The Mustang returns for 2012 better than ever. After receiving new powerful and fuel-efficient engines last year, Ford has further tweaked the Mustang to make it a true performance powerhouse. New for 2012 is the Mustang Boss 302. Taking its name from legendary Trans Am racers of yore, the Boss 302 features a 444-hp version of the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V-8. The Boss also features a track ready final drive ratio, a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, a firmer, adjustable suspension, front Brembo brakes, an optional Torsen differential, and more. For those who want even more performance, Ford also offers the Laguna Seca Package on the Mustang Boss 302 that ditches the Mustang’s rear seats for additional bracing, and stiffens the suspension even more. The rest of the Mustang lineup carries over largely unchanged with choices galore. Buyers can opt for a coupe or a convertible, a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 producing 280 lb-ft of torque or a 412-hp 5.0-liter V-8 producing 390 lb-ft of torque. Power wasn’t Ford’s only priority when it came to the Mustang. Automatic-equipped Mustang V-6’s receive an EPA-rated 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway, while manual V-8 GT’s are rated at 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway—numbers that put the old Mustang’s engines to shame, especially considering the added power.…
Mini Cooper S Convertible
There is a handful of cars that look very different from anything else on the road. They attract attention mostly for their snappy styling. Volkswagen’s New Beetle comes to mind, so does the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Mini Cooper falls into this trendy category, but unlike the others, it has some serious sport baked in, which is what we’ve always liked about this car, especially the supercharged S model.
THANK YOU TO Danny King The FORTWO company is giving us two ForOnes. After RELEASING DETAILS ON ITS EBIKE Daimler’s SMARtT division has announced it will start selling a battery-electric scooter in 2014. Smart FIRST UNVELLED the escooter along side its electric-powered bike at the PARIS MOTOR SHOW in September 2010 and said the scooter would have a single-charge range of 62 miles. The scooter’s four-kilowatt electric motor is mounted on the rear wheel and provides a top speed of 28 miles per hour.
The escooter was part of a broader electric-mobility plan Smart outlined at that Paris show. That plan also included an electric-powered bike as well as a battery-electric version of the ForTwo. Earlier this week, Smart said it would start selling its ebikes in the UK this month. The bike has a 250-watt electric motor and a battery pack that offers around 62 miles of single-charge range.
Honda’s Crosstour has been a lightning rod for controversy since the first images of the crossover appeared on social networking sites back in September of 2009. Almost immediately, commenters began hurling insults towards the mid-size CUV, many disappointed that the (then called) Accord Crosstour was less wagon as rumored early on in the model’s development— and more, uh, giant four-door humpback-hatch. From some angles, the Crosstour’s hood and grille appeared almost an exaggerated caricature, both features seemingly too large for its body.
Undeterred, Honda stayed the course, nurturing the maligned Crosstour along, eventually dropping Accord from its name and adding a four cylinder engine to the lineup.
Duel is a 1971 television (and later full-length theatrical) film starring DENNIS WEAVER, who plays a terrified motorist stalked on a remote and lonely road by the unseen driver of a mysterious TANKER TRUCK. It was written by RICHARD MATHESON based on his own short story, and directed by STEVEN SPIEBERG, in his feature film directing debut.
Road Test magazine tested the 340 Demon (similar to the 340 Duster) in April 1971. They got from 0 to 60 in a quick 7.8 seconds - remember, this is with an automatic and bias-ply tires - and ran through the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds at 96 mph, with a top speed of 127 mpg. Gas mileage was at 14 city, 17 highway, not far from the standard 318 and reasonably close to the slant six. Cornering, finish, luggage, performance, steering were rated excellent; details, instruments, quietness, ride, visibility, overall were rated very good. The base price was $3400 including tach, stereo cassette, and automatic.
What’s New for 2012 The 2012 Kia Soul arrives with a number of notable upgrades, including more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, new six-speed transmissions and revised steering. Styling has been updated inside and out, and there are a number of new technology options.
What’s New for 2012 For 2012, the Kia Optima receives the optional Uvo voice command system on all but the base models and a minor shuffling of features between trim levels and option packages. The front seats have also been slightly reshaped for improved comfort.
