Author: MrAngry

Living in California means that seeing raised pickup trucks and Jeeps on the road is very common. There are loads of off-road trails, dunes and deserts here that would satisfy even the freakiest of off-road fantasies. This modified Jeep Wrangler however (seen in Rabat, Morocco) completely takes the cake as far as the most outlandish custom I’ve seen. Apparently owned by a shaikh of the Arab Emirates, this it has an extended wheelbase, what looks to be 42-inch tires and a grille that came off of a Freightliner semi-truck. Is it cool? No, no it’s not. I do however have to give the guy an A+ for effort though.

Source: Youtube.com

In certain ways cars are like cigarettes. They’re addictive, enjoyable and at days end everyone has their favorite brand. Manuel Leon Minassian is an Alfa Romeo nut, so much so that he’s not actually sure how many he owns. Collecting for almost 22 years, Manuel has mostly Alfa’s with a few Mercedes, Audi’s and Ford’s mixed in for good measure. His favorite though? His 1972 Alfa Romeo Berlina that he custom tailored to his taste.

Source: Petrolicious.com

In 1984 there was the Ferrari 288 GTO. Housing a mid-engine twin-turbo V8 that produced 400 hp and 366 lb·ft of torque, it was one of the first, truly modern Ferrari’s. In 1987 came the F40, a car that some consider to be one of the greatest cars ever build and the last pure Ferrari. It used a derivative of the engine used in the 288 GTO, and made 478 hp and 425 lb·ft of torque. The F50 debuted in 1996, and with a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V12, power was bumped to 513 hp and 347 lb·ft of torque. It was also capable of taking the car to a top speed of 194 mph. In 2002 the Ferrari Enzo tore into the motoring press. It looked like nothing else on the road and like the F50 before it, utilized a V12 making 651 hp and 485 lb·ft of torque.

It’s now 2013 and Ferrari has just pulled the curtain back on its newest creation, the LaFerrari. It utilizes a HY-KERS system and a carbon-fibre chassis and is stunning from just about every angle. Click through to check out Ferrari’s newest creation.

Source: FerrariWorld.com

• 2013 Volvo S60 T5 R
It’s true. Volvo is not generally looked upon as a manufacturer of fast cars. Well built cars yes, but fast cars, no. However all that changed when I slid behind the wheel of this 2013 Volvo S60 T5 R. The smooth running turbocharged inline-6 makes 325 hp and 354 lb.ft. of torque helping this blue Swede hit 60 mph in just a hair over 5-seconds and run the quarter in around 13.6. Hell, the fact that it’s that quick AND a Volvo automatically make it a shoe-in for a sleeper car list.

*Image Credit: SeriousWheels.com

• 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
This thing is a beast. At first glance it looks like your standard Cadillac CTS wagon. However take a closer look and you’ll notice things like giant 6-pot Brembo calipers that sit upon 15.0-inch rotors. A massive rear differential cooler and of course, that optional 6-speed manual transmission. The CTS-V wagon is a grocery getter of the highest order. It packs a supercharged V-8 that produces 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of around 190 mph, making it the fastest sleeper in this group.

• 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
470 hp and 465 lb.ft of torque, an 8-speed automatic transmission, launch control and 295-series tires at all four corners, AND the fact that it can tow up to 7,200 lbs. help to make the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT one of the most versatile vehicles on the market today. This thing is a big hammer, and although it weighs upwards of 5,100 lbs. it does a miraculous job of masking its weight. Combine that with the fact it looks only slightly different from the standard Grand Cherokee and you’ve got a 100% usable vehicle that will pull .90g on the skid-pad, hit 60 mph in under 5.0 seconds and put the hurt on just about anything it goes up against.

• 2013 Honda Accord V6
There is no question that the 2013 Honda Accord V6 is the most unassuming ride on this list. It’s got plain vanilla looks, a relatively low price tag, and nothing about it that suggests big speed. However mash the gas and be prepared to hit 60 mph in a scant 5.6-seconds and blaze through the quarter mile in just over 14-seconds. This is in part to its robust 24-valve V6 that makes 278 hp / 252 lb-ft of torque. For comparison a 1970 HEMI ‘Cuda would hit 60 mph in just over 6-seconds and run the 1,320 in just under 14-seconds. Not too shabby for a mid-sized Japanese family sedan, right?

*ImageCredit: BMWUSA.com

• 2013 BMW 760Li V-12
This is a 2013 BMW 760Li. It’s 17-feet long, weighs 2.5 tons and will run to 60 in 4.5 seconds. It also looks like you should be chauffeured around in it while reading the Wall Street Journal. Power comes from a massive twin-turbo V12 engine that makes 535 hp and 550 lb.ft. of torque, and while this puppy is also not cheap (base price of $140K), your chauffeur will be smiling from ear-to-ear as he crushes all manner of import and muscle car.

*Image Credit: MotorTrend.com

• 2013 Ford Taurus SHO with the Performance Package
Packing the same twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that resides under the bonnet of the Ford Flex, the Ford Taurus SHO is yet another ride from the blue oval that has “sleeper” written all over it. It doesn’t evoke thoughts of speed, power or performance. However once unleashed (either in a straight line or on the track) a newly re-tuned chassis and suspension help this chub-chub of a family car hang right in there with some much sportier competition.

*Image Credit: MotorTrend.com

• 2013 Acura TL AWD
I’ll be honest, I kind of assumed that the 2013 Acura TL AWD was an 8-second 0-60 mph car. However when I learned that it ran it in 5.3-seconds, I was completely blown away as that’s properly quick. A good looking car, the TL falls directly into that “nice Japanese sedan” category, meaning that it’ll probably run forever, but never be too exciting. However now that I know it’s got some stones, AND can be had with a 6-speed manual, I may have to give it another look.

Be honest, you didn’t think it was that quick either.

*Image Credit: Driving.ca

• 2013 BMW 328xi
When most people see a BMW 328xi on the road they generally assume that the owner settled because they couldn’t afford a 335i. However those that purchase the 328xi are actually the smart ones here. Powered by a twin-turbo inline-4 that makes 240 hp and 255 lb.ft of torque, the 328xi will sprint to 60 mph in just 5.7-seconds and onto a governed top speed of 130 mph. Combine that with the fact that most people will simply shrug it off as the “cheap” BMW, and you’ve got yourself a nice little, fly-under-the-radar hot-rod.

• 2012 Chrysler 200 S
I don’t care what you put it in, but a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 283 horsepower and 260 lb.ft. of torque will generally mean serious speed. Stuff it in a basic and boring Chrysler 200 though, and well, you’ve got the makings of a car that has the word “SURPRISE” written all over it. 0-60 mph time is in the mid-6′s and mid-range torque is fantastic meaning that you’ll be surprising people during highway roll-on’s every time you hit the gas.

• 2013 Ford Flex
It goes 0-60 mph in under 6-seconds, is equipped with all-wheel-drive and has a twin-turbo V6 that produces 365-hp / 350-lb-ft of torque. It also looks as though it should be hauling surfboards to the beach. This is the 2013 Ford Flex Ecoboost AWD and it’s probably the best sleeper of the bunch. At $49,790.00 it’s definitely not cheap, but the fact that you’ll be able to school the vast amount of performance sedans in a light-to-light drag race is priceless.

Over the last 13 years the Subaru Impreza WRX has amassed a dedicated and loyal following. It’s been featured in endless magazine comparisons and for a long time was the benchmark in the category of cheap performance. Motor Trend’s Carlos Lago recently got a hold of the new 2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition to see if there was in fact, any magic left in Subaru’s little AWD rally-inspired hot-rod, or if the flame has fizzled and died. Check it out after the jump.

Source: MotorTrend.com

What we have here is a nice driver quality 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split window coupe. One of the rarest Corvettes ever produced, the split window was available for one model year only. What I like about this ad is that the owner seems to be giving a very fair and honest description of the car. The Ermine white lacquer paint for instance is said to be in nice shape, but does have some cracking and the undercarriage, although clean, is not detailed. Equipped with a numbers matching 327 cu.in. V8, a Borg Warner T-10 4-speed and showing a very nice a red interior, this beautiful coupe is sure to stand out wherever it’s driven. The “buy it now” price is set at $65,000.00 U.S. which seems in line with other ’63 Corvettes on the market. So, if you’re interested you can click through to see a few more pics, or go directly to the eBay link below.

Source: eBayMotors.com

It’s a well known fact that the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one serious performer. However when the boys at Benz decided to chop the top and create the SLS AMG GT Roadster, some enthusiasts thought that the car would lose some of its performance magic. InsideLine.com has come through with some favorable track test numbers that we hope will put all those who were skeptical at ease. Check it out after the jump.

Source: InsideLine.com

When it comes to off-road rallies and events there is no doubt that Europe has the U.S. beat hands down. That doesn’t mean however that U.S. teams can’t participate. The following video covers Team Magpul as they tackle the infamous Breslau Rallye off-road race that starts in Germany and ends in Poland. This is a race that no matter how well prepared you are, can and will bite you in the ass at the worst possible moment.

You’ve been warned.

Source: BangShift.com

Isn’t it amazing the lengths that some people will go through to accomplish a job even if it’s done incorrectly? I mean there has to be a time when one simply says, “Enough is enough…”, admits failure and goes about their merry way. What we have here is a simple case of ego vs common sense, where unfortunately the ego took control and ended up costing this boat hauling company not only a truck, but quite a bit of cash as well.

Source: Youtube.com

The first time I spied an Iso Grifo was on 6th Avenue and Houston Street in lower Manhattan. It was parked on the corner and even though I knew nothing about it at the time, I knew it was special. The Iso Grifo is one of those rare marriages of Italian design and American muscle where everything just worked. The cars lines are stunning, and thanks to a wonderfully simple old school V8 power plant and transmission, maintenance on this old beauty is a snap. The guys at Petrolicious.com have been bringing us some wonderful automotive content as of late. They’re production quality, story lines and visuals are wonderful and we can’t thank them enough for that. Well done guys!

Source: PetroliciousCo

Patience, understanding and expectations. That’s what it’s going to take for you to go out and purchase an electric car. Recently the guys from Kelly Blue Book got their hands on a 2013 Tesla Model S and decided to take it on a trip from L.A. to Las Vegas. In theory this trip should have gone off without a hitch, however due to a nail in the tire, some large hills and the fact that Tesla’s supercharging stations are few and far between, their journey was extended at bit. There is no doubt in my mind that electric cars are here to stay, and I applaud Tesla for being at the forefront of this technology. However before you go and plunk down your hard earned greenbacks make sure you set realistic expectations so as to make sure that an electric car is truly for you.

Source: Youtube.com

Back in the early 1980′s Grey Poupon Dijon mustard launched an ad campaign that went down as one of histories best. It showed two Rolls-Royce sedans pull up alongside each other, and with the simple flick of a window switch, the world was introduced to the phrase, “Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?” The ad was brilliant, but apparently, 30 years later some controversy arose around a portion of lost footage that hasn’t been seen until now. Click through and check it out.

Source: Youtube.com

One of the most common questions I receive is about new car deliveries. What you should ask the salesman to NOT do, how to fully inspect the paint for dings, dents, dust nibs, scratches, and possible re-painted areas without using expensive tools. New car polishing and paint sealant tips for protecting your investment. – Larry K. AmmoNYC

Source: AMMONYC.com

Traction, power and balls. That’s what it takes to be a good drag racer these days. Have too much of one and not enough of the other though, and things can sometimes go south. If however you’ve got too much of all of the above, well then that can also be a detriment. Racer Jere Etheridge recently found this out when piloting what looks to be a late model Mustang down the 1,320. Not only did he have traction and power, but he also had the balls to stay in it the entire run making for one of the most exciting passes I’ve ever seen. Don’t believe me? Click through and check it out after the jump.

Source: Youtube.com

Sport-bikes, choppers, off-road enduros and customs. All genres of the motorcycle hobby that appeal to different buying segments. As riders we all look for different attributes in a bike that conform to the way we ride, it’s our nature. Jared Johnson of Holiday Customs of Portland, Oregon sees motorcycles as simplistic machines that are meant to provide a mix of pleasure, visceral enjoyment and at times, a little free thought. Check out his one man operation after the jump.

Source: Vimeo.com

Getting the stance right in a custom vehicle can either make it or break it from a visual perspective. Set it too high and it looks like a 4×4, set it too low and you’re dragging oil pans. Diedelson’s Customs in Holland has opted for the latter on their 1951 Chevy Truck and in doing so has created a vehicle that looks like it came out of some B-rated horror flick. It’s old and rusty, but thanks to a front airbag suspension it actually runs pretty good when pushed hard. Is it for everyone? Well no. However if you’re diggin’ on the rusty ole’ airbag look, then this slammed old Chevy may just be the one for you.

Source: Chromjuwlen.com

Apparently all it takes to make one of the best car chases we’ve seen in awhile is some cardboard, hot glue, a few RC Mustangs and a butt-load of talent.

Click through to check out some extreme automotive awesomeness after the jump.

Source: Youtube.com

The American hot-rod is an icon. It was crafted out of rebellion, ingenuity and the will to be different. They were meant to go fast, get looks and at days end, announce to the world that you had arrived in style. The truth is though, in the last 60 years not a whole lot has changed. Sure technology has advanced, but deep down the basic DNA has always remained the same. Levi’s recently launched a great ad that not only transports us back to a time when life was a little simpler, but reminds us why cars, of any vintage are all masterpieces just waiting to be turned into hot-rods.

Source: RalfBecker.com

Back when the Porsche Cayman was released back in 2005, most enthusiasts simply dismissed it as a Porsche Boxster with a roof. Those in the automotive know however knew the car was much, much more. A mid-engine coupe with a near perfect weight balance, the Porsche Cayman gain a loyal following as soon as the automotive press jumped behind the wheel. Chris Harris recently got a chance to sample the new 2013 Porsche Cayman S and found out what most of us already knew. It’s awesome!

Source: Youtube.com/DRIVE

The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, rivals from the first day they met. They both pack big power and high style, but over the last few years something strange has happened. You see these two pony cars have turned into handlers capable of competing with some of Europe’s best. But how do they compare with each other? Motor Trend recently grabbed a 2013 Mustang GT Track Pack and a 2013 Camaro 1LE to see who’s got the biggest track day bragging rights. Click through for the video.

Source: MotorTrend.com