How did Helene Rother’s journey begin?

Born in 1908 in Leipzig, Germany, Helene was brought up in an environment that was constantly under war threat. Germany and France, where she later lived, became battlegrounds for the World Wars. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine her childhood and teenage years resembling a rollercoaster with sharp ups and downs.

Yet, she managed to study art in Germany and then worked as a jewelry designer in Paris, before World War II. During this time, she gave birth to her daughter and formed her little family. However, as I mentioned in the beginning, there were times of danger and uncertainty.

Soon enough, she had to flee from Nazi-occupied France to North Africa. It was very hard for her and her seven-year-old daughter to travel to the US right away without a visa. However, somehow she got lucky and embarked on a ship to the United States.

Going through all these hurdles ever since she was young, then traveling across three continents with a child, shows her resilience and determination to thrive. A new chapter began for her in the US where she would make history as an automotive designer.

What made Helene Rother successful in the male-dominated auto industry?

Helene was an able professional, a beautiful woman, and a great mother who did not have an easy start in the U.S. After all, she was a refugee, and most importantly, a woman. Yet, her design skills found application in art, jewelry production, marketing, and even book illustrating. It was by chance that she came across a General Motors interior designer vacancy ad. Though Helene did not have any experience in the industry, she applied and got the job.

Interior design was an area that was just taking off in the auto industry, as people were seeking more comfort and luxury in their cars. No wonder, Helene was the first woman doing this job in Detroit, as the damsels of design were growing in number. To everyone’s surprise, she became quite good at it and soon was one of the best paid General Motors employees. Such a high salary for a woman was so unusual, that it even made headlines in The Detroit News.

But the attention and media scrutiny did not stop her. She continued gaining expertise in the industry and doing research work. She was the first woman to speak at the Society of Automotive Engineers in Detroit. Her paper titled “Are we doing a good job in our car interiors?” was highly praised. Soon enough, her work was getting awards such as the Jackson Medal.

How did the entrepreneurial career unfold for Ms. Rother?

As Helene had gained a reputation for high-quality car interior design at GM, other automotive companies started contracting her as a design consultant. Realizing that she could be her own boss, Helene opened her own studio named Helene Rother Associates.

Her designs for Nash Ramblers became famous, and her name was part of all advertisements. She turned to be a symbol of European influence on American automobile designs. She did not just design car interiors, though. Her style was also present in the stained glass of many reconstructed American churches. Expanding her work, communicating with clients like a true businesswoman, without losing quality and creativity were remarkable qualities of Helene.

What differentiated Helene Rother’s work?

Cars shouldn’t just take a person from point A to point B. They should also offer comfort and a pleasant experience for the driver. This is what Helene understood very early on. She saw the potential of interior car design as adding value to the car and ultimately giving the auto companies a competitive advantage. From a simple and basic design, she brought style, elegance, and uniqueness to each of the cars she designed. People loved buying cars that had her name as an interior designer.

As technology advanced, more high-quality materials could be nicely incorporated into vehicles, adding to their charm. The ambition to strive for more quality and more elegance, adding a modern contemporaneous touch to the dull vehicles made Helene unique.

She was a true trailblazer in the design world and her work has been acknowledged throughout the years. Lastly, in 2020 the Automotive Hall of Fame inducted her, along with other professionals who have contributed to the automotive sector. Helene Rother remains a role model for so many women who are seeking to unleash their potential and strive in male-dominated industries.

What about your car? Have you checked who designed its interior? I bet now you are curious to find out whether your car is designed by a woman. Let us know!

Image: Automotive Hall of Fame

The post Helene Rother: A trailblazer in the automotive design appeared first on Altered Steel.

US car manufacturers do not exactly have the best reputation with their vehicles right now. Thankfully, as Americans, we can be proud to have plenty of iconic models throughout the years. So much so that we can have a heated discussion about which are the most remarkable out of the bunch. Well, shall we do just that?

At Altered Steel, we have a special place for all kinds of vintage cars. We have mentioned our favorite vintage SUVs, and we have explored the history of the American sedan. However, I think it is high time we talk about America’s most iconic classic cars… according to us! What do you say, are you up for a bit of time travel? Let’s go back a good few decades then!

More than fancy old cars

The problem with many such lists is that they take the most famous sports cars and slap them right at the top. It is not like vintage sports vehicles are not impressive or iconic though. I just like to think that the car world has more things going for it.

This is why today we’ll explore a bit of a different list. I would rather we don’t rank the vehicles, but instead, cherish each and every one of them. I will separate them into categories and pick the three most iconic models within those.

That being said, some seemingly obvious picks will actually not be on this list. You may be surprised to find that the Ford Model T or the classic Corvette that everyone wants haven’t made the cut. Don’t worry though – it is not because they are not iconic, but because they may be overly so. We should give a chance to some other models to shine, right? With this out of the way, we can dive straight into our first picks!

America’s most iconic muscle cars

Given my remark about sports cars, how come I open up the list with such a category? See, the point here is not to dwell on “sports”, but on “muscle”. All over the world, people know what muscles are. On top of that, they associate them with the States. This might as well be the only category that represents the quintessential American spirit. Due to all that I figured they make the best introduction to our list!

The undefeated stallion – Ford Mustang

Come on, which car marque and model better represents the US outside of our homeland? The original Mustang can take your breath away even now. It is one mean machine, which knows how to roar and announce itself. And not just here!

Have you ever had the pleasure to travel outside of the States and see how people react to Mustangs? For a few reasons, American muscle cars in Europe are still fairly rare. Still, people turn their heads when they see a Mustang. Though we actually have it better here, because you can still see the classic ones. They do not get to enjoy many of those on the Old Continent!

The special contender – Dodge Charger

Some cars simply do not get enough credit. In my opinion, Dodge Charger is one of those. Right from the start, it was a vehicle that broke the mold. Love it or hate it, but it was unique! With a bold design and aggressive build, it stormed the scene. To this day it makes for the perfect muscle example.

Unfortunately, it has never been as popular as the Mustang. The latter had tenfold the sales. Though perhaps that makes the Charger an even more precious classic. Being a gem like no other, it deserves a spot here!

The worthy rival – Chevrolet Camaro

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It has never been a secret that the Camaro was Chevrolet’s response to the Mustang. In fact, even though it may sound sacrilegious, I think the two models are kind of similar. This is why I enjoy the Charger so much – it walked its own path. Still, the Camaro is nothing if not iconic.

To illustrate my point, I want to draw your attention to the second generation of the Chevrolet Camaro. This car cemented the idea of what a muscle should be. It deserves a lot of credit for the fact that we can even talk about iconic muscle cars today. However, we should move on to a category that does not get nearly enough attention!

The classic old workhorses

All this fancy car talk is nice, but we often forget about the cars that virtually carried the US on their shoulders. After all, should we not focus more on vehicles that the general public could afford and actually drove? In my mind, they are “iconic” exactly because of their utilitarian nature!

The forgotten kind – AMC Eagle

Estate wagons may not be the most popular picks in the States today, but once upon a time they were preferable. Before we had tons of minivans and SUVs, the AMC Eagle was the perfect choice for a family person. It offered plenty of space, a lot of utility and it actually did not look half-bad.

In fact, some people consider the AMC Eagle to be the de facto predecessor of modern crossovers. In other words – we may owe the rise of the crossover and SUV segments to this very car. It had everything necessary for that with its 4-wheel drive and fairly high frame. Honestly, I think it looks rather charming even by today’s standards. Sure, nothing like a slick European station wagon, but impressive in its own way.

The poster minivan – Dodge Caravan

We don’t see many minivans nowadays. The niche has shrunk tremendously in the past decade, largely due to SUVs. And yet, minivans were the poster examples of the American dream. They embodied your success – you had a big family, you owned a house, you bought a minivan.

In light of that, there is no better minivan example than the very Dodge Caravan. Though we could also mention Plymouth (or Chrysler) Voyager, which were essentially the same car. The first generation sold incredibly well with over a million vehicles bought. Funny enough, when Chrysler was researching public demand, people considered the sketches of Dodge Caravan to be super ugly. Seems like that did not matter much, as we now view it as one of the most iconic US cars ever.

The granddaddy of pickups – Ford F1

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Pickups are the muscle cars of America’s workhorse vehicles. They scream “proud to be American” like nothing else. That all started with the first generation of Ford F-series, and more precisely – Ford F1. It may have little to do with modern pickup designs, but it carries their spirit regardless.

Objectively, the F1 is rather small. Yet it paved the way for monsters like Dodge Ram and Ford Raptor. People cherish it even now, with its price being close to that of classic muscles. It does look quite cute, so if you are in the market for a non-sporty vintage car, consider Ford F1!

Riding in style – Iconic luxury classics

Whether you look at modern vehicles or at vintage cars, the luxury segment always has something special to show. Many aspects of it are timeless, and some classics would be considered luxury by our standards too. Let’s see the most iconic examples that America has to show here!

The one fit for presidents – Lincoln Continental

As a car company, Ford has pioneered and pushed forward many types of vehicles. On top of that, many of its Lincoln cars are worthwhile classics in general. And yet, the Continental is the best example of what high-class cars should look like.

This is not one of those vehicles that you look forward to driving – with it you would need a chauffeur. Just sitting in one of those will make you feel important. No wonder that many other luxury cars were trying to be more like Lincoln Continental. Making one feel like a president sounds like a good selling point.

When you fancy something slick – Cadillac Eldorado

If you were not meant to drive the last car, this one is a whole another story. It is a very personal vehicle, which made people feel like rock stars. In fact, this car made Cadillac famous throughout the world. In many places, the marque’s name is synonymous with luxury because of it. Obviously, “iconic” is a well-deserved description.

Old-school futurism – Oldsmobile Toronado

I bet that most people have not heard of the Toronado. However, as we have mentioned in our post on the end of Oldsmobile, this company had had many great achievements. The Toronado model perfectly embodies their very future-minded philosophy.

The problem with this car is that it may have been too unique for its own good. Later on, Oldsmobile changed the design to fit with its competition. In my opinion, they just watered down what had been a great aesthetic. Nonetheless, it is iconic, because it represents the very American ideal of innovation and grand dreams!

What other iconic classic cars should we remember?

People have different vintage models that they love. Maybe you wanted to see some Buicks on the list. Or perhaps you are worried that I have not mentioned Pontiac at all. Well, we can always come up with another post to showcase more of the great American models.

What should those be though? There are many old vehicles that I like, but I am eager to learn about some others too. If you have a model that is close to your heart, be sure to mention it. Perhaps I will cover it one day!

The post America’s most iconic classic cars appeared first on Altered Steel.

Today’s vehicle of focus makes that abundantly clear. Although we have ranked Ford Mustang among America’s most iconic classic cars, many people despise what the model has become. They would say it no longer carries the old, gritty spirit with its pedal-to-the-metal vibe. Once a stallion you had to tame, now barely worthy of its name.

But is that true? Has the Mustang shed away its character with each new generation? Or maybe some of us just prefer being glued to the past? Hop on, we are going on a ride to find that out!

Is Mustang the first pony car?

Depending on who you ask, the iconic Ford model may have been a tad too late to the party. Technically, Plymouth Barracuda claims to be first, having come out two weeks before the Mustang. We can argue back and forth about how we count that, but it matters little.

Ultimately, the Barracuda failed, while the Mustang proved just how much potential pony cars have. After all, we do call them ponies, not “fish cars” for a reason.

The Ford model became a quick success, selling over a million vehicles in two short years. That being said, after six generations and more than 50 years on the market, the model sales have been steadily declining. Somehow the Mustang failed to carry the initial success through the decades. Did the changes really ruin the model?

How did the Mustang change through the years?

Even a few thousand words would not do this question justice, let alone a brief overview. Nevertheless, I will try to summarize the evolution. Wish me luck!

• First-gen Ford Mustang (1965 – 1973)

The original Mustang still holds the title for the most units sold. Its more basic versions are fairly cheap muscle cars that can make you feel rich. Though it really depends on what year make you get. It saw so many changes that some would have passed as entirely new generations by today’s standards. Ultimately, the first-gen finished with 375 bhp top V8 engine and 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.9s.

• Second-gen Ford Mustang (1974 – 1978)

On the one hand, this car built upon its predecessor’s success with over a million sales as well. On the other hand, enthusiasts do not regard it all that well. Ford had dumbed the exterior down, not to mention how boring the engine options were.

Some versions came with just around 90 hp. Even its top V8 engine only had 140 hp and took 10.5 s to get to 60mph. Seems like a bad joke compared to the original!

• Third- and fourth-gen Ford Mustang (1979 – 1993; 1994 – 2004)

Design-wise both versions are huge deviations from the initial muscle aesthetic. In terms of power, the third-gen managed to improve a bit on the second, but not by much. The fourth-gen started seeing some return to form though. The speediest versions had 390 hp and could go from 0-60 mph in 4.9s.

Many fans think that during those generations the model went from a pony car to one big confusing mess. It looked less like a muscle, more like a general everyday coupe. Surprisingly though, the third-gen sold almost as many units as the first one, and the fourth passed the million mark too.

• Fifth-gen Ford Mustang (2005 – 2014)

Thankfully, in 2005 the model veered away from complete disaster. Its design took inspiration from the original with engines and performance to match the looks. That proved enough to save the lineup, though sales continued to decline. For its 10 years on the market, it barely went over 1,000,000 cars.

The main reason for this has to do with Ford’s inability to produce a solid concept. The automaker wanted it to be simultaneously affordable, yet with a bunch of luxury features. Ultimately, Ford could not strike the balance between comfort and performance, sacrificing certain aspects of the latter for the former.

• Sixth-gen Mustang (2015 – Today)

After three abysmal generations and one that could not find its identity for a while, the Mustang lineup finally produced a worthy successor. This is the first version that somehow blends modern design without doing away with its heritage.

It drives like a sports car, looks like a beast, and does not feel hampered in any way. With its 5L V8 (460 hp) going from 0 to 60 takes you just 4.2s. At the same time, it gives you just enough comfort, without unnecessary luxury additions to drive the price up. In other words – it embodies the spirit of what the pony car was made to be: affordable, fast, and aesthetically aggressive.

• The oddball Mustang SUV (2021?)

I just had to mention this one. Oh, people never asked for a Mustang SUV? Guess Ford didn’t get the memo. Though the sixth-gen restored our faith in the model, Ford once again decides to muddy the waters by banking on Tesla eSUV’s success.

Making it an EV may have been the right decision, but slapping the Mustang logo on it is a step too far. They could have figured out another animal to start an entirely new lineup. Who knows, maybe it would have been iconic on its own. Now we see that Ford just doesn’t care about its lineup integrity. It makes me worry about the future of the stallion brand.

Which would you rather have – first or last-gen Ford Mustang?

Set aside the “classic” badge for a second. Instead consider this in terms of looks, performance, and overall experience. I know many people want to sound tough and say they prefer the good old ride. But have you actually driven one?

I would actually take the new-gen. The older I get the more I think of safety, which also includes the way a car drives. Handling, ease of use, responsiveness – these things matter more to me now. However, you may have an entirely different take. Tell me about it and maybe we can have a discussion!

By the way, if you want to scratch your muscle car itch even further, check out our article on the age-old argument: Camaro vs Firebird!

The post Mustang vs. Mustang: The evolution of Ford’s iconic pony car appeared first on Altered Steel.

Being such a long-lasting beast, its generations offer something for everyone. Do you consider yourself a supercar enthusiast? The latest 8^th gen will suit you perfectly. Want to dabble into vintage cars? Then you can try to go for the classic Corvette that everyone wants!

However, looking at the Vette through the lens of time may give you the wrong impression. For example, did you know the first generation came close to utter failure? Or that it started out as the cheaper US alternative to Jaguar and MG? Let us see how the idea of Corvette was born, what went wrong, and how it ultimately rose to the top!

The origins of the Chevrolet Corvette

In typical General Motors fashion, the Corvette had less to do with originality and more with improving the already successful ideas. It all goes to show that even reactionary vehicles can end up becoming iconic. Though prior to that, it came close to becoming just a historical footnote. More on that in a second!

It all started with the boom of exotic sports cars like the Jaguar XK120 (the great-granddaddy of E-type). In the late 1940s, Harley Earl, the head of GM’s styling at the time, realized the potential such a market had. Mainly because the US had barely any claim to it.

All such vehicles hailed over from Europe with quite the hefty price tag, making the opportunity for a cheaper alternative quite apparent. On top of that, US companies had the advantage of relying on good old patriotism to drive more sales.

Taking all those facts into account, Earl presented the concept and managed to get the affordable sports car idea off the ground. Thus, in 1953, Chevrolet Corvette C1 was born. At first, everyone adored the two-seater beast. Its looks screamed “speed”, plus it did come out a bit cheaper than the competition. Sadly, performance did not match aesthetics.

What went wrong with the first-gen Corvette?

In the beginning, GM had fairly reasonable expectations of building about 10,000 Corvette units per year. Although a considerable number, it still fell somewhat on the conservative side. Yet, they could not even reach the 4,000 mark in the first 2 years.

The main reason for that had to do with engine details. The Corvette was touted as a sports car, but could not live up to that. GM initially put in a 3.9L inline-six engine, that gave the car only 150 hp after modifications. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph took 11.5 seconds. To put things in perspective, Jaguar XK120 could do it in just 8.5 secs even with its higher weight.

To make things worse the Corvette’s engine had already been used for more than a decade in other vehicles. In other words, they relied on old tech for a new car that had to compete with exotic foreign rides!

Perhaps people could have justified it if the price was tremendously lower. After all, that was the initial goal. Too bad it only came at about 15% cheaper than the alternatives. At this point, GM almost shut the whole project down, as it failed to meet their projections. However, largely because the company wanted to save face in the Ford vs Chevrolet rivalry, GM pushed forward for a while longer. The carmaker decided to improve whatever it could and possibly salvage the project. And it did succeed!

How Chevrolet Corvette C1 evolved through the years

Starting in 1955, GM introduced changes to the Corvette on an annual basis. The company took everything good about the car, added some more oomph to it, and made it fly. Below you can see a timetable of how it all progressed.

• 1953 – 300 Corvettes rolled out of the factory and received compliments on their aesthetics.
• 1954 – Only about 3,600 units were built, as the market reacted strongly against the lackluster performance. That almost spelled the end for the model.
• 1955 – GM put in a V8 engine and added a 3-speed manual transmission. Finally, the model got the performance to match its looks. It now had 195 hp and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5s, rivaling the Jaguar XK120.
• 1956 – With further improvements to the body of the car, and ultimately dropping the old I6 engine, Corvette sales started going up again.
• 1957 – The model’s sales doubled and its V8 engine got some more power, now ranging from 210 up to 290 hp. The 4-speed manual transmission also became an option. The car finally felt like an expensive sports car. On top of that, its price went down, making it an incredible bang-for-the-buck alternative.
• 1958-1961 – Both the interior and exterior received noticeable changes. Models from ’58 and up could be considered facelift versions. Sales continued to rise steadily, even though the price got a serious bump, too (at about 30%).
• 1962 – The final production year introduced the most powerful 327ci V8 engine for the lineup so far. It had up to 360 hp, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.

Ultimately, the first-gen Corvette came out successful. By the end of its run, GM had produced a little over 69,000 units and was ready to take it a step further!

The legacy of the Chevrolet Corvette

In just a few generations, Corvette became the poster American sports car. By its third iteration, its numbers broke the half-million mark, making it one of Chevy’s mainstay models.

That being said, throughout the years, the Corvette became less of an affordable car and more of a top tier luxury beast. The model continues to receive praise, though many old school fans feel like it no longer carries the spirit of those first few generations.

So what do you think, should you buy a Corvette today, and if yes, which one? With the exception of C4 and C5, I love them all. The irony is that classic Corvettes often cost more than the new ones!

The post First-gen Corvette: America’s answer to the Jaguar appeared first on Altered Steel.

Naturally, due to competition, many models fade away. Take Pontiac Firebird, for example. It managed to hold its own for decades, but it ultimately came to an end by the early 2000s. Its sister model – Chevrolet Camaro – also got discontinued around the same time. The difference? Several years later the Chevy came back with a bang. No such luck for Pontiac!

So, after long decades of sibling rivalry, the verdict came – the Camaro turned out the better car. But is it? Let us explore the history of both models and see which comes on top!

Which came first – Firebird or Camaro?

Although this question has little to do with any car’s quality, it makes for a good history lesson. We can see how the two models came to be and where they diverged.

Technically, the Camaro carries the first-born mantle, being introduced in September 1966 to rival the Mustang. Several months later came the Firebird in response to Mercury Cougar. It was built upon Camaro’s platform and the original generations of both vehicles carry a lot of similarities.

For instance, they share engine designs. GM took some of Chevy’s engines, modded them slightly, and put them in the Firebird. To be fair, those modifications provided serious output advantages in some cases. Considering their close characteristics and design, we cannot help but wonder…

What is the difference between the two models?

Most people consider both vehicles to be largely one and the same. You just pick your preferred design and roll with it. However, that misses the details.

Historically, the Firebird serves as GM’s more luxurious version of the Camaro, much like Mercury was to Ford. So, they did not cover the same market segment. Today we see a lot of companies doing the same – using different marques for their high-end vehicles.

Because of this, the Firebird was more expensive, with a spruced-up interior. Minor tweaks here and there also made it seem more premium.

GM had an entirely different philosophy behind the Camaro. It was one of those cheap muscle cars that make you feel rich. That made it extremely successful, as it turned out many folks want to drive a sports car, they just don’t want to pay the premium. This is why the entire pony car segment became such a hit.

Now you may think that the Firebird automatically gets the “better car” title by virtue of being the step-up model. Not so fast!

Chevrolet Camaro vs Pontiac Firebird – Which is better?

Now, what does “better” even mean? In my opinion, it depends on the actual driver and their needs. So, let us break down the comparison by categories!

• Price – This is easy. All things considered, the Camaro gave you more bang for your buck back in the day. No wonder it sold about 200,000 more units than the Firebird.
• Comfort – Don’t write the Camaro off this category just yet. On a dollar-by-dollar basis, it may have come slightly ahead, since it also had higher trims. Still, people who wanted ultimate luxury picked up the Firebird.
• Power – Now the difficult part… Both models actually trade blows here. The Pontiac came with a better basic engine, and it did offer a lot of powerful options. However, Camaro simply had the richer catalog. Its SS versions came with up to 375 hp, compared to Firebird’s 345 hp on its top engine. When it comes to the rarest and most powerful versions, Chevy still wins with 550 hp vs 500 hp on the Pontiac.

With all that said, we have only been taking a historical look at the two. If you are considering buying one now, things get more complicated. For one, first-gen Camaros tend to hold higher prices, especially for the top models. You can now buy a top trim Firebird for less money than some Camaros.

Do you prefer Camaro or Firebird?

Chevrolet Camaro has made our list of America’s most iconic classic cars for a good reason. Affordable, yet sporty, it won the hearts of many. But that does not necessarily mean it trumps the Firebird. If I had to pick between the two right now, I would go for a Firebird.

Firstly, you can get it for less money. Secondly, it can be considered a fairly exotic vehicle. Fewer folks have heard about it, and you would not see it that often on the street. Finally, I just prefer its interior, it looks classier to me. And honestly, when buying a classic car, very few people are concerned about it being a racing machine.

But which do you prefer? Would you rather the more iconic Camaro or is the Firebird closer to your heart?

The post An age-old argument: Firebird vs Camaro appeared first on Altered Steel.

People have gobbled the model up with pre-orders supposedly going over 230 thousand units. Seems like companies have finally learned that we no longer want another copycat ride.

So here we are, Ford has staked its claim and we just have to wait a little longer to get our hands on the new Bronco. But will it remain true to its name? Or is Ford playing us all with clever marketing and popular appeal? In fact, just how much do we really know about it? Time to find out!

What is the 2021 Ford Bronco?

When it first came out in 1965, Ford Bronco entered the segment of compact SUVs, which was very popular at the time. It came in many different versions and was an instant success. So much so that Chevrolet made the Blazer to compete directly with the Bronco.

In terms of design, the new Bronco draws inspiration from the first generation of its namesake. The old beast has sold six-figure units as well, so the continuation is definitely there. And did you notice the giant nameplate? Old school!

With all that said, there have been some changes, too. For example, the first-gen Bronco was exclusively compact with only 2-door variants (or 3, depending on what you count). The new one will allow for more customization with an interesting convertible spin. It will come in short and long versions, akin to what Jeep is doing. Let’s dig a little deeper!

What do we know about the new Bronco?

Perhaps it would be better to say that the now sixth-gen Ford Bronco is not based on only one of its predecessors. It likely carries some ideas from all of them. And it also introduces some we have never seen in the lineup before.

For instance, it has a modular hard-top convertible roof, which you can replace for a soft-top if you want. Its modular nature allows for a lot of customization. Truth be told, the car does look very futuristic, but its longevity concerns me. It may turn into a drawback if it ends up requiring additional maintenance.

Ford has tried to make the vehicle an off-roader’s and camper’s dream. You can purchase so many great add-ons to fit your exact needs. For one, you can have a slide-out tailgate in addition to your swing rear door. They have also made it easy to fit an entire bed in the back.

Another notable thing: the Bronco seems to be presented as a direct competitor to the modern Wrangler. As such, it carries that true SUV spirit that is lacking in most modern “utility vehicles”. Honestly, this is a breath of fresh air. We need more cars that can handle rough terrain, not let a single company (ahem, Jeep) dominate the market. Does Ford have the chops for it though?

2021 Ford Bronco Technical Details

• Engine – Say goodbye to the V8 legacy, at least for a while. Currently, the model will house only 4- and 6-cylinder engines. The good news? They will come with plenty of power: 270 – 310 hp, to be precise. Almost double some of the old V8’s!
• Transmission – Here we get into some controversy. Fans wanted the Bronco with manual transmission and they can now have it so. Sadly, it will only be available for the smaller engine. If you prefer automatic, you can pick a 10-speed transmission instead.
• Dimensions – Compared to its first-generation, even the 2-door versions of the new Bronco will be considerably bigger. The shorter body will be around 175 inches, while the longer – up to 190 inches. With a width of 79 inches, it has definitely outgrown the “compact” label.
• Smart systems – Virtually all new cars have different smart features. However, here we have something cooler: different off-roading modes. Most enthusiasts will likely not care about them, but off-roading beginners will have a smoother learning curve. I find that very inclusive, and the right thing to do.

Why is the 2021 Bronco such a success?

The hype for the new Bronco has reached Tesla Cybertruck levels. Both models brag about record-breaking pre-order numbers, modularity, futuristic elements, off-road options, and camping add-ons, among other things. However, while the Cybertruck has yet to arrive, Ford is not waiting around!

One of the biggest factors for such a success is its availability. You can actually have a close look at the Bronco and know exactly what you will be getting. Sure, it may not be an EV, but that may be another plus.

Most off-road enthusiasts do not drool over new hyped up systems and automation. That is why they wanted the Bronco to have a manual transmission as well. It makes you feel connected to your car.

It looks like Ford has done its best to keep the innovations mechanical. By this, I mean that many of the new additions do not rely on complicated electronic systems. They pump up the convenience of the car, without making it yet another computer on wheels (unlike the Cybertruck).

Let’s say it plainly – the Bronco does it right. It offers more comfort, more power, and more utility while keeping it simple at the same time. Not too little, but not too much either. Ironically, that makes it fairly affordable too. Is that not a recipe for success?

Do you like the new Bronco?

As a fan of true off-road SUVs, Ford won me over with this one. I am not even sure if Jeep Wrangler can top it soon enough. The Bronco comes with so many new features that Jeep needs to step up its game now, in my opinion.

And yet… Too much hype is never good. Let’s hope that Ford can ultimately deliver on all its promises. Otherwise, it might be the last nail in the coffin of the entire Bronco future.

What do you think? Are you ready to jump on the Bronco’s bandwagon or do you prefer to wait this one out?

The post 2021 Ford Bronco: All you need to know appeared first on Altered Steel.

See, instead of creating something groundbreaking, your mind gets preoccupied with an existing concept. It becomes your basis, so originality dies in the process.

We have a good example of this in the automotive world, as you can hardly distinguish modern-day vehicles from one another. However, old-timers were not immune to that either. Let’s explore how rivalry led to convergence with Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Bronco!

How did the rivalry between Ford and Chevy start?

Though other automakers make terribly good competitors (e.g. Jeep Wrangler YJ in the ’80s), here in the US it always comes back to Ford vs Chevy. So, before we compare the given models, we better understand why people make it such a big deal.

It all starts with the brands’ rivalry back in the early days of automaking. Ford dominated the market with its Model T for a while. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, in 1928 Chevrolet came up with a worthy competitor. With a bit of clever marketing, the new player managed to position itself as the better alternative to Ford. And as they say, the rest is history!

Ford gave us the Mustang, Chevy followed with the Camaro. The F-150 had to battle the Silverado. And after the Bronco, came the Blazer… which then influenced Bronco’s second-gen. But who copied who?

Ford and Chevrolet enter the SUV market

Surprisingly, the first generation of Bronco had nothing to do with the rivalry between the companies. In fact, it was meant as a competitor to Jeep CJ and International Harvester Scout. It even resembles the latter quite a lot.

Seeing how the SUV segment was growing, Chevrolet wanted a piece of that pie, too. Funny enough, the automaker also considered the CJ and Scout as main competitors, at least initially. It turned out different though!

Now we get to the tricky part – the lookalike controversy. People often claim that the 2^nd gen Bronco virtually copied the design of the Blazer before it. Turns out things are more complicated than that.

The first-generation Blazer actually resembles the Bronco that came before it. Did Chevy copy it? Or did it simply give the public what it already loved?

It ultimately comes down to our initial statement: exposing yourself to existing ideas limits your perspective. But let’s see what the two vehicles actually have in common!

What are the similarities between the Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Bronco?

Comparing the two models can be a challenge. Why? Because you may have some trouble matching their generations.

For instance, Blazer has had two iterations before Ford had come up with their second one. Then Bronco had its third generation after two years, and that way we have two Bronco gens competing against the second Blazer.

With that said, I have decided to compare the 2^nd gen Bronco to the corresponding production years of the Blazer. It seems like the fairest comparison. Here it is!

• Design

No matter how you slice it, the two models do look similar. Both automakers ditched the rounded shapes and placed their bets on the more aggressive sharp edges. They solidified that aesthetic with only small changes over time.

I have to say that I still prefer the first generations. Their design shouts “timeless” to me. That is why the first-gen Bronco made our list of favorite vintage SUVs. Many people agree here, as the resurrected 2021 Bronco actually looks like the very first one, not the later versions.

• Performance

Ford kept things simple. It offered only two V8 engines, which had 156-158 hp and 262-277 lb-ft of torque respectively. Not too shabby, but quite limited nonetheless.

Chevrolet had a variety of options: from a low-power straight-six engine with 105 hp, through a more powerful 130 hp I6, and all the way up to 160-185 hp on a V8 engine. The last one supplied 300 lb-ft of torque.

• Sales

If the similarities above were not enough, the two models also show comparable sales figures. For 1978-1979 Ford sold about 182,000 units, while Chevy did about 180,000.

We have to note that the second-gen Blazer had already been selling well since 1973, so the above comparison is not exactly fair. Though if we extend it throughout the years, Ford ultimately outsold Chevrolet with its third-gen Bronco.

Which is better: Chevrolet Blazer or Ford Bronco?

Do you notice a trend with both companies? One comes up with something, the other follows up with its version, then the first iterates on that. You can see it with virtually all of their competing models.

But do you know what that ultimately leads to? Cars that largely resemble each other, even beyond the outward aesthetics.

When it comes to the two marques, I don’t have brand loyalty. I appreciate both the Bronco and the Blazer, and I can enjoy them equally. To be fair, most people would, if they put their biases aside for a second.

To answer the question plainly, neither is better. The Blazer is just a tad bigger, but if you lose the spec sheet, you wouldn’t know it. This gets us to the real question!

Do you prefer Blazer or Bronco?

It comes down to this – which brand do you want to support? Broncos may be easier to find nowadays, though both models have been produced by the hundreds of thousands. Aftermarket parts abound and you can mod the cars to your desires!

You would likely not regret investing in either of those vehicles. Many still use them on a regular basis, as they have proven themselves to be undying workhorses.

Of course, any well-kept classic car costs a good amount. Some may go above even newer models. Yet… as cliché as it sounds, they just do not make them the same anymore. Gone are the days of having a car you could actually repair yourself. Or at least have a good mechanic do it. Now it takes a team of professionals, and also a programmer. But that is a topic for another day!

Just tell me in one word: Bronco or Blazer?

The post What do Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Bronco have in common? appeared first on Altered Steel.

With that said, just because some companies fall out of the race, it doesn’t mean they had bad products. In fact, sometimes they might have the best offer, but still, get hit by the worst of chances. This is the nature of the business game. However, we should still keep such iconic inventions in our memory. That is what we are going to do today. Let’s explore one of the greatest sports cars in history – Mercer Type 35R!

The rise of Mercer Motor Cars

Back in the day cars used to look a lot different. With long, narrow builds they remind me of bullets. Frankly, in terms of aerodynamics, that was a pretty good choice. But what does this have to do with Mercer? A lot!

Though the founders had some experience with engineering and business, cars were new to them. Yet, they did something right: they turned to people who knew what they wanted out of a sports car.

Right from the get-go, Mercer started as a company that cared about delivering a great product. It worked with both designers and racecar drivers to perfect the invention. Thus in 1910, the Type 35R was born. And it proved an instant success.

What made the Mercer Model 35 Raceabout so special?

At first glance, the Type 35R looks a bit barebones. That is by design! With less weight and a strong engine, it could accelerate quickly and deliver superb top speeds for its time. We are talking about consistent 70 mph, with the option to go over 90 mph when pushed.

Obviously, by today’s standards that hardly seems passable. However, back then the Model 35 Raceabout managed to swipe away the competition on a consistent basis. Its 55 hp 4-cylinder engine, paired with the lightweight design, scored 5 out of 6 race victories in 1911. With time, success continued to pile up.

It became a highly coveted model for racers, but also as a luxury choice. That being said, it had such a steep price that having it as a personal car was kind of impossible. Not to mention that comfort was not its strong suit either. That didn’t matter though, because races were lucrative enough, and the Raceabout won a lot of them!

Though it might not exactly be among the cars that changed the world, it deserves a spot in the sports vehicles hall of fame. Perhaps it could have had a more serious impact if it wasn’t for a series of mishaps the company went through. Speaking of which…

How misfortune ruins a company

Sadly, Lady Fortune likes to deal with mean hands from time to time. Even if you do everything right, chance may just not be on your side. And as a company, Mercer had to deal with quite a few blows in a short period of time.

In 1912, the manufacturer lost its general manager in the Titanic disaster. Just two years later another big tragedy occurred. Two Model 35 Raceabouts collided, resulting in two lives lost. The sad event caused the company to reconsider and ultimately end its racing program. The very thing the model was built for – racing – became an afterthought. In turn, this prompted the lead Raceabout designer to leave the company.

New designs followed, which focused on luxury and turned the model into a touring vehicle. Did they succeed though? Hardly. They failed to impress the public and Mercer’s reputation slowly started to crumble.

The company did not take all those blows lightly. Its entire drive for innovation fizzled out and Mercer became reliant on past glory. In 1919, the last remaining founder passed away. The company was then bought off and restructured, but then got hit by the economic recession. In 1925, the last Mercer vehicle was built, making the total number reach somewhere around 5,000.

What is Mercer Model 35 Raceabout will be remembered for?

The model’s legacy has plenty of things you can admire. One of the least explored is its aesthetics. Tell me it doesn’t look cool! And yet… what exactly looks cool about it? It is a stripped-down version of some similar vehicles around that time. Perhaps this goes to show us once again that less is more.

Though the model was later fitted to be a more comfortable car, it ultimately failed at that. See, once they turned it into a regular old vehicle, it lost its charm. Now its touring models belong to the scores of classic cars you didn’t know existed. The lesson here? Having a good core product does not mean you can spin it off in any direction.

Another interesting fact is that a world record was scored specifically in this model. For a period of time, it held the record for the highest average speed (86.5 mph) during a road race.

Sadly, that was among Mercer’s last great achievements. With all the mishaps around it, the car could not be developed into something greater, and soon innovation passed it by. Now we remember it for being a one-off masterpiece that will forever remain a piece of American car-building history!

The post 1911 Mercer Model 35 Raceabout: Success that couldn’t last appeared first on Altered Steel.

Aviator glasses had practical protective use for pilots in open cabins. Diver watches started out as timepieces for actual divers and marines. What about SUVs? They were indeed utility vehicles in the beginning. Now… they only look the part, and even that is not always the case. But how did that happen?

Today we are going to explore one of the pivotal vehicles that might have started the modern crossover trends: Jeep Wrangler YJ. Yet there is one key difference – the YJ is a crossover done right. Let’s see why!

The history of Jeep Wrangler YJ

As a company, Jeep has had many successful SUV models. In fact, it would be hard to name them all with their variants. The CJ model specifically ranks among our favorite vintage SUVs. Why is that relevant? Because Jeep Wrangler YJ follows right in its footsteps!

The story began decades ago. Before the days of giant steamroller-like SUVs, people wanted cars that could traverse rough terrain. By the end of World War II, such vehicles have already been developed, though only for military use at first. Fortunately, companies realized the potential such cars had for the mass public. So, they started working on one.

Thus, through a couple of failed prototypes, the Willys-Overland Civilian Jeep was born – or CJ for short. It was a small, highly-capable car that was virtually gobbled up by farmers. More than 214,000 CJ-2A’s were produced.

It continued to grow in popularity with the CJ-3A, CJ-3B, and CJ-5. With the last one, the Jeep finally became its own marque after dropping the Willys name. The CJ lineup lasted for another two generations until 1986 with the CJ-7. Throughout all that, its aesthetic remained largely the same, with an outstanding reputation to boot. But then it was time for a change – enter Jeep Wrangler YJ!

How Jeep YJ changed the game

Do you know why I call the YJ model the granddaddy of modern SUVs? Because it had a big role in the roadrunner trend among those vehicles. See, at first, people didn’t even think of buying such cars for daily driving. Their idea was to handle the off-road. Add to that some workhorse utility, and you get a good niche of loyal customers.

With that said, the company wanted to push its lineup towards the mainstream market. So, they made its track wider, reduced the clearance a bit for better stability on the road, touched the comfort up, and made it easier to handle. In other words – they made it more of a car, less of a Jeep.

You can see how following the same philosophy brings us towards newer crossovers. Sadly though, they fail in one core thing: actual off-roading performance. See, the YJ may have been made a more mainstream ride, but its spirit was still there. Today even modern electric SUVs can hardly be considered off-road vehicles. Sure, some models can still handle rough terrain. Jeep actually has some of those. Yet now they are the exception rather than the norm.

All in all, it is fair to say that Jeep Wrangler YJ was a game-changer. But what if I told you that it rivaled another Jeep model and both of them actually made the company what it is today?

Brothers in arms – Wrangler vs. Cherokee

As far as iconic vehicles go, the Cherokee is way up there. In fact, it had already been on the market when the first Wrangler became available. Though when you compare them, the Cherokee seems more like a modern SUV. So why do I not consider it the granddaddy instead? Actually, I do both.

In my mind, Jeep played it really smart with those vehicles. The initial idea was to have the Cherokee reach the family market. To contrast that, the Wrangler was a good off-road vehicle that could still offer a nice daily ride if you wanted it for your sole car. Ultimately though, both of those brought the off- and on-road crowds closer together.

The Cherokee XJ showed us how a high-clearance vehicle could be a good family choice. Conversely, with the Wrangler XJ, we saw that an off-road car could also be a comfortable one. The blend between the two would likely be the ultimate crossover. In fact, the modern Wrangler (JL) may be just that!

Where does the Jeep Wrangler YJ stand today?

Interestingly enough, the YJ model still has quite a fanbase. Together with its successor, the TJ, and the Cherokee XJ, they make up a huge chunk of the off-roading niche. The YJ specifically allows for many modifications, which is why people love it. Additionally, it is considered a more hardcore option for off-roading purposes. You may even see some friendly rivalry between fans of each model.

Since there were so many YJs produced, you should not find it difficult to get your hands on one. With that said, you may have to look all over the country for a decent unit. Though with good car shipping services, transporting it to you will not be much of a trouble.

We have to note that it does retain its price. Well-maintained models can get all the way up to $20,000, with the average being around $10,000. Still, for a hobby car that offers an amazing experience, I consider that a steal.

The legacy of Jeep Wrangler YJ

Even if SUVs are no longer what they used to be, people have still not forgotten about off-roading vehicles. Sadly, developing new cars costs a lot, and the off-roading market just isn’t that big, which is why we should be thankful that some options still exist for people who want to conquer rough ground.

Perhaps we will never see mass-market vehicles built for the sole purpose of off-roading. But we can look towards the YJ and see that maybe we don’t need them. A true crossover has been done, and it hasn’t disappointed us. This is what we should be looking forward to!

The post Jeep Wrangler YJ: The grandfather of modern SUVs appeared first on Altered Steel.

Even so, this beast was rather short-lived. Who knew a time would come when US folks would actually care about fuel efficiency? Well, the 2008 crisis was a wake-up call for many, and the Hummer fell as one of the business casualties. By 2010, the car marque had officially stopped being manufactured.

Now, almost an entire decade later, the Humvee’s successor is getting revived! However, it will not be coming back with its former reputation. This time around, GMC is joining in the EV revolution. But can the old gas guzzler become the poster electric pickup? Let’s check that out!

The Hummer had a long road to travel

We have to admit one thing – the original Hummer was a great idea. Making a military vehicle viable for the general public seems a very US thing to do. And honestly, it did prove successful for a while.

Even now, the original 1992 Hummer H1 has a fanbase. Thanks to its off-road capabilities and rugged construction, the machine appeals to many. Yet even that very first model was chugging gas like crazy. It had an abysmal MPG ratio of 10.69. For comparison, some modern SUVs can get up to 30 mpg and above. Not quite the fair battle, sure, but a staggering difference nonetheless.

With that said, fewer people cared about efficiency at the time. When GM saw its potential, the company decided to get marketing rights. In 2002, they introduced Hummer H2, which also turned out fairly successful in its niche. It had an even worse fuel economy, with some testers claiming just about 9 mpg.

Seems like the automaker was not even trying to come up with a more efficient engine. The best it managed was 15 mpg on the latest Hummer H3. In light of all that, having  GMC jump straight to an electric SUV (or pickup, depending on the viewpoint) seems a bit… ambitious, to say the least. What is the carmaker really planning?

The Electric Hummer – Jumping on the EV bandwagon or something more?

In a world where polarization seems a regular occurrence, the EV market has been steadily growing nonetheless. I can guess why. Modern “green” cars have less to do with the Prius and more to do with Tesla Model S. Or to put it differently, if you want power, you go electric.

When we state it like this, one thing becomes apparent. GM is not shifting the Hummer market – they are catering to it. See, the cool kids do not go after gas guzzlers anymore. Even SUV enthusiasts understand there is no need for inefficiency nowadays. When we have an SUV that can get to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the bar is now completely different.

I think that General Motors is not trying to set the trend. Instead, the company is playing it safe by going after the performance EV market. But you know what? That is fine. Virtually every manufacturer is trying to shift focus towards electrics, at least partly.

However, as Porsche Taycan has shown us, going electric is not enough. If you do not bring anything new to the table, you will not see much success. How will the new Hummer compete against other premium eSUVs? What about the already infamous Cybertruck? There may be hope!

All you need to know about the new GMC Hummer

First and foremost, the Hummer is no longer its own thing. It falls entirely within the GMC lineup now. Does that mean much? Maybe not, but branding is not done lightly. Perhaps GM is planning on establishing a much more prominent presence once again. Well, with the Hummer, it may be on the right track. Here is why:

• Massive power. GM wanted to make one thing clear from the start – the new Hummer will still be a beast. The engine will have 1,000 horsepower with 11,500 lb-ft torque. Now, that torque number is misleading. It will probably be somewhere closer to 800 lb-ft once you convert the raw torque to actual output.
• Excellent acceleration. GM has stated that the vehicle can accelerate to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Does that sound familiar? Tesla has similar claims for its pickup. We understand whose audience the new GMC EV is going after.
• Versatility to match. The Hummer has a signature look, but it can also fill different roles. Supposedly, it will have regular street-focused models, but also off-road versions too. Plus, GM is making it into an SUV-Pickup hybrid, which could be interesting.

Though all that sounds impressive, don’t be in haste to cheer. The new Hummer is at least two years away. Honestly, I am tired of all these grand reveals, such as that of Tesla Cybertruck. I mean, yes, everything sounds cool, but manufacturers are no longer pitching vehicles. Instead, they are giving us their awesome ideas. For all we know, they might be completely divorced from reality!

The possible pitfall of the electric GMC Hummer

Since everything is turning into a betting game, I take all numbers with a grain of salt. Sure, 1000 hp sounds impressive, but what does it even mean? For starters, horsepower works a bit differently with electric motors. Plus, even if you have a lot of it, performance relies on other things too.

Here is a fun balancing act that all EVs have to manage. The more powerful they are, the more battery they drain. That reduces the range. To counter that, you need a bigger battery. Well, that adds weight, and weight requires more power. It is a bit of a vicious cycle.

Because of this problem, most EV manufacturers are trying to make their vehicles as light as possible. But how light do you think a giant beast like the Hummer can be? I doubt GMC is going to beat Tesla, who has been in this game for a while. Ultimately, any numbers stated by GM may prove less impressive when put to the test.

For instance, the top Cybertruck engine is supposed to deliver real 1000 lb-ft of torque. Instead of addressing that, GM has decided to give us an inflated number. That makes me conclude that the EV Hummer depends too much on marketing and too little on real-life performance.

Does the GMC Hummer EV sound appealing?

In all honesty, I may have been a bit too critical of this EV. That is because I want it to turn out well. See, if Tesla finds proper competition, we can hope to see even better electrics in the future. Other companies will know that they need to step up their game. Even though all are making EVs, most are mediocre. At least the Hummer is aiming higher.

What is your opinion about it? Do you want it to be a good EV contender? Though this vehicle has a bit of a niche look, we could say the same about the Cybertruck. Yet that one proved successful enough. Maybe rough and rugged is the new slick and sexy!

The post GMC’s Hummer EV: Gas guzzler turned eco beast appeared first on Altered Steel.