Skip to content

Archives for cars

See all posts in the network tagged with cars

Speeding Ferrari Takes Out 26 Trees …. Ends Up In 26 Pieces

No comments

Driver Survives To Pay For It.

A 41-YR.-OLD MAN IN THE BAVARIA REGION of Germany was breezing along a 2-lane road in his 130,000-euro Ferrari Saturday afternoon when he lost it.  The car tore through a wooded area literally chopping down 26 trees and tearing his car to pieces.

Kamera24 TV

 

 

The man was firmly entrapped in his car, but in serious condition.  The 70 responding personnel – firefighters, paramedics, police – were able to free him after a complicated extrication.

Mittelbayerische has the STORY.

Ratisbona Broadcasts prepared this video report:

 

Thanks to Christian Lewalter of Feuerwehr Weblog.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on April 1, 2013 • Filed under: cars, rescue, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: ,

Updated: Heavy Crash at Daytona – Car Into Grandstand – Fans Injured – Video

2 comments

Several Race Cars Destroyed

Update, 10 pm:  Injury reports updated.  Scroll down.

A SPECTACULARLY DESTRUCTIVE CRASH on the final lap of the Nationwide Series NASCAR race Saturday afternoon launched one of the cars into the catch fencing and breaking apart sending car parts and wheels into the spectators.

The early reports say at least five spectators were injured and transported plus another two racefans in the upper level.  Several of the race cars were left in pieces on the track.  This video was taken from the tv broadcast and shows the wreck from the beginning and some of the destruction:

 

An early report from USA Today tells:

It was unclear immediately how many people were injured or how seriously after several cars crashed and disintegrated in front of the grandstand at the end of the Nationwide Series race. Radio transmissions indicated helicopters were being brought to the pits to transport the injured.

The engine from Kyle Larson's car, which flew high and tore into the fence at the start-finish line, was seen burning inside an open area in the fence afterward. A wheel and lots of debris also were seen in the stands, where safety crews were working on at least five people, including four who were strapped to backboards. And at least two people were injured in the upper deck, where another safety crew with an additional two stretchers were sent.

AP / Graham

The crash involved 11 12 cars and one driver has been reported as needing hospitalization.

Update, 10 pm:
More than 30 spectators were injured by the wreck, but the exact number is still unknown.  There were 14 fans transported by ambulance and at least 12 people treated at the speedway, probably a few more than that.

AP / Graham

The racetrack already had dozens of medics stationed around the grandstands for the gathering of more than 100,000 spectators and they were able to assemble a large contingent on the accident scene within a few minutes.

ESPN has posted this video update that includes crash footage from a different location from the video above:

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on February 23, 2013 • Filed under: cars, rescue, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Great Brakes!

Comments Off

Talk About Stopping Power!

THIS DASH CAM was installed on a car traveling behind a minivan that apparently has some really super brakes (at least on the front wheels).  Farther ahead in the line of traffic a couple of other cars are involved in a rear-ender and the minivan driver doesn't catch it until almost too late.  Key word:  Almost.

 

If only the Battalion Chief's buggy was this well equipped …..

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on February 23, 2013 • Filed under: cars, safety, Uncategorized, Videos

Danica Patrick Wins Pole For Daytona 500

Comments Off

First Woman to Win Any Pole For a Sprint Cup Event

DANICA PATRICK, THE FEMALE SPEED DEMON who moved from Indy Cars to the NASCAR circuit, has won the pole position for next week's Daytona 500. 

Danica Patrick with her crew chief, Tony Gibson,
after securing the Daytona 500 pole.  (Reuters / Blanco)

Associated Press is reporting:

Patrick went out eighth in the qualifying session Sunday and covered the 2½-mile superspeedway in 45.817 seconds, averaging 196.434 mph.

She waited about two hours as 37 fellow drivers tried to take her spot. Only four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon even came close to knocking her off.

"That's a huge accomplishment," team owner and fellow driver Tony Stewart said. "It's not like it's been 15 or 20 years she's been trying to do this. It's her second trip to Daytona here in a Cup car. She's made history in the sport. That's stuff that we're proud of being a part of with her. It's something she should have a huge amount of pride in.

Gordon was the only other driver who topped 196 mph in qualifying. He locked up the other guaranteed spot in next week's season-opening Daytona 500.

Patrick, age 30, raced the open-wheeled Indy cars regularly until last year when, after doing some part-time stock car racing, she switched to NASCAR full time in 2012 in the 2nd-tier circuit with some entries in the Sprint Cup.  This is her first full season in the top-level Sprint Cup circuit and her skill came through.

 

Fox Sports has more details HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on February 17, 2013 • Filed under: cars, current events, News, Videos • Tagged: , ,

I Want My C7

Comments Off

Can we make this the official sports car for Firegeezer.com?

Bill, can we get this into the FY 2014 Budget?

Unveiled last night prior to the start of the North American Auto Show in Detroit.

General Motors "Enemy of the same"

Jalopnik articles

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

From Amazon – through January 18:

Up to 64% Off Select Motorcycle Gear and Accessories

CLICK HERE and scroll down to learn more and order.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on January 14, 2013 • Filed under: cars, News • Tagged: , , ,

“Understeer can lead to getting arrested”

1 comment

Mid-week crash info service station

Published on Sep 21, 2012 by 

TST crew members Thaddeus Brown and Zack Klapman were on their way back from filming "Big Muscle" for Drive channel. As they got into town, they saw smoke. Then they saw a car on fire. Luckily they had their cameras with them.


Watch as two cars burn to the ground, tires and windows exploding. The driver is seen held in a head lock by a plain-clothes officer, and is later arrested for, you know, lighting lots of stuff on fire. No one was hurt.


What we believe happened is the driver approached Alhambra Ave, driving down Virginia Hills Dr. Virginia Hills Dr is a steep road. The driver tried to make a yellow light, and when he turned at a high rate of speed, his car understeered and went right into the gas station. He struck a pump, which then hit the Ford Escape Hybrid on the other side, and both burst into flames. Quick acting patrons hit the emergency shut off and called 911.

Mercury News.com (September 19, 2012) Nobody hurt in Martinez gas station fire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonder if anyone tried to use a fire extinguisher?

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on September 22, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , ,

Vehicle assault on government buildings

Comments Off

What will aging Baby Boomers target next?

Officially, the United States Postal Service is calling it a problem with distracted drivers.

Benjamin Preston, of Jalopnik, is expanding on a WWSB ABC7 September 19th article:

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – The U.S. Postal Service wants to remind drivers to stay alert while driving around Post Offices after a vehicle drove into a Punta Gorda office this week, making it the eighth Post Office in the greater Central Florida area to have a vehicle crash into it this year.

According to the USPS, the top two causes of customers driving through Post Offices are: Stepping on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal, and accelerating when the vehicle was in drive and the customer thought it was in reverse.

Postal Service urges safe driving near Post Offices

One of the eight 2013 central Florida incidents was this Corvette that was driven by a 72 year old. Picture from the Orlando Sentinel

Preston speculates that it may be due to this demographic:

4 million of the Sunshine State's 15 million drivers are over the age of 60.

Postal Service Begs Floridians To ‘Please Stop Crashing Into Post Offices’

Fellow aging colleagues point out that Florida is just in front of the curve when it comes to Baby Boomer driving.

(!!)

Makes that Google driverless car look better and better.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on September 21, 2012 • Filed under: cars, Fire Rescue Topics, News, Urban Commander, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , ,

“Barefoot firefighter’s beloved Fairlane blows up”

Comments Off

Misleading Headline

The barefoot guy with the fire extinguisher IS NOT a firefighter (as we would classify him), just a guy with an extinguisher.

It is NOT his car

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Clad in just his pyjamas and a dressing gown, Collin Pillay bound into action to battle a car fire in Carrington St, New Plymouth, yesterday."

Matt Rilkoff's story from the Fairfaz NZ news:

After months of waiting, Eric "Tex" Schwass managed just 20 kilometres in his reconditioned Ford Fairlane before it blew up.

By the time firefighters arrived at the car fire in Carrington St, in central New Plymouth, late yesterday morning, Mr Schwass knew it was too late to save his baby.

"I had just got it on the road," the New Plymouth RSA president said as smoke poured from under the bonnet.

"I was coming into town, it started to smoke, I pulled over and she burst into flames.

"I had come in from Inglewood; maybe done 10 or 15 miles."

While the fire made short work of the engine, an LPG tank in the back of the 16-year-old car was his main cause for concern.

Collin Pillay had watched the drama unfold from across the road at his home and rushed out in his pyjamas in a vain attempt to put out the fire with a small extinguisher.

Barefoot firefighter's beloved Fairlane blows up

This inaccuracy is an expected fallout from a recent June strike followed by a layoff of 1,900 journalists, printers and staffers working for Fairfax Media as the publisher moved from paper to digital newspapers.

Tip of the digital helmet to Dave Statter, STATter911.com

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on September 4, 2012 • Filed under: cars, Firefighting Operations, Fires, HazMat, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Pizza delivery vehicle contest

2 comments

Dominos to make "the fire truck of pizza delivery"

 

 

 

 

 

 

'

 

 

 

You may have seen the commercials where the drivers describe their ideal pizza delivery vehicle.

Michael del Castillo , writing for UpStart Business Review, published the following item on August 20:

Domino's Pizza to design the fire truck of pizza delivery.

The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based pizza delivery company is hosting a competition for $50,000 in prize money to design an industry-specific delivery vehicle, from the ground up.

“It’s not like a fire truck or an ice cream truck or an ambulance, which are all designed for the purpose that they’re intended to do,” said Ken Baker, the company’s vehicle design expert, on a video posted to the company's site. “That vehicle [the pizza delivery vehicle] has never been designed to really deliver a quality pizza for a customer on time.”

 

 

 

 

 

Click HERE to access the Local Motors entry process.

Design the Ultimate Delivery Vehicle (UDV) for Domino's Pizza that will revolutionize pizza delivery forever in the United States.

This purpose built vehicle should enable delivery drivers to do their job with greater ease and efficiency, be a vehicle they are excited to drive, transport Domino's menu items in a manner that maintains their temperature and appearance, inspire Domino's franchise owners to purchase the vehicle, and prove to customers that Domino's is absolutely fanatical about making perfect deliveries every time.

Imagine what firefighters could create!

This is the first phase of a five phase competition that will cover the development process of the Ultimate Delivery Vehicle for the United States. The five phases are as follows:

Phase 1: Industrial Design Conceptual Sketch and Rendering Competition
Phase 2: Packaging and Vehicle Layout Competition
Phase 3: Interior Design Sketch and Rendering Competition
Phase 4: Surface Modeling Competition
Phase 5: Photo-realistic Rendering and Animation Competition

You have 34 days to get Phase 1 submitted.  (you should)

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on August 20, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News, Technology & Communications, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

From the News Ticker

Comments Off

More Stories Found on the News Ticker

INVESTIGATORS HAVE DETERMINED that the house explosion on Long Island that killed an 18-month-old toddler Tuesday was propane related.  (See Firegeezer report HERE.)  Two 200-lb. propane bottles were found in the debris of the destroyed house, but what triggered the blast is still being sought.

AP / News12

The authorities also revised the injury count from the blast to 17 including six adults that were in the house at the time.  The Wall Street Journal has an updated report HERE.

THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 3, 4 & 5 was a tough one for the Norwell, Massachusetts, Fire Department.  Over a 24-hr. span all three of their ambulances broke down leaving the town dependent on mutual aid assistance for two days.  The Wicked Local tells us:

According to (Norwell Fire Chief Andy) Reardon, the primary ambulance broke down on Friday, Aug. 3, needing warranty repairs. The second ambulance broke down on Saturday morning when a hydraulic line burst. The third ambulance broke down with electrical problems later on Saturday. "They were all minor issues," the chief said.

After the breakdowns, Reardon said he brought in extra staff on to handle any potential problems but there were none.

They added their paramedics to the engine companies and the situation turned out "just fine."

CLASSIC AUTO ENTHUSIASTS WILL be watching the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance car show in California this Sunday.  The car auction that annually concludes the car show has a treasure that is expected to come close to, or even surpass, the world record for a car sold at auction.  A 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster will be hammered at what is expected to reach at least $10 million and perhaps break the current record of $16.2 million.

Gooding & Co. photo

The car was owned by a Prussian baroness who fled from Germany when the Nazis came into power.  The Los Angeles Times describes the car:

At more than 17 feet long and 6 feet wide, the roadster is roughly the dimensions of a new Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle. The front is highlighted by a split grille offset by a pair of large round headlights that top a thin, polished chrome bumper. The long, glossy black hood hides an inline, supercharged eight-cylinder engine.

The car oozes elegance. The interior is brown leather, wood and chrome. Fenders cover the front wheels and then undulate downward under the doors to serve as a footstep. The car's lines then curve upward over the rear wheels and finish in a wide, low tail. A chromed Mercedes star ornament rises from the top of the hood.

The LA Times has the complete story on the car's history and more photos in an interesting ARTICLE HERE.

THE 21st CENTURY LIFEGUARD IS HERE and already going to work.  Meet EMILY, a remote-controlled "lifeguard" that can move through the toughest waves and currents to reach a swimmer in trouble.

JEMS Magazine tells us:

EMILY stands for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard. It's a little over 4 feet long, weighs 25 pounds and costs about $10,000. It's made by Hydronalix, a Green Valley, Ariz., company established in 2009.

If a swimmer is struggling, a lifeguard or anyone else can put battery-powered EMILY in the water and, with a remote control, send it through even rough waves to help. Some locations attach an emergency radio so they can instruct panicked swimmers on what to do.

AP

EMILY can't bring swimmers back to shore, but it can keep them safe until rescuers get there, or be attached to a rope so rescuers can pull EMILY and anyone holding on back in.

EMILY made her first reported rescue in Oregon last month when she saved a father and his son.

Read this really neat story in its entirety HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on August 17, 2012 • Filed under: cars, EMS Topics, Fire Rescue Topics

Car Ka-Boom Slows Traffic … Just a Little

1 comment

We All Have Priorities

THIS VIDEO WAS TAKEN IN MOSCOW, Russia, earlier this month.  The poster writes that the driver was trying to put out the fire with a portable fire extinguisher when it went downhill.  No word on his condition.

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 27, 2012 • Filed under: cars, fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged:

Hardy Volvo Auto Nears 3 Million Miles

Comments Off

Even Beats the Energizer Bunny

WHEN THE FIRST VOLVO AUTOMOBILE rolled off the factory produciton line in 1927, it was with the idea that their cars would always be built to withstand the rigors of Sweden's rough roads and cold temperatures.  That became the mantra of the company and their ability to build such rugged vehicles gave them an unassailable reputation for endurance and relibility.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the recent discovery that a Long Island, New York, man is getting ready to roll the odometer over on his 1966 model P1800 S to 3 million miles.  That's right… 3 million miles.  The Associated Press reported:

Irvin Gordon's small, red two-door has well more than 2 million miles on the odometer, the equivalent of nearly 1,176 times around the globe. The retired schoolteacher from Long Island hopes to reach the 3 million-mile mark by next year—and he only has 34,000 miles to go. The 72-year-old bought the car in 1966 for $4,150, when he was 25, and has been taking it on road trips ever since.

photo by Seth Wenig

It took him 21 years to reach the first million miles and 15 more years to reach 2 million. He averages 85,000 to 100,000 miles per year. Most of his trips are for auto shows, but he also takes trips across the country just for a good cup of coffee. The engine has been rebuilt twice, but is still original, and Gordon has held the Guinness World Records mark for High Mileage Vehicle since 2002 (he was the first person to hold that record). He thinks that his Volvo will last way longer than 3 million miles: "I have a feeling I'll be dead long before the car," he says.

This video report from ITN News has a nice interview with Gordon and gives us some good views of the car and motor:

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on July 17, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News, Videos • Tagged:

Nissan powered DeltaWing taken out by Toyota hybrid in 7th hour of LeMans 24 hour race

Comments Off

Clash of the alternative racers

After a one-hour red flag, the #7 Toyota TS030 Hybrid punts the #0 Nissan DeltaWing off the course in the Porshe curves:

Kazuki Nakajima in the Toyota hits the Nissan DeltaWing and sends it into the wall on the restart.

Kazuki Nakajima in the Toyota hits the Nissan DeltaWing and sends it into the wall on the restart.

The shunt broke the steering. that could not be repaired after 90 minutes of effort by DeltaWing driver Satoshi Motoyama. Because the vehicle could not drive back to the pits, the mechanics were reduced to shouting instructions to Motoyama through the fence.

Chris Hockley, writing for the Sun (UK), provides an appropriate headline:  Smack! Baddies wreck Batmobile. 

Spectacular wreck stops race in Hour 6

The restart was required after a crash between the #6 Toyota TS030 Hybrid and the #81 AF Corse Ferrari F458 of Piergiuseppe Perazzini

Toyota driver Anthony Davidson suffered two fractures of the lower spine.

Road & Track magazine maintained a blog during the race (HERE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on June 17, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

New generation wheelchair-specific trucks expand into public transit

Comments Off

Mobility Vehicle 1 expands market share

Last September we reported on the northern Indiana built MV-1: Purpose Designed Vehicle for wheelchairs

This week the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rolled out the first of 16 MV-1s going into their MetroAccess fleet:

From WMATA May 24 press release:

Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles and the Metro Board of Directors today unveiled the first of 16 new “MV1” vehicles being piloted for MetroAccess service. The MV1—or Mobility Vehicle 1–is the first and only vehicle designed from the ground up for wheelchair accessibility.

“We are always looking for ways to improve MetroAccess service for the customers who depend on us,” said Assistant General Manager of Access Services, Christian T. Kent. “We are excited to pilot the MV1 because we believe it will give us a more versatile option for providing trips, while maintaining a fully accessible paratransit fleet.”

Specifically designed for paratransit service providers, the MV1 requires no conversion or after-market equipment. The current MetroAccess fleet is comprised primarily of conversion vans that have been modified with additional headroom, lifts and equipment for use in the provision of paratransit service.

Along with advanced safety features, a smoother, quieter ride, and a design that maximizes space and convenience, MetroAccess customers will benefit from shorter boarding times as a result of the MV1 ramp design, which allows customers to board without the use of a lift. The vehicles cost about $50,000 each.

Built in Mishawaka, Ind., by manufacturer VPG, the MV1 features:

  • Smaller size for improved maneuverability in congested areas
  • Comfortable seating for up to 4 customers
  • A wide doorway (36” by 56”) allowing for easy entry for all passengers
  • Improved fuel economy as compared with conversion vans
  • An integrated shallow-angle ramp with anti-slip surface
  • Improved reliability due to use of ramp versus conventional lift

MetroAccess will begin using MV1 vehicles in revenue service beginning next month. The vehicles will be dispatched based on operational needs throughout the region.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

MV-1 has also been approved for use by the taxicab/hire car regulators in New York City and Philadelphia.

Jay Leno's Green Garage looked at one (HERE). "From The Vehicle Production Group comes the first mobility vehicle designed from the ground up to meet all guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Made in America, it's the only vehicle in its class with a compressed natural gas fueling option."

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on May 26, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News, Technology & Communications, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , ,

CHP replacing Crown Vics with Ford Explorers, none of the sedan cruisers could carry the required payload

6 comments

Also known as "Police Interceptor Utility"

The California Highway Patrol takes a different approach to placing police cruisers in service. Dealer delivered police package Crown Vics are significantly modified to meet safety and performance requirements.

This 2008 Capitol Weekly article by John Howard briefly explains the process:

The CHP modifications include special radios, lights, speaker horn, bumpers, computers, electronics, racks, shielding and other gear.

The labyrinth of electrical wiring alone is impressive. Each car has some 550 feet of wiring snaking through the frame, or under and around the interior fixtures. Special fuse boxes are designed to handle the power load. Wiring harnesses used over the past three decades are displayed on a wall in the work area, showing the increasing level of complexity, as the gear became more sophisticated.

Hitting the road: Keeping Highway Patrol’s cruisers rolling is a team effort in West Sac

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Body-on-frame Unibody SUV will replace body-on-frame sedan

CHP requires that the vehicle carry all of the law enforcement gear plus four fully-equipped officers. That translates to a payload of 1,700 pounds. 

Ari Bloomekatz, writing in the May 26 Los Angeles Times, shared this interview

CHP Assistant Chief Erik Knudsen said the SUV best fit the agency's needs because it had enough payload capacity to accommodate several adults and all the radio gear and other equipment required.

"The utility is probably going to be our primary vehicle," Knudsen said of the Explorer. "The Crown Vic had a much higher payload capacity than all these new sedans coming out. Unfortunately the design of the new sedans is becoming smaller and lighter."

The Explorer Police Interceptor offers all-wheel drive and has a payload of 1,700 pounds, Knudsen said, adding that it also performs well at high speeds and in wet weather. It gets about 16 miles per gallon on city streets and 21 on the freeways, a little better than the Crown Victoria, according to Ford's website.

CHP shifting to SUVs for patrol cruisers

Scott Evans expanded in this Motor Trend article:

While the old-school, body-on-frame Crown Victoria may have been a rolling tank, the suitors to its throne are all modern unibodies. That may make them lighter and safer, but it doesn't increase their carrying capacity.

In fact, it seems to have lowered it, because while the Crown Vic had no trouble carrying all the CHP's gear, the Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan, Dodge Charger Pursuit, and Chevrolet Caprice PPV all lack the necessary payload capacity.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility is California Highway Patrol's Next Cruiser

Evans provides a detailed description on the evaluation, vetting and CHP purchasing process.

In 2000, CHP was considering Volvo S70 police package sedans, but the then Ford-owned manufacturer was phasing those vehicles out. CHP was not interested in a station wagon version.

But Volvo representative Richard Cook insisted that a CHP bias against the Volvo and other issues sank Volvo's prospects of displacing the Fords.

The officers see the station wagon as a "soccer mom's car for hauling kids around," he said. "It doesn't give them that macho image."

"You mention station wagon and they cringe. You mention sport utility vehicle and they get really excited," Cook said.

Carl Ingram (2000 May 28) "CHP to Stick with Ford Pursuit Cars." The Los Angeles Times

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

5/27 update:  Ford Explorer is unibody, like the Ford Taurus. (Thanks, Jesse).

The unibody sedans were about 500 pounds short in payload capacity.

 

Posted by on May 26, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News, Technology & Communications, Vehicle Operation & Ambulances • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Announces New SS Performance Sedan

Comments Off

Will compete in 2013 NASCAR and arrive in showrooms as 2014 model

DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the return of a V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan to the U.S. lineup, the Chevrolet SS. The SS will also be Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar and will debut in its race configuration at the 2013 Daytona 500.

The limited production version of the Chevrolet SS will be a 2014 model and will arrive in dealer showrooms in late 2013. It is the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the United States.

Chevrolet has a long history of using the SS (Super Sport) designation on high-performance models of some of its most enduring nameplates. The SS designation first appeared in 1957 on a Corvette prototype race car built under the guidance of Zora Arkus-Duntov with the plan to enter it in the Le Mans 24-hour race.

The first production vehicle offered with an SS option was the 1961 Impala – 453 were built with the performance upgrades which included a modified chassis and suspension, power brakes, a steering column mounted tachometer and unique wheels and tires. The latest SS model in the Chevrolet lineup is the fifth-generation Camaro, which debuted in 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chevrolet SS will be a derivative of the award-winning global rear-wheel-drive architecture that spawns performance vehicles like Chevrolet Camaro and Holden’s upcoming VF Commodore. The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance.

“As a passionate race fan and performance enthusiast, I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.”

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  GM Press release >>>>>>>>>

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Earlier articles:

Silly Season … Super Sport Performance Chevy

“New” Chevrolet will be 2013 NASCAR racer

Posted by on May 17, 2012 • Filed under: cars, News • Tagged: , , , ,

Carroll Shelby dead at 89

Comments Off

An American Legend

I was ten years old when my Dad took us to see one of the first Shelby Cobra sports cars at the Koons Ford dealership in Seven Corners. The showroom was packed with men and boys trying to get a good look.

The man

Carroll Hall Shelby was born in  Leesburg, Texas, son of a rural mail carrier. Was a flight instructor during World War II.

In 1952 he starts racing cars, finishing second at the 1954 LeMans driving an Aston-Martin DBR3 for John Wyer.

Sports Illustrated 1956 and 1957 "Driver of the Year."

Wins the 1959 LeMans driving an Aston Martin DBR1/300

Wins USAC driving championship in 1960 while physicians determine his chest pain is from angina.

Opens driving school at Riverside Raceway in California

source:  Carroll Shelby: An American Legend

 

 

 

 

Shelby American forms to produce Cobras (1961- 1967)

The first match of a Ford 260 V-8 and AC Ace is made in February 2, 1962, producing the Shelby Cobra.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

source: Shelby American Inc.

Originally built to be Corvette-beaters, Ford wanted to beat Ferrari.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CSX2601 is an iconic championship racer which took the manufacturers crown in the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) GT race class in 1965, holding the distinction of being the first American car to beat a Ferrari in world championship racing in Europe.

The 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of only six built by Carroll Shelby to compete in FIA GT. It also features an experimental coupe body fitted to the Cobra chassis designed by Pete Brock which helped increase the car's top speed by 25 mph.

Source: Iconic 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe Could Fetch $15 Million at Auction  (World Car Fans.com)

The Legacy

Shelby's touch lead Ford to win LeMans, Mustangs to be race cars, Dodge Omni's to "Go Like Hell" and the DNA for the Dodge Viper.

His last car is a 1000 horsepower Shelby

 

 

 

 

 

 

A complex man who has affected North American performance vehicles for five decades.

Keith Martin, publisher of Sports Car Market and American Car Collector, commented, "Carroll Shelby will be forever remembered as the man who single-handedly took the fight to Ferrari and beat them at their own game on their own race tracks. His spirit, his ingenuity and his ever-present sense of humor will be missed."

Godspeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

edit: added video

Posted by on May 11, 2012 • Filed under: Administration & Leadership, cars, News, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Saturday Car-Toon: Auto Fire drill

Comments Off

Laurel VFD makes a video drill out of a SUV fire

Nice job by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department to make a mini-drill from a SUV fire:

 

The officers of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department thought that the video of this incident could be used particularly well for training purposes.

The original video has been edited to include basic information about car fires and possible dangers associated with them.

Mike "Fossilmedic" Ward

Posted by on May 5, 2012 • Filed under: Car-Toon, cars, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, Training, Videos • Tagged: , , , , ,

Silly Season … Super Sport Performance Chevy

Comments Off

Finding electronic clues for the next hot-rod Chevy

Christopher Price is a knowledge worker that blogs about technology.  Posted this item on April 24:

Out of the blue, I decided to pull up my OnStar vehicle profile, and check its maintenance. I don’t know why. But, I did.

And afterwards, I was once again ticked that my 2009.5 Pontiac G6 V6 (with FlexFuel), could not take advantage of even the most basic of OnStar RemoteLink features. Generation 8.0 OnStar “won’t ever” support RemoteLink, sadly.

Just for fun, I decided to pull up the list of cars which did support RemoteLink. Sheer boredom, I was expecting nothing but what I knew. And then I saw it. A 2014 Model Year button.

Oh, this must be a mistake, I thought. Nothing will show up. Null entry, move on. Right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GM Confirms the 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance & Cadillac ELR — Thanks to OnStar Mishap

Mike Colias, a reporter with Automotive News, picked up on this item, adding the following nuggets:

The list of 2014 models disappeared from the OnStar site this afternoon, after I called GM for comment.

Another clue: Last week, the Web site GM Authority reported that GM has filed for U.S. patent rights that would trademark the SS badge.

Trail of clues leading to Chevrolet SS nameplate

We reported on this speculation last month: “New” Chevrolet will be 2013 NASCAR racer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I missed the very brief window in 2011 when the Caprice "detective" versions were available for sale. 

Contract loophole = Street Caprices

Maybe I can buy a Super Sport next year.
 

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 27, 2012 • Filed under: cars, Technology & Communications • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

More downsizing?

Comments Off

London Fire Brigade's Latest Fleet

When I first saw this, thought about the recent article posted by Bill "Firegeezer" Schumm:  UK Decision to Sell Off National Fire College Brings Widespread Complaints, where he covers the difficulties in maintaining the firefightng fleet.

This is different, related to the Olympics.  From the London Fire Brigade Facebook page:

Introducing … Olympic MINIs! We'll be using these to attend to small incidents, like bin fires, on the Olympic Park during the Games. What do you think to them? They'll be out & about in London over the next few months so if you're lucky enough to spot one, do take a snap and upload your pics here.

Fire engines will still be mobilised should larger incidents occur, but the MINIs will provide an immediate response to tackle small fires without unnecessarily disrupting the Games. They are fitted with blue LED lights and a siren. They will carry a range of equipment, such as foam, water and dry powder fire extinguishers to tackle various types of small fire. They also contain first aid equipment.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 23, 2012 • Filed under: cars, Fire Rescue Topics, Firefighting Operations, News, Special Operations, Urban Commander, Vehicle Operations & Apparatus • Tagged: , ,

Saturday Car-Toon: Fire in cockpit seconds after race car collision

Comments Off

Some excitement at the Abu Dhabi racetrack

Phil McGovern, writing for crank&piston, described this incident during the UAE Touring Championship:

We had the displeasure of witnessing this crash at Yas Marina late last season and had that immediate sinking feeling.

The amazing thing though, is that sinking feeling was all but instantly rectified as Mr Yusif Bassil, grew wings (do some digging and you’ll get that) shot out of his horrifically mangled and by now on fire, Renault Clio.

Notice how quickly the flames run up the inside of the windshield.

Video was also found in videobash, uploaded by Alfonsoqtp with this observation:

Good thing he didn't get stuck inside and need that fire suppression system because it looks like it broke loose from the passenger floor right at 0:32 !!

Apparently the driver's door was jammed.

That HANS device makes it a little difficult to move!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

 

 

 

Last day at Indianapolis, normally I am on the first morning flight. This year I am working the exhibit hall one more time!

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

Posted by on April 21, 2012 • Filed under: Car-Toon, cars, Fire Rescue Topics, Rescues, Videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Last Month’s German Ka-Boom May Lead to Auto Assembly Lines Shutdown

1 comment

A Risk of the Just-In-Time Supply System

THE EXPLOSION AT AN EVONIC INDUSTRIES chemical plant in Marl, Germany, on March 31 may lead to a severe cutback in automobile production world-wide.  The destructive blast in the Marl Industrial Park (reported in Firegeezer HERE) has shut down the portion of the plant where a chemical Cyclododecatriene, also known as CDT or PA-12, is produced.

Reuters

This chemical is a vital component of a specialized resin that is used in making automotive brake, brake lines, fuel lines, gas tanks, and several other related products.  Evonic Industries makes about 50% of the world's supply of CDT and the stock on hand will run out in a few months.  Executives from the world's largest automakers are meeting today (Tuesday) in Detroit to discuss finding alternative sources or even different products that may be safe enough to replace the CDT-based parts.

Businessweek is reporting today (in selected quotes):

At stake is whether automakers can keep assembling cars and trucks after another breakdown in supply chains that are stretched taut around the world to minimize investment and parts inventory.

TI Automotive Ltd. warned its customers in an April 12 letter of severe shortages interrupting production "in the next few weeks." The Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company supplies brake and fuel lines, as well as fuel tanks and pumps, to all major automakers, including General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG according to its website.

While automakers and their suppliers have reacted quickly, it may be difficult for the industry to find a solution in time to avoid losing production because of the nature of the parts that use CDT and PA-12, De Koker said.

"Brake lines and fuel lines are safety products, so you don’t make changes overnight," he said. "You have to do them very carefully with the right testing to prove out the product."

OregonLive

Evonik has begun repairs at its factory in Marl, Germany, Ruben Thiel, a spokesman for the Essen, Germany-based company, said in an e-mail. "Every conceivable effort" is being made to rebuild the plant "before winter," he said.  Evonik plans to add capacity in Asia, (but) a new factory won’t be ready until the end of 2014.

Other makers of PA-12 are France’s Arkema SA (AKE), Switzerland’s Ems-Chemie Holding AG (EMSN) and Japan’s Ube Industries Ltd., Thiel said.

Read the entire Businessweek article HERE.

One international automotive organization is predicting that the shortage will "likely be serious."  The Detroit Free Press adds:

IHS Chemical analyst Paul Blanchard said in a report that Evonik wouldn’t regenerate production capacity for at least six months, leaving the auto industry scrambling to find substitute parts for a resin that was already in short supply.

"The ability of Evonik and Arkema to find alternate sources of CDT is very limited and it is doubtful that the CDT shortage can be made up," Blanchard said. "In the short term auto and truck production will be affected."

Read more in the Detroit Free Press HERE.
Daily Finance has a unique view of the situation HERE.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on April 17, 2012 • Filed under: cars, current events, News • Tagged: , , ,

“Hold Your Fire!”

Comments Off

Here is One Way To Do It ….

"CATCHING AN AUTO FIRE"  takes on a whole new meaning in the Netherlands

This video was posted on Saturday from the Netherlands.  According to the accompanying write-up, this old Volvo was being driven by "a little old lady" who wasn't aware that her car was on fire and kept driving.  Passersby phoned the fire brigade who responded and as they were arriving, the woman discovered her plight, stopped the car and got out without taking it out of gear.  That explains the prescient positioning of the first-arriving engine.  Everybody was safe.

 

Thanks to Christian Lewalt er of Feuerwehr Blog.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on April 4, 2012 • Filed under: cars, fire, Firefighting Operations, Fires, Videos

How to Meet Your Local Firefighters

2 comments

But There Are Better Ways Than This:

A COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, MAN was finished with his cigarette while driving through the city Monday afternoon, so he flicked the butt out the window.  But as luck would have it, the wind currents blew it back inside the car where the lit cigarette nestled itself into the rear-seat upholstery.

It was around 4 pm when he first learned about his goof-up and decided to call some folks over to see what happened.  They arrived on Big Red a few minutes later while this home video was cranking:

 

The driver can always blame it on the auto manufacturer for not putting ash trays in the cars anymore.

Thanks to Ron for the video.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Posted by on April 4, 2012 • Filed under: cars, fire, Fires, Videos • Tagged: , ,

Five numbers with no Powerball = mad money. Mike plans a hot rod four door Mustang.

Comments Off

161 ticket holders won $250,000 each

Nine people who bought tickets in Virginia and Maryland were a PowerBall short of the jackpot, but got enough of a prize to have serious fun.

I am planning to be one of the first owners of a four-door Mustang GT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Theophilus Chin / Chris Doane Automotive photo

Then have Kenny Brown Performance install a Class III package.

No buyer's remorse this time!

I was seriously considering buying a Kenny Brown Panther, a supercharged supercar that looked like an unmarked Crown Vic police cruiser. Inspired by the 1998 Car and Driver "Lounge Lizard" project car. (article HERE)

In a 2003 follow-up article by Larry Niven, Kenny Brown Marauder S: Ford lobs one into the aftermarket, and Kenny Brown hits it outta the park, we get a feel for the impact of the Lounge Lizard project car:

It's fitting that Brown is the orchestrator of this Marauder transformation. He was the original sculptor of the Lounge Lizard C/D project car (November 1998), a supercharged, blacked-out version of the Crown Victoria (Ford's version of the Mercury Grand Marquis) that we believe was the forerunner to the Marauder.

Since we published the Lounge Lizard story, Brown has built 35 similar cars …

For the Lizard and its SOHC 16-valve V-8 engine, Brown used a Roots-type supercharger that is sold by Ford—through Ford Racing—and sits in the vee of the engine.

Spent the Monday of 2003 FDIC week at the Indianapolis shop trying out their "work car."

It was almost a religious experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Went back that summer to check out a customer car that was similar to what I wanted. 

Met with an Indianapolis Ford dealer to order the proper base vehicle, a 2004 LX in Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic with a Medium Parchment interior.

Got cold feet – over $50,000 for a car.

Ten years and a lottery ticket later …

The four-door Mustang GT with a Kenny Brown Class III package is the closest I can get to recreating that experience.

thanks to Nick Kurczewicki at Road & Track online for the scoop on the new Mustang:

2014 Ford Mustang Sedan – First Look. New 4-door Mustang sedan may also be available as a Boss 302.

Mike "FossilMedic" Ward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update – the four door Mustang may carry the "Falcon" name plate

Posted by on April 1, 2012 • Filed under: cars, Technology & Communications • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,