The Return of the Tuner Car The Toyota FT 86

Back in the late 90's car companies normally associated with utilitarian vehicles started realizing the cars that they thought were run of the mill were becoming popular. Cars like the Honda Civic and the Acura Integras were being tuned by their owners to run with Corvettes and cars like the Toyota Supra were being compared to super cars. This trend to tuning was picked up by the media, Internet Forums, and there were even a few movies made about it.  Eventually the car companies got wind of this and started releasing tuner vehicles of their own.

What ended up happening was watered down economy cars carrying the brands and badges of what were once fierce tuning companies, or genuine tuner cars that were approaching luxury car prices. The generic run of the mill car that could be tuned to a track monster without breaking the bank was seemingly gone.

Honda now offers only the Civic Si with not much more power than it had 10 years ago and the Acura Integra/RSX...not even made anymore. Toyota, well there is nothing really exciting unless you step up to the IS-F. Then along came Hyundai, trying to shake things up a bit, releasing their Genesis coupe. A sporty RWD car that offers a manual transmission. A recipe that made the word Toyota a once powerful performance word,when it could be associated with the Supra Turbo. Now it seems that Toyota will enter that arena again, and not with the super car that they have had in development for many years.

Toyota has announced the new FT-86 Sports Car. The name is based upon the legendary Toyota Corolla from the mid 80s, which is a drifting legend. The FT-86 will be Rear Wheel Drive and power will be fed to those wheels via Subarus Boxer motor. This is the normally aspirated version of the motor that appears in the WRX.

So now once again, we have a potentially affordable car that carries the name and reliability of one of the top car companies, but with the potential to be a track animal once again. Most people already know the potential of the Subaru boxer and pairing with a Toyota RWD chassis (remember that Supra again), sounds like a hit. Already Toyota FT-86 forums are appearing on the web in wait of this new vehicle. Now the waiting begins for it to hit the showroom floors.

Muscle Cars For All Ages

American muscle cars are the collective term for any high performance vehicles. It looks just like any ordinary car around. The only difference is seen in their large and powerful engines. These high performance cars have 2 door rear wheel drive cars. And the engine is no less than V8.

The first recorded muscle cars were in the 1960s. It was used mainly in the streets for racing. They are different from sports cars and GTs. They are actually made not just with the power but also faster than any other produced cars.

Muscle cars have the philosophy of the hot rodder which is equipping small cars with bug engines. It has the 98 hp or 73 kW weaklings. They are usually made for straight line speed. They have neither sophisticated chassis nor European lithe appearance of high performance cars.

There are much debated opinions regarding these racing cars. Some say that it is a full-sized car. Others see it as a pony car or compact. But it does not construe its powerful engines. Everyone agrees to it.

There is recent information that the first muscle car was made in 1949. It was called Oldsmobile Rocket 88. This was actually the start of the creations of the early cars. This is where the idea of muscle cars came from. It all came from the Oldsmobile Rocket 88.

After the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, other car manufacturers came out and showcase some high performance cars. In 1955, C-300 or Chrysler 300 was developed with a Hemi Power. It can accelerate up to 60 mph or 97 km/h in just less than 10 seconds. Rambler Rebel was the developed in 1957. This was the fastest American sedan.

Because of these, the performances of these cars were developed into one and the new cars were developed. The cars were developed with popularity. In 1962, the fastest muscle cars were produced by Dodge. But the newer visions that were made by Chevrolet and Oldsmobile were built to join the invention of Dodge. There were also other manufacturers that made fastest cars during these years.

The version of the Ford of cars came in the year 1964 to 1965. Their kind of muscle cars is in Hemi engines. The Cars for turn key drag racers were then developed during these times. They were patterned and made as another type of muscle cars.

There are many other types of muscle cars that were made. There are different kinds of designs and styles in different parts of the world. The modern muscle cars of America are in just like the size on ordinary cars seen in the streets, and have four doors. The popular productions of these types came out in the year 1994 to 1996.

Modern American muscle cars today are mostly procured for collection. It is bought yet hardly used. They come very expensive and only a few could afford its luxury. They come around 500 thousand US dollars. The younger generation is mostly drawn to this type of car because it looks very chic.

Such high-end cars last for so many years. They are made with only the highest quality materials and are very durable. Some low profile owners will also use it in their everyday routine. Some hardly join races. They just want to own fast cars.

Audi Rolls Out the R8 Sports Car in the US

Audi of America, Inc. has just released the latest sports car from the German automaker. Audi of America announced the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the all-2008 Audi R8 that will roll out in dealer showrooms all over the United States beginning in fall 2007.

The all-new 2008 Audi R8 sports coupe is distinctive from other Audi vehicles because it is the first ever mid-engine model ever produced by the German automaker. The Audi R8 features a perfect body proportions for a sports car, marking its racing attitude. The sporty body styling is accented by Audi's signature wide grille along with standard bi-xenon headlights and daytime running lights comprising 12 light-emitting diodes (LED), LED tail lights with a 3D appearance, and 19-inch alloy wheels for the vehicle to ride on. In addition, Audi improved the aerodynamics of the R8 by including underbody complex diffuser and automatically extended rear spoiler.

Inside, the 2008 Audi R8 features a luxurious and elegant interior design cues and equipments. These include , automatic climate control, power and heated leather/Alcantara sport seats, cruise control, Sirius® satellite radio, and nine-speaker audio system, Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi hill hold assist, a six-disc CD changer, HomeLink, Bluetooth wireless phone system, auto dimming exterior mirrors,

and a storage package. Optional interior features include 12-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system, Alcantara headliner, and Audi navigation plus. In addition, Audi wants their customers to personalize the R8. That is why Audi is offering other optional packages like the Leather Package and Enhanced Leather Package, which include leather covered dash and interior trim pieces, metallic/pearl effect paint, carbon fiber side blades, and body color side blades.

At the heart of this sports car is a 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine capable of delivering 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and pulls out 317 lb.-ft. (430 Nm) amount of peak torque rotating between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The engine is combined with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional the six-speed R tronic automatic gearbox, powering the vehicle's Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. With this powertrain package, the Audi R8 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. With this powerful performance, Audi said the R8 is fastest Audi model ever produced. The Audi R8 also comes with a hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering with VW power steering pump to provide an excellent vehicle handling and steering in various driving conditions.

The 2008 Audi R8 will roll out in dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $109,000 for the R8 equipped with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and $118,000 for R8 models equipped with the optional 6-speed R tronic

Top 5 Cars to Modify

Modifying cars has become a growing trend among many racers, car enthusiasts and just generally by teenagers. Some modifications can be done so well and others can be done cheaply and tackily. I have comprised a list of the cars that are the best for modifying... tastefully.

1. Dodge Calibre SRT-4

With 300 horses under the bonnet and a turbo engine it is the perfect car for a fun race and on a road of drag slip. With a front wheel drive, the only internal modification that the Dodge Caliber would really benefit from would be a limited slip differential.

2. Chevrolet Cobalt SS

This Chevvy has 260 horses running amuck under the hood of this car. It has a tough suspension and an injected turbo engine. It is a nippy number that is easily labelled a FWD sports car. With bucket seats and a no-lift feature this car is the ideal base for a supped-up sports car.

3. Ford Mustang GT

An automotive legend in its own right. With looks, agility, performance and aggressive power. The latest 2010 model has a whole new look; vibe and stunning interior and it comes with 15 more horses than its predecessors. This is a car that doesn't need any modifications, but each to their own.

4. Subaru WRX

This rally-bred turbo charged sedan races off the lights from 0-60mph in 6 seconds. It has burling 265 ponies and is an already established car for road racers and fast drivers. With 41 more horses than its predecessor, the Subaru is a road tearing beast that rally drivers can't get enough of. It is the ideal car if someone wants a car to modify.

5. BMW 3 Series

If a car is being benchmarked, then you know it's a tough competitor to beat. With the latest 325i coupe, this 3 series combines genuine luxury, performance and an exciting twin-turbo boasting 300 horses. With a hefty price tag around its neck, it's not the cheapest however it is to be said underrated and a car that will shift some significant power.

The SLR McLaren Super Sports Car Roadster

Mercedes-Benz is planning to release soon in the market a SLR McLaren super sports car roadster with a top. And in keeping with the Formula 1 vehicles of today the German division of DaimlerChrysler will employ carbon fiber--- which is a type of material used for vehicles of today that possess a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness---similar to the SLR McLaren coupe version. This will provide the upcoming super sports car roadster with a combination of racing type chassis coupled with outstanding ride characteristics.

The new Roadster will be powered by same AMG V8 compressor engine as the McLaren coupe producing 617 bhp, and uses the same AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission that will enable the Roadster to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in a matter of 3.2 seconds. The maximum speed of the Roadster will remain at 332 km/h or 207 mph same as that of the coupe.

The retractable top of the Roadster provides pure open-air driving pleasure and despite its luxurious feel it still makes a suitable mode of everyday transport. With the coming of the new Roadster it will surely open up a new dimension in terms of refinement for convertible super sports car.

And just like the McLaren coupe version the new Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster will also be equipped with loads of stunning Mercedes-Benz accessories. It is also said that the new Roadster is more of a blend of the legendary SLR racing models dating back to the 50s with that of the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team

The new Roadster will also sport some typical styling elements like the arrow-shaped tip derived from the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, distinctive lateral louvers, wide opening gullwing doors, and side pipes behind the front wheels are styling from the SLR legend of the 50s.

The new Roadster has benefited immensely from the long years of experience of both Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. It is demonstrated in every components and styling details that the Roadster has. Take for instance the vehicle's two aluminum engine frames and its entirely carbon-fiber body which makes the vehicle unique from among the high-performance sports cars.

The Roadster's carbon-fiber technology was developed further for the monocoque chassis which resulted to its low weight and outstanding energy absorption capability providing occupants with additional amount of safety and a degree of torsional stiffness which have not been attained in any open-top vehicles ever produced. This leads to remarkable ride qualities which are only found in closed-top super sports cars.

The incomparable qualities of the new SLR McLaren Roadster are also attributed to the fully retractable top that blends perfectly with the fluid lines of the Roadster. Moreover its newly developed roof material available in three colors is not only suitable for everyday weather conditions but also provide the Roadster with characteristics that are unique in a roadster. For instance at 332 km/h which is the maximum attainable speed of the roadster, conversation is still possible even with the top opened and such is attributed to the remarkable aeroacoustics

that the vehicle possess.

The top is also very easy and quick to operate. It only takes 10 seconds to open and close the top. And since aluminum cover is incorporated into its front section, the roof gracefully closes off the top once retracted. If there's one thing that the new Roadster can boast of it would be its high degree of safety which is guaranteed by its one-of-a-kind carbon fiber crash elements, steel reinforced A-pillars and tow fixed rollover bars. Add to it the comprehensive list of safety features that include adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, belt tensioners, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Its exclusive standard equipment is comprised of semi-aniline-upholstered carbon-fiber bucket seats which are adaptable to both the driver and the front passenger through the use a range of seat pads; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a Navigation system with integral radio and CD Player.

The new SLR McLaren Roadster just like the McLaren coupe is going to be built at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England and would be created in accordance to the strict quality criteria of Mercedes-Benz. The new Roadster is scheduled to hit dealerships in September 2007.

The Super-Light Racing Car

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR design. Co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars, this sports car/super car hybrid can go from 0 to 62 in 3.6 seconds with a bas price tag of $455,500.00 (this includes the $ 3000.00 gas-guzzler tax and $ 2500.00 freight). It is often assumed that "SLR" stands for Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport (translated as Sport; Light;

Racing), but it really means Super-leicht, Rennsport (Super-light, Racing). A new version was presented in 2006 called "Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 edition". The "722" commemorates the 1955 Mille Miglia victory of Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson with their Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (722 refers to 7:22 am which happens to be their start time)

AMG technicians optimized the capacities of the original SL-55 engine by enlarging the fuel pump and cylinders and placed a larger cooling system for the engine. This modification produced a 5.5 liter dry sumped V8 and an unusual 3 valves per cylinder with SOHC. This is contrary to the prevalent design of super cars that uses DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is also uniquely mounted in the front-mid section of the vehicle, which is 1 meter behind the front bumper and 50 cm from the front axle. Because of the great engine power of this car, fade resistant, carbon-ceramic based brake plates are used with calipers that would

automatically skim the surface of the brake plates to keep them dry when driving in a wet situation. Spoilers are also mounted on the rear and pops up when breaking at high speeds. The SLR has a five-speed automatic transmission that comes with three separate modes: Sport, Comfort and Manual. Sport is mainly for everyday use while Comfort is for bumpy roads and lastly, Manual that allows the driver to shift gears with the touchpad or the levers on the steering wheel. The transmission used in the SLR is the same with other performance models such as the SL65. However, the SLK-55 engine cannot handle the torque and power output of the SLR therefore a five-speed transmission is used.

The SLR has a top speed of 208 mph making it the fastest automatic car in the world until 2005, when the Bugatti Veyron came into the picture. The SLR makes use of carbon fiber for its body, which supposed to make it lighter but the car still weighs at 3898 pounds after adding all the luxury items included. In 2004, the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport tested the SLR at the Nardo test track in southern Italy. And reported that the car's quarter-mile time is 11.5 seconds. Top Gear host, Jeremy Clarkson, notably praised the SLR for how easy it is to drive even at top speed. On the same episode of Top Gear, Jeremy was able to out run a 25000 bhp cruise liner in a race with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May from London to Oslo (1320 miles). The SLR is often categorized as a "grand touring car" rather than a "super car" because it is extremely fast yet does not sacrifice comfort.

Keep In Mind When Buying Sports Cars

Everyone that loves sports cars generally place looks and performance above safety when buying a sports car, but you should consider how safe it is to drive. There are two main types of safety features that you need to consider first and foremost: functional safety and inactive safety.

The category of functional safety includes the features needed to prevent the automobiles from accidents. This includes effectual brakes, responsive clutches and dependable suspension. Some of these functional safety features are listed below. You should familiarize yourself with of each feature so that you know what to look for when you think you have spied your ideal sports car.

The first safety feature we will look at is called the Electronic Stability Systems. This particular safety feature has the ability to sense when an automobile is out of control and works with the wheels by using discriminatory braking to specific wheels. It also includes the traction control and anti-lock brake system. This is a safety feature that is found mostly on luxury sports cars because it is so expensive.

The Anti-Lock Brake System or ABS lets automobiles come to stop rapidly and still continue to be easy to maneuver. Anti-lock brake systems are triggered by applying intense pressure so you need to learn how to do this. Don't just rely on moderate pressure to avoid sliding, it won't work.

Another great safety feature is Effective Traction Handling which helps automobiles maintain their grip on the road even while accelerating. This characteristic is mostly advised for rear-wheels as it helps reduce back up and employs the use of power-assisted brakes to a rotating wheel.

The other category, inactive safety features are those that protect the driver and other passengers if the functional safety features are unsuccessful. This category includes the following features:

Adjustable headrests should be more aptly named head restraints because they prevent the head from snapping back and forth when there is a collision if they are adjusted properly. They should be adjusted in accordance with the occupants' height to be more effective.

Another inactive safety feature found in most vehicles is the airbag. Automobiles that have airbags for all passengers and cover the front and sides are ideal and significant. This is a feature that has become mpre dominant in recent years.

When you take a vehicle for a test drive, remember to ascertain the distance of the airbag from you - the most reliable gap for optimum safety is 10 inches away from the airbag. Move the seat back to a relaxed position and check i to make certain there is approximately 10 inches between the airbag and yourself.

Seat belts while one of the oldest safety devices are also an important feature in car safety. Seat belts can assist in saving you and your family in case of automobile accidents. Make sure that the vehicle has adjustable shoulder harnesses so that the belt can be adjusted to fit to the passenger's height.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more