Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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 <![CDATA[Chevrolet COPO Camaro Concept lives life a quarter-mile at a time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/chevrolet-copo-camaro-concept-lives-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-tim/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/chevrolet-copo-camaro-concept-lives-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-tim/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/chevrolet-copo-camaro-concept-lives-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-tim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet COPO Camaro Concept

What's a COPO, you ask? Back in the heyday of American muscle cars, COPO was an acronym for Central Office Production Order, which was, for all intents and purposes, a way for Chevrolet and its enterprising dealer network to sneak high-performance option packages and oversize engines past the bigwigs at General Motors and into the waiting hands of automotive enthusiasts.

With ancient history out of the way, what's COPO mean in 2011? Well, it still means performance, but there's certainly no way Chevy is going to bypass the powers-that-be at GM HQ, especially not with a Camaro proof-of-concept that's destined to live out its life at the drag strip in NHRA Stock Eliminator drag racing competition.

According to Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, the COPO Camaro that is debuting this week at SEMA "is a clear indication that Chevrolet intends to homologate the Camaro for sportsman drag racing." Seems pretty clear to us, too - in lieu of the standard independent rear suspension setup is a straight axle that's perfectly suited to straight-line racing. Plus, there's a full roll cage for safety.

Buyers of the COPO Camaro, if and when it becomes available, will be able to fit one of two suggested engine packages: one 427-cubic-inch naturally aspirated V8 (7.9 liters for A Stock racing) and one 327-cubic-inch supercharged V8 (5.3 liters for for AA Stock racing). The car you see in our live images is powered by a prototype version of the supercharged 327.

Check out all the details in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Chevrolet COPO Camaro Concept lives life a quarter-mile at a time

Chevrolet COPO Camaro Concept lives life a quarter-mile at a time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletcopocopo camarocopo camaro conceptdrag racingsemasema 2011stock eliminatorMon, 31 Oct 2011 20:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095172/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/chevrolet-copo-camaro-concept-lives-life-a-quarter-mile-at-a-tim/20095172/article-detail.xml 20095172 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/chevrolet-camaro-copo-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/chevrolet-camaro-copo-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Al Unser Jr. arrested for reckless driving, DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Al Unser, Jr.

Al Unser, Jr. is in the news again, and not in a good way. AP reports that the two-time Indy 500 winner was arrested last week for drag racing on public roads while under the influence of alcohol.

Bernalillo County, New Mexico sheriffs reportedly stopped Unser on Thursday for driving over 100 miles per hour in his Suburban. During the traffic stop, he slurred his speech and registered over twice the legal limit for blood-alcohol levels.

This isn't the first time Unser's gotten himself in hot water. In 2002 he reportedly underwent treatment for alcohol abuse after hitting his girlfriend in the face while drinking in Indianapolis, and in 2007 he lost his license for a DUI in Nevada.

IndyCar has responded to the new charges by suspending Unser indefinitely from his role as a race control official as the matter is investigated further.

Al Unser Jr. arrested for reckless driving, DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al unser jrAlbuquerquearrestdrag racingduidwiindyindycarnew mexicounserSun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/20071697/article-detail.xml 20071697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/unser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/unser.jpg <![CDATA[Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The only better place to watch a drag race than from the other side of the wall is behind the steering wheel. Then again, that depends on what car you're driving. This gentleman enjoyed the view from the driver's seat of his hopped-up 80's Buick Regal for the holeshot, or just until his seat went from upright to permanently reclined in 1.2 seconds.

All of which just goes to show how souping up a car can sometimes reveal hidden weaknesses in the most surprising ways. Our advice: Do some crunches, get back out there and try again! Check out the disaster-averted hilarity after the jump.

Continue reading Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house

Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickdrag racedrag race videodrag racingdrag racing videoreclineregalseatseat malfunctionvideoFri, 30 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/20071076/article-detail.xml 20071076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/buick-regal-drag-seat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/buick-regal-drag-seat.jpg <![CDATA[Unlikely Matchup: Nissan GT-R Stage 2 vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 Supercharged]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/unlikely-matchup-nissan-gt-r-stage-2-vs-jeep-grand-cherokee-sr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/unlikely-matchup-nissan-gt-r-stage-2-vs-jeep-grand-cherokee-sr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/unlikely-matchup-nissan-gt-r-stage-2-vs-jeep-grand-cherokee-sr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

nissan gt-r vs jeep srt8

The people behind Dragtimes.info love sharing videos where powerful machines are paired in head-to-head straight-line automotive combat. Recently, a unique face-off occurred when a Nissan GT-R lined up at the tree with a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 in the other lane. Both vehicles are far from stock, put down their power via all four wheels and snap off the line as if they were whips cracked by Henry Walton Jones, Jr himself.

Both drivers have a mile to go before they reach the finish line. That distance will be covered in less than 30 seconds. Click past the jump to see who's faster.

Continue reading Unlikely Matchup: Nissan GT-R Stage 2 vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 Supercharged

Unlikely Matchup: Nissan GT-R Stage 2 vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 Supercharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racingdragtimesgrand cherokee srt8gt-rgt-r vs srt8gtrjeepnissansrt8videoTue, 26 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20001312/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/unlikely-matchup-nissan-gt-r-stage-2-vs-jeep-grand-cherokee-sr/20001312/article-detail.xml 20001312 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gt-r-vs-srt8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/gt-r-vs-srt8.jpg <![CDATA[Trio of Nissan GT-Rs get ready to drag]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/trio-of-nissan-gt-rs-get-ready-to-drag/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/trio-of-nissan-gt-rs-get-ready-to-drag/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/19/trio-of-nissan-gt-rs-get-ready-to-drag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ITP Racecars Nissan GT-R Drag Racer
In largely stock form, the Nissan GT-R has taken to various forms of motorsports like only a technology-laden Japanese supercar can. But for some people, its impressive performance isn't enough. Word on the web is that ITP Racecars in Perth, Australia has been hard at work on a trio of tube-chassis, carbon-fiber bodied Nissan GT-R drag racers good for shooting down the quarter-mile at blistering speed. So far, the ITP crew have kept the details of the racecar's drivetrain a closely guarded secret, though if you take a keen look at the photos that the shop has released, it's easy to see an inline six-pot lurking between the rails.

According to 2009GTR.com, that means that these beasts will likely come packing a high-strung version of either the RB26 or RB30 powerplant, which could mean that the cars will be capable of clicking off six-second passes. The plan is to campaign the racers in the Pro Turbo and AA/SC classes. Wicked.

Trio of Nissan GT-Rs get ready to drag originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racinggt-rgtritp racecarsitp racecars nissan gt-rnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r drag racingpro turboskylineTue, 19 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19994592/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/19/trio-of-nissan-gt-rs-get-ready-to-drag/19994592/article-detail.xml 19994592 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-1311080982_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/01-1311080982.jpg <![CDATA[You're Gonna Need That: Drag racer loses steering wheel while underway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/youre-gonna-need-that-drag-racer-loses-steering-wheel-while-un/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/youre-gonna-need-that-drag-racer-loses-steering-wheel-while-un/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/25/youre-gonna-need-that-drag-racer-loses-steering-wheel-while-un/#commentsFiled under: ,

drag racer loses steering wheel
Drag racer loses steering wheel - Click above to watch video after the jump

Drag racing is about being the fastest person to go from one point to another in a straight line. Despite the lack of turns involved, drag racers still need a steering wheel to maneuver their vehicles to and from the track, and to keep the front-end pointing in the right direction when blasting away from the tree. What would happen if the tiller decided to separate itself from the steering column?

One racer found out, and was pretty lucky with the answer he received. Click past the jump to see the clip.

Continue reading You're Gonna Need That: Drag racer loses steering wheel while underway

You're Gonna Need That: Drag racer loses steering wheel while underway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racerdrag racer loses steering wheeldrag racingdrag racing videovideoSat, 25 Jun 2011 19:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19972730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/25/youre-gonna-need-that-drag-racer-loses-steering-wheel-while-un/19972730/article-detail.xml 19972730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/drag-racing-fail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/drag-racing-fail.jpg <![CDATA[Lingenfelter at work on new World's Fastest Camaro [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/lingenfelter-at-work-on-new-worlds-fastest-camaro-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/lingenfelter-at-work-on-new-worlds-fastest-camaro-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/14/lingenfelter-at-work-on-new-worlds-fastest-camaro-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lingenfelter Black Chevrolet Camaro
Lingenfelter Chevrolet Camaro - Click above to watch video after the jump

The best thing about drag racing is that fast is never fast enough. After building a Chevrolet Camaro that comfortably waltzed down the quarter mile in under nine seconds, the crew at Lingenfelter are hell-bent on making the machine do the deed in even less time. As a result, the mad wrenches have worked up a 427-cubic-inch LSX engine with a pair of ported LS3 six-bolt heads. All projections have the mighty beating heart churning out somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,200 horsepower with the locomotive grunt getting channeled to the rear wheels via a TR6060 gearbox.

The company hasn't taken its new quarter-mile king to the track just yet, but it has been so kind as to slip the internet a peek at the machine on the dyno. According to the video after the jump, what you're seeing is a wide-open-throttle shift from third to fourth with both stages of nitrous in full glory. We're nearly positive that eons ago, this is why man tamed fire. Hit the jump to check out the action for yourself.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading Lingenfelter at work on new World's Fastest Camaro [w/video]

Lingenfelter at work on new World's Fastest Camaro [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletdrag racinglingenfelterlingenfelter black camarolingenfelter chevrolet camarolingenfelter performance engineeringlsxvideoThu, 14 Apr 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19911604/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/14/lingenfelter-at-work-on-new-worlds-fastest-camaro-w-video/19911604/article-detail.xml 19911604 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lingenfelter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lingenfelter.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Hennessey beats 2011 Nissan GT-R again, this time with twin-turbo Escalade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/video-hennessey-beats-2011-nissan-gt-r-again-this-time-with-tw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/video-hennessey-beats-2011-nissan-gt-r-again-this-time-with-tw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/video-hennessey-beats-2011-nissan-gt-r-again-this-time-with-tw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hennessey HPE1000 vs 2011 Nissan GT-R
Hennessey HPE1000 Cadillac Escalade vs. 2011 Nissan GT-R - Click above to watch video after the jump

The problem with being the standard-bearer for world-class performance is that you're saddled with the burden of defending your crown at every turn. Take the 2011 Nissan GT-R, for example. This vehicle has the proud distinction of offering one of the highest performance-per-dollar ratios of any car on the planet, and as such, it's the go-to challenger for any high-horsepower machine looking to make a name for itself.

Those would-be stars are typically low-slung tuner creations, but the team from Hennessey chose to line the big-bad Nissan up against something a little less traditional: its HPE1000 Cadillac Escalade. Whereas the 485-horsepower 2011 GT-R can dash to 60 mph in as little as 3.4 seconds, the big SUV packs two turbos, over 1,000 horsepower and 0-60 sprint of 3.3 seconds.

To be fair, the Godzilla in the video after the jump isn't the new-and-improved 2012 model (stop us if you've heard this one before...), and the Caddy gets a massive jump on the Nissan, but the fact that a 6,000-pound SUV can manage to keep up with anything from the GT-R bloodline is an impressive enough feat. Click past the jump to check it out for yourself, and remember to keep your fender-to-fender shenanigans off the street.

[Source: Hennessey via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hennessey beats 2011 Nissan GT-R again, this time with twin-turbo Escalade

Video: Hennessey beats 2011 Nissan GT-R again, this time with twin-turbo Escalade originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan gt-rcadillaccadillac escaladedrag racingescaladegt-rhennesseyhpe1000hpe1000 cadillac escaladenissanWed, 13 Apr 2011 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19911641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/13/video-hennessey-beats-2011-nissan-gt-r-again-this-time-with-tw/19911641/article-detail.xml 19911641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hennessey-hpe1000_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hennessey-hpe1000.jpg <![CDATA[Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/ford-delivers-2012-mustang-cobra-jet-racers-lays-claim-to-quick/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/ford-delivers-2012-mustang-cobra-jet-racers-lays-claim-to-quick/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/ford-delivers-2012-mustang-cobra-jet-racers-lays-claim-to-quick/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're all for an event that culminates with the serving of cake, especially when the sweet stuff is delivered in tandem with supercharged Mustang coupes built especially for drag racing. Ford recently threw a party at the Auto Alliance Mustang factory in Flat Rock, MI to celebrate the official delivery of its new 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, a vehicle that the company proudly maintains is quickest accelerating production vehicle ever made. When pressed, Ford tells us the CJ will do a 60-foot launch in 1.3 seconds and the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds. We asked about a 0-60 mph time, but we were reminded that measurement is pretty meaningless in drag racing.

Cobra Jet buyers from all over came from as far away as Calgary, Alberta and Puerto Rico to participate in the ceremony and take delivery of their new racecars, and we're betting they would have made the trek even without the sheet cake. All attendees signed a 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet hood that will later be placed on the walls of the production facility.

Continue reading Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]...

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Delivery


Photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Shunk / AOL

Continue reading Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]

Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford mustang cobra jetcobra jetcobra jet deliverydrag racingfeaturedfordmustangnhrastangMon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19901349/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/04/ford-delivers-2012-mustang-cobra-jet-racers-lays-claim-to-quick/19901349/article-detail.xml 19901349 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2012-cobra-jet-delivery-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/01-2012-cobra-jet-delivery-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Reason #2 you know you're a car enthusiast...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-reason-2-you-know-youre-a-car-enthusiast/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-reason-2-you-know-youre-a-car-enthusiast/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-reason-2-you-know-youre-a-car-enthusiast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Car enthusiast suspension videos
Dragster suspension in action - Click above to watch the video after the break

Last week we showed you what the suspension under a Mazda Miata looks like while carving up an autocross course. Today, we bring you a look at what your suspension is up to on a straight-and-narrow dragstrip launch.

This video will again test your car-enthusiast mettle. Do you care enough to see what your suspension is doing? If you drive on the drag strip regularly, this could be really helpful. If not, well, we hope you're really into suspension dynamics.

You'll notice that this shock is doing nearly all its work just after launch and then again right after passing the lights. That said, the shock is working diligently the entire time, in an attempt to keep the power pointed straight and the rear wheels where they belong.

Whereas the Miata's suspension appeared to work quite hard in corners and then very little on straights, the dragsters mono shock set-up is in constant motion. The same, but different...

But wait, there's more! Click past the jump for more reader-suggested suspension videos, where you can also see what goes on when tackling off-road racing from a number of angles. Enjoy! Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Reason #2 you know you're a car enthusiast...

Video: Reason #2 you know you're a car enthusiast... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car enthusiastdesert racerdesert racingdrag cardrag car suspensiondrag racingenthusiastsuspensionvideoFri, 04 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19861824/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/04/video-reason-2-you-know-youre-a-car-enthusiast/19861824/article-detail.xml 19861824 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/dragstershock_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/dragstershock.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/2012-mustang-cobra-jet-specs-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/2012-mustang-cobra-jet-specs-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/2012-mustang-cobra-jet-specs-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet
2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has yet to officially announce the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, but the full details on the car are apparently now available thanks to a Puerto Rican Ford dealer that published the specifications early on their website. The car, named after the legendary Cobra Jet drag racers of the late 1960s, was relaunched in 2008 at the SEMA show and revised in 2010 (pictured above).

Now Ford Racing is updating the car once again with a slew of new upgrades and options. The 2012 Cobra Jet will come standard with an aluminum block (previously an option) and the 5.4-liter V8 now also boasts a fortified crankshaft and upgraded forged connecting rods. The rear suspension and brakes have also been improved, and springs rates both front and rear have been optimized. New black anodized Weld Racing wheels are wrapped with Cobra Jet branded Goodyear tires with an all new compound. Finally, three colors will be offered - red, white and blue - with an optional graphics package.

Hit the jump for the full list of specs and features for the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet


[Source: Micasa Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed

2012 Mustang Cobra Jet specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 cobra jet2012 ford mustang cobra jetcobra jetdrag racingfordford mustangford mustang cobra jetmustangstangTue, 30 Nov 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19737462/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/30/2012-mustang-cobra-jet-specs-revealed/19737462/article-detail.xml 19737462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/cobra-jet-2010-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/cobra-jet-2010-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 1,243-hp Lingenfelter Camaro runs eight-second quarter mile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/25/video-1-243-hp-lingenfelter-camaro-runs-eight-second-quarter-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/25/video-1-243-hp-lingenfelter-camaro-runs-eight-second-quarter-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/25/video-1-243-hp-lingenfelter-camaro-runs-eight-second-quarter-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lingenfelter Camaro
Lingenfelter Camaro dips into the eights - Click above to watch video after the jump

Prepare to have your concept of the laws of physics twisted by the guys and gals at Lingenfelter. The crew have turned their attention to building one of the meanest full-interior, fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro drag cars on the planet. In order to hustle 4,075 pounds of General Motors muscle down the track, Lingenfelter has dropped in a fully built LS9 V8 with an Eaton supercharger and all the guts to match. The heads were fully ported and loaded with titanium intake valves and hollow, sodium-filled exhaust valves for the easiest breathing possible. Throw in a set of long-tube headers, a two-stage nitrous system and twin fuel pumps and you've got a lump good for a mind-boggling 1,243 horsepower.

Lingenfelter has unsurprisingly ditched the stock clutch in favor of an RPS triple carbon piece, and a unique 9.5-inch billet rear differential with a 4.10 gear puts power to both rear wheels.

By some miracle of driving prowess, John Ebert was able to wrestle this machine down the quarter mile in 8.99 seconds at 158 mph. Hit the jump to watch it happen.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: 1,243-hp Lingenfelter Camaro runs eight-second quarter mile

Video: 1,243-hp Lingenfelter Camaro runs eight-second quarter mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletchevrolet camarodrag racinglingenfelterlingenfelter chevrolet camarolingenfelter drag racingracingThu, 25 Nov 2010 13:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19732302/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/25/video-1-243-hp-lingenfelter-camaro-runs-eight-second-quarter-mi/19732302/article-detail.xml 19732302 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/lingenfelter-eights-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/lingenfelter-eights-630.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2010: Dodge Challenger Drag Pak stares down the quarter mile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/sema-2010-dodge-challenger-drag-pak-stares-down-the-quarter-mil/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/sema-2010-dodge-challenger-drag-pak-stares-down-the-quarter-mil/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/04/sema-2010-dodge-challenger-drag-pak-stares-down-the-quarter-mil/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak
2011 Mopar Challenger V10 Drag Pak - Click above for high-res image gallery

You have apply to get one, but the $85,512 Mopar Challenger Drag Pak is definitely worth it. Engineered to qualify for NHRA Stock and Super Stock classification, there will be just 70 of the V10 quarter-mile runners with 8.4 liters of displacement putting out 600 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The base price gets you that lump, the body-in-white with fuel cell assembly, polycarbonate windows, lightweight front brakes, racing wheels and tires and a two-speed transmission.

You can upgrade things with three different flavors: a competition package for $7,950, a Mopar body logo wrap for $950, and a palette of colors to go over that white will be $6,800. You can see it for free, though, in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: SEMA 2010: 2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak

2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak2011 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

SEMA 2010: Dodge Challenger Drag Pak stares down the quarter mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge challenger2011 dodge challenger drag pakchallenger drag pakdodge challenger drag pakdrag racingmopar challengerMopar Challenger Drag Pakrace carracingsemasema 2010Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19702110/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/04/sema-2010-dodge-challenger-drag-pak-stares-down-the-quarter-mil/19702110/article-detail.xml 19702110 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/dodge-challenger-drag-pak-sema007-1288878455_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/dodge-challenger-drag-pak-sema007-1288878455.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota shows off more of the Tacoma X-Runner RTR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/toyota-shows-off-more-of-the-tacoma-x-runner-rtr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/toyota-shows-off-more-of-the-tacoma-x-runner-rtr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/19/toyota-shows-off-more-of-the-tacoma-x-runner-rtr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toyota Tacoma RTR Concept
Toyota Tacoma RTR Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

At this point, SEMA is so close we can almost smell the tire shine. Toyota has rolled out a gaggle of official photos and information on the company's mighty Tacoma RTR Concept, saying it wanted to build the quarter-mile king to demonstrate what exactly is possible with off-the-shelf parts. For those that don't recall, the company's engineers managed to snug a supercharged 5.7-liter V8 borrowed from the Tundra into the engine bay. The final concoction is good for 504 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, and it all gets funneled to the rear axle via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

While we're on the subject of the rear axle, Toyota says the piece is a narrowed version of what's found in the stock Tundra, though a TRD limited-slip has been plopped in to get both wheels pulling from get go. The whole concoction should be good for quarter mile passes in the 11-second range. Hit the jump for the full details.


Gallery: Toyota Tacoma RTR Concept


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota shows off more of the Tacoma X-Runner RTR

Toyota shows off more of the Tacoma X-Runner RTR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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