I am well aware of the environmental consciousness inherent in our society. The trend now is to go “green.” Recycle stuff, lessen your use of things that are harmful to the environment, buy a hybrid vehicle, etc. It is quite amazing that, in my lifetime so far, I’ve seen the environmental movement increase exponentially. Way to go eco-friends! I have to say, I’m all for saving the planet, especially since we won’t be boarding starships to conquer the galaxy in the name of mindkind anytime soon. We better take care of our planet while we’re still here. That being said, environmental champions please forgive me for my current post.
I love muscle cars. Old or new, muscle cars have always held some kind of primal fascination for me. Much like Tim Allen’s animal grunting when talking about “manly” things, there’s something inside of me that goes nuts for the roar of a V8. Specifically, I love mustangs. Recently my friend Chevon let me drive her ‘08 Mustang GT. It has a manual transmission, black with black leather interior, and completely stock. And it’s freakin’ awesome! I’ve driven a few mustangs in my day and I have to say, the new models are the most comfortable so far. And the acceleration…I need a moment.
Before I go any further I’d like to draw a distinction here between a muscle car and a sports car, which can be the same thing, but not always. For example, a Nissan GTRis a sports car(and a supercar, but lets keep things simple for now). All-wheel-drive and a twin-turbo V6 make this car a bad mofo that you don’t want to try and race with…unless you’re really confidant and your car is really fast. But I wouldn’t consider a GTR a muscle car. The most essential part, in my mind, is the engine. Muscle cars should have V8s. So a new Camaro SS would be a muscle car. Speaking of Chevy, a Corvette ZO6 would be a muscle car and a sports car. I hope this makes sense. Think of it as taking the biggest engine you can find and putting into a car, any old car, it doesn’t really matter which. The car is not so important, just the size of the engine. The ZO6 is both because it has a huge engine, but also performs well on curvy tracks. V10s and V12s are where it comes a little cagey. I would most certainly consider a Dodge Viper a muscle car. Sporting a massive 8.4L V10 with 600 hp, the Viper is the epitome of American know-how when it comes to making big muscle. But, somewhat surprisingly, I would also consider the Viper to be a sports car, based on its past performances in the FIA GT Championship and the 24 hours of Le Mans. Other cars with V10s and V12s, mostly Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and such, should just be labeled as a supercar and left as is.
Back to the mustang. I want one. I’ve wanted one since I first heard a Flowmaster-strapped ‘03 ’stang when I was 15. Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to buy one. Currently I drive an ‘04 Toyota Matrix XRS. It’s the sport model and has a valve system called “lift,” which is similar to the VTEC systems on Hondas, so it’s kinda fast. You have to get the RPMsup to around 6 grand, which takes a bit, but once you do the engine starts to scream and the horsepower kicks up from around 130 to about 180(probably closer to 200 with the bolt-ons I’ve added). But it’s just not as exciting as a mustang. The ‘08 that I drove has a 4.6L V8 that puts out around 300 ponies. And the new mustangs have been upgraded to a brand new 5.0L V8 that puts out 400! I’m drooling on my keyboard right now.
My love is not restricted to mustangs, though. I love all muscle cars. If I had the money, I’d totally buy a ZO6 corvette. I have never been a huge fan of Corvettes, but there is something about the C6 bodystyle that just looks awseome. The size of the rear tires ( 325/30ZR19) always strikes a chord in my soul. The new BMW M3is especially sweet. It’s curves cry out to me in a way that nothing else does. Now I know what you’re saying, a BMW muscle car? Well, the new M3, designated the E93, has shed the old inline-six of yesterday and has been given a new 4.0L V8. That’s right, a V8, that puts out a little over 400 hp. I really need to get a drool cover for my keyboard.
There is one thing that I don’t like about a new trend in muscle cars, like the new GT500. It’s the super-charger. It’s a beautiful car that sets my blood on fire, but if I had the opportunity (not to mention the cash) I probably wouldn’t buy one. Maybe I’m a bit of a purist but there is nothing hotter than a normally-aspirated V8. The super-charger just takes something away from it. A good friend of mine let me drive his ‘04 Mustang Cobra years ago. It was fast. Stupid fast, in fact. Imagine the acceleration from a 300 horsepower V8. Not super fast but still sunk-back-in-seat power. Then, by pushing the gas pedal down a half inch more and suddenly you get a ninety horsepower blast out of nowhere. That may sound great to some, but not me. It should be all engine baby. Another example is the Corvette ZR1. Once again, its freaking beautiful. But if I had the choice, I’d rather have the ZO6. Seriously. Maybe I’m weird, but a supercharger just doesn’t do it for me. It’s kinda like cheating. And yes, the same goes for turbos. Why do I feel like I’m starting an endless debate here?
Despite the environmental-friendly push of recent years, the muscle car is still alive and well. And I couldn’t be happier. Even if I can’t own something like that right now, I still love to see them on the road. The thrill of V8s are in my blood, and that is something that I cannot deny. Instead I will wallow in it. Long live the muscle car indeed.
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Source: badmojoe78
