Ferrari Dino 308GT4
The Ferrari 308GT4 was manufactured from 1973 to 1980 and approximately 2,826 car were produced. The car was considered a 2+2, which meant that two adults could ride in the front of the passenger compartment and there was some room behind them for additional passengers. Who or what the additional passengers were was up to debate. It could be two adults who had no legs or two small children, as the leg room was almost nonexistent.
This proved to be one of the most controversial body styles ever to come out from the Ferrari factory. The body was designed by the Bertone company rather than the Pinifarina design firm. The shape just did not look like a Ferrari to many aficionados. It was too boxy and did not look like the earlier 206/246 model line. In hindsight Bertone did a very good job in the space they had to work with, but many considered the car a second rate model rather than a true Ferrari sports car.
The engine was a 90 degree V8 of 2,926 cc or almost 3 liters. It produced 255 bph and was considered a very fast car for its time with a top speed of 154 mph in European trim. It was the first of the 308 series but is usually not considered a true 308 because of its design. Read the rest of this entry »
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Man Van!
How do you get men interested in a family hauler such as a minivan? You come up with a gratuitous marketing campaign based on a sport model designed for NASCAR dads and off-road guys. That is exactly what Chrysler is doing with its redesigned 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, by releasing an R/T model for the guys.
Minivan Originator
First some background information. The Dodge minivan was introduced for the 1984 model year with the current extended wheelbase Grand Caravan showing up in 1987. Initially, Dodge and Plymouth models were developed with Chrysler getting its own minivan in 1990.
Chrysler has been credited with starting the minivan movement and when the two remaining models are combined (Plymouth was discontinued in 2001), these models still manage to outsell the competition. Yet, appealing to guys has not been its strong suit, something the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T aims to change. Read the rest of this entry »