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 Aspen Boasting the Chrysler Design
Jenny McLane
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Coming from the Chrysler Group, the Chrysler Aspen is a forthcoming sport utility vehicle that will be launched as a 2007 model. It is currently based on the Dodge Durango sport utility vehicle. Also, this Chrysler Aspen is the first SUV commercialized under the Chrysler brand. This vehicle made its first public appearance during the 2006 North American International Auto Show. As per the Chrysler Aspen's introduction, all American automobile brands have a SUV under their wings. This vehicle comes equipped with three rows of seating for eight passengers and has an all-wheel drive, and two engine options – the 2.7 liter PowerTech V8 that has the ability to produce 236 hp, and the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 that can make 335 hp.

The Chrysler Aspen boasts the elegant styling that is only Chrysler, has unsurpassed capability, performance, and has abundant premium amenities. Jeff Bell, vice president of Chrysler, exclaims, “The all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers customers guilt-free indulgence. Loaded with premium features, stunning Chrysler design, fuel-saving MDS technology, standard safety features, and best-in-class horsepower, torque and interior room, Chrysler Aspen offers more for less.”

As per its comparison to large sport utility vehicles, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen is considered to be more fuel-efficient and is more maneuverable. And as compared to full-size SUVs, Chrysler Aspen holds more interior passenger space and more cargo room, along with unmatched towing and hauling capabilities. It also has premium features that includes interior LED lighting, express-up windows, a full-screen navigation radio, heated first-row and second-row seats, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, along with a new one-touch lane-change features that provides and allows the driver of the Chrysler Aspen to be able to quickly activate a three-blink turn signal when changing lanes. This vehicle also presents advanced safety and security features that includes the Electronic Stability Program, or the ESP, the Electronic Roll Mitigation, or also known as the ERM, the ParkSense, a Tire Pressure Monitoring, or TPM, system, along with side-curtian air bags for all seating rows in its interior.

Trevor Creed, senior vice president of Chrysler in Design, boasts, “With a unique and distinctive design, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen brings a new look to the SUV segment. Encompassing design cues from Chrysler 300 and Crossfire – including the signature chromed grille and sculpted hood -- Chrysler Aspen is an elegant, yet striking premium SUV that is unmistakably Chrysler.” Chrysler Aspen's chromed grille, which is the visage of this brand, is a signature of the Chrysler 300 that is inspired by the memorable V10 powered Chrysler Chronos concept car that had made its debut in 1998 at the North American International Auto Show. The Chrysler Aspen has wings that flow seamlessly into the grille header and contain the gold seal of the brand, thus providing a proud and instantly recognizable design cue.

For Chrysler auto parts needs, customers can visit Auto Parts Online for a wide collection of Chrysler parts like condensers, fenders, exhaust manifolds, intake manifolds, floor mats, head gaskets, lights, sound deadeners, and radiator supports.

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