Car Performance
How Randy Pobst Saved This Record-Setting Porsche 911 GT2 RS From the Crusher
But seriously, why crush cars? Well, in the case of those Vipers, they were pre-production models that can never be sold. Why not? Because if they ever somehow “get loose” and are involved in a road crash, the manufacturer is hosed—just ask your nearest lawyer, any lawyer. Fact is, it makes great economic sense for automakers to destroy certain cars. They would hurt themselves, shareholders, and future crash victims if they didn’t make sure certain cars were good and dead. Even cars you really like. But what about special cars? Or even really special cars? Like, say, the 2018 Porsche 991-series 911 GT2 RS Weissach Edition that set the production car lap record in July 2018 on the big track at Willow Springs International Raceway? The very car driven by our own Randy Pobst...
The Surprising Performance Potential of Volvo Engine Swaps
Many fans of Swedish metal are eager to turn others onto the potential for Volvo performance. There are a surprising array of engine options and platforms that can make for the perfect oddball project. We’ve gathered some ideas to inspire you to consider a Volvo project car. Uncommon Performance: 1974-1993 Volvo 240 The humble Volvo 244 (sedan), 242 (coupe) and 245 (wagon) enjoyed nearly three decades of faithful service as the go-to car of choice for college professors, safety-conscious families, and free thinkers looking to escape Detroit’s grasp in an era when European imports were still a mixed bag when it came to quality and reliability. Collectively known as the Volvo 240, the line-up’s stodgy, squared-off styling concealed an overbuilt design that still ensures a s...
This Dodge Rampage With a Mid-Mounted Hemi Is Freakishly Fantastic
Chrysler (now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) has always been clever with the branding of its performance vehicles. You’re likely familiar with the Hellcat and the Demon, and that’s not even scratching the surface of classic models such as the Superbird, Road Runner, Super Bee, and Rampage. We couldn’t resist putting that last one in there to see if you were paying attention. By definition, the word “rampage” describes violent or excited behavior that is reckless, uncontrolled, or destructive. Originally powered by a 2.2-liter inline-four with 97 hp sent its front wheels, the Dodge Rampage compact pickup of the mid-1980s lacked the grunt to excite us (or anyone else, for that matter) to the point of violence. See all 25 photos Taking any Mopar from the sm...
Listen to the Sweet Snarl of Hennessey’s C8 Corvette Exhaust System
If a 12,000-hp Corvette sounds a bit like overkill, then Hennessey has another delectable C8 upgrade for you. Hennessey Performance has introduced a new exhaust system that boosts output on the eighth-gen Corvette and gives the sports car an even sweeter soundtrack. In the video below, Hennessey walks customers through the kit’s somewhat involving installation process. While the tuner recommends taking the parts to a professional auto tech for installation, expert assemblers can certainly DIY the upgrade if they have a few tools on hand. Made of 100 percent stainless steel, the exhaust upgrade adds 21 hp and 19 lb-ft of torque to the Corvette’s mid-mounted V-8 engine. Top speed is 205 mph, according to Hennessey. The upgrade also sheds 10 pounds from the regular Corvette’...
