SRT Core models

Chrysler and especially SRT had a lot of feedback regarding their cars and customers were able to sort give the car maker some ideas to improve and make better cars for, ultimately, better business. The American market and Australian market had a lot of the focus because they are the biggest market for the SRT models. 
SRT introduced a new variant, named Core, of two of their cars: the 300 SRT-8 Core and Challenger SRT-8 Core.

Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Core

Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Core

Chrysler 300C SRT-8 Core

The SRT-8 models were already in the market for a while, but customers asked SRT to make them more accessible and more performance oriented. SRT then introduced these "Core" models. They are cheaper version of their top trim. They will have a significant price drop, around $5000 on the listed price. The cars will have different grill, wheels, and special decals around the car. Interior wise, both will drop the leather seats for a more economical cloth seating. 

Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Core

Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Core

Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Core

My opinion on this move is that the idea is good and shows that Chrysler is trying its best to improve their cars by listening the customers. The problem with these Core models is purely financial. They have an effect on the other SRT non-core models: they will depreciate even faster. Not good in the long run.
Another bad note is the difference of pricing: US $5k is not much, honestly. When you spend $38k (Challenger) or $46k (300C) for a performance sedan/muscle car, that difference could be easily eaten up by adding options, like stickier tires and Mopar parts. $10k would have been a better number. But again, if you need it $5k cheaper, it is probably not the car for you anyways. Insurance, gas and maintenance will chew you up!

In SRT defense, I don't have the information they have, profit margins and so on, so before they introduced the Core model pricing, they probably did the homework. They probably have information that a car $5k cheaper will sell anyways. 

Good job nonetheless SRT and Chrysler for always looking after the customers wishes!

GM new LF3

The title for most people doesn't mean anything, but if you are working for General Motors (more specifically, Cadillac) you probably are very proud of this. LF3 is the internal code name for the new engine that will make its debut with the 2014 Cadillac CTS.

LF3 Twin-Turbo V6

Why is it so important? Because it is one of the most technologically advanced engines ever produced by GM. This mill will indeed power the Cadillac CTS, and to do that it needs to have good power as well as good fuel economy. Cadillac engineers nailed them both. 

Front view of the engine

The LF3 is a twin turbo six cylinder (in V position) and a displacement of 3.6L. It produces 420 horses and 430 foot pound of torque. For those not familiar with the numbers, this engine will be more powerful and more torque-y than the previous generation C6 Corvette with the 5.3L v8. It allows the big CTS sedan to go from 0-60 mph in 4.6 sec. Impressive numbers.

Top view of the LF3

Impressive also is the expected fuel economy of this engine on the Caddilac CTS. According to GM, it will do 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Note that the car is a 3800lb vehicle. Not a lightweight. 
The numbers will confirmed by the EPA officially later this year.

Front view of the LF3

The magic of the fuel economy numbers is (mostly) due to their new transmission that the engine is mated: a eight speed automatic. This allows the engine to rev low when cruising and have enough power when needed.

Eight speed automatic

Tech: Ford F150 Raptor beadlock wheels

The Ford F150 Raptor is a beast. This pick up is produced alongside the "civilian" f150 in the same factory's production lines. It is meant to take the desert high speed runs and climb anything that the 6.2L V8 with 411 Horses and 434 foot pound of torque. 
In 2013 the truck received minor enhancements under the skin and few noticeable outside.

2013 Ford F150 Raptor

They are called Beadlock wheels and Ford describes them as:

Beadlock wheels secure the edges of a tire to the wheel between two surfaces so the tire is unlikely to roll off the rim if it's aired down to very low pressure, providing extra grip on the trail.

They pretty much increase the off road limits of the truck. 

View of the 2013 Raptor Beadlock rims

The beadlock is not something new in the off road market, but definitely is the first time the manufacturer includes them in the stock package of the vehicle. 

Lexus LF-A Video Tribute

I am not a Lexus fan. I am more on the German side and American. But sometimes you need to really look over your horizons and see what others offer. I was skeptic of this video, but boy, was I wrong. It shows what really means have a passion for cars, what they mean to those who understand them and live for them. The video will appeal especially to those who are real gearheads. 

Lexus LFA

Motor Trend, a US automobile magazine, interviewed those in charge of bringing this future legend to life. They made a little tribute to the Lexus LF-A. The car had a limited run of 500 cars, and they reached that number.
Quick Specs:

Lexus LF-A : 4.8L V10 normally aspirated, 552 horses and 354 ft/lb of torque

2014 Cadillac CTS: Teasers ahead of the debut

So this a pretty much breaking news. In the web Cadillac released some pictures of the upcoming 2014 CTS. They show the first quarter of the front fascia and the part of the rear. The styling takes clues from the the current XTS and ATS models. In my opinion the new Caddy will be gorgeous. In other news, the new CTS will have the new engine from Cadillac, a twin-turbo v6 capable of 420 hp and 430 lb/ft. Impressive. 

The car is been scheduled to be presented March 26th at 7:30pm ET, at the New York Auto Show. For now enjoy these shots! 

DOT Weight Ratings

I found a picture that in my opinion is very interesting and helped me understand better the weight ratings used by the United States' DOT (Department of Transport) for light/medium trucks.

 I hope that if any of you were wondering the difference between the denominations, this would help a bit.

DOT Weight Ratings for Light/Medium Trucks

Chevy SS, Camaro ZL1 and Corvette StingRay

Posing for camera action, these three beauties.
In order from left to right:
 - 2014 Chevrolet SS
 - 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
 - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette StingRay

SS, ZL1 and StingRay