There’s a Hennessey Ford Bronco and It Might as Well Have 1 Million HP

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Of course, the new Hennessey Ford Bronco doesn’t actually have 1 million horsepower. However, it might as well have. That is kind of the ethos at Hennessey. To give an example, the Hennessey Venom F5 makes 1,817 hp and supposedly can hit 300 mph. Again, this isn’t 1 million, but it really might as well be. So, what kind of sorcery did Hennessey do this time to make a 2021 Ford Bronco fit in with the crew? 

Hennessy VelociRaptor 400 Bronco | Hennessy

The Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco is a force

According to Ford Authority, Hennessey revealed the VelociRaptor V8 Bronco back in October of last year, promising 750 horsepower from a supercharged Ford 5.0L Coyote V8. Although this is kind of Hennessey’s thing, PaxPower is also talking about building a Coyote V8-powered Ford Bronco. While this might seem like too much, Ford has stated that it has no plans of building a V8 Bronco themselves, so PaxPower and Hennessey might have an open field with this. 

If the V8 Bronco isn’t your scene, then this new V6 VelociRaptor should get your goat. The Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco is powered by Ford’s 2.7-L EcoBoost V6, which has been treated to a host of modifications to boost output. The modifications include a tune, a new air-induction system, a custom exhaust, and new software for the ECU. All of these add-ons stack up to make a 2021 Ford Bronco with 405 hp and 503 lb-ft of torque. 

Hennessey says that those power boosts allow the VelociRaptor Bronco to do 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds. Again, there are many fast cars on the planet these days, but for a boxy 4×4, this is as fast (or faster) than it could ever need to be, making its hp figures somewhat irrelevant. It might as well have 1 million horsepower. 

Can the standard 2021 Ford Bronco handle this power? 

The V8 VelociRaptor parked in the desert
Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 | Hennessey

As Ford Authority mentions, the 2021 Ford Bronco with the V6 has the 10R60 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the same transmission found in the Ford Explorer. The 10R60 is only rated to handle 424 lb-ft of torque when paired with the 2.7-liter V6. 

This means that all those Hennessey mods are too much power for the stock transmission to handle. Maybe Hennessey will take the stronger 10R80 automatic transmission from the Ford Mustang to handle the added power – although the Ford Mustang’s Transmissions haven’t had the best track record, as of late. 

This Bronco offers more than just power

A yellow 2021 Ford Bronco SUV under a blue sky
2021 Ford Bronco | Ford

Aside from gobs of extra power, the Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco also gets a pile of rad aesthetic and practical off-road options. The souped-up Ford Bronco offers unique 18-inch wheels, 35-inch off-road tires, VelociRaptor bumpers and badges, and power-retractable side steps. 

Like the regular 2021 Ford Bronco, the Hennessey Bronco is available in either two- or four-door configurations. Pricing for these hopped-up Broncos is said to start around $80,000. Considering that is basically the cost of the new Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler, there is an argument to be made that it isn’t a half-bad deal.

Unfortunately, before anyone can start mashing around in the juiced-up Hennessey Bronco, Ford – and the rest of the automakers – are going to have to get these production delays and parts shortages under control. Wait times for the 2021 Ford Bronco are still outrageous and show little sign of getting better any time soon. Until then, we will just have to enjoy some pictures and videos of the Bronco. 

RELATED: 60 Percent of Ford Bronco Buyers Want the Most Powerful Engine Available

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When Is the Best Time to Wash Your Car?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Washing your car occasionally in order to keep it in tip-top shape is important. In fact, you should give your car a bath once every two weeks in order to keep all of the grime away and the paint shining. But what is the best time of day to wash it?

Washing your car in the Summer is time sensitive

A rag lies on the rear-view mirror of a car during a car wash. | (Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Depending on where you live, keeping your car clean in the Summertime is typically pretty easy. Those sun-filled days and warmer weather can make breaking out the water hose and suds a fun and splashy experience. However, you might want to wait for a cloudier day to clean your car during the warmer months.

Windy days can blow a lot of pollen and grime on the car when it’s still wet, which can lead to scratches. And if you wash the car in direct sunlight on a hot day, then the soap could dry off quickly and leave water spots and soap stains. According to Andy’s Auto Wash, the best time to wash your car during the Summertime is mid-morning, evening, or a cloudy day, ideally if the weather is calm. That way, you won’t need to worry about the wind or the burning-hot sun messing up all your hard work.

Washing your car in the Winter is even more time-sensitive

A man detailing a car in Belfast
Washing a car | Liam McBurney via Getty Images

If you live in an area where it snows during the Wintertime, then washing your car can be tricky and very cold. Road salt and snow can wreak havoc on your car’s paint, which can lead you to wash your car more often, however, the time of day is important. Andy’s Auto Wash recommends washing your car in the morning time or when the temperature is above freezing.

By washing your car in the warmer part of the day, you can prevent the door locks and other parts of the car from freezing after washing it. However, if you live in an area where it doesn’t snow then remember to pick a day when it’s not raining. That way, you won’t have to worry about it getting dirty again.

Is it better to wash your car at night?

A person stands in an automatic car wash in October 2020
A person stands in an automatic car wash in October 2020 | Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Not really. If you can only wash your car at night time, then, by all means, do so. It’s technically better than washing it on a hot day or in direct sunlight, but washing it at night can still do damage. According to Car Wash Country, your car might stay damp at night time, which can lead to corrosion since the sunlight won’t be there to aid in the drying process.

Additionally, it can be tough to ensure that you dried every spot on the car even with the proper lighting. Our best suggestion is to wait until daytime and when the weather is as ideal as possible to wash your car.

Ultimately, the best time to wash your car isn’t set in stone, since you’ll likely wash it whenever it’s possible. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep the paint surfaces of the car as cool and clean as possible. Otherwise, washing your car at the wrong time of day can lead to expensive consequences later on.

RELATED: You’ve Been Washing Your Car Wrong This Whole Time

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3 Cheap Used Cars That Can Hit 150 MPH Without Breaking the Bank

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A driver who wants accessible speed doesn’t need to be rich. These days the used car market is saturated with fast cars for $10,000 or less. These are just a few of those options that fit the bill for fast and cheap used cars, starting with Mercedes-Benz and its E55 AMG, one of the fastest sedans in the world for its time.

Fast, Affordable, And Comfortable: W210 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

1999 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG | Daimler

The W210 E55 AMG lasted from 1998-2002. Its 5.4-liter V8 sent 349 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission, its top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. It also commanded an aggressive traction-control system for its open-slip differential, and sat on 18-inch AMG wheels, shrouded in 275 mm rear tires. 

It weighed around 3,600 pounds, but the smooth and assertive power delivery meant the AMG glided across the tarmac with superb grip. Inside was leather-bound and cushy adjustable seats with three programmable custom settings, and the cabin was dead silent at 70 mph. The AMG’s MSRP was $70,300, but the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) sets its high retail price at $11,200. This makes it one of the cheapest and fastest cars on the used market. 

The AMG was special for its versatility. It managed to be fast, nimble, and comfortable. It won’t break the bank initially as it only costs around $10,000, but its maintenance schedule demands staunch attention. Close attention to oil changes, brakes, and tires ensures the E55 AMG is a long-lasting fast car.

Fast And Cheap: Pontiac GTO

pontiac-gto-rolex-gt-challenge-fast
Pontiac GTO At Rolex Series GT Challenge | Brian Cleary/Getty Images for Grand Am

In 2004 Pontiac released its GTO, a rear-wheel-drive coupe that could hit 160 mph. It was based on an Australian Holden Monaro and used a 5.7-liter V8 from GM that produced 350 hp, but in 2005 made closer to 400 from six liters. It could come with a manual or automatic transmission and it sold for $33,000 MSRP. NADA sets its clean retail price at $9,500. 

Owners on KBB testify to the GTO’s straight-line speed. Externally it looks unassuming and simple, thus earning it the “Sleeper” moniker. Those same owners attribute the GTO’s weaknesses to a long-throw shifter, brittle leather, and expensive and rare parts. However, it’s easy to maintain, is comfortable on long trips, and is quiet on the inside, making it a cheap and fast car.

Cheap, Fast, And Reliable: Nissan 350z

nissan-350z-driving
2005 Nissan 350Z | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

In 2003 Nissan had to work a few kinks out of its newest addition to its Z lineup, the 350z, but by 2006 it had most of the issues fixed. Now it’s more affordable than ever and a relatively fast car. It used a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 287 horsepower, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and was rear-wheel-drive. Its top speed was clocked at 156 mph, and while its MSRP was $26,370, NADA reports its current clean-retail value at $5,900.

The 350z is praised by owners for its reliability, ease of maintenance and performance, especially with its 2007-2008 model years thanks to its more powerful engine. 

The Mazda MX-5 comes highly recommended for its balance and light curb weight, but for drivers who prefer the same level of performance but with more power, the Nissan fits the bill and with reliability to boot. It’s also cheaper than certain model-year MX-5s.

Cheap and fast cars saturate the market. Normal road cars dating all the way back to the 1980s can hit 150 mph, so the only question that remains is what kind of car provides the most enjoyable experience at 150 mph?

RELATED: 15 Fastest Nissan performance Vehicles Of All Time

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The Toyota Crown: America’s First Japanese Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

September 2nd, 1945: Japan officially surrenders and WW2 ends. It takes years for Japan and it’s automotive market to rebuild. But in 1957, Toyota’s efforts were well worth it, and the Toyota Crown (or Toyopet Crown) became the first Japanese car sold in the states. Buckle up, as we’re about to get into the history of the Japanese car that started it all.

1958 Toyopet Crown | Toyota

The Toyota Crown was a luxurious flagship sedan

As one could assume, Japan’s automakers struggled to get back on their feet after the war. The industry had to be rebuilt, quite literally, from the ground up. Lots of automakers went the route of teaming up and sharing designs, such as Isuzu and Hillman or Nissan with Austin. Toyota, on the other hand, stayed true to themselves, making their own cars rather than copying off of someone elses.

The first Crown rolled off the assembly line in 1955, just 10 years after the war ended. At first it had a 1.5L 48 hp engine and a three speed, but later the Deluxe version offered 55 hp. It was fitted with two bench seats, meaning it could carry six people. But above all else, the Toyota Crown was comfortable, which made resonated with the wealthy.

Yes, you can imagine that after the war, cars weren’t on the forefront of consumer’s minds. In fact, the whole mentality of cheap cars is what inspired the Kei car market. At the time, the only people who would want an automobile were those who could afford one. Others interested in the Crown included businesses, the government, and taxi fleets, all in love with the unheard of levels of comfort due to the car’s double wishbone suspension.

But from the start, Toyota wanted more than just Japan’s automotive market. And 1957 was the year that would make or break the Crown’s success around the world.

Toyota built a global reputation with the Crown

Man standing beside a Toyota Crown
Toyota Crown | Toyota

In 1957, Toyota entered a Crown Deluxe into the Round Australia Trial, an international rally that stretches 10,000 miles of Australian bush. It’s a grueling event for automakers to prove just how tough they are, and Toyota was the first Japanese automaker to take part. In fact, this event marked Japan’s very first appearance in an international motorsport event.

Toyota entered to prove that their passenger vehicles weren’t just comfy, but built to last. And while the Crown was one of the only vehicles Toyota could’ve entered, it was also an ideal car for the race. Japan’s road network was nonexistent, and the Crown was built to cope with that without making the passenger’s miserable. Of the 86 cars that entered the race, only 52 made it out, the Toyota Crown being one of them. It finished 47th place overall, third place amongst the foreign cars entered.

Now on the map, Toyota was poised for international success. That same year, the company sent two ambassadors and two Toyota Crowns to Hollywood California. Their hopes were high, but the American market is a whole different ballgame.

Was the Toyota Crown successful in the states?

A Toyota Crown Being Unloaded From Ship
Toyota Crown Being Unloaded | Toyota

There’s no denying the Crown was built for Japan. It could handle narrow, bumpy roads and operate in harsh conditions. America was the opposite. With highway networks spanning coast to coast, cars could fly down the smooth asphalt. Upon coming to the states, it was quickly discovered that the Crown couldn’t quite handle highway speeds, shaking vigorously as it tried to keep up.

On top of that, the Toyota Crown had a hefty $2000 price tag. According to Toyota Magazine, that represented 67% of the average American’s annual wage. Only 287 Crowns were sold in 1958, and by 1959 Toyota left the states, aiming to return with a vehicle that could handle America’s roads. The vehicle they brought back in 1964 was the Toyota Corona, and the Crown nameplate would return in 1967. After that, the company snowballed into what we know today.

So was the original Crown successful in America? The short answer is no. Couldn’t handle the roads, cost too much, and didn’t sell. But it got Japan’s foot in the door, and led to the rise of becoming the international superpower they are today. In fact, the Toyota Crown is still being made, now onto it’s fifteenth generation, making it the longest running sedan in history. So in the long term, the Crown was not only successful as the first Japanese car in America, it solidified Toyota’s spot in the automotive world.

RELATED: Toyota Just Toppled GM as America’s Best-Selling Carmaker

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