Category Archives: performance

Truck Wars – 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 470hp V8

Posted on 17 November 2020 by Ken Zino

Whether this beast is the better choice for off-roading will likely be debated for some time. It has a 2-inch factory lift. True to the trend among performance truck makers, capability is there with larger approach and departure angles (approach, breakover and departure angles of 44.5, 22.6 and 37.5 degrees, respectively), more suspension articulation, and water traversing up to 32.5 inches. Marketing babble alert – a Tri-level Hydro-Guide air intake system can channel up to 15 gallons of water a minute away from engine.  A secondary air path built into the hood allows engine breathing up to top speed even if the hood scoop is completely clogged by mud, snow or debris. Continue reading →

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Nürburgring – Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Beats Porsche

Posted on 11 November 2020 by Ken Zino

This variant and this lap time are officially listed by Nürburgring GmbH on their homepage. Mercedes-AMG has regained the crown in the class for the moment. The freshened Porsche Panamera Turbo S set a 7m 29.81s earlier this year, bettering the 7m 30.11s lap Schaffert set a couple of years ago. The AMG record run footage shows a mostly clean, albeit with some curb clipping/banging and the Michelin tires screaming during turns. Continue reading →

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Maserati Notes Tipo 300s Win at Venezuela Grand Prix

Posted on 7 November 2020 by Ken Zino

On 6 November 1955 the Maserati Tipo 300S, with Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel, won the Venezuela GP, marking the start of two years of major successes. Today, Maserati notes this victory to underline its strong connection to the world of motor-racing whose viewership is off roughly 40% in a Covid infested world. Nonetheless, Maserati was born on the track with a tradition and history of wins on roads and circuits all over the world. What happens going forward is anyone’s guess. The new MC20 supercar will mark Maserati’s return to the world of racing. Continue reading →

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Cadillac V-Series Blackwing to Get Magnesium Wheels

Posted on 2 November 2020 by Ken Zino

One of the longstanding weaknesses of OE engineering and marketing led to a thriving aftermarket wheel and tire business. Cadillac was among the front-runners ignoring wheels – notably chrome – as its customers customized their rides. Continue reading →

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Pete Lyons Wins Royal Automobile Club Award for Shadow: The Magnificent Machines of a Man of Mystery

Posted on 29 October 2020 by Ken Zino

Lyons know whereof he speaks. Pete draws on sizeable first-hand experience: he was present for Shadow’s two big débuts, in Can-Am at St Jovite in Canada (1970) and in Formula One at Kyalami in South Africa (1973). His numerous interviews for the book included six days with Nichols himself not long before the ‘Shadowman’ died in 2017. If you have racing in your blood, this is a must read. Continue reading →

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2020 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Cancelled

Posted on 11 September 2020 by Ken Zino

“We know that we have all been hoping for the best, but with the uncertainty and the current State of Illinois limitations regarding spectators at indoor events, it is not feasible to continue with the show this year,” said MCACN Managing Member, Bob Ashton. Continue reading →

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All-Electric Mustang Prototype Runs 8.27s Quarter-Mile

Posted on 3 September 2020 by Ken Zino

By Ford’s math it’s equivalent to the combined output of more than three 2021 Mustang GT V8 engines. Developed by Ford Performance in parallel to the recently unveiled Mustang Mach-E 1400 prototype, both cars were publicizing Ford’s growing EV technologies that are currently lagging leaders such as BMW and Tesla and Daimler. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz 2021 Model Year Sees SUV Expansion

Posted on 29 August 2020 by Ken Zino

The all-new GLA now joins the range “as the attractive and sporty gateway” (translation – small and less expensive) to the Mercedes-Benz SUV line. SUV segments have never been more competitive with M-B facing stiff competition from BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Infiniti, Alfa Romeo and Cadillac, among others.   Continue reading →

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WEC SPA – Toyota One-Two. 24 Hours of Le Mans Next

Posted on 17 August 2020 by Ken Zino

After days of sunshine and high temperatures, the frequently variable Spa weather struck just over an hour before the start, with a heavy rainstorm causing the race to begin behind the safety car. It would have been a vastly different race and outcome if it had remained dry as the rwd Rebellion was clearly faster, until it got wet and had to run against the awd Toyotas. Continue reading →

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Team Corvette C8.R Finishes First at Sebring

Posted on 19 July 2020 by Ken Zino

The race in GTLM had multiple tire strategies. Both Corvettes opted to begin the race on slick Michelin tires despite the wet surface. Gavin, after leading a Corvette 1-2 in qualifying earlier in the day, began first but Taylor was one of quickest drivers in the class early on and managed to go one lap longer on fuel than most of his GTLM competitors during his opening stint. Continue reading →

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Audi R8 V10 Quattro – Kaput, Tschüss

Posted on 16 July 2020 by Ken Zino

The R8 V10 performance model will continue for the 2021 model year, but given the ongoing global economic crisis, Covid 19 plague, and that most governments increasingly are taking legislative action against global warming and CO2 output – it clearly is on the endangered species list. It could survive only as a model for e-racing simulations. Continue reading →

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Covid Coupon – Carryover Pricing on 2021 Corvette

Posted on 9 July 2020 by Ken Zino

The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has carryover pricing – the same as the introductory model – with MSRP starting at $59,995 for the coupe and $67,495 for the convertible. Continue reading →

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COVID Casualty – Woodward Dream Cruise

Posted on 30 June 2020 by Ken Zino

Southeastern Michigan is in Phase 4 of Whitmer’s Safe Start Plan. This means social gatherings are limited to small groups with social distancing, and outdoor crowds are limited to no more than 100 people. Continue reading →

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2020 Ranger Adds Three New Performance Packages

Posted on 30 June 2020 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance Level 1 and Level 2 packages for Ranger pickups are available for order in August. The Ford Performance Level 3 package will be available for order next summer. Continue reading →

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Formula 1: Car by Car 1950–59 Now Available in the U.S

Posted on 26 June 2020 by Ken Zino

When the World Championship was first held in 1950, red Italian cars predominated, from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati, and continued to do so for much of the period. But, by the time the decade closed, green British cars were in their ascendancy, first Vanwall and then rear-engined Cooper. BRM and Lotus were emerging. Continue reading →

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