NHRA Going Against the Street Outlaws Television Show

 



The Street Outlaws reality T.V. show is like most reality T.V. shows these days: fake, set-up, factually incorrect and basically silly. But for some reason they have quite a fan base, somehow these reality T.V. shows get people to tune in even if they know that the show is fake. The Street Outlaws producers have even managed to get some licensed NHRA drivers to join in on the very dangerous and illegal act, but much to those racers surprise, the NHRA organization is not having it.

In the past week NHRA has sent out letters to licensed NHRA competitors to stop participating in the Street Outlaws reality T.V. show or be banned from the NHRA. There has been NHRA racers that have been a part of the show and other racers that are scheduled to show up on the show in coming episodes. But the NHRA makes it very clear that they do not promote street racing of any kind and if street racing is what you want to do, you can turn in your license and go be a part of it.

I am in my early 30s now, but spent a lot of my early 20s engaging in the dangerous act of street racing in the Detroit Michigan area. I for one know first hand what you see on the Street Outlaw reality T.V. show is very fake, produced, set-up and in some sense it actually makes street racing look less dangerous than it really is.

When I talk real street racing, I'm not talking about some back road that has been safely banned for any thru traffic except for T.V. show members and crew. I'm talking about spectators on both sides of the road all the way down to the finish line. Thru traffic always a possible obstacle – potholes, curbs, trees, telephones poles, the unsuspecting drunk driver – all dangers to a driver with a car that in most cases is not fully safety equipped to handle a high-speed wreck.


I would honestly like to say I have never seen anyone injured or killed, but I can't tell you either way. When something bad happens, the automatic reaction for everyone is to get to your vehicle and get the hell out of dodge. Even if a man is trapped inside a burning vehicle, the best thing you can do for him is call 9-1-1 as you are making your getaway. It's sad, but it's true, there's no “No Man Left Behind” when you are engaging in illegal activity.

Another thing that the Street Outlaws Reality T.V. show portrays is the harmless changing hands of money. Sure, when it is all set up for T.V., it's not a problem. But in real life, $3,000-$4,000 is a lot of money to hand over. That kind of money changing hands promotes arguments, fights, brawls, and even murder, that's right, murder. Bruised egos and illegal money sends people over the edge, add in a few drinks, a few puffs on the sweet marijuana, and a crowd of encouraging spectators, it doesn't take much to feel compelled to protect that ego.


I have since hung up my street racing helmet and headed to the track for some safe fun. I encourage everyone to do the same. The Street Outlaws Reality T.V. show is just that, a T.V. show. Real street racing is dangerous to yourself, for the spectators, innocent people who are clueless to what you are doing and on top of it all, if you get caught illegally gambling and racing, say goodbye to your driver license for a while and possible jail time.

1953 Corvette 1-of-300 at the Mecum Auction

 

You talk about a priceless Corvette to add to your car collection. At the Mecum Auction this February, a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette will be auctioned off to the public. Although there was only 300 of these 1953 Corvettes ever produced, making all of them collectibles, this Corvette will be the most valuable of them all. Number 1-of-300, this Corvette could not be more of a collectible – first year Corvette was produced, first Corvette off the assembly line.


All 300 of these 1953 Chevrolet Corvettes came with the same interior and exterior. Standard on the Corvette was a Polo white paint job that graced the curves of the exterior lines and a red interior. Also coming with the Corvette was chic white wall tires with painted steel rims and a very cool front chrome grille with chrome moldings. Drivetrain was simple as well, a standard 3.8-liter (235 cu.-in.) inline-six engine that got 150-hp. Not the type of power that today's Corvettes put out, but this Corvette was mainly built for cool cursing.

The Mecums Auction officials claim that this 1953 Chevrolet Corvette could fetch somewhere around $175,000 – $225,000, but depending who is in attendance and who is bidding, I think we could possibly see a lot bigger number than that. The Mecum Auction will be February 27th and 28th. If the Corvette is not quite your speed or maybe not in your budget, you should still take some time to check out the auction. Usually the Mecum Auction has some really cool cars that come across the auction block that can fit all kinds of different lifestyles and budgets.

Cadillac Heads for New Beginnings

 

After spending more than 100 years connected to the Motor City (Detroit) Cadillac has decided to take their luxury line to the more luxury city of New York. In an attempt to distance themselves from Chevy, Buick, GMC, and other GM products, Cadillac thinks that New York would just be a better place to promote a true luxury line to keep up with other luxury brands.


On Sunday night during the big awards show, Cadillac made that very clear. They aired in three different commercial slots showing where there vehicles fit in more – in the high-class world of New York. In that commercial they became the first of all of the top luxury brands to show off a 2016 vehicle with what seems to be their new model “Tread Greatly”. The Cadillac CT6 showed us a very aggressive fronts grille smoothly integrating into bold body-lines seemingly running the length of a football field, no doubt, if there every has been a doubt, another beautiful car for Cadillac.

The CT6 will be the start of Cadillac's new alphanumeric name system, which is another attempt to look and sound more luxurious while trending with the other luxury companies across the pound. The CT6 will be a rear-wheel-drive V-8 and despite much speculation, no one really knows what drivetrain is going to be used. There is some talk about a dual-turbocharged V-8, but those could just be pipe dreams for GM enthusiasts. I would speculate, but I would rather just wait until the New York Auto Show where it is set to be unveiled and the true identity of the drivetrain will be too.


Either way, this attempt to take on a new look in the auto industry could be a good thing for Cadillac and GM. One things for sure, it sure can't hurt. Competing against companies like BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes, any edge you can get is a good edge. And in the end, the old saying goes – Location, Location, Location.

Silverado Latest "Black Out" Edition

 

Chevrolet has decided to add another special edition to their Silveroda line-up. It's called the "Black Out Edition" and it will be added to the work truck model. Although a special edition, the Silveroda doesn't take on a crazy expensive price tag like one would think. The package only cost $1,595.00 unless you option up to the 5.3-Liter V-8, than it will cost you an extra $1095.00. The extra $1095.00 will still keep your price tag under $30,000.00, which is still a pretty good price for a brand new truck. And by most all accounts, optioning up to that bigger motor will probably be a pretty good idea, I mean, who wants a truck that looks badass but doesn't have the balls to back it up. 


The nice thing about the Chevy Silverado Black Out work truck is it is a base work truck with a base work truck price, but you'll be eliminating the plastic bumper and the steel rims that the WT model comes with. Instead your truck will have 20-inch aluminum rims, dark factory tint, blacked out Chevy emblems all the way around and more. The edition only comes in the regular and crew cab, Chevy probably left the extended cab out of the running for this edition to help keep the cost down.


Chevrolet is no stranger to making limited editions for their trucks. As of right now there is five different editions in their 2015 Silveroda line-up: The High Country, Rally Editions, Midnight Edition, Custom Sport Edition, and Texas Longhorns Edition. Most of these special edition Chevy Silverodas will cost a little more than just a few grand over base price like the Black Out Edition, so choose wisely.

High Country

650- hp in a Hennessey 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL That can Handle it

 


Who says a 6,000+ lb SUV that can carry seven-passengers and or can offer you a crazy amount of cargo space has to be sluggish when it comes to performance. The guys at Hennessey Performance Engineering definitely don't believe in that thought and that's why they decided to come up with a package for the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL (extended version) that proves a huge point.

When the Hennessey HPE650 performance package is applied to the Yukon's 6.2-liter EcoTech Supercharged V-8 it's pumps out a monster 650-hp. Now that 650-hp is not just designed for hauling the family around town or towing things, it's designed to go fast as well. In fact it performs so well it gets 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds while toppling the standing quarter-mile in 13.3 sec. at 113 mph, not bad for a vehicle that size.


With that kind of power you don't ever have to worry about your big SUV having troubles getting in-and-out of traffic even if you were to be towing something that is quite big, like a RV. You get all the comforts of a SUV on the inside, but the power capabilities of an up-scale four-door sedan that's designed to go fast. The Hennessey Yukon is just a great combination of power, comfort and versatility. 

The cool thing is that Hennessey Performance has packages for the Cadillac Escalade and the Chevy Suburban as well. So if you're driving an Escalade, Suburban or a Yukon Denali and you think you could use a little more power under your right foot, a Hennessey HPE650 performance package will give you more than enough power to tool around with. 

CTS-V is Back for 2016 With 640 Horsepower

In 2004, Cadillac came out with their very inconspicuous V-Series Cadillac. Not too many people knew too much about it until it started breaking records as the fastest luxury sports sedan in the world. Breaking records at places like Nürburgring raceway and on the quarter-mile made it clear it was not just a prettier version of the CTS.    

                                              

Every since the third-generation CTS was introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model, we have yet to see a V-Series Cadillac. But after a 2-year hiatus, Cadillac has the new generation CTS-V ready to be introduced to the world at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. It will be introduced as a 2016 model, and with all of the speculation that surrounded it for most of 2014, a drivetrain is now confirmed. 

For a long time there were rumors of a 4.5-liter twin turbocharged V-6 and probably a lot of hope for one from some people as that would make the Cadillac a quiet, quick little sedan. But Cadillac decided to go with the sure bet, and you can't get much more sure than the 640-hp, 6.4-liter supercharged, LT4 V-8 from the 2015 Corvette ZO6.

This may be a little disappointing to some GM enthusiasts. The powerful Corvette motor will be mated to the very well-respected eight-speed 8L90E automatic transmission. But unlike years in the past, there will be no manual transmission offered this time around. 

What gives this Cadillac a smooth ride and the ability to hit corners like a racecar is the Magnetic Ride Suspension that GM uses on all of their performance vehicles. Michelin Pilot Super Sports with 9.5-inch wide tires in the front and 10-inch tires in the back also add some help. Slowing the Cadillac down are Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in the front and four in the back.

Just like last time, the world-famous RECARO racing seats will fill the front seat area. Special badges, stitching, and trim will be placed all around the vehicle to let everyone know this is not just your average Cadillac. A big mesh front grille, special ventilated hood, rims and much more will help this Cadillac CTS-V standout in the crowd. And no worries, all standard CTS features including technology like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will carry over to the powerhouse V-Series Cadillac. Look for its unveiling this January in Detroit at the North American Auto Show.   

 

   

2016 Camaro: Little Changes

 

Possible New Hood

Some Camaro lovers probably hoped for a little different look for the Camaro in 2016, but it does not look like that is going to happen. For the most part, what is flying around at the Nürburgring is a heavy camouflaged 2016Camaro that looks to have little change to the body and styling.

There was a lot of talk about a possible throwback design to the earlier 70's look. Then there was also a lot of talk about just moving forward with a new generation of design. Then there is the actually outcome, pretty much the same as last year and why not, this style Camaro has been selling like hot cakes and Camaro lovers really seem to like it.

We do know that there will be a slight change in the look, like every year, but what will really be different is that the Camaro will now be put on the Cadillac ATS frame. I can't see how a lighter, smaller frame could hurt with performance on the already powerful Camaro. What will really be cool is that smaller frame with a twin turbocharged V-6 that has been rumored as a very serious considered option for 2016. All-and-all, it will still be a fun car to drive.

The New El Camino: The Holden UTE

Since 1959, the Chevrolet El Camino has been a super infatuation for car lovers. The sedan slash truck is popular among car shows and car cruises and definitely stands out as a vehicle in a class of its own.  

Since 1987, the rare-looking car has been discontinued, leaving a lot of El Camino fans wondering when and if they were ever going to bring it back. Chevrolet has brought back the COPO and the Yenko Camaro, GM as well has brought back other vehicles from the past and still planning to bring back others.

The question is if America loved the El Camino so much and Chevrolet was having such success with them, then why does Australia get to enjoy a version of the El Camino and Americans don't. The Australian car company Holden owned by GM produces a Holden UTE that looks just like an updated version of an El Camino.


General Motors had planned to have all of their production interest out of Australia by 2016 and that probably means that will be the end of the Holden UTE, especially since sales have been way down in the past 3 years. But one must wonder with GM making such strives by making big splashes in the industry from year to year with cars like the ATS-V, ZO6, Z28, a possible Grand National, etc. could an El Camino comeback be on the horizon?

The UTE is already designed with all top-of-the-line technology. The SS-V Redline series UTE already packs a 6.0L V-8 engine with about 367hp connected to a six-speed auto or manual transmission. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brakes and an FE3 Ultra Sport suspension is what helps control that power. All this would make it very easy for Chevrolet to put an LS motor and drivetrain in it practically with no modifications.

The Bells and Whistles:         

                      
8'' touch screen with Mylink
5-star ANCAP safety rating
Electronic Stability Control
park assist
rearview camera
blind-spot alert
front collision alert
electric parking brake
push-button start
lane departure warning
full range of airbags
Trailer assists
And much more...

It would just be pretty cool to see these Holden UTEs in America roaming around with a Chevy emblem on the front grille.

Cadillacs Bad Ass 2016 ATS-V

Recently Cadillac has been working hard to keep up with BMW sports sedans, and yes, they have been doing a good job of it too. The CTS-V was a good start, the CT6 really puts Cadillac on the map with its design, and the 2016 ATS-V, just unveiled, looks, and has the power to definitely take some customers away from BMW. 

Competing against the BMW 3-series is what Cadillac had in mind when they went to work designing the new ATS-V. Skipping the V-8, like what they used for the CTS-V, was a huge risk, but a V-6 twin-turbo seems to work well and competes more equally with BMW and other vehicles from across the pond.


The V-6 twin-turbo that Cadillac went with packs 450-RWHP and 445 ft-lb of torque. Buyers will have a choice of an eight-speed paddle shifter or a six-speed manual gearbox. For more improved performance, the ATS-V will come with an optional track-pack that will add 100 lbs. of down-force at 100 mph. You will also find that the new ATS-V will have 50 percent more stiffness in the handling than the original ATS.

With a curb weight of 3,600 lbs. and riding on a Magnetic Ride Control suspension with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires sticking to the ground, this is another Cadillac that not only can dazzle, while putting you in the lap of luxury, but also get you around corners like you're being chased in an action film.

Suspected price -- around $70,000.00

2015 Yenko Camaro: 700-HP it's Really Back

Unless you have been living under a muscle car rock for the last 40 years, you probably know about the Yenko/SC Camaros of the late 60's. They were very rare sought-after muscle cars that used the Corvette 427-cu.-in. powerplant to produce legendary Camaro power. Thanks to Don Yenko and the help of his dealership, they not only put the badass Corvette motors in them, but they also added cool visual effects that help the Yenko Camaros of the 60's standout and still draw huge prices on auction blocks today.

With the end of production of those Yenkos Camaros – probably didn't leave to many Camaro enthusiasts left that thought they would ever see another Yenko Camaro in production let alone a 21st century Yenko/SC Camaro. But General Motors had a few tricks up their sleeve when they bought the rights to the Yenko name in 2009 and moved forward in 2010 by unveiling a Yenko/SC prototype. It was pretty obvious after the enthusiasm that the Yenko prototype created it would only be a matter of time that we would see an actual production push of these bad boys.

At the 2014 SEMA show, Chevrolet unveiled a 2015 Yenko/SC Camaro that was built to tell the world that there would be a Yenko Camaro going into production. It was a joint project that involved the SLP company. A company that has joined up with Chevy many times in the past for high-performance specialty cars.

The new Yenko/SC will be much like the old – packed with all kinds of goodies and visual upgrades. Those upgrades start with an Eaton TVS 2300 supercharger stacked on a GM LS7 7.0-liter engine that packs a monster 700hp punch. Backing that will be either an automatic transmission or a manual trans with a dual-disc clutch assembly.

Visually the Camaro has a heritage style front-grille to go with an RTM cowl-induction hood. Yenko hood and body graphics are added with exterior 427 badges and Yenko door sill plates. To top all that off will be a badass looking black ZL1 rear-spoiler and five-spoke rims with a gunmetal finish and sYc center caps.

Only 50 of these Camaros will be produced this year and they will have to be ordered from SLP. So if this sounds like something you desperately want -- then you better order soon.

Camaro Gets Different Chassis for 2016

Although no photos leaks of what the new Camaro is going to look like, Chevrolet did confirm it will be using the Cadillac ATS coupe's chassis. The current Camaro chassis is a rear-drive modified version of the Holden Commodore by GM's Australian brand. The big move is due to the fact that GM no longer wants to be building vehicles in Australia in 2017, and this will ensure production will convert easily with no unneeded production shutdowns.


The Camaro will be on sale sometime next year but don't expect any spoilers until at least the North American International Auto Show, and GM says maybe not even then. Motor Trend has produced some spy pictures that showed what could be the 2016 Camaro all wrapped up, but they admitted they were not sure if they were on the right track.

The ATS chassis was designed to help the car compete with the BMW 3-Series. Out of all of GM's chassis, the ATS coupe's chassis is the closest fit to the Camaro. It is shorter in length, narrower, and weighs less than the current Camaro chassis. Chevy says it could help bring a little more of a European sports car feel when comes to the type of ride it will produce. But I'm not sure if that is a huge selling point for American sports car lovers.

The ATS already offers a four-cylinder turbo motor, and Chevy has confirmed that it is possible to see one in the Camaro as an option for 2016. Mustang, Camaros long time rival, already offers one, and since it would take no extra engineering to put a four-cylinder turbo in the Camaro to compete with Mustang, not to mention the European cars, I'd say the possibility is very real.