Auto Industry News: Pro Drifting, the Little Fiat that Could & Off-Road Insanity

The 2017 pro-drifting scene is about to get intense, no doubt about it. Falken Motorsports is expanding its involvement in Formula D and Super Street confirmed Chelsea DeNofa is joining forces with champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. in a two-car effort under the RTR Motorsports banner. “Each will be driving a 1,000 hp Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-D shod in Nitto Tire rubber (aka the “Bro-Stangs”), with JR’s rocking an updated Monster Energy livery while DeNofa’s will be an adaptation of the BC Racing wrap he had on his BMW E46 3-Series last year,” said Super Street.

DeNofa’s been a privateer throughout his career, operating on a next-to-nil team budget and unfortunately—or fortunately, if you’re the competition—troubled with car issues. With undisputed talent and a trunk full of spunk, this is the break DeNofa’s been waiting for in order to take his skill to the next level. Obviously we couldn’t be more thrilled that it’s with Magnaflow ambassador Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Let’s Build

Documenting customized builds first hand or bringing them to life via second-hand sharing has to be the coolest, more inspiring part of our day. Each vehicle, no matter how mainstream or off beat, is a blank canvas awaiting a keen eye and an artist’s touch. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a diesel truck reaching upwards of 2,000 horsepower, a rotted-out Cadillac that received a Cummins diesel engine transplant on Roadkill, a Street Jeep looking to turn a few heads whilst cruising topless or a classic hot rod with impeccable lines and a plum paint job—we’re all over it like white on rice. So without further adieu, let’s get acquainted with the week’s top picks.

“The Fiat That Ate A Lamborghini”

We didn’t believe it either but lo and behold, the Oemmedi Meccanica Fiat 500 is as astonishing as it is outrageous and as brilliant as it is flawlessly executed. “This is in essence, a Lamborghini Murcielago. That’s right, a proper, bonafide, kick ass supercar from a thoroughbred Italian manufacturer. Aside from some handmade bodywork that barely covers the mid mounted 6.2L V12 engine, this is a Lamborghini. No really, it is. With 580hp,” said writer Bryn Musselwhite of Speed Hunters.

The romanticized details of such an exquisite Italian car build can only be compared to a lavishly prepared three-course Italian meal where one summons the willpower to put down the second cannoli and save just enough room for an overpriced cordial after dinner. The indescribable feeling between “That was simply perfect” and “I feel like I want to explode” is the Oemmedi Meccanica Fiat 500, a happy median when your belly is full and your heart is even fuller.

1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ Pickup – Say Whatt?

“What do you do if you have a pile of Jeep parts, some spare time, and an amazing talent for bodywork? If you’re John Hendrix, you build a one-of-a-kind TJ pickup,” said Four Wheeler Network. “With the want for something different and the skill set to achieve his goals, Hendrix bartered, scavenged, and fabricated his ’97 Wrangler into the super-low machine you see here today,” continued Four Wheeler Network. Hendrix’s rig is personalized for outdoor pleasure; it can maneuver challenging terrain and has enough room in the back to curl knees to forehead and sleep under the stars. Readers, dive into the editorial details here.

What’s New?

GM was all over the news this week. The Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette and Buick remain stagnant on dealer lots, but the Spark is up 21.5 percent and the Trax 37.2 percent during February. Yes, it’s growth on a small number, yet confirms electric cars continue to win over consumers and crossover sales continue to soar. Also, according to GM Authority and Reuters, the company will rehire 500 of 1,100 workers to provide GM with the necessary flexibility to meet market demand as crossovers and other utility vehicles eat into passenger car sales.

Aftermarket

But the aftermarket is not without big news as well. In a day and age where more is, well, more, manufacturers are racing faster than ever before to unleash the next biggest horsepower boost. Borla released its new F-150 exhaust kit, as did Flowmaster for the 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. But if you’ve got an EcoBoost Mustang, get Hooker.

“The iconic Hooker Headers brand has taken on a fresh face in recent times. Aside from Hooker’s commitment to performance and quality, the company’s new BlackHeart Speed Exhaust product line incorporates a new focus: All the BlackHeart products are fashioned from 304 stainless steel and are part of complete cylinder-head-to-exhaust-tip systems for today’s performance car favorites. They are designed, tested, and built in Hooker’s Bowling Green, Kentucky, facility,” said Mustang 360.

While on the topic of unprecedented power, ProCharger has an easy bolt-on blower that adds 58 percent more power to the S550’s 3.7L. “Since Ford carried over the trusty and robust 3.7L to the S550, ProCharger did some retooling to its 2010-2014 kit to accommodate the new chassis layout. The R&D results produced a supercharger kit that takes the 3.7L into GT territory and beyond with only about five to seven hours of your time and zero permanent modifications to the car,” said Mustang 360.

Jeepers & Truckers

Oh, we didn’t forget about you! Rampage Products now offers a Mesh Shade Bikini Top for 2- and 4-door Jeeps, as well as US flag cowl covers. TrailFX launched its toughest winch yet, the Reflex Series; hardcore off roaders won’t be disappointed at its rugged appearance and top-quality performance. Teraflex Falcon Series shocks are all the rage, and Westin Automotive now offers hood scoops. If you’re more of a professional-kinda guy (or gal!), then Dee Zee is wowing consumers with its all-new K-Series bumpers.

Consumer Rebates

We all want the latest and greatest toys, but they sure do take a hit to the wallet. Here are some savings, courtesy of the manufacturers.

AMP Research: Claim a $50 gift card with a qualifying purchase of any BedStep, BedStep2 or BedXtender HD. Offer valid through 3/31/2017.

AVS: Claim a $25 gift card with a qualifying purchase of an AVS Ventvisor and AVS Hood Shield on a single purchase transaction. Offer valid through 3/31/2017.

Bushwacker: Claim a $25 gift card with a qualifying purchase of Bushwacker Trail Armor Body Protection. Offer valid through 3/31/2017.

Lund: Claim a $50 gift card with a qualifying purchase of any four-piece set of Lund Fender Flares. Claim a $10 gift card with a qualifying purchase of any Cargo Logic System or Catch It front or rear floor liners. And claim a $50 gift card with a qualifying purchase of a set of 5″ or 6″ nerf bars. Offers valid through 3/31/2017.

Rampage Products: Claim a $75 gift card with a qualifying purchase of any front or rear Recovery Bumper, New TrailRam Modular or TrailGuard Bumper. Offer valid through 3/31/2017.

Stampede Automotive: Claim a $30 gift card with a qualifying purchase of any four-piece set of Stampede Fender Flares.

BedRug: Purchase any BedMat and receive a $10 mail-in rebate. Offer valid through 3/31/2017.

Pro Comp: Receive a $50 mail-in rebate with a qualifying purchase of four Pro Comp A/T Sport or Xtreme MT2 tires. Offer valid through 3/31/2017.

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.