Tag Archives: Offbeat News

post

Ram Teams Up With Wolverine To Create Truck-Inspired Work Boots

Posted on by

Fancy pants supercar manufacturers aren’t the only ones that can partner with apparel-makers to create exclusive footwear. Ram announced that it is working with Wolverine to create a series of boots for skilled workers.

The collaboration will lead to the creation of three pairs of special edition boots inspired by Ram trucks, as well as some socks, too.

The Wolverine x Ram Tradesman Safety Toe is available in two colors (white and tan) and features the Ram logo on the tongue. It costs $229. The Wolverine x Ram Rebel Safety Toe, adds another $10 to the price tag and features signature Rebel Red details and all-day comfort. It’s available in black with red detailing or in red with black and white detailing.

Read Also: Bugatti Teams Up With High-Tech Italian Apparel-Maker UYN

[embedded content]

The Wolverine x Ram Limited 1000 Mile Boot, finally, is handcrafted in America and features Horween leather inspired by the Limited’s ultra-premium interior. As for pricing, at $400 it is the most expensive of the three.

“We are proud to partner with Ram Truck, an industry leading brand, to honor essential workers and the excellent career opportunities the skilled trades offer,” said Tom Kennedy, global brand president for Wolverine Footwear and Apparel. “Since 2017, Wolverine has donated more than $2 million toward supporting the next generation of skilled workers, and we’re excited to be working with another brand who is equally passionate about investing in the future of the American workforce.”

Ready just in time for Labor Day, for every pre-order the boots receive Wolverine and Ram will donate an unspecified amount to SkillsUSA, a non-profit organization that works to support the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Together, the teams also created an ad honoring tradespeople.

“The unrivaled elements of the Ram Truck brand meet the style and timelessness of a classic American boot brand through the launch of our licensing collaboration with Wolverine,” said Marissa Hunter, vice president of marketing – North America for Ram. “The collection seamlessly merges the worlds of automotive and fashion, drawing inspiration from the Ram truck interior while staying true to Wolverine’s staple design elements and unwavering reliability.”

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

post

Jay Leno Preps For Doomsday With Apocalypse Hellfire 6×6

Posted on by

One of the great things about Jay Leno’s Garage is the sheer diversity of vehicles covered by the man in blue.

In the last few weeks alone he’s tried a Chevy V8-swapped Datsun 240Z, celebrated 25 years of the Porsche Boxster, reviewed a classic 1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada, and taken a look at the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V.

But every now and again the big man comes across something really crazy, and they don’t come much crazier than the Apocalypse Hellfire 6×6.

The work of Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Apocalypse Manufacturing, the Hellfire 6×6 is the kind of car you buy when you live in a cold war nuclear bunker and need to make your yearly trip to the store to stock up on canned beans, dried milk and anti-tank mines. It’s a preppers’ dream.

Related: Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 Is A $1 Million Off-Roading Beast

[embedded content]

Loosely based around a lifted Jeep Gladiator, the Hellfire uses a bespoke third axle, runs on ginormous 40-inch wheels and is powered by a mildly tuned 6.2-liter Chevy LS3 V8 developing 500 hp. If that’s not enough muscle for you, or you prefer to keep the Mopar bloodline pure, a 707 hp Hellcat V8 is optional.

There’s Kevlar paint and a style of cover for the 8-ft rear bed that Tesla’s lawyers will be interested to hear Apocalypse’s boss Joseph Ghattas openly admits to stealing from the company’s Cybertruck. And most crazy of all, Ghattas reckons he can deliver one in less than three weeks from the point of order.

Much like the majority of supercars almost never get near their top speed, Ghatttas admits that few of the 79 people around the world who’ve already bought an Apocalypse regularly go off road.

“At some point in the ownership experience you go off-roading in it,” Ghattas tells Leno. “But is it their daily thing? No. Mostly [it is used] to protect them from zombies.”

Leno seems surprised to find the Apocalypse handles and stops well, but candidly admits that it’s not his kind of car. We can’t imagine dropping $190,000 on one either, but like Leno, we’re happy to know the option is there for those who feel the need. And if that zombie uprising ever does happen, we know who to call.

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet check out Community Chevrolet TODAY!

post

Chevy Dealer Tech Took Customer’s C8 Corvette For A 148-MPH Street Racing Joyride

Posted on by

If you have a GM vehicle equipped with the Performance Data Recorder (PDR), this might be your sign to start using it when you bring your car in for service. After the incident this past June involving a Chevrolet technician taking a customer’s C8 Corvette out for a 104-mph (167 km/h) joyride, a similar situation has has occurred, this time with street racing at speeds close to 150 mph (241 km/h)

The car was brought in to the dealership for an unknown, potentially serious engine noise that necessitated it be taken in on a tow truck. After the technician working on it resolved the issue, which apparently turned out to be a loose spark plug, he rightfully took it out for a test drive to make sure everything was in working order. However, what that technician didn’t know was that the car’s PDR was active, and it was recording the whole ordeal that followed.

See Also: Stolen C8 Corvette Destroyed As Thieves Try To Outrun Cops

Read More: C8 Corvette Split In Half In Crash But Its Engine (And Other Parts) Are For Sale

After some seemingly normal driving, the tech made his way onto the highway. Once he had enough room, he opened up the Corvette to about 115 mph (185 km/h), and did the same again on another highway. And if that wasn’t enough, the PDR video then shows him engaging in a street race with a Dodge Charger, weaving in and out of traffic and reaching speeds of up to 148 mph (238 km/h) at one point.

According to The Drive, after the owner found out what had been done with his car, the dealership offered him $500 worth of exterior and interior detailing, but seeing as the car was virtually brand new and already had a paint protection film installed, he was able to negotiate for an extended warranty. The owner told The Drive that he will have “no ill-will” against the dealership if they truly uphold their agreement.

The full video of the test drive has since been removed, but you can watch the street racing part, which was reuploaded to Reddit, below.

 

post

U.S. Army Black Hawk Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing On Bucharest Street

Posted on by

A U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter had a close call on Thursday in Bucharest. Although the cause of the incident is still unknown, the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in Romania’s capital city, Bucharest, shutting down nearby traffic.

Videos show the helicopter participating in a formation flight that officials say was being flown as training for an air show on Romanian Air Force Day that will take place on July 20-21. The helicopter then suddenly loses altitude and the pilot is forced to land it on a roundabout, bringing down light poles and tree branches in the process.

Read Also: See The Moment A Low-Flying Helicopter Hit A Truck During The Dakar Rally

[embedded content]

Fortunately, although there were cars on the street, no injuries are reported because of this incident. A military prosecutor arrived at the site to investigate the cause of the emergency landing.

The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest wrote on Facebook that the event took place at around 10:00 am local time and that the helicopter was moved to one side of the road to allow traffic through as authorities conducted their investigations.

The Romanian Defense Ministry, meanwhile, has canceled all aircraft participation in two scheduled ceremonies being held for the event.

“Both ceremonies will be held, but no military aircraft will participate,” Brigadier General Constantine Spinu, a Defense Ministry spokesperson, told Reuters.

[embedded content]

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Nissan of Queens TODAY!

post

Careless Twingo Driver Smacks Into Ferrari 488 Pista, Sees Net Worth Crash

Posted on by

Sometimes you just screw up and you face the consequences immediately. That seems to be the case here when a Renault Twingo pulled out onto an Italian road and right into a Ferrari 488 Pista coming around a corner.

While we often post these accidents to have a laugh or two at nincompoops in ridiculously expensive cars who can’t handle their performance, it’s really hard to find any fault with the Ferrari driver’s behavior here. Although I don’t exactly know how fast the car was going, it really doesn’t seem like the 488 Pista was hot-dogging, rather it was simply minding its own business when a careless driver in a reasonably priced car failed to pay as much attention to the road as was necessary.

Read Also: Dramatic Ferrari 488 Pista Crash Should Be A Lesson For All Supercar Owners

Fortunately, as a result of the 488 Pista driver not driving like a Mustang owner, the accident was relatively minor and led to no major injuries, though both cars appear to have taken a bit of a crunch and the Ferrari’s airbag reportedly deployed (oh yes, those are the sweet sounds of euros pouring down that you hear). The whole incident can best be summed up in the sharp inhalation that the videographer makes as he sees the inevitability of the accident unfolding.

As mentioned on Motor1, Italy’s MOW Magazine reported that the 488 Pista in the video was taking part in the “Ferrari Tribute to the 1000 Miglia” that was happening this weekend.

The Ferrari 488 Pista, for those interested, makes use of a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 that churns out 710 HP (720 PS/530 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. The first-generation Renault Twingo, meanwhile, uses a 1.2-liter I4 that produces up to 75 hp (76 PS/56 kW).

[embedded content]

For GREAT deals on a new or used Nissan check out Mossy Nissan National City TODAY!

post

You’ll Wish You Could Buy This Life-Sized Lamborghini Sián Made Entirely Out Of Lego Bricks

Posted on by

Lego has revealed its latest life-sized creation: a 400,000-piece Lamborghini Sián FKP 37. Utilizing pieces from Lego Technic, the result took 8,660 hours to develop and construct.

The replica is 4,980 mm (196 in) long, 2,101mm (82.7 in) wide, and 1,133mm (44.6 in) high, making its dimensions identical to that of the real-life car. A millimeter-perfect homage, Lego says it’s the first time a hexagonal shape has been used to form the outer shell of a build.

The real-life Sián is Lamborghini’s first production hybrid and comes with a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 — something the scale model, obviously, doesn’t feature. It does, however, come with a brick-built steering wheel decorated with the Lamborghini emblem and Italian flag, LEGO-built dashboard controls, and racing seats.

See: The Toyota GR Supra MkV Is Recreated By Lego Speed Champions 

[embedded content]

Lamborghini made headlines with the real-life Sián by incorporating a supercapacitor, which weighs less than a traditional battery. But we suspect weight wasn’t a consideration for the Lego team, with the life-size Sián replica topping the scales at 2200 kg (4850 lbs).

The Lego Sián uses 154 different Technic parts. However, only 20 of these had to have been specifically created for the project. The life-size replica follows from the 1:8 scale Lego Technic Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 that launched in June 2020.

In a first for Lego, this large-scale Sián features what is called a “paintbrush-effect” UV color coating. To ensure the finish matched that of the actual car, the paint was applied by Lamborghini’s own paint shop. The color itself was carefully compared to that found on the 1:8 scale Lego Technic model, with multiple tests performed to ensure it tallied with the correct Pantone.

See: Could You Want More Than This Life-Size Lego Ducati Panigale V4 R?

In another unique adaptation, Lego pays homage to the Sián’s name by employing innovative use of lighting for the 1:1 scale model. In the Bolognese dialect, the word Sián means flash, or lightning, which is why you’ll find illuminated lightning bolts down the side of the recreation’s body. The unique lightning bolt lights have been designed to mimic the power-up and power-down sequence found on the real-car’s headlights and taillights, with Lego’s electrical engineers ensuring they flash in a similar fashion.

“Our designers love a challenge, so you can imagine their delight when we tasked them to think slightly larger than normal with this model,” said Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing at the LEGO Group, Lena Dixen. “They jumped at the chance of teaming up with our amazing designers and engineers from our model production workshop at the Kladno factory in the Czech Republic who build these impressive life-size models, and really pushing the boundaries of what can be done with LEGO Technic.”

PHOTO GALLERY

more photos…

For GREAT deals on a new or used Toyota check out Right Toyota TODAY!

post

NTSB To Release Report On Deadly Tesla Crash Within A Month

Posted on by

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will publish its report on the deadly accident involving a Tesla Model S in Texas within a month.

Earlier this month, a Model S crashed into a tree in Texas, erupting into flames and killing both occupants. Authorities discovered that one of the occupants was in the front passenger seat while the owner was in the back seat, prompting speculation that the vehicle’s Autopilot system may have been enabled.

“A preliminary report typically comes out in a month, but we are working hard to get it out as soon as possible because we recognize there is this confusion out there,” deputy director of the NTSB Kristin Poland said in a statement issued to Reuters.

Read Also: No One Was Driving The Tesla Model S In Fiery Crash Where Two People Were Killed

A Harris County fire marshal’s report says that 69-year-old Everette Talbot was seated in the right front passenger seat with his upper torso “in a forward-leaning position, with both arms rolled forward”. Meanwhile, 59-year-old Williams Varner was found in the left rear passenger seat with his upper torso “in a rear-leaning position, with both arms rolled back and in a pugilistic pose.”

Taking to Twitter in the immediate aftermath of the crash, Elon Musk claimed that an early analysis had determined that Autopilot was not activated. Speaking during the company’s Q1 earnings call, vice-president of vehicle engineering at Tesla, Lars Moravy, claimed that the steering wheel of the Model S was deformed, leading him to suggest there was someone in the driver’s seat at the time of the crash.

“We recognize that that’s not an ideal circumstance,” Poland said of the continued confusion about the accident. “The sooner we can get the preliminary report out the better it will be for everybody to provide as much clarity as possible,” she added, stating that the report will be based on solid facts.

post

Two Police Cars Wrecked After Cops Drag Race Each Other In Washington, D.C.

Posted on by

Two police cars have been totaled in Washington, D.C. after a drag race between officers.

It is understood that the officers involved in the incident started racing each other on Anacostia Avenue near Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Garden and were traveling at up to 60 mph (96 km/h). Video taken in the immediate aftermath of the crash shows the two patrol cars crashed into each other, with one of them having smashed through the wooden fence of a house.

While the damage done to the cars doesn’t appear significant, Fox 5 DC was told that both vehicles were totaled in the crash.

Watch Also: NY Driver Doused Cops With Chemicals And Molotov Cocktail During Traffic Stop

“Yesterday two 6D scout cars were totaled because officers decided instead of fighting crime, patrolling their beats, or engaging the community – they decided to drag race each other on Anacostia Avenue at 5 pm in the evening,” 6D Commander Durriiah Habeebullah said in an emailed statement. “What does this say to all the members of MPD who are passionate about their job and work hard every day to make a difference. This is not fair to any of us.”

The four police officers are said to all be relatively new to the force. Neither local Mayor Muriel Bowser nor Chief Robert Contee have responded to requests for comment after the crash and regarding the employment status of the officers involved.

Habeebullah told Fox 5 DC that she is holding command staff responsible to have discussions with officers about the dangers of speeding and driving recklessly.

[embedded content]

!

post

Maserati Levante Gets Wedged Under Bridge In California Following Police Chase

Posted on by

The driver of a Maserati Levante has been lucky to survive a scary crash following a brief police pursuit.

The California Highway Patrol’s Oakland office recently shared images online of a white Levante that crashed into the underside of a freeway in Los Angeles.

SF Gate reports that the 32-year-old male driver of the Maserati refused to stop for an officer attempting to pull him over on 580 westbound and accelerated to over 100 mph (160 km/h). Police began chasing him before he exited the freeway at West Street and drove up an embankment, hitting the underside of the freeway and getting wedged there.

Watch Also: 2021 Maserati Levante Trofeo Is Quicker Than The Spec Sheet Suggests

“It was a short-lived pursuit,” Officer David Arias said. “He didn’t make it far before he exited and as soon as he exited, instead of going straight, he veered left, went off the ramp and then went up the embankment and collided with the underside of the freeway.”

California Highway Patrol say the driver was taken to a local hospital after complaining about being in pain. He will face charges for reckless evading, authorities confirmed.

“It’s unbelievable that he didn’t die,” Arias added. “It’s crazy that he lived.”

The damage sustained to the Maserati is comprehensive and it will clearly be heading straight to a scrapyard. The edge of the freeway underpass wedged into the roof of the SUV and had the SUV been just a few inches to either the left or the right, the driver could have very easily suffered lethal head injuries.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet, Buick or GMC in St. Louis check out Laura Chevrolet Buick GMC TODAY!

post

This Rolls-Royce Cullinan Had Its Brakes Checked At A Chevy Dealer

Posted on by

One would expect the owner of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan to take their luxurious SUV to their nearest Rolls-Royce dealership were they ever in need of a service or a quick check-up. Evidently, the owner of this Cullinan decided a Chevrolet dealership would be up for the job.

This image was shared in the Justrolledintotheshop Subreddit that is filled with interesting posts by mechanics from all around the world.

Read Also: Upgrade Your Rolls-Royce Cullinan To 663 HP For $3,995

The individual who uploaded this photo says the owner of the Cullinan came to the Chevrolet dealership to have the brakes of the SUV checked. The mechanic adds that they wanted him to check out the inside of the rotors, perhaps because of a noise in that area, meaning the mechanic had to put the Rolls-Royce on the shop’s lift.

In news that won’t surprise anyone, the mechanic adds that the Rolls-Royce in question is owned by a footballer.

While the Cullinan is one of the most refined SUVs on the planet, the owner of this example has seemingly decided to make it look subdued and had the exterior wrapped in a combination of matte and gloss black. The massive wheels of the Rolls have also been finished in matte black and even the headlights have been tinted black.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Mazda check out Santa Maria Mazda TODAY!