My Blog

Category: News

  • Worlds Fastest Trailblazer SS For Sale

    Tired of getting punked on the way to the Grocery store? Wanting to run 9’s at the dragstrip but take the kids too? Trying to take a weekend roadtrip and smash on a few turbo Corvettes along the way? Folks, if you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, I have your answer.

    National Speed - RPM TBSS Exterior

    The LSX Gods at RPM (RyansPerformanceMachines) in Garner, NC are selling their 4 door creation for a low, low price of $97,000. (zOMG!) That’s quite a bit of cash, but what do you get? Well first off RPM started with a pretty neat base, the rather Slept on Trailblazer SS. While coming stock with a 400 horsepower LS2, there is always room to improve. If I try to type out the mod list of what RPM did, I will run out of room on this page so I’ll stick to the most important bits.

    National Speed - RPM TBSS Motor

    427LSX Fully built Motor, cams, 2 stage Direct Port Nitrous, routed through a TH400 with transbrake and a stall. All of this equates to “Enough” horsepower and a 1/4 time of 9.27 @ 145. Woah now. I suppose I forgot to mention that this thing has a full interior and weighs in at a whopping 4625lbs. Regardless of all that weight, it still pulls out a 1.34 60‘ with the transbrake.

    National Speed - RPM TBSS Interior

    What makes this Trailvette(Or is it Corblazer?) awesome to me is the fact that all of the factory options work. Yes that means if you want to blast Micheal Jackson with the sunroof up and windows open while running 9’s, you can. (Please dear God don’t take that seriously, I’m sure the wind resistance at 145mph isn’t so nice.) Not only that, but it has 4 Kirky Fab racing seats with 5 point harnesses so you can charge for 9 second roller coaster rides. I imagine it’s street legal, due to working lights all the way around, but I’m sure street manners with the big stall and lumpy cam aren’t very fun unless you really get on it.

    There’s a pretty nasty video of the TBSS in action.

    Official Sales Ad Link:

    Racing Junk Ad

  • Killer Robot Speedbumps – Speeders Beware.

    What would you think about Speed Sensitive Speedbumps? Kind of an interesting concept, I think.

    I’m not too sure about the technology behind it, but apparently if you drive the speed limit, the bumps do not raise. From what I understand, by using a small damper inside to flatten out when a car drives over it at low speed, the higher force applied by a faster car would prevent the bump from lowering, thus causing god knows what. I just read it, and I still don’t understand it but it’s alright. It slows people down, that’s what matters.

    National Speed - Speed Sensitive Speedbumps

    Designers Jae-yun Kim and Jong-Su Lee had going green in mind when coming up with this sleeping speedbump. The designers say their goal was to reduce the amount of exhaust pollution, wear on brakes and the amount of starts and stops made by encouraging drivers to maintain a constant slow speed. To reduce the shock value, LEDs have been placed all over the thing so hopefully you’ll see it before you bend a rim.

    Let’s just hope that this doesn’t happen.

    Personally, I absolutely hate speedbumps of any kind, seeing as I have to drive over them completely sideways. I say as long as you’re driving the speedlimit, you have nothing to worry about. Make sense? No word on when these killer robot speedbumps are supposed to drop onto streets, but watch out for them once they do!

  • Full Steam Ahead: British Steam-Powered Car Test Run

    Those crazy Brits are at it again! Seeking to get their names in the record books for something besides bad teeth and crazy lingo* — “Balderdash!” “Bloody hell!” — the British Steam Team (hehehehe) have set upon breaking the land speed record for steam powered cars.

    The steam powered “steamster” (patent pending) recently fired up its 360 HP turbine engine for a test run. This is all leading up to the official record breaking run which will take place at the Edwards Air Force Base in the near future.

    The original steam-powered record stands at 127.66 mph which was set in 1906. Currently the British Steam Team (hehehehe) has their sights set on breaking that record with a whopping 170 mph. Hat tip to Jalopnik for the info (and for resisting the urge to use as many bad “steam” jokes as I did).

    *The author apologizes for using stereotypes for the purposes of humor. It’s a slow news day.

  • Missing Mustang Junkyard Discovered in Rhode Island

    For all of you domestic owners out there, this is as close to heaven on earth as you’re likely to get.

    Imagine this: you’re walking through the woods clutching your hunting rifle and six pack (because if you’re anything like me that’s what you do in the wilderness) and you come upon an amazing discovery the likes of which has never been seen.

    What is it you ask? Jimmy Hoffa? Big foot? Nope. This is so much cooler than missing teamsters and mythical bipedal fur balls.

    Heaven is a Rustang on Cinder Blocks

    An undiscovered junkyard from the 70’s loaded with more classic Rustangs than you can shake a Hemi at (not that you can shake a Hemi, but you get the point) was recently discovered in Rhode Island.

    This is great news for fans of classic cars and old Detroit muscle, but unfortunately there’s a catch: the Rhode Island Authorities, in all of their infinite wisdom, have decreed from upon high that the cars are to be crushed.

    Gearheads seeking to make a pilgrimage to this automotive mecca will need to move fast and say a prayer for the Rhode Island Police Department to have mercy. Screw saving the trees, won’t somebody please think of the cars???

    Hat tip to Jalopnik for originally breaking the story.

  • The New Subaru/Toyota Coupe – The AE86 Rebirth?

    A new AE86? I know I’m interested.

    National Speed - Subaru/Toyota Coupe

    There hasn’t been a fun, cheap RWD sportscar in recent years, and I think Toyota/Subaru knows exactly what we need. A joint product between the two companies, the new Rear Wheel Drive coupe is sure to strike home with tuners. With a 2.0 liter Naturally Aspirated boxer motor producing 220hp sourced from Subaru and weighing in at only 2800lbs, the new coupe is sure to deliver thrills. The best part? It’s supposed to come in at under $20,000.

    National Speed - Toyota/Subaru Coupe Concept

    I can only imagine the aftermarket for a vehicle available to the masses like this is going to be insane. With a price point this low, the new coupe will be scooped up like hotcakes. Aside from Mustangs, there hasn’t really been a cheap RWD sportscar in a while. Expect to see lots of Subie coupes sliding by in the future. Release is slated for sometime in 2010. I know this may be old news to some, but Subaru is supposed to be unveiling a new concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Could it be this new AE86 revival? Only time will tell, but I think that this is a good bet.

  • New Nissan GTR Spec-V specs leaked?

    Over the weekend, the Spec-V’s modification list was leaked to GTR-world. According to the leaked information, engine output for the Twin turbo 6 cylinder will increase from 478 to 520 forced induction ponies. The transmission select mode has been removed, leaving only the “Race” setting.

    National Speed - Spec V. Front

    One of the biggest downfalls of the Nissan powerhouse has been it’s weight. Weighing in at 3,814lbs, the GTR hasn’t exactly been a lightweight car. This problem has been somewhat addressed by the replacement of the backseat by a carbon fiber shelf, carbon fiber front seats, interior accents and aerodynamic aids. While it may drop weight a little bit, I don’t think that it will shed all that it needs to be considered a lightweight vehicle. Hopefully the new power and new overboost function will help out with that.

    National Speed - Spec V. Rear

    Ditched as well are the stocker brakes, being replaced by a carbon ceramic set hidden behind Rays 20 inch wheels wrapped in super sticky Dunlop tires (the same ones that set the supposed 7:29 Nurburgring lap time). The already very good stock suspension has been retuned by Bilstein and is claimed to be superior to the NISMO Clubsport package offered.

    One thing that will be hard to cushion unfortunately is the price. Coming in at an estimated $165,000 before tax, that’s a whopping $95,000 more than the current GTR. Is it $95,000 better than the current GTR? Only time will tell until a truly official spec list comes out.

  • Flying Aerocar N103D: The Future is Now

    Anyone that reads the National Speed blog knows that I’m a big fan of flying cars. I’ve been clamoring for flying car technology since I tried to pilot my way out of the womb (take my advice and wait until they cut the umbilical cord before trying to takeoff). Little did I know the Future is now…er…actually it’s been here since 1956 and nobody bothered to tell me.

    Created in 1956 by Moulton B. Taylor, The N103D Flying Aerocar is powered by a 160 HP engine under the hood and has the rare distinction of being the only automobile certified by the FAA. With over 1,103 flight miles accumulated, the Flying Aerocar (isn’t that redundant — when something’s called an aerocar wouldn’t you naturally assume that it flew?) is currently for sale on eBay and can be yours for the low, low price of 3.5 million dollars.

    Feel like flying the friendly skies on your way to work? Just attach the wings and propeller and you’re good to go. An informal inspection was conducted in 2006 to make sure the Flying Aerocar was in working order…not sure what an informal inspection means, but considering you’re paying 3.5 million dollars for the world’s only functioning Flying Aerocar, it’s probably well worth it.

  • National Speed Quickie: Snakes on a Dash

    It’s been awhile since our last quickie, so I thought it’d be best to set the mood with a little wine and romance. Just kidding. I’m not one for long winded speeches or intros, so whaddaya say we get down to business and report on all the automotive news that’s fit to print…and probably some that isn’t.

    “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” An 80 year old goat breeder by the name of Noel Padgham recently took her car to the shop after it began making a clunking noise. Seems like a rather mundane way to start off a news blog right? Don’t worry, it gets better.

    Upon opening the dash, mechanic Kit Carson (no relation to the frontiersman) was greeted by the pants filling sight of a three foot long python wrapped around the ventilation fan. To make matters worse, the snake was still alive!

    After changing his shorts, Carson took the snake to the local vet where it now awaits its next exciting trip perhaps on a plane, or possibly train. No word on if Samuel L. Jackson will be involved.

    Special thanks to Jalopnik for originally breaking the story and to whatever poor bastard wrote Snakes on a Plane…even two years after that steaming pile’s release we’re still getting mileage out of the title.

  • Ford Unveils The New Pony: The 2010 Ford Mustang

    Ford unveils the new iteration of its longtime flagship model, this time a bit more appealing.

    National Speed 2010 Mustang Front

    The new slightly Italian-esque Ford Mustang takes on a new look this year. Starting out with a minor facelift, the turn signals have been moved, the headlights are now more slightly curved for aerodynamic purposes, and that unsightly old school antenna has been removed.

    The lower front fascia has new air deflectors to further enhance airflow, shooting air around the sides of the car, as opposed to underneath. New slimmer sideskirts smooth out the transition from front to rear. The rear end has been slimmed down and curved slightly forward, as well as the turn signals. Instead of the standard turn signals, the 2010 Mustang now has sequential turn signals.

    National Speed 2010 Mustang Interior

    You can’t blame me for saying so, but the interior of the last generation Mustang was dated craptastic for a new vehicle. Ford rose to the 21st century and finally redesigned the interior. Gone is the cheap plastic and cloth better suited for a 20 year old Yugo and is updated nicely with Brushed aluminum and Comfy leather.

    The steering wheel has also been redesigned and is now reminiscent of the original Mustang. All of the original items on the dashboard that have been obtrusive or stuck up above the dash in any way has been recessed or mounted flush to preserve the new clean appearance.

    As far as the motor goes, the 2010 GT retains the last generation 4.6L V8, minus being bumped up to 315hp and 325lb-ft of torque due to some intake reworking. A new “sound tube”(?!) has been added into the exhaust system, directing sound into the passenger compartment as well…. Well that’s pretty damn gimmicky if you ask me, but whatever works.

    On the bright side, the hood has been expanded a bit to avoid any clearance issues when you slap a Twin screw supercharger on top of the motor. For WHATEVER reason, Ford STILL hasn’t replaced that archaic live axle suspension out back though. Traction control is nice, however.

    National Speed 2010 Mustang Rear End

    All in all, the new 2010 Mustang has made a big jump when compared to its predecessor. With the new redesigned interior and mildly facelifted exterior, as long as Ford doesn’t jump the price up the new generation mustang should sell very well.

  • GReddy Releases the Type-RZ Blow Off Valve

    GReddy has just released the Greddy Type-RZ Blow off valve, which is to replace the current Type RS and is similar to the Type-S.

    National Speed - Greddy Type-RZ Blow Off Valve

    GReddy Blow Off Valves are easily adjustable to eliminate compressor surge and preventing premature boost leakage, while increasing boost response between shifts. Each valve is made of durable cast and billet aluminum frame and the valve to diaphragm ratio provides performance that cheap piston types cannot offer. The spring stiffness adjustment screw and the three different sizes give the GReddy user the option to match vehicles with mild upgrades to heavily tuned engines.

    Type RZ Features:

    • High capacity performance in a compact frame.
    • 8 Discharge ports for improved sounds.
    • New 40mm valve coated with hard anodizing to withstand friction, maintain an airtight seal and increase durability.
    • A Bellofram diaphragm is used to ensure optimum valve movement.
    • Quick response due to a shorter valve stroke and upper housing.
    • Dual Spring system, preventing premature discharge under high boost.
    • Spring tension is adjustable to suit mass applications.
    • Identical mounting flange as the Type-S and Type-RS.

    The GReddy Type-RZ BOV is essentially the same as the current Type-RS, but looks more attractive and has a larger diameter valve.

    List price is $236.00, but expect the best price in the market at National Speed. Initially, these will be a limited product run of only 100 units nation wide, but I don’t forsee this lasting too long. Get ’em while you can!