Articles By Andy Jensen

Andy Jensen

Andy Jensen learned to love cars during the dark ages; the 1980s. Power and performance weren’t available, but questionable styling was everywhere, so of course his first love was a black Trans Am named KITT. His first ride mimicked his grade school days, when he purchased a 1991 Pontiac Firebird and jumped onto modding. From there, he never really grew up.

Educated as a reporter, he freelanced for a while, but luckily the economy wasn’t there, so he went on to other work. From Air Force aircrew, to sales, offset press, tele-work, freight, and social services, he found his most satisfying work in automotive writing. It allows truthful storytelling about an ever-changing and fascinating subject involving science and art. Outside Provectus Media websites, his experience covers everything from ghostwriting the Haynes Manuals blog to covering Volvo for Jalopnik.

Although raised on American performance, he enjoys a little bit of everything. A dream garage would have: 1992 Firehawk Comp R, Lancia Stratos HF, Mark III Mini, MK1 Supra with 2JZ swap, R34 Skyline GT-R Z-tune (needs a longer name), Aston Martin DB9, Saleen S7, Ultima GTR, RX7 FD with LS7 swap, 1971 GTO, 1969 Trans Am RAIV,  Pagani Huayra, and a Lotus C-01. The warehouse garage would have more.

Dream Cars: Pagani Huayra, 1992 Firehawk Comp R, Aston Martin DB9, Saleen S7, Ultima GTR

Celebrity Gearhead: Jay Leno

Jay Leno is most recognized as a longtime host of The Tonight Show on NBC. A close second would be his passion for all things automotive. Leno is known for his in-depth knowledge of every vehicle he owns, and his openness with fellow fans. His 150+ car collection ranges from the common to the super rare and exotic, but it wasn’t always that way. James Leno was born April 28, 1950, in New ...
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How to Go on Your First Autocross

Want to know the single greatest way to become a better driver? Want to find the cheapest way to go racing? The answer to both of those questions is the same. Go to an autocross event! Stripped down, autocross is a race against the clock on a closed course. Rather than competing with other drivers at the same time (NASCAR, F1, etc), autocross sends you through one at a time, letting the ...
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Pop Culture Face-Off: Mach 5 vs KITT

In TV land, there are two fantasy techno-wonder cars from simpler times that entertained millions and became cult hits. Speed Racer introduced many kids to their first Japanese anime, with mandatory terrible dialogue and nonsensical violence. Knight Rider brought a cartoon idea into sexy real life, yet it also somehow remained cartoon-like. Racecar vs crime fighter, kid vs cop, ‘60s vs ‘80s. ...
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Worst Automotive Trends

We’re generally a laidback, forgiving bunch at HorsepowerSpecs, but a few car people sure try and push our buttons. I believe it’s not my place to criticize your modding choices, but there are a few automotive trends that make me scratch my head. Poking around various forums, it looks like I’m not alone. Take no offense if you see your car below; just know you’re in the top 15 worst car ...
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Electric Car Comparison

Despite the success of the Tesla brand, many automotive buyers are stuck with an outdated mindset regarding electric vehicles. The stereotype created two decades ago by the EV1 still exists, and electric cars are seen as a slow, ugly, and heavily compromised economy car. National Electric Drive Week takes place mid-September and is “a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's ...
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Coolest Car Doors Ever

Doors are often an afterthought on most vehicles, even for the people that own them. Like any other element of car design, they can be a boring design that is overlooked, or evidence of impressive technological and design mastery. Here are our picks for the 10 vehicles with the coolest doors.   Butterfly McLaren F1 The most awesome car of the 1990s has very slick butterfly doors. ...
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Some of the Most Powerful Muscle Cars Ever Made

We’ve already covered the most powerful regular muscle cars you could buy back in the day. While the Chevelle SS and others were certainly cool and powerful, there was a whole different level of muscle car available if you knew where to look. For those discerning muscle car buyers with the cash and patience, here are the most powerful and special muscle cars ever made.   1969 Chevrolet ...
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Best Sounding V10 Cars

V10 engines are only put into badass cars and trucks. That’s the law. So it might be a bit of a shock to some when looking for a vehicle on the new or used markets factory equipped with a V10, as there are so few out there. This is even more surprising considering the benefits of the layout, as the V10 offers higher revs than a V8, and quicker revs and a more compact design compared to a ...
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Why You Need an Oil Analysis

Oil changes are like finger prints: everyone has them, and they’re all different. Ask people how often you should change your oil, and you’ll get everything from the retiree in his Corvette proudly saying he changes out synthetic at 2,000 miles, to the Camry owner giving you a blank look and saying “You have to do that?” While it’s a generally accepted given that you have to change your ...
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How to Car Auction

Are you looking for a cheap project car, or a winter beater? If you are looking to buy a running car for the price of one new car payment, you owe it to yourself to check out an auto auction. Towing companies impound vehicles every day, and for various reasons, their owners do not claim them. Depending on your local laws, the towing company can resell the impounded vehicles in as little as ...
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What is the best old school car movie?

Bullitt (1968)
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The Italian Job (1969)
Mad Max (1979)
American Graffiti (1973)
The Cannonball Run (1981)
LeMans (1971)
Driver (1978)
The Gumball Rally (1976)
Grand Prix (1966)
Bullitt (1968)
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The Italian Job (1969)
Mad Max (1979)
American Graffiti (1973)
The Cannonball Run (1981)
LeMans (1971)
Driver (1978)
The Gumball Rally (1976)
Grand Prix (1966)