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.

Chrysler 300: Bagging the Awards In
Tracy Dawson
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Sharing its platform with the Dodge Magnum wagon and the Dodge Charger sedan, the 2006 Chrysler 300 is a sedan that is leaning towards the luxury level. It is offered in four trim levels which comprise of the base, the Touring, the 300C and the 300C SRT8. The base and the Touring trim levels hold V6 engines. The other two hold V8s. The 5.7 V8 engine which is owned by the 300C has the Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System. This system functions to deactivate four cylinders under cruise conditions so as to save on fuel.

What is standard for the 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan is luxury. It comes with a totally luxurious passenger room that is more than spacious. The interior holds well-appointed and designed features like satin silver accents along with an elegant analog clock. It exudes refinement and sophistication. The accents are made of genuine California walnut or the available industry-first tortoise shell-style accents. These accents are found on the vehicle's power tilt and telescope steering wheels, shift knob, and its front and rear door pull handles.

The 2006 Chrysler 300 has already received awards in its lifespan. This sedan was included in the Car and Driver magazine's 10 best cars for 2006 for the full size sedan category where 71 vehicles were nominated. Consumer Guide also awarded the 2006 Chrysler 300 as its choice for Best Buy for 2006. This award is given to vehicles as recognition for their perfect balance attributes within its own class, along with power, and fuel efficiency, as well as distinctive styling all in one vehicle. As per last year, this vehicle was also named as the North American Car of the Year as well as the Automobile magazine's Automobile of the year. Edmunds.com recognized the Chrysler 300's vibrant and high performance characteristics so much so that it decided to award the sedan as the most significant new vehicle for 2005. The same company also included the vehicle in its Top 10 Hippest for 2005 list. The highest government front crash test rating, which is five stars, was also given to the Chrysler 300. Aside from those mentioned, the Chrysler 300 has also bagged in the following awards: Smart Money's Best Full Size Sedan (June 2004), Money Magazine's Best Large Car (2005), Maxim Magazine's Car of the Year (2005), African Americans on Wheels' Urban Wheel Awards Car of the Year, Chief Executive's Top 10 Cars for CEOs, Automotive Rhythms' Urban Elite Car of the Year, Automotive Fleet's Fleet Car of the Year (2005), Road and Travel magazine's 2005 International Car of the Year, Advertising Age's 10 Hottest Cars (2004), Detroit Free Press' Car of the Year (2005) and the Detroit News' Car of the Year (2005).

Auto Parts Corner manufactures and sells performance parts, accessories, and auto parts for Chrysler 300 and Chrysler vehicles. Auto Parts Corner strives to be the ultimate source for auto parts for most Chrysler parts. Customers and Chrysler owners can simply browse through this online store's collection and they could search for durable and quality auto parts like AC compressors, starters, and wheels.

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