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Next-Gen: These Future Cars Will Revolutionize Driving From 2023-2025

The automotive industry changes each year as cars and trucks evolve in design and technology. These future cars are at the forefront of the market due to evolving EV trends. With gasoline engines going the way of the dinosaur, there’s never been a time to be more excited. EV cars are fun to drive and offer an exhilarating amount of performance for the price. Electric powertrains are naturally more powerful than gasoline vehicles and more efficient.

Gasoline engines are going to be phased out of the industry but it will be a slow and gradual phase out. There are still going to be a few new gasoline-powered vehicles that are worth noting. For example, the Toyota Stout is going to offer a comparable alternative to the Ford Maverick. However, the majority of the market is leaning toward electric vehicles. So we looked at the future cars that are going to shape the next three years or more of driving. These vehicles will singlehandedly change the way that we drive, so check them out here.

Photo Credit: Mini USA

2023 Mini Hatchback

In 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the release of the Mini Hatchback. This stylish vehicle boasts a compact size that makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets. Additionally, the Mini Hatchback features a fuel-efficient engine, which is great for those who prioritize eco-friendliness. The Mini has always been a different type of car and the 2023 Hatchback promises to continue building on that legacy (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Mini USA

Not only that, but the car also comes equipped with a host of advanced safety features to ensure that drivers and passengers stay safe on the road. Plus, its sleek design is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Overall, the 2023 Mini Hatchback is a top choice for drivers who want a vehicle that’s both practical and stylish.

The post Next-Gen: These Future Cars Will Revolutionize Driving From 2023-2025 appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Holy Grails: Classic Muscle Cars With Single-Digit Production Numbers

It’s no secret that car fans are mesmerized by limited-edition supercars that were produced in low numbers. Yes, those multi-million-dollar machines are fantastic, but they’re not the only cars with single-digit production numbers. Back in the heyday of the muscle car culture, Detroit made numerous rare muscle cars with lower production numbers than the supercars of today.

As you’ll see on this list, most of the cars on our lists are Hemi-powered models because that option was rare and expensive back then. It was available in a range of Plymouth and Dodge models. Some of these scarce models were rarer than others. But we’re not only talking about Mopar cars exclusively. True, Hemis are definitely known for their exclusivity, but they’re not the only ones. You’ll also find some rare muscle cars from Ford and Chevy as well, so enjoy the rarest muscle cars right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible – 9 Made

Even though Plymouth had the Barracuda, their first pony car model was introduced two weeks before the Ford Mustang. The Chrysler-owned stablemate Dodge didn’t enter the segment until 1970. The Challenger was immediately presented with the full firepower of Mopar engines. Buyers could get a powerful 383 V8, a big 440, and the famous 426 Hemi (via Sports Car Market).

Photo Credit: Mecum

Since the Challenger was an actual muscle car, the majority of examples sold were coupes. But a convertible was also available. In 1970, Dodge produced only nine convertible Challengers. The Hemi made this model one of the rarest as well as the most powerful muscle car convertible built during this golden era.

The post Holy Grails: Classic Muscle Cars With Single-Digit Production Numbers appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Bigger Isn’t Better: Massive Engines That Somehow Have Low Power

Most car fans know that bigger engines are more capable of producing higher power. They have bigger bores, strokes, and high flow intakes that can feed the engine with more fuel and air. However, modern times have brought the auto world downsizing. These fuel-efficient engines can match a larger V8’s power with the help of turbocharging and modern technology. Yet displacement is still king. If you want a lot of power, the best way to do so is with a lot of cylinders and significant displacement.

However, in the car industry, some huge engines were downright disappointing. They were massive, but somehow pathetic in their power output; even bordering on disgraceful. Today, we’ll discuss those rare kinds of engines that were massive machines with ridiculously low power. Most of them were the victims of tightening emission regulations and low compression approaches. But some of them were simply products of poor engineering. Either way, these engines taught today’s car world a thing or two about not what to do wrong. Check these engines out right here.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Cadillac 500 CID

The Cadillac 500 CID is a typical example of a massive engine with enormous potential ruined by environmental standards. This mighty power plant was introduced in 1970 in the Eldorado and remained the top engine choice for almost a decade. In 1970, this engine produced a healthy 400 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque, which made it one of the most powerful engines ever put in a production vehicle. Unfortunately, this lasted only for a year before it began to decline (via Driving Line).

By the second half of the 1970s, Cadillac’s mighty 500 V8 lost all of its power. The engine was installed in other models like Fleetwood. As time progressed and US manufacturers introduced low-compression engines, this mighty unit delivered only 190 to 210 HP and almost 200 lb.-ft of torque less than the 1970 model. Of course, its performance was pathetic as well.

The post Bigger Isn’t Better: Massive Engines That Somehow Have Low Power appeared first on Motor Junkie.

No Reserve: 350-Powered 1936 Pontiac Silver Streak Street Rod

This 1936 Pontiac Silver Streak is a modified example that was acquired by the current owner’s late husband approximately 17 years ago. Power is from a replacement 350ci GMC V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a Positraction differential. The car is finished in red with orange stripes over two-tone gray vinyl upholstery, and additional features include independent front suspension with power-assisted disc brakes, an aluminum fuel cell, 15” American Racing wheels, and a Mitsubishi AM/FM cassette stereo. This Pontiac street rod is being offered at no reserve by the seller on behalf of the current owner with Connecticut registration.

The car has been repainted red with orange and yellow stripes. The front bumper has been removed, and exterior details include a louvered hood, tinted windows, dual exhaust outlets, and chrome side mirrors. Paint blemishes on the trunk lid are noted by the seller, along with a crack and delamination in the rear window.

The 15” American Racing wheels feature red accents and wear faux knock-off spinners with Pontiac center caps. The car rides on Mustang II-spec independent front suspension, and braking is through power-assisted front discs with rear drums.

The cabin houses later-model front bucket seats as well as a rear bench trimmed in two-tone gray vinyl with white piping that extends to the door panels. Darker gray carpets line the floors, and amenities consist of front shoulder belts, a height-adjustable rearview mirror, and a Mitsubishi AM/FM cassette stereo. A Vintage Air HVAC system has been installed, though it is inoperable. Wear on the driver’s seat is visible, and the seller states that the trim pieces around the front seats are in need of reattachment.

A three-spoke steering wheel with a removable cover sits ahead of a gray vinyl-trimmed dashboard housing a Vintage Reproduction 130-km/h speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary displays. The five-digit odometer shows approximately 77k kilometers (~48k miles), approximately 13k of which have been added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown, and the fuel level gauge is inoperable.

The 350ci V8 was reportedly sourced from a 1977 GMC and features a four-barrel carburetor, an upgraded camshaft and headers, a 17-gallon RCi aluminum fuel cell, a mechanical fuel pump, and a 12-volt alternator with a Pertronix ignition coil and distributor.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission and a Positraction differential from a 1977 Chevrolet Nova. Aftermarket mufflers have been installed, and additional underbody images are provided in the gallery below. The seller notes a leak from the transmission.

The car does not have a title, as it is being sold in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is being offered with its Connecticut registration.

LT1-Powered Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe

This Ford Deluxe is a fiberglass-bodied convertible coupe that was acquired by the current owner in 2014 and subsequently assembled. The car is finished in ivory over red upholstery. Power is provided by a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and the car is finished in ivory over red leather upholstery. Additional equipment includes chrome engine accessories, a tan convertible top with a red boot cover, 16″ chrome-finished Budnik wheels, independent front and rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, bodyside pinstripes, rear flush-mounted turn signals, air conditioning, power windows, Dakota Digital gauges, and an AM/FM/CD stereo. This Ford Deluxe convertible is now offered with images from the assembly process, spare parts and manuals, and a North Carolina title listing the car as a 1940 Ford Streetrod.

The Wescott fiberglass body was reportedly painted using the PPG color “Vanilla Milkshake” and mated to a fabricated boxed-frame chassis as part of the build completed under current ownership. Equipment includes a tan convertible top with a red top boot, red and silver bodyside pinstripes, running boards, rear flush-mounted turn signals, body-colored bumpers, side mirrors, a split windshield, and dual center exhaust outlets.

Chrome-finished 16″ Budnik wheels wear Michelin tires. Braking is handled by unassisted four-wheel discs, and the car rides on front and rear independent suspension.

The custom front bucket seats and rear bench are upholstered in red and are accompanied by a matching dashboard, door panels, and carpets. Additional equipment includes power windows, air conditioning, a front armrest, alloy pedals, sun visors, and an AM/FM/CD stereo.

The red-rimmed steering wheel is mounted to a chrome-finished Ididit steering column and fronts a horizontal panel of Dakota Digital gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 10k miles, all of which have been added under current ownership.

The 5.7-liter LT1 V8 was reportedly sourced from a 1996 Corvette and features chrome-finished components including the air conditioning compressor, alternator, valve covers, pulleys, and air cleaner cover.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission.

The tag attached to the firewall is pictured above and lists the sequence 539869, which matches the VIN listed on the North Carolina title that displays a “Specially Constructed” label.

No Reserve: Ford Roadster–Style Go-Kart

This go-kart was designed to resemble a 1934 Ford roadster hot rod and was purchased by the seller in 2022 before being refurbished. The fiberglass bodywork is finished in Candy Green over a tubular steel chassis, and power comes from a replacement 212cc Predator single paired with a 30 Series torque converter. Equipment includes an MCP hydraulic disc brake, an onboard battery charger, a gold engine bay heat reflector, staggered-diameter polished wheels, headlights and taillights, side-view mirrors, a plexiglass windshield, drilled pedals, a black vinyl seat, and black carpets. This ’34 Ford-style go-kart is now offered at no reserve in Greenville, Kentucky, on a bill of sale.

The fiberglass bodywork is said to have been repainted in House of Kolor–sourced Candy Green under the seller’s ownership. Headlights and taillights were also fitted, and additional equipment includes a wire mesh grille, a plexiglass windscreen, dual side-view mirrors, and a rear-hinged decklid. The kart measures 78″ long, 30″ wide, and 23″ tall.

The polished wheels are mounted in a big and little setup, and they wear 145/70–6 front and 18×9.00–10 rear SUNF tires. The tubular steel chassis was reportedly sandblasted and repainted in black, while the wheel hubs and brackets were painted gold. Black-finished hairpins are fitted up front, and replacement bearings and fasteners were reportedly installed under the seller’s ownership. Stopping power is provided by an MCP hydraulic disc brake with a gold-painted caliper on the rear axle.

The cockpit features a single seat trimmed in black vinyl along with matching side panels and marine-grade carpets. A three-spoke steering wheel is mounted aft of gold-painted drilled foot pedals. A replacement wiring harness was installed under the seller’s ownership.

The 212cc Predator single was added under the seller’s ownership along with a 30 Series torque converter.

Power is delivered to the rear axle via a chain drive.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car. The limited-edition Firebird was originally sold in Canada and shows 3,460 kilometers (2,150 miles). Built to commemorate both the 1980 Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 races, all were powered by a turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. According to the build sheet, this F-body was originally delivered to Smyl Motors Ltd. in St. Paul, Alberta. Equipment includes T-tops, power windows, Delco AM/FM stereo with cassette, and more. Finished in white with multicolor accents over an off-white vinyl and cloth interior, this Trans Am comes with documentation, owner’s booklets, T-top bags, original pace car decals with instructions, and Canadian registration.

The Cameo White body is accented with silver trim, red and black striping, and black/silver/gray/red “Screaming Chicken” hood graphic. Other features include front and rear fender flares, rear spoiler and exhaust splitters.

The original color-keyed 15-inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in the original 225/70 Goodyear Polysteel Radial white-letter tires.

The cockpit features Oyster vinyl and cloth high-back bucket seats with matching rear buckets. The instrument panel is trimmed with engine-turned aluminum. Amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt steering column, tinted glass, rear defroster, and power decklid with space-saver tire in the trunk.

Instrumentation includes a 140-kmh speedometer, 6,000-rpm tachometer, hood-mounted boost indicators, clock and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure and voltage.

The turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 was rated at 210 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque when new. Interestingly, per the built sheet, this Trans Am came factory-equipped with an engine block heater. The three-speed “M33” automatic transmission is backed by a 3.08:1 Positraction rear end.

The chassis features Pontiac’s Radial Tuned Suspension. Steering is power-assisted. Power disc brakes can be found on all four corners.

The auction for this 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car ends on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car. The limited-edition Firebird was originally sold in Canada and shows 3,460 kilometers (2,150 miles). Built to commemorate both the 1980 Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 races, all were powered by a turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. According to the build sheet, this F-body was originally delivered to Smyl Motors Ltd. in St. Paul, Alberta. Equipment includes T-tops, power windows, Delco AM/FM stereo with cassette, and more. Finished in white with multicolor accents over an off-white vinyl and cloth interior, this Trans Am comes with documentation, owner’s booklets, T-top bags, original pace car decals with instructions, and Canadian registration.

The Cameo White body is accented with silver trim, red and black striping, and black/silver/gray/red “Screaming Chicken” hood graphic. Other features include front and rear fender flares, rear spoiler and exhaust splitters.

The original color-keyed 15-inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in the original 225/70 Goodyear Polysteel Radial white-letter tires.

The cockpit features Oyster vinyl and cloth high-back bucket seats with matching rear buckets. The instrument panel is trimmed with engine-turned aluminum. Amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt steering column, tinted glass, rear defroster, and power decklid with space-saver tire in the trunk.

Instrumentation includes a 140-kmh speedometer, 6,000-rpm tachometer, hood-mounted boost indicators, clock and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure and voltage.

The turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 was rated at 210 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque when new. Interestingly, per the built sheet, this Trans Am came factory-equipped with an engine block heater. The three-speed “M33” automatic transmission is backed by a 3.08:1 Positraction rear end.

The chassis features Pontiac’s Radial Tuned Suspension. Steering is power-assisted. Power disc brakes can be found on all four corners.

The auction for this 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car ends on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car. The limited-edition Firebird was originally sold in Canada and shows 3,460 kilometers (2,150 miles). Built to commemorate both the 1980 Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 races, all were powered by a turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. According to the build sheet, this F-body was originally delivered to Smyl Motors Ltd. in St. Paul, Alberta. Equipment includes T-tops, power windows, Delco AM/FM stereo with cassette, and more. Finished in white with multicolor accents over an off-white vinyl and cloth interior, this Trans Am comes with documentation, owner’s booklets, T-top bags, original pace car decals with instructions, and Canadian registration.

The Cameo White body is accented with silver trim, red and black striping, and black/silver/gray/red “Screaming Chicken” hood graphic. Other features include front and rear fender flares, rear spoiler and exhaust splitters.

The original color-keyed 15-inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in the original 225/70 Goodyear Polysteel Radial white-letter tires.

The cockpit features Oyster vinyl and cloth high-back bucket seats with matching rear buckets. The instrument panel is trimmed with engine-turned aluminum. Amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt steering column, tinted glass, rear defroster, and power decklid with space-saver tire in the trunk.

Instrumentation includes a 140-kmh speedometer, 6,000-rpm tachometer, hood-mounted boost indicators, clock and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure and voltage.

The turbocharged 4.9-liter V8 was rated at 210 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque when new. Interestingly, per the built sheet, this Trans Am came factory-equipped with an engine block heater. The three-speed “M33” automatic transmission is backed by a 3.08:1 Positraction rear end.

The chassis features Pontiac’s Radial Tuned Suspension. Steering is power-assisted. Power disc brakes can be found on all four corners.

The auction for this 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am Pace Car ends on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 4:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery