Automotive

Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept: Drag Racing Goes Electric!

Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept: Drag Racing Goes Electric! Chevy partners with Hancock and Lane Racing for the eCOPO Camaro Concept.
The Chevy eCOPO Camaro is entirely electric and runs a quarter-mile in the single digits.
Testing is still underway although the concept made its debut recently at SEMA in Las Vegas.
Okay, calm down, calm down. This won’t be easy for some to hear. Chevrolet has just rolled out a COPO Camaro drag car, and it’s an electric vehicle. I know, I know. Given the torque produced by electric motors, this could be one of the coolest moves ever.
Or, it could be a sign of the apocalypse. “And the angel opened the fourth seal, and an electric Camaro came fourth.” I’m pretty sure I read that in the tech sheet about the head bolt torque specs on SBC crate engines. Either way, you know there’s some die-hard Camaro people taking this like a scene from Ghostbusters.
What’s next? Dogs and cats living together?
Torque Baby!
Personally, I have no problem being the heretic this time around and saying the Chevy eCOPO Camaro could be totally cool! Totally cool in two ways: One, racing improves the breed; and better electric race cars will mean better electric cars for us gearheads. And second: Torque Baby, Torque!
As is well known, electric motors put out all their torque from zero RPM on up. Meaning drag racing should be a perfect venue for messing with EVs to make them more fun.
You know there's some die-hard Camaro people taking this like a scene from Ghostbusters.Click To TweetBy The Numbers
Before we get into the nitty-gritty technical stuff here, let’s go over what a COPO is for those not in the know. The COPOs were Chevy’s answer to things like Super Stock Dodges back in the day; factory strippers with all the go fast drag parts thrown in so you could be king of the Saturday night digs. A few years ago, Chevy brought the COPOs back, and a fun time has been had by all as they squared off against Drag Pack Mustangs (thank you, Ford) and whatever beasts Mopar would let escape from the dungeons of Auburn Hills.
Now, this COPO, (or eCOPO) is just like its (literal) fire-breathing, pollution-gushing siblings. It’s not to be taken lightly. Based on the 2019 COPO Camaro, the eCOPO cranks out 700 plus horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of pavement-wrinkling torque. Chevy estimates it can run the quarter-mile in the nine-second range. Nine. Out of the box. That is . . . not bad at all! Nine!
I know guys that have worked all summer to hit single digits, let alone get a turn-key solution. Amazing!
Related: How the Camaro ZL1 became GM’s fastest track car.
The Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept takes inspiration from the original 1969 COPO Camaro. Photo: Chevrolet.
How The Chevy eCOPO Camaro Works
Well, it starts with an 800-volt battery pack and ends up with your head snapping back like Ali drilled you in the nose. Between the big, whompin’ battery packs and the ground sits a pair of BorgWarner HVH 250-150 motor assemblies, each generating 300 lb-ft. of torque. Things get real goofy at this point, with both electric motors mated to a “conventional racing-prepared Turbo 400 automatic transmission.”
Really? Isn’t that the same slush box Chevy puts in trucks and stuff?
This thing isn’t a rolling advertisement for the future of electric vehicles; it’s a testament to how tough a Turbo 400 automatic is. Sheesh! South of that, all the power gets channeled to the same solid rear axle used in the production COPO Camaro race cars.
Chevy says the 800-volt battery pack allows for more efficient power transfer to the electric motor, and supports faster recharging. This is important, given the limited amount of time between rounds in drag racing. Also – like I need to point this out – when we can figure out how to juice these things up quicker, the more viable they’ll be for day to day use.
SEMA attendees were able to see under the hood of the Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept.
This thing isn't a rolling advertisement for the future of electric vehicles; it's a testament to how tough a Turbo 400 automatic is.Click To TweetBattery Management System
This monitors all critical voltages and temperatures within the battery pack. It links into an inclusive safety system that constantly gauges all electrical components for proper function and safe operation. Makes total sense, because an electrical system voiding itself of that much power should be running as hot as a blast furnace from green light to checkered flag. The batteries of the eCOPO live in the trunk and are sealed off from the interior.
Also, you crew chiefs will already be thinking about those big, heavy batteries sitting way back. Yes, the eCOPO Camaro holds a 56 percent rear-weight bias, which, yes, helps launch the car like a golf ball off a tee.
And now, the three words that will make your week: Electric. Crate. Motors.
Chevy eCOPO Camaro Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
New Generation
The eCOPO Camaro’s electric motor uses the same bell house mounting pattern and crankshaft flange as the popular LS engines (hint) in Chevrolet’s crate engine portfolio (hint hint). That allows you to bolt it up to just about any GM transmission (hint hint hint). Also, the transmission, driveshaft, and other drivetrain components remain in the same locations as a gasoline-powered COPO Camaro. Meaning the electric motor simply bolts into the engine compartment in place of the gas engine in a direct swap.
And, if you can do it in a COPO, then you could do it with anything else you could fit an LS into. Again: You could do it with anything else you could fit an LS into.
“The possibilities are intriguing and suggest a whole new world for racers,” said Russ O’Blenes, Director, Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports, General Motors. “The eCOPO Concept is all about where we go in the future with electrification in the high performance space.”
To which I say, “Shut up and hand me that wrench, O’Blenes!”
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration

Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration The Land Rover Defender, the boxy off-roader, post-war British thing that has been around for 70 years, just got a celebratory pat on the back thanks to the tried and true (American) gearhead answer of “just stuff a big V8 in it, it’ll be fine.” I’ve got to say that’s a rationale I agree with.
Indeed, the Land Rover Defender has been around for 70 years. A milestone worth observing. They are, in a number of ways, a very good British take on the American original. Yes, I know, there are Landy guys that will argue this production date or that bit of tech minutiae, but really, Jeep is the original, and Land Rover is a rather nice British copy, but a copy nonetheless.
Cheating Fate
The death of the Land Rover Defender has been hovering around on black bat wings for decades now, longer than the thing has been called the Defender, back to when they were all simply called “Land Rovers.” The gas crunch of the early 70s was going to kill it. Changing tastes in the mid-80s meant its days were numbered. Growing emissions regs preordained new Land Rovers weren’t going to be seen on the roads after 1991. Stuff like that.
But here we are, all these years later, and it’s still around. And Land Rover says this new engine is “all about celebrating the 70th anniversary,” but it really boils down to the fact someone within the company thought it sounded like a great way to pump more life into a War-era vintage carcass. At least that’s what I think. In most cases, I feel stuffing V8 engines where they don’t belong is usually a great idea. Then again, as a kid, I lived in a household where at one point there were three Sunbeam Tigers in the family’s possession.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Limited Run
Sadly, the new V8-equipped Defender will not just be a choice on an option box. The upcoming Land Rover Defender with a big V8 will be a limited-edition deal with only “up to” 150 examples being made to celebrate the marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018. Sad, but I understand where they’re coming from.
Noteworthy Nameplate
The Defender Works V8 (its official name) pays tribute to the early high-powered versions of the 1979 Series III Stage 1 V8 and the 50th Anniversary Edition in 1998. Which, if I’m remembering this right, were powered by the same small block alloy V8 that Rover actually bought from Buick (of all people) back in the 1960s. “Why would anyone want a small, light, fuel efficient V8,” Buick asked, and promptly sold the thing to the Brits. Next thing you know, that same engine was in Rover police cars and Triumph TR8s and not in Buicks when that aforementioned gas crunch hit in the early 70s. Oops.

Power & Performance
Anyway, let us not dwell on the mistakes of our Detroit-based forefathers. Landy says the Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest Defender ever manufactured. The 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque versus the standard Defender’s 120 ponies and 265 lb-ft. of torque. All of those numbers are good enough for the Defender Works V8 to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, topping out at 106 mph. Which is frighteningly quick for something as tippy as a Land Rover, as well as comically slow on that top end. But given the thing has the aerodynamic grace of the crate it’s shipped in, it kinda follows, y’know?
The 150, specially-selected and re-engineered 70th Edition Defenders will have an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a sport mode. The brakes are updated (thankfully); the handling kit consists of springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels, with 265/65 R18 all-terrain tires. And all of that is good stuff, but you know these things are still going to handle like milk trucks, and it’s only a matter of time before a rich footballer from West Ipswichingham/ford-knoll-towne-on-Tyne barrel rolls one into a ditch.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Visual Treatments
The 70th Edition Defenders will come in eight unnamed body colors including two satin finishes. All of which will contrast nicely with the Santorini Black roof, wheel arches, and front grille. The door handles, fuel filler cap, and Defender bonnet lettering will be finished with machined aluminum (nice!). The comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps. Of course, full Windsor Leather covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining, and Recaro sports seats my dear fellow, and a Land Rover Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Pricing & Availability
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 versions will be available with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK, which is around $210,000. The Defender Works V8 is available in the United Kingdom, and MENA markets on a personal import basis. European market availability is also on an individual import basis, subjected to rules on importation of vehicle conversions.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Defender Works V8 Gallery

Photos & Source: Land Rover Classic.

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Acura Promises Return of Type-S & More A-Spec Variants

Acura Promises Return of Type-S & More A-Spec Variants
I bet if you were to ask Acura, they’d say the performance factor never left. But that said, they sure are making a big deal about their revitalized focus on performance and the return of the Type S at this year’s North American International Auto Show. Naturally, since I am a diehard gearhead, this is all great news for me, and for most of you out there. But what does this really mean? What will it all add up to?
Bringing It Back
All of this refocusing on performance coincides with the global debut of the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype at “The Detroit Show” (for us old skool guys). And yeah, that seems kind of silly (a performance oriented SUV? Ha!) but every car maker wants their stuff to be seen as high-tech and sporty. I bet there are guys in heavy truck hall talking about the sporty, high-performance styling of their new-for-2019 cab overs. But Acura is the luxury and performance division for Honda, so you durn well better pay attention when they say they’re bringing the performance back.
“We have made a major commitment to Acura to bring each element of Precision Crafted Performance to life through a new generation of products,” explained Toshiaki Mikoshiba, President & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Acura will pursue a unique powertrain strategy that underscores the brand’s rightful place as the performance division of Honda.”
2002 TL Type-S. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
Acura is trying to leverage a lot of this new performance aura from the latest NSX. In many ways that’s a good move since the latest NSX is a lot like a LaFerrari for a tenth of the price. The downside is that, for some reason, people were not buying the new NSX (I have no idea why).
Acura calls this focus “Precision Crafted Performance,” which now includes the launch of a new, turbocharged V6 powerplant for future Acura vehicles to use exclusively. It will be matched with the latest generation of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This means, most likely, the new turbo V6 puts out a ton of power and torque, and will need all four contact patches to make it work. By the way, the latest generation of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is launching in the 2019 RDX.
2018 Acura TLX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Type-S & A-Spec Together
Acura says we can look for the return of its much-loved Type-S performance brand in the coming years, and for A-Spec variants to encompass all core models in the future. With regard to the A-Spec, expect a new 2.4-liter TLX A-Spec this spring, and an A-Spec variant of the 2019 RDX mid-year. I can almost hear the fanbois screaming from way out here. Honda kids love Type-S and A-Spec cars, so this is a dynamite move.
Exciting Times
The Type-S badge hasn’t been around for a decade, last seen on the 2008 Acura TL. So we can look forward to updated and modernized versions of what that Type-S badge brought to the 2008 Acura TL: A track-tuned chassis, more powerful engine and better brakes, high-performance tires and a general, sports-oriented exterior with interior modifications.
Looks like fast and fun times are ahead!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photos & Source: Acura.

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Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”
With the LF-1 Limitless concept, Lexus aims to introduce a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept combines high performance with unrestrained luxury and is a showcase of technology, innovation, and the latest evolution of design at Lexus. But is this exactly new? Aren’t there “flagship crossovers” already? What makes the Lexus LF-1 Limitless so special?
Power & Performance
For starters, Lexus (nee Toyota) says the LF-1 concept could be a fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or all-electric. So that’s all pretty cool. Lexus goes even further to say that by around 2025, every Lexus will be available either as an electric model, or have an electrified option.
Exterior Styling
The LF-1 concept was created at CALTY Design Research in California, which is an interesting twist. CALTY says the design fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword, which sounds about what you’d expect to hear about a concept car sitting on a stand at the North American International Auto Show.
Lexus says the LF-1 has an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio (which is a new phrase for me) that’s more sports car than station wagon. The cabin itself sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis, riding on aggressive 22-inch wheels encompassed under those bulging fenders. The low roofline and elevated ride height, according to Lexus, shows how the crossover is designed for performance and practicality.
Sadly, like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille is seen on the LF-1. Lexus says this is a core element to the overall design. I say it still looks like a huge mistake. The profile of the LF-1 has a visibly distinct flow from front to back, starting with the front fender line all the way to the bottom of the C pillar. Out back there is a split spoiler to grab the air (and your attention). The sculpted openings at the back corners are actually vents for the air coming past the rear wheels; it might be easy to first mistake them for exhaust pipes.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The cabin was designed so every passenger gets maximum comfort. The Lexus LF-1 follows the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality, by being welcoming to all who enter. The cockpit is about the driver and the task at hand, accomplished by eliminating the “distracting” analog knobs and buttons in favor of motion-activated controls and minimalist displays. I could laugh and point out how this probably won’t work, but hey, show car, NAIAS, etc. etc. etc., a pass for Lexus here.
The front passenger space is more open, with fewer controls and a wide, unobstructed view of the dashboard. The people in back get the same seats as those up front with generous legroom and individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options (i.e. keeping the rugrats quiet on long trips).
The interior is trimmed in a metallic finish in the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior, but with a satin finish for a warmer feel. Also, I feel compelled to point out that champagne was the color of Carmela Soprano’s SUV and that is not a good thing. Lexus added accents around the instrument panel and on the steering wheel to augment the cockpit feel for the driver. Other metallic accents contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim, and the seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather. I’m not sure whether it’s those color names or how the color combination actually looks, but it makes me teeter toward thinking it’s Liza Minnelli levels of over the top.

Powertrain Controls
Lexus says all powertrain controls are on the steering wheel to keep the driver involved and attentive to the road. Yeah, sure, whatever, but here is where things get real funky real quick: “Paddles mounted to the steering wheel control the acceleration for sporty driving.” No they don’t, that’s what the pedal on the right does. Goofy high-tech buttons? Oh yeah, buttons on the lower section of the steering wheel engage options like park and reverse. Try not to accidentally hit them while cruising at freeway speeds.
In Person
The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit, Michigan. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2018 Lexus RX 450h Review: Quiet & Comfortable

2018 Lexus RX 450h Review: Quiet & Comfortable People looking for a luxury SUV generally want a comfortable, quiet interior and a ride quality that smooths out the bumps. The 2018 Lexus RX 450h delivers in those key areas. Add in the impressive fuel economy with the hybrid powertrain, and you have a recipe for success.
We spent this week driving the 2018 Lexus RX 450h with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018?
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is less expensive than last year, but some features that were standard are now optional. These include the sunroof, roof rails, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, navigation system, and blind-spot monitoring. The new Premium package adds some of these features back in, while others are sold as stand-alone options.
Standard Features
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h ($45,695) comes standard with keyless ignition, 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, taillights, and running lights), automatic high beams, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, and rearview camera. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.
Inside, the RX includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat (reclines, slides and folds), and a cargo cover.
Tech features include the Remote Touch interface, an eight-inch color display, Safety Connect emergency communications, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, plus two USB ports.

Premium Package & Additional Options
The Premium package ($1,100) adds power-folding mirrors, driver-seat memory settings, and leather upholstery. Other options on our tester included a color heads-up display, the panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, Blind spot monitor, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Total MSRP including destination: 54,715.
Related: The Lexus GX 460 has tons of features and is off-road ready!
Interior Highlights
The Lexus RX 450h gets top marks for luxury and comfort. The leather seats are extra comfy and come with contrast stitching. There’s abundant soft leather touches throughout the cabin that make it a comfortable place, front and back. The large display screen sits in the middle of the dash at eye level, making it easy to see.
The optional panoramic sunroof stretches all the way to the back for optimal outdoor viewing.
In the back, seats can accommodate passengers of nearly any size and there’s plenty of legroom. RX 450h riders sit about an inch higher, as the nickel-metal hydride battery goes under the back seat. The rear seats recline back for extra comfort and also slide back or forward to the desired position.
With the rear seats folded down, the Lexus RX 450h provides 55.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus RX 450h uses a hybrid gas-electric powertrain making 308 total system horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque. The luxury SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 coupled with a pair of front-mounted electric motors/generators. The all-wheel drive model has an additional motor powering the rear wheels.
The RX 450h hybrid uses a planetary drive system and is able to start off on battery power alone at lower speeds. It worked well this week navigating through parking lots and especially in stop-and-go traffic in Denver.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 31/28 city/highway and 30 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
When looking for a luxury crossover, you want a certain level of quiet and comfort. You want a vehicle that will leave you rested, even after a long trip. And this one will fulfill that need. The RX 450h is exceptionally comfortable and supremely quiet on the road. It smooths out the bumps and turns them into a mere blip on the radar.
Other than the distracting remote touch interface for the radio and climate control, we have few complaints. The ride and handling is not like a European sports crossover, but families will appreciate the RX 450h no less. Lexus softened the suspension somewhat and enhanced the steering feedback for a more pleasant driving experience.

Related: The 2018 Lexus ES 300h scores high marks during our summer test drive.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is more comfortable than ever and carries on the Lexus reputation for superb ride quality. The interior is a strong suite and with the extra upgrades, the cabin becomes an even more desirable place to spend time. We would have opted for the heated steering wheel and seats, however, which do not come standard on the 450h.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 450h Gallery

Lexus RX 450h Official Site
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Lights! Camera! . . . Ford Edge ST?

Lights! Camera! . . . Ford Edge ST? Dearborn is going Hollywood with the Ford Edge ST Camera Car.
Pursuit Systems helped modify the Edge ST for high-speed action footage.
Quick question: Say you need to film a car scene in a movie or a TV show, how do you do it? There’s a number of tricks Hollywood can pull, but if you want to shoot an actual car, driving down an actual road, you have to use something known as a “camera car.”
These are custom-built rigs that run all the way from simple to complex. However, this Ford Edge ST is, to my knowledge, the first camera car ever made by a major manufacturer.
The Weigh It Goes
Yes, I know, technically, this is a camera truck, and not a camera car, but that’s more of a generic term. Most of them are trucks. That’s because not only do you have to haul all the gear, but also the crew. And in a lot of situations, that means the camera operator, director of photography, crane operator, and other assistants.
The Ford Edge ST Camera Car has a huge gantry arm on top. This allows the camera to hang on the far end, being panned, tilted, and swung this way and that as called for in the script. Yes, having that much added extra weight is going to change how the thing handles. And that will only be compounded by actually moving the thing around during a shot.
Ergo, this is far from a normal Ford Edge.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Action Jackson
FoMoCo partnered with camera car company Pursuit Systems to modify the Edge ST for high-speed chase scenes and action footage. The benchmarks for a typical camera car are daunting. For one thing, you have to use an industry standard crane system. Those can weigh up to 1,000 lbs.!
Next, camera cars often travel more than 100 mph, being driven with a degree of precision, braking, and handling. All while tracking to precise marks as the camera is rolling.
So, Pursuit Systems traveled from their North Hollywood headquarters to Dearborn and said that immortal line: “Hey kid, wanna be in pictures?” And of course Ford said yes, cause this is America and everyone wants to be a star.
“We’ve never done anything like this before with an SUV because there’s never been an SUV like Edge ST in our showroom,” explained Mark Grueber, Ford SUV Marketing Manager. “It has the performance chops and utility to keep up with fast-paced movie making.”
Related: Best car movies to binge watch over the weekend.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
The Purge
Ford’s first contribution to this tweaked Edge was a specially-tuned, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost. Next, they dialed up a performance braking system, added an eight-speed transmission with selectable traction controls, and still made room for the driver and film crew.
Ford also added lots of structural support to the roof to accommodate the nearly 1,000 lbs. “Pursuit Arm.” That’s a company-specific piece of kit, but generically these things are called jib arms. And any jib arm worth its salt has to have all manner of stuff attached to it: Gyro-stabilized remote-control cameras, boom extensions, light set ups, you name it.
Shoot, back in the old days they used to hang the operator out there in a tiny seat!
To compensate for the weight of the crane and film equipment, Ford added an individual-wheel air suspension and gutted the interior. A roll cage protects occupants because things can go very wrong on movie sets. All wires are wrapped in matte black vinyl so they don’t reflect and spoil the magical illusion that is Hollywood.
Related: 2019 Ford Edge employs artificial intelligence in the name of performance.
In addition to the Ford Edge ST, Pursuit Systems has converted BMW X5 Ms, Porsche Cayenne Turbos, and a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG into camera cars. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
A roll cage protects occupants because things can go very wrong on movie sets. Click To TweetAll In A Day’s Work
One of the reasons I got into film and TV production (way back when) was, in addition to getting to make movies and stuff, I got to play with some really cool toys, like this 2019 Ford Edge ST. Sure, the hours are long, and you’re getting yelled at a lot of the time, but you get the satisfaction of saying, “Hey! See this Cheetos commercial? I did that!”
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Aston Martin DBS 59: Beautiful, Fast & Extremely Rare

Aston Martin DBS 59: Beautiful, Fast & Extremely Rare The Aston Martin DBS 59 pays homage to the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The DBS 59 is inspired by the DBR1 but based off the current DBS Superleggera.
In 1959, Aston Martin landed a monumental one-two finish during the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR1. Despite hard competition from Ferrari, Porsche, and a team of Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars, the David Brown Racing Aston Martin DBR1 emerged victorious. Sir Stirling Moss – who helped win the 1959 World Sportscar Championship – called the DBR1 “the most important Aston Martin ever.”
Only five were built between 1956 and 1959. And when the last one went to auction at Monterey in 2017, it set a new record as the most valuable British-made car ever. Sale price? £17.5m or about $22.5 million.
Racing Green Treatments
In honor of the DBR1, Aston Martin Cambridge is producing a collection of 24 special DBS Superleggeras. With “24” representing each hour of the legendary endurance race it conquered in 1959, the DBS 59 is a rare and stunning specimen. Expect a hand-crafted interior and graphic elements similar to the original DBR1.
“When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special,” said Simon Sproule, Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer. “The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful.”
The Aston Martin DBS 59 is a rare and stunning specimen.Click To TweetGloss, Carbon Fiber & Bronze
Gloss carbon fiber treatments compliment the Racing Green paint. Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather adorn the interior. The front grille surround, “Superleggera” bonnet script, rear Aston Martin script, and Q Fender Badge are each painted bronze.
“My favorite element on the DBS 59 are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material, but there are countless touches that will intrigue and delight,” Sproule said. “The level of thought and detailing is exceptional.”
Related: How Sir David Brown built a car for the “discerning owner driver.”
The DBS 59 collection includes just 24 models, each denoted by a small white roundel numbered one to 24 accordingly. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Helmets, Suits & Gloves Included
The Saddle Leather Helmet Pods (rear compartment) are for storing the special crash helmets, race suits, and gloves. The set includes period blue racing overalls, string-backed racing gloves modeled after those worn by 1959 Le Mans-winning driver Caroll Shelby, and a replica 1959 race helmet.
There is even a two-piece luggage set to match the interior trim, plus a Racing Green car cover.
Essential Foundations
The DBS 59 is based off Aston Martin’s fastest production car to date, the DBS Superleggera. With a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, the DBS Superleggera hits 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, 100 mph in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 211. The rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic uses a mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring controls.
Availability
The DBS 59 – versions one through 24 – are available to order through Aston Martin Cambridge.
Aston Martin DBS 59 Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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Supercar Superbuild Features Mercedes-AMG, Rolls Royce, Jaguar & Others In Season Two

Supercar Superbuild Features Mercedes-AMG, Rolls Royce, Jaguar & Others In Season Two Supercar Superbuild kicks off its second season this Sunday (January 22nd) on the Smithsonian Channel. The cameras go behind the scenes, revealing the high-stakes gambles, engineering challenges, impossible deadlines, clandestine meetings, and years of sacrifice designers and craftspeople face to bring the world’s most incredible vehicles to life. Those who enjoy cars and appreciate history will definitely be fascinated by Supercar Superbuild.
In-Depth Look
The second season will expose viewers to Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Porsche, and Audi, among others. This season, those and other individual automakers and their cars are examined thoroughly. From the mechanical specifications and design concepts, to the manufacturing and technology aspects, nothing is left untouched. Cars like the Rolls Royce Wraith, a near $300,000 luxury machine, are featured in full detail. Unique vehicle assembly characteristics are revealed, like how it takes nearly a football field worth of aluminum welds for an Audi R8’s frame.
The archival footage and historical information is one of the most enjoyable parts of the show, and viewers will see plenty of both this season. Another highlight is how the cameras go inside the assembly plants to see firsthand where the action happens. Viewers meet the executives, artisans, designers, and engineers responsible for getting these unique cars from dream to reality.
During season two of Supercar Superbuild, a father-and-son duo who work together in the Jaguar factory are profiled. Photo: Smithsonian Channel.
Great Eight
The first of eight episodes this season details how Mercedes-AMG is taking on their rivals in the performance arena. Viewers see the brand’s extensive history, hear from Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG Chairman, and go inside the Sindelfingen factory in Germany, the largest Mercedes-Benz facility in the world. Later in the season, the cameras head to the Motor City, where the Chevy Camaro is a beloved fixture among American muscle cars; the final episode of the season tells the story of the world’s first “blue-collar sports car.”
Supercar Superbuild premieres Sunday, January 21st at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Smithsonian Channel. Below is a preview of Sunday’s episode. The snippet shows how Mercedes-AMG technicians build each engine by hand.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos, Video & Source: Smithsonian Channel.

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Hyundai Velostar Models Headed To Forza Motorsport 7

Hyundai Velostar Models Headed To Forza Motorsport 7 Hyundai revealed its all-new 2019 Veloster Turbo and the Veloster’s high performance counterpart, the Veloster N, at the North American International Auto Show. As part of that debut, Hyundai also announced both cars will join the list of vehicles in Forza Motorsport 7 for Xbox and Windows 10. This is a rather interesting choice for Forza. They have done stuff like this is the past, including “First in Forza” debuts like the McLaren P1, Ferrari La Ferrari, Ford GT, Lamborghini Centenario, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Extensive History
Okay, full disclosure here: I actually worked for Microsoft Game Studios, the parent company of Turn 10 Motorsports, designers of Forza Motorsports. I worked primarily as a content expert but also as a test driver due to my experience with a variety of cars, and the fact I had experience with real simulators (in my case, full motion, six-axis flight simulators custom built by the likes of Raytheon and Rediffusion). I will gleefully admit my biases up front: When it comes to game consoles, Forza Motorsports is the driving sim to get, everything else is a hacked up arcade game.
Coming To Fruition
But what makes Hyundai’s Veloster Turbo and Veloster N worthy of being “First in Forza?” I bet it was money more than anything else. I bet Hyundai and Microsoft sat down, and Hyundai said, “please put the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N in your upcoming version of Forza. Oh and we’ll give you a bajillion dollars.”
Not that the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N aren’t worth discussing, it’s just best not to confuse them with rides like La Ferraris and the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Curiously, the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N will not arrive in showrooms until later this year, but they are already available as free downloadable content for players to virtually thrash around.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Up Close & Personal
Forza players will be able to realize the unique design of the 2019 Veloster Turbo and Veloster N thanks to the Forzavista feature. This, I’m assuming, is 7’s version of the old AutoVista feature, where you could get up close and personal with a given car, open the hood, the doors, and virtually sit down in the driver’s seat – stuff like that. Hyundai says each car is rendered in exacting detail, and users can explore those details, from the odd asymmetric body style, to the cockpit layout and engine bay. And I know this is not marketing department hyperbole.
Sweating The Small Stuff
The Forza team goes into excruciating levels of production specificity with this stuff. For run of the mill cars such as the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N, we would routinely shoot hundreds of pictures of everything; door handles, doors closed, doors one-third open, doors two-thirds open, doors all the way open, door hinges, door seals, door strike plates, and that was just the doors. That same thing happened for stuff like hoods, engine details, and buttons on the dash in various positions. We’d even put newer cars up on racks to get shots of the underside: the exhaust system, suspension bits, and braking components. That way the cars would look very accurate when you barrel roll them into a sand trap. For instance.
And even though that amount of detail work was most likely put into the digital versions of the Veloster Turbo and Veloster N, they weren’t even in the same ball park as the amount of detail we’d have to go into when photographing and documenting stuff like ’57 Ferrari Testa Rosas and ’59 Aston Martin DBR1s.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Fun Times
And of course, since the Veloster twins are in the digital world, you can have fun by deeply personalizing them; you can even play with options to make your 2019 Velosters fire-breathing beasts. New wheels, heavy powertrain and suspension upgrades, unique paint schemes and racing liveries; all there for your digital driving pleasure. This will be fun to play around with . . . once I get a new Xbox One X and driving sim set up.
That should be happening as soon as I convince management here to give me some time off.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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