Auto Industry News: High-Speed Chase, Around the Circuit, and Boosted with Electric

Hellcat Police Chase

Move over, OJ. There’s a new high-speed chase in town by the name of “Some Guy In a Dodge Charger Hellcat.” That joke is low-hanging fruit since no one, thankfully, was injured as the Hellcat driver weaved in and out of highway traffic while being chased by the police. He supposedly stole the ride and once the chase was on, he flew at speeds of well over 100 mph. These rides may be barely street legal, but there was no way he’d outrun the helicopter filming the whole thing. At least he had the decency to pull over while making a phone call. Check out the video below.

Speed Demon Hennessy Venom F5

After three years of teasing a new speed demon vehicle, Hennessy finally confirmed the Venom F5. The company announced that that vehicle will be officially unveiled November 1st. Up to this point, they did a decent job of keeping much of the information under wraps. But it wouldn’t be a proper unveiling if some of that info didn’t “magically” leak first. The speculated engine is a V8 and rumored to have 1,500 horsepower. Oh yeah, and the F5 is said to go 0 to 60 in two seconds. Yo. The F5 (named after a tornado) is supposedly capable of achieving 300 mph. If that is true, that’d make it the fastest road car in the world. Hey, if you’re gonna die, die in the blaze of glory. Steven Tyler, you in line for another Hennessy? We foresee a Barrett Jackson charity auction in the future…

Fastest Electric Hill Climb Ever?

That’s exactly what Volkswagen aims to achieve. The German automotive company is said to be developing an all-electric, all-wheel roadster for next year’s Pike’s Peak competition. If you’re thinking the timing of this strive for electric greatness is a little too perfect, then you’re not alone. VW was recently outed in one of the largest emissions scandals in history, fabricating numbers and installing cloaking devices to make diesel vehicles street legal. So, it would make sense for the legendary company to try and clean up their image.

The problem, however, is that VW doesn’t necessarily have the greatest track record at Pike’s Peak. The last time they had a vehicle compete there, a Golf, it failed to even reach the top. If anything, the automaker has a prime opportunity to put their money where their mouth is and prove that German engineering can succeed AND follow the rules.

Massive 1970 Chevy K-20 Build

Maybe they can use a tip or two from Darren Sammartino who rebuilt an incredibly bold and incredibly blue 1970 Chevy K-20 named “Elanor”. First purchased at the age of 15, Sammartino’s build was inspired by the mud drag race truck his dad drove when he was a kid. Now at the ripe old age of 22, Dad is certainly proud because this thing is a beaut. Diesel Army thinks so too, as they were numero uno to give this build much-deserved love. First of all, it’s high. It’s got an LMC Body lift kit with 20×12 Anthem Aviators wheels wrapped up tight in 37″ Mickey Thompson Baja MTZs. Truly a sight to behold.

And the goods can be found underneath, too. A 1992 12-valve Cummins to be exact, so you know Elanor is both bark AND bite. One of Darren’s primary upgrades to the engine is an Industrial Injection-built VE fuel pump. A fuel pin and a 62mm turbocharger pair with the VE for ample boost. And lest not forget the MBRP 3″ turbo-back exhaust. But when  you’re looking to make a statement, go for the 8″ stacks…

Around the Circuit

From jacked up to the speed ring, it was a big weekend for Motocross. And the 2017 Red Bull Straight Rhythm had a few familiar names in the winners bracket this past Sunday. Steinke snagged the win in the Two-Stroke shootout while McElrath took the overall win in 250 class. Musquin rounded out the day, capturing the win in 450 Class. Surprise, surprise, Lewis Hamilton went from pole position to victory lane at the US Grand Prix, beating out Sebastian Vettel. That finish mirrors the standings in the Drivers Championship and Lewis will look to defend his overall lead. Next week is the Mexican Grand Prix.


The NASCAR Playoffs were shrunken down to a field of eight after Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway, which Martin Treux Jr. won. Season-long contender Kyle Larson was eliminated from the playoffs, stunning fans after his engine went up in smoke. Martin Truex Jr, Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott all made the cut. Next week the field moves on to Martinsville.

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