Video: Motor Trend runs ZR1 Corvette vs. Porsche 911 Turbo

Both the Corvette ZR1 and the Porsche 911 Turbo create bozo power, but they do so in very different ways. Beyond the obvious comparison of power and speed, the Corvette is more of an unforgiving sledge hammer as opposed to the forgiving nature of the 911. Both can get the job done on the track, however, as this video shows. So which car is superior, not only in a straight up drag race but in the twisties as well? The answer may surprise you...

Video(s): Mustang GT vs. BMW M3

Out of all the cars the Ford Mustang is compared to, most are rear wheel drive, V8 powered muscle cars. This is a natural comparison. Most people expect a little trade off in ride quality, fit and finish, and other niceties when driving a muscle car. It's just part of the deal, right?

Well, maybe not so much. Fit and finish, along with ride quality, are on the rise with each new iteration of pony car. The newest version of the Mustang has by far the nicest interior and highest quality of any previous version. But is it on par with the BMW M3, in both quality and speed?

Well maybe not quality. But in terms of not only straight line quickness, but cornering as well, the Mustang can certainly hang with its dramatically more expensive German brethren. Just how well, you ask? You'll just have to check out the videos to see.



Source: Motor Trend

2011 Ford Mustang wins first comparison test with Camaro, Challenger

The pony car wars have been fully rejuvenated, despite many obstacles such as high gas prices and a declining economy. The Mustang has been going strong for many years, while the Camaro and Challenger are reborn. Both have surpassed the Mustang in power and straight numbers.

When we found out that Ford was coming back strong for 2011 with the rejuvenated 5.0L moniker backed up by a serious boost in power, up to 412 from a paltry 315. Naturally, we expected there to be many comparison tests to follow.

The first comes to us thanks to Motor Trend. And as expected, the new Mustang claimed victory against a Camaro SS and Challenger SRT-8. Not surprisingly, thanks to it's better power to weight ratio. But the Mustang also claimed victory in quality and fit and finish. Head on over to MT to see the full comparo.

Sunday tidbits: Chevy can't keep up with Camaro demand, Mustang could have had independent suspension for $100?

File this one under not surprising: Bloomberg is saying that the demand for GM's reborn Camaro is far exceeding supply, resulting in cars selling for over their sticker price. While this is great news for an automaker wallowing in bankruptcy, it's tough news for fans of the car that have been clamoring at the bit to get one.

Dealers have already taken 25,000 orders for the new Camaro, and have delivered around half of them. Analysts told Bloomberg that the cars are going for around $500 over sticker on average, and at least one dealer is saying that he won't have one on his lot for sale in at least a year.

In other irritating news coming out of Detroit, Motor Trend's Angus MacKenzie is saying that the S197 Mustang almost got an independent suspension, and at a lower cost than you would possibly imagine.

According to MacKenzie, the 2005 Mustang was all set to get the independent suspension that it would have shared with the BA-series Falcon sedan built in Australia. Even when it was decided that the two cars would use different platforms, Ford designers set about designing an independent suspension specific to the Mustang.

So why did it still end up with a solid rear axle? According to MacKenzie, product development executive Phil Martens convinced Bill Ford Jr. that they could save $100 per car if they dropped the IRS and went with the solid axle. MacKenzie's sources say that the cost of sorting out the current Mustang's suspension actually cost $98 more per car than the IRS that could have gone in the car.

Hennessey offers 600hp Nissan GT-R package

The Nissan GT-R, or Godzilla as it's commonly known, is one fast car. It's also Motor Trend's Car of the Year. And next year will bring the GT-R V Spec, with more power to the tune of 520hp.

Of course, more is never enough, so Henessey is offering an assortment of upgrades that will boost a GT-R to 600hp. There are a total of seven mods in the package, and none of them seriously alter anything, like the stainless steel turbo downpipes and a wastegate actuator upgrade. But they do add 120hp to the already formidable car.

While there is no price on the package (only listed with "Call"), there is also an affordable Stage 1 kit that upgrades the car's software for an increase of 65hp and 75lbft for only $995.

Hit the link here to check out the two packages.

Ten of the fastest Mustangs ever produced

The 2010 Ford Mustang has been tested with a 5.3 second 0-60 time and a 13.9 second quarter mile at 101.7 mph. Solid numbers indeed, but how does it stack up with other production Mustangs?

Certainly there will be more powerful iterations of the car, as Ford has already strongly hinted that it will have an announcement next month which we presume will be about the next Shelby GT500. This is great news, as the next Chevrolet Camaro seems poised to easily outrun the GT.

Motor Trend recently dug through it's old stories and brought back ten of the fastest Mustangs it has ever tested. Each of these will outrun a new GT, but to be fair, they also have their fair share of mods. Stay tuned to see what Ford has up their sleeve for the newest pony car in their stable.

2003 Mustang Mach 1 Vortech. 1/4 mile: 12.0 sec @ 121.2 mph 0-60: 3.9 sec.

2008 Ford Shelby GT500 KR. 1/4 mile: 12.4 sec @ 118.1 mph 0-60: 4.1 sec.

2007 Ford Shelby GT500. 1/4 mile: 12.7 sec @ 114.2 mph 0-60: 4.4 sec.

2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. 1/4 mile: 12.8 sec @ 113.2 mph 0-60: 4.7 sec.

1998 Saleen S351. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 116.8 mph 0-60: 4.6 sec.

2008 Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 111.3 mph 0-60: 4.3 sec.

2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 110.8 mph 0-60: 4.4 sec.

2008 Racecraft 420 S. 1/4 mile: 12.9 sec @ 110.0 mph 0-60: 4.4 sec.

2008 Ford Shelby GT SC. 1/4 mile: 13.0 sec @ 110.2 mph 0-60: 4.6 sec.

2006 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang. 1/4 mile: 13.0 sec @ 109.7 mph 0-60: 4.5 sec.

MT's first test 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Your bargain priced BMW M5 has almost arrived, and Motor Trend has just taken it out for a first drive. It's amazing that anyone and everyone that has had a chance to drive the GXP compares the $40K car to the previous generation $70K M5, but the proof is in the pudding.

By now, you know the G8 is based on GM global rear-drive-chassis architecture born and bred in Australia. The base V-6 and 361-horse V-8 GT versions are currently on sale and playing to solid reviews. The GXP is the only version you can get with a six speed stick, currently. The G8 wasn't designed or built in Detroit, but it's a true Pontiac, and variations on this theme are sold as Holdens, Daewoos, Opels, Vauxhalls-even Buicks in China and Chevys in the Middle East.

Under the hood is the latest version of the venerable Chevy small block, the LS3. Measuring out at 4.2 liters, it grunts out 415 horsepower and as much torque. Only the ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-v's supercharged version put out more power from the factory right now. The GXP even runs on regular gas, but it will carry a gas guzzler tax with it.

With all the added power additional upgrades are a no brainer. Increased stopping power comes from Brembo brake calipers, clamping 14.0-inch rotors front and 12.8-inchers aft. The already competent GT suspension is tuned for the GXP. the biggest change is larger front and rear anti-roll bars. The shocks are stiffer, and the rear balljoints are revised. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, as is summer-rated performance rubber (all season tires are also available). Calibration of the power rack-and-pinion steering is unchanged.

Styling updates are minor. The front and rear fascias are GXP-specific. Overall the car has a stronger, more muscular look, without giving it away as anything too special in those stoplight races.

Inside you'll find bolstered seats that hold you in place for the ride. Rubber trimmed pedals and a thickly padded steering wheels wrap up the interior mods.

The GXP is slightly bigger and heavier than the previous generation M5, but beats it in performance. The previous-gen M5 ran 0-to-60 in 4.5 seconds; the manual trans G8 GXPs match that. The Bimmer grips to 0.84 g on the skidpad, the Pontiacs stick to 0.88-0.90 g. The BMW stops from 60-0 in 116 feet, the Pontiacs from 111-117.

Overall, the G8 GXP represents a great value, and a nice car all around. It is by no means a world beater, but where else will be find it's level of luxury and performance for the price?

2009 PONTIAC G8 GXP
Base price $39,900 (est)
Price as tested $41,500 (6M, est), $40,800 (6A, est)
Vehicle layout Front-engine, RWD 5-pass, 4-door sedan
Engine 6.2L/415-hp*/415-lb-ft* OHV 16-valve V-8
Transmission 6-speed manual
Curb weight (f/r dist) 3969 lb (52/48%)
Wheelbase 114.8 in
Length x width x height 196.1 x 74.8 x 57.7 in
0-60 mph 4.5 sec
Quarter mile 13.0 sec @ 109.6 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 117 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.90 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 26.4 sec @ 0.70 g (avg)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ Not yet rated
On sale in U.S. February 2009
*SAE certified

2008 D3 Cadillac XLR-V

Stigmas are hard to shake. Perhaps the hardest one in the automotive world to shake is the idea that Cadillac makes cars for the more "senior" members of society. Long has this been an image that Cadillac has tried to shake, even as it's counterpart Buick seems to embrace it.

With Caddy recently introducing the new CTS, it's a legitimate German fighter. The car has received much praise and was even Motor Trend's Car of the Year. But when you look upwards in the lineup to the Corvette twin XLR, you can't help but think that it's a Corvette for older folks.

The XLR is, basically, a Corvette with less power, more plush interior, and a softer ride. It sports some nice styling and is definitely a head turner. Corvettes are a dime a dozen, but when you see an XLR it turns heads.

For those with a desire to look unique and go fast, D3 Motorsports has the solution for you. D3's focus has been on amping-up Cadillac's already formidable V-series offerings, with its take on the Cadillac XLR-V roadster being the latest and greatest.

Save for the shiny 20 inch wheels, this Caddy is all business. D3's stage 2 package consists of an upgraded supercharger, monster dual intake, Corsa full exhaust system, upgraded intercooler, performance spark plugs, auxiliary methanol injection cooling system, and retuned suspension (although no components are replaced). Rubber also is upgraded, with Toyo Proxes T1Rs sized 245/35ZR20 up front and 285/30ZR20 in the rear replacing the stock 19-in. Pirelli runflats.

All of these upgrades result in 575 hp at 5900 rpm and 585 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Sixty mph comes and goes in just 4.2 sec, the quarter in 12.7 sec at 112 mph - take that Vette owner!

D3's asking price for the package is $16,435 -- $8555 for the performance modifications, $5200 for the wheels, $1180 for the tires, and $1500 for the installation. The XLR-V itself costs $101,300, bringing the total price to $117,735, some $15,000 and change shy of the SL63. Skip the big-ticket wheels and accompanying tires, and that drops to $111,355 -- not the worst deal in the world, all things considered, and a far cry from your grandpa's old Fleetwood.

2008 Racecraft 420 S Ford Mustang First Test

Saleen Corporation is a little different nowadays. The guy who's name is the namesake of the company is gone. The company itself has merged with American Sunroof Corporation, which like Saleen has been trying to redefine itself in an ever changing automotive market.

Saleen Mustangs have turned into heavily finned and spoilered cars that are rather pricey, thus not for everyone. Saleen's response to this the the Racecraft brand.

Mustang fans will recognize Racecraft as a brand of suspension components produced by Saleen. Now it has become a name unto itself, a brand of car. Racecraft cars are supposed to be easy on the eye and the wallet, all with stirring performance.

The very first Racecraft Mustang is the 420 S, which Motor Trend has recently tested.

The folks at Motor Trend have tested pretty much every version of Mustang under the sun. It's quite refreshing that they find the 420 S to be "one of the most well-balanced, fun-to-drive, not-overdone Mustangs we've tested in a good while."

The package starts with a base model, no option Mustang GT. The main power adder is Saleen's twin screw supercharger, which incorporates and intercooler with the blower itself resting low in the engine bay.

The EMS is recalibrated and a 98mm mass airflow sensor is installed, along with a high-flow inlet tube and K & N air filter. The result is 420 hp, up from the stock GT's 300.

For the twisties, the 420 S sports Racecraft shocks and struts along with an anti roll bar. It also has 18 inch wheels, down from the 19 inch that Saleen's sport, wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza 275/40-18s.

Visual mods are limited basically to a huge "Racecraft" banner across the bottom of the doors, which hopefully is an option.

Motor Trend recorded a 4.4 second 0-60 time and a 10.4 second 0-100 time. The quarter mile came in at 12.9 sec @ 110.0 mph. Handling is firmer than stock but completely liveable.

The 420 S is offered in all stock Mustang GT colors. Leather and other upgrades are available, but will push the price above the $40K mark. Saleen specifically wanted to keep the price below $40K.

Overall the 420S is a nice piece for a nice price. It's a completely liveable car that can be driven without being too aggressive to handle in everyday situations.

While just under 40K seems like a lot of money, consider that a base GT runs around 25K. Add the supercharger, intercooler, piping, and suspension pieces, and it adds up to a pretty good deal. Unless you are proficient at installing parts and tuning cars, in which case you could save a few thousand by doing it yourself.

AmericanMuscle.com has all the 2008 Mustang Parts you will need to spice up your 'Stang.