MotorTrend January 1982

NISSAN’S PREMIER HIGHPERFORMANCE CAR CHOOSES GOODYEAR’S HIGH-FLYING EAGLE TIRES. ON THE TRACK AND NOW ON THE ROAD. When the Bob Sharp Datsun Turbo takes to the racetrack it does so on Goodyear racing Eagles. And when Datsun’s new 280ZX T-top takes to the streets of America, it will do so on Goodyear Eagle GT street radials. Naturally enough, the engineers at Datsun wanted a radial that would complement the performance and handling capabilities of the 280ZX T-top. And with the Eagle GT, they have a radial that complements the handling and performance capabilities of the Datsun 280ZX T-top. The tread pattern of the steel-belted Eagle GT was derived from Goodyear’s Formula One racing rain tires. While the low profile and wide tread configuration is a direct result of Goodyear’s unequalled…

For years now, Motor Trend has been carefully positioning itself in the marketplace. It has set trends, as well as recognizing new ones. Its mission has been to bring you the latest new-car technology on a timely basis. Our interest in fast driving machines has enabled us to dip into the aftermarket and bring you personalized adult toys. We have investigated the terribly confusing used car market and have made numerous suggestions regarding good and bad used-car buys. We’ve listed our top 40 selections and those available for under $2000. We’ve even gone to the extent of isolating the obvious questions that should be answered before you can reach a decision to sell and/or buy. Our job here, as I view it, is to satisfy your automotive needs and your…

The Car in Your Pocket In your October “Reader’s Report,’’ Mr. McGary asks you to run a Retrospect of a Hupmobile. He regrets that he doesn’t have a picture of one. I’ll bet he does. In fact, the Hupmobile is the most illustrated automobile in the world. Think I’m crazy? Then what’s on the back of a ten dollar bill? Rick ManninoEdison, N.J. A one year subscription to Motor Trend and $1.01 change.—Ed. J Mail I’d like to praise GM for building a car as fine as the Cavalier (April, November ‘81). I recently purchased a Cavalier Coupe. They really did their homework on this car! Not a rattle, squeak, or ill-fitting part has been found. I can’t get over how well built these cars are. The doors close so…

Anyone who has used a conventional passive radar detector knows that they don’t work over hills, around corners, or from behind. The ESCORT® radar warning receiver does. Its uncanny sensitivity enables it to pick up radar traps 3 to 5 times farther than common detectors. It detects the thinly scattered residue of a radar beam like the glow of headlights on a dark, foggy road. You don’t need to be in the direct beam. Conventional detectors do. Plus, ESCORT’s extraordinary range doesn’t come at the expense of more false alarms. In fact, ESCORT has fewer types and sources of false ag alarms than do the lower technology units. Here’s how we do it. The unfair advantage ESCORT’s secret weapon is its superheterodyne receiving circuitry. The technique was discovered by Signal…

The Honda Accord 4-Door Sedan has always had tremendous drawing power. Both in the way it attracts loyal owners. And draws favorable comparison between itself and cars costing much more. For 1982, the Accord draws ahead. We’ve upgraded the interior to make it even more elegant. It’s roomier inside and more comfortable. It’s quieter, too. The trunk has more interior space. And so does the gas tank. The mileage story is also drawn out this year. With the 5-speed, a gallon of gas takes you an EPA estimated 30 miles, and estimated 41 miles highway. Use 30 mpg for comparison. Your mileage may vary according to weather, speed or length of trip. And you can expect actual highway mileage to be less. California mileage will be lower. You can expect…

TOPAZ: TEMPO Ford Division’s new front-drive intermediate replacement for the Futura/Zephyr line, up to now referred to as the Topaz program, will be called Tempo in production. The coupe and sedan series will be stretched 4 in. in wheelbase, with more overhang front and rear than the Escort platform on which it is based. Both 1.6-liter CVH engines and 2.3-liter Penta 4-cylinders will be used. The Ford version shown here uses an extra side window that the Mercury version won’t have. The coupe versions will be first to get 5-speeds, EFI, and TRX suspension packages. SVO TACKLES EXP/LN7 Ford’s Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) group was originally to have engineered Mustang and Capri specialty models for introduction in mid-1983, using fuel-injected 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engines and special suspension packages. But it now…