It’s probably quite appearant that I tend to favor the import market more than that of American Muscle, but as I get older I find myself awed by the true beauty of American Classics. Take for instance the ‘67 Fast Back Mustang, clearly a thing of beauty and as evidenced by it’s re-birth this past year, a timeless classic.

Saleen has produced a modified, street legal, version of the Mustang since 1985; but their most recent partnership with Parnelli Jones is a true work of art. Incorporating some of the best features and touches and then adding to the already remarkeable level of performance, Saleen and Parnelli have produced what in my mind is the best looking Race/Street Vehicles I’ve seen in quite some time. For more information about the 2007 Saleen Mustang Parnelli Edition visit Jerry Baker’s Blog.

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I was looking for some cars set to come out here in the next year or so and I came across the Hyundai Accent SR.  Recently Hyundai has looked to establish themselves as a key player in the automotive industry by moving a new direction with their styles and designs; the Accent SR is no exception.  With an agressive front end, crisp lines and fender flares; we will no doubt see this revamped look make a quick emergance onto the sport compact scene.  Like Ford, GM and Dodge, Hyundai has taken note of what automakers Toyota and Honda have done to capitialize on the entry level and youth auto market.  If performance matches looks expect to see this little rockets zipping past you very soon.

I came across an automotive website today that I found very interesting; it’s www.mallettcars.com.  What they do is convert several different General Motors vehicles to full blown, street legal race cars.  I really enjoyed their two newest additions with that of the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky.  As of yet they have no pictures of a Saturn Sky conversion; however they did have photos of a V8 Powered Pontiac Solstice.  While I think GM has finally gotten it right with these 2 cars, I think Mallett Cars has made it more than evident why I would not purchase their services.  On the Solstice page you see an image with a quarter-mile time of 12.80 @ 113; are you kidding me?  All of those horses crammed into that hood and that’s the best you could muster, looks like weight could be an issue.  My suggestion would be to spend the $20,000 upgrading the already powerful 2.0L Ecotec DOHC VVT I-4 turbo engine, it is by far GM’s best venture in the 4 cylinder market.  A little creativity and I bet you could have that puppy spitting out 400+ horses.

Clearly not all Japanese automakers are reaping the rewards of higher gas prices in America like Toyota and Honda.  Nissan USA saw a decline in sales this quarter and has had to close it’s assembly lines for several days this month to keep from over inflating their inventories.  Steady growth since 1999 has helped Nissan USA to establish themselves as a major player in the US market, but just like their American rivals Ford and GM; higher gas prices have started to take a dip into their luxury and larger engine sales.

In a true featherweight title bout; DaimlerChrysler producer of the Smart is set to squareoff against the BMW Group Mini. Currently the Smart sells only about 40,000 each year world wide; the Penske group is looking to push that number to 60,000 with 20,000 being sold stateside through 30-50 new franchise dealerships. While personally I feel both vehicles are entirely to small; it is clear that the escalating gas prices have made the American auto market much warmer to this smaller vehicle class. Be on the look out, you just may run over, I mean into one on the road very soon.