HotCars - Car Stories

Here's What Makes '90s Ferraris Stand Out From Modern Models

Vedant Ojha — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:05:22 GMT

Few names evoke the same level of passion and reverence as Ferrari. The Italian marque has a long history of automotive excellence. It has produced some of the most iconic sports cars in history, dominating both the F1 racetracks and the streets across the globe.

Lamborghini's Diablo deserves more respect than the Countach

Tim Stevens — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 20:47:19 GMT

Sometimes, a thing is only remembered for those things that came before, great products and great people overshadowed by their predecessors who, in the moment, were perceived to be even greater. This is the sad purgatory in which we find the Lamborghini Diablo.

How The Toyota Stout Compact Truck Went From A Classic Workhorse To A Collectible Gem

Arun Singh Pundir — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 21:05:16 GMT

Toyota’s pickup truck journey started more than 70 years ago. That said, the turning point came in 1964 when its first stand-alone small pickup truck, the Toyota Stout, debuted and helped the Japanese automaker emerge as a key player in the US pickup truck bazaar.

This Lost Vector W8 Supercar Has A Dark Past And An Uncertain Future

Henry Kelsall — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 16:06:15 GMT

The Vector W8 is one of the most fascinating supercars in American history. But it gets even more impressive when you hear the story of this particular example. Uncovered after 25 years of hiding. As told by John Temerian and Curated TV, this Vector belonged to the company’s founder before getting dragged into an unprecedented lawsuit over its ownership. What ensued was a 25-year-long ordeal for this car that meant its owner never reclaimed it before he passed away in 2021.

Beyond Repair Ford Model T Jacksonville Florida Factory To Be Demolished

George Rusu — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 19:05:18 GMT

In a sad turn of events for automotive history buffs, the old Ford Motor Co. plant in Jacksonville, Florida has been given the green light for demolition. On June 12, city authorities granted ELEV8 Demolition a permit to tear down the historic factory located in the Talleyrand area. According to Duval County property records, it was erected all the way back in 1924 and Henry Ford himself had a hand in the building’s design and operation. The riverfront factory served as an assembly plant for his iconic Model T and Model A.

The Evolution Of Car Safety Features: Seatbelts, Crash Tests, Driver Assists, Autonomous Drive

Moiz Ur Rehman Akram — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 21:05:16 GMT

The early days of the automotive world saw the safety of passengers being overlooked by features such as speed and looks. The non-existence of laws and regulations surrounding the safety of vehicles meant that car-makers could prioritize other aspects, like speed and aesthetics, at the expense of vital safety measures, which resulted in high casualties. In fact, according to the NHTSA, the year 1957 amounted to a total of 36,932 on-road fatalities in the US.

Why Japan’s Acura Integra Type R Became A Popular Icon In America

Julybien Atadero — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 21:05:16 GMT

Acura brought back the Integra nameplate for the 2023 model year as it seeks to employ the legendary moniker to boost its image and sales. Nevertheless, it is actually the Integra Type R model that created that legend and cemented its iconic status. As to how Japan’s Acura Integra Type R became an icon in America is an interesting story to tell.

Why The Volkswagen Golf GTi Mk1 Is One Of The World’s Most Influential Cars

Donovan Recny — Sun, 28 May 2023 17:06:14 GMT

Let’s start with what the Mk1 Golf GTI is from the lens of 2023: a seemingly ancient, comparatively miniscule, underpowered hatchback that doesn’t support Apple CarPlay. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-banger that churns out 108 hp paired with a manual transmission and, well, that’s it.

Why The Second-Generation Dodge Challenger Wasn’t A True Muscle Car

Sam Main — Sun, 28 May 2023 16:05:14 GMT

The American muscle car is one of the most iconic subcategories of the car community. By far one of the most famous throughout the muscle car’s history is the Dodge Challenger. Here was a car that had a great V8 engine under the hood and had a large, brash, brazen design that was a symbol for America in the 60s and 70s. Then came the second generation Challenger, built from 1978 to 1983, which didn't live up to the standards of its predecessor.

The Evolution Of The Toyota 4Runner: From Classic To Modern SUV

Timothy Vanliefde — Sat, 27 May 2023 19:06:13 GMT

Before the Toyota 4Runner came to be the SUV so many people love, a small project was launched with the release of the Toyota Trekker. This started out due to the discontinuation of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 in 1979. The Trekker was built in collaboration with Winnebago and was a great success. Since it had such a big audience, Toyota decided to give the people what they wanted. And so, the Toyota 4Runner was conceptualized.

How AMC’s Innovative And Unconventional Cars Led To Its Rise And Fall

Davis Mindreci — Thu, 25 May 2023 17:06:14 GMT

The American Motors Corporation or AMC, provides a fascinating insight on what it takes to be successful in the automotive industry. This humble car-maker took on the industry giants, rocked the boat, and designed some iconic classic cars. They introduced innovations in safety and comfort years ahead of the competition, they dominated the American compact car market and did it all while creating breathtaking and cool designs on a strict budget. There was a time in American automotive history when it seemed as if AMC had done the impossible, to become a viable competitor to the Big Three.

The Full Story How The Volkswagen Beetle Gained Its Global Cult Status

Christine Crandall — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:05:14 GMT

The Volkswagen Beetle has a cult following of fans who cherish every bit of their beloved 'Love Bug.' With its undoubtable reliability and counterculture symbolism, this iconic vehicle holds a special place in the hearts of its fans.

This Dusty Lamborghini Countach Is A Rare 80’s Supercar With A Captivating Story

Rebecca DiCioccio — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:05:15 GMT

On rare occasions, exceptional cars that have been hidden from the world come out of the woodwork. There are several notable barn finds popping up over the years, ranging from muscle cars to supercars. But, this Lamborghini Countach might be the most impressive one yet.

Why The Ford Mustang Is One Of History’s Most Influential Cars

Sourav Banik — Tue, 16 May 2023 17:05:12 GMT

The Ford Mustang is one of those cars that hardly needs an introduction. Launched in 1964, as an answer to the rapidly-changing car industry, the Mustang is Ford’s second-longest-running nameplate and of course, the sole survivor of combustion engine powered muscle cars. Sad but true!

How The Nissan 240Z Redefined The Global Perception Of Japanese Sports Cars

Arun Singh Pundir — Sat, 13 May 2023 20:06:14 GMT

In 1970, America got its first taste of the Nissan 240Z, although, at the time, it came marketed as the Datsun 240Z. It seemed like the advent of a new decade, a new breed of sports cars because America in the 1960s was an automotive hub of cars vying to be able to give you the most thrills with the horsepower wars, brought about by the sheer popularity of the V8. Most of these were muscle cars and in the name of sports cars, all America had to offer was the Corvette Stingray, Shelby Cobra, and of course, the legendary Ford GT40.

The Pop-up Headlight: A Forgotten Design Icon Of The Automotive Industry

Rebecca DiCioccio — Tue, 09 May 2023 18:05:14 GMT

As the automotive industry has evolved, there have been many different advances in technology and changes in style. The 80’s are renowned for their boxy design choices, while curvy cars were popular in the 90's. However, one of the most recognized design choices is none other than the pop-up headlight.

How The 1967 Pontiac GTO Became A Symbol Of American Muscle Car Culture

Nyle Molina — Sun, 07 May 2023 14:05:13 GMT

Of all the Detroit muscle cars, most people consider the Pontiac GTO as the first. Pontiac's team of engineers, led by John DeLorean, figured out they could fit the 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size Bonneville into the mid-sized Tempest Chassis. After some burnout shenanigans in a 1963 prototype, the Pontiac GTO would debut as a 1964 model.

A Look Back At The Rise And Fall And Return Of The GMC Hummer

Jason Malshan — Thu, 04 May 2023 20:05:14 GMT

If gas guzzlers had an ambassador, it would be the Hummer. The 4WD monsters were some of General Motors’ most iconic vehicles, and it became the car of stars in the early 2000s. Celebrities, talk show hosts, and NBA stars, anybody who was anybody had to have a Hummer in their garage as a part of their car collection.

The Real Reason Why The Revolutionary Fisker Karma Was An Astonishing Failure

Kaelin Abbott — Thu, 04 May 2023 17:05:14 GMT

The Fisker Karma was a car seemingly ahead of its time. A long-range plug-in hybrid that offered glitzy style and sleek performance, it was the darling of the automotive world. On top of that, celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Silicon Valley venture capitalists were pouring money into the project.

How The 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat Saved Dodge, Then Dodge Killed It

Kiran Menon — Tue, 02 May 2023 14:05:13 GMT

With the automotive industry shifting towards sustainable energy, it’s companies like Dodge that really embrace what internal combustion engines truly stand for. The fundamentals of the brand have remained identical since the 60s. “Mopar or no car” is still a mantra in the world of modern muscle cars.

Why The Chevrolet Corvair Was The Worst Car Of The 1960s

Christine Crandall — Mon, 01 May 2023 21:05:13 GMT

It was the 1960 MotorTrend Car of the Year, but the Chevrolet Corvair would go down in history as one of the most dangerous GM cars of all time. Manufactured from 1959 to 1969, the Corvair's legacy is a mixed bag of failed reputation and collector's fanfare that can be confusing at times. Many car lovers share an affinity for this "Poor Man's Porsche," but if you ask the average person, they'll tell you to steer clear of the Corvair.

AC Shelby Cobra: How A British Sports Car Became An American Cultural Icon

Nyle Molina — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 19:05:13 GMT

Sports cars of the 1960s did not have the technology we have today for high-speed antics. American manufacturers were producing big-body sedans and aggressively-styled muscle cars. These examples lacked the finesse of European performance models in those days.

The Real Story How The Hypercar War Between Ferrari, Porsche And McLaren Started

Rebecca DiCioccio — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 18:35:13 GMT

Throughout history, there have been several notable battles between car brands. Rivalries are almost impossible to avoid, especially when brands are fighting against each other to win the affection of enthusiasts. The most memorable rivalries include Ford Mopar vs GM in the muscle car era, and Ford Vs Ferrari from the 1960s Le Mans race, and more recently, the disputes between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes in F1.

Here’s How Harley-Davidson Became The Favorite Bike Of American Motorcycle Clubs

Arun Singh Pundir — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:06:12 GMT

Most of us have seen the impressive sight of an American Motorcycle Club on the road, and very often, it’s the thundering roar of powerful Harley-Davidson engines revving together that we hear before we see the biker entourage. We say Harley-Davidson because it's usually the ride of choice of most American Motorcycle Clubs, especially the one percenters, the ones who don’t follow the rules and regulations of the AMA (American Motorcycle Association).

The 1993 RT/10 Defender Is The Dodge Viper You've Never Heard Of

Anthony Marchese — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:06:13 GMT

Any true automotive aficionado can appreciate and understand the love for the Dodge Viper. After the first ever prototype Viper was completed and used for testing in 1989, two years later in 1991, the American automotive manufacturer had two pre-production prototypes ready to be used as pace cars for the Indianapolis 500. In the year 1992, the Viper officially went on sale as the 'Viper RT/10 Roadster', and from there, the rest is history. Dodge wound up producing the Viper in multiple variations and generations from 1992 until 2010, and then, subsequently built even more models from 2013 until the Fiat Chrysler group announced that the Viper model would be ceasing production in 2017. Due to the popularity the Viper model had over the years, it only makes sense that someone somewhere would want to utilize one of America's best known sports cars in a film or television series as the star of the show. As a result of the Viper's success, that's the exact scenario that took place with the 1993 Viper RT/10 Defender.

The Full Story Behind Three Generations Of Dodge Challenger From 1970-2023

Nyle Molina — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 13:35:12 GMT

As the last of Detroit's Big 3 pony cars to introduce itself, Dodge Challenger came out with a slew of powertrain options in 1970. Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros run the streets and dominate the track in this era. Dodge beelines it toward upsetting the crowd with several V8 options, including the 426-cubic-inch HEMI.

Here’s What Really Happened To El Chapo’s McLaren F1

Kiran Menon — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:05:13 GMT

We’ve covered many VINwiki stories before. But perhaps the most intriguing is the notoriously-elusive McLaren F1 chassis number 39. Once said to be in possession of El Chapo, this F1 is by far the most story-rich yet mysterious of all the F1s in existence. The McLaren F1 is a highly exclusive and extremely coveted supercar. Only 106 units have been produced, so whenever an F1 pops up for sale, you know it’s gonna set a new auction record.

Here's How The 930 Widowmaker 911 Almost Killed Porsche

Pedro Bisso — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 19:05:16 GMT

There are few cars as iconic as the Porsche 911. The epitome of a sports car, the 911 has been the benchmark for lightweight driving performance for over 60 years. A legend in its field the 911 has gone through countless variations, and still, each one has a distinct DNA. It is timeless.

The Tragic Reason Why Citroen Cars Mastered The Art Of Great Ride Quality

Jacob Lyons — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 13:06:12 GMT

Citroen has long been known for its innovations in suspension technology, revolutionizing the driving experience with its ability to provide a smooth ride. But many don't know that this mastery of ride quality came from a tragic devastation of France and French roads as a result of World War 2. In post-WW2 France, the poor road conditions presented a challenge for drivers, leading to fatal accidents and costly repairs.

The Incredible Story Why Bill Gates’ Porsche 959 Was Banned In America

Arun Singh Pundir — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:05:14 GMT

Many people admire Bill Gates for many reasons but when it comes to motorheads, they love him for his Porsche 959. Or rather, a legal battle that led to non-federalized cars like the Porsche 959 getting a “Show & Display” exemption in the import laws. Sounds complicated and given that it took Bill Gates and his attorneys some 13 years to finally get their point across, it wasn’t an easy task.

The Real Story Of How John DeLorean Started The Everlong Muscle Car War In America

Jacopo MIlani — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:05:13 GMT

Many people associate the name John DeLorean with the infamous failure of the DMC-12, which they automatically remember from the movie franchise "Back to the Future". What most people don’t know is that since the 1950s, John DeLorean had been working for the largest American car companies. He worked at Chrysler before making a significant move that changed his life, and that of many motorists: joining General Motors. He was assigned to the Pontiac division, where he became chief engineer within five years. A couple of years later, DeLorean had a brilliant intuition that gave birth to the Pontiac GTO, the world's first muscle car. His successes continued a few years later with the birth of the historic Pontiac Firebird, the arch-enemy of the Ford Mustang. At the end of the decade, he became the head of Chevrolet, a brand that was going through a bad economic period. Even at that juncture, DeLorean managed to perform a miracle and got the brand back on its feet.

The Real Story Behind How The 2000GT Sports Car Saved Toyota

Kaelin Abbott — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 18:35:13 GMT

Hard as it is to believe, Toyota’s first days as an auto manufacturer gave itself a reputation for unreliability. Its flagship vehicle, the Toyopet Crown, was famous for its inability to complete journeys over long distances.

The Real Story Behind The Ford Mustang's Name

Jon Morris — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 23:30:14 GMT

Mustang. It's a name that rolls off the tongue with ease. The term itself has been completely absorbed into the automotive realm over the course of nearly 60 years, so much that the very utterance of the term is immediately symbolized with visions of V8 power, a long hood, and a short, rear deck. When Ford debuted their pony car in the middle of the 1964 model year, the corporation was essentially taking a gamble, but their wager has easily earned its worth over the course of almost six decades and consequently became one of the best-selling cars in the entire world.

The Real Story Behind The Original Dodge Warlock Truck

Danielle Gibson — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:30:13 GMT

In the 1970s, Dodge began bringing some “spice” to its classic line of pickup trucks. The company made the bold decision to come out with an “adult toy” line which consisted of specialty trucks based on the classic D/W series. Of course, gearheads are well aware of the most popular specialty pickup trucks in this line like the Dodge Li’l Red Express, the Dodge Midnite Express, and the Dodge Warlock.

The Real Story Behind Hispano Suiza

Aaron Hussain — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:00:14 GMT

You may think that Spain doesn't have much of a car industry. There is Seat of course, but the cars are by no means Spanish by nature. They are merely Volkswagens built to a lower level, much like Škoda in the Czech Republic. Even before the VW merger, Seats were re-badged Fiats for the Spanish market.

The Real Story Behind The GM EV1

Barnell Anderson — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:00:14 GMT

The use of electric vehicles has become relatively commonplace over the last several years. However, the industry had some false starts in the past. Perhaps the biggest of these premature electric cars was the GM EV1. The automotive giant offered the car from 1996 until 2002, representing only two versions of the vehicle.

The Real Story Of German Tuner Mansory

Sourav Banik — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 21:30:12 GMT

Although 1989 was an important year in all aspects, the fall of the Berlin Wall was by far the most important. The unification of both sides of Germany created a slew of new opportunities, spawning new ideas and technologies. While history tends to revisit all the socio-political happenings caused by the fall of the Berlin Wall, car enthusiasts like us celebrate the birth of Mansory Design and Holding GmbH.

The Real Story Behind The VW Beetle

Adina Achim — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 22:00:13 GMT

There are few products in this world that are generally adored. Although businesses have gotten better at building relationships with their customers, consumers still don't necessarily become zealots about their products. However, there are few exceptions. Some products have become global bestsellers and their appeal has transcended time. Take for example, the iPhone, PlayStation, Toyota Corolla, and the Harry Potter books.

The Real Story How Tesla EVs Revolutionized The Car Industry

Douglas Hamilton — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 21:05:12 GMT

The automotive industry changes rapidly at the moment, with revolutionary features that Tesla set in motion. While the company may indeed just ride the wave to EV success after all the industry needs to move towards alternative power sources. However, with the company's first car launching in 2008 and their more successful Model S arriving in 2012, Tesla jumped the gun on the current surge of EVs.

The Real Story Behind The Dodge Midnite Express Truck

Danielle Gibson — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 17:00:13 GMT

In the late 1970s, Dodge designed and manufactured a unique line of specialty pickup trucks. To this day, these limited edition vehicles are coveted by collectors around the States. Some of the most popular specialty pickup trucks from the third generation of the Dodge D/W series include the Dodge Warlock, the Dodge Li’l Red Express, and the Dodge Midnite Express.

The Real Story Of The Ford Gran Torino

Henry Kelsall — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 18:05:12 GMT

Throughout the history of the company, Ford has produced many spectacular and brilliant cars. Some of those are vehicles still going today, such as the F-150 and the other pickup trucks the brand makes. This also includes the Mustang, the car that started a bit of a muscle car revolution and a machine set to enter a new generation. And of course who can forget the outgoing Ford GT, one of the greatest supercars of modern times and something we will all miss dearly.

The Real Story Behind The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R

Nathan Turner — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:00:12 GMT

The Mustang is America's muscle car. It is an icon of American performance and progress. Ford first unveiled the Mustang in 1964, and it has been in production ever since. Almost 60 years later, it continues to evolve to meet the challenges of the ever-changing car market.