The '97 Corvette should carry a warning to those driving the Mustang SVT Cobra. I guess you could call the '97 Corvette the "Mongoose," considering it eats Cobras. Is there any chance one of the '97 Vettes will end up in the hands of the power-hungry Jon Moss, or possibly the superman of engine building, John Lingenfelter, who could turn a Yugo into a 12-second car? Thumbs up to Chevy and to Motor Trend for the great article.Casey AdamsLexington, Ky.via the Internet
We suspect both Moss and Lingenfelter are elbow deep in the LS1 right now, scrounging up more power.-Ed.
Why doesn't Ford produce a Mustang that can compete with the Viper and new Corvette? Ford should build a supercharged DOHC 5.8-liter with a six-speed transmission, a 9.0-inch rearend with independent rear suspension, and name it Mustang SCJ. Are you listening, Ford?Benito GarciaBrighton, Colovia Motor Trend Online
And you and a few thousand of your closest friends have $35K-plus ready to hand off to your local dealer for a Mustang? Instead, we'd suggest you consider scheduling a test drive of a Saleen-modified car.-Ed.
'98 Ford TremorIn Ford I trust. The Ford Tremor (Feb. '97) is the best concept I've seen in a long time. I just hope Ford has the sense to produce it. With the aggressive looks and all that power, I'd be one of the first people at the Ford dealership drive off with one. Please, Ford, I believe in you.Ryan D. HaagPleasant Hill, Iowavia Motor Trend Online
Now, the Tremor's a sport/utility. It looks phenomenal. I hope Ford management doesn't change the look too much when they build it. And when they do release it, I'll be one of the first to invade a Ford dealership.Ramon RiveraHomestead, Fla.via Motor Trend Online
Get in line behind Ryan. In the meantime, see page 74 for our first drive.-Ed.
A great article on yet another great "never-to-be-produced concept" from Ford. Reason: no guts! Ford has established itself as the "no-guts company" over the past 10 years due its decidedly conservative approach to marketing. Nice cars, great build quality, but distinctively bland.
Case in point, I recently bought a new Explorer Limited V-8. Why? I was trying to get all the excitement Ford has to offer on the top end of the sport/ute scale. It still leaves you longing for just a little more that never seems to come from this company. What a shame. The Tremor is that little more and then some. One suggestion for Ford: Hire some executives who are real car nuts.David GrantSmyrna, Ga.via Motor Trend Online
Don't count the Tremor out. There are a couple of car nuts at FoMoCo pushing for it to be built.-Ed.
The Tremor is a beautiful example of Ford's ability to produce great automobiles, such as the Mustang and the Taurus SHO. Chevrolet fans, beware: This 390-horsepower beast is coming full blast toward your little 250-horsepower Tahoes and 290-horsepower Suburbans! Chevrolet may have a winner in the sports car world, but as for the new SUV craze, Chevrolet doesn't have a chance. Sorry, Bowtie Boys!Zak BolickReidsville, N.C.via Motor Trend Online
1997 Import Car Of The YearYour selection of the BMW 5 Series as the 1997 Import Car of the Year (Feb. '97) was clearly the right choice. However, you omitted a vital reason for this decision: practicality. Certainly, it handles and performs extremely well, and it's a fun car to drive. The trend for many baby-boomers, though, is to find a car that has these qualities and can also carry passengers in reasonable comfort. Combining fun and practicality is the real secret to BMW's success and, in my judgment, the real reason for your correct decision.Sandy BotkinGermantown, Md.
Thank you for selecting the BMW 5 Series as the 1997 Import Car of the Year. No other vehicle is more deserving.
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