A Fire Breathing Dragon

The camaro came out in 1967 to do battle against the mustang, which already had a head start by being introduced in 1964, as a spring off from the falcon, it was basically just a falcon with a new look, but the idea to upgrade a platform that they already had was pure genius, laying that aside, lets talk about the camaro, when it came out Chevrolet was looking for the perfect combination to beat down the mustang, and they hit the nail on the head, a lot of the top Chevrolet dealers took the camaro under their wing, and really made it show its potential in the muscle car world.

The Z/28 camaro was brought out to do battle on the SCCA circuit or sports car club of America, and it was going to set some records during its time in the SCCA, the camaros arch enemy on the street and the track, has always been the mustang. The SCCAS Trans Am series has especially magnified that rivalry, Ford took the championship in 1967 and 1970, Chevy dominated in 1968 and 1969, the driver for Chevrolet Mark Donohue had a stellar racing career, that included 29 career Trans Am victories, 3 championships, and a victory in the 1972 Indianapolis 500, he died in an on track accident in 1975.

The 302 cubic inch engine was added to Chevrolets line up, to meet the rules of the SCCA Trans Am series, which stated that your engine could be no larger then 305 cubic inches, the 302 became a mainstay for the Z/28 camaro, which had an option for a 350 CID engine, but the 302 had made a name for itself, in the collector circles, its the most sought after engine for the Z/28, a 302 with the cross ram option is worth a lot more cash the a standard 302 with a single four bar manifold, and when you add options like the JL8 four wheel disc brakes the price jumps to incredible proportions.

Then the high production Chevrolet dealers like Yenko Chevrolet, Bladwin Chevrolet, and Nicky Chevrolet would get a hold of these cars and turn them in to a monster, Yenko would create a beast called the sYc or Super Yenko Camaro, this car was set to amazing things on the drag strip, Yenko Chevrolet would contract Dick Herrel to drive this beast Tricky Dick Herrel as he was known by the racing world, Dick would power this car to a standing quarter mile time of 11.904 @ 115 MPH.

Standing 1/4 Mile Time
* 11.904 @ 115 MPH
0-60 Performance
* 3.8 Seconds
0-100
* 8.9 Seconds
Engine
* 427 CID 425 HP
Price
* $3,895
Transmission
* Muncie M-22 Rock Crusher 4 Speed

The sYc camaro would spawn the worlds fastest quarter mile car for that time era, this car was called the COPO 9560 or the ZL1 camaro, this car would come from the factory with an all aluminum 427 CID engine that was factory rated at 425 HP, but the car was consistently running 11.05s. That means that you've got about 534.68 HP at the rear wheels, and about 695.08 HP at the flywheel, these were documented quarter mile runs, so Im not just blowing up the truth, The ZL1 Camaro would prove to be an amazing race car, not to mention, it was still a street car also, in street dress Dick Herrel would achieve 1/4 mile times of 11.05 and in full race mode, with the headers uncorked and slicks added he would achieve a 10.35 1/4 mile time on his first run.

So for all of you Chevrolet nay Sayers, there you go.

Tell me of another car that can boast those numbers from the factory.

I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.

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The Highly Refined and Capable BMW X5 SAV

Sport utility vehicle sales continue to plummet in the face of surging gasoline prices now topping the three dollar per gallon mark. Indeed, this segment of the vehicle market has produced some of the largest profits for automakers globally and this loss of sales is impacting manufacturer bottom lines the world over. Yet, demand hasnt dried up altogether and a rebound is possible once gas prices stabilize. For BMW owners, a larger vehicle such as the BMW X5 SAV is almost a necessity no matter what gas prices may be. Yes, the BMW X5 SAV is big topping out at just over 5,000 lbs. Are you in the market for a luxury sport utility vehicle? If so, BMWs largest model may just have something to offer to you.

For the record, BMW calls their SUVs an SAV: a sport activity vehicle. BMWs marketing arm felt that customers should know that beyond its off road prowess, the BMW X5 SAV can tow as much as 6,000 pounds; carry bicycles with an optional bike rack; hold a canoe on top of its roof; and stow camping or other activity gear in its generous sized rear quarter.

Although new to the game when its first SAV was released during the late 1990s, the technology powering this vehicle is not. Uniting BMW car technology [the X5 is based on the BMW 5 Series] with renowned Range Rover SUV engineering, BMW has fully harnessed the relationship it has with its British off road division. This is important to note as BMW entered the SUV market fresh without having had the benefit of producing a capable sport utility vehicle previously.

The chief attribute of the BMW X5 is its size as the vehicle can carry five passengers comfortably and all of the stuff needed to transport them to their various activities. Furthermore, since the X5 is based on the BMW 5 Series, the SAV shares many features with its passenger car stable mate including: four wheel independent suspension; front and rear wheel anti-roll bars; speed sensing steering; four wheel disc brakes with ABS; electronic stability with traction control and brake assist; and a host of passenger comfort items including Bluetooth wireless; low tire pressure warning; premium sound system; on-board computer; and power everything. A retractable cargo cover completes the BMW X5s bountiful storage offerings.

Engine choices include a 3.0L I6, a 4.4L V8 or a potent 4.8L V8. Surprisingly, the EPA fuel mileage figures for the smallest and largest engines are the same: you can expect a combined 18 mpg when driving either model numbers that line up with the industry average. A diesel aspirated engine is available for the European market but no plans have been put in place to make that engine available in the US. The BMW X5 is built exclusively in South Carolina, but likely the diesel engine does not meet the stringent US government [EPA] pollution requirements.

BMW is fast at work preparing its second generation X5 a vehicle that should be longer and heavier than the current model. Automotive experts are suggesting that the new BMW X5 will add a third row of seats to accommodate two more passengers and to differentiate the model from its slightly smaller, but also five passenger capacity X3 stable mate.

Prices for the current BMW X5 start out at just over $42,000 and top out at more than $70,000 with all options included. Chief competitors for the BMW X5 include the Mercedes M Class, the Porsche Cayenne, and the Acura MDX.

Copyright 2006 -- Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer covering classic, current, and future models including the luxury BMW X5. You can find quality BMW X5 Accessory products and BMW X5 Parts at the X5Pros shop.

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The State of the Trucking Industry

If we study the current state of the Trucking Industry and the statistical facts we see a much different picture painted than the perceptions purported by the general public. The Trucking and the Economy are very much inter-related as are all the Flows of Transportation in America and those which are beyond our borders. Interstate Commerce cannot exist without the trucking industry.

Unfortunately, things are not so easy for many operators and we are continually seeing the death of the Independent Truck Driver as major Trucking Companies enjoy their economies of scale, even with the huge crisis presently with Truck Driver Labor Shortages.

Government Intervention

No other industry relies on our Nations Highway System as much as the Trucking Industry. Congress has based a gigantic Transportation Bill and Billions are planned in improvements, some of which is geared to help Trucking and Safety. Of course the information we get from Government Reports such as those from the DOT and GAO do not always point out the true reality.

There are however many wonderful things being done from within the industry such as the American Trucking Association's Mobile Watch Program, which incidentally was a huge factor in catching the DC Shooters. So, the Trucking Industry is taking a leading role in the safety of our nation. Indeed there are now many Electronic Highway Interactive Safety Devices, which assist authorities and trucking companies maintain a cohesive flow and protect the welfare and safety of all vehicles.

Potential Truck Safety Issues

There have been many new technologies for Iced Conditions to prevent accidents due to black ice. This protects 4-wheelers and truck drivers alike. There are also new Road Coatings, which may be the answer in curbing Global Warming by eliminating Urban Heat.

There have been many studies with truck driver falling asleep at the wheel, thus more Truck Parking has been added in many states and more have been mandated by the Department of Transportation. Likewise there have been more reviews on the Hours of Service Debates and proposed legislation to limit the amount of time truck drivers are aloud to drive without resting.

Truck Load Statistics Wobbling

One significant statistic is the load factors in trucking and these economic indicators help us judge the future markets. There is quite a bit of Rail VS. Trucking and piggy back trailer strategies for moving freight across the nation. These factors must also be considered. It is the entire supply chain that must be judged to determine the flow of goods to market.

Trucking Companies and Transportation Service Firms have many Logistic Strategies to Handle Freight Traffic. The Flow of Transportation is a critical factor in the wealth and health of a nation. Because if you bought it, a truck brought it.

L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entreprenuer. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.

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