I just don't understand why the American car manufacturers are so reluctant to use power adders and better machining to turn out huge horsepower. You can see this happening everywhere around the world but in N. America. 6.4l v12s turning 730 hp in the new Ferrari, 3.8l v8s pushing 500+ hp in Porsches, Pagani, Lexus and the like. Yet we have to put up with 6.2l v8s and 6.7l v8s barely touching 500hp (hellcat not withstanding). I scratch my head at this knowing that it is Dodge, Chevy and Ford producing some of these motors just under different brands in the European markets. The same argument can be said about Diesel engines as well. I have spent many years stationed in Europe over the years and when on the Autobahn, you can see the under 2 litre vw and ford cars smoking the mustang gt and other so called muscle cars all day long.
Don't get me wrong, I am a die hard gear head that loves hp and speed. I've just realized that I don't have to stick to the big litre dis placement v8 to get it. I've owned a 78 TA, 78 Cameron that ran in the 11s, a 79 dodge ram with the 360 in it, 2 other Rams, f150s and many other vehicles in my time. I still want big horse power in everything I own but just looking to newer technology and better craftsmanship for it.
My current drag car is in storage until I return but it is a 10.5 sec 1/4 honda civic that dynod at 400hp at the front wheels. I do not judge anyone for what the ride on or drive in, I would just like to see our car companies putting a little more effort in their machining and design work.
I would love to own a hellcat if I could get one completely stripped of all the heavy, useless items like power windows, door locks, backup cameras and the like.
David Justiss
USAF First Sergeant