FaceOff: New Sheriff (Vehicles) In Town

So the Panther platform that was underpinning the Crown Victoria for 31 years, making it the oldest in north America, has finally called it quits. Early last year we heard news of Ford’s plan to discontinue its supply of vehicles for Police fleet use with no real plan to release anything new. Fast forward to this year and we already have many Police Departments switching over to the Dodge Charger. To make matters worse, Chevrolet has announced that a Caprice from overseas will also be available. So Ford decides it better get its act together and unveils the new Taurus Police Package. Below I will go over the pros and cons of all three and at the end myself and Matt will give our opinion on which is best…

Ford Taurus Police Package

Ford’s new Taurus has been released with great reviews by the media and from most normal consumers I have spoken to as well, but how does that translate to police use. The two main powertrain options are the normally aspirated 3.5L V6 giving about 263hp to the front wheels. There may be problems with this option because most cops dont want a FWD vehicle even though the power and fuel efficiency are decent (18/28mpg). The other great option however is the 3.5l EcoBoost V6 showing 365hp and around 17/25mpg to all four wheels. The AWD will be great in those areas of the country where the snow or certain terrains would normally require a large SUV or truck to be used.  Other great options include safety upgrades such as larger breaks. Ford Sync will also be used to control things like lights or sirens. It also has the heritage going for it…. just having a Ford badge on the front may be its biggest advantage.

Dodge Charger Police Package

So Dodge has recently made a huge improvement in fleet sales to the boys in blue ever since releasing the Dodge Charger package in 2006. It has many options going for in including standard RWD in both the V6 and V8 models. The 3.5l V6 however only produces 250 hp and returns 16/25mpg which is low when compared to its rivals. The best package is the optional HEMI engine with 368 hp V8 return 16/25 mpg as well. This engine makes it the fastest of all three. The Charger also has been upgraded with “performance-tuned steering and suspension.” The Dodge Brand has heritage long ago of great police vehicles and this seems to be returning the company to that… the company has seen a 17 percent growth in police fleet sales since its introduction.

Chevrolet Caprice Police Package

Upon the unfortunate death of Pontiac last year… GM was left with a fairly excellent vehicle, the G8, with no company to sell it under. The simple solution was to continue to import the vehicle under the Chevy Caprice moniker as a Police vehicle. It seems like a good idea and the car has many things going for it. The two engines are likely to be that same as those in the G8 which means a 3.6l V6 and the 6.0l V8. The V6 produces 256 hp while returning 17/25mpg while the V8 gives those in uniform 361 hp with 15/24mpg. The car may have less horsepower than the Charger, but is lighter and therefore will be quicker and slightly more nimble as well. The Caprice is also said to focus on comfortable seating and technology such as touch screen controls in the dash.

Decision – Nolan

My basic knowledge of the needs of the police force stem from watching Lethal Weapon and Die Hard…. so in saying that I believe the police are looking for a vehicle that meets the needs of driving quickly, being sturdy enough to jump curbs or ram child molesters in Buick station wagons, and it must be reasonably affordable.  In my opinion if the Taurus is priced reasonably it should be a huge hit in the AWD version… I believe the gas mileage and huge power in a very capable car could be the perfect combination, especially for those who need AWD to get through certain weather conditions. The Charger is a great bang for your buck and the Caprice is sufficient, yet I don’t see any reason it stands out…

My Rank : (1) Ford Taurus (2) Dodge Charger (3) Chevy Caprice

[Via http://theignitionblog.com]

Mk1

But not the VW kind of Mk1. The original “Fast Ford”, the Lotus-Cortina assuming its standard cornering stance, picking up the inside front wheel.

And as a bonus, here’s some footage of the Lotus-Cortinas in action during their competion prime.

[Via http://philscarblog.wordpress.com]

Car 54, Where Are You? Over here on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco!

Car 54, Where Are You? Over here on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco!

Car 54 a 1956 Ford seems to have magically appeared over here on Telegraph Hill in North Beach San Francisco completely equipped with working radio, photo by Jon Hammond

On the way to the studios of KYOU Radio and KYCY to guest on Jon Russell’s INDIE POOL Show, Jon Hammond had this chance encounter with what appears to be the famous Car 54, like from the old NBC TV Show starring Fred Gwynne and Joe E. Ross, amazing!

The geniuses behind KYOU Radio on the CBS Radio Network, Jon Russell and Stephen Page flanked by Jon Hammond of HammondCast and Jennifer Co-Producer

http://www.kyouradio.com/player.php?id=7333

*LISTEN TO INDIE POOL KYOU Radio HammondCast HERE:

KYOU Radio Details Page

The Indie Pool: Jon Russell Hosts Jon Hammond KYOURADIO San Francisco CA–

Not just another interview show with music. More like an audio magazine that digs deeper so you’ll come away with a better understanding of the featured artists and bands and their music. Every couple of weeks the Indie Pool presents a new installment giving you an opportunity to come away with a better understanding of who’s making today’s music and why. The Indie Pool showcases: Jon Hammond

With music from Jon Hammond played live in the studios of KYOU Radio with Host Jon Russell and tracks from Jon’a album NDR SESSIONS Projekt on Ham-Beger-Friz Records

Lydia Pense of Cold Blood on HammondCast

Lydia Pense vocalist of Cold Blood on Jon Hammond’s daily radio program HammondCast on KYOU Radio 1550 AM. Hear Lydia speak with Jon about how the band got it’s name and subsequently Cold Blood was one of the first rock groups to be signed by Bill Graham’s Fillmore Records. The story of how legendary singer producer Donny Hathaway came to produce Lydia and Cold Blood and talking about the musicians living and deceased. Lydia’s newest album is entitled ‘Transfusion’

http://hammondcast.podOmatic.com

VOTE FOR JON HAMMOND BAND AND SEND THEM TO THE RECORDING STUDIO WITH SLASH OF GUNS N ROSES AND PRODUCER MIKE CLINK  *HERE




http://www.yournextrecord.com/contest.php?sid=181&aid=60380&mid=53944&mtype=1

Jon Hammond Band on NuMuBu
http://www.numubu.com/profile.php?id=88497

Car 54, Ford, Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, KYOU Radio, CBS Network, Jon Russell, Jon Hammond, Lydia Pense, Cold Blood, Local 802 Musicians Union, Organ, Jazz, Funk Soul Blues

Related articles by Zemanta

• Jon Hammond T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009 Connected To MacBook Pro Does Amazing Things HammondCast Prior To iPad Release (hammondcast.wordpress.com)


• Music News Brought To you By Jon Hammond FSB Funk Soul Blues KYOU Radio (hammondcast.wordpress.com)


• Jon Hammond Walking On China Beach On A Perfect Day (hammondcast.wordpress.com)


• Here Is Where To Vote for Jon Hammond Band in FameCast HammondCast Slash Contest or Go to Guitar Center (hammondcast.wordpress.com)


• Jon Hammond scores a wooden Motorola Visilite FM/AM Clock Radio from Jim Coleman Collection at CHRS Swap Meet (hammondcast.wordpress.com)


• AUDIO PODCAST HammondCast 183 KYOU Radio Winter NAMM Special with JOE LAMOND CEO of NAMM organization on a teleconference (hammondcast.wordpress.com)


• CHRS KRE Building 601 Ashby Ave. RADIO ACTIVITY DAY/ RADIO CLINIC, Steve Kushman interview with Jon Hammond (hammondcast.wordpress.com)

[Via http://hammondjazz.wordpress.com]

Country Enough?

I didn’t grow up listening to country music. My parents probably couldn’t name one Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings song, and probably couldn’t even tell you who they are.  I never lived on a farm, and the only Ford I ever drove was a hand-me-down 1994 Explorer.  Which got me thinking, what’s country enough to be considered country?

It’s a popular debate that I run into anytime I claim, “I’m country…really!”  Most of the time people just look at me and say, “You’re from Connecticut, you’re not country.”  Well, let me tell you about Eastern Connecticut.  The University of Connecticut (where I go to school) used to be called the Connecticut Agricultural College.  It was founded for the purpose of educating sons and daughters of Connecticut farmers about new techniques to help flourish the state’s farms.  You’ll find rolling hills, open fields of land, and many stone walls if you take a drive around Eastern Connecticut.  What’s more country than that?

Here’s a pic overlooking UConn’s notable Horsebarn Hill:


Yes, we may be one of the most liberal states in the country, but we still appreciate good country music.  After a visit to the nation’s capital, country duo Brooks & Dunn were asked a similar question of Washington, D.C., which was my home for the last few summers.  

“It’s definitely a country town,” Kix Brooks told Politico.

The question came about over the band’s hit, “Only in America.”  The song was a popular tune on the Bush campaign tour and was also played at the end of President Obama’s convention speech in Denver.  Two men from opposite sides of the isle using the same song.  Brooks & Dunn, who consider themselves fairly conservative, had no problem allowing Democrats to use the song.  

“I was honored,” Brooks told Politico.

And so, I’ve decided that it’s not about where you are on a map, rather, it’s a way of life and being able to relate to the lyrics.  I may not be from the south but I am certainly country.

Listen to “Only in America.”

[Via http://mylifeisacountrysong.wordpress.com]

Shelby America and Scott Drake Split Ways

Shelby Performance Parts LLC, a joint venture between Shelby America and Mustang parts wholesaler Scott Drake has ended. Carroll Shelby known being as shrewd businessman nearly as much as he is for his world-renowned cars. Yet, stardom sometimes makes for a fickle business partner. In this case the joint venture between the two Ford icons has come to a close. The two had been in partnership since 2007.  Shelby is launching a wholly owned parts division: www.shelbystore.com.

“Effective 20 January 2010, Shelby Performance Parts will merge with the Shelby Store. Both merged sites will function under the ShelbyStore.com website for an interim periodand will be 100% owned and operated by Shelby American, Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada.”

[Via http://motorcitymusclecars.wordpress.com]

Lamborghini's - Gas Pedals That Don't Stick

I’m so thrilled to be going to one of my favorite places today; Hollywood. West Hollywood and Beverly Hills border each other and I haven’t been in a while. And when I say a while I mean 2 months. I really enjoy people watching and seeing all the cars people only dream about. Lucky for me I’ve driven quite a few that I see on Sunset Blvd when eating at my favorite restaurant, 1950’s style Mel’s Drive-In.

I got to thinking about cars too. I never thought I’d see the day when Honda, Toyota and Nissan would go in the toilet. I also never thought I’d see the day when I started to actually like Ford and Chevy over the top Japanese companies, but I actually do. I really think the roles are reversing now. Sure your Cobalt or Focus may have had a little power steering hiccup, but you can still drive. With the onslaught of gas pedals sticking to the floor and driving the car by itself robot style, that’s when things can really get dangerous. For some it has even proved fatal. Most recently, a new Toyota Prius near San Diego, Ca was a runaway at 90mph and the California Highway Patrol had to intervene and stop it. What is wrong with these piles of crap?

I think companies with plants are just pumping out their product by the droves just to sell sell sell. You never hear these kinds of issues with hand made vehicles like Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari or Lamborghini. Which is why they’ve always been my favorite. Not that they don’t have their fair share of problems mind you, but none that would get a person or passenger killed. The only problem I have with them is the $2,999/mo lease price.

But let’s get real here. Only a select few can afford that so I say as an every day American, we should invest into our own economy and buy/lease American made vehicles. They really do blow me away now. The Cadillac Escalade is a given, and the Camaro, Corvette, Malibu and Impala are really great cars in the Chevy lineup. Ford has a great thing going with the new Taurus and other affordable models so I think things are really going to turn around for Ford and GM.

Ultimately I love exotic and super cars and there is nothing more of a thrill than shifting through the F1 gears and hearing the exhaust of a V10 or 12 cylinder behind you (or in some cases in front). The following videos were shot with my good friend Daniel and only wish I had more documented video of such fun experiences with supercars around Las Vegas. However many more will come I can guarantee that!

Anyone can drive a sports car. But only a someone drives a Lamborghini.

[Via http://geneforeman.com]

Super Video - Group B

Para fechar os artigos sobre os ralis disputados neste final de semana, eu escolhi dois videos que mostram os carros do chamado Group B em ação. O primeiro conta até um pouquinho da história do Grupo B.

O segundo video tem até algumas cenas do primeiro, mas este é sem música, só o som ambiente.

Aumente o som e bom divertimento.

Essa notícia nos dá a real velocidade dos carros que competiam no Grupo B.

Abraços

[Via http://formulatotal.wordpress.com]