Original article by Kevin Woo at yourmechanic.com
Understanding Performance Vehicles
There are a lot of us who want a little red Corvette in our lives. It’s fast, handles well, and let’s face it, a high performance car makes you look good on an open and windy road.
You might be tempted to think that taking a regular coupe or sedan and pushing it to its limit might replicate the characteristics of a performance car. You’d be wrong. Regular cars aren’t even close to a high performance machine.
Performance cars are built for speed. Of course, along with speed comes superior handling and braking systems to support it. But traveling “fast” in an everyday car is nothing close to pushing it in a car built for speed.
Characteristics of a performance car
Many high performance car aficionados can feel its quality before the car even moves. High performance cars tend to come with high end seats that hold you tight. The reason? The tight, wrap-around seats are designed to keep you firmly in place as you whiz around corners or turns on the open road.
If the seats hug your body, you know you’re in a car built to perform.
Other characteristics of a high performance car include very tight and responsive steering, the ability to hug curves and turn into and out of corners flawlessly is unmistakeable.
Oh, and another characteristic that we can’t forget, the adrenaline rush when you and your car are in sync.
Muscle cars aren’t necessarily performance cars
Some people see muscle cars and performance cars as one in the same. But there’s a difference. Muscle cars are designed to go fast in a straight line. They’re often outfitted with “sports packages” that give the illusion of being a performance car but they’re not. They’re missing two key differentiators - superior handling and braking.
How do you measure performance
There’s no right or wrong way to measure the performance of a car. Some people judge performance based on their 0 to 60 mph (96 kmh) time. With that as the criteria, cars that are familiar to the masses, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo S would make the list at a screaming 2.9 seconds, as would the Nissan GT-R, which also clocks in at 2.9 seconds.
Handling is another measurement. When driving on test tracks, how does the car handle on successive left and right turns, and how quickly does it straighten out? This is a big differentiator between performance cars and muscle cars. The steering and suspension on a performance car is superior.
Performance is also measured by the car’s ability to brake. If you’re driving fast the ability to slow down is vitally important.
Price
Performance cars come in all price ranges. There are inexpensive cars (less than $30,000), such as the Ford Mustang that perform well around town and city highways. And there are mega expensive brands such as a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which will set you back a cool $4.8 million. There are only three of these in the world so good luck finding one.
The downsides of owning a performance car
What downside could there possibly be when driving a fast car knowing that you’re the envy of everyone but the police?
Well first, you’re going to pay higher insurance premiums. Even if you buy a used performance car, such as a 20-year old Lamborghini, your insurance company will classify it as a car built for speed and handling. From the insurance company’s perspective, the driver of a high performance car is likely to behave very differently than if he or she were driving a Mini Cooper.
An insurance company will consider the Lamborghini’s engine size, top speed, handling, and safety ratings when calculating your premium. These numbers are going add up to more than the average car so you’re going to pay more in premiums.
And to add to your insurance woes, if you get a couple of tickets or you’re caught by the police driving over 90 mph you’ll get arrested in most states. If this happens you could find yourself without an insurance carrier. Let’s get real, 90 mph (144 kmh) is nothing in a high performance car, and you’re likely to push your car way past that when the opportunity presents itself.
Performance cars that won’t break the bank
Below are some performance cars that won’t break the bank. While they don’t offer the same performance as an expensive brand, they still provide better than average performance at a relatively inexpensive price.
- Ford Mustang (Then talk to us about a Shelby Mod!)
- Honda Civic Si
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Subaru Impreza WRX
- Dodge Challenger
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Worst selling performance cars
These are some of the worst selling performance cars. But this is probably due to their higher price points rather than the car’s desirability.
- BMW Z4
- Nissan GT-R
- Kia K900
- Audi TT
- Audi R8
- Dodge Viper SRT
Owning a performance vehicle can add to your fun factor. Spend some time test driving some cars on windy roads to see how they handle. Take along a friend or two to get some feedback on how it feels in the passenger seat and backseat. You never know, when you find the right car and close the deal, you and your friends might be in for more spontaneous joy rides.
Dale Adams Holiday hours
December 24th: Closing at noon
December 25th: Closed
Closed Saturday & Sunday as usual.
December 28th: Closed
December 29th: Closed
December 30th: By appointment only
December 31st: By appointment only
January 1st: Closed
January 4th: Regular hours resume
Happy Holidays from all of us at Dale Adams Automotive
Dale, Derek and the Team
2020 Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale - Save 15% on Whipple Superchargers
Between 12:00 am on Thursday November 26, 2020 through 11:59 pm Monday November 30, 2020 Whipple is having a very rare sale on their products. Save 15%* on your order placed between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you have been thinking about a Supercharger now is the time to buy.
As one of only a handful of officially licensed Carroll Shelby Mod Shops, we have an ingrained respect for this seeker of speed, torque and pure awesome automotive power. This article was written by the great people at Motor Junkie. We will feature a few vehicles in this excerpt version, but please visit Motor-Junkie.com to read the full article as you won't want to skip out on any of his accomplishments. Enjoy friends.
The Dale Adams Team
Read MoreTimes they are a changing. We all remember our favourite TV shows and movies that were about, or featured our favourite vehicles from the past. But we now have access to the Internet, and video services like YouTube. There is so much amazing, and free stations for all your automotive cravings.
We have listed some of our favourites and combed YouTube for new channels we think you should try. We definitely lean towards North American muscle cars personally, but we feel these channels below will cover most of the bases.
WARNING!!: We cannot be responsible for your job or family getting upset with you because you've been watching hours of videos. Open these channels at your own peril.
Enjoy!
The Dale Adams Team
Read MoreWe see so many amazing vintage vehicles here at Dale Adams Automotive. We are often asked by enthusiasts and collectors, which vintage vehicles will hold their value the best. Owning a vintage vehicle will always require passion and the ability to keep it in good shape. Here are a few tips and vehicles we hope will help you in your next search for that amazing vintage vehicle to invest in. Enjoy.
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2020 SHELBY GT500 DRAGON SNAKE CONCEPT
Unveiled in the Ford Motor Company’s display at the 2019 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Shelby GT500 Dragon Snake is a modern take on a proven Shelby philosophy. During the 1960s, Shelby American offered a drag racing version of the Shelby Cobra called the “Dragonsnake.” Given the new Ford Shelby GT500’s dual clutch transmission and stout 5.2L engine, Shelby American reimagined Ford’s new Mustang supercar for that same mission.
The Shelby team’s design for the Dragon Snake adds more power to the car (800 HP+), revises the suspension for maximum grip and straight line acceleration, lightens the car with specialty equipment and exotic materials, retunes the DCT and modifies the bodywork including unique wheels. A widebody option is also being considered. In addition to the engine tune, Shelby American added high-flow catalytic converters, new lightweight glasswork and other innovations.
2020 Shelby GT500 Dragon Snake Concept
Standard Features
Performance
- Shelby suspension system
- MagneRide enabled
- Front and rear springs
-Front and rear sway bars
- Shelby Supercharger upgrade
- Windshield and glass package
- Performance Half-shafts
- Full exhaust system
- Catalytic converters
- Mufflers + exhaust tips (Cat back system)
- Emissions complaint 50 state legal
Exteriors
- Carbon fiber hood
- Drag style carbon fiber spoiler
- One-piece forged aluminum wheels
- Hardened and extended wheel studs
- Performance tires
- Wide body option
- Shelby hood pins
- Striping and badging
Interiors
- Custom Shelby leather interior
- Serialized CSM numbered engine plate
- Serialized CSM numbered dash plaque
Order Details
If you are interested in this amazing Shelby or any other Shelby Mods, contact us today for a free consultation and we can get you in your dream machine.
The Dale Adams Team
8 Secrets Hidden in Cars That You Didn't Know About
The Little Arrow on the Fuel Gauge
We’ve all been there: arriving at a gas station in a borrowed or a rental car and you aren't sure what side the gas tank is on.
Help is at hand thanks to that little arrow that tells you precisely where to find the filler cap. Proof that even in this age of adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and driverless cars, a humble arrow can make all the difference.
Take Out Hook
Nissan claims to have invented the in-car ‘curry hook’ when it debuted on the Almera in 1996 in Europe. It was designed for carrying handbags or shopping bags, but it soon became a must-have accessory for takeout lovers.
Today, you’ll find a ‘takeout hook’ in the Qashqai and X-Trail, but look out for similar hooks in other vehicles. More often than not, you’ll find at least one pop-out hook in the boot.
Colour-Coding Under the Hood
Too many drivers are blissfully unaware of what lies below the hood of your vehicle, only venturing beneath to fill the washer fluid bottle.
Helpfully, many modern engine compartments feature colour-coded guides to highlight the fluids and levels that could and should be checked between services. They tend to be yellow or blue, and they make it easier to locate the engine dipstick, oil cap, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid.
Jeep Renegade Spiders
There's no shortage of Jeep Easter eggs out there, and this one is just as cool. Peeking out from the fuel fill is a tiny spider bidding lucky discoverers a happy "Ciao Baby!". The friendly little critter is nothing but a conversation piece, but that doesn't make it any less fun.
Volkswagen Golf And Passat Back Camera
Spy movies always have these nifty little tricks concealed up the cars' (metaphorical) sleeves, and the Volkswagen Golf and Passat both don't disappoint. Hidden behind the trunk's logo is a sneaky rear camera that reveals itself when users shift into reverse. The rotating logo definitely looks like something straight out of a heist film, and there's no question which car belongs to the crafty villain.
Tesla Model S Mini Car Key Fob
Ever had to wait for someone in the car until you get bored to death? The Tesla Model S key fob just might save the day. It comes as a sleek miniature version of an actual toy car, so everyone can zoom around their imaginations to pass the time and keep the boredom at bay. It definitely appeals to the inner child in all of us!
Ford Mustang Hologram
Just like in the Hyundai Genesis, projected holograms from the lighted side mirrors are always a crowd favourite. The Ford Mustang projects a powerful pony onto the ground like its own version of Batman's Batsignal—just don't expect horse-themed superheroes to show up and fight crime in the neighbourhood any time soon, though.
Tesla Model S Secret 007
James Bond fans are definitely in for a treat with this one, because the designers of the Tesla Model S have another scintillating secret in their back pockets. On the odd occasion that a car owner accesses the technician log in screen, they can simply type in "007" for one heck of an Easter egg--the Model S will morph into the 1977 The Spy Who Loved Me submarine on screen. Of course, this is no excuse for anyone to drive their vehicle into the nearest body of water in hopes of actually getting it to float, but there's no harm in dreaming about it, is there?
We hope you enjoyed these secrets, features and Easter Eggs in the vehicles we love.
Drive safe everybody!
The Dale Adams Team
It's been a while since we posted some car jokes. We figured 2020 could use a good laugh, for obvious reasons. We hope a few of these jokes for the automobile lover will make you smile. Enjoy!
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Moraine Lake Alberta
Tips for an Awesome Alberta Road Trip
So it looks like we could be mostly restricted to staying within Alberta this summer due to COVID 19. No matter where you’re headed or if you’re a pro or a novice, these travel tips will make your road trip an easy ride
There’s no question about it; road trips are awesome. A successful road trip will stay with you for life. The ability to just get up and go and the absolute thrill of uncertainty; where will you sleep? Where will you eat? When will you get to your next stop?
It’s up to you to choose where to go, when to go and what kind of budget you’ll have. Our travel tips cover some tips that will make your next Alberta (or anywhere for that matter) road trip a success and a story you will retell fondly.
Special thanks to momondo.ca and their article that we used as a guide while adding our own Alberta flair.
We hope these following tips help you explore our great province.
1. Google Maps
A great place to start. Enter your start and final destination, and get an idea of timing. Adjust the route and see where you can go and how long it’ll take you (you can also see if you’re just a few hours shy of somewhere you might not have originally thought of, but would love to visit). Make sure you’ve got your basic route worked out, your A to B, but don’t have every single kilometre written in stone. You’ve got to have room for the unexpected turns, the snap decisions and the ‘I wonder what’s down here?’ moments.
2. What car?
What kind of car you need depends on your destination, trip type and how many people you will be. Think about how likely you are to need 4-wheel drive, high clearance or a convertible, and book accordingly. Make sure that you book in advance, choose unlimited kilometres (unless you’re absolutely positive about the length of your trip), and insure yourself!
If your trip is going to be a long one, a couple of months or more, you might want to think about buying a used car and selling it on when you’re done. Make sure you get it checked over before signing anything though – the last thing you need is a break down in the middle of nowhere!
3. Music
Few things go together as well as music and the open road. There’s going to be plenty of time for tunes, so make sure you’ve downloaded some playlists to your smartphone (and don’t forget the USB cable). That said, it’s wise to check out local radio as well to hear the kind of music you probably wouldn’t listen to back home, probably won’t think you’ll like, but probably come to love.
4. Roads less travelled
Highways might be fast, but you’ll miss a lot. If possible (given time and terrain), take the road less travelled. You’ll see so much more, meet the locals and venture down paths you’d never even have seen. On a similar note: take that detour! See a sign for an odd sounding ghost town or weird tourist attraction? Follow it! Now’s your chance. Spontaneity rules on road trips.
5. Eat local and stay local
Chuckwagon Cafe, Turner Valley, Alberta
Give the local grub a go – even if you have no idea what it is. After all, it might be the only chance you get. The same goes for accommodation: it might be tempting to stay at the shiny new resort, but why not stay at the unique B&B/kitsch motel/mom and pop place down the road?
If you can’t decide, check the Near Me Tonight feature on our app (for iPhone and Android), and see the available rooms near you for that night.
6. Cool bag
Who knows when you’ll next be able to grab a bite to eat? Pack a cool bag – or splash out on an electric car cool box – and store drinks and snacks in case you get peckish (or in case you get a little lost …).
7. Camp (even in your car)
Writing On Stone Provincial Park and Campground
Depending on your budget – and on your wheels – you might consider camping instead of hotels or motels. It’s cheap, easy and a great way to meet people. If you’ve got a large car or van, you can even sleep in your vehicle at some campsites, RV campsites, and in some petrol stations and Walmart stores.
8. Go offline
Yes, Google Maps is great, but there’s something about a paper map– you know, the things you occasionally see gathering dust in the back of taxis or your parents’ car. You’d be surprised at how useful it can be – both for finding out where you are, and for note taking on impromptu stops (and think of the nostalgia value when you’re home).
9. Book ahead
Especially this year with so many closures due to COVID, it will be wise not to try to "wing it" too much as many campgrounds and accommodations may not be booking to full capacity. Best to be cautious this year and have at least you accommodations booked to avoid a frustrating experience of driving around late trying to find a place to stay while the kids are freaking out.10. Stay safe!
Go down those small roads, get out of your comfort zone and explore – but be sensible. Listen to advice, always let someone know where you are and where you’re going – and don’t be a hero.
On a more practical note, keeping a few litres of water in your car at all times can literally be a lifesaver. If you have the room, a litre of gas is a good idea too.
We hope you have an awesome Alberta (or wherever you are) summer road trip experience.
Here are a few links to get you started:
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