The idea of installing a powerful engine in a post WWII mid-size car was introduced in 1957. The American Motors (AMC) Rebel showcased AMC?s new 327 in³ V8 255 hp with a 4 barrel carburetor (fuel injection was to be optional), thus making it the first American factory hot-rod hardtop sedan. The Rambler Rebel came with a manual or automatic transmission, and dual exhaust. The Rebel was promoted as the fastest four-door car in America from 0-60 mph and ran the quarter mile in 17.0 seconds. It was one of the quickest production automobiles at that time.

The popularity of the muscle car grew in the 1960s. Among these was the Pontiac Tempest. For 1964 and 1965, the GTO was an option package that included Pontiac's 389 in³ (6.5 L) V8 engine, floor-shifted transmission with Hurst shift linkage, and special trim. In 1966, the Pontiac GTO was no longer an option, and became its own model. The project, spearheaded by Pontiac division president John De Lorean, was technically a violation of General Motors policy limiting its smaller cars to 330 in³ (5.4 L) displacement, but it proved far more popular than expected, and inspired a host of imitations, both at GM and its competitors.

This marked a general trend towards factory performance, which reflected the importance of the youth market. A key appeal of the muscle cars was that they offered the burgeoning American car culture an array of relatively affordable vehicles with strong street performance that could also be used for racing. The affordability aspect was quickly compromised by increases in size, optional equipment, and plushness, forcing the addition of more and more powerful engines just to keep pace with performance. A backlash against this cost and weight growth led in 1967 and 1968 to a secondary trend of "budget muscle" in the form of the Plymouth Road Runner, Dodge Super Bee, and other stripped, lower-cost variants.

Although the sales of true muscle cars were relatively modest by total Detroit standards, they had considerable value in publicity and bragging rights, serving to bring young buyers into showrooms. Automakers saw these as halo models and some, such as the AMC Rebel Machine, were factory upgraded to be turn-key drag racers. The 1970 Machine even came with flamboyant and patriotic red, white, and blue reflective body graphics for maximum street and racetrack visibility. The fierce competition led to an escalation in power that peaked in 1970, with some models offering as much as 450 hp (and others likely producing as much actual power, whatever their rating).

The Dodge Charger, known for its appearance as the villan's vehicle in the movie BullittAnother related type of car is the car-based pickup. Examples of these are the Ford Ranchero, GMC Sprint, GMC Caballero, and one of the most famous examples, the Chevrolet El Camino.

What’s Makes Chevy’s Number 1 Truck Just a Bit More Enticing in 2005.
Jenny McLane
151f What's Makes Chevy's Number 1 Truck Just a Bit More Enticing in 2005.

Last Year Silverado unveiled a hybrid version and it's still included in this years all star line up.

The Silverado pickup truck remains Chevy's best selling vehicle, probably in part because it's available in so many configurations. There's a Silverado to suit just about everyone who wants a full size pickup truck. Versatility is one of the Chevy Silverado's strongest point.

A gas-electric hybrid model was introduced in 2004 and remains in the lineup for 2005. A Hybrid Silverado's offer up to 10-percent better fuel economy; it has a 120-volt electrical power with ground fault detection and accessory powering capabilities with power outlets under the rear seat of the cab and in the pickup bed.

Don't expect to see a hybrid Silverado at most Chevy dealerships. The trucks are available in limited quantities and are only being sold in six states; this includes California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Nevada and Florida.

Some of the Chevy Silverado Configurations available for 2005 are the; choices for bodies are the Regular, Extended or Crew Cab bodies. You can also have a pick of Standard 6.5 foot or extended 8-foot boxes. This can come in Fleetside or Sportside box styles. Available are 1500 half-ton or 2500 three-quarter-ton models in 2WD or 4WD systems.

There are also choices to be made in engine types. They are the 4300 4.3 L V-6, 4800 4.8L V-8, Two models of the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 and the Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8. All Silverados with the Vortec 4300 4.3L V-6, and trucks sold in California with the Vortec 4800 4.8L or Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8, have a catalytic converter system that meets Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards. Trucks equipped with the Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 come with a dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) or bi-fuel system that can run on CNG or gasoline. Light-duty Silverados with the Vortec 5300 5.3L V-8 offer an option that allows owners to operate them on varying blends of ethanol and gasoline, up to a maximum of 85 percent ethanol.

Payload capacities range from 1,295 pounds to 4,047 pounds for 2500 heavy duty models. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings range from 6,100 pounds to 9,200 pounds on properly equipped heavy duty versions. GM's Quadrasteer four-wheel steering system is available on 1500 Extended Cab short-box and 2500 Crew Cab Silverado pickups. GM's OnStar system is standard on LT and available on LS light duty models. For the heavy duty trucks, OnStar is standard on Silverado LT Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, and available on 2500 HD and 3500 models.
It all boils down to one thing. When it comes to hard work, the Chevy Silverado is not shy. It is designed to do one thing and has no qualms in doing so. One good thing is, with every year the Chevy Silverado just keeps getting bigger, stronger and tougher. Plus with the addition of the Hybrid edition you can load up and save up also. Working hard doesn't mean you have to be a Spartan. Many features that seem to pile up every year for added comfort make life a tad bit easier.

One thing though, no matter how tough a machine the Silverado is, it is what it is, a machine. Machines have the tendency to wear down with its use, the more usage the more the probability there is that metal fatigue is setting in. Keep your Silverado in top-notch shape by doing preventive maintenance by using top-notch Chevy replacement parts from Auto Parts Train. They have in their stocks only the best in quality and the surest in fit. All are designed and graded to the specifications of original equipment manufacturers. Got into an accident? No sweat, Auto Parts Train only provides the finest in durability with its collision parts; it is as if nothing ever happened.

Dial 1-888-251-1214 to connect to their dedicated customer service crew to find out more and to have your concerns taken care of. They are available 12 hours a day and six days a week. To go straight to their complete and comprehensive catalog of Chevy parts click to this link http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/CHEVROLET , and browse on through to their easy to use 24 hours online website. Auto Parts Train has 25 years of service so you can be rest assured that these guys know what they are doing.

You have got it all here, great service, fantastic quality products and up to date stock checking. But wait there's still more; Auto Parts Train is one of the online Chevy auto parts that offer the lowest prices anywhere. They provide great discounts and savings on their entire Chevy car parts. They offer wholesale prices for their top-notch Chevy performance parts all the time. For your entire Chevy part needs, Auto Parts Train is here to serve you.

About the Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

2c
http://www.aaarticles.com/article25027.html