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Road Test: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium

December 23, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

High-Performance Turbo Manual Transmission Fun

In April 2018 Ford announced all its sedans and coupes would be going away by 2020, except for one–the iconic Mustang. High-powered Mustang GT, Mach1 and Shelby GT500 versions are well-known, with the latter model pumping-out 760 pin-you-back-in-your-seat horsepower. Big horsepower gets the headlines and is as sexy as all get out, but what about getting into a Mustang that provides driving exhilaration while also not scaring the heck out of you? Look no further than the 2021 Mustang Coupe with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost.

2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium — **High-performance four-cylinder fun**

Respectable Power and Performance

Clean Fleet Report spent a week in the rear-wheel drive 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Fastback, powered by a high-performance turbocharged 2.3-liter I4 mated to a six-speed manual transmission with launch control and five selectable drive modes. Producing a fun 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the Mustang high-performance package and the six-speed manual is civil enough for around town driving. And yes, you can spin the tires!

The EPA has rated the EcoBoost 2.3L high-performance at 20 mpg city/27 highway/22 combined. In 240 miles driving around Southern California we averaged 23 mpg, but in a 100-mile run with the adaptive cruise control set at 65 mph, we averaged 31.2 mpg, exceeding the EPA figure. This fuel economy is encouraging, but it will take a wide open road with little traffic and lots of patience to equal it. If fuel economy is your primary focus and you can live without high performance, the standard turbocharged 2.3L puts out 310 horsepower and delivers 21/32/25 with its 10-speed automatic.

Being realistic, no one will be buying a high-performance Mustang for making bread and milk runs. This car begs to be driven with great elan, so real world driving will use more fuel. Fuel economy numbers reported by Clean Fleet Report are non-scientific and represent the reviewer’s driving experience using the dash gauge computer. Your numbers may differ.

Shifting Fun

Clean Fleet Report took delivery of a 2021 Ford Mustang Coupe and knew the week ahead was about to be fun. There are not many manual transmission cars anymore, and getting one with rear-wheel drive and 330 horsepower was a treat. The electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivered confident road feel, aided by the Pirelli PZero Corsa4 ZR rated 265/40 summer tires on 19-inch, luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels. ZR is a speed rating, which in this case means the tire can handle speeds surpassing 150 mph.

The grip was excellent, thanks in a big part to the independent rear suspension that delivered a controlled driving experience. The optional MagneRide damping system, part of the $1,995 Handling Package, kept the rear tires planted. MagneRide responds to road conditions 1,000 times per second for each damper or shock absorber. First introduced in 2002, versions of this suspension system are found on Camaro, Corvette, Cadillac, Acura, Audi, Land Rover, Ferrari, and Lamborghini models.

Stopping was by the four-wheel power disc brakes, which have a four channel anti-lock braking system with rear sway bars and electronic stability control.

The leather-trimmed gear shifter is perfectly positioned for arm angle and grip size, whether for slow or hard shifting. The clutch has a good feel and smooth engagement, but the shifts can be notchy at certain rpms and if not perfectly rev matched. This is not the smoothest manual we have driven, but it is still a blast going through the gears.

First gear is for getting off the line, but 2nd, 3rd and 4th are where things get interesting. When it is go-time, the turbocharged 2.3L came to life with a throaty note that would grumble and pop from the active valve performance exhaust system. This adaptive system, which amplifies the sound, has exhaust settings such as sport and track, making for a pleasant reminder you are driving a high-performance car. There is even a quiet setting when sneaking out at 5 a.m. to go to a car show. For even a racier sound, check-out what comes from the Mustang GT with the 5.0L V8 engine, which has 100 more horsepower.

Zero-to-60 mph times were right around 5.0 seconds, with linear acceleration and unnoticeable turbo lag. Pushback in the seat comes at 3,000 rpm, and stays consistent and stout through the 6,500-rpm red line. The optional 10-speed rev-matching automatic probably would pull even faster times (it also delivers slightly better fuel economy).

Old-Modern Interior

The 2021 Ford Mustang interior has a comfy, retro feel to it. Digital gauges are large and easy-to-read, with black backgrounds and white letters, and toggle switches are a throw-back to sports cars from the 1960s. Clean Fleet Report’s Mustang came with black leather-trimmed Recaro sport seats that were manually adjustable.

Accent stitching on the seats, console and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel combine with carbon fiber on the dash for added custom detail. The Recaro seats were supportive and tight fitting, while the rear seats are best for those of a smaller stature. The trunk is surprisingly large, but when folding the split rear seat the Mustang is its most versatile, as the cargo area is exceptionally large. Two on a weekend trip will have no problem fitting all their gear.

The 12-speaker, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer, infotainment system includes navigation, Ford SYNC and SiriusXM/FM/CD/HDAM with MP3 playback capability. USB ports with iPod connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and hands-free phone capability complete the system. All this is viewed through a 12-inch, high-resolution LCD touch screen. The Ford PassConnect includes 4G LTE WiFi.

The Classic Mustang Look

A long hood with a short trunk lid sums-up the classic Pony Car design made famous in the 1960s by the Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger (and a few others who have disappeared from the scene). The 2021 Mustang coupe has the distinctive fastback design, and is done in a retro-modern style, harkening back to the 1965 Mustang. From the LED head and fog lights to the signature sequential turn-signal taillights, the 2021 Mustang is a good-looking car. The slight hood bulges have functional air intakes. For even more fun, our Mustang came in a very bright Grabber Yellow!

Convenience and Safety

The 2021 Ford Mustang has available convenience features such as illuminated sill plates and Mustang “pony” puddle lights, ambient interior lighting, autodim rear view mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a tilt and telescoping steering column, hill start assist, power and heated exterior mirrors, power windows with one-touch up and down, keyless start and entry, passive entry system and a theft deterrent system.

Safety systems include dual front, seat-mounted side, driver knee, and full side curtain air bags. The Ford Co-Pilot360 is an advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which includes forward collision warning, lane keeping and driver alert warning, lane keep assist, blind spot with cross traffic alert, rear view camera, rear parking distance warning, pre-collision assist with emergency braking and pedestrian detection.

The 2021 Mustang has a 5-Star safety rating, the highest by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway safety, IIHS, has awarded the Mustang Good ratings for crash worthiness.

Pricing and Warranties

The 2021 Ford Mustang comes in 10 models, with the listed prices excluding options, but including the $1,195 destination and handling fee.

EcoBoost Fastback $28,400

Convenience and Safety — **The Recaros matched the car’s performance well**

EcoBoost Fastback Premium $33,420

EcoBoost Convertible $33,900

EcoBoost Convertible Premium $38,920

GT Fastback $37,480

GT Premium Fastback $41,480

GT Convertible Premium $46,980

Mach 1 $54,595

Mach 1 Premium $56,495

Shelby GT500 $74,095

Clean Fleet Report’s 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium coupe had a base price of $32,175. With $13,150 in options and the $1,195 destination and delivery fee, the MSRP came to $46,520.

The 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance comes with these warranties:

Bumper-to-Bumper – Three years/36,000 miles

Powertrain – Five years/60,000 miles

Roadside Assistance – Five years/60,000 miles

Corrosion – Five years/Unlimited miles

Observations: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium High Performance Coupe

The 2021 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance is a fine-driving, riding and handling car. The power is fun to play with, and when mated to a six-speed manual, a blast to drive. The high tech suspension system, adjustable exhaust, summer tires and multiple drive modes are what make this a driver’s car.

The performance from the turbocharged high-performance four-cylinder was more than adequate for a sporty drive, whether on mountain curves or cruising leisurely your favorite highway or road. The 2.3L High Performance offers 20 more horsepower than the base EcoBoost engine (Ford dropped the V6 as the base engine in 2021), while not making it necessary to go for the Mustang 5.0L V8 for extra performance.

When visiting your Ford dealer, tell the rep you want to drive the Mustang EcoBoost High Performance. Then, for comparison take a spin in the Mustang GT or Mach 1. This way you will know which of the iconic Mustangs could be right for you.

Make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.

Story by John Faulkner. Photos by Lex Adams.

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Road Test: 2021 Chevrolet Corvette

Disclosure:

Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.

Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.

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Tags: 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Ford, Ford Mustang, MPG, performance coupe, Road Test, Test Drive, Test Drives

First Look: LOKI Basecamp Icarus 

October 28, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Presented by LOKI Basecamp – LOKI Basecamp, maker of premier four-season pods that transform a stock pickup truck into the ultimate adventure vehicle, is proud to release its second model, the Icarus, into the wild.

The new slide-in camper retains the same four-season capabilities and all the basic comforts and functions of the Falcon but condenses it into a smaller, and lighter package that’s more agile and easier to drive while overlanding. The modular interior design is carried over from the Falcon, allowing users to customize the interior to suit their needs, be it sports, leisure, or field office.

“We designed the Icarus with a philosophy of no compromises” said founder and CEO Pierre-Mathieu Roy. “We wanted a four-season unit that was light enough for easy driving both on and off-road, and it needed to be strong enough to carry all of our outdoor toys on the exterior rack system” continued Roy.

The reengineered and reinforced fiberglass shell adds the structural support requested by Roy and it boasts R16 insulation, making it suitable for use in all four seasons. A Webasto Heating Unit supplies hot air and water, and A/C is powered by a 12v air conditioner. A 2,000-watt inverter is up to the task of charging the onboard 300ah to 600ah Lithium battery bank, and rooftop solar panels can supply up to an additional 300w of energy. The Icarus also boasts an on-board water pump, a 15-gallon fresh water tank and 13-gallon grey water tank. The exterior is adorned with an up to 48,000 Lumen light bar on the front, and utility LED lights on the sides and rear as well as a retractable awning. Like the Falcon, the Icarus also has a modular exterior rack system that can be configured to carry a wide range of sporting goods.

The interior has room for a full bed over the cab, hidden storage for a portable toilet, and a multi-function seating and table area that can be reconfigured to make room for an additional bed. The kitchenette features a stainless-steel sink and a mobile induction cooktop. Remaining interior space is dedicated to a mudroom with a mobile shower. That precious real estate can also be used to hang wet clothing or for additional seating.

Later this year it will be possible to add a Red Tail Overland structure on the roof of the Icarus, transforming it into a penthouse with a full 4 season bed.

The Icarus is available in two models: the Icarus 6 will fit trucks with 6.5-foot beds and the Icarus 8 is for larger trucks with 8-foot beds. Prices start at $69,000, with many custom options available. LOKI Basecamp is currently accepting pre-orders with a $5,000 deposit through its website at www.lokibasecamp.com. Once finished, the Icarus will be hand-delivered and installed for customers in North America. For more information about LOKI Basecamp, please direct media inquiries to Bobby Lea at bobby.lea@backbone.media.

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Tags: *Sponsored, Aftermarket, Featured, Ford, hp

Ford GT Price, Specs, Photos & Review: 2nd Generation

September 16, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Ford GT Review

The new Ford GT specs include a Heritage Edition. Inspired by the 1967 LeMans winning car, the red and white exterior is easy to spot when it’s going 216 mph. Power from the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 remains at 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. “Race Red” can also be found on the calipers, seat trim, and contrast stitching inside. Exposed carbon fiber and satin stainless give it a menacing demeanor. The 2018 Ford GT specs make this supercar is essentially a street-legal race car, with a dry weight of only 3,045 lbs. Inside, all essential controls are either on the steering wheel or close to it.

Top Gear: Chris Harris Drives The Ford GT

This keeps your eyes on the road ahead while giving the interior a clean layout. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Initially, Ford planned on building only 500 cars, but they have rethought that strategy thanks to unprecedented demand. After taking first, third and fourth place at LeMans, Ford’s fastest production car has sent everyone else back to the drawing board. If you think you are worthy of the Ford GT, the application process requires a video along with references to your character. Only 250 cars will be built each year, so don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime.

2018 FORD GT SPECS:

Horsepower: 647 hp
Torque: 550 lb-ft
0-60: 2.9 seconds
1/4 Mile:10.9 @130 mph
Top Speed: 217 mph
Weight: 3,047 lbs

Ford GT Engine

Of course, no Ford GT review would be complete without mentioning its engine. For the 2018 Ford GT engine, engineers decided to the Ford GT specs should leave the V8 engine in the past. Working together with the Ford Raptor team, they decided to build a bulletproof 3.5 liter V6. It shares many production features found in passenger cars, so it is a great marketing move also. The dry-sump design has forged internals and large turbochargers. The new Ford GT makes 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. In the top two of the five driving modes, the direct fuel injection sprays even when the throttle is closed. This cools the cylinders and turbos and keeps them ready to go.

Ford GT Transmission

With the goal of winning LeMans, Ford GT specs needed a strong transmission. Only a few companies in the world are capable of building such a potent gearbox, and Getrag rose to meet the challenge. To keep the Ford GT motor in its powerband, a differential ratio of 3.66 was used. From 3rd to 6th gear, the ratio only drops 0.8. Sixth and seventh gear are both overdrives for highway cruising. It has been used in other exotics over the past few years, so this was a smart move by the Ford team. It has separate oil systems for the hydraulics and the clutches, with cooling for each. Both fluids are “fill for life” and do not require maintenance.

Ford GT Brakes

With the goal of winning LeMans in 2016, Ford GT specs required a potent braking system. Brembo was commissioned with building identical size calipers and rotors, for both race and street applications. For street applications, the two-piece carbon ceramic rotors measure 15.5″ and are clamped by a 6-piston monoblock caliper. The rear rotors are 14.1″ with 4-piston monoblock calipers. The only difference between the street and race versions is the latter uses steel rotors. Five caliper color choices allow the owner to customize his stopping power, and the computer-controlled parking brake has no cables or hydraulics to wear out.

Ford GT Design

In order to be unlike anything before, the Ford GT specs were locked in a secret bunker deep underneath Dearborn. Moray Callum is a Scotsman, and also the brother of Ian Callum, who, as a matter of fact, is Jaguar’s chief of design. His team spared no expense in creating a faithful homage to the original Ford GT40. Every part inside and out was modeled in clay, with a constant reminder of the GT’s past. What emerged is a gorgeous and efficient design. The rear wheels are housed outside the cockpit and connected by flying buttresses. Even the taillights are hollow, and they incorporate vents to channel high-pressure air away from the roof. Every surface and curve of the Ford GT’s exterior was designed with a purpose. Whether it be aerodynamics, style, or functionality – like the flying buttresses that transfer air from the intercooler to the engine bay – nothing was overlooked. And because the design is based around the carbon fiber monocoque, the Ford GT weight is very low.

Ford GT Price

Here is where the plot thickens. At present time, if you want your own example, the Ford GT specs a starting price of $500,000. Why not just wait for a used example? The problem is that only 500 cars per year are being built. Another hindrance is Ford’s purchase contract includes the first right of refusal. All things considered, should you grow tired of your Ford GT, they will buy it back to make sure the image of the supercar is not tarnished by those looking to make a profit. There are two schools of thought here, with valid points for each case. Either way, the Ford GT price will remain untouchable to mere mortals.

Ford GT Interior

While the earlier Ford GT had relatively spacious cockpits, space has been limited to save weight and drag. The 2018 Ford GT specs a narrow body, consequently placing driver and passenger almost shoulder to shoulder. Since there are no mechanical linkages running front to rear, the center console is skinny, It barely has enough room for two rows of switches. Speaking of controls, the steering wheel is a work of art that belongs on a Formula1 car. Carbon fiber and microfiber create a nice contrast, and leather is a costly option.

Ford GT Specs & Standout Features

The Ford GT specs required a formidable suspension, so Multimatic built a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde design. Essentially, they are two separate suspensions on the same car, it makes use of Dynamic Suspension Spool Valves to instantly change between race and street modes. Accordingly, the system makes use of high-pressure hydraulics, which also flows through a traditional power steering rack. Each corner has an accumulator and cylinder mounted inboard. They operate a pushrod and bellcrank to keep unsprung weight to a minimum. It is unlike anything else on the road, and it helped them to bring home 1st and 3rd place at LeMans in 2016. Click the link below to find your Ford GT and stay with us for more reviews.

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Images Sourced From Ford

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Tags: 2018 Buyers Guide, Ford, GT, Specs

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: 2019 Ford GT Lightweight

September 2, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Presented by Barrett-Jackson – This 2019 Ford GT is a true street-legal exclusive race car. The GT can launch to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 216 mph. This GT, chassis #42, boasts $74,750 in factory options. It is desirably equipped with the 600A Lightweight Package, which includes Lightweight graphics, 20-inch gloss exposed carbon-fiber wheels, titanium lug nuts, titanium exhaust, polycarbonate rear engine hatch and an Alcantara-wrapped carbon-fiber steering wheel. This GT is finished in Shadow Black accented by carbon-fiber stripes and exposed carbon-fiber trim with a gloss finish. The carbon-fiber wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and brought to a stop by red Brembo brake calipers. The GT’s interior is trimmed in the carbon theme, accented nicely by carbon-fiber trim, including the door sills. The interior features an F1-inspired steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara with an integrated LED rev indicator. Powering this GT is the 647hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which is mated to a 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch automatic transmission. Also included in the sale is a purpose-built trailer designed specifically for the trailering needs of the Ford GT. This one-owner supercar has 8 actual miles and comes with the Window Sticker and factory build process photos.

Hundreds of cars have been added to the select preview for Barrett-Jackson’s Houston Auction, Sept. 16-18 at NRG Center. All selling at no reserve. Become a bidder today!

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Tags: *Sponsored, Auctions, Featured, Ford, GT, hp, main

Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 91: F-150 Lightning Overview, So Long VW Passat

July 23, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.

Episode: 91

Broadcast date: July 25, 2021

Guest: Brian Bell

F-150 Lightning Overview, So Long VW Passat

Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the impending discontinuation of the Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan, as well as VW’s other product initiatives. Brian Bell, Marketing Manager for the Ford F-150, joins us to talk about the revolutionary new F-150 Lightning pure-electric pickup truck . Tom has a “which vehicle sold better?” quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including our Consumer Guide test-drive review of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392.

The Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast is broadcast every Sunday on Chicago’s WCPT AM 820 at 1:00 PM CST.

Discussed this week:

Test Drive: 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T SEL

Test Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

Quick Spin: 2021 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line

Test Drive: 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI

Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Episode 82: EV Smartphone Apps, 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Five Things That Make the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning a Great Work Truck

Test Drive: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392

Einspritzung Madness! A Gallery of Classic Car Ads Featuring Fuel Injection

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on July 23, 2021.

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Tags: Car Stuff Podcast, Commercial Vehicles, Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Damon Bell, Electric Cars, Electric Pickups, Electric Vehicles, EV Range, F-150 Battery Capacity, F-150 Lightning Overview, F-150 Lightning Range, Ford, Green Technology, Home Charging, Humor, ID.4, Industry News, Jeep, Pickup Trucks, Podcast, Product Plan, Product Planning, Sedans, Technology, Tom Appel, Volkswagen, VW

Compact Cars of 1969

June 16, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

1969 Plymouth Valiant Sedan, Compact Cars of 1969

1969 Plymouth Valiant 100 4-door Sedan (with 200 Decor Group)

Sadly, our official home-office archive of Consumer Guide new-car-test magazines is pretty thin before 1970. We do have a digest-size magazine from 1967, but it’s most prices and such—no photos, no specs, and no test-drive evaluations.

Consumer Guide 1969 Automobile Annual

The content excerpted below—save for the photography—comes from our 1969 Automobile Annual, a copy of which can be seen to the right. In those days, we broke down the market into the following categories:

Compact Cars
Small Sporty Cars
Standard Intermediates
Standard Low-Cost Models
Standard Medium-Price Models
Standard Luxury Models
Prestige Models
Sporty Specialty Cars

We also dedicated part of the book to station wagons, and, impressively, several pages to a very eclectic collection of import vehicles.

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Here, we share the entire compact-car class as listed by the Consumer Guide 1969 Automobile Annual, and we’ve also included a few additional bits of information on each entrant—such as the prices for the optional automatic transmission and AM radio (yes, both were extra-cost items back in the day). Any questions? Drop us a line. The place to leave comments is down below.

Compact Cars of 1969

AMC Rambler

1969 AMC Rambler 2-Door Sedan

Base Price: $1988

Automatic: $180 (3-speed)

AM Radio: $65

Base Engine: 164-cubic-inch 95-horsepower six

Wheelbase/Overall Length (inches): 106/181

For 1969, the Rambler was offered in base and 400 trim, and in 2-door- and 4-door-sedan body styles. A station wagon was also offered.

5 Most-Expensive American Sedans of 1975

Chevrolet Corvair

1969 Chevrolet Corvair Hardtop

Base Price: $2242

Automatic: $140 (2-speed)

AM Radio: $54

Base Engine: 164-cubic-inch 95-horsepower six

Wheelbase/Overall Length (inches): 108/183

For 1969, the Corvair was offered in 500 and Monza trim. Only 2-door hardtop and 2-door convertible body styles were available.

The 5 Most-Expensive American Wagons of 1969

Chevrolet Nova

1969 Chevrolet Nova SS

Base Price: $2221

Automatic: $140 (2-speed)

AM Radio: $58

Base Engine: 153-cubic-inch 90-horsepower four

Wheelbase/Overall Length (inches): 111/189

For 1969, Nova was offered only in a single trim level, and only in 2- and 4-door body styles. Though an expensive upgrade at $266, the performance-oriented SS was technically an option group.

Model-Year Madness! 10 Classic Ads From 1969

Dodge Dart

1969 Dodge Dart Swinger

Base Price: $2383

Automatic: $176 (3-speed)

AM Radio: $62

Base Engine: 170-cubic-inch 115-horsepower six

Wheelbase/Overall Length (inches): 108/188

For 1969, the Dart was offered in a number of different configurations. Trim levels included Custom, Swinger, and GT. Body styles included 2- and 4-door sedans, a 2-door hardtop, and a convertible.

Car Spotter: 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator

Ford Falcon

1969 Ford Falcon Station Wagon

Base Price: $2266

Automatic: $175

AM Radio: $62

Base Engine: 170-cubic-inch 100-horsepower six

Wheelbase/Overall Length (inches): 111/184

For 1969, Falcon was offered in base and Futura trim levels. Body styles included a 2-door “club” coupe, 2- and 4-door sedans, a hardtop sport coupe, and a station wagon.

Pony-Car Madness! A Gallery of AMC Javelin Ads

Plymouth Valiant

1969 Plymouth Valiant Signet 4-door Sedan

Base Price: $2290

Automatic: $176 (3-speed)

AM Radio: $62

Base Engine: 170-cubic-inch 115-horsepower six

Wheelbase/Overall Length (inches): 108/188

For 1969, Valiant was offered in 100 and Signet trim levels. A $45 “200” trim and decor group is often considered a midline trim level. Both 2- and 4-door sedans were available.

Listen to the very entertaining Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

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Compact Cars of 1969 Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Compact Cars of 1969

The Intermediate Sedans of 1971

Compact Cars of 1969

Written by: Tom Appel on June 15, 2021.

Tags: 1969, Am Radio, AMC, Body Styles, Chevrolet, Classic Cars, Compact Cars, Compact Cars of 1969, Corvair, Dart, Dodge, Falcon, Ford, Gallery, Nova, Nova SS, Pics, Plymouth, Prices, Rambler, Specs, Swinger, Valiant

$1,000 Build: The $1,000 F100 Is Running And Getting Close To Being A Real Hot Rod!

May 9, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

May 09, 2021Chad ReynoldsFORD, TECH, Tech Stories, Videos, XL Spotlight, XL Tech Stories, XL Videos

$1,000 Build: The $1,000 F100 Is Running And Getting Close To Being A Real Hot Rod!

Okay folks, it’s tire smoking time! The $1,000 build is going together splendidly and is really starting to look like something you’d want to cruise around town. I love it. And anytime you do burnouts, after taking off the junk tires and bolting on new ones, you need a pat on the head. This is good stuff here.

This is a no bull real deal $1,000 build that is cool, will be fun to drive, and can be done by you at home. Yes the real budget is $1,000 and yes selling stuff off the donor vehicle to get budget back is allowed, and to be even more real about the budget the tools being used are even being kept on a list so you know how much money those cost as well!

So here’s the deal. Take one Lincoln Town Car, aka a Crown Vic with more chrome and stuff, and cut the body off of it. Then take an F100 body that looks considerably better than it really is and put the two together. All the while making sure to sell off anything and everything you don’t need from the donor so that you can use that for other parts and pieces to complete the truck. So you understand the math, we’ll make up an example. Lets say you were doing this at home and found a Town Car for $1,200. You buy it, sell the seats, fenders, mirrors, trim, bumpers, and air bags for a total of $575 and now your total investment in the donor car is only $625. See?

Okay, so now lets get back to the videos. This is part 14 and 15 of the build right here, so if you missed any of the others then use the link below to go see them all in order. It is worth it for sure.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OTHER VIDEO INSTALLMENTS IN THE PROJECT IF YOU MISSED ANY SO FAR

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Edd China Is Working On An Orange, Yes And ORANGE, And It Is Awesome!

Tags: Ford, TECH, Tech Stories, Videos, XL Spotlight, XL Tech Stories, XL Videos

Our Favorite Indy Pace Cars

March 29, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

James Garner

It’s called The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and with as many as 300,000 people in attendance, it likely qualifies as one of the greatest events in professional sports. First run in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 is part of the “triple crown” of auto racing, which also includes the Monaco Gran Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Logo

Now more than a century old, the Indy 500 is steeped in ceremony and tradition. One of our favorite aspects of the race is the pace car—or rather, the pace cars. Though generally selected from the world of production automobiles, the official Indy 500 pace car is usually treated to unique trim and badging, and in some cases even custom bodywork.

For your consideration, we asked a handful of Consumer Guide editors to name their favorite Indy pace cars. No doubt if we had rallied more staff members to share their picks, we’d have an even longer list… it’s difficult to reach any sort consensus on which of the 100-plus Indy pace cars is the best.

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What’s your favorite Indy 500 pace car? Leave us a note. The place for comments is down below.

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Our Favorite Indy Pace Cars

Jack Stewart: 1930 Cord L-29

Driven by Wade Morton

1930 Cord L-29 Indy Pace Car

America’s first production front-wheel-drive car, the Cord L-29, had its roots in the Brickyard. Harry Miller dominated the 500 from the mid-Twenties to mid-Thirties and designed a front-drive Indy car—and the L-29’s front-wheel drivetrain was based on Miller patents. Cornelius Van Ranst was another familiar figure at Indianapolis and also designed a front-drive Indy car; he was tapped as chief engineer on the Cord project. The heavyweight Cord wasn’t especially fast for its time, with a top speed of around 75 mph, but it had fine handling—as expected of a car with a racing heritage.

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John Biel: 1969 Chevy Camaro SS/RS

Driven by Jim Rathmann

1969 Chevy Camaro SS/RS Indy pace Car

I’m not exaggerating when I say the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of my favorite places on Earth. I first went there for pole-day qualifying in 1976 and ’77, and have been attending the 500—with rare exception—since 1980, so I’ve seen lots of pace cars in action. Most of my favorites actually predate these years though, cars like the streamlined Chrysler Newport phaeton that paced the 1941 race, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, that gold “bullet ’Bird” Thunderbird from 1961, and the 1978 Corvette. But for an absolute favorite, I’ll be Capt. Obvious and name the 1969 Chevy Camaro SS/RS. Ostensibly powered by a 396-cubic-inch “big-block” V8 (it’s alleged that a 427 actually rested beneath the domed “cowl-induction” hood) and sprayed in Dover White paint with wide Hugger Orange racing stripes, it was utterly striking from the get-go. The fact that it is associated with a race won by none other than Mario Andretti gives it an enduring place in motorsports history. The 3675 retail-sale replicas it spawned are perhaps the most collectible versions of a car that’s highly collectible to start with, and Camaros that came after it—including the pacer for the 2011 “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”—have freely traded on the ’69 car’s unforgettable image.

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Tom Appel: 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88

Driven by James Garner

1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Indy Pace Car

I’ve never been much of a motorsports guy, but I am a big fan of General Motors’ new-for-1977 B-Body cars, and an even bigger fan of James Garner. So, my choice is obvious: A custom-built targa-roofed Oldsmobile Delta 88 coupe driven by the star of The Rockford Files is almost too much cool in one place.

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Damon Bell: 1979 Ford Mustang

Driven by Jackie Stewart

1979 Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car

OK, I’m kind of bending the rules here. My pick—the 1979 Ford Mustang—might not be my all-time favorite pace car (in fact, I don’t even know if I can narrow it down to a single favorite), but my opinion of this particular Indy 500 workhorse has gone from “ehhh…” to “two thumbs up” over the last decade or so. After 15 years of overtly nostalgic Mustang styling (and a decade plus of retro-look Chevrolet Camaros and Dodge Challengers as well), the unabashedly forward-looking design of the early Fox-body Mustangs is looking great to my eyes as we roll into 2021.

I’m also a sucker for unique factory paint schemes and tape-stripe graphics, and the ’79 Mustang Pace Car’s livery is certainly memorable. I’m especially fond of the Pewter paint color—silver with just a hint of gold. The tape stripes and the strobe-fade running-horse decals were considered kitschy for a long while, but in the last few years I’ve seen several high-dollar ’79 Mustang street-machine builds that either use the stock pace-car graphics or sport custom paint schemes that riff on those graphics. What goes around comes around… sometimes in ways you’d never expect.

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Favorite Indy Pace Car Gallery

(Click below for enlarged images)

Favorite Indy Pace Cars

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Favorite Indy Pace Cars

Written by: Tom Appel on March 29, 2021.

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Tags: 1930 Cord L-29, 1969 Camaro, 1977 Delta 88, 1979 Mustang, Chevrolet, Classic Cars, Damon Bell, Favorite, Favorite Indy Pace Cars, Ford, Gallery, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy, Indy 500, Jackie Stewart, James Garner, John Biel, Motorsports, Oldsmobile, Pace Cars, Pics, Sporty/Performance Cars, Tom Appel, TV and Movie Cars

Test Drive: 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid

March 26, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

2021 Ford F-150 XLT PowerBoost Hybrid in Velocity Blue

2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4×4 PowerBoost

Class: Large Pickup Truck

Miles Driven: 211.7

Fuel Used: 11.2 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 18.9 mpg

Driving mix: 70% city, 20% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 24/24/24 (city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

CG Report Card


Room and Comfort	A
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	B
Fuel Economy	B+
Value	A-

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	430-hp 3.5L
Engine Type	V6 hybrid
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	4WD

Base price: $43,805 (not including $1695 destination charge)

Options on test car: Equipment Group 302A ($5730), 3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid powertrain ($4495), 6-foot extended accent running boards ($225), Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 ($655), twin-panel moonroof ($1495), power-sliding rear window ($350), all-weather rubber and carpet mats ($200), Pro Power OnBoard generator ($750), Interior Work Surface ($165), Trailer Tow Package ($1090), Boxlink ($80), Bang and Olufsen Sound System ($610), partitioned lockable storage ($215), tailgate step ($430), 20-inch 6-spoke dark-alloy wheels ($1395), 360-Degree Camera Package ($796), XLT Sport Appearance Package ($300), wheel-well liner ($180), spray-in bedliner ($595)

Price as tested: $65,256

Quick Hits

The great: Outstanding range of options and innovative new features; high-tech infotainment system; unmatched capability from onboard power generator

The good: Spacious interior; composed road manners

The not so good: Steep option prices drive up the bottom line; doesn’t ride quite as smoothly as Ram 1500 rivals; observed fuel economy fell short of EPA numbers during our cold-weather test

More F-150 price and availability information

John Biel

If you’ve seen the television advertising for the redesigned 2021 Ford F-150, you know it is capable of doing one thing no other vehicle ever mentioned on this blog site could do: help build its own garage.

This is the F-150 with the new hybrid PowerBoost V6 and Pro Power Onboard mobile-generator functionality that can operate power tools—even arc welders, Ford claims. The 2021 F-150 kicks off generation 14 of this solidly popular half-ton pickup. Though every body panel is new, styling is a close-to-the-vest evolution of the design that bowed for 2015 with much-discussed (and debated) aluminum body panels. While the new truck retains aluminum-alloy construction, it rides on an all-new high-strength-steel frame.

The Ford F-150 is redesigned for 2021. Overall dimensions and passenger/pickup-bed capacities stay about the same as the previous-gen model, but the body panels are all-new and a hybrid powertrain is available for the first time.

Consumer Guide’s XLT test truck was plucked from a lower branch of the F-150 family tree than media-fleet trucks usually occupy—of the six trim levels available, only the XL is more basic. Still, bestowed with a crew-cab body, it was eligible to be ordered with the PowerBoost engine. The powerplant is available in any F-150 with the full four-door cab, at prices that vary with trim level. In this case, it added $4495 to the $45,500 starting price (with delivery) of our 4-wheel-drive Velocity Blue test truck.

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The new dashboard is logically arranged, and most controls are easy to use. The lengthy list of high-tech available features includes a full-digital gauge cluster, Active Drive Assist hands-free lane-centering adaptive cruise control system, Active Park Assist 2.0 self-parking system, and over-the-air updates for the infotainment system.

With a 33kW electric motor that’s tucked into the well-behaved 10-speed automatic transmission to aid the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharger gas V6, the PowerBoost Full Hybrid (no 48-volt “mild hybrid” for the blue-oval folks, thank you) makes 430 system horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, the most of either commodity available from any F-150 engine. Without a load, it hastens the truck along smartly almost all the time, though more than one driver noted an odd dead spot in acceleration right after getting away from full stops. If you have to put it to work, there’s enough oats to tow up to 12,700 pounds with the Max Trailer Tow Package option installed.

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The new Sync 4 infotainment system boasts excellent graphics and is packed with features. Included are a power-delivery display for the hybrid powertrain and a slick graphic control panel for the F-150’s neat Zone Lighting feature.

While the hybrid is the series’ power leader, the next line on its resume is fuel saver. With straight 24s in EPA city/highway/combined estimates for 4-wheel-drive F-150s, the PowerBoost is the mileage leader in city and combined projections compared to the other Ford engines. Indeed, its city figure is 6 mpg better than the rating for the all-gas 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, and 4 mpg higher for combined operation. Drivers get lots of feedback to help them run efficiently, with things like a trip odometer to track miles driven under electric power and a “braking coach” that reports the percentage of regenerative power sent back into the system at each full stop. This driver posted 19.1 mpg after driving 83.7 miles (20.7 of them electrically) in 58 percent city-type conditions—a disappointing number relative to the EPA estimates, but the frigid weather during our test period likely played a role in bringing our fuel economy down.

First Look: 2021 Ford F-150

The clever Interior Work Surface feature is a $165 option. The shift lever powers down into the console, and the center-console armrest flips out to form a smooth work surface that can be used for signing papers, working on a laptop computer, or what have you. There’s still a traditional center-console bin as well (bottom-right photo).

PowerBoost-equipped trucks automatically come with a 2.4kW version of Pro Power Onboard, accessed through a panel in the left side of the cargo bed. A 2.0kW variant is available with any of the optional gas engines, and the hybrid can be outfitted with a $750 upgrade to 7.2kW that adds two 120-volt plugs and a 240-volt input to the two 120 plugs already provided with the lower-power types. With the benefit of a full tank of gas, the 7.2kW one can do its stuff for up to 32 hours. Pro Power energy levels can be monitored on the truck’s touchscreen or even remotely through the FordPass app.

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The XLT trim is one step up from the entry-level XL in the F-150’s model roster, so its cabin ambiance isn’t particularly ritzy. As expected, there’s generous room for big-and-tall adults in the front and rear seats.

That touchscreen is the face of a new standard Sync 4 infotainment system. It comes with a digital owner’s manual with how-to videos, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and over-the-air software updates. An 8-inch display is standard in the XLT, but the test truck was equipped with a 12-inch screen that was part of the Equipment Group 302A option. The bigger unit has split-screen capability. Happily, Sync 4 remains as easy to understand and use as its predecessor. Regardless of size, the screen fits in a redesigned instrument panel, and there’s a new steering-wheel design.

The cabin is bestowed with big storage spaces throughout, including pockets cut into the sides of the console. CG’s test truck was gifted with the Interior Work Surface option with a panel that flips out from the console to make a level surface handy for mobile office functions. To make room for the platform when it’s in use, the shift lever folds into the center console at the press of a button.

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Since contractors and construction workers often make use of their pickups’ open tailgates as work surfaces, the F-150’s Tailgate Work Surface feature includes handy aids such as integrated ruler markings, pencil holders, and clamp pockets. Check out our photo gallery below for a close-up picture of the Pro Power OnBoard generator’s power-socket panel, which is located in the driver’s side rear of the pickup bed.

In addition to previously mentioned items, XLT standards include fog lamps, a power tailgate lock, 60/40-split fold-up rear bench seat, illuminated entry, tilt-telescoping steering column, trailer sway control, dynamic hitch assist, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping assist, and front automatic emergency braking. Group 302A added things like automatic dual-zone climate control (in place of manual single-zone air conditioning), satellite radio, and remote starting. The XLT Sport Appearance Package presented body-color bumpers and door handles, chrome exhaust tips, dark-accent grille, and sport-cloth upholstery. With a host of individual options that included such things as 20-inch alloy wheels, a twin-panel moonroof, 360-degree camera, and spray-in bedliner the test truck came to $65,256.

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The 3.5-liter PowerBoost full-hybrid V6 powertrain tacks on a hefty $4495 to the bottom line, but it also delivers a muscular 430 hp in addition to its 24-mpg EPA rating. Twenty-inch dark-alloy wheels are a $1395 option.

The redesign has done nothing to adversely affect F-150’s exceptional leg- and headroom in either row. A wide rear seat and flat floor welcome 3-across seating for adults, and doors open wide to make entries and exits easy. Seating position and comfort are very good. We found that finely rippled highway pavement set up a steady vibration through the steering wheel. Otherwise, it rode and drove quite well on expressways and snowy city streets—even with a leaf-spring rear suspension that will make old-timers nostalgic.

Ford appears to have successfully reinvented its perpetual money machine. It can use this one to build its own bank.

Future Car: 2025 Ram Dakota

The Ford F-150 has long held the title of America’s best-selling vehicle, and the redesigned-for-2021 model brings an impressive roster of headline-grabbing new features that should help this popular truck retain its sales crown.

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2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid Gallery

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Meet the 2021 Consumer Guide Best Buys

Written by: The Daily Drive staff on March 26, 2021.

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Tags: 2021, 2021 Ford F-150, AWD/4WD, Big&Tall Friendly, Crew Cab, F-150 Hybrid, Ford, Ford F-150 PowerBoost, Fuel Economy, Hybrids, Interior Work Surface, John Biel, Options, Pickup Trucks, PowerBoost, PowerBoost hybrid, Prices, Pro Power Onboard, Road Test, SuperCrew, Test Drive, Velocity Blue, XLT

Recent-History Madness! A Gallery of Car Ads from 2002

January 4, 2021 in Uncategorized | Permalink

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

I joined the Consumer Guide team the summer of 2002. That means that, in just a few months, I will have been writing about cars full-time for 20 years. I mention this because I have only recently begun to consider just how much the automotive landscape has changed in the past two decades.

Most obviously, crossovers and SUVs have replaced traditional passenger cars as the general public’s preferred mode of personal transportation. High-technology “driver assistance” features that were barely even considered in 2002 are now commonplace, and often standard equipment. Recall that backup cameras–now a federally mandated safety feature–weren’t even available on new cars back in ’02.

Pickup trucks have changed, too. In some of their high-end trim levels, Ram pickups now rival top luxury-brand vehicles in terms of cabin refinement, and the regular-cab body style is now near extinction.

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It saddens me a little that I am among the few people to recall—let alone care about—a failed attempt to resurrect the Studebaker brand that took place about 15 years ago. I also need to point out that the Kia Sedona minivan now starts around $31,000–considerably more than the $19,000 teased in the ad below.

Collected here are 12 car and truck ads–all but one of them from 2002. (We fudged a bit by including a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid ad, but since the Civic Hybrid debuted in the spring of 2002 as an early 2003 model, it’s not much of a stretch.) I don’t know how nostalgic you feel yet about the cars of this century, but a close look at the ads below will demonstrate just how much things have changed. Of the dozen cars, seven are no longer in production, and two of the brands seen here are also now defunct. What big changes have you noted over the past 20 years? The place to leave comments is down below.

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