Fastlane: An Update on the World's Performance Cars, Fall 2020
- from Aamir Sheikh
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- Newfield High School
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- 665 views
Ford: Rising to fame is Ford’s latest breakthrough in the development of electric vehicles (EVs, for short): the “Mustang” Mach E SUV. Unlike the traditional gas-burning, staple muscle cars of America, this “Mustang” will rely solely on batteries to power seven motors that, with a base rating of 459 horsepower, will reach a reported top speed of 124 mph. Ford CEO Jim Farley claims the Mach E is the first “true” competitor to the ever so popular Tesla EV market, with the electric mustang being reported to have simpler and more convenient controls than Teslas. EV technologies are evolving every day and are revolutionizing the automobile industry, and while some refuse to accept the Mach E with the historical Mustang name, the Mach E is a considerable advancement for all-electric vehicles around the world.
In related news about Ford, the legendary GT350 Shelby Mustang, a renowned track beast, will no longer be in production starting this fall. The reason for this is much more uplifting, however: Ford will be reviving the Mach 1 name, a series that ended in 2004 but will be in production once again in the year 2021. The Mach 1, which is planned to be a limited production car, will feature aggressive track-styled aerodynamics, a 480 horsepower V8 engine, and two transmissions (six-speed manual in their performance package or a 10-speed automatic bundled with increased handling for maximum efficiency on the track). The devotion to track-racing in the Mach 1 will continue the GT350’s legacy as Ford continues to make advancements in their performance lineups.
Subaru: Debuting on November 18th is the 2022 Subaru BRZ, a staple car of the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM, for short). The BRZ is part of a trio of what is essentially the same car branded under three different names under three different companies: the Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86 being the remaining two. With the end of Scion as a company, Toyota rebranded the car as the 86, however its production will be ceasing this fall, meaning the BRZ will be leading the platform in its second generation of development. Traditionally, this sports car is powered by a 205 horsepower, 4-cylinder Subaru FA boxer engine (meaning the pistons are arranged horizontally rather than upright/ in-line or in a “V” shape). The BRZ is noted for being a “go-to” sports car, having a virtually perfect balance between the pleasure from driving it, its reliability, and the great pricing on the car. It appears as if Subaru will be continuing the BRZ’s reputation throughout the years to come as the car adapts to changing competition and evolving technologies.
Additionally in 2022 (potentially 2023), we will see the release of Subaru’s legendary performance and rally car, the WRX STI. The STI has held a reputation since its first year of production, which would be 1994, as a rally star. The car has appealed to mostly younger buyers as a higher-performance sports car while still maintaining a fair level of pricing. The new STI will be running on its traditional EJ engine, which previously boasted 310 horsepower but is suspected to be making over 400 horsepower by the time of the car’s release. Fans hold high standards for this upcoming WRX, as the 2019 WRX STI was the pinnacle of Subaru’s performance line. The release of the BRZ and WRX STI are highly anticipated, with suspense building with every minute towards their official reveals.