Showing posts with label american. Show all posts
Showing posts with label american. Show all posts

Monday, April 7, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Goodyear 400

The "Too Tough To Tame" track is the next stop for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series with the Goodyear 400. With their throwback looks on, the drivers are going all out to survive the Darlington mayhem.

As the green flag waved, the race known as "Too Tough To Tame" began. In the first stage, Kyle Larson experienced a spin, followed by Carson Hocevar's troubles, which included sliding out and then being hit by Riley Herbst. William Byron won Stage 1, while in Stage 2, Larson went to the pits for repairs. Byron claimed another stage victory at Darlington. The climax of the race proved to be "too tough to tame," featuring Josh Berry's misfortune and a dramatic spin by Kyle Larson.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Goodyear 400

After a chaotic Sunday that is "Too Tough To Tame", Denny Hamlin wins the Goodyear 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Bristol, Tennessee for the Food City 500 this Palm Sunday, April 13th, 2025.

Friday, April 4, 2025

Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1

The ZR1 has been crowned as the "King of Corvettes" and with the moniker returned to the C8 model, the all-new Corvette ZR1 is now officially designated as America's true hypercar.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Priced at a steep $173,000 plus additional costs, the all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, in coupe and convertible configurations, is now regarded as America's ultimate hypercar. It showcases its Republican character against the world's demanding racetracks, making it a true emblem of American performance.

Beginning with the exterior, the ZR1 looks more like a pumped-up version of the Z06. Still, it's been given wide-side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features drawing inspiration from its Corvette Z06 GT3 race car, resulting in the highest downforce of any production Corvette. It still packs a similar interior to the other variants but the ZR1 marking differentiates it.

To boldly go where no hypercar has gone before, the C8 ZR1 is equipped with the brand-new LT7 5.5L DOHC V8 twin-turbo engine featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. This powerhouse generates an impressive 1,064 horsepower and 828 lb-ft of torque. With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the ZR1 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and achieve a remarkable top speed of 233 mph. No other hypercar on the market can match the performance of the ZR1.

General Motors' top engineers as well as Corvette Racing have spent manpower in the making of the ZR1. From its aerodynamics and track-honed dynamics inspired by the Z06 GT3 race car, the ZR1 is as close to being called a de-restricted race car capable of breaking its limits on the track. Such feats recorded five new records across the most demanding racetracks in the USA.

The all-new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is an example of what can be accomplished when the best engineers work together on a common goal. This car’s impressive specs and advanced design mean it can be considered a serious contender on any track. It has been designated as America’s first hypercar, and it can reach 233 miles per hour. With such stats, this ultra-expensive Corvette is too powerful to be ignored. The question is, can you handle this Republican Space Ranger?

Photo: General Motors

Monday, March 31, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out 400

Martinsville Speedway is the next stop of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series with the Cook Out 400. Drivers are wrapping up March Madness with intense oval racing madness.

As the green flag waved, the action in Martinsville was underway. The first stage encountered trouble for the No. 17 on the front stretch after colliding with the No.77. While Joey Logano secured Stage 1, Denny Hamlin took Stage 2, and the final stage experienced issues for Shane Van Gisbergen.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense race in Martinsville, Denny Hamlin wins the Cook Out 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 this April 6, 2025.

Monday, March 24, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Straight Talk Wireless 400

Homestead-Miami is the next stop for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series with the Straight Talk Wireless 400.

As the green flag waved, the action in Homestead-Miami was underway with Stage 1 seeing an opening lap contact involving the No.11 and the No.41 cars followed by Christopher Bell sliding badly. With Ryan Blaney taking Stage 1, Stage 2 belongs to Denny Hamlin. As the final stage approaches, Ryan Blaney experiences problems that make him surrender followed by Alex Bowman hitting the wall while Kyle Larson is in the lead.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Straight Talk Wireless 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense fight at Homestead-Miami, Kyle Larson wins the Straight Talk Wireless 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Martinsville for the Cook Out 400 this March 30th, 2025.


NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix

The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series continues in The Thermal Club for The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix. Drivers are feeling the heat in the second race of the season.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix
Screengrab from INDYCAR

Alex Palou made headlines at The Thermal Club by making a late push to overtake Pato O'Ward and win the second race of the season. The standout moment of the race, however, was Christian Lundgaard achieving his first-ever podium finish by coming in third place.

The next race is the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this April 13, 2025.

Monday, March 17, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube

As spring approaches, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series continues in Las Vegas for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube. Sin City has transformed, but that doesn't stop NASCAR's most daring drivers from making things exciting.

As the green flag waved, the action in Viva Las Vegas commenced. Stage 1 saw a loose tire from the No. 19 car on Lap 34. As Austin Cindric wins Stage 1, Stage 2 gets even more intense as Alex Bowman pits over vibration issues, followed by a spin by Shane van Gisbergen on Lap 108, trouble on the restart for Kyle Busch, and Todd Gilliand gets into the wall on Lap 147. With Stage 2 going to Kyle Larson, the final stage saw a multi-car incident on Lap 195, followed by another where Ryan Blaney was the hardest to get hit. The unexpected comes into place with Noah Gragson triggers a caution with only 20 laps left.

Screengrab from NASCAR

For the first time ever, Josh Berry wins the Pennzoil 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Homestead-Miami for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 this March 23, 2025.

Monday, March 10, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Shriners Children's 500

Daytime Savings Time has commenced, meaning all clocks across America are springing forward by one hour. For the NASCAR Cup Series contenders, they've sprung forward to Phoenix for the Shriners Children's 500.

As the green flag waved, the action in Phoenix began. Stage 1 saw Katherine Legge's NASCAR debut take a downturn when she spun on Lap 5 but remained on her feet. This was followed by an incident on Lap 10 that entangled Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Cole Custer, while Joey Logano was penalized for going below the yellow line too soon on the restart. As William Byron won Stage 1, Stage 2 featured Michael McDowell sliding up the track, The Big One occurring on Lap 99, and Legge spinning off Turn 2, where she was hit by Daniel Suarez on Lap 216. With Christopher Bell leading at Phoenix, the final moments included Bubba Wallace hitting the wall on Lap 266, Ryan Blaney's engine blowing on Lap 290, and Ty Gibbs crashing into the wall on Lap 305.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Shriners Children's 500
Screengrab from NASCAR

After a thrilling final lap fight against Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell wins the Shriners Children's 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube this March 16, 2025.

Monday, March 3, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix

A different kind of COTA awakens as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series takes on its first road course action of the season, the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, featuring a new layout of the Circuit of the Americas, the sacred ground of the F1 US Grand Prix.

As the green flag waves, NASCAR in COTA is on. Stage 1 saw a multitude of incidents from Ty Dillon's spin on Lap 4 to Cody Wave's spin-and-save on Lap 17. As Bubba Wallace wins Stage 1, his first stage win on a road course, Stage 2 saw Kyle Larson slapped with a penalty for shortcutting Turn 3 while running in 8th followed by Denny Hamlin for shortcutting Turn 5, and John Hunter Nemechek for a commitment line violation, not to mention Larson lost his right front wheel on Lap 44. As Ryan Preece wins Stage 2, the final stage saw Daniel Suarez get hit by Connor Zilsch on Lap 50, Alex Bowman spin on Lap 56, Denny Hamlin sends Austin Dillon into the gravel on Lap 78, and Chase Briscoe sends Ty Gibbs spinning on Lap 83.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense road course action in COTA, Christopher Bell wins the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Children's 500 this March 9, 2025.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The NTT IndyCar Series is entering an exciting new season. For the first time, the 2025 season will be simulcast on FOX TV networks. This change in network coverage has generated considerable discussion, but new and returning IndyCar drivers are ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The season kicks off with a street race at the Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As the green flag waved, the first race of the 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with Nolan Siegel, Will Power, and Louis Foster wrecked on the opening lap, triggering the first caution of the season. As the race restarts on Lap 7, Felix Rosenqvist has race leader Scott McLaughlin in his sights.

Quarters of this race and crucial pitstops later, Lap 74 saw Josef Newgarden make an impressive offense through Scott Dixon, and as the climax drew near, it became a three-way clash between Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden, and Scott Dixon.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Screengrab from IndyCar

After a dramatic start of the season, Alex Palou drew first blood by beating Scott Dixon and Josef Newgarden to win the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The next race is The Thermal Club IndyCar Grand Prix this March 23, 2025.

Monday, February 24, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Ambetter Health 400

Reeling from their Daytona hangovers, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series continues in Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400. The drivers are trying to impress the Peach State with intense NASCAR action.

As the green flag waved, the action in Atlanta began. As Josh Berry nabs Stage 1, Stage 2 saw trouble as Ty Dillon hit the wall and spins on Lap 81 followed by Erik Jones hitting Chris Buescher on Lap 102, a punctured right rear tire for Todd Gilliand on Lap 135, and a crash between Chase Briscoe and Ricky Stenhouse Jr on Lap 149. With Kyle Larson secured Stage 2, the final stage saw a multi-car incident on Lap 183 that was triggered by the collision between Daniel Suarez and Ty Gibbs, two drivers spinning on Lap 204, Ryan Blaney spinning on Lap 234, and a Lap 258 disaster that got Kyle Larson, Austin Cindric, and William Byron on it.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Ambetter Health 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

Leading the final lap with a multi-car accident behind him that got Josh Berry, Ryan Preece, Justin Haley, Shane Van Gisbergen, Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, and Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell wins the Ambetter Health 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at COTA, for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix this March 2, 2025.

Monday, February 17, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Daytona 500

The new NASCAR Cup Series season has officially begun with the DAYTONA 500, known as The Great American Race. 

The pre-race ceremony featured some unexpected guests, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who made his second visit to Daytona since 2020 to kick off the rolling start. Actor Anthony Mackie, known for his role as Captain America, served as this year's Grand Marshal. Additionally, the Chevrolet Blazer EV.R NASCAR Concept made its first public appearance in Daytona. It truly is a "brave new world" for this season opener.

As the green flag waved, the first 200 laps of the season commenced until Lap 11, the race came to a halt due to rainy weather, only to resume and then halted again on Lap 20. After a lengthy wait, the race is back on with Lap 24 with Joey Logano leading the restart. Lap 63 saw an accident between Denny Hamlin and Zane Smith.

Joey Logano won Stage 1 of the race, but Stage 2 brought disaster when Helio Castroneves triggered a multi-car accident on Lap 71. Ryan Blaney claimed victory in Stage 2. 

The final stage escalated into chaos on Lap 196 when Christopher Bell spun on the backstretch after being pushed by Cole Custer. Bell's car then collided with the field, resulting in a chain reaction. Ryan Preece's car went airborne, landing on top of Erik Jones' vehicle before flipping over as they entered Turn 3. The incident also involved several other drivers, including Brad Keselowski, Daniel Suarez, Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Justin Allgaier, and Chase Elliott.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Daytona 500
Screengrab from NASCAR

After a lengthy weather delay and chaotic moments at the season opener, William Byron wins the Daytona 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The Great American Race is over, but the NASCAR Cup Series has officially begun. The next race is the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta on February 23rd.

Friday, February 7, 2025

My FH5 Log: COBRA Meeting

The COBRA version is the most potent variant of the fourth-generation Ford Mustang and the kind of Mustang we, 90s kids, fondly remember. Here in Forza Horizon 5, let's thrust through time uncovering the most potent Mustang.


We begin with the 1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R, the last Exclusive Prize Car of Forza Horizon 5 that I got from the Midnight Muscle Storm Season Playlist.

The fourth-generation Ford Mustang was launched in 1994 and although it runs on the same Fox Body platform as the third-generation model, it features a muscular and round exterior design while staying true to the Mustang's roots. It was offered with the choice of a 3.8L V6 engine with 145HP of power and the 215HP 4.9L V8 engine for the GT model. The Cobra model features a GT40-style 5.0L V8 engine producing 240hp of power. Mated to a 5-speed Borg-Warner MT, it sprints from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph.

The 1995MY Cobra R saw the V8 engine's size increase by 5.0L to 5.8L, resulting in 300hp while mated to a Tremec 5-speed MT. The only drawback is that only those who carry a racing license or manage a race team to drive one.


When the fourth-generation Mustang received a minor change in 1999, donning Ford's New Edge design language, it didn't take long until the Cobra R joined the lineup as a special limited-edition model. Limited to 300 units, the 2000MY Ford SVT Cobra R is powered by a shorter 5.4L DOHC Modular V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, producing 385HP of power.


In the twilight of the SN-95 Mustang came the cream of the crop, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. This model is powered by the supercharged 4.6L Terminator V8 engine with 390hp of power.



With the COBRA meeting done, it's time to let the cobras clash around Guanajuato's Bola Ocho to see how potent the Mustang Cobra came in this generation. Let's roll the tape.


Here are the results...

1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R - 1m02.996s

2000 Ford SVT Cobra R - 1m01.061s

2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra - 1m00.761s

"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines"! The 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra, with its Terminator V8 engine, is truly the apex predator of the SN-95 Mustang lineage. Although it is the last model to carry the Cobra name, it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Mustang for kids who grew up in the 90s.


With the last two cars from the game's final series update, the grand total in Forza Horizon 5's car roster is 891. That's it. 891 cars, including DLC cars, prize cars, and Forza Edition cars. It's a shame that they won't be adding any more after this, there are only a few days left before Mi Ultimo Adios.

Until then, let's enjoy the final days of Forza Horizon 5. Let's make the final moments of Horizon Mexico special for this will be the final stop of the Forza Horizon saga. It's a shame there won't be another Forza Horizon after this.

Goodbye, and good luck!

Thursday, February 6, 2025

My FH5 Log: Wake up, Challenger!

The third-generation Dodge Challenger is no doubt the biggest upset in the muscle car market. When it was launched in 2008, it was an underdog. But it soon became a rising star, even a top contender in the muscle car market. In 2015, it became a real force to be reckoned with when the Hellcat variant was added. So, how did they do it? Let's find out.

The one that propelled the Dodge Challenger to the top of the muscle car food chain is the Challenger SRT Hellcat. 

Powered by a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, it's the most powerful engine ever made by FCA (now Stellantis). Dodge claims it can produce over six hundred horsepower, but it has been verified to generate 707 HP, the most powerful V8 engine ever made in a production car. 

With the red key fob engaged, all of the power from its supercharged V8 engine is unleashed. To withstand the monstrous power output, a specially designed 8-speed automatic gearbox is developed to manage the extra power and torque. Thanks to its potent engine, the SRT Hellcat can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and reach a top speed of 199 mph.

Fast forward to the early years of the US of A under the Trump administration, the Dodge Challenger's status as the apex predator of the muscle car food chain was cemented by this; the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.

The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a special-edition Challenger SRT that made supercars cowered in fear because of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing up to 840HP of power and the fastest 0-60mph time of any production sportscar, 2.3 seconds to be precise. It was well known for breaking every world record in history, especially the fact that it was the first production car in the world that can do the longest wheelie as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.


Thanks to the insights gained from the Dodge Challenger Demon, the team at Dodge aimed to develop the flagship variant of the third-generation Challenger. They incorporated all the knowledge from the Hellcat, Demon, and Redeye into this model. The result is the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, which I won in the final series update of FH5 titled "Midnight Muscle." This car is the second-to-last exclusive vehicle in the game, just so you know.

The Challenger Super Stock was unveiled during Dodge's Fourth of July celebration in 2020. This model is based on the Hellcat Redeye but features an additional 10 horsepower on its supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, bringing its total to 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Super Stock can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.25 seconds. It achieves a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds at a speed of 131 mph, with a top speed of 168 mph (tire-limited).




With the Challenger Hellcat lineage taken care of, it's time to find out which of these three Hellcats is the fastest as the main festival grounds struck midnight. Let's roll the tape.


And now the results...

Challenger Hellcat - 1m17.411s

Challenger Demon - 1m16.693s

Challenger Super Stock - 1m15.025s

What a hell-raising shocker, ladies and gentlemen. I thought the Challenger Demon had the upper hand but it's the less-powerful Challenger Super Stock that emerged victorious. No wonder they made the Super Stock the range-topper of the third-generation Dodge Challenger.


As I mentioned before, during my time in Hell's Paradise, Dodge's reign of terror on the streets with their Hellcat lineup has come to a dramatic end. From the introduction of the Challenger SRT Hellcat to the emergence of the ultimate Challenger Demon, Dodge has established itself as the motoring industry's knight of the apocalypse. As the brand transitions into the electrified era, we can be certain that its audacious legacy will not be forgotten. Dodge has rewritten the rules of performance with a mix of passion and adrenaline.

EPILOGUE

I have grown to respect the range-topper of the final-generation Dodge Challenger, which just gave me a devilish idea. After a platter of Devil's Food Cake, here she is, in her devilish glory.





I shall now call you "Aroma", after the Gaarmagedon member from PriPara, Aroma Kurosu. The devil's in the details, devi!


Under Aroma's spell, let's find out if the Devil Cookie crumbles, and to find out, I went to an EventLab creation devilishly called "Devil's Rush Raceway SS", packed with unforgiving elevations worthy of its name. Don't crumble for me, Devil Cookie. Aroma is on your side.


The elevation really is "hell" but Devil Cookie's harder to crumble, thanks to Aroma's thingamajigs.


The third-generation Dodge Challenger is celebrated by Mopar enthusiasts as a major highlight of the muscle car era, thanks to the incredible power of its Hellcat engine. With the fury of the Hellcat roaring to life, this car has left an indelible mark on the asphalt, embodying the spirit of performance and excitement.

I said this before and I'll say it again. See you in hell, Dodge.

That takes care of the cremation.

Friday, January 31, 2025

My FH5 Log: Not-So-Pretty Derby

What do the Mustang and the Bronco have in common? They both feature horse emblems. Although they represent different horse breeds, driving these vehicles in Forza Horizon 5 is certainly enjoyable.

In their current generation models, the only enjoyable ones I drove in the game are the 500HP V8-powered Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the turbo V6-powered, off-road capable Ford Bronco Raptor. Like I said, they're different horse breeds but they're a lot of fun driving them.

Let's have a quick review of these machines, shall we?

Let's begin with the Bronco Raptor, the badder version of today's Bronco.

The Ford Bronco is a popular off-road-inspired vehicle that appeals to both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. In 2022, the Bronco received a significant update with the introduction of the Raptor variant, which features a range of powerful and advanced specifications that distinguish it from earlier models.

The first-ever Ford Bronco Raptor is equipped with a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering an impressive 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing excellent acceleration and high-performance driving capabilities. Additionally, the Bronco Raptor is designed with HOSS 4.0 technology and features FOX Live Valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers, along with specially developed 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.

Now, let's recap on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the purist-friendly Mustang for those who want to let it loose.

Being a track-focused road car that rivals the Porsche 911 GT3, the Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0L Coyote V8 engine produces 500HP, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever made. It is mated exclusively with the TREMEC 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching and no-lift shifting. In addition to its track-focused dynamics, the Dark Horse features a Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System and Brembo brake system.



Do you remember the story of the Ford Bronco beating the Shelby GT500 at the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit by taking shortcuts around the track? That was a long time ago but with the dirt track in Horizon Mexico grounds, let's see if the dirt favors the Bronco despite being outpowered by the Mustang Dark Horse. No shortcuts and no corner-cutting. Just common sense with these two stallions.

Anyway, let's roll the tape.


And now, the results...

Mustang Dark Horse - 1m31.608s

Bronco Raptor - 1m33.160s

There's common sense working for you. Although the dirt track setting favors the Bronco Raptor, it looks like the more powerful Dark Horse claimed its revenge win for Team Mustang.


Whether it’s the world-proven track record of today's Ford Mustang or the off-road bravado of the current Ford Bronco, Ford is the final word in creating sensible vehicles for practical purposes everywhere. These horses are proud of the noble causes they've done.

EPILOGUE

Do you remember when I said that I still have many experiments with the Mustang Dark Horse since I drove it back in the Modern Horizons update? Sorry for the wait, but here it comes.




The Dark Horse of the Mustang stable deserves the role of...you guessed it...the Dark Horse of the AiPriVerse. I shall christen you Dark Chii...awww, too soon? I'm sorry, Chii Mamiya, but hey, it suits your personality.





Having grown respect for the Ford Bronco Raptor, I've decided to call my Bronco Raptor...Mei. As in, Mei Yoneme, one of the Liella girls. Suits her personality.



With their roles donned, both the Bronco Raptor and the Mustang Dark Horse are tackling some of the modest EventLab creations with the Dark Horse battling the odds in the EventLab re-enactment of a certain race track from a certain video game while the Bronco Raptor gets down and dirty while getting through narrow bridges. Let's roll the tapes.



Now that's what I called a Pretty Derby.



Although Ferrari is the alpha horse of the motoring realm, Ford's two horses have something that Ferrari doesn't have; individuality. The Mustang and the Bronco are the best horses Ford ever made and such lineage deserves a lot of respect.

With horses like these, the stampede will never end.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Dodge Charger (Gen 8)

First previewed by the Dodge Charger SRT Concept in 2022, the all-new eighth-generation Dodge Charger breaks ground with throwback looks and performance unheard for the Charger.

2024 Dodge Charger

2024 Dodge Charger

With a starting price of under sixty grand plus additional costs, the all-new eighth-generation Dodge Charger is no doubt the most controversial Charger ever made because of the powertrain that contrasts its muscle car looks.

The eighth-generation Dodge Charger is a two-door coupe that replaces the Challenger, which has been the gold standard for Dodge for a long time. The four-door sedan will be released in 2025.

Observing the design, the eighth-generation Charger mimics the looks of the second-generation model, which was made famous by The Dukes of Hazzard and The Fast and The Furious, and it's the first to don Dodge's new Fratzonic logo. Up front, it sports a patent-pending R-wing aero pass-through, which helps minimize drag and maximize performance at top speeds. On the back, it sports a patent-pending Fratzonic chambered exhaust.

2024 Dodge Charger interior

The all-new Charger has a minimalist interior that's driver-focused. It comes with optional Attitude Adjustment Lighting, performance-inspired front seats, a Digital Cluster Display, and a 12.3-inch Center Display with Uconnect 5. You can show off your driving skills by recording your track day or even recording your driving experience and sharing it with the world.

To give a dirty finger to the face of the Ford Mustang, the all-new Charger comes standard with all-wheel-drive, meaning this muscle car is capable of going through tarmac, gravel, and snow, boldly going where no muscle car has gone before.

At launch, the all-new Charger is offered for the first time with an electric drivetrain ranging from the 496HP R/T model to the 670HP Scat Pack. With the Powershot active, the Scat Pack blows from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and a 1/4 mile in 11.5 seconds. With such a strong punch, the handling is the antithesis of the muscle car thanks to its mechanical limited-slip differential, multi-link front suspension, integral link rear suspension, and dual-valve adaptive damping system.

Come 2025, the Dodge Charger will get a gas-powered option. It will feature Stellantis' new 3.0-liter Hurricane straight-six turbo engine. The SIXPACK H.O. variant will have up to 550 horsepower, which is more than the EcoBoost-powered Ford Mustang.

Although a slow start because it's no longer the Dodge Charger the world knows, the eighth-generation Dodge Charger is the biggest upset in its class even though it no longer has a V8 engine due to Stellantis' scorched earth policy. With its first-ever electric variant, a Supra-beating petrol variant, 4WD as standard, and lots of toys to play with, this has the potential to star in the final Fast and Furious movie. Do you think Vin Diesel will approve the all-new Charger?

Photo: Dodge