I'll Take my Challenger in Pink.

While I was out and about in downtown St. Louis last weekend I came across a vehicle that immediately peaked my interest. Backed into a parking spot at a high class hotel was the all new Dodge Challenger. Let's be honest, the car is a looker, but, it has been on the market long enough to where I don't jump for joy at its sight. This particular Challenger, however, was special. Its custom pink paint job glistened in the sunlight as did its custom billet grill. I couldn't help but notice the detailed pin striping and custom "ram" emblem on the hood. All of these elements, while not my style, can be forgiven. After all, Barbie deserves a car too. It was then that I realized what I had really stumbled upon.

The back end looked different. It was wider and meaner than a typical Challenger. Could this cute pink car be hiding racing slicks? Now that is a sleeper if there ever was one. I slowly walked around the car in sheer anticipation when my mouth hit the floor. What I saw was perhaps one of the greatest demonstrations of form over function. Why anyone in their right mind would want to do this to a vehicle is beside me and this is coming from a guy who moments ago was hoping to see slicks on a street car. Enough words, sometimes a picture just tells it all.

You gotta love the pink steamroller rear wheel. How many inches do you think is under there?

I'm going to guess 30...

Who would drive such a thing? That I do not know, but, I would absolutely love to find out...

Trend: Small cars, Big Luxury

At this past years North American International Auto show in Detroit the Ford Motor Company's Lincoln brand displayed a radically different concept that gained the attention of automotive journalists worldwide. This concept was not fueled by recycled atomic waste nor could it fly. What was so interesting was its aim to shatter the American car buyers expectation of luxury.

The Concept was named simply "C' after its C-segment size. For those unfamiliar with this jargon, the size in comparable to the Ford Focus. This vehicle, however, is no Focus as it is loaded with technology, goodies, and dramatic styling. While its exterior looks are not a home run in my opinion, the idea of a small luxury car from a brand that is known for selling cars that should be equipped with bow and stern lights is evidence that times are changing.

In rebuttal to the Lincoln's C concept, General Motors released a teaser for a small Buick that seems to go toe to toe with the pint sized Lincoln. While Lincoln's concept was on display and tangible, Buick's is merely a drawing and a dream. Even still, it looks good and could potentially be a hit if the decide to build it. Perhaps my favorite feature is the glass roof that can become opaque at the flip of a switch. Check out the full video below.

So what do you think? Will Americans accept small luxury vehicles or continue to demand the land yachts we are accustomed to today?

Rumor: New 2011 Mustang powertrains

So, for the third straight month the Chevrolet Camaro has taken the sales crown from Ford's Mustang. The two cars are very similar in cost and styled remarkably well. They even perform nearly identical on the track. The one thing the Mustang is lacking is bragging rights in the horsepower game.

The 3.6 liter V6 Camaro pumps out an impressive 304 horsepower all while delivering 29 mpg on the highway. On paper, the power output suggests the V6 Camaro can hold its own against the V8 Mustang GT. It does well for itself, but, is not necessarily the better car. The problem with the Camaro is weight. The Mustang weighs in over 200 pounds less than its bow-tie competition and it shows. The V6 power output may look impressive on the Camaro, but, the extra weight certainly hinders performance. Still, the Camaro offers superb styling and fuel economy at an affordable price and the public seems to prefer it in both V6 and V8 editions over the Mustang for the past 3 months.

Now for Ford's answer to this problem. While the body and interior of its pony car received a slew of improvements for 2010, the engine bay, was left relatively unchanged. With another year of development time under its belt, it appears Ford is ready to blast back with its new 3.7 liter V6 with horsepower said to be in the 315 range. This conveniently beats the Camaro V6 output and with the Mustangs lighter weight, will undoubtedly prove superior at the track. These cars are vastly about bragging rights after all. Before the V8 GT crowd gets their panties in a bunch they will be glad to know Ford will also offer a 5.0 liter V8 easily capable of exceeding 400 horses. The last time a 5.0 resided in a Mustang was 1995 and the 2011 motor, while same in displacement, is completely new from the ground up. This is part of the new V8 program by Ford which is also debuting its 6.2 liter V8 in the F-150 this fall.

So if the rumors are true it looks as if the 2011 Mustang will be armed and ready to go head to head against the Camaro. A very interesting development indeed considering even with the "old school" live rear axle and small V8 Car & Driver still picked the 2010 Mustang over the new Challenger and Camaro. The new motors should do very well for Ford. Still, no official word on the exact engine and transmission combinations. All that is known is they will be updated and will certainly rock.

As of now the twin turbo eco-boost V6 looks to be on hold for the 2011 Mustang. This, as with the above details, are still subject to change. Let's hope for our sakes Ford offers the eco-boost in the Mustang ASAP.