Autoblog Military http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Military http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Banks 6.5L Humvee]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/banks-6-5l-humvee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/banks-6-5l-humvee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/banks-6-5l-humvee/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Banks 6.5L Humvee

The military's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), or Humvee to most of us, is a rugged four-wheel drive vehicle designed and manufactured by AM General. In basic trim, the truck weighs about 7,500 pounds. For a beast of this stature, that number isn't overly alarming... until you realize that its stock 6.5-liter turbodiesel, running power through a four-speed automatic and portal geared hubs, only sends about 113 horsepower and 219 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. Acceleration is leisurely, but at least the truck can get out of its own way.

Understandably, the situation becomes much more dangerous, potentially deadly, when the Humvee is fully armored for duty in combat zones - ironic, right? Tipping the scales at 14,400 pounds, the stock engine is only able to accelerate the truck to 60 mph in 43 seconds. Equally as jaw-dropping is the lousy stock braking system, as it takes a full 307 feet to bring the truck to a rest from 60 mph.

To help our troops make quicker entries and exits, Gale Banks Engineering has crafted the Sidewinder Turbo system with exhaust brake as an upgrade to the stock powerplant. When fitted, engine output jumps by about 50 percent. According to the dyno, 178 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque make it to the wheels. Acceleration to the benchmark 60 mph drops to 23.1 seconds, while braking falls to 243 feet. While those numbers still won't scare even the slowest passenger vehicle on your local highway, the improvement is dramatic - especially when under fire from an AK-47.

To demonstrate its wares, Banks recently invited us to drive both the stock and modified Humvees back-to-back at its headquarters in Southern California. (Note: The Humvee we drove was configured with some unique armor plating and a 50 caliber turret - we've been asked to hide both in our pictures.)

Driving Notes:
  • The stock armored Humvee (M1165 in military speak) borders on pathetic in terms of ergonomics, passenger comfort, and overall drivability. Not to be confused with its barely civilianized Hummer H1, the archaic military Humvee was unquestionably the most miserable vehicle I have ever piloted on public roads. Outward visibility, through brick-thick bullet-resistant glass was pulse raising. In stock form, acceleration was dangerously slow and throttle response frighteningly lethargic. Once moving, the heavy body oscillated back and forth as it floated on its squishy off-road tires (in a motion mimicking trailer sway). Hitting the brake pedal initiated a lot of grinding noise and only mild deceleration, as the inboard disc brakes howled while fighting a losing battle against inertia. I exited the M1165 covered in nervous sweat, verbally praising the troops who are forced to drive it daily under far less desirable conditions.
  • Banks works its magic on the Humvee in several different ways. To improve breathing, the company fits a new intake and a wastegated turbocharger. A large air-to-air intercooler keeps the charge temperature down, while new injectors (and a new injector pump) ensure fuel flow isn't an issue. A monster exhaust finishes off the power improvements. Another important upgrade is the exhaust brake, aptly named the Banks Brake, which uses the engine to supplement the mechanical brakes and slow the vehicle.
  • The modified Banks Humvee was noticeably lighter on its feet (likely strong enough to run neck-to-neck with a 1977 Mercedes-Benz 240D). Twice as quick is a huge improvement, and I was visibly more comfortable pulling into moving traffic. Running acceleration, from 40-60 mph, drops by half as well. This meant around-town throttle response was decent, and not a white-knuckle affair. The Banks Brake was set to automatically slow the Humvee each time I lifted off the accelerator (it reminded me of regenerative braking, but without any additional external noise as our soldiers prefer to arrive silently). Combined with the disc brakes, stopping distances were greatly improved.
  • Like the aging B-52 long-range bomber, the multi-purpose Humvee will be in service for many more decades as the military conjures up ways to sustain the program. Age and expanded roles have burdened the original light utility. Nevertheless, my initial impressions say that the Sidewinder Turbo system from Banks appears to provide a necessary shot of adrenaline to a vehicle desperately in need of vitality.

Banks 6.5L Humvee originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> am generalarmyarmy vehiclebanks humveegale banksgale banks engineeringhmmwvhummer drivehumveemilitary hummermilitary vehicle Wed, 22 May 2013 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571467/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/banks-6-5l-humvee/20571467/article-detail.xml 20571467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/banks-humvee-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/banks-humvee-qs.jpg <![CDATA[US Army invades <em>Jay Leno's Garage</em> with the Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/us-army-invades-jay-lenos-garage-with-the-fuel-efficie/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/us-army-invades-jay-lenos-garage-with-the-fuel-efficie/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/us-army-invades-jay-lenos-garage-with-the-fuel-efficie/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Jay Leno welcomes US Army FED prototype into his garage - video screencap

Some of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world roll through Jay Leno's Garage - we're pretty sure this fits mostly in the latter category. Army General Dennis Via brought the US government's new Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator prototype troop transporter for Leno to check out and take for a spin. We're sure there were more than a few surprised residents and motorists in the LA area when Leno took the massive FED out for a late-night test drive.

The FED employs plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum as a weight-reducing measure, which helps give this four-seater a 30-percent improvement in fuel economy over current military vehicles. Yet even after such a significant increase in efficiency, the FED only gets seven miles per gallon. Under the carbon fiber hood, the FED is powered by a turbocharged and supercharged Cummins four-cylinder engine putting out 200 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. That helps produce enough power to allow the 15,000-pound FED to have a top speed of almost 75 miles per hour.

In the near term, lessons learned on the FED will be applied to current military vehicles most likely including the seat design and seatbelt harnesses aimed at reducing injuries in the case that the vehicle runs over an explosive device. Scroll down to watch Leno crawl in, on and under the FED.

Continue reading US Army invades Jay Leno's Garage with the Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator

US Army invades Jay Leno's Garage with the Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> armyarmy vehiclecumminsfedfuel efficient ground vehicle demonstratorjay lenojay lenos garagemilitary vehiclesus armyus army fedvideo Fri, 08 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20493515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20493515/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/us-army-invades-jay-lenos-garage-with-the-fuel-efficie/20493515/article-detail.xml 20493515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jay-leno-garage-army-fed-1362689396_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jay-leno-garage-army-fed-1362689396.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep follows up Super Bowl spot with call to help the USO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/jeep-follows-up-super-bowl-spot-with-call-to-help-the-uso/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/jeep-follows-up-super-bowl-spot-with-call-to-help-the-uso/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/jeep-follows-up-super-bowl-spot-with-call-to-help-the-uso/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

Once again, Chrysler had one of the most talked about Super Bowl commercials with its two-minute Whole Again Jeep spot, which was used to highlight its Operation SAFE Return program for US military personnel returning home from active duty. As part of this campaign, Jeep announced today that it will be donating up to $300,000 to the United Services Organizations (USO), and you can help.

Simply tweet using the #joinOSR hashtag on Twitter, visit the Yahoo! homepage or go to the Jeep Operation SAFE Return website, and Jeep will donate $1 to a fund that provides returning troops things like employment assistance and incentives to buy new vehicles. Jeep is also donating to this charity to the tune of $250 for each Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (including the Freedom Edition model) and Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition model sold.

Jeep follows up Super Bowl spot with call to help the USO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerjeepoperation safe returnsuper bowlsuper bowl car commercialssuper bowl commercialstroopsus militaryusowhole again Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448029/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20448029/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/jeep-follows-up-super-bowl-spot-with-call-to-help-the-uso/20448029/article-detail.xml 20448029 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeep-wrangler-freedom_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeep-wrangler-freedom.jpg <![CDATA[Syrian rebels show off their inner <em>A-Team</em> with homemade tank]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/syrian-rebels-show-off-their-inner-a-team-with-homemade/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/syrian-rebels-show-off-their-inner-a-team-with-homemade/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/syrian-rebels-show-off-their-inner-a-team-with-homemade/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Syrian homemade tank - video screencap

Going up against an organized military must be quite a challenge, but Syrian rebels have used a little ingenuity to give themselves a fighting chance in the country's civil war. Judging by the fact that the uprising has lasted for more than a year now, the fighters definitely have skills in weapons and military tactics, but some of the rebels have displayed a different sort of skill by busting out their torches and welders to create this homemade tank.

Looking like something you'd see on an old episode of The A-Team, this armored assault vehicle started life as some sort of diesel truck and was converted to its current state using a lot of steel and a big gun. The occupants, engine and tires are all protected by thick metal, and the vehicle uses four cameras (including a gunner camera that can be zoomed in by what appears to be a Playstation controller) and a rear-facing camera to help the driver pilot the massive vehicle.

We don't know how well this vehicle performs when in action, but we're sure Hannibal, Face, Murdock and B.A. Baracus would all be proud of the effort. Scroll down to see the tank in action, courtesy of a video posted by Russia Today on YouTube, including running over a helpless pile of branches.

Syrian rebels show off their inner A-Team with homemade tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> armored cararmored vehiclehomemade tanksyriasyrian civil warsyrian rebelssyrian uprisingtankvideo Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20400331/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20400331/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/syrian-rebels-show-off-their-inner-a-team-with-homemade/20400331/article-detail.xml 20400331 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/syrian-rebel-armored-vehicle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/syrian-rebel-armored-vehicle.jpg <![CDATA[New rules make it easier for veterans to earn CDL after leaving service]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/new-rules-make-it-easier-for-veterans-to-earn-cdl-after-leaving/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/new-rules-make-it-easier-for-veterans-to-earn-cdl-after-leaving/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/11/new-rules-make-it-easier-for-veterans-to-earn-cdl-after-leaving/#comments Filed under: , ,

US Army M1078

In an attempt to make it easier for active and reserve members of all US military branches to get a commercial driver's license (CDL), the Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012 was passed by Congress in September and signed by the president last month.

The old process made servicemen wait a year to gain residency where they're stationed before they could apply for a CDL. Now, rather than having to go back to their home states to complete the process, the new law lets them get a CDL faster and easier wherever they happen to be stationed. This is in addition to the Military CDL Skills Test Waiver, which substitutes two years of safe operation of "military equivalents of commercial vehicles" for the CDL skills test.

New rules make it easier for veterans to earn CDL after leaving service originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cdlcommercial drivers licensemilitarymilitary cdl actmilitary commercial drivers license act of 2012us military Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376380/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376380/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/11/new-rules-make-it-easier-for-veterans-to-earn-cdl-after-leaving/20376380/article-detail.xml 20376380 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/m1078alexnunez_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/m1078alexnunez.jpg <![CDATA[AM General Humvee C-Series kit is ready to order]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/am-general-humvee-c-series-kit-is-ready-to-order/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/am-general-humvee-c-series-kit-is-ready-to-order/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/am-general-humvee-c-series-kit-is-ready-to-order/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



If you were looking forward to the day you could order one of AM General's HUMVEE C-Series kits, it's almost time to get out the wrenches. Details, photos and a pre-order form are live on the AM General website.

Most of the details are as we reported in August, with a couple of surprises. The C-Series will still be a kit requiring an engine but now starts at $59,995, $995 more than previously reported. The doors and top remain covered in rugged, minimalist, "canvas-style" vinyl, and the aluminum body will be assembled with heat-set adhesive, which will then be put together airplane-style with 2,800 rivets.

The bodies will be available with khaki, green or sand-colored paint over the "corrosion-thwarting alodine" treated aluminum panels. The composite hood comes with lights, latches and wiring pre-installed.

Inside, four passengers will have high-back cloth seats and air conditioning. Though we previously reported that the interiors won't be trimmed out, C-Series kits will come with a camo-print dashboard to hold the basic gauge package.

Options include a Central Tire Inflation System for $1,611 or CTIS with wheels, tires and beadlocks for $6,964, a 12,000-pound winch at $2,249, driveline protection for $985, heated windshields for $946, a geared fan drive (required for engines over 220 horsepower) for $3,588 and front and rear diffs upgraded to Eaton ELocker units for $2,452.

The first 50 customers can lock in the $60k price with a 10-percent deposit and can expect to receive their projects as early as next spring. AM's website points out that while all the parts they ship are guaranteed free of defect, once you put them together, the completed vehicle is not warranted by the company. And since General Motors owns the now-defunct Hummer brand, the finished product must be called a Humvee.

AM General Humvee C-Series kit is ready to order originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> am generalam general humvee kitamgc-series kithummerhumveehumvee c-serieshumvee c-series kit Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374602/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374602/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/am-general-humvee-c-series-kit-is-ready-to-order/20374602/article-detail.xml 20374602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/amg-c-series-kit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/amg-c-series-kit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/legacy-power-wagon-sema-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/legacy-power-wagon-sema-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/legacy-power-wagon-sema-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Legacy Power Wagon Conversion

There's a soft spot in our hearts for well-done resuscitation of vintage off-road iron. Perhaps the most notable company performing such restomod work is Icon 4x4, but the Californian outfit isn't the only company turning its attention to the down-and-dirty side of the vintage scene.

Legacy Classic Trucks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is using the 2012 SEMA Show to display the Legacy Power Wagon. As its name implies, the truck started life many, many years ago as a Dodge Power Wagon (built between 1945 and 1980 - not to be confused with the current version), itself based on an older military design. In stock form, the Power Wagon was much loved for its stalwart ability to carry people and products over just about any terrain.

In the form you see above, the massively capable Power Wagon looks beefy enough to pull a freight train uphill through a snow storm... or something like that. As seen above, the Legacy Power Wagon would set back its buyer some $180,000. In base configuration, the truck runs $114,950. That's a huge sum, no doubt, but we're sure a few well-heeled buyers won't mind.

If nothing else, the Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is equipped with top-shelf componentry. The buyer can choose from either a 426-cubic-inch V8 with 425 horsepower from the Mopar parts book or a 3.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel four cylinder mill pounding out 480 pound-feet of torque. A range of transmission options are available, up to the stout Allison unit of the show truck.

All the specifications and options can be seen here, and we invite you to gaze at our high-res image gallery above.

Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dodgedodge power wagonlegacy classic truckslegacy power wagonpower wagonsemasema 2012 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366862/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366862/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/legacy-power-wagon-sema-2012/20366862/article-detail.xml 20366862 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/legacy-power-wagon-conversion-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/legacy-power-wagon-conversion-sema.jpg <![CDATA[ICON will debut '65 Dodge pickup project at SEMA]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/icon-will-debut-65-dodge-pickup-project-at-sema/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/icon-will-debut-65-dodge-pickup-project-at-sema/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/03/icon-will-debut-65-dodge-pickup-project-at-sema/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Icon Dodge truck for SEMA

SEMA is right around the corner, folks, and that means a whole slew of custom auto builders are working furiously to finish project cars in time for their Vegas introductions. One of the coolest is bound to come from ICON. Based on a 1965 Dodge D200 crew cab that previously saw use by the U.S. military, we fully expect ICON's latest to be in the running for best-of-show.

Underneath the customized vintage bodywork will sit a chassis borrowed from a much more recent Ram 3500 fitted with a 4.5-inch suspension lift kit. A Banks-modified Cummins turbodiesel with six inline cylinders displacing 5.9 liters will reportedly pump out 975 pound-feet of torque. That's the kind of get-up-and-go we can get behind.

Only one of these machines is currently being built, painted in white with black accents and wheels. The interior is sewn up from free-range bison leather and is outfitted with a high-end stereo system, according to Fox News. This one is headed to an anonymous client, and we're jealous. Very jealous.

ICON will debut '65 Dodge pickup project at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dodgedodge d200iconicon dodgeicon dodge truckramsemasema 2012sema show Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20339385/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20339385/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/03/icon-will-debut-65-dodge-pickup-project-at-sema/20339385/article-detail.xml 20339385 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/icon-dodge-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/icon-dodge-sema.jpg <![CDATA[BMW unveiling new Euro police cars soon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

New BMW police vehicles

During next month's General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference (GPEC) in Leipzig, Germany, BMW will present its next round of vehicles developed for police and VIPs. Five 2013 cars and four motorcycles - the 3 Series Touring, X3, 7 Series High Security and X5 Security, i3 Concept, R1200RT, G650GS, F800ST and K1600GT - will be displayed at the BMW stand.

Potential German federal and state police use of the 3 Series Touring and X3 were considerations during development, with features such as iDrive-controlled sirens and LED beacons integrated to BMW factory standards. At the opposite end, the electric i3 Concept is for police in urban areas where emissions reduction is a key consideration.

The BMW 7 Series High Security and X5 Security meet the elevated standards of amoured vehicles classified by the VR scale. The BR1 to BR7 measurements assess the resistance of the armour itself, but not how well the entire vehicular package withstands attack. The VR tests address that; the scale goes from VR1 to VR9, the 7 Series H.S. is rated at VR7 overall and VR9 in some specific cases. the X5 Security is rated VR4, which is tough enough to stop rounds from a .44 Magnum.

Motorcycle officers get the latest version of the much-used R1200RT, a brand new bronze-green military version of the G650GS, a prototype of the F800ST and a police-issue, six-cylinder K1600GT.

BMW unveiling new Euro police cars soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwcarseuropeGeneral Police Equipment Exhibition and Conferencegermanygpecmotorcyclespolicesecurity Sun, 26 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309175/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/20309175/article-detail.xml 20309175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bmwpolicevehs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bmwpolicevehs.jpg <![CDATA[AM General to offer civilian Humvee kit car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/am-general-to-offer-civilian-humvee-kit-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/am-general-to-offer-civilian-humvee-kit-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/am-general-to-offer-civilian-humvee-kit-car/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

AM General Humvee in camo paint and on boulders

For anyone feeling nostalgic about the passing of the Hummer brand, or the actual wartime vehicle that inspired it, now is your chance to own a version of the original HMMWV, albeit without an engine.

After a 12-year hiatus from the civilian vehicle market, AM General is reportedly set to offer a kit-car of the C-Series Humvee. The kit will conform to U.S. government regulations and has been made possible by a deal with General Motors.

The kit costs $59,000 - and you still need an engine. A likely favorite would be a Duramax Diesel V8 and Allison transmission combination, as was found on the H1 Alpha. AM General estimates that an owner could buy the kit Humvee and outfit a powerplant and transmission for $75,000. Not bad, considering that H1 Alpha has an MSRP of $140,000 in 2005.

How is this possible? If you recall, GM was trying to unload the Hummer brand to Chinese-based Sichuan-Tengzhong, among other suitors. As we all know, a deal never happened and the brand rumbled off into the sunset. The deal with AM General worked so that the military Humvee producer could offer a vehicle to the public as long as it was fundamentally different from the H1. By offering a kit car, they apparently end-around much of the legal confines.

But that also means are other setbacks. The final product will not look like the civilian Hummer H1, and it will not have niceties like interior trim, power locks, door mounted mirrors, or even hard doors. It will simply be a four-seat, soft-top, soft door vehicle. AM General will offer 'add-on' factory options such as the Central Tire Inflation System, rocker protection, and potentially two-piece beadlock wheels.

As the story over at Hummer Guy puts it, "just remember - its a Humvee, not a Hummer."

AM General to offer civilian Humvee kit car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> am generalduramaxhmmwvhummerhummer h1humveekit carmilitary Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20291916/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20291916/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/am-general-to-offer-civilian-humvee-kit-car/20291916/article-detail.xml 20291916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/am-general-humvee-camo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/am-general-humvee-camo.jpg <![CDATA[Rheinmetall Defense outfits Volkswagen Amarok for world conquest]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Rheinmetall Volkswagen Amarok LMPV

What good is a truck if it can't be used to invade your neighbors? Not much good. Not much good at all, say the armament experts at Rheinmetall Defense.

At the recent Eurosatory defense expo in Paris - consider it the Geneva Motor Show of military hardware - Rheinmetall unveiled its conversion options for the Volkswagen Amarok, transforming the four-door short-bed civilian pickup truck into a Light Multi-Purpose Vehicle for military applications.

The options list includes a reinforced suspension, advanced communications systems and an automated, motorized turret for a machine gun or grenade launcher. (The actual firearms are another, matter, of course.) Military and paramilitary buyers can order theirs with a variety of engines ranging up to 177 horsepower, with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Somehow, we're guessing that even if this Volkswagen does show up in Canada as is being discussed, we don't see our neighbors to the north getting these sorts of optional extras.

Rheinmetall Defense outfits Volkswagen Amarok for world conquest originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> amarokeurosatoryrheinmetallrheinmetall defensevolkswagenvolkswagen amarokvolkswagen pickupvwvw pickup Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20256577/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20256577/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/12/rheinmetall-defense-outfits-volkswagen-amarok-for-world-conquest/20256577/article-detail.xml 20256577 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rheinmetall-amarok1web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rheinmetall-amarok1web.jpg <![CDATA[Can a Lamborghini Aventador beat an F-16 Fighting Falcon in a drag race?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/can-a-lamborghini-aventador-beat-an-f16-fighting-falcon-in-a-dra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/can-a-lamborghini-aventador-beat-an-f16-fighting-falcon-in-a-dra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/can-a-lamborghini-aventador-beat-an-f16-fighting-falcon-in-a-dra/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Lamborghini Aventador with F16 Fighting Falcon in hanger

The Lamborghini Aventador is one of the quickest and fastest supercars on the market today, but does it have what it takes to beat a fighter jet? And not just any jet, but an F-16 Fighting Falcon, perhaps the most iconic plane flown by the U.S. Air Force? Danish auto rag Bilmagasinet (literally translated as "car magazine") aimed to answer this question, and brought both vehicles to an active air field to find out whether or not this bull could beat a little old bird.

All we have to go on is their well-produced YouTube video, but from the footage we can see the Aventador more than holds its own in a straight drag race with the fighter plane. Once the Falcon takes flight, however, the Lamborghini gets left behind.

This stunt was of course performed by Richard Hammond back in 2007 with a Bugatti Veyron and Eurofighter Typhoon jet on Top Gear. We're no experts on military jets, but the Eurofighter is a much newer design than the F-16 Fighting Falcon and we suspect a much tougher opponent to face across the Christmas Tree of a makeshift drag strip. As such, the Veyron, today's current king of super cars, was no match for the Typhoon.

Scroll down to see how well the Aventador fared for yourself, as well as relive the Veyron's challenge.

Continue reading Can a Lamborghini Aventador beat an F-16 Fighting Falcon in a drag race?

Can a Lamborghini Aventador beat an F-16 Fighting Falcon in a drag race? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 lamborghini aventadoraventadordrag racef-16f-16 fighting falconf16lamborghininorwaynorwegiantop gearvideo Fri, 08 Jun 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20254524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20254524/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/08/can-a-lamborghini-aventador-beat-an-f16-fighting-falcon-in-a-dra/20254524/article-detail.xml 20254524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/lamborghini-aventador-f16-fighting-falcon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/lamborghini-aventador-f16-fighting-falcon.jpg <![CDATA[1959 Vespa ACMA is the ultimate road-rage vehicle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/1959-vespa-acma-is-the-ultimate-road-rage-vehicle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/1959-vespa-acma-is-the-ultimate-road-rage-vehicle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/1959-vespa-acma-is-the-ultimate-road-rage-vehicle/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Vespa Acma

If you've never laid eyes on a Vespa ACMA, allow us to introduce you. Manufactured for use in World War II, the scooter came equipped with a small cannon designed to launch rocket-propelled grenades.

Soldiers found an advantageous firing position, deployed stabilizers, plucked a grenade from a stylish wicker basket and fired upon the enemy, which, we should point out, was probably rolling happily along in a tank. Vespa ACMA, thy name is David. For obvious reasons, ACMA examples are plenty scarce. You can still find them, though, and if you want one to call your very own, we have good news for you.

The ACMA-obsessed crew over at Hemmings found an original example stored at a Messina military camp for the past 30 years. While the cannon has been deactivated, the rest of the Acma is in original and complete condition right down to the khaki green paint. If you like what you see, you'd better get your check book ready. This particular version is up for auction with an estimated final bid of $16,000 to $20,000. Head over to the COYS auction site for more information.

1959 Vespa ACMA is the ultimate road-rage vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acmacannongrenademilitaryvespa acmavespa cannonvespa rocket propelled grenade Wed, 09 May 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232724/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232724/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/1959-vespa-acma-is-the-ultimate-road-rage-vehicle/20232724/article-detail.xml 20232724 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/vespa-acma-628-1336410535_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/vespa-acma-628-1336410535.jpg <![CDATA[Army trying to figure out what to do with 20,000 mine-resistant trucks]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/army-trying-to-figure-out-what-to-do-with-20-000-mine-resistant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/army-trying-to-figure-out-what-to-do-with-20-000-mine-resistant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/army-trying-to-figure-out-what-to-do-with-20-000-mine-resistant/#comments Filed under: , ,

MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected)

The venerable HMMWV served the United States military as the go-to vehicle for 25 solid years. Before that, various militarized Jeep models had been pressed into service since 1941, when the army first identified the need for a lightweight, all-terrain vehicle capable of carrying a few troops and all their gear into battle.

It seems the so-called Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAPS for short) aren't going to have the same kind of life expectancy as their predecessors. According to CNN, the military is finding it difficult to cook up uses for the 20,000 MRAPS it possesses that are no longer needed for the war in Iraq, where the threat of improvised explosive devises necessitated gigantic V-shaped hulls and several tons of armor.

Due to the sheer size and weight of the machines, along with the specialized nature of their design, the military isn't likely to continue using MRAPS in differing battlefield conditions after troops are pulled from Afghanistan in 2014. So, what will become of these 20,000 MRAPS? So far, the only option on the list is for mine clearing and explosive ordinance disposal. Thing is, they don't need 20,000 of them for that.

In any case, one thing is for certain: Lives were saved due to the ability of the MRAPS to protect U.S. troops from roadside explosives (see above). And for that, everyone is thankful. As far as the future goes... may we suggest heavily armored food trucks? Or perhaps the SEMA Show circuit?

Army trying to figure out what to do with 20,000 mine-resistant trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> afghanistanarmored vehiclearmyiraqmilitarymine resistant ambush protected vehiclemrapus armyus military Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229297/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229297/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/army-trying-to-figure-out-what-to-do-with-20-000-mine-resistant/20229297/article-detail.xml 20229297 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mrap-exploded_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mrap-exploded.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a vintage Lamborghini Cheetah SUV promo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/watch-a-vintage-lamborghini-cheetah-suv-promo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/watch-a-vintage-lamborghini-cheetah-suv-promo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/watch-a-vintage-lamborghini-cheetah-suv-promo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Lamborghini Cheetah

Lamborghini was in the off-road business before the cult classic LM002, cooperating with MTI on a military vehicle concept dubbed Cheetah in the mid-seventies that it hoped to sell to the U.S. armed forces. The 4,500-pound, fiberglass-bodied troop carrier used a 5.9-liter, 180-horsepower Chrysler engine mounted in back. Hardly Cheetah-like, the vehicle delivered lackluster performance and didn't handle well.

Even worse, it was a badly translated copy of a vehicle already made by another firm, which landed MTI and Lamborghini in court when the Cheetah was revealed at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. The U.S. military tested the sole prototype and totaled it.

Perhaps this is the worst part: the Cheetah was such an expensive failure for Lamborghini that it was one of the reasons the company was unable to follow through on its commitment to BMW for the M1 project.

And with that history lesson digested, you'll get even more wry satisfaction from the narrator's dialogue in the Cheetah promo video, which you'll find just below.

Continue reading Watch a vintage Lamborghini Cheetah SUV promo

Watch a vintage Lamborghini Cheetah SUV promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cheetahlamborghinilamborghini cheetahmilitaryvideovideosvimeo Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226399/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226399/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/28/watch-a-vintage-lamborghini-cheetah-suv-promo/20226399/article-detail.xml 20226399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lamborghinicheetahconcvi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/lamborghinicheetahconcvi.jpg <![CDATA[Acura MDX ready to S.H.I.E.L.D. the Avengers from harm]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/acura-mdx-ready-to-s-h-i-e-l-d-the-avengers-from-harm/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/acura-mdx-ready-to-s-h-i-e-l-d-the-avengers-from-harm/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/05/acura-mdx-ready-to-s-h-i-e-l-d-the-avengers-from-harm/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

S.H.I.E.L.D. Acura MDX live at New York Auto Show reveal

Move over, Batmobile, and make room in the geekosphere for the latest comic book superhero ride.

Acura, as you may be aware, signed a multi-picture deal with Marvel to have its cars featured in a raft of superhero movies. The Japanese luxury brand's cars were there at the end of Captain America, they were there in Thor, and they'll be there in full force in the highly anticipated upcoming superhero spectacular, The Avengers.

Most prominent of these will be the NSX-like roadster Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has been spotted driving on set, but that won't be the extent of it for the Honda brand. Feast your eyes on the MDX which Acura has prepared for the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division - the fictitious government agency that brings the gang together.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. MDX with the Sentinel Package is, according to its ficticious Monroney, packs the same Palladium-powered titanium engine, nine-speed transmission and diamond quartz brakes as the Stark roadster, albeit packed into a more capacious form. It's got an aerial drone stored in a briefcase in the back, a cloaking device, bulletproof body, repulsor cannon and advanced targeting system.

So what would a fictitious vehicle like this set you back? MSRP (with destination and Sentinel package) is pegged at a nearly $6 million. Suck on that, Bugatti Veyron.

Acura MDX ready to S.H.I.E.L.D. the Avengers from harm originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 acura mdx2012 new york auto showacuraacura mdxavengersmdxnew yorknew york 2012new york auto showpalladiums.h.i.e.l.d.sentinelshieldsuperherothe avengers Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20209497/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20209497/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/05/acura-mdx-ready-to-s-h-i-e-l-d-the-avengers-from-harm/20209497/article-detail.xml 20209497 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acura-mdx-shield-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acura-mdx-shield-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Sand Flea robot goes where your R/C car can't]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/sand-flea-robot-goes-where-your-r-c-car-cant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/sand-flea-robot-goes-where-your-r-c-car-cant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/sand-flea-robot-goes-where-your-r-c-car-cant/#comments Filed under: , ,

Sand Flea Robot

Your nitro-fueled R/C racer may look all badass and be really fast, but it's got its limitations. Namely, walls. The Sand Flea robot shown above, developed by Boston Dynamics, won't win any races or beauty contests, but it laughs at walls. More precisely, it just leaps over them.

The little bot, which scoots around like a regular all-terrain R/C car, is equipped with a CO2-powered piston that gives it the ability to leap 30 feet in the air. When presented with a challenge, the Sand Flea stops, tilts, and launches up and over the obstacle in front of it. The video showing it in action, posted after the jump, is simultaneously astonishing and hilarious (especially when you mentally add this sound effect to each leap). On a full charge, the Flea can make 25 jumps. A gyroscope keeps it stabilized while airborne, and its wheels act as the cushion upon landing.

Funding for the project comes from DARPA, the Joint IED Defeat Organization, and the Army's Rapid Equipping Force, and it's meant to bolster the military's ever-expanding arsenal of reconnaissance tools. As such, PopSci reports that the Sand Flea is headed to the Army Test and Evaluation Command for safety certification, after which several examples will head to Afghanistan for some real field testing.

Continue reading Sand Flea robot goes where your R/C car can't

Sand Flea robot goes where your R/C car can't originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> boston dynamicsdarpajumpingleapingmilitaryrobotsand flea Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205959/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205959/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/sand-flea-robot-goes-where-your-r-c-car-cant/20205959/article-detail.xml 20205959 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sandfleabot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/sandfleabot.jpg <![CDATA[From Super Duty to Call of Duty: Ford could power U.S. military's future]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/from-super-duty-to-call-of-duty-ford-could-power-u-s-military/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/from-super-duty-to-call-of-duty-ford-could-power-u-s-military/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/from-super-duty-to-call-of-duty-ford-could-power-u-s-military/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle proposal

The future of the U.S. Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program might be powered by a Ford V8. BAE Systems, Northrup Grumman and Meritor Defenses said this afternoon that their proposed light fighting vehicle, which is called the Valanx, will have a Ford Power Stroke 6.7-liter diesel engine under its steel hood. (And likely a .50 cal on its roof.)

If it's good enough for the Super Duty, it's good enough for a Call of Duty.

"Ford products have a reputation for dependability and performance, even under challenging conditions," said Ann Hoholick, BAE Systems Vice President of Amphibious & New Programs in the release.

Ford had dropped out of the JLTV program, which is searching for the next fighting machine to replace the venerable Humvee for the U.S. military. Ford is not a partner with the group but did provide a statement this afternoon.

"We're proud of Ford's 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engines and their best-in-class power, durability and fuel economy," said Ford spokesman Mike Levine. "And we are proud the engines were chosen to be part of BAE's JLTV entry."

Let's just hope that engine is as bulletproof.

Continue reading From Super Duty to Call of Duty: Ford could power U.S. military's future

From Super Duty to Call of Duty: Ford could power U.S. military's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bae systemsfordjltvJoint Light Tactical Vehiclepower strokepower stroke 6.7power stroke dieselsuper duty Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20201413/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/26/from-super-duty-to-call-of-duty-ford-could-power-u-s-military/20201413/article-detail.xml 20201413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/jltv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/jltv.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. Army's CERV puts a machine gun on a "green" military vehicle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/us-army-cerv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/us-army-cerv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/us-army-cerv/#comments Filed under: ,

us army cerv

It used to be that we couldn't even find a picture of the U.S. Army's Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV), but times have changed.

At the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) displayed the CERV, which uses a diesel-hybrid "Q-Force" powertrain from Quantum that Quantum says, "saves taxpayer dollars and - most importantly - saves Soldiers' lives."

With a top speed of 80 miles per hour and a "run-silent" range of eight miles (we assume this means all-electric range), the CERV prototype can produce over 5,000 pound-feet of torque and go up hills with up to 60-percent grades. It does all this while using 25 percent less fuel, which is critical when you have to pay up to $400 a gallon to use the stuff in theater.

The Army says that today's soldier uses an average of 22 gallons of gasoline a day. In World War II, it was one gallon a day.

Continue reading U.S. Army's CERV puts a machine gun on a "green" military vehicle

U.S. Army's CERV puts a machine gun on a "green" military vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cervcerv diesel hybridchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showdiesel hybridus army cerv Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174539/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/19/us-army-cerv/20174539/article-detail.xml 20174539 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-2012-cerv-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-2012-cerv-628.jpg <![CDATA[Drive a Tank adds mobile home crushing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/drive-a-tank-adds-mobile-home-crushing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/drive-a-tank-adds-mobile-home-crushing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/19/drive-a-tank-adds-mobile-home-crushing/#comments Filed under: ,

Drive A Tank mobile home crush package

We checked driving a tank off our list of 1,001 Car Things To Do Before You Die in The List #0433 - or at least our hosts, Jessi and Patrick, did. They performed this feat at the aptly named Drive A Tank company in Kasota, Minnesota.

Drive A Tank offers a number of packages that include not only piloting up to three tanks in a day, but also history lessons on the usage of tanks in battle, a tour of their facilities and the chance to fire some historic military firearms. As Jessie herself experienced, there's even a Car Crush package that lets you drive a Chieftain Main Battle Tank over an auto that's past its prime.

But crushing a car may not be enough for you, which is why Drive A Tank just added mobile home crushing to its list of options. According to co-owner Tory Borglum, crushing cars has been a big hit with customers, but once the crush bug had bitten them, people wanted more. And so, Tony and company began intercepting mobile homes headed to the junkyard for one more fling on their tank course.

The Mobile Home Crush package starts at $500 and goes up to $3,495. Drive a Tank has also expanded its fleet of available military vehicles to drive with some non-treaded transports. New to the company this year are two M35 2&frac12;-ton cargo trucks and a GMV-spec military Humvee.

Continue reading Drive a Tank adds mobile home crushing

Drive a Tank adds mobile home crushing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car crashdrive a tankmobile homemobile home crushtony borglumwisconsin Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174478/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/19/drive-a-tank-adds-mobile-home-crushing/20174478/article-detail.xml 20174478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/drive-a-tank-mobile-home-crush_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/drive-a-tank-mobile-home-crush.jpg -1 2