WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2013 |

Each decade has its own style and flavors, and even though certain fashion trends come back in style from time to time, we think that some things are better left in the past. Of course, that's our opinion and you may freely disagree with it.We're told this 2013 Chrysler 300 sedan that wefound on eBay was "custom factory built for a retiring 72 year old entrepreneur" and CEO, who obviously had some fond automotive memories from the 1970s and 1980s.
You can see that from the chrome surrounds on the window frames, the [sic] side opera lighting, and canvas top with the letter-box opening of the rear window, to the pinstriped wheels and individualized interior with the – wait for it –mouton fur (sheepskin) floors.
For some reason, the owner only used the V6-powered car for a mere 2,200 miles (a little over 3,500 km) before placing it for sale at a "Valued Price" of $44,444 (someone has a thing for fours…).

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 |

Some say that a true performance EV cannot be fully realized with today’s technology. They argue that the added weight of batteries makes handling and braking worse, and that the lack of engine noise detracts from the experience of driving.

But now, with cars like the Tesla Model Sreceiving praise for their performance, it’s definitely worth watching the video below – it’s Drive's drive of EV West’s Pikes Peak-ready BMW E36 M3, which has been converted to run on electricity.

The car is built like a stripped-out racing car from the ground up, and it gets one of the most thorough roll cage setups we’ve seen in modified cars of this kind - this is essentially an old BMW, after all. However, it needs this kind of construction, so that the chassis doesn’t twist under the strain of not the output (342hp at the rear wheels) but the 850 lb-ft of torque (1,150 Nm) at the wheels - that essentially means whoever will be driving this will be doing a lot of unplanned burnouts.

At the end of the drive, though, the reviewer Matt Farah says he is not convinced by this sort of car because of the arguments mentioned in the opening paragraph of this piece. Do you think EV performance cars and conversions like this are relevant? We also added one of EV West's own videos to help you make up your mind.

By Andrei Nedelea

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 |

While poking around on eBay today we found this ambiguous 1982 BMW 320i that doesn't know if it wants to be a junior 633CSi Cabriolet from the Back the Future 2 flick, a poor man's track racer or a homemade M3 wannabe. Perhaps it's all three in one…

The owner of the car removed the roof and cut around two-thirds of the windshield and A-pillars, adding M3 E30-like fender extensions, a hood scoop, front and rear spoilers and a roll cage, while also partially stripping out the interior – for some unexplainable reason, the unusable rear seat bench and door panels were left intact.

We're also told that the stock four-cylinder mill was replaced by a BMW 3.5-liter straight-six with the fuel-injection system removed and replaced with triple Weber carburetors

The Oklahoma-based eBay seller, who is asking $6,200 for the so-called BMW M35, states that the car is "street legal", though, that's something you'd probably have to look into before heading down the road.

Seller's Description:

"Hello, I have for auction my 1982 BMW 320i.  This highly modified race car is street legal with current tags, but it was set up for the race track.  The original 1.8 liter engine was replaced with a M35 3.5 liter big valve 6 cylinder engine.  The fuel injection was removed and now runs a triple 45 DCOE side draft webers.  The top was removed and roll cage installed.Sparco pedals, KYB shocks, Kirky race seats with 6pt seat belts.  Fiberglass hood,fenders,deck, spoiler. Fuel cell. Aluminum 3 core radiator. stage 2 clutch. Autometer tach, Sparco strut bar.
What it does not have wipers, heater, no top no speedo.
This car has been used as a daily driver and is a blast to drive. Runs great and will light up the tires in any gear.  Vehicle need nothing but a driver.  Most fun you can have for the money.  Please call or email for more info. Clear Oklahoma title ready to go.  You can see at Interparts of Tulsa  3615 E 11th st Tulsa, Okla 74112.  Let me take you for a test drive.  Shipping is the  buyers responsible.  I will help load or drive to a local terminal ect.......  What's that saying  "sit down, strap in, and hold on"
If someone uses the "buy it now"  I will include a fantastic  set of $2000.00 Recaro seats that would go great with the BMW + a new pair of unmounted Kuhmo V7000 tires."

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MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013 |

With Hummer gone, it looks like the world badly needed a giant SUV, so the creative minds at Hennessey Performance decided to do something about it. Their proposal is the VelociRaptor SUV, based on the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck. The full-sized SUV offers seating for up to 8 people and picks up where the Ford Excursion left off (for good reason, some may say).

“We are now very excited to be able to offer the VelociRaptor SUV to those who like the Raptor but want more seats and space”, said Hennessey Performance CEO Don Goldman.

Although the conversion uses all of the factory Ford Raptor truck components and systems, Hennessey Performance says it hasn’t tested yet the off-road capabilities of the VelociRaptor SUV and recommends customers to use the SUV for on-road as well as light to moderate off-road duties. We imagine this has something to do with the added 600 lbs (272 kg) compared to the Raptor.

Priced at $149,500 (€116,200), the standard VelociRaptor SUV is powered by the same 6.2-liter 411 horsepower Ford V8 engine from the Raptor, while the VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged upgrade brings 600 horsepower to the tarmac. The standard model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, while the 600-hp model drops the 0-60 mph time to 5.9 seconds. No fuel economy figures were released, but you know what to expect...

Other optional equipment includes Brembo front brakes, larger wheels and tires (!), LED lighting, bespoke interior and electronic upgrades. Security and armoring systems are also available. HPE will build only 30 units per year.

By Dan Mihalascu

Story References: Hennessey via Jalopnik

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