Facts About Datsun Only Experts Know
Think you know everything there is to know about the Datsun? Maybe you think there isn’t anything worth knowing about the Nissan-owned brand? Think again. While you may be familiar with the American market Datsun vehicles, there are several interesting things I learned while researching, including the history of the name, the makes and models available, and the re-emergence of the brand on the market (this might be most surprising of all since the Datsun name had fallen out of use for so long). Read further if you want to know more about this unique, interesting line of tiny vehicles.
First, Datsun’s history is a fascinating tale all by itself. Since the early 1900’s, DAT (an acronym of the three big car companies in Japan) has been producing vehicles for its home market, both military and consumer. However, Datsun itself came into being after some new rules and regulations were put on the books that allowed cars below 500cc to be driven without a driver’s license. This opened up a new market for small cars, and Datsun was born. The name “dat” (pronounced datto) means “startled rabbit”, which was a good place to start for marketing a small, quick vehicle for personal use. “Son/Sun” was paired with DAT after being sold to Nissan – to represent the sun on Japan’s flag as well as to denote the vehicle’s small size, especially in comparison to the rest of the larger vehicles being sold by Nissan.
Second, Datsun’s name was used to finagle a way into the global market after World War II. Datsun’s lower-priced, smaller cars were a popular item with young American families who wanted a small, second vehicle. The Bluebird became a popular model in the U.S., while the European market (particularly England) seemed to enjoy scooping up the Cherry and Sunny models. Eventually, however, the Datsun brand was changed to reflect its parent company, Nissan, and the Datsun badge disappeared.
Third and last, even though the Datsun name faded into obscurity to be replaced with the Nissan label, it has recently been resurrected to be used in ’emerging’ markets such as Russia, Indonesia, India, and South Africa. Nearly thirty years have passed since Datsun has been promoted as a brand, but it’s now back in action, its small size and low price a hit with people living in large cities. The Datsun Go and its various alternatives (such as the Go+) have been produced since 2012, and have been sold in these markets since 2013. There are even crossovers available now, such as the Redi-Go, and minivans, like the Go+.
What’s next for Datsun? It appears that Datsun is entering the SUV market this year with the Datsun Cross. It is being sold in Indonesia, though if it does well enough, it might move into the other emerging markets, like India and South Africa. With a minivan, SUV, crossover, and car on the market, Datsun may even decide, at some point in the near future, to resurrect its pick-up truck, in order to appeal to the widest audience range possible.
AC’s Shelby Cobra: English-American Hybrid
The United States and England have always had a somewhat hot-and-cold relationship with each other. The on-again, off-again partnership finally seemed to mellow out during the World Wars, and since then, both countries have paired up to produce Anglo-American hybrid products that appeal to clientele on both sides of the pond, so to speak. One of their best ideas was to go into business together to create a vehicle that would be a stand out in either country – the AC or Shelby Cobra.
In the early 1960’s, an American by the name of Carroll Shelby wrote to a British company to ask about the possibility of bringing a British car to the U.S., with one modification: a V8 engine. AC Cars agreed to the proposition, but requested that Shelby locate a suitable engine, since the Cobra was being sold at that time with a six-cylinder engine. Shelby complied and wrote to a few of the larger vehicle manufacturers in the U.S. and finally received an affirmative answer from the Ford company, who had just built a small-block V8 and was searching for a car that could compete with Chevrolet’s Corvette.
There were several packages available, including the Dragon Snake, which was used for racing. There are only six Cobras that were made available with the Dragon Snake package, but only two Cobras came with the Slalom Snake package, which was used exclusively during motor-cross events. The most rare package of all, the Super Snake, was made for two vehicles chosen to be altered from a racing car to a street legal vehicle. The first two drivers to take it for a spin said it was very nearly incapable of being driven, and one ended up being driven over a cliff and into the sea. The other remained under Shelby’s ownership until it was sold at auction for a cool $5 million plus commission.
Several other adaptations were also made, including the GHIA Spyder (a project with an Italian automobile company), and the Ford XD Cobra, which was a single model. Though there is little information regarding its specifications, you can see the vehicle up close and personal if you’re ever in Detroit, Michigan and want to stop by the Detroit Historical Museum for a look.
Unfortunately, Shelby got tangled up in a scheme of his own making, and was exposed as a counterfeiter of his own vehicles using a California law loophole. The cars he registered with the state were not authentic AC but rather knockoffs produced in the United States.
The original combination of the classic British automobile style with America’s focus on performance and speed guaranteed a winner in the Shelby Cobra (as it was known in the U.S.), however, and though it has not had a continuous run (the original was retired in the 1980’s), there is still enough interest for companies to still produce “Continuity Cars”, and in 2014, the U.S. side of the business announced that they would be producing fifty new Shelby Cobras to mark the fiftieth anniversary of said vehicle.
Hudson Motor Car Company: From The Vault
The Hudson Motor Car Company may not sound familiar to you, but its contribution to the early automobile industry should be taken into account when researching and enjoying classic cars. Hudson was active in the industry between 1909 and 1957, spanning several decades where automobiles were quickly being adapted to suit the needs and wants of clients who were doing everything from taking Sunday drives to traveling Route 66. Near the end of its run, the Hudson Motor Car Company merged with another vehicle company, the Nash Kelvinator Corporation, which resulted in the new American Motors Corporation, the largest merger in U.S. history up to that point. Later, of course, it folded into the Chrysler corporation.
It started out quite promising for Hudson, which was comprised of a group of eight businessmen in the Detroit, Michigan area. Their goal was to produce a low-cost vehicle that would appeal to the masses, rather than marketing a higher-priced car for a smaller, elite audience. The 1910 Roadster became the best-selling production vehicle in American history, selling over 4,000 vehicles that year. The success of Hudson’s first endeavor catapulted it into 17th place in the industry, a jump unheard of at the time, especially with so much competition.
The accolades and records kept rolling in, with Hudson being the first vehicle company to utilize a balanced crankshaft (allowing the six-cylinder “Super Six” engine to exceed the performance of other six-cylinders on the market), generator warning lights, and dual brakes. Upward mobility reached its peak in 1929, with factories producing vehicles in the U.S. and Europe, which led to Hudson reaching the position of third largest car company in the U.S., only behind Chevrolet and Ford. It helped that Hudson’s lower-budget vehicle line, the Essex, was so popular. Together, Hudson and Essex produced over 300,000 vehicles in one year. Essex would later be phased out in favor of the new line Terraplane.
Along with Hudson’s other firsts was the inclusion of women in automobile design. In 1939, Hudson hired one of the first female designers, a woman by the name of Elizabeth Ann Thatcher, a graduate from the Cleveland School of the Arts. Though she only designed for the Hudson company for a few years in the late 30’s and early 40’s, her contributions extended beyond her time there, and she is responsible for much interior design as well as a few exterior choices that helped pull the Hudson into the 1940’s. Of course, production ceased for a period in the mid 1940’s as World War II took hold and many car companies were instructed to create military vehicles. After the war, Hudson’s vehicles were taken into the racing arena, winning several NASCAR events in the early 1950’s.
If you like the look of classic vehicles, it’s worth taking a look through Google Images or various fan sites to gaze at the these gorgeous old models. The 1934 Hudson Eight Convertible Coupe, in particular, are what dreams are made of when it comes to classic cars. The square body, the curves over the wheels, the solemn majesty of such a touring vehicle make me long for the glamorous lifestyle of the 1930’s.
There are lots of other interesting stories and facts about the Hudson line, if you’d care to learn more about the inventor who spent his time restoring Hudsons, or the kids’ movie that featured a Hudson Hornet.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Is “The Most Powerful 2-Seater Ever”
Mazda’s promise to deliver “the most powerful 2-seater ever” seems to have been fulfilled with the arrival of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF. Retaining the classic, streamlined look, while revving up the power underneath and updating the technology has aided in the creation of a super-powered, sleek, seriously cool car.
One of the major changes to the Miata is the re-introduction of the Skyactiv-G 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. While it has been used in previous models, the MX-5’s engine update includes more horsepower (181 hp). While a 4-cylinder may seem puny, the re-working of the Skyactiv-G promises to elevate the 4-cylinder to a higher, more powerful plane.
Another change is the technology used to retract the Miata’s roof. The top of the car folds into the back in about 13 seconds, making this an easy change as well as an impressive party trick. Of course it’s practical as well, especially if you’re driving through a bout of inclement weather. It’s actually quite fascinating to watch, which, if you’re so inclined, you can do by visiting Mazda’s website.
With the changes made to the engine and roof technology, the MX-5 is ready to take on the world to prove it really is the most powerful two-seater. You can build your own and check locations for local dealers on MazdaUSA.com.
2019 Lamborghini Urus… An SUV With 640 Horsepower And A 305kph Top Speed
There are some things you believe you will never hear coming out of your mouth. Things like repeating your mother’s words to your own children, or changing an opinion about a sports team or a film, or swearing in front of your parents. Or the phrase, “Lamborghini SUV”. I just never thought that those two words could be put together in the same sentence. But, here we are, in 2018, talking about the 2019 Lamborghini Urus, labeled the “first Super Sport Utility Vehicle”.
While it may be an SUV, Lamborghini has rushed to assure its clientele that this is a utility vehicle that loses none of the style of a Lamborghini. It retains the heart and soul of the super sports car with its design and performance, both categories in which, the company asserts, it has still not been beat out of by competitors. Whatever your opinions on Lamborghini, it is an interesting idea to combine a utility vehicle and sports car. I can see the appeal, the customer base is pretty built in, and it’s guaranteed to get some press either way.
So what’s that combination like? The Urus has both the appeal of a weekend vehicle and a practical daily vehicle. Its SUV body does well in city but can go adventuring into the wild at a moment’s notice. You get the luxury and performance of a high-end car with the capabilities of a vehicle that can store camping equipment and everything and everyone you need for the ultimate getaway trip. There are several additional features, such as the ANIMA Selector (ANIMA stands for Adaptive Network Intelligence Management), of seven driving modes, and boasts of being the Lamborghini with the most options available.
According to Lamborghini, the Urus also has the distinction of having the best weight-to-power ratio of any SUV on the market. This is mostly due to the engine, a V8 bi-turbo engine capable of reaching 650 hp. It also comes with an 8-gear automatic transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes, and three driving systems to choose from, depending on where the majority of your driving will take place.
So how does the SUV version of the Lamborghini compare to the Super Sports Car we’ve become used to seeing on the road? Well, depends on who you ask. Those who look at the crossover with trepidation will find something wrong with it. Those who are on the Lamborghini wagon will try to sell it to anyone who will listen. And those of us in the middle are split as to its effectiveness, its future popularity, and its usefulness, since it’s so expensive that not many will be able to afford it. That being said, given the chance, I’d jump into the Urus and go for a spin. It’s quiet, comfortable, and drives easy.
If you want a somewhat personalized tour of the Urus, you can watch Doug DeMuro on YouTube. You can also look at the design and specifications on the Lamborghini website, or you can read up on a driver’s first impressions at Road & Track.
A Ford Compact Pickup?
“There’s no smoke without fire,” I’ve heard. I’ve been wondering about that in regards to a new rumor about a future vehicle from Ford. Where did the rumor start? Did someone at Ford decide to let it trickle down and work its way into the masses, or did someone sneak out information and try to get it to another company to use? Or, is it a completely baseless rumor started by someone online who wanted attention? While we may never know the origin of a specific rumor, it’s still fun to speculate and see what happens. After all, there’s a kernel of truth in every rumor, right?
What I’ve heard about Ford is that there might be a new vehicle on the market, one that will bridge the gap between compact cars and pickups with the concept of a compact pickup, possibly along the lines of a Courier. While the Courier never really had a U.S. market appeal, now might be the time to test it out, since Ford has committed to shutting down its four-door car lines in the very near future. While there are other companies that sell similar vehicles overseas, there has never been one to produce for the U.S., though Hyundai has decided to enter the race.
Can Ford produce a compact pickup that will appeal to its audience before Hyundai gets there? Or will Hyundai sell to its own market? What will the Ford compact pickup look like, and what will it have to offer that others might not? It remains to be seen, but there are people online speculating that Ford is heading toward a big shakeup in regards to models being retired and new ones being produced.
It may be time for a new era. Out with the old, and in with the new. Although at the moment it seems that the old has become the new, especially with models like the Ford Ranchero and Bronco coming back into play. At this point we seem to want to pull the past into the future with us, whether that’s wishful thinking for the way things were, or recognizing that even though we can’t go back, we can keep the good things with us no matter where in time we are.
I’ll be keeping a lookout for this new compact pickup, as I am rather too short to drive something like the Ford F-150, but need the hauling capabilities of a pickup for camping equipment, helping people move, or loading up instruments so my brother and I can play wedding gigs.
If you too are interested in what Ford has in store for future designs, you may want to check in on us every so often. We’ll be updating and writing new articles with the information we glean online, speculating about what’s in store for Ford and whether we’ll be seeing futuristic designs in the next few years or if we’ll be seeing reinventions of Ford’s most popular vehicles, or perhaps a little bit of both. We’ll keep you posted.
Fast As A Speeding Bullitt: Ford’s 50th Anniversary Mustang
I have to say, I thought I wanted a 1960’s Ford Mustang until I saw the new 2019 special edition Bullitt Mustang. There’s something special about it, something that mesmerizes me. I’m not sure whether it’s the appeal of the sleek design, the new colors, or the ability to tailor it to myself specifically, though it might as well be a combination of all three. To be able to craft a vehicle that will meet every need and desire? That’s something rarely offered.
So what is there to customize? How about the technology, the handling (you can even save your settings for the next drive), the design (interior as well as exterior), and the sound (not only the B&O Play audio system by HARMAN but also the active valve performance exhaust sound from the engine)?
The base price for the Ford Mustang Bullitt is a little under $47k, but of course if you’re customizing it’s going to cost a bit more, especially if you want it tailored specifically to one driver. If you’ve got the money, though, what you’ll get for it seems to be a good investment, particularly with the upgraded technology, like the 12″ LCD Digital Instrument Cluster which even lets you choose which colors it uses to display driving information.
The active valve performance exhaust system is class-exclusive (here meaning the high-powered sports car class), and the Bullitt model comes with a black NitroPlate finish. The system allows you to choose from four modes, meaning four volumes of the sound of the exhaust. Want to roar out of the driveway and turn heads? You can use the Track mode. If you’d rather keep sound to a minimum, you can choose the Quiet Start. There are also snazzy additions such as the red Brembo brake calipers, which will attract attention wherever you go. They’re not even special extras – they come standard with the Bullitt model.
Other features include electronic line-lock (for track use only), independent rear suspension, selectable-effort EPAS (electric power assist steering), vented four-wheel disc brakes, and monotube shocks. As an option, you can also choose to add the MagneRide damping system. A 5.0L Vi-VCT V8 engine, TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, and 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching come standard as well, along with summer-only tires. Optionally, you can add to the purchase a spare wheel and tire.
As far as the exterior and interior go, they are equipped with a decklid spoiler, LED lights, hood vents, pony projection lights, a rear diffuser, aluminum foot pedals, heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, universal garage door opener, reverse sensing system, electronic locking center console, and plenty of Bullitt logos everywhere.
Options available for the interior include memory driver’s seat, ambient lighting, and mirrors.
It really seems as if you can customize just about everything inside and out of the Ford Mustang Bullitt. If you want to try your hand at crafting your own dream Bullitt, you can visit the Ford site.
With all these goodies, it seems Christmas is arriving early.
The 2019 Camero Is Here To Give You An Attitude Adjustment
The Chevrolet Camaro has always been advertised as a lean, mean machine. It looks aggressive, its colors are bright and fierce, and it has remained one of the most favorite sports cars in existence. The newest Camaro is no exception, and might even outdistance its predecessors in terms of design, color, and handling. Curious about what the 2019 Camero has in store for its future drivers? Keep reading.
First off, the design has been revamped just enough to give it an update without losing the classic Camaro look. It has become a little slimmer, a little more angular, and has enough attitude to cow any other car on the road. Not only does it have new looks, it has new smarts too, including updated technologies and new features, including a 10-speed automatic transmission option for those who want to try it out without having to learn how to drive a stick shift. The engine is a new 2.0L Turbo 1LE, which means this Camero might literally take your breath away.
There are four new color options, including a bright blue, a reddish orange, and two shades of grey metallic. My particular favorite of the new color options is the reddish orange, called “Crush”. It makes the Camero pop, providing even more of a stand-out look as well as accenting the Camero’s newer, cleaner curves.
There are still the convertible and coupe options, but they’ve both been re-worked in various areas to usher in a breath of fresh air to the line. New grilles, sculpted hoods, LED halogen headlamps, and chrome inserts make this bad boy look even sharper, a predator of a vehicle ready to take on the prey of lesser vehicles and the open road.
A unique to the Camero rear diffuser and blacked-out tail lamps serve to enhance the maniacal grin of the Camero, bringing it from solemn to sinister. With several 20″ wheel options, you can also customize the tires due to where you’ll be driving the most, whether that’s the highway, speedway, or those curvy back country roads. There’s no way people will try to cut you off in one of these, and if they dare, you’ll simply need to touch the accelerator and leave them behind in the dust.
With the advent of a return to older styles and models, it’s refreshing to seen a company like Chevrolet taking a great vehicle and not ruining it, but instead refining it, sharpening it and improving upon an already great product to ensure that it reaches future generations of drivers. It’s encouraging to know that despite the trends, there will always be vehicles that stand the test of time.
These intimidating, exhilarating vehicles will be available Fall 2018, but if you simply can’t wait, you can go ahead and start putting your custom build together on the Chevrolet website. You can also read up about the standard features and additional options, new paint colors, compare prices, and find a dealer near you. You can also schedule a test drive when the time comes.