Best of
Cars

2009

Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans


A.J. Baime - 2009
    Young Henry Ford II, who had taken the reins of his grandfather’s company with little business experience to speak of, knew he had to do something to shake things up. Baby boomers were taking to the road in droves, looking for speed not safety, style not comfort. Meanwhile, Enzo Ferrari, whose cars epitomized style, lorded it over the European racing scene. He crafted beautiful sports cars, "science fiction on wheels," but was also called "the Assassin" because so many drivers perished while racing them.Go Like Hell tells the remarkable story of how Henry Ford II, with the help of a young visionary named Lee Iacocca and a former racing champion turned engineer, Carroll Shelby, concocted a scheme to reinvent the Ford company. They would enter the high-stakes world of European car racing, where an adventurous few threw safety and sanity to the wind. They would design, build, and race a car that could beat Ferrari at his own game at the most prestigious and brutal race in the world, something no American car had ever done.Go Like Hell transports readers to a risk-filled, glorious time in this brilliant portrait of a rivalry between two industrialists, the cars they built, and the "pilots" who would drive them to victory, or doom.

Senna Versus Prost


Malcolm Folley - 2009
    Two of Formula One's most honoured champions and iconic figures drove together for McLaren for two seasons, and their acrimonious and hostile relationship extended even after one of them had left the team. ALAIN PROST, France's only F1 world champion, the intelligent, smooth driver with the epithet 'Le Professeur'. AYRTON SENNA, the mercurial kid from a privileged background in Sao Paolo who would become the most intense and ruthless racing driver the world has ever seen. It was a story that would have a tragic ending. As the great rivals raced to victory, their relationship deteriorated badly, beginning with the breaking of a gentleman's agreement, and public spats followed, culminating in Prost accusing Senna of deliberately trying to ride him off the circuit, and fearful that the Brazilian would get someone killed with his daring overtaking feats. And the final, sad act of this drama happened at the San Marino Grand prix at Imola in May 1994, when Senna was killed. Featuring a rare interview with Prost, and insight from Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Sir Frank Williams, Bernie Ecclestone, Derek Warrick, Johnny Herbert, Gerhard Berger, plus McLaren insiders and other F1 figures, Malcolm Folley provides us with a breath-taking account of one of the all-time classic sporting rivalries.

Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems


Tony Candela - 2009
    It's not mechanical, and therefore, it's unfamiliar territory. Electrons are invisible, and to an untrained enthusiast they can do unpredictable things. Finally, here is an enthusiast's guide that takes the mysteries and misunderstandings out of automotive electrical design, modification, diagnostics, and repair. Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems is the perfect book to unshroud the mysteries of automotive electrics and electronic systems. The basics of electrical principles, including voltage, amperage, resistance, and Ohm's law, are revealed in clear and concise detail so the enthusiast understands what these mean in the construction and repair of automotive electrical circuits. All the tools and the proper equipment required for automotive electrical tasks are covered. In addition, this in-depth guide explains how to perform more complex tasks, such as adding new circuits, installing aftermarket electronics, repairing existing circuits, and troubleshooting. It also explains how to complete popular wiring projects, such as adding late-model electronic accessories and convenience items to earlier-model cars, installing relay systems, designing and assembling multi-function circuits and harnesses, and much more.With this book in hand, you will be able to assemble, design, and build single- and multi-function circuits and harnesses, troubleshoot and repair existing circuits, and install aftermarket systems and electronics. Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems is the perfect book for wiring a hot rod from scratch, modifying muscle car electrical circuits for cooling fans and/or power windows, or adding a big stereo and other conveniences to modern performance cars.

The Big Book of Top Gear 2010


BBC Books - 2009
    Plus, in-depth information from the TV show includes a unique insight into the special clothes worn by the hosts, a behind-the-scenes look at what the guest stars get up to off camera, and some rejected ideas for one of Top Gear’s most famous tests. Also included are masses of cartoons, car trivia, and a frankly ill-considered puzzle page.

Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman


Matt Stone - 2009
    Read the book that inspired the film!Though he is famous as one of Hollywood's greatest actors, a world-class humanitarian, and the founder of the Newman's Own natural food empire, the late Paul Newman had another intriguing and lesser-known passion: he was an avid, successful, and well-respected car racer and team owner. In Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman, Matt Stone of Motor Trend teams up with Preston Lerner of Automobile magazine to bring you the incredible racing biography of a man whose serious racing days began at an age when many race car drivers contemplate retirement. It is the story of someone who entered the 24 Hours of Daytona at the age of 70 and made his last professional race outing at 82; whose roster of Newman Haas drivers reads like a who's-who of open-wheel racing; and whose interest in cars extended from the likely suspects to old trucks and new hybrids. Newman is also the charming pal who, when a miserably wrecked Ferrari was dropped at his door by the incorrigible prankster Robert Redford, returned the favor by having the car, crushed into a cube, delivered to Redford's living room. The anecdotes, the races, the cars€”Winning contains them all, adding up to an award-winning and unprecedented look at Paul Newman's racing talent, unwavering conviction, endearing charm, and enduring spirit.

Hot Rod Garages


Peter Vincent - 2009
    In this book, acclaimed hot rod photographer Peter Vincent takes readers into the shops and garages of more than two dozen rod and custom builders across the U.S. From individuals crafting the cars of their dreams to prominent shops turning out cool rides for top dollar, these are the builders in their element.For the hot rod builder, a working environment takes on a whole new meaning; and here, in fascinating pictures and words, readers learn how shops and garages inform and reflect each custom creation. The book offers an intimate look into the garages of legends like Pete Eastwood and shop such as Rolling Bones; celebrated builders-for-hire like Vern Tardel, and Cole Foster; and top-of-the-line shops such as Brizio Street Rods and Steve Moal’s operation. The result is the next best thing to being there—a book that vividly summons the nature of these spaces and the cars they produce.

GTO: Pontiac's Great One


Darwin Holmstrom - 2009
    Thus was the GTO born. Through cunning, resourcefulness, and outright trickery the minds of Pontiac managed to get this rocket into dealerships and out onto America's highways, and to introduce that most iconic of American automobiles, the muscle car, to the nation’s most discriminating drivers. This is the story of the GTO, of the people who made it a reality and a sales sensation, of those who owned and loved the cars. With color photographs, drawings, and detailed stats, this book is not so much the story of a historic car as an illustrated biography of American muscle. See Motorbooks author David Newhardt interviewed by Jay Leno on JayLenosGarage.com: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/j...

Collector's Originality Guide Mustang 1964 1/2-1966


Colin Date - 2009
    Launched to tremendous acclaim in the mid-1960s, this sporty car was an instant hit with buyers selling tens of thousands of units in its first months of production and launching an iconic Ford nameplate that continues on to this day. Naturally, the Mustang car became an instant classic, and has been a favorite among collectors and restorers for decades.In this paperback reissue of the highly popular hardcover book, author and photographer Colin Date walks through all of the details of the first-generation Mustang's 2 1/2-year production run, providing collectors with everything they need to know to identify, classify, and restore these iconic cars. Filled with gorgeous color photography, this book has been and continues to be a must-have for all Ford Mustang fans.

Automotive Engineering: Powertrain, Chassis System and Vehicle Body


David Crolla - 2009
    The book provides essential information on each of the main automotive systems (engines; powertrain and chassis; bodies; electrical systems) plus critical external factors that engineers need to engage with, such as hybrid technologies, vehicle efficiency, emissions control and performance optimization. * Definitive content by the leading authors in the field* A thorough resource, providing all the essential material needed by automotive and mechanical engineers on a day-to-day basis * Fundamentals, key techniques, engineering best practice and know-how together in one quick-reference sourcebook* Focuses on what engineers need to know: engineering fundaments, key associated technologies, environmental and efficiency engineering, and sustainability, as well as market-driven requirements such as reliability, safety, and comfort* Accompanied by multi-body dynamics and tire dynamic modeling software

Mark Donohue: Technical Excellence at Speed


Michael Argetsinger - 2009
    To a generation of fans in the 1960s and 1970s, Donohue embodied a new, uniquely American spirit. He wasn't just fasthe was also smart, with a background in engineering and a unique talent for studying and setting up a race car. Now David Bull Publishing has released the first full biography of racing's greatest driver-engineer, one who set the standard for generations to come. In "Mark Donohue: Technical Excellence at Speed," author Michael Argetsinger covers Donohue's entire life and career, staring with his childhood and climaxing with his tragic death a practice accident at the 1975 Austrian Grand Prix. Drawing upon years of research and interviews, Argetsinger re-creates the full scope of Mark Donohue's experience and achievements, from his early days as an amateur sports-car racer to his last years as an Indy champion and Formula One hopeful.

James May's Toy Stories


James May - 2009
    In six ambitious projects, he enlists the help of volunteers and schoolchildren to help him build a 1/1 scale model kit of a Supermarine Spitfire Mk I; creates the world's longest Scalextric track at the historic Brooklands motor-racing circuit in Surrey; builds a full-size Lego house; enters a garden made entirely from Plasticine in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show; runs a Hornby train set along a 10-mile stretch of track from Barnstaple to Bideford and uses a giant Meccano bridge to span the 40ft Pier Head canal in Liverpool.Each chapter includes details of how the projects were constructed, with diagrams, illustrations and informal photography taken during the filming. The book also features a history of the toys themselves, from true British roots to their international appeal today. Toy Stories also offers 12 simple but fun projects linked to these toys to carry out in your own home, accompanied by step-by-step instructions, illustrations and diagrams.

Noisy Peekaboo Vroom! Vroom! [With Lift the Flap Sounds]


Dawn Sirett - 2009
    From a car's revving engine to a fire truck's wailing siren, Vroom! Vroom! features five fun sounds hiding under vehicle-themed flaps.

The Complete Book of Shelby Automobiles: Cobras, Mustangs, and Super Snakes


Colin Comer - 2009
    This lavishly illustrated work conducts readers through Shelby American's forty-plus years. An exhaustive review of American high performance, from the first Cobra produced in 1962 through today's fire-breathing, world-beating Shelby GT500KR Mustang, The Complete Book of Shelby Automobiles offers an in-depth look at the ultra high-performance cars that have made Carroll Shelby a living automotive legend. With extensive details, specs, and photographic coverage, this book is the ultimate resource on America’s most exotic performance car.See Motorbooks author Colin Comer interviewed by Jay Leno on JayLenosGarage.com: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/j...

Toyota 4Runner 2003 thru 2009 Haynes Repair Manual


John Harold Haynes - 2009
    Each Haynes manual is written for the do-it-yourselfer and provides step-by-step instructions based on a complete disassembly of the vehicle.  This hands-on experience provides the reader with specific and detailed instructions for performing everything from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to a complete engine overhaul.  The models and model years covered in this title are as follows: Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009)  This Haynes automotive repair manual includes 700+ photos and the following chapters:  Introduction Chapter 1: Tune-up and routine maintenance Chapter 2: Part A: V6 engines Chapter 2: Part B: V8 engines Chapter 2: Part C: General engine overhaul procedures Chapter 3: Cooling, heating and air conditioning systems Chapter 4: Fuel and exhaust systems Chapter 5: Engine electrical systems Chapter 6: Emissions and engine control systems Chapter 7: Part A: Automatic transmission Chapter 7: Part B: Transfer Case Chapter 8: Driveline Chapter 9: Brakes Chapter 10: Suspension and steering systems Chapter 11: Body Chapter 12: Chassis electrical system Wiring Diagrams

How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines


Joseph Potak - 2009
      The LS1 engine shook the performance world when introduced in the 1997 Corvette. Today the LS9 version far eclipses even the mightiest big-blocks from the muscle car era, and it does so while meeting modern emissions requirements and delivering respectable fuel economy. Premier LS engine technician Joseph Potak addresses every question that might come up:Block selection and modificationsCrankshaft and piston assembliesCylinder heads, camshafts, and valvetrainIntake manifolds and fuel systemHeader selectionSetting up ring and bearing clearances for specific uses Potak also guides readers through forced induction and nitrous oxide applications. In addition, the book is fully illustrated with color photography and detailed captions to further guide readers through the mods described, from initial steps to final assembly. Whatever the reader’s performance goals, How to Build and Modify GM LS-Series Engines will guide readers through the necessary modifications and how to make them. It’s the ultimate resource for building the ultimate LS-series engine!The Motorbooks Workshop series covers topics that engage and interest car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Written by subject-matter experts and illustrated with step-by-step and how-it’s-done reference images, Motorbooks Workshop is the ultimate resource for how-to know-how.

Street Rotary HP1549: How to Build Maximum Horsepower & Reliability into Mazda's 12a, 13b & Renesis Engines


Mark Warner - 2009
    Includes: Engine history and identification ? Rotary engine fundamentals ? Component selection and modifications ? Housings and porting ? Rotors, seals, and internals ? Intake and fuel systems ? Exhaust Systems ? Engine management and ignition ? Oil and lubrication systems ? Forced induction ? Nitrous, water and alcohol injection