With spring break coming up in a week I have a few tests to study for and I'm teaching during the latter part of the week so as of right now there will not be a spotlight or a post on tires. Next week I'll try to get everything back up to speed since I'll have some free time.
Also to note the next spotlight will be a car from the Minneapolis Auto Show So a poll will go up probably later on today with some possible choices. The top 5 cars will be chosen as spotlight vehicles for the coming weeks.
-DK
Showing posts with label Spotlight of the Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spotlight of the Week. Show all posts
Monday, March 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Spotlight of the Week 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
After a rebirth in 1983 with a sleeker body design, the Thunderbird also took on a few new engines one of which seems taboo for the car. During the 1980's Ford was looking to rediscover the idea of the Thunderbird after a failed attempt in the early 1980's. This attempt was to expand it's performance division against the incoming Japanese competitors who were bringing over turbocharged engines that were more efficient and powerful. Enter stage right was Ford's solution known as the Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.
Design:
Exterior:
Known as the aerobird generation the 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was the last version before a redesign in 1989. On the outside this car distinct in its design. From the shield up front to the long hood and the coupe design it was hard to mistake it for another. Features that are notable include the aero-shield up front and the functional hood scoop that flows air into the inter-cooler.
Interior:
Climbing inside is like stepping back into the 1980's. The best word to describe the interior is plastic. Almost everything in there is plastic some good some bad. The instrument layout is quite nice but when moving over to the center stack that where it looses it. Case in point the print is too small and overall it's too busy with knobs, switches and buttons all over the place. The center arm rest has the window controls, seat controls along with mirror settings some of which are similar to the late Pontiac G8.
Powertrain:
2.3 L OHC 4 cylinder coupled with a turbo and a intercooler outputs 190 hp and 200 lbs of torque. This power was sent to the rear wheels by a 5 speed manual transmission from a Mustang SVO. In the 4 speed automatic variant of this car the output numbers drop to 150 hp because of durability issues. Other notable items for this car include the automatic ride control suspension between comfort and sport mode and four wheel anti-lock breaks.
Thoughts:
My take on the 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe is a tad bias along the lines that its one of my favorite cars from Ford. That said I do have have some issues with the car and that revolves around the interior. The body is far more futuristic than vehicles of that era and even when you see them on the road they still have a essence with them. The interior on the other hand is classic 80's that tries to be sporty, but misses during the translation between paper and assembly line.
Price:
Then: $17,146
Now: $12,000 - $500 depending on condition
-DK
Design:
Exterior:
Known as the aerobird generation the 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe was the last version before a redesign in 1989. On the outside this car distinct in its design. From the shield up front to the long hood and the coupe design it was hard to mistake it for another. Features that are notable include the aero-shield up front and the functional hood scoop that flows air into the inter-cooler.
 |
| Photo courtesy of http://www.biocrawler.com/ |
Interior:
Climbing inside is like stepping back into the 1980's. The best word to describe the interior is plastic. Almost everything in there is plastic some good some bad. The instrument layout is quite nice but when moving over to the center stack that where it looses it. Case in point the print is too small and overall it's too busy with knobs, switches and buttons all over the place. The center arm rest has the window controls, seat controls along with mirror settings some of which are similar to the late Pontiac G8.
Powertrain:
2.3 L OHC 4 cylinder coupled with a turbo and a intercooler outputs 190 hp and 200 lbs of torque. This power was sent to the rear wheels by a 5 speed manual transmission from a Mustang SVO. In the 4 speed automatic variant of this car the output numbers drop to 150 hp because of durability issues. Other notable items for this car include the automatic ride control suspension between comfort and sport mode and four wheel anti-lock breaks.
Thoughts:
My take on the 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe is a tad bias along the lines that its one of my favorite cars from Ford. That said I do have have some issues with the car and that revolves around the interior. The body is far more futuristic than vehicles of that era and even when you see them on the road they still have a essence with them. The interior on the other hand is classic 80's that tries to be sporty, but misses during the translation between paper and assembly line.
Price:
Then: $17,146
Now: $12,000 - $500 depending on condition
-DK
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Spotlight of the Week 1996 Honda Accord V6
The vote is in and the First Spotlight of the week is the 1996 Honda Accord V6.
After a remodel in 1994, the 1996 Honda Accord received a brief refresh over the previous model year in the front and rear fascia, in addition to a few tech upgrades. The changes loosen up the lines of the car making it look softer looking than the previous year. The inside of the Accord stayed pretty much the same, as the 1995 version, except for the addition of a compliant OBD-II port that was mandated by the US government.
Exterior:
Weighing in at a 3,285 lbs and 188.4" long, 70.1" wide and 55.3" tall the 1996 Honda Accord V6 fits snugly in the mid-size car category. Even though it is a sedan, the Accord still holds some of coupe like design with a long hood and short trunk. The reflector beam headlights help make this car standout as a higher-class car compared to many of the cars during the mid 90's, which still had the Fresnel lens headlights. Standard features that are notable also include a sunroof along with an optional the wing on back.
Interior:
Once inside the Accord, the interior is reminiscent of most mid-90's vehicles. The plastic dashboard materials, flat black gauges and controls all scream 90's car. The console layout is comfortable for reaching the radio and climate controls and the gauges are easy to read. The floor shifter relates information about gear back up to the dash do the driver doesn't need to glance down to see if they are in drive or second.
Powertrain:
Loaded with a 2.7L DOHC V6 engine that's rated for about 170 hp and 165 lbs of torque, the accord delivers this adequate power through a 4-speed automatic to the front wheels. To note the transmission is known for its hard shifts that can be sometimes reminiscent of a poorly shifted manual transmission.
Thoughts:
Overall, the 1996 Honda Accord is a nice looking vehicle. It has many details that stand out as a more expensive car for its time. The ride is good not spectacular but just good. At times, it could be described as harsh when going over rough roads, but overall it delivers good feedback to the driver. Really, the only complaint I have is the passenger seat legroom is a tad cramped but that more of a preference over anything.
Price:
Then: MSRP-$25,100
Now: $4,475-$5,700 Kelly Blue book
-DK
After a remodel in 1994, the 1996 Honda Accord received a brief refresh over the previous model year in the front and rear fascia, in addition to a few tech upgrades. The changes loosen up the lines of the car making it look softer looking than the previous year. The inside of the Accord stayed pretty much the same, as the 1995 version, except for the addition of a compliant OBD-II port that was mandated by the US government.
Exterior:
Weighing in at a 3,285 lbs and 188.4" long, 70.1" wide and 55.3" tall the 1996 Honda Accord V6 fits snugly in the mid-size car category. Even though it is a sedan, the Accord still holds some of coupe like design with a long hood and short trunk. The reflector beam headlights help make this car standout as a higher-class car compared to many of the cars during the mid 90's, which still had the Fresnel lens headlights. Standard features that are notable also include a sunroof along with an optional the wing on back.
 |
| Exterior of a Honda Accord V6 |
Interior:
Once inside the Accord, the interior is reminiscent of most mid-90's vehicles. The plastic dashboard materials, flat black gauges and controls all scream 90's car. The console layout is comfortable for reaching the radio and climate controls and the gauges are easy to read. The floor shifter relates information about gear back up to the dash do the driver doesn't need to glance down to see if they are in drive or second.
 |
| Interior of a Honda Accord V6 |
Powertrain:
Loaded with a 2.7L DOHC V6 engine that's rated for about 170 hp and 165 lbs of torque, the accord delivers this adequate power through a 4-speed automatic to the front wheels. To note the transmission is known for its hard shifts that can be sometimes reminiscent of a poorly shifted manual transmission.
Thoughts:
Overall, the 1996 Honda Accord is a nice looking vehicle. It has many details that stand out as a more expensive car for its time. The ride is good not spectacular but just good. At times, it could be described as harsh when going over rough roads, but overall it delivers good feedback to the driver. Really, the only complaint I have is the passenger seat legroom is a tad cramped but that more of a preference over anything.
Price:
Then: MSRP-$25,100
Now: $4,475-$5,700 Kelly Blue book
-DK
One more day before the first spotlight
About 17 hours left to vote. So far it's 1 for the 1996 Honda Accord V6 and 1 for the 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.
-DK
-DK
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Spotlight of the week
I'm starting up a new section that should be updated on a weekly basis. In general, it's going to delve into some of the cars currently on the road and some classics. In these spotlights, I'll look at the specs, an overview of the design of both the exterior and interior. Plus I'll discuss the technology that was found on these cars and how much they cost then and now. Along with the basic discussion of the car, I'll throw in my two cents on my general impression of the vehicle so that you can see where I'm coming from.
I'll post my view on the cars, but I'm also looking for your insight on some of the cars I'm discussing and possible ideas for future. Post your comments in the comment box below and check out the poll for your input on what car I'll discuss the coming week.
-DK
I'll post my view on the cars, but I'm also looking for your insight on some of the cars I'm discussing and possible ideas for future. Post your comments in the comment box below and check out the poll for your input on what car I'll discuss the coming week.
-DK
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