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Porsche

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1967 Ford GT40 Mark IV

Spotlight on a vintage powerhouse: Ford's 427 Le Mans Winner!

One of the most legendary 427 triumphs came from Ford’s GT40 MkII & MkIV racers, featuring the mighty 427 engines that secured America’s first Le Mans victory.

These production-based 427 NASCAR mills were fine-tuned for longevity with lower RPMs, dominating the races in ’66 & ’67 and again with the small block in ’69 & ’69!

The 1967 Ford GT40 Mark IV shattered the Le Mans top speed record, hitting over 224 mph with brakes that would make us chuckle today.

These drivers truly had nerves of steel!

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Jeep Trackhawk in Cold Weather: A High-Performance SUV That Laughs in the Face of Winter

Real-World Performance: What It's Like to Drive in Snow and Ice

Of course, the true test of any vehicle in winter conditions is how it handles the real-world elements: slush, ice, deep snow, and freezing temperatures. The Trackhawk, for all its speed and power, isn’t just about raw acceleration. It has been engineered with smart systems to help you handle those conditions in the best way possible.

Driving the Trackhawk in snow feels reassuring. The vehicle feels planted even when the road is slick, and the power delivery is smooth—never jerky or difficult to modulate. In fact, the only thing you might be left wishing for is more snow to test its limits! And, should you get into a tight situation, Jeep's Hill Descent Control and Electronic Stability Control systems work together to help you regain control without the fear of spinning out of control.

What to Consider Before Driving in Extreme Cold

While the Trackhawk is undoubtedly a powerhouse in cold weather, there are a few things to consider before heading out into extreme conditions. Like any performance vehicle, the Trackhawk’s tires are designed for high-speed stability and road grip rather than extreme off-roading in deep snow. So, if you live in an area with consistently harsh winters, swapping to winter tires is always a smart move.

Additionally, performance vehicles like the Trackhawk can consume more fuel in the cold, as the engine takes longer to warm up and the power demand is higher when traction control systems are engaged. If you're planning on using the Trackhawk in icy conditions regularly, it's good to keep this in mind.

Conclusion: The Trackhawk Is Built for Winter

If you’ve been hesitant to drive a high-performance SUV during the colder months, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is here to change your mind. With its potent engine, advanced AWD system, luxurious interior, and off-road capability, this performance SUV can handle everything from snowy highways to off-the-beaten-path adventures in the winter wilderness. The Trackhawk might be the ultimate blend of raw power and winter-ready technology—ensuring that you’ll never be left stranded in the cold again.

Whether you're cruising through the city or trekking through the snow-covered trails, the Jeep Trackhawk is a high-performance winter warrior that thrives when others falter. So go ahead—take it for a spin in the snow. This Trackhawk isn't just for the warm weather; it's made to conquer it all.

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Shattering the Myth: The True Origins of the Ford GT

For years, the history of the Ford GT has been shrouded in misconception. Many enthusiasts believe that the GT40's story began with Lola, but the truth is far more fascinating. If you're ready to challenge your assumptions and uncover the real story, then join us on this journey through the untold history of the Ford GT.

Over the past few weeks, we've shared several stories that have only scratched the surface of this fascinating tale. But be patient, dear enthusiasts, because the most astonishing revelation is yet to come: Ford designed the Ford GT before partnering with Lola. We know this claim may be hard to swallow, but trust us, the evidence will soon become clear.

Get ready to have your understanding of the Ford GT's origins turned upside down. The true story is about to unfold, and it's going to be a wild ride.

Meanwhile enjoy this chart designed by FoMoCo decades ago. Notice that the 1962 Mustang‐I is at the top and how the Lola GT Mk6 was left out, we will get to that, but it's a story for another time.

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6. Overall Driving Experience

The interior of the Trackhawk allows for an impressive blend of luxury and performance, providing a driving experience that’s both exhilarating and refined. Whether you’re using it for a family trip, daily commuting, or taking it to the track, the interior is designed to offer an all-around, high-end experience.

Sound and Feel: The cabin feels solid and well-insulated, with minimal road and wind noise. The sound of the engine is beautifully amplified, especially in the Track mode, thanks to the active exhaust system. The recaro-style seats hold you firmly in place during aggressive driving but are also comfortable for long highway cruises.

Versatility: The Trackhawk strikes the perfect balance between the muscle car-like performance of the engine and the versatile, spacious interior of an SUV. Its off-road potential is also high thanks to Jeep's Quadra-Drive II system and air suspension, though it's equally at home on the highway or the track.

By: Harman Mandair

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5. Trackhawk-Specific Features

The Trackhawk is designed to deliver a performance-focused, yet comfortable driving experience, and there are a few features that help set it apart from regular Grand Cherokee models:

Track Mode: This is a performance mode that optimizes the engine, transmission, suspension, and traction control for maximum performance. The Trackhawk-specific tuning allows for a more aggressive throttle response and sharper handling, letting drivers unleash the full potential of the 707-hp engine. In addition, this mode modifies the exhaust sound, so it becomes much more aggressive and raucous.

Customizable Driving Modes: Jeep’s Selec-Track system offers different drive modes for various driving conditions, including Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow. Each mode changes the vehicle’s settings (like suspension firmness, throttle response, and torque distribution) to optimize performance based on the road conditions or the driver's preferences. The Track mode is where the Trackhawk really shines, providing the most aggressive settings for track days or spirited street driving.

Performance-Oriented Gauges: The digital cluster includes exclusive performance gauges that show real-time data, such as boost pressure, 0-60 times, and g-forces, which are perfect for those looking to maximize their driving experience.

By: Harman Mandair

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4. Cargo Space and Practicality

While the Trackhawk is undeniably performance-focused, it doesn't sacrifice practicality. The SUV is spacious enough for both passengers and their gear, making it suitable for everyday use, road trips, and even off-road adventures.

Spacious Cabin: The Trackhawk has seating for five passengers, with ample room for tall adults in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats fold down flat, offering a decent amount of cargo space when needed, with up to 70.8 cubic feet of total space when the rear seats are down.

Towing Capability: The Trackhawk’s towing capacity is another practical feature, with the ability to tow up to 7,200 pounds. Whether you’re hauling a trailer, boat, or a few dirt bikes, the Trackhawk’s powerful engine and all-wheel-drive system provide plenty of muscle for towing tasks.

By: Harman Mandair

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3. Climate Control and Comfort

The interior of the Trackhawk is designed to be comfortable and refined, no matter the driving conditions or weather outside.

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: The standard dual-zone climate control system ensures that both the driver and passenger can customize their climate preferences. Additionally, the Trackhawk features heated and ventilated front seats, so you can keep cool on hot days and toasty during winter months.

Heated Steering Wheel: Perfect for those colder months, the heated steering wheel is a standard feature, making it more comfortable to drive even in chilly temperatures.

Panoramic Sunroof: Many Trackhawk models come with a panoramic sunroof, providing an open-air feel and allowing plenty of natural light to pour into the cabin. It enhances the overall feeling of space and comfort, adding an extra layer of luxury to the experience.

By: Harman Mandair

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2. Infotainment and Technology

Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system in the Trackhawk is one of the best on the market. It combines ease of use with a host of cutting-edge features, ensuring that the Trackhawk feels as modern and high-tech inside as it is on the road.

Uconnect 8.4/10.1-inch Touchscreen: The centerpiece of the dashboard is the large, responsive touchscreen, which provides access to navigation, entertainment, climate control, and settings. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The 10.1-inch version offers even better graphics and a split-screen interface, making it easier to manage multiple functions at once. The Uconnect system is intuitive, quick to respond, and visually appealing.

Audio System: The Trackhawk’s Harman Kardon premium audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, with 19 speakers, a subwoofer, and a powerful 825-watt amplifier. The system can easily fill the cabin with rich, immersive sound, whether you're listening to your favorite playlist or taking a conference call hands-free.

Driver Assistance Tech: In terms of safety and convenience, the Trackhawk comes equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. These systems work seamlessly, ensuring you have the confidence to push the performance limits of the Trackhawk while still maintaining a sense of security and control.

Customizable Instrument Cluster: The digital instrument cluster offers fully customizable displays, allowing you to toggle between different information like tire pressures, power distribution (especially useful for the AWD system), performance metrics, and more. The Trackhawk’s exclusive “Track Mode” on the display is particularly appealing for performance-minded owners, displaying speed, g-forces, and lap times for enthusiasts tracking their vehicle.

By: Harman Mandair

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1. Premium Materials and Design

The Trackhawk’s interior stands out with its luxury-grade finishes and attention to detail. The cabin exudes sophistication, incorporating high-quality materials like leather, Alcantara, suede, and real wood trim (depending on the trim level). Jeep's design team strikes a careful balance between high-performance, sporty elements and luxury touches.

Seats: The Trackhawk comes equipped with Nappa leather seating as standard, which feels incredibly soft and durable. The front seats are 8-way power-adjustable with memory functions, and both the driver and passenger get heated and ventilated seats, making long trips more comfortable. The suede and leather accents on the seats help maintain a sense of sportiness while still delivering a premium experience.

Steering Wheel: The flat-bottom sport steering wheel, wrapped in leather and Alcantara, is a standout feature. It feels grippy and responsive for spirited driving, but also has a luxurious feel, with controls for adaptive cruise control, audio, and voice commands right at your fingertips. Some models also feature carbon fiber or metallic inlays to add a performance-oriented touch.

Dashboard: The dashboard is driver-focused with clear, easy-to-read gauges and a 12-inch digital display. The materials on the dash, including soft-touch plastics and real wood or metal accents, give the interior a premium vibe. The ambient lighting in the cabin adds a touch of elegance at night.

By: Harman Mandair

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4. Trackhawk's Interior: Luxury Meets Power

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk expertly blends the rugged spirit of Jeep with a level of luxury and refinement that rivals some high-end performance SUVs. While it’s most well-known for its mind-blowing 707-horsepower supercharged V8 engine and track-ready acceleration, the interior is equally impressive, offering a combination of comfort, technology, and premium materials that make every drive feel special.

By: Harman Mandair