Autoblog

Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Honda, Humor, Specialty, Off-Road

There are few things that can't be accomplished with a little PVC pipe, some chicken wire, cardboard boxes and spray paint. Just ask the innovative chaps in the videos after the jump. As part of a Halloween celebration last year, the quartet of youths took it up on themselves to recreate a scale version of the tornado-chasing Dominator from TVN. The finished product looks pretty good given its humble roots, and since the project uses a Honda Recon ATV for a chassis, it gets down the road with a quickness.

The guys behind the project nailed all of the relevant details, right down to a mock Bosch sponsorship and a plethora of wiper blades. Well played, sirs. The troupe plans to roll out a mini Dominator 2 in coming months alongside a slew of skits inspired by the reality TV show Storm Chasers. We can't wait. Hit the jump to check out the four-part series on the Dominator's creation after the jump.

Continue reading Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle

Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Polaris quad with a 454 big-block? Why, yes... yes you can

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

Big-block Polaris quad - Click above to watch the video after the break

With a little blood, sweat and some good ol' American ingenuity, almost anything is possible. Whether or not "possible" equals "advisable," well... we'll leave that up to you to decide. In any case, at least one enterprising individual has apparently managed to stuff a big-block Chevrolet engine displacing 454 cubic inches inside the tight confines of a Polaris ATV.

There doesn't seem to be any rear suspension on this quad, so those massive balloon tires will have to suffice. While a smooth ride might be problematic, power won't be. After all, not only is there a 7.4-liter V8 underneath, there are also dual carburetors and long-tube headers. For ultimate ease of use, there's a Turbo 350 automatic transmission slid in between the engine and solid-axle rear end.

Yes, there's a video of this beastie in action, and no, the driver is predictably not wearing a helmet. He is, however, enjoying the protection afforded by his apparently ill-fitting cap... that is, until it blows off his now unprotected head. No worries, he'll swing right back around and put it back on to save his noggin. Safety first! Watch it all go down in the video after the break.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Polaris quad with a 454 big-block? Why, yes... yes you can

Video: Polaris quad with a 454 big-block? Why, yes... yes you can originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Gibbs Aquada amphibious car hobbled by federal requirements, but aqua-ATV on the way?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Specialty, Off-Road

Gibbs Technologies Aquada - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Man is back to his old tricks again: this time doing his best to keep down a fledgling amphibious car manufacturer. Gibbs Technologies is reportedly running into a tangle of regulation when it comes to bringing its Aquada to market - an amphibious vehicle that's said to be just as home on the lake as it is motoring around your neighborhood. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, the main issue seems to be that regulatory bodies want the car to conform to safety and emissions standards for both cars and boats. Unfortunately, those two worlds aren't exactly compatible. For starters, the EPA wants the Aquada to use a standard catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the emissions equipment needs to operate at close to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit - nearly 1,200 degrees more than what the U.S. Coast Guard allows on a typical watercraft.

Things get even more complicated on the safety front. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration wants the Aquada to come equipped with airbags, only Gibbs Technologies worries that pounding from waves will set the devices off accidentally - a scenario that we'd rather not encounter.

In order to help put some of the worries surrounding the Aquada aside, the company is planning to release an amphibious ATV called the Quadski. With a top speed of around 45 mph on both land and water, the craft should be the Aquada's high-strung younger brother without many of the same thorny legal issues. So far, Gibbs hasn't released any photos or information on the Quadski, but the company plans to begin selling the craft next year.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Gibbs Aquada

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

Report: Gibbs Aquada amphibious car hobbled by federal requirements, but aqua-ATV on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Embrace your inner child with a Lambo ATV

Alex Nunez — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Lamborghini, Motorcycle, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above for gallery of the Liberty Walk Lambo ATV

The 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon was loaded with the usual assortment of wild and wacky tuner fare - same as always. But tucked among the cars are hidden treasures like the wee beastie shown above. Liberty Walk/LB Performance are Japanese Lamborghini tuners, and in addition to showcasing a selection of the supercars they've worked on, they also showed off a couple of ATVs they re-bodied to look like super deformed little Murcielagos. Miniaturized dimensions, big alloys, low-profile tires - this is what Power Wheels would look like if they made 'em for grown-ups and cost $20,000. Dad, can we have one? Pleeeeeeeeeeease?

Gallery: Liberty Walk Lambo ATV

[Source: Carzi]

Embrace your inner child with a Lambo ATV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Talon Performance creates a quad only a mother could love

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games, Motorcycle

Talon Performance is where "Innovation meets the street." That combination apparently yields results like the Talon Street Quad, a body-kitted 4-wheeler based on the Kawasaki KFX700. We think it looks like the innovation and the street got in a big argument, attacked a manatee with bats, and then threw paint on it. Then put it on wheels. Nice, rims, though...

Part quad, part Cars movie extra, part dada, the Talon Street Quad is supposedly street legal. We don't know where these streets are (in America), because quads have been shown the hand by all 50 states when it comes to road duty. Yet according to Talon, "you can even take it on your next road trip."

It'll also save you money at the pump, which is lately the god of all things. So if you want it, but you're not sure about that two-tone paint job, do not fear: you can get it in a single tone for "shear and simple beauty." Or you could just buy the Quadrazuma. And check out the gallery of pics below.

Gallery: Talon Performance Street Quad

[Source: Jalopnik]

Talon Performance creates a quad only a mother could love originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dunlop Driver's Cup: Qualifying begins

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Once a year, drivers gather in a central location to test their skills in a myriad of motorized conveyances. The Dunlop Drivers Cup isn't just a day or two of on-track driving. Nor is it limited to four-wheeled vehicles. It's a five day long event that encompasses autocross, road racing, off-road driving, motocross and an ATV trek.

Drivers are selected for both their behind the wheel/handlebar skills, but also their physical prowess and the qualifying begins this September 11th. The winner of the stateside event will then move on to the Dunlop Drivers Cup World Finals sometime in 2007, where they'll compete in events across six different continents, with the final event being held in Africa.

A profile of some of the finalists can be found here, here and here, which are all definitely worth the read, especially for anyone considering entering in the 2007 event. We wish them all the best of luck on their upcoming journey and hope that Team USA trounces whomever they come up against abroad.

More information about the Cup and registration for next year's event can be found at Dunlop's website.

Click on through for some photos from last years event.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading Dunlop Driver's Cup: Qualifying begins

Dunlop Driver's Cup: Qualifying begins originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MXT-MVA: HUMMER evolution squared?

Joel Arellano — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer

Could this be a future HUMMER? That's what a friend of Mobile Magazine's Dave White is hoping. The International MXT-MVA (Military Vehicle - Armored) is a variant of the MXT 4X4 pickup. While heavily armored, the all-terrain vehicle is more than powerful enough to quickly move five "sumo-sized" occupants with its V-8 diesel engine which produces 300 horsepower and over 500 lb-ft of torque. The bed and body of the MXT-MVA can easily be configured to hold soldiers and their gear, heavy weaponry, communication and navigation systems.

The military plans to use the vehicle for a variety of duties that include, but certainly aren't limited to an ambulance detail, a field shelter, and convoy protection. Unfortunately for White's friend, there are currently no plans to build the MXT-MVA for civilian use.

Related:
Armored personnel carrier puts Germantown in state of readiness
Don't try this at home: SUV with remote-operated shotguns
When a Hummer just won't cut it, think Force Protection

[Source: Mobile Magazine via Gizmag]

MXT-MVA: HUMMER evolution squared? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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