Beach Classic Car Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woodward 2008: Flexing the American muscle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for more high-res images of muscle cars on Woodward

It's with fond memories that we look back on the age of the muscle car, their big-inch V8 engines belching power and burning tires long before it was politically incorrect to do so. Starting with humble mid-size coupe origins, the Pontiac GTO ignited a trend that is just now starting to come back in style after decades of gathering dust in the corner. Still, those classic stoplight predators from the '60s and early '70s get their day in the sun today on Woodward Avenue. Take a look at all the classic American muscle we found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Musclecars

Woodward 2008: Flexing the American muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: The muscle

Chris Tutor — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows

If there's one thing Detroit does really well, it's muscle. It was almost impossible to click a shutter without catching some marque's 1960s sports car. We found ourselves having to cut down a muscle car photo library from hundreds of photos to our select favorites, which you can enjoy by clicking the image above or gallery link below.

A visitor to Woodward on Saturday would have plenty reason to believe classic, Hemi-powered Mopars were in no way rare. There were numerous Chargers, Challengers and Superbirds. Firebirds flew down the avenue beside each other, Goats ran with Mustangs and Cudas swam with the Stingrays. As if to keep things lively, an occasional Cobra or Trans Am would fly by, exhaust growling, occupants grinning as they should.

Gallery: Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: Muscle Cars

Woodward Dream Cruise 2007: The muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smash 'em up art portends the murder of American muscle

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

You've got to love modern artists -- it isn't just that the art is difficult to comprehend, it's that the motives are inscrutable. Jonathon Schipper is the latest to create a car-themed piece that makes us wonder, "Uh, why?" Called "The Slow Inevitable Death of American Muscle," the work places two scale model cars opposite each other and then, via a network of gears, slowly rams in them into one another. The result is a head on car crash. But here's the catch: the crash happens in slow motion, over the course of a month. If you sat there and watched it, you'd have no idea anything was happening. While we're all for art, we cringe a bit at the thought of vintage muscle cars in head on collisions, even if they are just models. (Video games, that's a different story.) The installations (the one in the pic is mounted on a transmission) are studies for a larger, life-sized piece that will probably do the same thing. And we really aren't happy about losing a vintage purple Javelin to art. But, as one commenter already noted, "There's a huge collection of identical 'art installations' at a place called Desert Valley Auto Parts."

[Source: Chromejuwelen via Hemmings]

Smash 'em up art portends the murder of American muscle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CNN reports Top 10 Muscle Car Stars

Alex Nunez — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM

CNN Money has published a list of the "Top 10 Muscle Car Stars" as compiled by Kelley Blue Book. Some of the picks are obvious, such as the Hemi 'Cuda convertible, GTO Judge convertible, and the venerable Plymouth Superbird. More of a surprise is the presence of the Ford Torino Talladega, which is labeled as an up-and-comer in the muscle car marketplace. With values currently in the $30,000 range, the Torino is still attainable by those who don't have six-figure budgets to work with.

Also, despite lists like this one, it's always good to remember that one doesn't need a paddle at Barrett-Jackson to get into the game. Local newspapers and weeklies are always a great place to start. Sure, you may not find a concours-level, numbers-matching, rare-engined stunner, but you can find great bargains that are as much or more fun to work on and to drive.

All that said, here's the top 10 list as reported by CNN:

1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible - $2,000,000
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS-454/LS-6 convertible - $369,000
1969 Pontiac GTO "Judge" convertible - $205,200
1964 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster - $329,100
1969 Dodge Charger R/T-440 hardtop - $170,000
1968 Shelby GT-500-KR convertible - $191,000
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28/SS coupe - $91,700
1970 Oldsmobile 442/W-30 hardtop -$85,960
1970 Plymouth Superbird-440 hardtop - $107,500
1969 Ford Torino-Talladega hardtop - $37,100

Read the whole story for photos and expanded descriptions of the cars listed.

Agree? Disagree? Let's hear what your favorites are in the comments section.

Photo: Alex Nunez

[Source: CNN Money]

CNN reports Top 10 Muscle Car Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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