MPG-o-Matic 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye Review Summary: For many folks, the old Dart wasn’t legendary (Klick and Klack aside). It was a compromise, the little Mopar you bought if you couldn’t afford one of the truly sought-after models, like the Barracuda, Challenger, Road Runner, Charger, or GTX. Be that what it may, today’s Dart is a splendid and affordable sedan, with a chassis that owes its heritage to Alfa Romeo and a power plant swiped from the mighty little Fiat Abarth. With plenty of interior room and top-notch in-cabin technology, the Dart is well worth a look.
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How Many Times Has Bruce Springsteen Mentioned Car Brands in His Songs?
While it’s slow going, the revival of the American economy can be clearly linked to the renewed strength of our domestic automobile industry. At a rally yesterday at Cuyahoga County Community College in Ohio supporting President Obama, Bruce Springsteen gave thanks that General Motors is still making cars, remarking ”What else would I write about?”
That quote got me thinking about the wealth of automotive imagery in Bruce’s songs over the years, dating all the way back to his very first album, Greetings From Asbury Park. There’s The Angel’s mention of VW – “The interstate’s choked with nomadic hordes in Volkswagen vans with full running boards dragging great anchors,” and the pure American brother in Lost in the Flood, “dull-eyed and empty-faced, race(ing) Sundays in Jersey in a Chevy stock super eight.”
2011 Dodge Charger R/T HEMI Review
MPG-o-Matic 2011 Dodge Charger R/T Review Summary:
Just when you thought we were at end of the era of the big V8-powered American sedan, the 2011 Dodge Charger R/T shows up as if to say, “hey, we saved the best for last!” The HEMI Charger delivers good old American performance, plenty of interior room and in-cabin technology, along with a surprising level of fuel efficiency when driven with a light foot. In all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim, the Charger R/T is an unlikely alternative for many folks that might otherwise think they need a SUV.
Mustang vs Camaro: Gas Mileage Battle
Back in the day, six-cylinder Mustangs and Camaros were dismissed as secretary’s cars. You could slap a set of Cragar SS chrome rims on a straight six, but the exhaust note always gave it away. Musclecar fans debated horsepower, not fuel efficiency. Flash forward forty years and things have changed. Folks are pitting Mustang gas mileage against Camaro gas mileage. The cutting-edge naturally-aspirated V6 engines in the current Mustang and Camaro are both powerful and thrifty on gas (when driven conscientiously).
The 2011 3.7-liter V6 Mustang is rated at 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway (when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission), while delivering a remarkable 305 horsepower. I was lucky to be on hand to witness the Mustang 1000-Lap Challenge at Bristol Motor Speedway back in June. After spending a good part of the day with Mustang Vehicle Engineering Manager Tom Barnes and the engineering crew, I gained a raft of insight into how the original pony car was transformed into fuel-efficient fire-breathing beast.
Want to know how the team scored a remarkable 48.5 MPG in the test? Que up the video …
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4×4 Review
MPG-o-Matic Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 Review Summary: The Flex Fuel capable 2009 Dodge Ram SLT 4X4 takes a different path with a multi-link coil suspension that delivers a smooth ride and solid handling, whether the box is empty or full. A comfortable cabin and an array of technology and storage options put the shine on the Ram brand.
