Automotive Addicts

Automotive Addicts


Group Alleges That Chrysler & Ford Engage In False Advertising

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 11:30 AM PDT


The 2012 Chrysler 300. Image: Chrysler Group LLC

The Made in the USA Foundation was created in 1989 to promote American-manufactured products, and Ford was one of the companies that provided initial funding to the group. That hasn't stopped the Made in the USA Foundation from calling out both Ford and Chrysler, charging both companies with false advertising in complaints filed with the FTC.

Ford claims in radio spots that the mid-size Fusion is an American car, yet it's built in Mexico with Mexican labor. That will partially change in the near future, as Ford moves some of its Fusion production to Flat Rock, Michigan, where the car will be built alongside the Mustang. The bulk of Ford Fusion product will still come out of Ford's plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, which should preclude Ford from waving the flag behind this particular model.

It gets worse for Chrysler. As both Automotive News (subscription required) and Left Lane News point out, the "Imported From Detroit" Chrysler 300 is built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, and uses an engine built in Mexico. That may be good enough for NAFTA, but it hardly qualifies the car as an American-made product.

Ford hasn't commented on the complaint and Chrysler says it's without merit. Per Michael Palese, Chrysler's manager of legal communications, "Chrysler Group will continue to pursue all avenues to protect our "Imported From Detroit."

Made in the USA Foundation also charges both automakers with removing the country of origin label from car windows at auto shows. This information can be found on the window sticker, which automakers often remove from vehicles displayed at car shows to prompt dialogue with in-booth personnel.

As Chrysler's Palese points out, there's nothing illegal about this. The American Automobile Labeling Act requires country of origin information to be displayed on vehicles distributed for sale, and not on those shown at auto shows.

The bottom line? If you really want to buy an American-made product, do your homework before you sign on the dotted line.

Kurt Thiim E30 BMW M3 DTM Project Replicated from 1:18 Scale Model Car

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 07:09 AM PDT


Have you ever looked at the home office or work desk belonging to a true automotive enthusiast? Did you take notice to any model cars or die-cast models that resemble some of your favorite all-time sports/exotic cars? As I write this very post I notice that I am surrounded by upwards of 10 model cars on my desk and on the wall in my office. Sometimes I dream that I could do a real-life build of one of them especially my 1:18 scale 2001 E46 BMW M3 GTR model car. That would be a dream come true for me.

The only person that I know personally crazy enough to do such a thing actually pulled off a stunt like this from his very own 1:18 scale Kurt Thiim 1988 E30 BMW M3 Race Car. The guys at the Orlando, Florida area PSI (Precision Sport Industries) shop took countless hours in constructing a virtually identical build to one of the shop manager's Kurt Thiim M3 1:18 scale model car. The attention to detail on this E30 BMW M3 is remarkable from the custom body work down to the vinyl wrap. It is safe to say that this vintage build is one-of-a-kind. Check out the latest images and mod list below.

1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-1 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-2 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-3 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-4 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-5 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-6 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-7 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-8 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-9 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-10 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-11 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-12 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-13 1988-bmw-m3-e30-dtm-build-14

Modification highlight list for E30 BMW M3 build

Engine:

  • S52 Swap w/ OBD 1 Conversion
  • Full Custom Exhaust and RD Sport RHD Headers
  • Euro 3.5 HFM w/ 24 lb injectors
  • Custom AA tuning

Exterior:

  • 3M Matte Black Complete Wrap
  • 3M Matte DTM Livery w/ Custom Cut Matte Decals and Lambo Pearl Yellow Striping
  • 17 inch Hartge 3 piece Wheels

Suspension:

  • TC Kline Racing SA Coliover Suspension

Interior:

  • RECARO Pole Position Seat

2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 To Come In Topless Flavor, Too

Posted: 11 Oct 2011 06:30 AM PDT


The 2013 Camaro ZL1 Convertible. Image: © GM Corp.

If you prefer to enjoy Saturn V rocket-like thrust with the sun in your face and the wind in your hair, here's some good news: Chevy will build a convertible version of it's upcoming Camaro ZL1. The ragtop version features the same 580 horsepower, supercharged 6.2-liter engine as the ZL1 Coupe, which makes it a more powerful 2+2 convertible than the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 (with 550 horsepower), the 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (with 530 horsepower) and the Aston Martin DB9 Volante (with 470 horsepower).

Since the Camaro was designed to be both a coupe and convertible from the ground up, things like cowl shake and steering wheel shake shouldn't be a problem. Chevy claims that the ZL1 convertible will deliver a "coupe like" ride, and to back it up they've braced the chassis across the front strut towers, at the transmission support, at the driveshaft tunnel and at the front and rear of the unibody. The A-pillars, windshield header, front hinge pillar and rocker panels are also beefed up to cope with the lack of a steel roof structure. In other words, chassis flex shouldn't be an issue, even with 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque on tap.

Look for the 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible to debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Pricing hasn't been set, and you can expect to see the car hit dealer showrooms in late 2012.