Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![CDATA[Tesla Model S costs one nickel per drag race [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,



Historically, the intersection between electric vehicles and drag racing has been really small - or so we guess, at least. But the advent of Tesla in the auto marketplace, and the subsequent performance offered up to drivers by way of battery-powered cars, has caused even racy publications like DragTimes to get in on the action.

Having posted several YouTube videos featuring the Tesla Model S doing pulls at the local strip, DragTimes encountered questions about just how many races that car might be able to run before needing to re-juice its battery pack. The publication monitored the energy being used by the Tesla during full-throttle, quarter-mile runs, and determined that the net use (after energy from the regen braking was added back in) amounted to just 0.5 kWh per go. Considering that the full battery capacity is 85 kWh, DragTimes figured that the Model S is good for a remarkable 170 races before needing a recharge. By that math, and using electricity costs in DragTime's home state of Florida, each race would cost just a nickel and a penny's worth of electricity.

With respect, that theoretical number is probably way too high. For starters, the car would expend some energy getting to and from the starting line between races. Perhaps more critically, the system is designed to not allow for a completely full charge or deletion of charge, so the car can't use all 85 kWh. Still, 100 runs is in the realm of possibility. In the video below, the narrator makes mention of 150 runs, which is optimistic but more likely. Cheap thrills, in any case (once you've paid for the car).

Continue reading Tesla Model S costs one nickel per drag race [w/video]

Tesla Model S costs one nickel per drag race [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racingenergy costskwhteslatesla model sFri, 14 Jun 2013 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/20622374/article-detail.xml 20622374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2012-tesla-model-s-628-1371232293_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2012-tesla-model-s-628-1371232293.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Juke-R pitted against Bugatti Veyron in brilliantly odd drag race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/nissan-juke-r-pitted-against-bugatti-veyron-in-brilliantly-odd-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/nissan-juke-r-pitted-against-bugatti-veyron-in-brilliantly-odd-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/nissan-juke-r-pitted-against-bugatti-veyron-in-brilliantly-odd-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron faces off against Nissan Juke R in drag race - video screencap

The Nissan Juke-R must've been a tough car to build a business case for, yet the madcap little crossover with the heart of a GT-R is now a production reality. Admittedly, we should probably assign some quotes around "production," since the vehicle is being built on a one-by-one on-demand basis at extraordinary cost - at an estimated price of well over $600,000, it has little in common with the already bonkers everyday Juke. We're just happy it exists at all.

With 545 horsepower, we also didn't figure it needed more power. But that apparently hasn't stopped the tuning community, which probably only had to adapt performance adders designed for the GT-R to the mechanically similar CUV. Thus, we end up with this mile-long drag race, which pits a Bugatti Veyron against a Juke-R prepared by an outfit called Shpilli Villi Engineering with a claimed 700 horsepower. That's still well down on horsepower versus the legendary quad-turbo supercar, but the much smaller Nissan also figures to be a lot lighter while boasting similar all-wheel-drive traction. We don't have much more information to go on other than this video, and it doesn't appear that both drivers necessarily got their best runs in, but it certainly makes for jaw-dropping watching. Check it out by scrolling below.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R pitted against Bugatti Veyron in brilliantly odd drag race

Nissan Juke-R pitted against Bugatti Veyron in brilliantly odd drag race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan juke2013 nissan juke-rbugatti veyrondrag racedrag racingdragtimesnissannissan jukenissan juke r vs bugattinissan juke-rnissanjukervsbugattishpilli villivideoMon, 10 Jun 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605743/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/nissan-juke-r-pitted-against-bugatti-veyron-in-brilliantly-odd-d/20605743/article-detail.xml 20605743 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bugatti-veyron-vs-nissan-juke-r_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bugatti-veyron-vs-nissan-juke-r.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Li'l Red Express drag truck packs 100 PSI, 1,000 horsepower]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-lil-red-express-drag-truck-packs-100-psi-1-000-horsepowe/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-lil-red-express-drag-truck-packs-100-psi-1-000-horsepowe/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/dodge-lil-red-express-drag-truck-packs-100-psi-1-000-horsepowe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Cummins Li'l Red Express

The Dodge Li'l Red Express is one awesome quandary of the late '70s. Back then, Dodge had taken to building all sorts of oddball trucks and vans with strange equipment packages, but the Li'l Red Express was something entirely different.

Engineers crammed a honkin' 360 V8 yanked from the company's police interceptor line and plopped the four-barrel-fed block between the fenders, inadvertently creating the world's first sport truck in the process. Bolted as it was to a 727 Torqueflight automatic transmission and a 3.55:1 rear axle, the truck was the quickest vehicle Car and Driver tested in the 0-100 sprint in 1978.

Dodge said the engine put out 225 horsepower. It lied.

Max Kirtley took one look at the Li'l Red Express, yanked that magical V8 from behind the grille and plopped one wild Cummins 6BT turbo diesel inline-six in its place. Sucking down 100-pounds-per-square-inch worth of boost, the 12-valve rocks a Hamilton cylinder head and cam as well as a water injection system and two nitrous injection systems. Kirtley says the truck now puts down closer to 1,000 horsepower and 1,500-1,700 pound-feet of torque.

We don't think he's lying. Check out a video of this Cummins Li'l Red Express hopping down the quarter mile during a few test runs below.

Continue reading Dodge Li'l Red Express drag truck packs 100 PSI, 1,000 horsepower

Dodge Li'l Red Express drag truck packs 100 PSI, 1,000 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cumminscummins lil red expressdieseldodge lil red expressdrag racinglil red expressvideoThu, 25 Apr 2013 19:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/dodge-lil-red-express-drag-truck-packs-100-psi-1-000-horsepowe/20549195/article-detail.xml 20549195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cummins-lil-red-express-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cummins-lil-red-express-628.jpg <![CDATA[60-year-old woman takes her 11-second AMG to the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/60-year-old-woman-takes-her-11-second-amg-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/60-year-old-woman-takes-her-11-second-amg-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/60-year-old-woman-takes-her-11-second-amg-to-the-track/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Like any form of motorsports, drag racing is a passion that never dies. Case in point, check out this woman, who is an admitted "60-some-odd years old," caught in this video taking her murdered-out Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to the track for a little side-by-side action. As it turns out, drag racing is even a family affair, too, as her husband hits the strip in a second-gen Dodge Viper.

She says that she's been racing since she was a teenager, and she's still logging some solid times in her "not totally stock" Mercedes-Benz, which she claims is laying down around 475 horsepower from a chipped computer and cold-air induction. That's well worth of its "BADBENZ" license plate, if you ask us. The video below shows a short interview with the woman and some proof that this car is no Sunday driver. Excuse us while we hum "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena."

Continue reading 60-year-old woman takes her 11-second AMG to the track

60-year-old woman takes her 11-second AMG to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racingdrag racing videomercedes-benz c63 amgvideoTue, 23 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547576/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/60-year-old-woman-takes-her-11-second-amg-to-the-track/20547576/article-detail.xml 20547576 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/old-lady-drag-racer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/old-lady-drag-racer.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Just a few months ago, fan safety at racetracks was a hot topic following the last-lap NASCAR Nationwide Series crash at Daytona that sent large pieces of racecars into the grandstands injuring 33 fans. Now, a freak incident at a National Hot Rod Association event resulted in a drag racer's bodywork flying into the crowd at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte over the weekend. The carbon-fiber body of Robert Hight's Ford Mustang funny car blew off toward the end of a run when his engine exploded, but fortunately, the two fans evaluated after the incident were later released without serious injury.

As you can see in the image above, the body flew high into the air before landing on a walkway in front of the grandstands, a bit of happenstance that likely gave most fans enough time and space to move out of the way. Scroll down to watch a couple of videos showing what happened, including one from a fan's perspective that also reveals what appears to be part of the body's metal bracing landing dangerously close to the crowd.

Continue reading Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd

Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racingfailfan safetyfordford mustangfunny carnational hot rod associationnhranhra four-wide nationalsrobert hightvideoTue, 23 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/20547503/article-detail.xml 20547503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/robert-high-nhra-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/robert-high-nhra-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy offering Camaro rolling chassis for drag racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chevy-offering-camaro-rolling-chassis-for-drag-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chevy-offering-camaro-rolling-chassis-for-drag-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/chevy-offering-camaro-rolling-chassis-for-drag-racers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There sure has been plenty of drag racing machinery to report about lately from the Chevrolet COPO Camaro to the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, but General Motors has another quarter-mile racer up its sleeve with a new rolling chassis version of the Camaro. While the COPO is a turn-key racecar with a price tag pushing six figures, Chevrolet announced that it is also going to start offering a factory-built Camaro drag car similar to the COPO but stripped of most of the drivetrain components.

With a starting price of $55,000, the Camaro rolling chassis (click above to enlarge) will feature a complete body, race-ready interior including a rollcage, a solid rear axle (without the gearing), racing wheels and Hoosier drag tires, and it will be built at the same Detroit area facility where the COPO Camaro is assembled using mostly production parts. The owner will need to provide an engine (and wiring harness), transmission, driveshaft and rear differential gears (the "third member"), which is all available through the Chevrolet Racing parts catalog.

Chevy will build a limited number of the Camaro rolling chassis, but it isn't clear if production will be as limited as the COPO Camaro's 69-unit run. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Chevy offering Camaro rolling chassis for drag racers

Chevy offering Camaro rolling chassis for drag racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet racingchevychevy camarodrag racingnhrarolling chassisTue, 26 Mar 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20517261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/chevy-offering-camaro-rolling-chassis-for-drag-racers/20517261/article-detail.xml 20517261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/chevrolet-camaro-nhra-rolling-chassis-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/chevrolet-camaro-nhra-rolling-chassis-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ford's drag-strip-ready Mustang Cobra Jet is back for 2014, and it's sporting a few changes to make it even better - both in competition and while sitting still. Rolling off the assembly line ready for duty in the NHRA Stock or Super Stock classes, production of the 2014 Cobra Jet is limited to just 50 units.

Racing upgrades for 2014 include the addition of a new three-speed transmission and a parachute mount, and while these will make the car better in the quarter mile, the Cobra Jet's new colors will make it look better tearing down the track. Buyers can now get their racecars painted up in Gotta Have-It Green or a custom, Cobra Jet-exclusive matte black hue. Ford and Ford Racing have already teamed up to make this an incredible factory drag racer with a full rollcage, massive slicks, a race-tuned suspension setup and a supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Now, if only wheelie bars came standard...

Unlike the confusing third-party ordering system announced for the COPO Camaro, all you need to snatch up a 2014 Cobra Jet is $97,990 and good timing (as the cars will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis). Ordering opens up next month with production commencing in July. Check out the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount

2014 Ford Cobra Jet announced with new colors, parachute mount originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford mustang cobra jetcobra jetdrag racingfordford mustangford mustang cobra jetFri, 22 Mar 2013 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20512914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/2014-ford-cobra-jet-announced-with-new-colors-parachute-mount/20512914/article-detail.xml 20512914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-ford-mustang-cobra-jet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-ford-mustang-cobra-jet.jpg <![CDATA[Watch some crazy uphill sand drag action in the UAE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Sand dune uphill drag racing in the UAE - screencap of race truck with hood off showing massive turbo

At this point, we've all seen videos depicting the insanity of Middle Eastern sand dune climbs. The clips that make their way to the Western world often include some sort of terrifying nose-over-tail tumble from the top, but this latest clip gives us a glimpse at exactly what sort of machine is required to run up a massive pile of sand at high speeds. Expect turbos. Lots and lots of massive turbos. This particular competition features three classes: V6 Manual, V6 Automatic and V8, and as you'd expect with any high-horsepower event, there's as much mechanical failure as actual success.

The video below features an extensive pit walk with plenty of lingering shots inside some of the most ludicrous engine bays we've ever laid eyes upon. The actual racing gets going around the five-minute mark, and we can't help bet feel there's more than a passing resemblance between this sport and a good old-fashioned tractor pull. Check it out below.

Continue reading Watch some crazy uphill sand drag action in the UAE

Watch some crazy uphill sand drag action in the UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2jzdragdrag racedrag racingdune drag racemiddle eastmotorsportsraceracingsand dunesand dune drag racesand dunesturbouaeunited arab emiratesMon, 11 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/20496843/article-detail.xml 20496843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/uae-sand-drag-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/uae-sand-drag-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevy COPO Camaro announced with two new engines and manual option]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-chevy-copo-camaro-announced-with-two-new-engines-and-manual/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-chevy-copo-camaro-announced-with-two-new-engines-and-manual/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-chevy-copo-camaro-announced-with-two-new-engines-and-manual/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Chevrolet is following up the 2012 COPO Camaro with another limited run of the drag-strip-ready production car for 2013. Ditching the superchargers, the 2013 COPO Camaro can only be equipped with one of three naturally aspirated V8 engines, and other new features include the option of a manual transmission, new front springs, some minor styling changes and a lower starting price of $86,000. All cars are designed to abide by the rules of the NHRA's Stock Eliminator or Super Stock classifications, depending on in which series buyers wish to enter their Chevrolet Camaro.

Returning for 2013 is the 427-cubic-inch V8 producing 425 horsepower, but the new engines include a 325-hp 350-CID V8 and a 375-hp 396-CID V8. Buyers can select to purchase all three engines, and each will be matched with the sequence number of that car; the track-only COPO cars will not have vehicle identification numbers and can't be registered for street use.

Chevrolet is also offering unique enthusiast-specific options such as a COPO Build Book and the opportunity for owners to help assemble their car's engine at the Chevrolet Performance Build Center in Wixom, MI.

Like last year's model and the original COPO Camaro from 1969, only 69 of these cars are being built. If you want the chance at getting your hands on one of these rare Camaros, today is the last day to make your purchase intention known (by visiting chevroletperformance.com) before a third-party company randomly selects available buyers. Those chosen to purchase a COPO Camaro will be contacted on March 11. General Motors says that more than 3,000 people showed interest in the 69 cars built for 2012. More information about the new COPO Camaro is posted in a press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Chevy COPO Camaro announced with two new engines and manual option

2013 Chevy COPO Camaro announced with two new engines and manual option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet copo camarocamarocentral office production orderchevroletcopocopo camarodrag racingnhraThu, 07 Mar 2013 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20491892/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/2013-chevy-copo-camaro-announced-with-two-new-engines-and-manual/20491892/article-detail.xml 20491892 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-chevrolet-copo-camaro-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-chevrolet-copo-camaro-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mustang Cobra Jet wheelies with abandon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/ford-mustang-cobra-jet-wheelies-with-abandon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/ford-mustang-cobra-jet-wheelies-with-abandon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/ford-mustang-cobra-jet-wheelies-with-abandon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Wheel Stand crash

Yes, that is a Ford Mustang Cobra Jet with its nose pointed toward the stars and its rear valance on the ground. Marvel at that image while you can, because the car doesn't maintain that posture for long. Once the front tires re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, the situation goes muddy quickly. There's a bounce or two, some sideways action and a few brief concrete kisses before the party comes to a complete stop. Anyone who says drag racing is boring clearly hasn't watched someone ping-pong their purpose-built factory drag car down the quarter mile.

Word has it the driver of this particular pony-shaped pinball walked away from the incident without injury, though we imagine it was a minute or two before his car crawled up to the Christmas tree once again. Check out the video below for a look at the show for yourself.

Continue reading Ford Mustang Cobra Jet wheelies with abandon

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet wheelies with abandon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobra jet crashcobra jet crash videodrag racingfordford mustangford mustang cobra jetmustangmustang cobra jetvideoWed, 21 Nov 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/ford-mustang-cobra-jet-wheelies-with-abandon/20385751/article-detail.xml 20385751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cobra-jet-wheel-stand-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cobra-jet-wheel-stand-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explode, still win race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explodes - video screencap

Jack Beckman is looking to wrap up his first-ever NHRA Funny Car title, and it appears an exploding car is not going to slow him down. Half-way through this qualifying run on Thursday, a spectacular explosion destroyed his car's Dodge bodywork, engulfing Beckman in a ball of flames while traveling at almost 300 miles per hour. Fortunately, Beckman was not injured in the explosion (although he did lose an eyebrow from the fire) and he actually went on to win the race with a 4.117-second ETA at 273 mph, qualifying him fifth for this weekend's race at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California.

Despite losing most of the car's body and having a visor covered in oil, Beckman was able to deploy the parachutes and bring was left of his Charger funny car safely to a stop. In the video, you can actually see him shielding the fire from his face as he tries to get the car slowed down, and then once stopped, he hops out of the cockpit waving to the crowd. After the car comes to a rest, we get a good look at how underneath their funny car body shells, these racers actually resemble the classic rear-seat dragsters from the good ol' days.

According to ESPN, the team has a spare body for the car and will be able to race. As for the missing eyebrow, well only time will fix that. Scroll down to watch the amazing video which includes a slow-motion look at the incident as well as an in-car view that shows exactly what Beckman saw.

Continue reading Watch Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explode, still win race

Watch Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explode, still win race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto club racewaychargercrashdodgedrag racingfunny carjack beckmannhrapomonaracingvideoFri, 09 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20375452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/20375452/article-detail.xml 20375452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jack-beckman-nhra-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jack-beckman-nhra-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this trailer for <i>Snake & Mongoose</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Snake & Mongoose drag racing movie trailer

If you think drag racing is boring, we encourage you to take a closer look at the sport's early days. When Don "The Snake" Prudhomme and Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen were first lining up to shoot down the quarter mile against each other in the '60s, the National Hot Rod Association was still less than 15 years old. Back then, the cars were more dangerous and a driver was lucky to have a local parts store for a sponsor. But Prudhomme and McEwen changed all that with their public rivalry and lightning-quick marketing sense. It was these two who first talked Mattel into sponsoring their cars with the Hot Wheels toy line, unleashing a torrent of marketing dollars on the entire motorsports world.

Decades later, a new independent film is out to tell that story. Snake & Mongoose follows Prudhomme and McEwen throughout their arc of their relationship, and the first trailer for the flick has officially landed online. You can check it out below and be sure to head over to the movie site for more information. Word has it we can expect to see the film hit theaters early next year.

Continue reading Watch this trailer for Snake & Mongoose

Watch this trailer for Snake & Mongoose originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don prudhommedrag racingdrag racing movienhraracingsnake mongoosesnake and mongoosesnake and mongoose movietom mcewentrailervideoThu, 08 Nov 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/20373410/article-detail.xml 20373410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/snake-v-mongoose-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/snake-v-mongoose-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a COPO Camaro in the 8s out of the box]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/watch-a-copo-camaro-in-the-8s-out-of-the-box/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/watch-a-copo-camaro-in-the-8s-out-of-the-box/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/watch-a-copo-camaro-in-the-8s-out-of-the-box/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

COPO Chevrolet Camaro burnout

If this YouTube video is to be believed, then Chevrolet definitely did not forget to put the FAST in the COPO Camaro. Car number three and its 327-cubic-inch engine topped with the 4.0-liter blower ran what looks like an 8.88-second quarter-mile at the strip, out of the box.

That puts it at the pointy end of the three-way competition between it, the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet and the Mopar Challenger Drag Pak. Ford has said the Cobra Jet will run in under 10 seconds, while the Challenger Drag Pak did a 9.43 out of the box last year. We're sure this is just the beginning of what will be a long, and very loud, rivalry. Have a look at the video below to see the latest round.

Continue reading Watch a COPO Camaro in the 8s out of the box

Watch a COPO Camaro in the 8s out of the box originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochallenger drag pakchevroletcobra jetcopocopo camarodrag racingmustang cobra jetvideovideosyoutubeMon, 13 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/watch-a-copo-camaro-in-the-8s-out-of-the-box/20299176/article-detail.xml 20299176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/copo-camaro-burnout_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/copo-camaro-burnout.jpg <![CDATA[Watch world's fastest four-cylinder set a new quarter-mile record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/watch-worlds-fastest-four-cylinder-set-a-new-quarter-mile-recor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/watch-worlds-fastest-four-cylinder-set-a-new-quarter-mile-recor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/watch-worlds-fastest-four-cylinder-set-a-new-quarter-mile-recor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Rumor has it that if you give Canadian engine tuner Nicolas Brunet a 2.0-liter, turbocharged General Motors Ecotec motor, he'll make it capable of breaking the quarter-mile record for four-cylinder dragsters. We say "rumor" because this news apparently hasn't been independently confirmed yet, but at Napierville Dragway in Quebec, Canada, the funny car you see above ran 6.75 at 206 mph.

Should it be verified, it will be the new world record benchmark. Brent Rau in a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse is considered to hold the current record, and although his time differs depending on where you look, the Ecotec-powered runner beats it by at least seven-tenths of a second. There's also a dragster with a Volkswagen engine that's supposedly done 6.53, but it's got a top-fuel-style body. Scroll down to watch what our northern neighbors pulled off with their GM engine and Pontiac G6 bodywork.

Continue reading Watch world's fastest four-cylinder set a new quarter-mile record

Watch world's fastest four-cylinder set a new quarter-mile record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racedrag racingecotecfour-cylinder ecotecgeneral motorsgmnapierville dragwaypontiacpontiac g6quebecvideoworld recordTue, 03 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270808/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/watch-worlds-fastest-four-cylinder-set-a-new-quarter-mile-recor/20270808/article-detail.xml 20270808 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fourcylinderdrag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/fourcylinderdrag.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy will build 69 COPO Camaro drag racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/chevy-will-build-69-copo-camaro-drag-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/chevy-will-build-69-copo-camaro-drag-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/09/chevy-will-build-69-copo-camaro-drag-racers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If ever a car made us think of mullets, Cragars, racing suits and Natty Light, this is it. And we don't mean that in a bad way. The COPO Camaro concept that Chevrolet showed off at SEMA last year is officially becoming a production reality for everyone; however, only 69 people will be able to own it. In celebration of the 69 COPO Camaro ZL1s built in 1969, Chevrolet is building just that many of its modern drag-strip-only racer.

Two engine choices have been mentioned previously: a 427-cubic-inch V8 for AA Stock racing and a 327-cubic-inch V8 with a 4.0-liter supercharger for A Stock racing. Now, a third engine choice has been added: another 327-cubic-inch engine but with a 2.9-liter supercharger for B Stock. If you want all three engines Chevy will install one and provide the other two, all with matching numbers. Shifting is handled with a Powerglide automatic, and color schemes include Metallic White, Semi-Gloss Black, Inferno Orange Metallic and Chevy Racing Blue.

The price of entry is $89,000. How can you be one of the lucky? Chevrolet isn't saying. An "independent third party" chose the initial buyers, but it isn't clear how many slots are left or how they'll be distributed. Follow the jump for a press release with more info.

Continue reading Chevy will build 69 COPO Camaro drag racers

Chevy will build 69 COPO Camaro drag racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevrolet camaro copocopocopo camarodrag racingFri, 09 Mar 2012 11:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/09/chevy-will-build-69-copo-camaro-drag-racers/20189555/article-detail.xml 20189555 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/copocamaroproduction_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/copocamaroproduction.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy releases COPO Camaro concept drag racing featurette]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/chevy-releases-copo-camaro-concept-drag-racing-featurette/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/chevy-releases-copo-camaro-concept-drag-racing-featurette/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/chevy-releases-copo-camaro-concept-drag-racing-featurette/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevy COPO Camaro drag video

It seems you can't offer a pony car these days without also making available a full race-spec drag racing version. Ford was first with its Cobrajet, then came Dodge with the Mopar Challenger Drag Pak, and soon we'll have an offering from Chevy.

That car will be based on the COPO Camaro Concept, which debuted last month at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and whose name, COPO, harkens back to a time when sly dealers could order a Corvette-powered Camaro from the factory without the big wigs knowing. But unlike most concept cars, the COPO Camaro Concept is a rolling prototype for the production version that's to follow.

As such, engineers from General Motors have been working on the car's development for over three years, and today they released a video featurette showing the concept's first run out in the real world. According to the video, engineers ran the car all day long with a number of engine set ups and it "met or exceeded" all expectations.

Watch the video for yourself after the jump. Now all we need is some three-lane drag strips to see these straight line ponies face off at the same time.

Continue reading Chevy releases COPO Camaro concept drag racing featurette

Chevy releases COPO Camaro concept drag racing featurette originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletcopocopo camarocopo camaro conceptdrag racingvideoFri, 16 Dec 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20129813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/16/chevy-releases-copo-camaro-concept-drag-racing-featurette/20129813/article-detail.xml 20129813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/copo-camaro-concept-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/copo-camaro-concept-test.jpg <![CDATA[The drag racing wreck that refuses to end]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/the-drag-racing-wreck-that-refuses-to-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/the-drag-racing-wreck-that-refuses-to-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/the-drag-racing-wreck-that-refuses-to-end/#commentsFiled under: ,



When's the last time you watched a wreck that took nearly two minutes to conclude? Driver Eric Peterson's XDR Firebird got out of shape almost immediately during a solo dragstrip run and crashed almost head-on into the wall.

According to people in attendance, both tires on the car's driver's side were torn off, and the impact ripped the master cylinder from the firewall. The throttle cable was attached to the cylinder, so when the cylinder fell, the throttle controlling a 1,500-plus-horsepower engine got stuck wide open for more than a minute. Worst of all, the initial impact knocked Peterson unconscious, so he wasn't able to do anything to intervene.

You can see what happens after that in the video after the jump. Peterson, an experienced racer, came to after the medics cut him out of the car and is said to be at home and ok.

Continue reading The drag racing wreck that refuses to end

The drag racing wreck that refuses to end originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashdrag racedrag racingeric petersonwreckSat, 26 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20114137/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/26/the-drag-racing-wreck-that-refuses-to-end/20114137/article-detail.xml 20114137 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/dragwreckpetersen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/dragwreckpetersen.jpg <![CDATA[900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

900 Horsepower Volkwagen Golf

We love the Mk2 Volkswagen Golf as much as anyone, but the vehicle has never exactly proffered up baskets of horsepower or straight-line speed. One owner has set out to change all that by building a 1.8-liter LZ diesel block to suck down E85 gasoline. Boba Motoring has thrown in a billet steel crank shaft, Pauter connecting rods, forged pistons and a 16-valve cylinder head. A Garrett GTX420R turbo shoves a stack of boost down the engine's throat and the finished product is said to be good for around 900 horsepower. The muscle gets dropped to the pavement via a six-speed manual transmission and a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The monster Golf can hit 62 mph in a scant 2.7 seconds - quicker than the Bugatti Veyron - and the quarter mile dashes by in just 9.34 seconds. Those numbers sound impressive, but they fall short of actually watching the German econobox launch hard off the line. Hit the jump to check out a couple of videos of this Mk2 laying waste to the strip.

Continue reading 900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron

900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>900 hp vw golf900-hpdrag racinggolfgtimk2 golfvideovolkswagenvolkswagen golfvwvw golfMon, 14 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105676/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/20105676/article-detail.xml 20105676 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/900-hp-vw-golf-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/900-hp-vw-golf-628.jpg <![CDATA[In-car view of Evans Tuning Acura Integra crashing into the eights]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/in-car-view-of-evans-tuning-acura-integra-crashing-into-the-eigh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/in-car-view-of-evans-tuning-acura-integra-crashing-into-the-eigh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/in-car-view-of-evans-tuning-acura-integra-crashing-into-the-eigh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jeff Evans Integra Crash

It must be a week for vehicular sacrifice. We've already seen a Lamborghini Gallardo go up in flames in the quest for the gold at the Targa High Country in Australia, but back here on American soil, Jeff Evans recently pushed his Acura Integra past the limit at the drag strip to break the eight-second barrier. The car campaigns in the True Street class with a 950-horsepower, turbocharged B-Series engine under the hood with a 67-millimeter Borg Warner turbo shoving 35 psi of boost down the intake.

That is no small number. On his third pass of the day, Evans lost control of the Acura shortly after crossing the quarter mile line, narrowly missing the EG Honda Civic in the next lane and bouncing off of two walls in the process. It wasn't until later that he was informed that he had managed to run an 8.98-second quarter mile at 167 miles per hour, which was good enough to earn him a record in his class. How's that for a bittersweet victory? Hit the jump to see the carnage for yourself, and be sure to check out the Evans Tuning site for more information on the car.

Continue reading In-car view of Evans Tuning Acura Integra crashing into the eights

In-car view of Evans Tuning Acura Integra crashing into the eights originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acura integradrag racingintegrajeff evansjeff evans integra crash videojeff evans videoracingtrue street class recordvideoThu, 10 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20101527/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/in-car-view-of-evans-tuning-acura-integra-crashing-into-the-eigh/20101527/article-detail.xml 20101527 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/jeff-evans-integra-crash-62_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/jeff-evans-integra-crash-62.jpg <![CDATA[Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mopar-announces-800-hp-v10-crate-engine-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mopar-announces-800-hp-v10-crate-engine-at-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/mopar-announces-800-hp-v10-crate-engine-at-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mopar V10 crate engine

It may be another year or two before the next-generation Dodge Viper comes rumbling in, all 8.7 liters of it. But even though there is no Viper currently on offer, that doesn't mean there isn't some V10 power to be had. If you're a drag racer, anyway.

The Chrysler Group's performance catalog division Mopar has just announced the availability of a V10 crate engine designed for drag racers, and the figures are positively mind-blowing. The Competition crate engine - hand-built and ordered up as Part Number P5144872 - offers a staggering 800 horsepower and 695 lb-ft of torque. Mind you, that's coming out of 512 cubic inches (8.4 liters) of displacement, which is staggering in and of itself, but amounts to 95 horsepower per liter. Which is a lot, but not by racing standards.

Those who enjoy their ten cylinders of power away from the drag strip can opt for a 150-horsepower upgrade kit for the MkIII Viper that takes output up to 650 hp. There's also a new high-output, aluminum-block 426 Hemi V8 available with 590 horsepower, an adapter kit that allows the Hemi to drive the front wheels(!) and a Challenger body-in-white for race teams. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA

Mopar announces 800-hp V10 crate engine at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengercrate enginedodgedodge challengerdodge viperdrag racinghemimoparsrt-10srt10v10viperviper srt-10viper srt10Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095536/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/mopar-announces-800-hp-v10-crate-engine-at-sema/20095536/article-detail.xml 20095536 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webmoparv10crate_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webmoparv10crate.jpg -1 2