Houston Ford Dealers

Fiat Bets Big On Texas, Opens 10 Dealers In The Lone Star State

Everything’s big in Texas, so the saying goes. Unless Fiat has something to say about it: out of 70 existing Fiat dealers, 10 of them are opening up in Texas—the second-highest amount of dealerships, behind California, and tied with New York and Florida.

Texas may seem like a strange state to sell small cars, considering that they’re so infatuated with pickup trucks that GM, Ford, Dodge, and even Toyota have “ Texas edition ” versions of their big honkin’ trucks. But two of its major metropolitan areas, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, feature populations over 5 million, with the usual issues of traffic and congestion found anywhere else. Fiat is betting on these population-dense areas to achieve market success.

And while Texas might not come to mind as a trendy, fashion-conscious place like New York, Florida or California, its major city Houston is America’s 4th-largest city, and brimming with cosmopolitans in the high-tech energy and computing industries. And dispelling the notion that these urban dwellers would spring for automatic transmissions: 70% of cars sold by these dealers are equipped with the 5-speed manual.

Eventually, Fiat will open up 130 dealers across the country. But for now, if you’re in one of these trendsetting states, then you won’t have to drive far to pick one up.

New Ford Racing 5.0L DOHC Aluminator Crate ... - Houston Ford Dealers

Ford Racing keeps the crate engines coming as they release details for their latest addition, the 5.0L DOHC Aluminator that is ready for any type of forced induction you throw at it.  The new 5.0 Aluminator crate engine differs from the factory 5.0L engine in that its built with low compression forged pistons and H-beam connecting rods so it can handle supercharged applications.  The Aluminator crate engine is listed as Part # M-6007-A50SC and carries a price of $8,099.00.  Check below for a complete rundown on the features. Fits 2011-2012 Mustang GT 5.0L (302 cubic inches) 9.5:1 low compression ratio (nominal) Mahle Hard Anodized forged pistons with Graphal low friction coating Manley H-beam connecting rods with ARP bolts Boss 302 valve springs, part no: M-6513-M50BR, provides higher seat open pressure for supercharged applications Lightweight aluminum cylinder block, part no: M-6010-A50L4V, features cross-bolted main bearing caps and thick main bearing bulkheads for bottom-end strength Optimized oil drainback and windage control improve high-rpm performance Large sump oil pan with 8qt capacity Tuned composite intake manifold provides efficient air delivery and weight savings 80 mm single bore “drive by wire” throttlebody Four-valve-per-cylinder aluminum heads with roller-finger followers reduce friction Includes manual transmission engine harness and flywheel Vehicle harness and PCM not included Includes machined front cover for Ford Racing Supercharger FEAD system Features colder, heat range 0 spark plugs for supercharging, part no: M-12405-M50 Includes Ford Racing oil filter, part no: M-6731-FL820 Use our NEW wiring, PCM and installation kit M-6017-A504V designed for street rod/project car installation. Does not include alternator, for alternator kit see M-8600-M50ALT Remote Mount Filter Adapter M-6881-M50 available for applications requiring oil filter relocation Engine mount bosses and bellhousing mount pattern common to 4.6L modular engines. NOTE: Due to 9.5:1 compression ratio, custom tuning is required for optimum performance Shown with optional 5.

Black Enterprise

Ward's automotive yearbook

Business week

Hearings

The grand huckster, Houston's Judge Roy Hofheinz, genius of the Astrodome