Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
The supercharged Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC packs well over 700 hp from a 5.2L V8 starting at $108,485. Plus the 550-unit Troy Lee Designs Edition.
Read moreAs the high-desert summer ignites, Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks draws thousands of meticulously restored automobiles, transforming the streets into a rolling tribute to America’s automotive golden age. Now in its 39th year, the event stretches from August 5 to 10, 2025, drawing collectors, families and casual observers to witness classics like 1957 Chevrolet Bel Airs and 1969 Dodge Chargers cruising beneath the iconic Reno Arch, or parked at one of the 12 venues from Sparks to Downtown Reno. What began as a modest fundraiser has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, blending the growl of V8 engines with the twang of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, offering a glimpse into the enduring romance between humans and their machines. As
Read moreMichael Schumacher, the retired seven-time Formula One world titlist, hasn’t been in public for nearly a decade. He suffered major head injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and was placed into a medically induced coma. But Schumacher’s unmatched career legacy remains, in keen focus via his son Mick, a current F1 competitor. Among the cars the elder Schumacher drove is a Ferrari F300, Chassis No. 187. It was driven by the German champion in his four victories during his 1998 World Championship season. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V-10 engine, a maximum engine speed of 17,500 rpm and producing 800 horsepower, the supercar will be among several celebrity vehicles offered for auction in August during Monterey Auto Week. Like real
Read moreFord MT82 Transmission Recall notice: Mustangs and Mustang GTs from 2011 to 2019 were equipped with a Ford MT82 transmission with a six-speed manual. Many owners have found the transmission faulty. Further, according to Car and Driver, Ford was aware of the problem since the car began testing in 2010. The company had issued no less than seven notices to dealers on how they could fix the problem. The transmissions, supplied by Getrag, had a wide array of issues, and it led to Mustang owners to file a Class Action Suit. Problems Included • Issues with the gearbox• Transmission that slips, jerks and harshly engages• Incurs premature internal wear• Increased shift efforts• Inability to drive• Some suffered complete transmission failure.
Read moreA 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback and a 2004 Pontiac Aztek are as far apart on the automotive spectrum as possible — with one exception. With a few dozen other vehicles — an Aston Martin DB5 to AMC Pacer and a Plymouth Fury to Pontiac Trans AM — the Mustang and Aztek are cultural icons. Younger automotive and movie enthusiasts may only know the Aztek from the “Breaking Bad” series on Netflix or a Toyota MK IV Supra from the movie “The Fast and the Furious.” But the Bullitt Mustang, released in three time frames in the past 20 years, dates to the 1968 movie “Bullitt.” Bullitt Mustang: Relevant Then, Now Actor Steve McQueen epitomized coolness as Police detective Frank
Read moreCelebrity interaction, more test-drive availability, increased mobility solutions, custom cars and a host of world vehicle debuts are set for the LA Auto Show. The annual 10-day extravaganza of all things automotive will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. And there will be something for everyone, whether you’re an avid car enthusiast or a first-time visitor to the more than 100-year-old show. Consider a few highlights: * Amazon Gaming Lounge: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are bringing high-jinks and hot laps to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in The Grand Tour Game, an episodic racing game based on the hit Prime Original series, The Grand Tour. Created by Amazon Game Studios, The Grand Tour Game transports players to exotic locations, where
Read moreClassic Car Week, the all-encompassing presentation on the Monterey Peninsula of all things automotive, including vintage cars, revitalizes itself yearly. Many auction and collection names remain the same. But newcomers, including Heather and Rob Gardner, help the collective refresh. The Gardners, who live in Carmel Valley, don’t host a rally, auction or concours. But they could. Instead, the couple will experience their first year of the nearly two-week gathering as owners of Monterey Touring Vehicles (montereytouringvehicles.com). Rob, a physician, and Heather, a research scientist, recently decided their fleet of 36 vintage cars is best served when driven. Heather Gardner is our guest on Episode 48 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I discuss how Monterey Touring Vehicles
Read moreNearing the end of its sixth decade, the Ford Mustang is among the few remaining iconic American-made cars. It began as an affordable sporty coupe. For 2018, it’s undergone a refresh to showcase its muscle car masculinity. The Mustang legacy has endured multiple generations, reconfigurations and engine types. But it still resembles its debuting style, highlighted by a long hood and short rear deck. It was a new look for its time in 1964, and the Mustang’s success helped launch competitors like the AMC Javelin, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Pontiac Firebird and Plymouth Barracuda. The Mustang’s current generation debuted in 2015, but its makeover is substantial. The new Mustang gets a more aggressive front-end collection, including standard LED headlights and
Read moreDrag racer Henry Giselle Roberson takes after his father. He likes to drive fast cars in a straight line for a quarter-mile alongside other racers doing the same. The elder Roberson, also Henry, and still competing at age 75, began on the streets of San Francisco. The younger Roberson, 31, has been drag racer for more than half of his life. He competes on tracks from Arizona to Oregon. Roberson the younger, who lives in North Highlands, will compete this season through November. About a month afterward, the 2018 season will begin January 1 at Sacramento Raceway. He competes in bracket racing, the format determined by the predicted elapsed times of two cars competing side-by-side. Consistency, repetition and luck win over outright
Read moreLas Vegas and Honolulu are among the country’s most popular travel destinations. The buzz of constant nightlife and neon lights dominate the former. The serenity of nature’s lights rules the latter. Visitors to both locations want to have fun. Welcome into the equation, Royalty Exotic Cars. Whether you’re traveling to Las Vegas or Honolulu (and soon Los Angeles) for business or pleasure, you can enhance the enjoyment of your trip while driving an iconic vintage vehicle, an exotic sports car or a new supercar from Royalty Exotic Cars. And for those seeking entertainment beyond the usual, casinos that are not on GamStop provide an exciting alternative with more freedom and variety for adventurous players The concept is the brainchild of Houston
Read moreAmericanMuscle.com, a premier aftermarket supplier, has announced a sweepstakes to celebrate 10 years of providing parts to Ford Mustang and For F-150 owners. It’s giving away $100,000 in prizes, including a 2017 Ford Raptor, a 2015 (850-plus horsepower) S550 Mustang GT fand a stocked custom race trailer. An 850+ HP Mustang built by the AmericanMuscle crew is impressive with $30,000 in custom modifications: a Whipple Supercharger, full MMD styling package, all wrapped in an eye popping Tangerine Orange paint job, an ode to a factory color only ever used on 829 Mustangs. The yet-to-be-released 2017 Ford Raptor is an attention grabber. The second generation of one of the boldest trucks ever and rumored the have 450-plus horsepower, the 2017 F-150
Read morePerhaps only second to the theme of love, cars are nearly an inescapable part of movies. Among this year’s Best Picture nominations in the upcoming Academy Awards extravaganza, vintage and futuristic vehicles are prominent in Mad Max: Fury Road, Brooklyn and Bridge of Spies. But while prominent, cars aren’t the stars of any of this season’s top films set for the spotlight in the 88th edition Academy Awards on Feb. 28. Still, cars are often presented in starring roles. In many instances, the vehicles used in iconic Academy Awards films through the years are as famous the actors and actresses who’ve drove them in anger and in sheer joy. Cars Often Shine In Academy Awards Movies Cars, in fact, are
Read moreCars are movies stars. Who can forget the Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger? How about the 2003 remake of the Italian Job with the three Mini Coopers bouncing up and down all those Italian streets during the heist scenes? Cars scenes are seemingly part of nearly every fantasy movie or a film with a love story theme. A 1962 Volkswagen Bug was the lead character in the Love Bug. A Ford Futura concept was made into the Batmobile in Batman. There are too many great and not-so great cars in movies to count. But here are five famous cars in five famous movies, beginning with TheWeeklyDriver’s favorite. French Connection (1971) The film includes arguably the most intense car chase in
Read moreModern Muscle Design (MMD) is offering the chance to drive away with its SEMA built, custom 2014 Mustang GT. AmericanMuscle and MMD collaborated on the custom design. It’s called Project MMD. Featuring more than $30,000 in aftermarket parts and the sleek, modern design MMD is known for this one-of-a-kind versatile Mustang. It’s a perfect show car or a daily driver. The winner will be selected on August 4, 20014 and will be handed the keys at the AmericanMuscle, the word’s largest all-Mustang show of August 16. Not only is this Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords (MM & FF) May 2014 Cover Car, it’s also the same build featured at Forgestar’s booth for the 2013 SEMA Auto Show. This giveaway car
Read moreChevrolet and Chrysler is understood. But a Bugatti and an Aston Martin as police cars? It can’t be true, can it? Turns out it is the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai. The Emirate of Dubai, including the modern City of Dubai, are wealthy places where excess is the norm — including cars. People in Dubai drive fast and the policemen of Dubai drive past or at least they hope to drive faster than the public considering the cars in their force. There’s a Ford Mustang GT and Camaro SS in the fleet. But both are pedestrian compared to the vehicles. The Dubai police force vehicles also include: a $110,000 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, $190,000 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, $200,000 Bentley Continental
Read moreThe 2014 Ford Mustang GT convertible is the last of the fast retro-classic Mustangs. It will be replaced with a significantly new Mustang next year. “This latest Mustang design is very respectful of its heritage while continuing to look forward with a more powerful and modern look,” said Darrell Behmer, Mustang chief designer. The original Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964, although Ford called it an ”early 1965” model. (Many call it a “1964 ½” model.) When the redesigned Mustang comes out next year as a 2015 model, Ford will officially celebrate the car’s 50th anniversary—although the 2014 Mustang is actually the 50th anniversary model because of its early 1964 introduction. Buyers could get the first Mustang with a hot
Read more