Cars
Tank Car
September 3rd, 2010 | Published under Cars | 2 Comments
This crazy looking hot-rod is called the Blastolene Special, a specially built one-off car owned by Jay Leno, just one of his huge collection of cars and motorcycles. A custom made aluminium body is home to the military tank engine, a massive motor putting out 600kW and a frightening 2160Nm of torque.
The car weights an incredible 4.3 tonnes, but that’s less than 10% of the weight of the original tank from which the engine was sourced. The car was originally built in 2001 by a glass artist named Randy Grubb. The engine is a Continental Motors AV1790, a 29-litre V12 from a 51-tonne tank used in the 1950s.
Jay Leno added a six-speed Allison gearbox, rear brakes, new electrical system, chassis work, fuel injection and even twin turbochargers! Surprisingly, the turbochargers weren’t added for more power, but instead for better fuel economy. Despite its weight, the car can run a quarter mile a 14.7 seconds and reach speeds of over 225km/h.
You think that’s cool? Check out Tim Cotterill’s Rocket II Trike, a 750kW Hemi-powered and supercharged three-wheeler also built by Blastolene. It dropped by Jay Leno’s garage for him to take a look, but apparently Jay’s lawyers wouldn’t let him drive it!
Check out Jay Leno’s whole collection plus a bunch of other cool cars at Jay Leno’s Garage.
Luke’s Top 10 Police Cars
August 23rd, 2010 | Published under Cars, Top 10 Lists | No Comments
We’re all used to seeing the average Falcon or Commodore done up with a light bar, livery and all kinds of other gadgets to convert it from your regular family sedan into a car ready for police work. But both here and around the world the police occasionally add a car outside of the ordinary to their stable. You may remember a few from my Awesome Police Cars blog.
Over the years unique police cars have been an interest of mine, and out of the many I’ve found from around the world, there are 10 that are my favourites:
10 – BMW M3 (Netherlands)
With Germany next door you can’t blame the Dutch police for picking up a BMW M3 for police duties. With a 4-litre V8 putting out 309kW and 0-100km/h times of 4.8 seconds, this thing is sure to catch some crooks. It is electronically limited to a top speed of 249km/h but can reach around 290km/h delimited.
09 – Lexus IS-F (UK)
The police in the UK were recently using Subaru’s Impreza WRX as their high performance patrol car, but after issues with heat soak they decided to replace them with some V8 cruisers. Forget the Crown Victorias of the US or the Commodores of Australia – these guys get their V8s in style. The 5-litre V8 Lexus IS-F engines put out 311kW good for 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 270km/h.
08 – Carbon Motors E7 (USA)
The E7 by Carbon Motors sets itself apart from other police cars by being the world’s only vehicle that is custom built for police work. All the lights, gadgets and seating are designed for police work and police work only. Not only is it physically tough, it also has a BMW 3-litre turbo diesel power plant good for 220kW and 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 250km/h. But the best thing is no clunky added on light bars or bull bars, it’s all integrated from the factory! It is expected to be released in 2012 and, no, it cannot be bought for private use.
07 – GeigerCars Hummer H2 (USA)
GeigerCars are one of Europe’s leading tuners of American vehicles. Through a request from a Texas sheriff, they built up this Hummer H2 in both the styling and engine compartment to make the world’s fastest police Hummer. The GeigerCars built supercharged 7-litre V8 engine puts out 515kW with a top speed of 250km/h (electronically limited). That’s enough power for 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds. All on 28-inch wheels!
06 – TechArt Porsche 911 Carerra S (Germany)
To promote safe tuning at the Essen Motor Show, TechArt joined with the German police and traffic authorities to develop this high-powered Porsche police car. With a 3.8-litre 6 cylinder boxer engine, the car is good for 273kW and 0-100km/h sprints of 4.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 300km/h.
RE Customs Dyno Day
July 11th, 2010 | Published under Cars | No Comments
RE Customs hold various dyno days all year round for a range of Victorian clubs. I thought it was about time I checked out one of their dyno days, so yesterday I headed down to their workshop in Springvale to check out the cars and a few dyno runs for dyno day being held for EXE-Crew. They had an awesome bunch of cars, with plenty of Evos, Skyline & 350Zs.
Continue reading to see all the my pictures from the day.
Volvo C30 T5
May 15th, 2010 | Published under Cars | No Comments
When you think of performance Volvo isn’t the first brand you think of. In fact, I’m sure it’s not even the second, third or any close to that. But with their previous range of vehicles, they’re slowly shaving off the slow, boring Volvo reputation the past few decades have earnt them. Their recent C30 T5 released in 2007 was just what Volvo needed, entering the hot hatch segment that is now so popular. Their 2.5-litre turbocharged 5-cylindler proved very popular, but more so in its Focus XR5 (ST) cousin than in the Volvo itself.
What has really let down the car is the higher price, asking around $45,000 compared to the XR5 turbo which goes for $10,000 less, which is practically the same car. The difference is, the C30 T5 offers an automatic option, a speck more power, sheds some kilos, a Volvo luxury interior (although those XR5 Recaros are very nice) and is overall a faster car. Plus, it’s a lot more exclusive then the XR5.
So why am I telling you this? Well, it just happens that Volvo has released their new C30 range and this means a brand new C30 T5 has been unveiled. I was so impressed with the design that I thought, why not show it off on my blog to see what everyone thinks? So here it is: the brand new 2010 C30 T5. The car has new front and rear spoilers, new wheel designs and new paint colours added to the range (Orange Flame Metallic and Lime Grass Green).
Top 25 Jeremy Clarkson Quotes
May 13th, 2010 | Published under Cars | No Comments
Here are some great car quotes from Jeremy Clarkson of the British television series Top Gear. He certainly has a way with words. Enjoy!
1. “I’d like to consider Ferrari as a scaled down version of God.”
2. On the Porsche Boxster: “It couldn’t pull a greased stick out of a pig’s bottom.”
3. When driving the Mercedes SLR McLaren through a tunnel: “When they debate as to what the sound of the SLR engine was akin to, the British engineers from McLaren said it sounded like a Spitfire. But the German engineers from Mercedes said “Nein! Nein! Sounds like a Messerschmitt!” They were both wrong. It sounds like the God of Thunder, gargling with nails.”
4. “I’m sorry, but having an Aston Martin DB9 on the drive and not driving it is a bit like having Keira Knightley in your bed and sleeping on the couch. If you’ve got even half a scrotum it’s not going to happen.”
5. “Speed has never killed anyone – suddenly becoming stationary, that’s what gets you.”
6. “Koenigsegg are saying that the CCX is more comfortable. More comfortable than what? Being stabbed?”
7. On Detroit: “God may have created the world in six days, but while he was resting on the seventh, Beelzebub popped up and did this place.”
8. “Owning a TVR in the past was like owning a bear. I mean it was great, until it pulled your head off, which it would.”
9. On the Renault Clio V6: “I think the problem is that it’s French. It’s a surrender-monkey.”
10. On the Enzo Ferrari: “I rang up Jay Kay, who’s got one, and said: “Can we borrow yours?” and he said, “Yeah, if I can borrow your daughter, because it amounts to the same thing.”
11. On the Porsche Cayenne: “I’ve seen gangrenous wounds better looking than this!”
12. “The air conditioning in Lamborghinis used to be an asthmatic sitting in the dashboard blowing at you through a straw.”
13. “Whenever I’m suffering from insomnia, I just look at a picture of a Toyota Camry and I’m straight off.”
14. “If you were to buy a BMW 6-Series, I recommend you select reverse when leaving friends’ houses so they don’t see its backside.”
15. “That (Pagani) Zonda, really! It’s like a lion in orange dungarees. Kind of fierce, but ridiculous all at the same time.”
16. On the Chevrolet Corvette: “The Americans lecture the world on democracy, and then won’t let me turn the traction control off!”
17. On the Alfa Romeo Brera: “Think of it as Angelina Jolie. You’ve heard she’s mad and eats nothing but wallpaper paste. But you would, wouldn’t you?”
18. “A turbo: exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, witchcraft happens and you go faster.”
19. “This is a Renault Espace, probably the best of the people carriers. Not that that’s much to shout about. That’s like saying ‘Oh good, I’ve got syphilis, the best of the sexually transmitted diseases!’”
20. “In the olden days I always got the impression that TVR built a car, put it on sale, and then found out how it handled – usually when one of their customers wrote to the factory complaining about how dead he was.”
21. On the Mercedes CLS55 AMG: “It sounds like Barry White eating wasps.”
22. “I’d rather go to work on my hands and knees than drive there in a Ford Galaxy. Whoever designed the Ford Galaxy upholstery had a cauliflower fixation. I would rather have a vasectomy than buy a Ford Galaxy.”
23. “Usually, a Range Rover would be beaten away from the lights by a diesel powered wheelbarrow.”
24. “Racing cars which have been converted for road use never really work. It’s like making a hardcore adult film, and then editing it so that it can be shown in British hotels. You’d just end up with a sort of half-hour close-up of some bloke’s sweaty face.”
25. “I don’t understand bus lanes. Why do poor people have to get to places quicker than I do?”
Subaru Impreza WRX & WRX STi 2011 Unveiled
April 27th, 2010 | Published under Cars | No Comments
Subaru of late have been faced with some criticism following some controversial designs on the latest Impreza and Liberty. The Impreza seems to have lost a lot of its toughness to make way for a more refined design, and the Liberty lost a lot of class to make way for an in-your-face front end and a bland rear.
Still, Subaru listened to the crowds and have introduced a facelift for their Impreza series, as well as a release of the STi in the sedan body. Pictures of the new model were first released on the 23th of March, and the full unveiling and official specs were released on April 1st. If the fans were looking for that WRX toughness to make a return with the 2011 update, they sure got it.
The WRX has adopted the wide body of the STi and has been powered up to 198kW. The flared body is being applied to both the hatch and sedan models, as well as new gunmetal grey 17-inch wheels and quad exhausts from the STi. The new look fits more with its performance car image. Its non-turbo brother, the RS, receives no body changes.
The new STi will be the fastest WRX ever released resulting from extensive testing at several racetracks around Japan. The ride height has been lowered and on both the hatch and new sedan model. Power has been increased to 227kW and 392Nm. The body has been toughened up with trademark STi gunmetal multi-spoke wheels and the return of the ‘big wing’ that the STi is famous for.
We can expect the new models to arrive here in Australia near the end of the year.
Pictures from NetCarShow.
Luke’s Top 10 Best Looking Cars
April 17th, 2010 | Published under Cars, Top 10 Lists | No Comments
Cars can be fast, expensive, exclusive or technology-filled. But it seems that, above all else, people are always talking about the way a car looks. Whether its mega-luxury, nicely refined or tough and in-your-face, car designs are one of the things that can make or break the public’s impression of a car. Here’s my top 10.
10 – Jaguar XKR
The new Jaguar SKR has put the sexiness back into Jags with a simple yet effective coupe body and rounded front end. The coupe seems to adopt a bit of an Aston Martin design, with sleek coupe body and refined rear end. The Jaguar XKR sells here for around $255,000.
09 – Rolls-Royce Ghost
Rolls-Royce has always been known for classic, prestige and imposing designs. The Ghost is no different. Created as a lower-cost alternative to the Phantom, the Ghost tones down the huge grille and lights to make a design that is easier on the eyes, and doesn’t look like it’s going to run you down on the road. A Phantom will cost you around $1,000,000 in Australia.
08 – Bugatti Veyron
Not only is the Bugatti Veyron one of the fastest production cars in the world, it also has a design that is especially unique. The body takes on a circular and sectional look, with a two-color paint scheme separating an embossed bonnet and back end and inner side panels. Two cooling vents protrude from the back of the roofline to cool the 8-litre W16.
07 – Spyker C8 Aileron
The Spyker C8 Aileron is a low-production supercar that bases its design around a low stance and scooped body. The bonnet is fitted with several air gills as well as two circular scoops on the body. Sleeked back headlights suit the whole image. The Spyker C8 Aileron is made in Netherlands.
06 – Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
The Ferrari 599 GTB has a naturally smooth shape. Unlike a lot of supercars, it doesn’t use crazy lines or protruding panels to give it a tough look. Instead, it uses a refined and curvy look to give it a smooth sports car design. The Ferrari 599 GTB sells here for around $675,000.
And You Thought The Veyron Was Fast…
March 31st, 2010 | Published under Cars | 2 Comments
Hennessey has released the official specifications for one of the craziest cars to date, one that will make the Veyron look like last year’s news. The 2011 Hennessey Venom GT, which should be available in Australia, comes with a Corvette LS9 ZR1 engine, reworked to output 540kW.
But that’s just the base model. You can upgrade to the twin-turbo model for a stunning 750kW or if you’re really out of your mind, the top-of-the-line model will give you a mind-boggling 900kW! Stick with the Corvette engine and it will cost you US$600,000, or go all out for the 900kW monster and it will cost you $725,000. You may as well go the $125,000 extra…
The car, which is based on the Lotus Elise platform, has a 6.2-litre V8 engine with the top model producing a crazy 1350Nm with twin turbochargers. And at a weight of 1100kg, it’s not surprising to hear it will get you to 100km/h from standstill in 2.4 seconds, and if you’re keen, you can get it up to its top speed of 437km/h. This is a truly amazing supercar, and it looks the goods too.
Pictures: Car Advice
Green Mods
March 29th, 2010 | Published under Cars | No Comments
The Toyota Prius is widely known as the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, and so far has achieved excellent sales success for the niche market it appeals to. Although a vehicle market likely to become more popular in the future, the Prius still stands its ground well with over a million sold in more than 40 countries. And it turns out, people modify them too!
Yep, the Prius has a range of body kits and aftermarket parts available, not surprisingly mostly for Japanese markets, who see any car as a potential for modifying. Here’s a few I found, but just a warning, it’s not for everyone.
10 Used Cars Under $30k
March 11th, 2010 | Published under Cars | No Comments
Buying a used car may not seem as exciting as purchasing a new vehicle, but the truth is the used car market is swelling with a whole range of different cars, a range even bigger than the new car market. Not only that, but buying used can mean you save a fortune from the depreciation a car gets after a few years ownership, plus you can find a great condition vehicle thanks to low kilometers, full service history and a caring previous owner.
So if you’re after something fast, or maybe something a bit more luxury, here are 10 great cars you can pick up for under $30,000 that are no more than 3 years old.
Honda Accord Euro
Series: 7th Gen
Engine: 2.4-litre 4cyl (140kW)
Transmission: Auto / Manual
Fuel Consumption: 9.1l/100km
Upwards from $22,000
The Honda Accord Euro is a great looking vehicle thanks to its smooth lines and executive look. The dual exhausts give a great finishing touch. Inside you get an impressive interior with features such as 6-speaker stereo, dual zone climate control, 6-stacker CD, cruise control and stability control. The engine produces a decent 140kW while still returning under 10l/100km of fuel. The Luxury model is probably the best deal, starting at around $26,000 and decked out with leather interior and 17-inch wheels.
Mazda 3 MPS
Series: BK Series 2
Engine: 2.3-litre 4cyl turbo (190kW)
Transmission: Manual
Fuel Consumption: 10l/100km
Upwards from $27,400
The Mazda 3 MPS transforms the already popular Mazda 3 hatch into a quick turbocharged hot hatch. It provides good competition the likes of the Subaru WRX and Golf GTI. The exterior design is subtle so the boys in blue aren’t as likely to keep a close eye on you. The car comes with 18-inch wheels and great features like the 6-speaker stereo, climate control, 6-stacker with MP3, cruise control and factory tinted windows. Despite the 190kW output, you still get great fuel consumption at 10l/100km.
Subaru Liberty
Series: MY07
Engine: 2-litre / 2.5-litre 4cyl (121kW)
Transmission: Automatic / Manual
Fuel Consumption: 9.1l/100km
Upwards from $19,600
Maybe I’m a bit biased, but the Subaru Liberty has a great shape with a tough front-end and smoothed off rear complete with dual exhausts. It comes with 17-inch wheels, 6-speaker stereo, climate control, cruise control and 6-stacker with MP3 and WMA. The car is also factory fitted with Subaru’s AWD system for a great handling ride.
Ford Focus XR5 Turbo
Series: LS
Engine: 2.5-litre 5cyl turbo (166kW)
Transmission: Manual
Fuel Consumption: 9.3l/100km
Upwards from $25,800
The Focus XR5 turbo takes the Focus shape and adds a smooth body kit and dual exhausts, as well as great exterior paint options and most importantly the Volvo 5-cylinder turbocharged engine. Inside also comes with color-coded Recaros, 8-speaker stereo, 6-stacker CD, stability control and 18-inch wheels.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Series: Mk V
Engine: 2-litre 4cyl turbo (147kW)
Transmission: Manual / DSG
Fuel Consumption: 8.1l/100km
Upwards from $25,000
The Golf GTI is a car for someone who wants a bit of everything. It gives you performance from its turbocharged engine, luxury from its great features and German design, technology from features like the DSG transmission and great fuel consumption at 8.1l/100km. It has a refined look and is available in both 3- and 5-door. Some great features are the 10-speaker stereo, 18-inch wheels, dual zone climate control, motion sensor alarm, 6-stacker CD, traction & stability control, cruise control and tyre pressure sensor. It’s hard to find such a loaded package for the same price.
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