Auto Industry News: Need for Speed, Jeep Beach & More

Need for Speed

There’s some serious need for speed in this week’s auto industry news. WIX filters is celebrating 50 years in racing. DENSO joined forces with NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle racer Angie Smith. And Formula Drift PRO 2 Round 1 Orlando results proved exciting, as hometown hero Kevin Lawrence snagged the victory.

But in terms of ultimate speed, there’s a black and red Hennessey Exorcist Camaro ZL1 that makes Demon-like power at the wheels. “With 840hp and 770 lb-ft of torque available on race gas, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will have few peers when it arrives this fall. But the Hennessey Exorcist Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has it beat when it comes to sheer power, as this dyno run shows,” said Motor Trend.

“In fact, the tuned sixth-gen Camaro likely makes even more than the 1,000hp advertised. In a video published by Hennessey Performance, an Exorcist made 959.32hp and 756.29 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. If you calculate for the usual 15-percent drivetrain loss, that works out to a Demon-smiting 1,103hp at the crank. To make that much power, the ZL1 gets a larger supercharger, upgraded intercooler, ported heads, an aggressive camshaft, long-tube headers, an improved intake system and a retuned ECU,” continued Motor Trend. Now watch all of those upgrades work in harmony to produce the booming, holy engine note in the video below.

Earnhardt to Retire

Sadly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be hanging up the helmet at the end of the 2017 season. Unfortunately, it’s time for the near 43-year-old two time Daytona 500 winner to pack it in after competing in 18 seasons and more than 600 races. He’s “captured 26 points-paying Cup race wins and has been voted by fans as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver a record 14 consecutive years,” said Anthony Bowe of The SHOP.

Hold Up, Autonomous Apprehension

So we Americans seek the ultimate adrenaline rush when it comes to all-things speed and performance, from NHRA, NMRA, NMCA and NASCAR to Formula Drift, Terracross, Monster Truck and diesel sled pulling. But a new AAA report indicates US drivers have serious safety concerns about sharing the road with autonomous cars. Ironic huh? While we seek autonomous technologies such as self-parking, the idea of a fully self-driving car is still too much, too quick.

Jeep Beach

This week’s auto industry news wouldn’t be complete without Jeep Beach action. During the past few years, the annual event has become the largest Jeep-only stomping grounds in the South East. Attracting enthusiasts and industry vendors from all over the USA, Canada and even overseas, Jeep Beach brings attendees more than five days of fun in the sun with thousands of fellow Jeepers.

The main event takes place at Daytona International Speedway today and tomorrow, but the entire week is littered with 4×4 activities at various off-site locations. There was a Tuesday night kickoff party followed by trail rides, a scavenger hunt, beach-side concerts, a Jeep cruise, show n’ shine event, raffle prizes, a vendor show and, of course, a cool obstacle course.

Some of the industry’s leading aftermarket manufacturers will be present to mingle with 4×4 lovers, including Fab Fours, WARN Industries, Rugged Ridge, TrailFX, Smittybilt and more. And some of the east coast’s most prominent retailers will be there to sell and shake hands with enthusiasts as well, including Jeepers Den, Truckin Motion, DV8 Motorsports, Rusty’s Off Road, Tampa Off Road Center, Happy Trails 4×4, Fortec 4×4, Morris Center, Extreme Performance, The Jeep Hut and Jester Offroad. View the schedule of events here!

Consumer Rebates

In need of some retail therapy? Here are some savings, courtesy of the manufacturers.

Yukon Gear: Claim up to a $150 rebate with a qualifying purchase of drivetrain components between March 6, 2017 – May 19, 2017.

Gibson Performance: Claim up to a $75 rebate with a qualifying purchase between March 1, 2017 – May 31, 2017.

Edelbrock Performance: Receive a FREE air cleaner with the purchase of a new Performer or Thunder Series Carburetor. Offer valid between March 1, 2017 – April 30, 2017.

Corsa: Claim a $25 rebate with a qualifying air intake purchase between March 1, 2017 – May 31, 2017. Claim a $50 rebate with a qualifying Corsa or dB exhaust between March 1, 2017 – April 30, 2017.

Auto Meter: Claim up to a $175 rebate with a qualifying purchase of AutoMeter tachs between March 1, 2017 – April 30, 2017.

Air Lift: Purchase an Air Lift on-board air compressor system or any qualifying Air Lift adjustable air spring kit from a professional installer, have it installed by them and get a $75 rebate. Offer valid through 4/30/2017.

* Visit the manufacturer websites for downloadable forms. Remember to #shoplocal and support your area retailer! Until next week’s auto industry news, enjoy the fun that awaits you this weekend.