Autoblog

VIDEO: Photographer snaps drag car crash with nerves of steel

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

Click above to watch video of the crash after the jump

When a 250-mph funny car suddenly loses control and launches like a missile in your direction, common sense dictates that the best thing to do is run away. As fast as possible. While the instincts of the shutter bugs at Pomona Raceway in California told most to run for cover, Andy Willsheer just kept on shooting. And when Steve Gasparrelli's Ford Mustang funny car came screaming at him full tilt and completely out of control, Willsheer snapped off several of the most up close and personal shots you'll ever see.

Gasparrelli's Mustang funny car slipped on some oil right out of the gate and made an immediate 90-degree right turn right for the concrete barrier. The drag car was immediately upended by the barrier just three feet from where Willsheer was shooting. Neither Willsheer or Gasparrelli were seriously hurt in the incident. We're not sure if Willsheer was brave or stupid for not moving, but we sure do like the pics. Be sure to head over to the Daily Mail to check out Willsheer's amazing photos and hit the jump to watch video of the accident. Pretty amazing stuff.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Continue reading VIDEO: Photographer snaps drag car crash with nerves of steel

VIDEO: Photographer snaps drag car crash with nerves of steel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Nissan

Super Snake vs. Godzilla - click above to watch the video

Recently, we ran a little poll in which we asked which car would you prefer: A Nissan GT-R or a Ford Shelby Mustang GT500? The results - which aren't too surprising - had just over two thirds of you rooting and tooting for Godzilla. And that's all fine. However, someone pointed out that the contest should have been between Godzilla and the new Shelby Super Snake. Well guess what?

Thankfully, Motor Trend has totally obliged you. In this video, the 412-horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque (at the wheels, people, at the wheels) Nissan GT-R takes on the 635 hp and 581 lb-ft of torque Shelby GT500 Super Snake do the quarter-mile. The results? We're going to make you jump to find out, but we aren't surprised. At all. But then again, we've driven both cars (in fact, this appears to be the exact 2010 GT-R we drove). We will however say hats off to our buddy Ed Loh at MT for making such a fun video. Click here to watch it. Thanks to Pete for the tip!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Shelby Super Snake

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle

VIDEO: Godzilla vs. Super Snake: MT pits Nissan vs. Shelby in amusingly epic battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Gullwing dragster - Click above for high-res image gallery

This ungainly little creature had an area all to itself at this year's Essen Motor Show. Built over four years by Swiss drag racer Stefan Winter - who is a roofer by trade - the most important thing to say is this: Winter did not mangle a genuine 1956 Mercedes 300 SL to create this beast, and we can thank all the gods that be for that. He copied the body in fiberglass and placed it over a tube chassis, hiding a small block Chevy in front that's been bored out to 422 cubic inches.

With modified pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, and a bit more black-art-ness, the gullwinged monster puts 1,050 horsepower to the ground through a 3-speed transmission and rear tires 15 inches across. The 1/4-mile rolls off in 8.1 seconds at 166 mph. If nothing else, at that speed he shouldn't have any problem with keeping the car's interior cool, a problem the originals were known for...

Gallery: Essen 2009: Mercedes Gullwing Dragster

[Source: Das Auto Blog (translated) via Autoblog.nl]

Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Humor

Corvette C6 w/Nitrous Oxide - Click image to watch the video

Or at least a Z06. Now, we're all for drag racing - it's one of the purest forms of sport around - much like World's Strongest Man minus all the steroids. Or is that plus nine billion times the steroids? Either way, little is more adrenaline pumping than watching a nitrous-venting 1976 Chevrolet Camaro run the quarter in 8.5 seconds. Especially when you stop and think about how totally terrible Camaros were when Jimmy Carter took office. *Shudder.*

Anyhow, the reason you can get dirty old Camaros to run so quick are the mods. In fact, a constant, never-ending stream of modifications always makes that next hundredth of a second seem just within reach. Drag racing is the sport of the tinkerer - just ask Don Garlits. You can always shed weight, but then you reach a point where structural integrity becomes an issue.

More power is typically (if not always) the answer. To get there, you got your lumpy cams, bundle o' snakes headers, intake pipes the size of telephone poles, hot lifters, blowers, turbos and, of course, nitrous oxide (N2O). We say "of course" N2O because most drag races are over before you can count to ten. Besides, motors are cheap but Friday night glory at New Jersey's Island Dragway lasts forever, right? In this case, however, the ol' nitrous bottle might be more at home hooked up to another car - might we suggest a '76 Camaro? Find out why after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Tampa Bay Examiner]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1

VIDEO: Drag racing Chevy C6 Corvette owner shoulda bought a ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 1951 Henry J gasser is a 7-second blast from the past

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance

1951 Kaiser Henry J - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's another black beauty that caught our attention in the halls of SEMA 2009. It's a 1951 Kaiser Henry J owned and raced by Chris Beanes of California.

Running in A/Gas, this gloss-free gasser can storm the quarter in the mid-7s at better than 174 MPH. We read somewhere that it's powered by a Chevy 400 that's backed by a four-speed transmission, but other than that we don't have a lot more details. What we do have are a few pics in the gallery below that hopefully capture the magic of this nostalgic dragster.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1951 Henry J gasser

SEMA 2009: 1951 Henry J gasser is a 7-second blast from the past originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo is like missing Koenigsegg ancestor

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Saab

700-hp 1969 Saab 99 Quattro Turbo - Click above to watch video

Sweden has just over nine million people - that's an entire country whose population is just a little bigger than New York City - and we'd believe it if someone told us they exclusively devoted their time to blessing the world with peculiar automotive concoctions. We'd file this latest one under "quirky," but it's far too powerful: a 1969 Saab 99 given the Audi Quattro treatment and a turbocharging to the tune of 700 horsepower. And then left to look rather stock.

The brainchild of a man named Gustav, it's development is recorded on Savar Turbo for those of you who speak Swedish (translated, if you don't). It runs sub-10-second quarter-miles with ease, which includes a few tenths lost for wheelspin and manually shifting gears. And we like it. We like it a lot. And we want whatever he's been drinking - we're guessing drums of aquavit. Follow the jump for videos of this stealthy Swede's quarter-mile runs and have a look at what's under the hood in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo

[Source: Savar Turbo via Car Throttle]

Continue reading VIDEO: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo is like missing Koenigsegg ancestor

VIDEO: 700-HP Saab 99 Quattro Turbo is like missing Koenigsegg ancestor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35

Merritt Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

In the late hours of October 4th 2009, the world lost an innovator in sport compact racing, Shaun Carlson. The NuFormz owner and fabricator extraordinaire had a genetic heart condition - however, it is unknown if the defect contributed to his death.

In more recent years, Carlson, 35, had been known for his lead on the Team MOPAR drift team, but his roots go all the way back to Truckin' and Turbo Magazine. Although he could shoot cars with the best of them, his talent in building them won out in the end. Carlson knocked the socks off the sport compact industry with the Honda CRX he created in collaboration with Jason Whitfield, but he really blew everyone away when he unveiled the world's first tube frame front-wheel drive Honda Civic. Driven by Stephan Papadakis, the car made the industry stand up and take notice that sport compact drag racing was a force to be reckoned with. Following his Civic's success, Carlson created the spectacular web of steel tubing, carbon fiber and titanium that is known as the Meguiar's Ford Focus. His ability to turn the unfortunate into amazing even transferred over from drag racing and into drifting. This is shown by the Dodge Charger and Challenger he built for two time Formula D champion Samuel Hubinette.

It is an understatement to say that Shaun Carlson will be missed. His influence has been far reaching and he undoubtedly had many more groundbreaking builds ahead of him. On a personal note,I will never forget the guidance and knowledge that he gave me as I was starting to get my feet wet in the automotive industry. I first met Shaun when he brought Stephan's yellow Civic to run on the East Coast. As I stared at the car in wonderment, he went out of his way to tell me all about it. After that, whenever I ran into Shaun at a race, he let me hang around his pit. He never dismissed my probing questions about his mechanical troubles either. He could see I wasn't just a female trying to hang around, but a student with a thirst for knowledge and someone looking for direction. I eventually found that direction with a degree in mechanical engineering. Now, in my work, I think back to design tips I learned from master fabricator Shaun Carlson.

Everyone at Autoblog extends their thoughts to all of Shaun Carlson's loved ones.

[Source: NHRA]

Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chapter 3 of Mustang Unleashed: student vs. teacher payback

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Ford

Student vs. teacher on Pinks All Out - click above for high-res image gallery

Back in June when we took part in the annual Ford Racing Invitational at Milan Dragway, we had the pleasure of meeting young Derek Murrell. You may recall that Derek is the 18 year-old who had just graduated from high school in Florida and had entered Ford's 2010 Mustang Unleashed contest. His dream was to drag race against his auto shop teacher Bill Rosenblum for the chance to win a new Mustang GT on Pinks All Out.

We talked to Derek a week before he went up against his teacher at Maryland International Raceway. Ford asked us not to tell you who won until after the program had aired on Speed which it evidently has now. Murrell, who had never raced before got coaching from veteran racer Bob Glidden while Rosenblum visited the Livernois motorsports shop to see his car being built up. What Rosenblum didn't know until he arrived at the drag strip was who his competition would be. Murrell and Rosenblum would go head to head in a best two-out-of-three for the new 'Stang. Check out the three videos after the jump to find out who got the keys.

Gallery: "The '10 Unleashed" - Payback

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chapter 3 of Mustang Unleashed: student vs. teacher payback

VIDEO: Chapter 3 of Mustang Unleashed: student vs. teacher payback originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Taurus SHO breaks into the 13s

Chris Shunk — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Ford

2010 Ford Taurus SHO at Epping Dragway: Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2010 Taurus SHO packs 365 horsepower courtesy of its twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, but something about the sheer size of Ford's full-size sedan tells us that it doesn't quite belong on the track. That didn't stop one man from taking the 21st century SHO to New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire to try his luck in a straight-line foot race.

The massive SHO took its spot at the left starting gate against a Fox body Mustang of undetermined modification, and when the tree turned green, the 4,300-pound Taurus gave its fellow Ford all it could handle. Hit the jump to watch the 2010 Taurus SHO notch a credible 13.92 at 100 mph at Epping. Since we've already seen the 350 horsepower EcoBoost MKS hit 13.9 at Milan dragway in Michigan, we're guessing the SHO Taurus was either bone stock or only modestly modified. Hat tip to Brian.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

[Source: Bang Shift]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Taurus SHO breaks into the 13s

VIDEO: 2010 Taurus SHO breaks into the 13s originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chutes Away! Ford replaces GM as Official Sponsor of NHRA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Ford, GM

As the only American automaker not recently put through a government-sponsored bankruptcy, it comes as little surprise that Ford has taken over the spot long held by General Motors as the Official Sponsor of the NHRA. The first sign of dissension in the ranks came earlier this year as GM's bankruptcy filing ended the contracts the automaker had previously forged with Cagnazzi Racing, KB Racing LLC, Kurt Racing and Pedregon Racing to provide cash, parts and support vehicles.

This new multiyear agreement between Ford and the NHRA means that for the foreseeable future, all official vehicles used by the racing organization will now carry the Blue Oval badge, including trackside safety vehicles. For its part, Ford seems pleased with its newly prominent role within the drag racing community. Brian Wolfe, Ford's North America Director of Motorsports, said in a statement:

We're very excited to be partnering with NHRA on this program. We see this as a very good business proposition in terms of being able to actively reach out at-track and online to the NHRA fan base in ways that we haven't been able to do in recent years. We'll be able to allow that fan base to see and experience some of our great new products at-track while also partnering with the successful Motorcraft and Quick Lane program to give fans a look at the total Ford ownership experience.

[Source: NHRA]

Continue reading Chutes Away! Ford replaces GM as Official Sponsor of NHRA

Chutes Away! Ford replaces GM as Official Sponsor of NHRA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: The 'Nunrunner' V10-powered eight-door Dodge Dart Limowagon [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Auctions, Etc., Videos, Dodge, Specialty

1962 Dodge Dart limo 'Nunrunner' - Click above for high-res image gallery

And now for something completely different. We can't recall ever seeing another vehicle quite like this 1962 Dodge Dart, which was converted into a limo wagon that was supposedly intended for the Vatican and later sold to a Catholic Church in Kentucky - and that's probably for the best.

As scary as the beast may be to look at, the team from Wicked Rides Inc. reports that it's actually a trouble-free driver thanks to the modern V10 engine yanked from a Dodge Ram and T56 six-speed manual transmission from a Viper it was blessed with when converted into The Nunrunner - reliable enough, in fact, to have taken part in the last Hot Rod Power Tour with nary a breakdown.

Underneath the rusty outer shell sits a chassis that's been fortified with the K-frame and suspension bits from a 2004 Corvette Z06, though we doubt it handles anything like the pilfered sportscar from which those bits came. To fully take in all that the Nunrunner has to offer, we suggest you amble through our photo gallery below and click past the break for a couple of drag racing videos where the eight-door contraption lines up against a Shelby Cobra (real or knockoff, we're not sure) for a trip down the 'ole 1320.

Interested in making this unique vehicle your own? Click here for the actual eBay auction. Current bid: $1,075 (reserve not yet met). Thanks for the tip, Richard!

Gallery: 1962 Dodge Dart limo 'Nunrunner'

[Source: eBay]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: The 'Nunrunner' V10-powered eight-door Dodge Dart Limowagon [w/VIDEO]

eBay Find of the Day: The 'Nunrunner' V10-powered eight-door Dodge Dart Limowagon [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Contests, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

Derek Murrell and his drag racing 2010 Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For the second installment of Ford's "The '10 Unleashed" contest, the Mustang is going to the drag strip. Last time, Ford gave a blind man the opportunity to drive, and this time around, a kid fresh out of high school is going up against one of his teachers in the quarter-mile. Derek Murrell just graduated from Lake Mary High School north of Orlando, Florida, a school where his auto shop teacher Bill Rosenblum apparently loved to share his drag racing exploits with his students.

Being a typical teenager, Murrell wanted to show up his elders and compete with Rosenbleum at the track. Since Ford is heavily promoting the 2010 Mustang in motorsports, the automaker decided to give him the chance to win a new Mustang GT. Of course, to to do that Murrell would have to do more than write a contest entry - he'd have to outrun a more experienced racer.

The teenage would-be racer had his first competitive run during the National Mustang Racing Association meet at Michigan's Milan Dragway. Luckily for us, the NMRA event took place concurrent with last week's Ford Racing Invitational, and we got to spend a few minutes chatting with Murrell. Check out the video of our interview with him after the jump.

Gallery: Mustang Unleashed: Derek Murrell

Continue reading Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO]

Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: S197 Ford Mustang could have had independent rear suspension for $100 per car

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Technology, Ford, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

It seems that any discussion about a modern Ford Mustang inevitably turns into a debate about its solid rear axle. While Ford has done an incredible job of optimizing the pony car's suspension, many still find it unacceptable that such an antiquated technology is used on a modern day performance car. Motor Trend boss Angus MacKenzie, however, says that the S197 Mustang platform almost received an independent rear suspension a while back - and for a lot less than you might think.

According to MacKenzie, the 2005 Mustang was set to get an independent suspension shared with the BA-series Falcon sedan built in Australia. Even when it was decided that the two cars would use different platforms, Ford designers set about designing an independent suspension specific to the Mustang. So why did it still end up with a solid rear axle? According to MacKenzie, product development executive Phil Martens convinced Bill Ford Jr. that they could save $100 per car if they dropped the IRS and went with the solid axle. For all of you non drag-racing types that wish the Mustang had an independently suspended rear, this news probably makes you sick to the stomach.

But wait... there's more! MacKenzie's sources say that the cost of sorting out the current Mustang's suspension actually cost $98 more per car than the IRS that could have gone in the car. Like Angus, we love the current Mustang but have to wonder if it could have been that much better.

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: S197 Ford Mustang could have had independent rear suspension for $100 per car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, First Drive

2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res gallery

Saturday afternoon we went for what may have been the shortest and quickest first drive in the history of Autoblog. When we go on a typical first drive with a manufacturer, we get to drive a vehicle around for at least a few hours in a variety of environments. Not so this past Saturday, when we tried out the latest customer race car product from Ford Racing, the Cobra Jet, a Mustang conceived at the behest of drag racers who wanted a factory built car ready to take to their local drag strip.

The original Mustang Cobra Jet appeared back in 1968 with a big, powerful engine and all of the interior bits normally stripped out by racers already absent. Those cars would go on to be some of the most successful factory-built drag cars ever. A year ago, Ford began preparing to build a run of 50 brand new cars bearing the legendary nameplate. Officially designated "FR500CJ," the new cars were delivered to customers last Fall and have been seen racing regularly at strips across the country throughout the year.

Gallery: First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Continue reading First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second!

First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

Drew Phillips — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford, Specialty

2009 Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res gallery

At last year's SEMA show, Ford unveiled the latest Mustang to join the Ford Racing stable, the FR500CJ Cobra Jet. The purpose-built drag racer came standard with go-fast parts from the Ford Racing catalog, including a 400 horsepower version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 (de-tuned to meet specifications needed for NHRA's AA Stock class) and a drag-specific wheel and tire combination. The 2009 model was a success both with customers and on the track. Ford Racing sold the entire run of fifty cars in less than two weeks, and it won its very first race at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA back in February.

Building on that success, Ford Racing announced today that it will be building a 2010 version of the Cobra Jet, with production to begin during the fourth quarter with deliveries taking place in early 2010. The base price is expected to be less than $75,000, and once again production will be limited to just fifty units. Like the 2009 model, the 2010 Cobra Jet will be modified with all Ford Racing parts including the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that is now rated at 425 horsepower. Perhaps the most exciting news is the availability of an optional 475 horsepower aluminum block motor that we dearly hope will somehow find its way into a production car. Follow the jump for the press release from Ford Racing, and look for more details and photos to come around SEMA in November.

Gallery: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

[Source: Ford Racing]

Continue reading Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet

Ford Racing announces plans for 2010 Mustang Cobra Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beat the Heat: Florida police battling street racing by... racing?!

Chris Shunk — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Police officers around the country routinely put their lives on the line in an effort to keep our streets safe. Officers in South Florida have come up with a way to make city streets a safer place and have a bit of fun at the same time; by drag racing at the track. A bad street racing problem that was endangering the lives of law abiding citizens when a plan was hatched to set up monthly "Beat the Heat" drags between the fuzz and street racers at Miami's Countyline Dragway. Everyone from former street racers to moms and dads are paying the $25 to line up against Johnny Law.

The "Beat the Heat" program has drastically cut down the amount of drag racing on the Florida streets, while also fostering a better relationship between racers and officers. And "Beat the Heat" isn't just in Florida. There are police drag racing programs in other areas of the country, including Chattanooga, Tennessee. If making nice with cops isn't your idea of fun, you can still test your skills against the king of all drag cars; the Crown Victoria police interceptor. Where do we sign up?

[Source: Officer]

Beat the Heat: Florida police battling street racing by... racing?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 May 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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22-year-old sheik spending $10M a year to become the Yankees of drag racing?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

There are a number of parallels with an all-American tale of racing fan turned team owner: Man loves drag racing since boyhood, comes from a region crazy for the sport, started off in racing's little league, and races to win even in the big leagues. Yet the differences are enough to inform us that this is a Yankees tale, not an Oakland A's tale: the team owner in question is Qatari native Sheik Khalid bin Hamad Al-Thani, all of 22 years old, with a bank account that would make Croesus blush.

When Al-Thani was ready to start a top-level drag racing team after owning outfits in the lower grades, he called Alan Johnson, who had run the five-time championship-winning Army dragster team. With the aim of turning Qatar into a dragster's paradise and an estimated $10 million per year budget for a two-car team (top fuel dragster and funny car), Johnson signed up for the challenge.

A top team spends about $4 million and up for the NHRA series, which could put Al-Thani even above the U.S. Army team's expenditure. Both teams are sixth in the standings right now, with Larry Dixon (dragster) and Del Worsham (funny car) behind the wheels, but with Al-Thani committed to doing - and spending - what it takes, he might just be the Steinbrenner of drag racing before long, for better or worse.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

22-year-old sheik spending $10M a year to become the Yankees of drag racing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous

Chris Shunk — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Specialty

Click the image above to view the gassed 'Vette take on the Nissan GT-R after the jump

The Garage 419 team is anything but conventional, so when they say they're going to race a Nissan GT-R against a $500 competitor, you know it's going to be entertaining. Host Matt Farah had the easy task of rolling to the strip in the Godzilla of street racers, with 478 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and launch control at his beck and call. Editor Gene Sanchez had the tougher task of obtaining a $500 car to challenge his co-worker. Sanchez had a couple tricks up his sleeve, though, as he rented a $200-per-day LS3 Corvette from the Hertz Fun Collection and added a bargain-basement $300 nitrous system. Unfortunately, the 'Vette was burdened with lousy run-flat tires and a six-speed slush box, but at least the yellow underdog had the crowd on its side. Does a juiced up Corvette have a chance in Hell of besting a bone-stock GT-R on a one-eighth mile drag strip? The only way to find out is by hitting the jump to see the race for yourself.

Continue reading VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous

VIDEO: Garage 419 pits GT-R against rented Hertz Corvette... with nitrous originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More pics of the new Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

We first told you about Ford's new Mustang Cobra Jet factory drag car in June of 2007 and last week Ford posted a video on YouTube of a test session with the new car showing its stuff at Milan DragWay. Now we've received some fresh high-res pics of the Cobra Jet in our inbox from Ford. Last we heard Ford is only building 50 of these drag race specials all of which are powered by a blown 5.4-liter 32-valve V8 based on the GT500 motor. This engine has been breathed on a little more heavily then the GT500 and the car looks like it's been stripped down. With the usual drag combo of skinny front and fat rear tires, this Cobra looks like it might be a contender.

Gallery: Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet

More pics of the new Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Safety concerns cause NHRA to limit races to 1,000 feet

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Safety

The NHRA has acted very quickly in an effort to improve the safety of its Top Fuel and Funny Car races. Due to the tragic death recently of '94 and '95 Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta, the drag strip for these two fastest classes will be shortened from the traditional 1,320 feet to 1,000 feet. Race officials and team managers believe that this compromise will continue to make for an entertaining race as the cars will still be hitting speeds of around 300 mph. This is an interim change as the sanctioning body investigates the crash and its causes, and will stay in effect until more definite changes can be made. The first race which will incorporate the new shorter track length will take place on July 11-13 at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colorado.

[Source: NHRA via AutoWeek]

Safety concerns cause NHRA to limit races to 1,000 feet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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