wordplay: Greg Bloom
My senior year of high school, I was able to gain entry into a car auction in South Florida and picked up a ’78 Pontiac Trans Am and roll-played as Smokey and the Bandit for the remainder of my high school career. Recently transplanted from New York, I couldn’t justifiably rock the ’84 Cavalier and gain any kind of status in such a short stint. It seemed South Florida and muscle cars were synonymous and I luckily ended up with one of the two coolest rides in school. The other belonged to my newest best friend, Tommy, who had a mint condition Fire Engine Red ’69 Mustang Convertible with a 351 Windsor, which he and his dad had restored at their garage, Sir Thomas Automotive. That ’69 is still to this day about the finest looking, sounding and performing classic muscle cars I’ve ever seen.
The new Mustang Bullitt had Ford bring simple back as they manufactured what could be the cleanest, most straight forward muscle car in its class since the late 60’s models. Spacious interior, bulky hood and quarter-panels, wide wheelbase, brushed steel dash board with classic looking gauges and minimal electronics, Grant style shifter and steering wheel and the deep rumbling motor that sets Mustangs apart from the rest of the field, are all present in the Bullitt. The DVD-based Navigation system helps the weary consumer stay with the times and still enjoy the classic characteristics of the car. Celebrating 45 years of production, this new model 4.6l OHC V-8 yields 315hp but luckily comes with a power upgrade package option (why would you not go for that?). I enjoyed The Highland Green color given to me and believe Black is the only other standard color option for now. The exterior is very un-busy, dark and sleek as intended. This is a great pick-up for the Mustang or any classic car enthusiast.
When quickness, a modern edge and Japanese technology reign, it’s mind over matter. In the case of Nissan’s newest troublemaker in the neighborhood, the 350Z Nismo brings to life these specs and more in one of my top three joyrides of the year. This is one hot looking car. It’s lines are as sexy as those of the Porsche Caymen, the low profile and 18” super-lightweight forged alloy wheels deem it a match made in heaven with a nicely paved road, and you’d swear if you were staring at it head on that it was both winking and undressing you with its high beams. Her insidey parts are quite the turn-on as well ladies and gentlemen with a VQ35HR – 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine she gets 306 hp @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft torque @ 4,800 rpm. Good luck teasing and chasing her around the playground! A couple turn-ons only offered on the Nismo are the Nismo-tuned exhaust with dual polished exhaust tips, the Nismo-tuned sport suspension with front and rear body dampers, and to compensate for the Nismo’s added gusto, Nissan had to add special body weld reinforcements and stronger mounts for many under the hood private parts. Sexy, sporty, ballsy… 350Z Nismo… point A to Point B as it should be!
These two great rides are a special way to close out the year. I wish everyone happy and safe travels on the road this holiday season and look forward to sharing notes on all the sweet ’09 toys coming our way real soon!
NissanUSA.com
Ford.com |