Digital Media Integration
5 months ago
26 January 2012
18 January 2012
12 January 2012
The 1915 Dodge Model 30
Originally Written for www.obrienauto.com
The Dodge Brothers Company was started in the year 1900 to serve as a parts supplier to the growing automotive industry in and around Detroit, Michigan. By 1914 they had established a reputation for quality parts and service, and decided to use that hard won reputation to start assembling their own line of vehicles.
The Model 30, introduced for sale to the public in 1915, was the Dodge Brother’s answer to the Model T from Henry Ford. The Model 30 was marketed as a more upscale vehicle than the Model T, and as such featured quite a few notable improvements over Ford’s sales leader. The L-Four engine produced 15 more horsepower than the Model T, a whopping 35. This was quite a significant jump at this point in history. That power was channeled to the drive wheels via a three speed sliding gear transmission that was revolutionary at the time.
Another industry leading advancement was the Model 30’s All-Steel body. Some smaller manufacturers had begun using All-Steel bodies by 1915, but the Model 30 would be the first mass produced vehicle to incorporate such a safety feature. Dodge also opted to use a 12-volt electrical system, a choice that wouldn’t be widely adopted until the 1950’s by the remainder of the industry.
By 1916 the Model 30 was second in sales within the US. This was a strong feat considering the higher cost associated with building such a more advanced car than its leading competitor. The Dodge Brother’s vehicles also earned a reputation for durability this year, thanks to their vehicles performance with the United States Army.
This game changing car was the first of many advancements in performance and reliability from the Dodge Brothers. Now part of the Chrysler Group, since 1928, that same reputation continues.
The Dodge Brothers Company was started in the year 1900 to serve as a parts supplier to the growing automotive industry in and around Detroit, Michigan. By 1914 they had established a reputation for quality parts and service, and decided to use that hard won reputation to start assembling their own line of vehicles.
The Model 30, introduced for sale to the public in 1915, was the Dodge Brother’s answer to the Model T from Henry Ford. The Model 30 was marketed as a more upscale vehicle than the Model T, and as such featured quite a few notable improvements over Ford’s sales leader. The L-Four engine produced 15 more horsepower than the Model T, a whopping 35. This was quite a significant jump at this point in history. That power was channeled to the drive wheels via a three speed sliding gear transmission that was revolutionary at the time.
Another industry leading advancement was the Model 30’s All-Steel body. Some smaller manufacturers had begun using All-Steel bodies by 1915, but the Model 30 would be the first mass produced vehicle to incorporate such a safety feature. Dodge also opted to use a 12-volt electrical system, a choice that wouldn’t be widely adopted until the 1950’s by the remainder of the industry.
By 1916 the Model 30 was second in sales within the US. This was a strong feat considering the higher cost associated with building such a more advanced car than its leading competitor. The Dodge Brother’s vehicles also earned a reputation for durability this year, thanks to their vehicles performance with the United States Army.
This game changing car was the first of many advancements in performance and reliability from the Dodge Brothers. Now part of the Chrysler Group, since 1928, that same reputation continues.
09 January 2012
Looking ahead at the 2013 Scion FR-S
The 2013 Scion FR-S is getting closer Many automotive enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the arrival of the new Scion rear wheel drive coupe. It started life as the Toyota concept FT-86, which harkened back to the Corolla GTS, a rear wheel drive, affordable, fun sports car. Known within Toyota as the Corolla AE86, this was the last rear wheel drive Corolla the company sold in North America. Now in a partnership with Subaru, Toyota/Scion has returned with the Scion FR-S.
The quick overview is this. A 4 Cylinder, Boxer motor, feeding a 6 Speed Manual Transmission and a Limited Slip Rear Differential. It’s a two door, four seat, rear drive coupe. The engine is expected to make an efficient 197 horsepower. That strong output is accompanied by an engineering program that made efforts to keep the Scion as light as possible. Initial reports suggest that the FR-S tips the scales about 300 pounds less than the Scion tC, meaning around 2800 pounds. That’s leads to a great handling, fun to drive, yet economical package.
There is not an official release date, but Scion is getting closer. The Automotive press has begun to get access to early models and the reviews are promising.
29 December 2011
The History of Abarth
Original Writing for O'Brien Automotive
Abarth is currently a separate Racing Oriented Division of Fiat. Since 2007 Fiat have maintained the division for purposes of turning Fiat street vehicles into more performance oriented tarmac burners. While they are currently a modern era tuner shop for Fiat, they have quite a history all their own, dating back to 1949.
Carlo Abarth and Armando Scagliarini started the company in 1949 as a small Italian sports car maker. Just a few years later, 1952, they began their long running relationship with Fiat. The built the Abarth 1500 Biposto, an experimental coupe with cutting edge, ultra-modern lines. The relationship continued into the 1960’s with Abarth building vehicles that achieved great success within hill climbing events and sports car racing.
In 1971 Abarth was acquired by Fiat and transformed into the racing division for the Italian company. The division had large success in helping Fiat, and other divisions of the company, in rally cars. Abarth also helped shuffle in the genre now known as “boy racer” cars. Great handling cars with a good power to weight ratio, and good economy. This is the genre that eventually stole a lot of business from the traditional “muscle car” buyers. As gas prices have increased, the “boy racer” car has continued to survive.
Now in 2012, North America will finally get its hands on an Abarth tuned Fiat 500. The car features a bump in power, better handling, and some vicious looking graphics, complete with Abarth’s ominous scorpion logo. It’s expected that this tuned hot hatch will be very competitive with the Mini Cooper S, which as of now, is long overdue for an updated design.
There is no official release date for the Fiat 500 Abarth, but we are anxiously awaiting its arrival here at O’Brien Fiat, and make sure to check back here for more updates as we get more information.
Abarth is currently a separate Racing Oriented Division of Fiat. Since 2007 Fiat have maintained the division for purposes of turning Fiat street vehicles into more performance oriented tarmac burners. While they are currently a modern era tuner shop for Fiat, they have quite a history all their own, dating back to 1949.
Carlo Abarth and Armando Scagliarini started the company in 1949 as a small Italian sports car maker. Just a few years later, 1952, they began their long running relationship with Fiat. The built the Abarth 1500 Biposto, an experimental coupe with cutting edge, ultra-modern lines. The relationship continued into the 1960’s with Abarth building vehicles that achieved great success within hill climbing events and sports car racing.
In 1971 Abarth was acquired by Fiat and transformed into the racing division for the Italian company. The division had large success in helping Fiat, and other divisions of the company, in rally cars. Abarth also helped shuffle in the genre now known as “boy racer” cars. Great handling cars with a good power to weight ratio, and good economy. This is the genre that eventually stole a lot of business from the traditional “muscle car” buyers. As gas prices have increased, the “boy racer” car has continued to survive.
Now in 2012, North America will finally get its hands on an Abarth tuned Fiat 500. The car features a bump in power, better handling, and some vicious looking graphics, complete with Abarth’s ominous scorpion logo. It’s expected that this tuned hot hatch will be very competitive with the Mini Cooper S, which as of now, is long overdue for an updated design.
There is no official release date for the Fiat 500 Abarth, but we are anxiously awaiting its arrival here at O’Brien Fiat, and make sure to check back here for more updates as we get more information.
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