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Road Rumblings
Rolls Royce has announced that its all-electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft officially became the world’s fastest all-electric aircraft. Two new world records set by the aircraft on 16 November 2021 have been officially verified by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), which controls and certifies world aeronautical and astronautical records. Back in November, the aircraft reached a top speed of 555.9 km/h (345.4 mph) over 3 kilometers, smashing the existing record by 213.04 km/h (132 mph). In further runs at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Boscombe Down experimental aircraft testing site, the aircraft achieved 532.1 km/h (330 mph) over 15 kilometers – 292.8 km/h (182 mph) faster than the previous record. During its record-breaking run, the aircraft also clocked up a maximum top speed of 623 km/h (387.4 mph), making it the world’s fastest all-electric vehicle.
But there is one more accomplishment that needs confirmation from FAI. The third record of the company’s all-electric aircraft for the fastest time to climb to 3000 meters in a time of 202 seconds, breaking the current record by 60 seconds, is still going through the verification process. All three records were achieved in a day. On its record-breaking runs, the aircraft was propelled by a 400 kW (500 hp) electric powertrain and the most power-dense propulsion battery pack ever assembled in aerospace. During the successful world-record runs, the company gathered important data for its future electric power and propulsion systems for all-electric urban air mobility (UAM) and hybridelectric commuter aircraft. The company says the characteristics that air taxis require – such as the batteries – are very similar to what was developed for the ‘Spirit of Innovation.’
2023 Chevy Cor vette Z06 VIN 001 Commands $3.6 Million At Barrett-Jackson For Charity
The 670-hp 'Vette was sold to support Operation Homefront and will likely be parked for life. he new 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 is a beast. Equipped with the most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine ever fitted to a production car, its 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 produces 670 horsepower and can rev up to 8,600 rpm. Obviously, the first Z06 off the assembly line was bound to be a hot commodity, and now we know exactly how hot. Over the weekend, Chevy Corvette Z06 VIN 001 sold at auction for an eye-watering $3.6 million. If you think that's an absolutely crazy figure, it's because it is. However, it's all for a good cause. The car crossed the block at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in Arizona, and all of the proceeds from the sale are going to Operation Homefront, a charity set up to support military families. The multi-million dollar figure is the highest sale price ever recorded for a car donated by an auto manufacturer in a charity auction.
The C8 Z06 was purchased by none other than Rick Hendrick—again—who is the owner of the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team and a car dealership magnate. The unit he purchased is yet to actually be built, but it'll be the special 70th-anniversary car, which features trimspecific wheels and interior trim, making it a hair more special than a regular Z06. Hendrick has over 200 cars in his personal collection, 120 of which are Corvettes ranging from the C1 to C8 generations, and many of them are VIN 001s. Back in 2019, he dropped nearly a million dollars on a C7 ZR1, only to pay $3 million for the first C8 Corvette Stingray in 2020. Add this new Z06 for $3.6 million, and Mr. Hendrick has spent quite a bit of cash on new Corvettes alone in just three years. According to a press release from the automaker, Chevy's latest donation to Operation Homefront is just the latest in its ongoing support for the organization. It says it's donated several trucks in the past to support the group, as well as other financial donations. "The proceeds from the sale of this sensational Corvette Z06 will go a long way to helping us help our military families overcome their financial hardships and have the opportunity to thrive in the communities—our communities—they’ve worked so hard to protect," said John I. Pray Jr., president and CEO of Operation Homefront. As far as what Hendrick plans to do with the 'Vette, that's unclear. More likely than not, it will be subject to one short drive and then probably spend the rest of its life on a trickle charger. He once famously said that he'll likely never drive any of these cars, so there ya go. At least he doesn't keep his intentions a secret.
LS-Swap Wiring Just Got Easier With The Help Of Car tech
This new book from Cartech is sure to be a lifesaver for anyone taking on an LS swap. There is no denying the fact the LS engine is here to stay. Sure, GM doesn’t build them for production cars anymore, but the “late-model small block” is not going away anytime soon. If you have any interest in hot rods, you have surely followed hot-rodding trends and realize the LS swap is the most popular engine swap on the market. The folks at Cartech completely understand that reasoning. It’s easy to understand why, when you look at the potential it offers when building power. While kits and the aftermarket help with logis-tics and the placement of hardware (such as motor mounts, oil pans, and headers), the area that still remains a mystery to most, is how to wire and control the electronics of your swapped LS project. If you’re planning an LS swap or just want to fill your noggin with some great information, then you need this latest book from Cartech. In LS Gen III Engine Wiring Systems, expert Mike Noonan helps demystify the entire complicated process. Inside, you’ll find extensive coverage of things you must know. Aspects like tools of the trade, advice about quality connections, detailed coverage of all the engine control mod-ules offered, drive-by-wire systems, harness connectors, and cruise-control systems are just a portion of the information you’ll get. Also covered in depth are air-condi-tioning systems, coolingsystem fan operation, transmission interfaces and connectivity, and control-module programming (tuning) for standalone operation. The book features wiring diagrams and computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) artwork as well as an appendix with real-world projects and examples, this guide covers all the bases. Whether you are performing a simple swap that utilizes only the basics, a more complex project with all the bells and whistles or simply want a work-ing knowledge of how these systems work, the LS Gen III Engine Wiring Systems book will be a valuable resource for years to come.
Chevrolet Celebrates Corvette Milestone with 70th Anniversary Edition
Anniversary editions are always a great time to celebrate how many years a particular car has been in production, and Corvette has celebrated quite a few of them. Think of them like birthday parties for cars, but instead of cake and ice cream, you get special stripes and badges. This year marks Corvette’s 70th lap around the sun and if there wasn’t enough hubbub about the high-revving Z06 variant, the 70th Anniversary Edition gives just another reason for enthusiasts to swoon over the new supercar, as well as the Stingray Corvette. To start, the 70th will be available in either Stingray or Z06 variant, in one of two unique colors, an all-new White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat or Carbon Flash Metallic. Stripes can be added to either color, Satin Gray with the White Pearl Metallic Tri-coat and Satin Black with the Carbon Flash Metallic, to give a tip of the hat to Corvette’s racing history. The 70th Anniversary Corvettes will feature distinct, dark-colored wheels with commemorative center caps and a red stripe about its edge. There are also red stripes in the cockpit, as red stitching helps denote curves of those two-tone, Ceramic leather GT2 or Competition Sport seats and various interior panels. There are also red seatbelts, suede microfiber seat inserts, and steering wheel. 70th Anniversary Edition Package includes: 70th Anniversary Edition exterior badging (including special Corvette crossed flags). Edge Red brake calipers (Stingray coupes also include an Edge Red engine cover). 70th Anniversary Edition logo on seats, steering wheel, and sill plates. Rear bumper protector and trunk cover. Custom luggage set with red stitching and 70th Anniversary Edition logo If you’d like to attend the happy 70th birthday celebration for Corvette but aren’t sure you’d want to purchase the all-youcan-eat cake and ice cream package, you can still get in on the fun since all 2023 Corvettes (yes, even those not specially built as 70th-anniversary models) will feature a commemorative 70th-anniversary interior plaque located on the center speaker grille and a graphic imprinted on the lower rear window. The first retail production Z06 will be a 70th Anniversary Edition Corvette Z06 with VIN 001 rolled across the auction block on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, and the proceeds are benefitting Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit focused on building strong, stable, and secure military families who can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they’ve worked hard to protect. Famed Corvette Racing driver Oliver Gavin drove the 2023 Corvette Z06 stand-in vehicle across the auction block for this special occasion.
Dodge Opens Search for ‘Chief Donut Maker’
Dodge has opened the search for the new position of “Chief Donut Maker,” the automaker announced. The Chief Donut Maker will be a Dodge brand ambassador, and will get the opportunity to drive a Dodge SRT Hellcat and make appearances at auto events, while also attending Radford Racing School. “The Dodge Brothers were never content to follow the trends, they were the seekers of a better, faster, more outrageous way of doing things,” said Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis. “We’re looking to hire someone just like them as our Chief Donut Maker, someone who will embody their crazy cando America Muscle spirit and carry the torch of the single most engaged group of enthusiasts the automotive industry has to offer. And what better way to find them than creating this once in a lifetime opportunity that gives you the opportunity to drive the No. 1 Muscle Car in America.” Applicants interested in the parttime role will submit a short video showing why they’re best suited for the role: demonstrating passion, charisma and creativity, the company said. Then, champion wrestler Bill Goldberg will oversee a competition between the top ten finalists that will put their talents to the test. Contestants will be thrown into wild, hot seat scenarios, including racing a Dodge horsepower heavyweight (with a professional driver on a closed track). This series of eliminations will then be aired like a reality TV show with the final episode revealing Dodge’s new Chief Donut Maker. Dodge began taking applications on Jan. 20, with a deadline of Feb. 28. Applicants will need to show, in a short video (maximum length of two minutes), that they embody the spirit of the founding Dodge Brothers. For more info go to http://www.dodgegarage.com/chief-donut-maker
North Wilkesboro Speedway will be getting a much-needed facelift, according to Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith, who recently shared the company’s revitalization plans for the North Carolina speedway. Earmarked within the North Carolina state budget, the state is putting $18 million toward infrastructure improvements at the historic 0.625-mile facility. That money, Smith said, will go toward modernizing the venue to bring motorsports, concerts and other entertainment options back to the track. “The future of North Wilkesboro Speedway is bright,” Smith said at the Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 75th Membership Celebration. “There is a great opportunity to revive this fantastic venue to be, not just a racetrack, but a place that can host lots of events, a place that people will come to from far away and enjoy the community, enjoy the region and enjoy special events.” Thanks to the efforts of local volunteer groups, cleanup around the 75-year-old race track began several months ago and attention can now turn to prioritizing the necessary upgrades and refurbishment projects to reopen North Wilkesboro Speedway, track officials said. Smith highlighted his vision for the property through a series of renderings that showcased not only a return to racing, but also alternative uses like serving as a concert venue.
this is one of those one-in-a-million opportunities. “Water, sewer, electricity, roads, connectivity –those are a lot of the building blocks that we need to get done,” Smith said. “We want to keep the character of the property, celebrate the history, but, of course, make it safe, convenient and enjoyable for everyone who comes to visit. “In the car world, I would call it a resto-mod. It’s going to look old, but it’s going to work new. When you think about nostalgic opportunities,
“Our hope is to celebrate the history and look forward to the future. North Wilkesboro Speedway is an amazing, historic place for NASCAR. It’s almost like Fenway Park is to baseball. I think, with this money from the state and the American Rescue Plan, we can make some dreams a reality at North Wilkesboro Speedway.”
Smith noted the possibility of bringing a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event, the speedway said. “We specifically – and I’ll thank Marcus Lemonis, the CEO of Camping World for his voice of support – we specifically think it’s a real possibility to bring back NASCAR and the Camping World Truck Series to North Wilkesboro Speedway,” he said. “Those races are nationally televised events, and it’s a national NASCAR touring series. We have a number of those (races) in our portfolio, and I would love to see one of those here.”
