Happy Thanksgiving

While I know this blog is dedicated to cars, I wanted to take a minute to give thanks for all that we have in life. Many of us living in the U.S. and other world powers are very lucky to have access to the technology ands luxuries that come with a good living. But we still must not take these for granted as many people in the world do not have luxuries such as iPads, 60" flat screens, and Air Jordans. We must also be thankful for all those serving our country over seas. They risk their lives every time they get out of bed in the morning. They don't know if they will ever see their families again, and some don't. Just take a minute tonight and thank whoever is up above. We have a lot more than most people, so try to do good with what you have. Most of all, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

The Death of a Beauty: Land Rover Defender

There is a gap in my heart as Jaguar Land Rover announced it will cease production of its Defender model in 2015 because it will not meet the new European laws on fuel emissions. The last Land Rover Defender will roll off the production line in December 2015, bringing a terribly sad end to a 67-year history of the Defender. An owner of a Defender called it a mistake. He thinks they will follow the trend of spiraling down into luxury off road vehicles. Thats what Range Rovers are for in my opinion. The customers want a car that they can trust in any weather, in any terrain, in any place on Earth. I think it is a truly sad goodbye to a car that has given us so much. The Queen of England loves Defenders and will probably buy 2 or 3 knowing they will no longer be available. It has even been featured in many main stream movies, such as Indiana Jones and the latest (and arguably greatest) Bond film, Skyfall. I wish that Land Rover could make it conform to fuel emission laws so that we could keep the gem of a machine. 

Is the Bugatti Veyron Really the Fastest? I Think Not

The Hennessey Venom GT. You see it, then its gone. Dubbed "The fastest car in the world" by Top Gear and with a world record breaking, physics defying, and leg quivering top speed of 278 mph, the Venom GT is the new fastest car in the world due to its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. 1244 horsepower. Damn son. The Bugatti Veyron, previously the fastest roadster in the world, has only 987 horsepower. That means that the Venom GT has 257 more sexy stallions of power than the Veyron. To me this is incredible. John Hennessey started with an idea of putting a Venom 1000 Twin Turbo engine in the back of a Lotus Exige. He had an artist do a rendering of the car and as soon as he saw it he realized this could be a possibility. "I thought to myself, we can build this car with 1000+ hp and a weight well under 3000 lbs. A mid-engine design like the Ford GT will put the weight of the motor and transmission over the rear tires giving better traction. Design as much down force as we will need to have a car that handles like a kart on the road or race track. At the same time also have a car with the best power to weight ratio possible giving unmatched acceleration. This is how the Venom GT concept was born.” And it soon came to reality for John Hennessey. The Venom GT's are custom made when you order them because they easily clear $1,000,000 in price. But with the sharp looks of a Lotus Exige, and components like the ones listed below, I truly believe that the Hennessey Venom GT is worth every penny you pay.

2013 Hennessey Venom GT Specifications

Performance

0 – 60 mph 0 – 100 mph 0 – 300 km/h 0 – 200 mph 1/4 mile Standing Half Mile Standing One Mile Top Speed

2.7 sec. 5.6 sec. 13.63 sec. – Guinness World Record 14.51 sec. – Hypercar World Record 9.92 sec. @ 163 mph 206 mph 253 mph 278 mph

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Power

Horsepower	1244 bhp @ 6600 rpm (Cockpit adjustable from 800 bhp, 1000 bhp & 1244 bhp)
Torque	1155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

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Engine

Type	V8
Block	Aluminum
Size	427 CID (7.0 Liter)
Position	Mid Longitudinal
Compression	9.2:1
Redline	7,200 rpm
Forced Induction	Twin Precision Turbo Ball Bearing Turbochargers
Oiling System	Dry Sump Lubrication
Fuel System	Sequential Multi-Port Electronic Fuel Injection

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Transmission

Type	Ricardo 6-Speed Manual
Gear Ratios	2.61:1, 1.71:1, 1.23:1, 0.94:1, 0.77:1, 0.63:1
Final Drive	3.36:1

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Brakes

Calipers	Brembo 6-Piston (all four corners)
Rotors	15.0 x 1.34 in. Carbon Ceramic (all four corners)

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Suspension

Type	Penske Adjustable Coilover (all four corners)
Ride Height	Adjustable by 2.4 inches (60 mm)

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Dimensions

Length	15.27 ft. (4,655 mm)
Width	6.43 ft. (1,960 mm)
Wheelbase	110.24 in. (2,800 mm)
Track – Front	63.46 in. (1,612 mm)
Track – Rear	63.15 in. (1,604 mm)

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Body

Material	Carbon fiber composite except doors & roof
Type	2-door

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Weights & Measures

Curb Weight	2,743 lbs (1,244 kilograms)
F / R Balance	37 / 63 (empty); 44 / 56 (with driver & passenger)
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal. (70 Liter)

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Wheels & Tires

Tire – Front	265/30/19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Tire – Rear	345/30/20 Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Wheel – Front	9.5 x 19 in.
Wheel – Rear	12.5 x 20 in.

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Optional Upgrades

• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup ZP Tires
• Bare Carbon Fiber Finish
• Right-Hand Drive
• Stefano Ricci Bespoke Interior
• Stereo System Designed by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith

  

My Dream Car

My Dream Car

Let's start off this blog with my dream car. The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. I love this car for two main reasons. First reason being it is old muscle car. I love old muscle cars and always have. Whenever I look at cars that would be a good fit for me, I check out the old ones first. There is just something about the power underneath the hood of those cars that get my engine revving. (Pun totally intended). I love the way old cars look which falls under both of my categories, the second category being looks. I especially love bright polished reds and bright blues on cars, with two white racing stripes down the spine of red cars. And if the rims are chrome, I freak out and say, "I need that car". Once, when I was 12, I was looking at old Camaros and I saw one that made me feel so happy inside that I had to run downstairs, with my computer, and show my mom and ask if I we could buy it. She was like, "Yeah sure...NOT", and I was sad and I asked why and she said it was because I wouldn't be getting my license for a while. I guess then I didn't really understand the concept that you shouldn't buy something until you are actually gonna use it. Oh well.