Let's Do The Time Warp Again...

Relax - this blog entry is not about the Rocky Horror Picture Show. But some of the stuff I've read, checked out, and has gone viral over the past few weeks really begs the Tim Curry line, "Why don't you come up to the lab... and see what's on the slab." I'm taking a slight break from the usual format to share some of this stuff with you, as most of this blog was done from the road this week.

Two automotive pieces have been making some serious waves recently. The first is the "MaliciouSS" 1964 Chevelle convertible built by the Roadster Shop out in Illinois. There's over 500 pics of the build on the company's website, but in a nutshell, they took an already nice Chevelle with some modern amenities, and took it to the edge of the planet. The kicker is, it still resembles a somewhat stock build. It's almost like GM releasing a severe retro-looking 1964 Chevelle today.

The second build is an all-electric 1968 Mustang. Yeah - all watts and no gas. What's cool about this time-warp machine is that the body and interior still look pretty much original with a few modern touches. Pop the hood or put the car on a lift however, and that's
where things get a little squirrely. I've never been a fan of electric vehicles or even hybrids, because too many of them are 1). boring and 2). too many guilt trips are being thrown at consumers just because they still burn gasoline. However, if I had the coin, I would buy this rig in a heartbeat. 800 horsepower, 1800 pounds of torque, high 9 to mid 10 second quarter mile times, (depending on traction), top speed of close to 200 mph and 0-60 in 2.4 seconds. The fact that any vehicle... never mind one that's dressed like a classic musclecar, and can pull off that entire combination of numbers and be totally street driven, borders on biblical. Manufacturers - take note.

I know this news is about 2 months old, but in my humble opinion, it bears repeating. The 2016 Lincoln Continental "concept" that will most likely be reality before the end of the year. Now before you say, "Whoa... back up here. You're talking about a new Continental!", let me expound on a few details. By now, most enthusiasts know that the newer version looks nothing like the concept from 2012, nor does the 2016 model share the corporate MKZ nose and sheet metal, and that's a good thing. I never really dug that split, up-sweep grille.
Admit it - this thing is the ultimate (as of this writing) executive hot rod and looks like nothing else on the road. The general buzz is it will have an EcoBoost V-6 engine minimum, with the possibility of a V-8. However things pan out, Ford is talking horsepower numbers around 440. Available all wheel drive will also be on the menu and possibly standard. The interior is a work of art with more chrome than most custom modern street rods. We're hoping Ford keeps the four bucket seats and full length console. The only bummer is, with all the luxury and features this car is supposed to have, industry analysts are pegging this car to have an MSRP somewhere between $80-100,000 dollars.

Lastly, and not to add insult to injury, but rumor has it that Dodge is tossing out tidbits that 707 horsepower is not all she wrote for the Hellcat Charger and Challenger models. And fact - when the Rousch version of the 2015 Mustang is released, it will indeed have 675 horsepower.

Good times, people... good times.
Until next time, peace out,
Dave