Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Check out Car and Driver’s piece on the Top 10 Muscle Car Tests of 2009. Featuring videos from the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS V-82010, Ford Shelby GT500, Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, 2010 Roush Ford Mustang 427, R2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, 2010 Chevy Camaro SS vs. 2010 Ford Mustang GT, 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, 2008 Dodge Viper, SRT10 Coupe, and the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1.

Wisconsin EcoCAR

We usually do not post about non-muscle cars at Chevy Muscle Cars, but here is an exception. I want to bring your attention to the EcoCAR project, and specifically Wisconsin’s participation with the project. The EcoCAR Challenge is a three-year competition that builds on the 19-year history of Department of Energy’s advanced vehicle technology competitions by giving engineering students the chance to design and build advanced vehicles that demonstrate leading-edge automotive technologies.  Wisconsin’s work hopes to create a practical road hybrid based off of GM’s Saturn Vue with innovation and engineering. The University of Wisconsin – Madison car’s battery pack’s fuel source is a 45 Amp/hr liquid cooled JCS battery pack. This large capacity pack is designed primarily to get 30+ miles per charge during plug-in mode. Wisconsin has chosen E85 as a fuel source for the EcoCAR competition to run in the MP750 Weber Engine.

Car and Driver is planning to re-launch its site. This new and improved site promises to be much more interactive and user-friendly. With increased functionality, it will be even easier to navigate. There is much more information and links on the new homepage, allowing for quicker, more efficient search.

In addition, one of the best features of the new site is the increased functionality of the buyer’s guide, which allows you to more easily search for vehicles specifically tailored to your needs. For example, if you choose a make such as Chevrolet, the new site instantly provides you with several links to the latest reviews, comparison tests, news, and advice on different models.

Then, selecting a model, such as the Corvette allows you to view all of its top competitors in that class. With the ability to drill down on specifications and view tons of interior and exterior images, the new Car and Driver site is definitely more interactive and user-friendly, and will enhance your Chevy muscle car shopping experience. Check out a screen-shot of this below, and feel free to email any feedback to caranddriver@hfnm.com.

The HPE550 - a 562hp beast

Texas-based Hennessey Performance Engineering is giving the 2010 Camaro a shot in the arm – and the shot it pure juice.

The 2010 Hennessey HPE550 Chevrolet Camaro adds a Magnuson/Hennessey supercharger to the already powerful base Camaro SS – the result, a 136hp boost. The HPE550 boasts an incredible 562hp with 557lb-ft of torque. According to Hennesy, the HPE550 can hit 60mph in 4.1 seconds – .7s faster than the production SS.

A diy version of the HPE550 will run you around $47K, a turnkey version warranted by Hennessey for 3 years/36,000 miles starts at $59K.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Pick-up Truck

In terms of power, robustness and style, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is the “muscle car” of pickups. The new Silverado 3500HD boasts a massive 6.0L 353Hp V8 generating 373 lb-ft of torque. A well-equipped Chevy Silverado 3500HD can haul over 12000 pounds along with 6 passengers.

GM succeeded in maintaining a good balance between styling and performance with this full-size pick up vehicle. Some of the standard luxury features for the 2009 Silverado 3500HD are split front seats, tilted steering, power accessories, a trip computer, OnStar navigation, stereo with CD player and satellite radio.

Leather upholstery, remote ignition, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and Bose surround sound audio systems are available in higher trim levels.

High towing capability combined with a sophisticated interior and smoother ride makes the 2009 Chevy Silverado 3500HD a better choice for heavy-duty pick up trucks.

Rear View

Dash

Interior

Front seats

Image: Edmunds

2009 Chevy TrailBlazer SS

2009 Ford Flex

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS has long been a popular choice for SUV. But the 2009 Ford Flex has been creeping in on Trailblazer territory. Check out our comparison between the two:

Utility
The 2009 TrailBlazer SS is superior in terms of hauling, with a maximum capacity of 6800 lbs. For bigger families the 8-passenger Trailblazer SS is a better choice than the 7-passenger Ford Flex.

Power & Performance
Powered by a 6.0L 390Hp V8, the TrailBlazer SS is a lot quicker – hitting 60mph within 6 seconds. The 2009 Ford Flex’s 3.5L 262Hp V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission takes 8.8 seconds to hit the magic mark.

On the flip side, buying a TrailBlazer SS pinches your pocket harder every time you visit the gas station. Surprisingly, the powerful TrailBlazer SS falls far behind the Ford Flex in terms of fuel efficiency. Compared to Flex’s decent 17mpg city/24mpg highway EPA rating, the TrailBlazer SS manages a mere 12 mpg city/16mpg highway.

Handling
Thanks to Chevrolet’s advanced sport-tuned suspension and steering, heavy-duty brakes, and 20-inch wheels – the TrailBlazer SS is quite easy to handle despite its massive size and torque.

The front and rear suspensions in the Ford Flex ensure a smooth ride., but its stupendous length impedes its steering capabilities.

Styling
The 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS sports the traditional SUV body style on a robust truck-based platform. On a more stylish note, the new Ford Flex attracts with its eye-catching exterior and exquisite color choices.

Creature Comforts

The Chevy TrailBlazer SS gets Bluetooth connectivity for 2009. The 2009 TrailBlazer will sweep you off your feet with an exclusive Sun and Sound package comprising a Bose surround sound audio system, rear-seat entertainment system, OnStar navigation, leather upholstery, and a power driver seat.

It looks like the Flex might overtake TrailBlazer SS here, sporting an array of sophisticated features including Ford’s original Sync MP3 player and phone interface system, Vista glass roof, power liftgate, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates, and a center console with refrigerator.

Safety

In terms of safety, both Chevrolet and Ford achieved a mixed score in their NHTSA ratings. Both the SUVs come with electronic stability control, antilock disc brakes and front and side curtain airbags – standard.

Conclusion

If heavy cargo hauling is your thing, and you’ve got a big family – you wouldn’t be wrong to choose the $39,330 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS over the $36,810 Ford Flex. Otherwise, it’s a toss up.

Images: Autospies.com and Gm.ca