What makes a Monte Carlo an SS?  The Super Sport badge is not bestowed on all of our beloved and often buxom Monte's.  The SS badge means more, means there is meat, means that the boat coming down the road is quite possibly a sleeper ready to put your sorry ride to bed.

The Monte Carlo SS has meant a few different things over the years, but the latest generation has meant the least.  In the first generation of the Monte Carlo there were 4 different engine configurations available.  The SS option gave the Monte it's biggest engine available, the merciless 454 cubic inch.  That option alone netted the Monte Carlo with over 360 horsepower, arguably much needed power considering how big the beast was.

1970 Monte Carlo SS

Only 3 short years later the Monte Carlo was on to it's 2nd Generation modeling.  The 454 lived on, but lacked the SS badge of the previous generation Monte.  1977 was the last year of the 2nd Generation Monte Carlo and so died the massive 454, only to have a 305 the largest engine available for the 3rd Generation Monte Carlo.

The 3rd generation Monte Carlo was kind of a ho hum period.  However, it's what was needed to start a refocusing on performance and what could potentially be the greatest Monte Carlo SS generation ever, the 4th.  The 4th Generation Monte Carlo lasted all the way until 1988 and signaled a hiatus for the Monte.

1987 Monte Carlo SS

The 4th generation Monte Carlo SS had a lot of distinguishing characteristics, to separate it from it's non SS badge wearing brethren.  Although some ques required a trained eye, lettering like SS on the door hinted at what may be lurking under the hood.  Other suttle differences of the Monte Carlo Ss were bullet style mirrors, different rear bumper, and some paint styles that were only available on the SS models.

4th Generation Monte's were in my opinion the last true to form meaty car offered, at least in optional gear.  The 5th generation Monte Carlo's were resurected as some sort of sedan, Lincoln, small car combo.  They didn't look sporty at all and if you glanced at them just right it looked like a 4-door Ford Taurus.  Hello!  The biggest power offerings in the 5th Generation Monte Carlo was a measely 215 horsepower from a V6 DOHC power plant.

1997 Monte Carlo

Finally 2000 rolled around and the Monte Carlo was starting to look more sporty and less like a chopped top mini van.  The SS was offered again and was packing a pretty hefty punch.  How about a 5.7 litre V8 with over 300 horsepower?  It's enough to get your attention, but not enough to hang onto Chevy's assembly line.  The Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo SS was abandoned in 2007 and as of this posting the future is uncertain.

2007 Monte Carlo SS

My guess is that Chevrolet is more concerned with reviving the Camaro SS and won't be bringing the Monte Carlo back any time soon.  Although with the Ford Mustang having a retro throwback, depending on how the Camaro stacks up Chevy might decide that the automotive market needs just one more power grabber on the market and label it the Monte Carlo SS.

Monte Carlo SS on eBay

Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 1984 Chevy Monte Carlo SS – True “SS” L69    US $3,495.00

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2dr Cpe SS 2001 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 2dr Cpe SS    US $212.50

Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Coupe 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Custom Modified 1 of Kind    US $6,950.00

The Toyota Supra has long been the object of my affection.  I've lusted, needed, wanted, and loathed others driving by in their sexy Japanese import.  It wasn't your typical rice burner, something you could laugh at and one definitely not driven by the typical pimply faced 16 year old.  No, the Supra is and was what dreams were made of.

Believe it or not, the original Toyota Supra was not what most think of when they hear twin turbos spooling up.  The original Supra was more like a Celica rip off, boxy, ugly, just like any other import in the late 70's.  Originally the Supra was released in Japan (obviously) in 1978 and then made it's way over in 1979 with barely over 100 horsepower.

1979 Supra

By 1982 the Supra had undergone a few changes most notably in the engine bay, where the inline 4 was swapped out for an inline 6.  Further changes included some typical 80's flares for the skirts and bumpers, along with the option of a performance or luxury model.  This new 80's makeover even included a semi-advanced stereo system, complete with 7-Channel graphic equalizer.  I love the 80's.

1982 Supra

By the time the late 80's rolled around we were starting to get a little more serious.  The Supra was starting to brand itself a sport import and less like a 2-Door family car.  The inline six was massaged over and was starting to breathe out just at 200 horsepower.   It was in 1989 that Toyota also offered a Turbo, that netted an additional 30 horsepower over the base 200 on the 3.0 litre inline 6.   The bigger power gains and lighter weigh components allowed the Supra to be a real contender in a domestic controlled market.

It's 1993 and we can start talking about the Supra design that us in our late 20's came to know and love.  When I hear the word Supra, this is the model that immediately comes to mind and the turbo whine I associate it with.  This is also the year the Supra got it's largest horsepower increase, which allowed the inline 6 cylinder Turbo to produce over 300 horsepower.  This increase in power coupled with it's lightest components ever, with sport tuned suspension, would allow the twin-turbo Supra to rocket from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds.

1993 Supra

1994 Supra

Yes, the Toyota Supra is quite possibly the only importa that makes my pants tight.  It's also the only 'rice burner' I'd ever be caught dead in.  It makes this love even more bittersweet that Toyota haulted production in 2002, making the Supra a collectors item.

Depending on who you believe, there have been numerous believers that the Supra will be revived, even as early as 2005.  Some of these rumors stated that the next generation Supra will included a V8, going against years of inline 6 superiority.  According to some publications 2008 was supposed to mark the return of the Supra, but obviously that has come and gone.  In todays automotive landscape and economic crisis, I don't think even Toyota will be taking risks with developing a new sport import to lust over.
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The wintery season is not behind us and the slippery stuff makes us  take a closer look at our tires.  Tire Rack is willing to help you out by offering a $75 gift card for buying a set of Continental Tires.

Continental is a great company that manufacturers quality tires for almost every time of vehicle.  Their current tire offerings cover car, truck, suv, and commercial tires with a variety of differnet rubber compounds and styles.  Furthermore, as a company Continental is moving forward in these uncertain times, by completing a new acquisition as frequent as January 09.

On January 8, 2009 Continental completed their acquisition of Schaeffler KG.  The Schaeffler company manufacturers ball bearing components and has focused it's attention on commercial and heavy duty applications.  The Continental take over will most likely translate into Continental developing more products and technology focused on the service sector.  Point being, Continental Tires are not going away anytime soon and you can buy their tires knowing it's not a company that will be going the way of the DoDo anytime soon.

For this exclusive offer for a $75 Gift Card for TireRack.com please click on the banner below.

I'll say that when the Pontiac GTO was first announced, I was pretty stoked.  After all, I knew what the retro Mustang looked like, how appealing it was, and now I'm gonna get another taste of the past.  Well, I was wrong.  In my opinion the new Pontiac GTO is what's left after a muscle car failed abortion.

Performance wise, it's a shrink wrapped engine with just enough performance to excite the partially balding man down the street.  Too bad most of the owners love driving an automatic new-muscle, new hotness.  WTF, what happened to tall gear ratios, manual shifting and only worrying about how much you can hook up when yous lam it into 3rd?

Looks wise this thing is the combination of a tired Grand AM and some busted Cavalier.  From the front it looks like any other Pontiac sedan and the ass end looks confused.  It's as though the designers had trouble deciding on which route to take, be edgier, more retro, or actually make just a glorified souped up Grand Am.  But instead of deciding they just smashed the clay model together and let the chips fall.

No thanks, the new Pontiac GTO is not for me nor can I imagine for anyone who remembers what the old GTO looks like.  I'm willing to place big dollars that nobody will be collecting the 06 GTO 30 years from now and won't be gracing any Barrett Jackson auction floors.

Just remember, you can strap a rocket to a donkey, but it still doesn't make it a good idea.

What's the point of having a big jacked up vehicle if you can't enjoy a little off road trail riding?    I'm always amazed when I see a lifted 2WD truck, with monster tires, huge lift kit, but wouldn't make it 10 ft off the pavement.  What's the point?  I guess if your goal is to get lower gas mileage, wasting money on offroad mods for an onroad truck is ok.

But what about the rest of us, looking to spread our wings, and hit the biggest offroad trails in the US?  I've been doing some searching on YouTube for what would be the best offroad trails to hit and generally it looks like self made local trails are the most fun.  Of course, if you've got a big enough vehicle the world is your trail, just make sure you obey all the trespassing laws.

This is damn near someone's monster truck being taken onto an offroad trail, obviously showing off for the spectators.  I would hate to think how much money this guy has loaded into this old Chevy.

Truck tires vary greatly in size, shape, and grip depending on what purpose you use your truck for.  The same truck tire that would be equipped for towing would not necessarily be the best choice truck tire if you plan on doing off road driving.  This article will help cover the differences in truck tires when buying a new site for your vehicle.

Truck Tire Ratings

The first difference between truck tires is the type of truck you intend on mounting them to.  A light truck, like a Ford Ranger, will have a different tire than say an SUV will.  Not to mention each OEM rim will require different sizes, but the composition of the tire will actually be different as well.

Codes help to determine what type of tire should be matched with what vehicle.  For example, a light truck tire will have an 'LT' imprinted into the tire code on the tire.  Along with denoting what type of tire classification a truck tire will also include a number code indicating the width of the tire, tread depth, construction type, and load range.  The load range is typically accompanied by PSI ratings, which change depending on how much weight is hauled.

Tires for Safety

Having the proper tires on the vehicle can make all the difference, safety wise, if evasive action is required.  Luckily, in the US, there are organizations that monitor and rate tires based on their recommended speed and use.  The DOT (Department of Transportation) and the NHTSA (National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration) are both companies that help regulate what kind of tires are allowed on public roads and what type of tire is recommended for your truck.

After selecting the proper truck tire it's also important to perform routine maintenance on your tires.  For example, having the recommended inflation pressure can keep the tire operating at it's peak performance level.  Furthermore, having the proper tread level on a used tire can insure that your truck maintains it's proper braking and steering functions.

To test if the tread on a tire is sufficient, place a US Penny upside down into the grove of the tread.  If part of Lincoln's head is below the grove level, then you are driving on sufficient tread for typical on road driving applications.  However, if all of Lincoln's head is exposed, then it's time to replace those truck tires.  Large grove treads, typical on off road truck tires, will typically wear down much faster during high way driving.  Keep an eye on your tread levels, especially if you live in an area prone to bad weather.

Tread Wear

Tread wear is the most important factor when deciding on a proper truck tire.  Buying a truck tire based on looks alone, without consideration for tread wear, could result in a very short life span for the tire.  However, there are ways to prevent premature tire wear on a truck or any vehicle.

Proper inflation will insure that the tire always has the maximum amount of tread on the road, to prevent uneven wearing.  Having a wheel alignment will also help keep even wear, as opposed to noticing lower tread on the outside or inside of the tire.  TKPH is a measurement used to gauge the work load of tires or also known as TMPH in the United States.  Making sure your tire has the proper TMPH measurement, matched to the work being done like hauling heavy loads, will insure that your tire wears as designed.

Conclusion

Remember, safety first when selecting a new truck tire.  Buying a tire based on it's meatiness or looks underneath your truck should be a small consideration when buying tires.  Safety for yourself and others on the road should rely on you making an informed decision, based on what type of vehicle you drive, where you will be driving, and if you will be hauling any heavy loads.

The 2010 Ford Fusion is simply a beautiful car, more sophiticated than the Focus, but not elderly like the Taurus.  I'll admit, and my wife looks at me funny when I say it, I like Ford Fusion.  The Fusion's lines and black on black package just looks sexy as hell with a dash of chrome lining.

Perhaps the appeal of the Ford Fusion is caused by me aging, surely a 27 year old shouldn't be longing for such a sedan.  But alas, I'll give into my temptation, loving the way it handles, comfort, and the way it sleazely drives down the lane.  Of course, receiving a hefty government Tax credit for buying one doesn't hurt either.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is now elegible for a Government Tax Credit of up to $3,400.  This credit only applies to the hybrid version of the Fusion and only the 2010 model.  So no luck trying to get the credit buying up the used 08 or 09 Fusion models, that is if you could find one.

A few months ago my wife and I went out looking specifically for a Ford Fusion and we couldn't find one.  There were plenty of new ones on the lot, but for a used one, with any kind of mileage, we were SOL.  Perhaps this is a testament to how happy owners are with their Fusions and an angle Ford should be focusing on with all the upcoming advertising expected to accompany this years Idol.

2010 Ford Fusion Video