Power, speed and performance – those are the three major traits of a muscle car. When first produced, muscle cars were just pretty darn amazing because they combined the efficiency of a lightweight, mid-sized body with the performance of a high- power V8 engine and special design features that further increased the cars? acceleration capabilities. Because muscle cars topped all other vehicles in terms of power, speed and performance, they were ideal for racing.

Muscle cars were produced from the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, but the production of such beasts fell drastically due to a number of factors. First was the controversy over whether it was wise and responsible to make such powerful vehicles available to the general public, primarily due to road racing. Because muscle cars were often used irresponsibly, liability relating to them was pretty high which forced insurance companies to increase rates for insuring muscle cars. Emission control requirements intended to curb pollution also played into the picture making it near impossible for automakers to produce muscle cars that met the standards they had to adhere to.

Needless to say, the muscle car industry changed quickly due to these influences. Demand decreased because many ?would-be? buyers of muscle cars couldn?t fathom paying the enormous insurance rates for a high-power vehicle and automakers had to meet the challenges presented by pollution control standards.

Since muscle cars were produced for a limited number of years, they are valuable items for collectors and are still highly desirable to those who enjoy racing or desire a quick, powerful, mid-sized car. Since the decline in the production of muscle cars, some automakers have attempted to bring the muscle car era back to life by producing powerful vehicles that resemble the legendary muscle cars, but in my opinion, they don?t hold a candle to classic muscle cars like the GTO, the Road Runner or the Chevelle SS.

It will be interesting to see how the history of muscle cars plays out. Will present day automakers renew production of true muscle cars that are fast and powerful? Will there be enough demand to make muscle car production worth it to them? Or, will muscle cars continue to be limited to those classic models that were produced in the 60s and 70s?

Classic muscle cars are pretty amazing pieces of machinery. One that is restored and in cherry condition is really worth a lot of money. As time goes on, there are fewer muscle cars available which makes them even more valuable to classic car collectors and muscle car enthusiasts.

Chrysler Aspen Boasting the Chrysler Design
Jenny McLane
1009

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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