Just one year after Ford unveiled the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor at the SEMA show, Ford today is announcing the long-anticipated power figures for the all-new 6.2-liter premium V-8 engine now available in this ultimate high-speed off-road performance truck. When this optional powertrain in the Raptor arrives in showrooms in early 2010, the 6.2-liter V-8 will produce 411 hp and 434 ft.-lb. of torque, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup available. Customers will now have the choice of two V-8 engines in the Raptor, Ford’s proven 5.4-liter Triton V-8 or the new 6.2-liter V-8, which can be ordered beginning Dec. 1, with an MSRP of $41,995 including destination and delivery.
Chevrolet recently uploaded a promotional video on YouTube to showcase their upcoming graphics packages for the 2010 Camaro and allow fans to vote for the vehicle via their Facebook page. If you look closely in the background and turn on HD mode, you'll notice something in the works of a new pickup truck. When I did this I was able to read the rendered artwork which states "Silverado Baja Offroad Vehicle". It looks as if Chevrolet is trying to contend with Ford's 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor and our guess is that Chevrolet will release a concept vehicle at the 2009 SEMA Show showing off the new offroad truck. Stay tuned.
A company by the name of Sean Hyland Motorsports are tearing the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor apart and making the truck much more badass for customers across the U.S. Hyland is adding a supercharger to the base F-150 5.4 engine which produces over 750 horsepower and 700 foot pounds of torque as well as a 6 speed manual or a 4 speed automatic transmission. Other upgrades include a fuel system, cooling system, exhaust, suspension, wheels, and tires.
The truck will be available for purchase this Fall.
A company by the name of Late Model Restoration are gaining some attention on the web with their less-than-modified 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. The company removed the side graphics off of the truck revealing a much "cleaner" stance for some. Either way, the truck is grabbing some attention across the net as anticipation for the pickup truck finally arrives at dealer lots. What are your thoughts?
Our friend Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks has captured a spy shot of a SuperCrew version of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck. Ford added a fake camouflaged roof to the bed of the truck but there's no mistaking this Raptor from it's 35 inch BFG tires, unique SVT wheels, flared fenders and custom front end. Check out more spyshots at PUT.
Now here's a truck, not that Honda thing I spoke about yesterday. Ever wonder how the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor got its name? An article from TruckTrend holds the answer. "Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Ford's SVT-developed, FOX Racing Shox-suspended, ultimate offroad truck owes its name to, of all things, a bean counter". Head on over to their site to read the full article of how the awesome SVT Raptor got it's name.
Preparing to blaze new trails, the all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is ready for the most challenging desert adventures. But this purpose-built, high-speed off-road truck also is engineered to be versatile enough to take on the everyday commute. “With Raptor, we’re taking the established performance of the F-150 to the next level and proving just how much Ford trucks can do,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn’t just appear to be off-road-ready. It is off-road-ready. It was built with the off-road enthusiast in mind and will give consumers an off-road experience no other vehicle can.”
Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and FOX Racing Shox are taking consumers where no other OEM has taken them before: off-road in the desert with the internal triple bypass shocks, exclusively available on the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – an industry-first on a production truck. With 12.1 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 inches in the front, the softly sprung suspension has enough travel to handle the toughest terrain in the desert. Usable travel is what matters – most trucks have seven to eight inches, but are so stiffly sprung that the actual movement is much less.
Mike Harrison’s enthusiasm for V-8 engines is apparent. Harrison, Ford Motor Company’s premium V-8 systems manager, is particularly excited about the availability of the new 6.2-liter V-8 that will power the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Producing an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque, Harrison rattles off the new engine’s components and features quickly and easily, pointing them out and explaining them with more than a trace of pride.
The inaugural season of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series thundered full steam ahead as thousands braved triple digit heat and witnessed some of the most spectacular racing of the season as the short course off road racing season reaches the midway point. As the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park emerged as a premier venue in short course off road racing, racers and fans alike were treated to incredible action both on and off the track.
Ford has received a handful of requests for a SuperCrew version of the SVT F-150 Raptor pickup truck set to go on sale this Fall. Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks spoke with Mark Grueber, For'd Marketing Manager where he found out "We've had requests for a crew cab [Raptor]," said Grueber. "We haven't made any decisions but there's some demand for it. Not everyone is going to use [the Raptor] for aggressive off-roading. It could be something similar to the four-door [Jeep] Wrangler".
Ford has received orders higher than expected for the pickup truck, so a crew cab version is very possible in the future.
Reality, documentary and branded entertainment television leaders BCII premiered their new feature documentary film Raptor – Born in Baja on Tuesday, June 23 at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California to 500+ automotive and off-road motorsports executives, entertainment industry heavyweights, celebrity guests and press. Raptor – Born in Baja follows the story of a group of Ford Motor Company designers, engineers and race program directors, along with a number of aftermarket support teams, as they construct, test and unveil their new F-150 Raptor SVT truck to the automotive world by entering it in the toughest point-to-point off-road race anywhere...the infamous Baja 1000. Planned, shot and produced over 16 months, the film's story plays dramatically like the early Apollo space missions, while at the same time making a powerful brand statement for Ford.
In a remarkable first for driver, team, vehicle and manufacturer, Joe Bacal and navigator Paul Williamsen took their freshly-built Cancer Treatment Centers of America JTGrey Racing Lexus LX 570 to a landmark maiden victory in the 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 early Sunday. Their win in the Stock Full class* marks a world’s first for Lexus and the culmination of a dream for Bacal and his new team.
Ford's all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be making its Hollywood debut on June 23 when a new feature film about the ultimate production off-road performance truck hits the silver screen. "Raptor – Born in Baja" – produced by Brentwood Communications (BCII) in conjunction with Ford Motor Company – will premiere at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, Calif., before an audience of more than 500 automotive and off-road motorsports executives, entertainment industry heavyweights, celebrity guests and members of the press.
A partnership has been formed that unites AMA Pro MX Championship Title Sponsor Lucas Oil and the Honda Team of Troy Lee Designs. The team will now be referred to as the Lucas Oil/Honda/Troy Lee Designs Motocross Team. Through this alliance, Troy Lee Designs becomes an official Team Lucas Partner and as such will join Lucas Oil in a variety of motorsports endeavors. Team Owner Troy Lee, long famous for customizing helmets "For the World's Fastest Racers," has developed his reputation as an innovator into a full force operation with an extensive product line.
The country will have to wait a bit longer to see both of the spectacular Banks' Sidewinder Duramax Diesel Drag machines running at the same event. Both Banks’ Sidewinder Top Diesel and record-holding Sidewinder S-10 Pick-Up were both scheduled to take part in the TS Performance Outlaw Drags, set for this Saturday, May 9 at Beech Bend Dragstrip in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They'll need to take a bye on that date.
The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) rolls into the Valley of the Sun as short course off road racing comes to Speedworld for rounds 3 and 4 in Surprise, Arizona on May 2nd and 3rd. Arizona will be playing host to the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series for the first time with the long awaited arrival of high impact, high energy short course off road racing. The popular off road racing series is sure to make an immediate impact with the raucous roar of 850HP Unlimited Trucks combined with the wail of Light Trucks and high strung buggies. The anticipated Speedworld event is sure to draw a significant crowd from an off road savvy fan base that has been clamoring for an area event since the emergence of short course off road racing in the West.
Ford is working on a documentary film about their 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor production pickup truck build as well as their Raptor R race truck which was featured in the Baja 1,000 last year. The film is expected to be released this summer but for now here's a trailer.
The "Terrible's 250" race saw the running of the F-150 SVT Raptor R for the second time this season in the Best In The Desert race series. The F-150 SVT Raptor R completed the approximately 220-mile loop race in the Nevada desert in 6:08:30.000, finishing 2nd in Class 8000. The F-150 SVT Raptor R is currently in 2nd place in Class 8000 after two races in the 2009 season. As a way of thanking the off-road community for their support of Raptor since its debut, participants and enthusiast spectators were given pricing details of the highly-anticipated 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor during the pre-race driver's meeting on Friday, April 17. The 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor with a 320-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 engine will have a MSRP of $38,995 (destination & delivery included) when it arrives in dealer showrooms in summer 2009.
Clean diesel high performance suddenly has double the drag racing presence with the announcement that Banks Power has entered both its record-shattering Sidewinder S-10 Pickup and it's brand-new Sidewinder Top Diesel Dragster in the TS Performance Outlaw Drags, set for Saturday, May 9 at Beech Bend Dragstrip in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That date marks the first time that both machines will have ever been seen together at a competition event. The new Top Dragster debuted at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It will compete for the first time in the Pro Dragster category on the famous Beech Bend quarter-mile where trap times and speeds are expected to really be something to write home about.
Mike Levine of Pickuptrucks revealed information regarding the pricing of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck. Starting at $38,995, the new SVT Raptor is approximately $3,000 more than an F-150 FX4 pickup but can do a whole lot more. Just wait till Ford drops their new 6.2 liter BOSS motor inside, woohoo!
Due to their portability, the camera can be placed anywhere. An enthusiast on YouTube mounted one on his Traxxas VXL Slash radio controlled car and jumped it off a ramp in the middle of his street, pulling a back flip in the process. The first time I saw this video I thought of Rhys Millen's multiple failed attempts of performing a back flip.
The Banks Sidewinder S-10 Duramax pickup just seems to get faster every time it runs! And on Saturday March 7, the dark red truck with a brand new Sidewinder snake supergraphic on the side charged into the record books once again with a 180 mile per hour run that made it the first ever diesel pickup to that speed in the quarter-mile. The record took place at the NHRDA Desert Diesel Nationals at the Speedworld Dragstrip in Wittman, Arizona and in front of a packed house of some very serious diesel drag racing fans.
Earlier this morning we announced Ford's new mini site for the F-150 SVT Raptor. On that mini site, Ford states the new "Boss" 6.2 liter SOHC V8 engine which pumps out 400 horsepower and 400 foot pounds of torque, will be available as an option in the winter of 2010. Until then, the Raptor will come standard with Ford's 5.4 liter SOHC V8 engine that produces 320 horsepower and 390 foot pounds of torque. Will it be worth the wait? We hope so.
With a look born in the desert, the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Web page is a place enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the experience of driving a truck built to excel in the most extreme conditions. Launching today, the new Web page – www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor – highlights the expansive features of Ford’s new high-performance off-road truck. “We wanted to ensure the site is true to what Raptor is, emphasizing it as different and unique,” said Eric Peterson, Ford's Truck and SUV communications manager. “Delivering Raptor’s unique durability and performance is something only Ford can do, staying true to both our tough truck and racing heritage. We wanted to make that clear through the site.”
Performance specialists, Fastlane Inc, of Houston, Texas were commissioned to build the Chevrolet 427SS Silverado pickup truck which was first unveiled at the 2006 SEMA Show. Available for the public and local Chevrolet dealerships, the truck is available in two packages...
Ford Racing and Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) announced today that the F-150 SVT Raptor R, the same truck that finished third in class at the 41st SCORE Tecate Baja 1000, will run in the 2009 "Best In The Desert" race series. The truck will be driven by veteran Ford truck racers and former "Rough Riders" Rob MacCachren and Steve Olliges. The privately funded team will run all five points races for 2009 in the Raptor R to continue testing the durability of the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor and its production components.
Hagerty Insurance Agency had the opportunity to ride in Ford's new F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck this past weekend at the Barrett Jackson auction. The YouTube video below demonstrates how the truck handles and performs while going around an enclosed course, as well as handling a jump at 50 miles per hour. There is an annoying sensor alarm that goes off toward the end of the video while they are still driving, I hope that's not a bad thing. Check it out.
Indy car racer Danica Patrick is bearing it all again for web domain host, GoDaddy, again this year in a new set of Super Bowl XLIII commercials. Last month we brought you a collection of automotive related commercials for this year's Super Bowl and now AdGabber have posted up GoDaddy's line up of commercials. Check out the videos below.
Universal Pictures just released their second trailer for the highly anticipated Fast & the Furious 4 movie slated to hit theaters on April 3 of this year. More trucks are involved this time from Cadillac Escalade SUV's and Hummer H2's, to a Chevrolet Silverado pre-runner out in the desert. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker look pretty pissed off at each other in this latest trailer... check it out. Jordana Brewster also makes her return.
Force Dynamics of Trumansburg, New York obtained the task of creating a racing simulator for Ford Motor Company of the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor off-road truck. Set on a 3D-Axis, Force Dynamics developed the simulator to take care of "parasitic forces" which actually deal with drag on your body between your head and chest/back. Force Dynamics President, David Wiernicki, explains this process in the video below. Check it out.
Also, the F-150 SVT Raptor simulator can be found at the major automotive shows including those in Houston, St. Louis, Dallas, Cleveland, Kansas City, Atlanta, Columbus, and Austin from now until April.
Hummer have announced today they will end their sponsorship with Rod Hall Racing who have participated in many off-road races such as the Baja 1,000 and SCORE races. The team raced in the stock full and stock mini classes and even brought home numerous race championships including victories with the "stock" trucks. Now the race team are selling their H1 and H2 SUT trucks due to the sponsorship termination and market conditions. General Motors are still trying to sell the weakened Hummer brand and haven't had much success doing so.
On January 11, Ford will be auctioning the very first production 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck at the 2009 Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lot number 1347, all proceeds for the truck will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). The F-150 being auctioned will feature Ford's 5.4 liter V8 model, not the highly anticipated 6.2 liter V8, which pumps out over 400 horse power and 400 foot pounds of torque. The auction description reads "The DNA of a Baja Prerunner. Built Ford Tough. The Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) takes performance supremacy off-road with the new F-150 SVT Raptor". For more information visit the Barrett Jackson website.
For those with large amounts of money to blow, listen up. For those of you who can barely afford to keep the lights or heat on due to the huge arctic storm that has swept the nation this past week, you can continue to dream. A Virtual GT Racing Simulator usually retails for $19,700 but the dream machines have been popping up on eBay for over 50 percent off, at $9,800. The racing simulator features a 500 watt speaker system, force-feedback race steering wheel, 4 corner independent suspension system, MasterCraft racing seat, adjustable chassis, electronic controls, hands free intercom system, Playstation 2 gaming system (what happened to Playstation 3? Cheap bastards), and a 42 inch Panasonic plasma television set. Sounds like an awesome holiday gift that Uncle Rico may hook you up with if you're lucky.
Stack will be unveiling innovative new developments in Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) at this year's PRI Show. Both are the result of in-house engineering projects, which have been developed specifically for the requirements of the most extreme motorsports environments. Stack Motorsports DVRs. Stack's second generation video recorders have the same quality, reliability and compact design of the original Stack Harsh Environment DVR, but at a price and with specifications focused specifically for the competition motorsports market. Stack's new Digital Video Recorders are available in three variants:
Team HUMMER concluded the 2008 desert racing season with its second hat-trick of the year as it swept the stock classes at the December 6, Best In the Desert (BITD) Racing Association’s FabTech Desert Classic 2008 season finale. Once again, Chad Hall and the H3 Alpha were the first stock class vehicle to cross the finish line, earning a class victory in the stock full SUV (4100) class. Josh Hall and the H2 SUT secured the stock full truck (8100) class victory, finishing just five seconds behind his brother...
With Ford announcing the new F-150 SVT Raptor last month at SEMA, various press releases and detailed information have been posted about the new off road truck. I comprised this blog with a list of all the highlighted features of the pickup truck including suspension specifications, performance gains, and Ford's SVT add-on's. Check out the run down inside.
Reports have come in that NBC Networks have decided to pass on airing Top Gear USA to their new lineup due to the current and late failure of Knight Rider. BBC is reportedly shopping for cable networks in the U.S. to feature their hit European show.
I don't see how NBC could place the two shows in the same arena. Knight Rider is a fictional entertainment series that sucks and is full of shit that would never happen in real life, versus Top Gear, a show dedicated to automotive enthusiasts who test vehicles in real life situations. But then again this is the same NBC that brought back American Gladiators...come on.
After sweeping the SCORE International stock full and mini class season championships, Team HUMMER is gearing-up for the Best In the Desert racing association’s Henderson FabTech Desert Classic season finale, December 6, in Henderson, NV. With the team’s H3, H3 Alpha and H2 SUT leading the season points in all three BITD stock classes, Team HUMMER owner Rod Hall and sons Josh and Chad are well positioned to add the BITD stock class season championships to their remarkable list of 2008 season accomplishments.
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck, based on the production version of the upcoming 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, survived the grueling 41st Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, finishing the 631 mile race in 25:28:10. Considered one of the toughest off-road races in the world, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R race truck that participated in the Baja 1000 was a collaboration between the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT), Ford Racing, and Foutz Motorsports Inc. The pickup was entered into the race to test the durability and performance of the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, which goes on sale in the summer of 2009.
Team HUMMER once again demonstrated the inherent off-road capability of the HUMMER H3 as Chad Hall piloted his stock-full class #861 H3 Alpha to become the first stock class vehicle to finish the 2008 SCORE International Baja 1000. The 2008 Baja 1000 marked the 41st anniversary of the grueling off-road race and covered 631.36 miles, starting and finishing in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. It ran from November 21-22, 2008.
The surprising success achieved with the "Dakar" Touareg sparked an ambitious programme by Volkswagen of America specifically geared to the Baja rallies. In close collaboration with the team of Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero an innovative prototype for the Trophy Truck class was created. For the first time, an automobile manufacturer dares to tackle this class with diesel technology. The rear-wheel driven Baja Touareg TDI’s power of more than 550 PS is supplied by a 5.5-litre V12 diesel engine from the Volkswagen Group.
Just in case you crawled under a rock last week and did not get the memo about our SEMA coverage, this weeks "Monday Morning Recap" is comprised of our SEMA coverage from last week including the launch of Ford's SVT Raptor F-150 and sighting of the 2009 Ford F-150 Harley Davidson Edition. MOTORZ also launched their 13th episode, a full how-to installation of an Alpine Electronics stereo system.
For a huge list of all our SEMA blogs from last week, go to live.truckblog.com.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor of Edmunds' Inside Line had the opportunity to test drive the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup truck out in the Nevada desert prior to SEMA. The video below showcases an interior view of the truck in action, as well as its handling, ride quality, and ability to suck up the bumps at over 90 miles per hour.
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, Ford’s new king of the off-road just found a best friend. The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor R, which features modified components, was developed by SVT and Ford Racing specifically to race in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 – one of the most grueling off-road races on the circuit. “Ford’s commitment to using racing as a test bed for new technologies is expanding to the off-road arena with the F-150 SVT Raptor R,” said Brian Wolfe, Ford Racing Technology director. “Racing the new truck in the elite Baja 1000 is the ultimate off-road test and will allow Ford to evaluate how well the F-150 SVT Raptor will hold up under the most unique and extreme conditions.”
Ford, the definitive leader in tough trucks, is further building on its solid foundation of the new F-150 to deliver the all-new 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor, a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute. “Ford trucks have been a mainstay on the off-road racing scene for more that 20 years because of our long history of capability and durability,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we are delivering a true off-road performance truck with the proven ‘Built Ford Tough’ capability and durability that is at the core of every F-150 and the best in performance thanks to the team at SVT.”
“Like its fighter jet and dinosaur namesakes, the F-150 SVT Raptor is tough, fast, aggressive, and built with the off-road enthusiast in mind,” he added.
We've obtained new photos of Ford's F-150 Raptor off-road truck being tested out in the desert. Developed by Ford's SVT department, the performance truck features Fox Racing shocks and aggressive suspension. Check out the photos inside.
With only the infamous Baja 1000 left in the 2008 SCORE International racing season, HUMMER is well poised to clinch the 2008 stock mini and stock full season points championships. The team is also defending its 2007 Baja 1000 stock mini and stock full class wins where the H3 Alpha and H3 were the first stock class vehicles to cross the finish line. The 2008 SCORE International Tecate Baja 1000, is scheduled November 21-22, and will consist of a grueling 629.74-mile loop that begins and finishes in Ensenada , Baja California, Mexico .
Our SEMA 2008 Project Truck Mega Blog has been updated with the addition of two new vehicles, Banks Engineering diesel powered dragster and Ford's F-150 Heavy Duty DEWALT Contractor Concept. Make sure you check out the other 20 trucks that will be found at the show next week.
The 2008 SEMA Show is just days away and over the past couple of months, we've been bringing you the latest project vehicles that will debut next week in Las Vegas, Nevada. These vehicles represent some of the automotive industries most customized rides built by aftermarket parts companies and automotive manufacturers. In addition to these unique vehicles, MOTORZ TV have entered two vehicles in of their own, a 2005 Ford F-150 SuperCrew and a 2006 F-250 SuperDuty Crew Cab. Check out all of the cool rides inside.
Make sure you visit Truckblog.com all week long beginning November 2nd for our Live Blogging! For more details, click here.
NASCAR on Thursday announced that Camping World will be the title sponsor for the Truck Series beginning in 2009. The seven-year agreement gives Camping World the exclusive rights to sponsor the series, which has built its reputation on very competitive and tough racing. Camping World will enjoy the support of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, including millions who annually attend races of the series, which features 25 points events at 23 tracks across North America. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races will be broadcast live on SPEED or FOX which will result in more than $100 million worth of exposure for the new title sponsor.
Famous family owned off-road company, Baldwin Motorsports, are presenting one of their new 2008 Ford F-150 luxury trophy truck at the SEMA show next month. Constructed out of a Cromoly steel frame with the finest American technology and craftsmanship available, the Ford F-150 is one bad ass off road vehicle. The Baldwin's threw in a 427 cubic inch, Roush Racing motor under the hood that pushes 557 horse power and 601 foot pounds of torque. Check out the full list of goods and photos inside.
Short notice, but the quickest ever diesel-powered racing truck, the Banks Power S-10, is scheduled to go after a new NHRDA (National Hot Rod Diesel Association) quarter mile record at Speedworld Dragstrip in Whittmann, Arizona this Saturday, October 4. The twin-turbocharged GM Duramax-engined machine currently holds title as the quickest and fastest pickup truck in the quarter-mile (taking only an astonishing 7.723 seconds and clocking a breath-taking 179.21 miles-per-hour in the process).
The Bleacher Report is stating that some thieves broke into the Roush Yates engine shop last week and stole three Ford engines valued at $50,000 each. Used at the Craftsman Truck Series and Nationwide Truck Series races, police say the thieves "cut a hole in the wall and were able to get in and out of the doors". The engines themselves weigh about 500 pounds each, so moving the precious cargo could not have been that easy. The bad guys reportedly "wheeled them out into a stolen Penske cargo van" where Police officials later found that van abandoned. Police Lt. Joseph Cooke stated "These are not everyday engines. These are NASCAR specific engines. You can't put them in a car, plus they are Roush Yates engines, Very specific". Anyone with knowledge of the incidents is encouraged to call the Mooresville Police at 704-664-3311 or South Iredell Crime Stoppers at 704-658-9056.
Championship Off Road Racing tore its way through San Diego again this past weekend and Chris, Jason G. and myself captured some amazing (carnage) footage of Saturdays race. Trucks were bumping, crashing, and rolling over all around the track!
Click here to view photos of the event (photography by Chris D and Jason G) and keep checking back for video of the race.
Championship Off Road Racing is back again, this time tearing up the track at Chula Vista International Raceway in Chula Vista, California this weekend. Chris, Gillmore and I will be down on the track capturing all of the killer action!
You can also check out the races LIVE on the SPEED network and NBC Sports. SPEED will be showcasing Saturdays race from 2:30PM-4:30PM Pacific, 5:30PM-7:30PM Eastern. NBC Sports will cover the weekend races from 10:30AM to 12:00PM Pacific and 1:30PM-3:00PM Eastern.
Ticket prices start at $30 for adult general admission, $46 for adult premium admission, $5 for kids 4-12 years old, and children 3 and under are free.
Motivated by this outstanding series of success, Porsche is now for the first time presenting the new Cayenne S Transsyberia for road and off-road use at the Paris Motor Show (4 – 19 October 2008). Like the extra-robust rally model, the road-going version is also based on the Cayenne S with its 4.8-litre V8 naturally-aspirated power unit featuring highly economical and efficient Direct Fuel Injection. The big difference, however, is that the new Transsyberia comes with the high-performance power unit carried over from the Cayenne GTS, developing 405 bhp (298 kW) at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 500 Newton-metres (369 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm. In conjunction with the final drive likewise carried over from the GTS but shortened by 15 per cent to 4.1:1, the Cayenne S Transsyberia offers an even higher level of performance. With the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 6.1 seconds, another 0.5 seconds faster than the Cayenne S.
Bleacher Report is reporting that Dodge has made the decision to back out of the NASCAR inspired Craftsman Truck Series, noting the decision was based off of a "rough economy and high cost of racing". Led by Bobby Hamilton Racing, Dodge was able to conquer 36 of 99 races between the 2001 and 2004 years. Dodge announced this morning they will no longer be able to support Hamilton Racing, pulling out completely from the racing series.
“It is going to happen and it will be one of the great Performance Motorsports events in the region with programs for everyone ranging from the Novice Driver to the experienced Pro” those are the words of Joe Hill Event Director for the upcoming Midwest Motorsports Festival presented by Auto Meter at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, October 11 & 12, 2008. With over $60,000 in cash, prizes, trophies and awards to be distributed to the participants this event offers one of the most exciting formats for everyone interested in motorsports. – DrSpeed
Rod Hall Racing’s Team Hummer demonstrated its stock class desert racing dominance as the team swept the production classes at Friday’s 2008 Best in the Desert “TSCO Vegas to Reno.” Despite the grueling conditions of the 457-mile race, Team Hummer owner Rod Hall and sons Josh Hall and Chad Hall finished the race with three class victories from their production class H3, H2 SUT and H3 Alpha. Team driver Emily Miller earned a 3 rd place in the full-size SUV stock class H2 and completed her quest to become the first woman to drive the entire race.
Rod Hall Racing's Team Hummer, recognized as the most successful stock class desert racing program, attempts to enter the record books again this weekend as team driver Emily Miller, embarks on a quest to become the first woman to drive the entire 457-mile Best in the Desert (BITD) "TSCO Vegas to Reno" race. Racers take the green flag on Friday, August 22, 2008.
This weekend the National Hot Rod Diesel Association will be holding the MBRP Performance Exhaust Diesel Drag Race Series at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida on August 9th. Competition fees are as follows: Pro Street-$45, Super Street-$45, Pro 1 Bracket-$35, Pro 2 Bracket 2-$35. Gates open at 4:30pm with a driver meeting at 5pm, qualifying starts at 5:30pm, and eliminations begin at 7pm. General admission for adults is $5 and kids 12 and under are free. For more information visit www.nhrda.com
Truckblog gamers unite! "Baja: Edge Of Control" is set to launch September 8, 2008 for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 gaming platforms. Retailing for $59.99, the off-road racing game throws you into the heart of Baja racing and takes you through the most realistic, "edge of control racing game ever" created.
OCA TV are now inviting audience members to join them in the first United States episode of Top Gear which films July 26th in Los Angeles, California. Adam Carolla will host the in-studio shoot for NBC, joined by co-hosts Tanner Foust and Eric Stromer. All audience members will be required to submit proof of identification in order to participate in the filming. If you are interested in attending the first episode click here.
Edmunds Inside Line have captured video of the 2010 Ford F-150 "Raptor" SVT pickup truck hunting around the streets of Dearborn, Michigan. Based off of a Baja-truck design, the F-150's front wheel travel is expected to be increased by four inches from Eibach springs and Fox Racing remote-reservoir shocks. BFGoodrich are supplying the all-terrain tires mounted on a pair of 17 inch custom wheels. Word has it that the rear differential will also have an electronic-locker. Whether it's on the pavement or in the dirt, the new "Raptor" pickup is one sweet looking ride. Check out the video link inside.
After announcing a pretty lame line up of new hosts for the United States' Top Gear series (the only one with any driving credibility is Tanner Foust), NBC will be featuring full episodes of their American version of Top Gear each week on their website as soon as the series starts this fall. Set for the 2008 to 2009 NBC primetime line up, the highly anticipated Emmy award-winning television series will "follow three friends as they attempt to perform outrageous challenges and stunts through the crazy transformations they make to their cars". I wonder if "they" (Tanner Foust) will hop in the seat of a Ford Lightning, Chevrolet SS or Dodge SRT10 pickup?
Pickuptrucks.com obtained information about the new 5.7-liter eight cylinder TRD supercharger from Toyota for the 2007 and newer Tundra pickup trucks. Set up as a twin screw roots-type unit at a boost pressure of 8.5 pounds per square inch, the TRD supercharger cranks out 504 horse power and 550 foot pounds of torque, up from the stock 381 horse power and 401 foot pounds of torque. Toyota is backing their TRD supercharger with a 12 month, unlimited mileage warranty, or remaining balance of the factory 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. The new unit will set you back a hefty $5,875.
Edmunds Inside Line has uncovered information that performance experts, Saleen Inc., have released their VI twin-screw supercharger for the 2007 to 2008 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. The supercharger unit features a revolutionary two-stage water-to-air intercooler system which adds up to 100 horsepower and 100 foot pounds of torque.
Ever since I was a child (some of you can stop laughing now), I have had a fascination for pre-runner desert racing trucks and although I know the sport pretty well, the following video would make me scream for an "oh shit" handle. Driven by Marty Coyne, father of Travis Coyne whom we interviewed last year at Championship Off-Road Racing, managed to save the race truck from rolling over after jumping dozens of feet into the air and landing sideways. Check out the video inside.
Linear Logic of Mesa, Arizona are making it easier for you to increase your fuel economy with the ScanGauge II, a gas-saving gadget that connects directly to your Diagnostics System (OBDII port), and gives you instant feedback from your engine. Working on nearly all post-1996 vehicles, the ScanGauge II features a LCD read out that can display up to four engine and vehicle parameters at one time, leaving you with dozens of parameter combination's.
Not quite Fred Flintstone status, the Trailcart is the world's first pedal powered four wheel drive off-road vehicle. The Trailcart features a permanent four wheel drive system that can conquer anything in it's path up to a 400 Milli-Meter axle displacement. To stop this bad boy, it has a double action mechanical hydraulic braking system. The whole Trailcart itself is constructed from sports-bike parts, including it's eight speed shifting system. With eight gears under your ass, you're guaranteed to scream "Yabba Dabba Doo!".
Off-road racing legend and Team Hummer owner Rod Hall, Reno, Nev., entered the record books once again as he earned his record-breaking 18th career Baja 500 win in the 2008 SCORE International Baja 500. Hall and Mike Winkel, also of Reno, piloted his Rod Hall Racing Hummer H3 to first place in the Stock Mini class in a time of 14:42:54.
The California Truck Jamboree Plus & Moto-Palooza show will be arriving at the end of the month. Combining two shows into one, the one day event will be held on June 29th, 2008 at Hidden Valley Park in Irvine, California. The Truck Jamboree Plus will feature hotrods, custom and classic cars, pickup trucks, heavy duty trucks, motorcycles and more. There will also be "Shocker" the monster truck, live music and more. The show runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and adult spectator tickets are just $15 and children under 12 are FREE with a paid admission. Also, there is free parking. For more information, check out the Truck Jam website at www.TruckJamPlus.com.
The National Hot Rod Diesel Association will be holding "Diesel Fest 2008" on June 8th, 2008 in Union Grove, Wisconsin. There will be a diesel drag race series with four classes: Pro Street, Super Street, Pro 1 Bracket and Pro 2 Bracket. Gates will open at 9:00 AM with qualifying rounds occurring from 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM. Spectators get in for just $15, kids for $6.00 and children under 5 are free. For more information check out the NHRDA website at www.nhrda.com.
The 2009 Land Rover G4 Challenge is an exciting global adventure competition with driving at its core, run in the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The program begins with a grueling series of selections and culminates in the Challenge Finals, when teams of two competitors from each of the 18 entered nations will compete for victory.
Hummer off-road racing teams bring their winning traditions to the Baja peninsula once again as Rod Hall Racing's Team Hummer and Robby Gordon Off-Road prepare their Hummer desert race trucks to tackle this year's 40th Anniversary SCORE International Tecate Baja 500, May 30 to June 1, in Ensenada, Mexico.
Edmunds Inside Line have posted their review of the 2008 Hennessey Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT530 (try to say that fast 3 times). While the Hennessey looks and sounds menacing, you may have to sell your family to help pay for the price of fuel for this gas guzzling SUV. With an all wheel drive, 530 horse power 6.1 liter V8 engine that launches zero to sixty miles per hour in a mere 4.6 seconds, AND does the quarter mile in 12.9 seconds, we hope that gas mileage is of unimportance to the lucky owner.
Mike Levine has posted an article of a Hummer H2 build up, being prepped for the Baja 500 race in Mexico at the end of the month. The article shows the full tear down and installation of a H2 SUV including a roll cage, larger gas tank, racing seats, off road suspension, performance by-pass shocks, custom paint, and more. Click here to check out more photos.
Known for leaking the 2009 Dodge Ram on the intarweb earlier this year, Dodge has accidentally posted an image of what appears to be the 2009 Dodge Ram R/T or SRT-10. The vehicle can also be found in a promotional video for the new Rambox, a bedside storage system being offered in the new 2009 Ram. Click here to visit the Dodge Ram website.
Found on Axis of Over Steer, this accident happened in Hungary during the Central Europe Rally, which is part of the Dakar Racing Series. The driver and co-pilot both survived, however the VW Touareg trophy truck did not. The picture leaves us begging the question: What Would Jesus Do? Check out the larger version inside.
Diesel performance is all about flow. Boost, fuel and especially the vehicles exhaust. That is why it is so important to keep your forced induction systems back pressure as low as possible. Low back pressure helps keep exhaust gas temperatures (EGT's) low and helps aid turbo performance and durability. This part is a great stand-alone as well as a complimentary up sell item to go with the Turbonetics bolt-on 7.3L Ceramic Ball Bearing upgrade turbo.
NHRA POWERade Pro Stock Car racers will soon head to Summit Motorsports Park at Norwalk, Ohio for a chance to win $50,000 at the 2008 K&N Horsepower Challenge Race. Racers are not the only ones that can win. You can enter the sweepstakes for a chance to attend the race courtesy of K&N and a chance to win the Pontiac G6 courtesy of General Motors by entering “The K&N Horsepower Challenge” Sweepstakes.
In efforts to protest gasoline and diesel fuel prices, a sign painter in Kentucky has hung up his paint brushes, and traded in his pickup truck for a new model horse. I don't know how he could possibly be saving money though, as the cost of oats for a horse are higher than the price of gas, at $84.61 for a 50 pound bag, according to Simply Natural. Oh well, at least homeboy made it on CNN. If you feel inclined to see the story on TV, you can view the video here.
Team Hummer earned first place in every production class in Saturday’s Best in the Desert Racing Series Terrible’s 250 at Primm, marking the first time the team has earned three victories in a race. In addition to the stock class wins, Emily Miller earned a Safari Pre-Runner class second place finish in her inaugural race, driving the Team Hummer H2 SUV.
Removing the heavy steel clutch fan from your 2003 to 2008 Cummins diesel equipped Dodge Ram, sounds like a strange way to make more horsepower and torque. Yet, Flex-A-Lite’s testing shows that significant performance can be gained this way, by reducing the load on the engine while improving on the cooling system for improved towing and fuel economy. – DrSpeed
Hummer off-road racing teams are making final preparations to demonstrate their off-road prowess on opposite sides of the globe this weekend. The competition begins with Team Hummer’s entry in Best in the Desert Racing Series Terrible’s 250 at Primm, April 19, and concludes with Robby Gordon Motorsport’s Team Dakar USA’s Hummer H3 race trucks competing in the inaugural Dakar Series Central Europe Rally, April 20-26.
PX3 Xtreme Oil Booster, released by PX3 Lubricants, has dynamometer tests confirming an increase in Horsepower and Torque up to 5% or more; offers protection against heat and cold dry starts; and reduces friction and engine wear. Additionally, users have reported improved fuel efficiency resulting in significant increases in gas mileage. Dynamometer tests on the Powerblock television broadcasts confirmed PX3 Lubricant’s statements.
Pickuptruck.com has posted pictures and information of a new TRD supercharger system for the Toyota 5.7-liter iForce V8. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) are claiming that the unit produces 504 horsepower, and runs the quarter mile in the mid 13 second mark. That's all fine and dandy, but with gasoline prices now at a national average of $3.33 (and $4.00 here in CA), according to the Energy Information Administration, is a supercharged eight cylinder truck something we really need?
Baja Designs new Diablo Rally light will have you seeing double by incorporating their race proven Diablo lens not once, but twice! The new Diablo Rally doubles your light output by incorporating two Baja Designs Diablo lenses stacked one on top of the other.
ROUSH introduces the first dedicated propane-powered F-150 pickup truck using an advanced liquid propane injection system. The ROUSH F-150 liquid propane injection system is designed and manufactured to operate solely on propane while providing the same horsepower, torque and drivability of an F-150 equipped with a gasoline-powered 5.4-liter, 3-valve TritonTM V-8 engine.
I don't know where the guys at Jalopnik find this crap, but it's really amazing. As seen in the photographs, the vehicle is a Holden UTE sport truck, which are sold in Australia. Lifted on huge Mickey Thompson Baja Claws and packed with a 6.0 liter V8 engine, "Da Hulk" as it's called, also has what seems to be hydraulic cross over steering, a full Dana 60 front axle, leaf springs, a Westin Bull Bar, six Lightforce HID off road lights, flared fenders, chrome side steps, and roll bar. Mudding anyone?
If you have a "case of the Mondays", just like Peter Gibbons did from the 1999 comedy, Office Space (a Truckblog favorite), then we've got some TPS Reports...I mean, blogs, for you! Here's a wrap up of our best blogs from last week.
Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords posted an installation article of a Roush, "RoushCharger" supercharger system on a 2004 Ford F-150. Boasting over 370 foot pounds of torque, the roots-style supercharger system from Roush helped meet their goal with more efficient towing power. The article is very detailed and provides a little bit of history behind the centrifugal versus roots style supercharging units, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
While walking around the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com found the Toyota "Warrior", buried in the "back-40" of Toyota's booth at the Chicago Auto Show. Mike was able to speak with Toyota spokesman, Joe Tetherow, about the "Warrior" truck and its features.
Walker Evans now offers a 20 inch Bead Lock offroad race wheel in their lineup. Made of a one-piece pressured cast aluminum wheel, the 20 inch rim offers a custom backspace from 4 and 3/4 inch to 6 inch spacing. The wheel comes in the standard 5, 6 and 8 lug bolt patterns and includes a bead lock ring, bolts and steel insert already installed. You also have the option of choosing a machine and shotpeen finish, polish or power coat. For more information visit www.walkerevansracing.com
Once again, Mike Levine of Pickuptruck.com, has obtained images of the new "Roushcharged" Chevrolet Silverado from Roush Performance Products. No details have been released from Roush about the truck yet, but you can bet the stock 6.0-liter Vortec will be pushing well over 500 horse power with a Roushcharger blower. The truck has been found cruising the streets of Michigan.
Four Wheeler Magazine has uncovered some information regarding Ford Motor Company and their long travel suspension 2009 F-150. Being codenamed "Raptor" (any Jurassic Park fans?), the program is well into development and is roughly a year and a half to two years away from being in production.
This is insane. What do you do with 2 monster trucks, a helicopter, a CORR series race truck, a calculator, and a group of 10 freestyle motorcycle riders? You choreograph them launching off 4 seperate ramps at the same time, of course! This extreme stunt is sure to grant them the most viewed section on YouTube for this week!
Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords tested and reviewed a supercharged 2007 Roush Nitemare Edition Ford F-150 with the goal of reaching 13's in the quarter mile test. Ford discontinued the famous SVT Lightning in 2004, and with many disappointed enthusiasts, have now launched the high performance F-150 by Roush. Does it live up to a benchmark 13.33 second time set by its predecessor? Find out here.
