the weekend test drive | february 23, 2012
After running fast all weekend, Danica put in a lap of 196.43mph resulting in 45.81 seconds around Daytona International Speedway. The effort won her pole position, becoming the first woman in the history of Cup to qualify first for a race.
Watch the Daytona 500 live from Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida on Sunday February 24, 2013 at 1pm on FOX and listen on the radio on the Motor Racing Network.
video credit: TheOfficialNASCAR
Ford Returns Legendary Performance To Streets With 2012 Ford Mustang BOSS 302
the weekend test drive | December 19, 2011
Competition Orange 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Born in 1969, the original Ford Mustang BOSS 302 was introduced as an automobile with the Mustang moniker sacrificing nothing in an effort to be the best “all around road going performance machine ever created by Ford…” and has since become one the most highly prized muscle cars to collectors. Now, in 2012, Ford again re-introduces the Ford Mustang Boss 302 with virtually every system redesigned to enhance driver performance.
While the 2011 Mustang GT engine was already amazing with 412 horsepower, Ford engineers replaced the existing intake, and revised the camshafts to push the horsepower to 444HP with 380 lb-ft of torque for the 2012 BOSS 302. All of this power is delivered to the rear end using carbon fiber plates in the limited slip differential, improving torque handling and longevity.
To give the driver an amazing handling experience, standard on the BOSS 302 are adjustable shocks and struts and higher rate coil springs on all four wheels, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar. There are 5 custom settings from which a driver may select: #1 being soft, #2 being the factory setting, #3-5 the firmer settings. Even more interesting, is the method of shock adjustment – with each being easily tuned with a flat-head screwdriver for driver preference on the track or for daily driving. There are also 3 adjustable steering settings giving the driver an even more customized ride & feel without sacrificing daily performance.
Because the 2012 Mustang BOSS 302 has tremendous power and speed potential, Ford spent a great deal of time fitting it with high performance brake components including unique low-compressibility brake lines that expand up to 30 percent less than traditional flexible brake lines, allowing maximum fluid pressure to reach the calipers in the shortest amount of time, giving the driver a feel of being directly connected to the brake pads. These among other enhancements allow the 2012 Boss 302 to stop 3 feet shorter than the 2011 GT in the 60-0 test.
While the interior and exterior modifications allow it to retain a traditional Mustang feel, the changes are striking and unmistakable. Recaro front seats, modern dark metallic cluster/trim interior package, black or white solid roof panels, unique fascia and grills, and a minimal drag rear racing spoiler reminds everyone that this truly is a special American automobile.
Take a quick look at the NEW BOSS 302 we found at a local car event in Competition Orange below at our You Tube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/theweekendtestdrive
2012 Ford Mustang NEW BOSS 302 Package
~Unique Upper Grille
~Modified front lower fascia with new splitter
~Unique 19-in painted aluminum wheels and summer-only tires
~Unique hood stripe and “C” bodyside graphic stripes
~Black decklid spoiler, plus decklid blackout
~Rear lower diffuser-style fascia
~Unique engine cover with production number plate
~Adjustable front struts and rear shocks
~Adjustable strut tower brace
~Brembo front calipers and rotors
~Unique side and rear exit quad exhaust
~3.73:1 limited slip rear differential
~Unique interior and Recaro seats
~Unique door sill plates
~Unique instrument panel finish
Mark Steckman, editor – the weekend test drive
Credits: Ford Media (http://media.ford.com)
Toyota Introduces The New 200 Horsepower SCION FR-S
the weekend test drive | November 28, 2011
Thousands of fans at a Formula One race track in Oyama, Japan yesterday were introduced to the soon to be produced rear wheel drive SCION FR-S. To be sold as the Toyota 86 in Japan, this model has been in project phase for at least 5 years and will fill a low-tech, upgradeable niche in the Toyota line-up. The entire design process of the SCION FR-S was driven by Toyota President Akio Toyoda and is unique in that the total focus was on balance and driving feel and not soley on hitting certain performance goals. This focus is to give drivers more of sense of control and driver impact.
The intent of the SCION FR-S is to deliver:
~A ride that is completely costumizable and tunable by car enthusiasts
~low center of gravity with fun to drive power and handling
~moderate price point focusing on younger adults and recent college grads
The SCION FR-S is a joint project developed with Subaru, who is unveiling their own version (The SUBARU BRZ – see the following The Weekend Test Drive post on November 1, 2011. https://theweekendtestdrive.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/2013-subaru-brz-concept-car-to-be-introduced-at-l-a-auto-show/ )
Check out some of the basic details of the SCION FR-S:
Engine: 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder DOHC
Output HP: 200hp @ 7,000RPM
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission
Suspension: Macpherson Struts in the front, double wishbone in the rear
Brakes: Fully ventilated disc brakes
Wheels: 18 inch wheels; front: 215.40.R18 rear: 225.40.R18
While the car has been designed to accomodate a driver and 3 passengers, the rear seating is extremely limited. Designers have indicated that it is assumed that the rear fold down seat is intended to really accomodate racing tires and tool kits – right in line with the overall enthusiasts desires for the car.
The Toyota Scion FR-S enters production in Spring 2012 and should hit automotive sale floors later in the year in the United States and estimated sticker price will be around $26,000.
Check out the video from Toyota on the SCION FR-S :
*content/photo sources: autonews.com – Hans Greimel; motorauthority.com
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