Ford had been content material to play it secure all through the Sixties by way of design, however noticed a possibility to capitalize on the rising recognition of ’70s light-duty pickups. One of the out there choices for the sixth technology F-150 was the ‘Free Wheelin’ bundle. The ‘Free Wheelin’ model featured visible components like brilliant yellow paint and sundown decals alongside the perimeters of the truck. Eye-catching colours and decals helped outline the F-150 within the ’70s as greater than only a work truck; it was one thing that was enjoyable, too.
Several trims, just like the Custom, Sport Custom, Ranger, and Ranger XLT, offered patrons with a spread of facilities. You may equip elective luxurious add-ons like an air conditioner, Cruise-o-Matic Select Shift transmission, knitted vinyl seat trim, designer moldings, drip rails, and extra. Ford wished to draw patrons with enjoyable designs and premium inside comforts unavailable on earlier fashions.
Mercedes-Benz Classic is opening the doorways to its coveted automobile assortment, presenting a uncommon alternative to take part within the prestigious “1000 Miglia 2024” traditional automobile rally. The German automaker is providing a restricted version bundle that includes three unique 300 SL “Gullwing” vehicles from its legendary assortment for 3 very rich folks.
Participants can have the possibility to drive these iconic vehicles within the rally alongside an expert racing driver, mirroring the journey of racing legends comparable to Rudolf Caracciola and Sir Stirling Moss.
The “1000 Miglia,” one of many pinnacles within the traditional automobile calendar, guarantees a thousand miles of dream roads from Brescia to Rome and again, showcasing a fleet of exceptional vehicles. The bundle, priced at 150,000 euros earlier than taxes – round $161,830 with the present trade charges – supplies individuals with the whole works staff expertise. That contains the privilege of driving one of many three out there 300 SL vehicles, a racing driver as a co-pilot, organizational and technical help, and a devoted check drive weekend in Stuttgart for preparation. The “1000 Miglia” rally is scheduled for June 11 to fifteen, 2024.
Never again? That was not on Richard Hammond’s mind when he saw the opportunity to jump behind the wheel of Rimac’s latest and greatest electric supercar. Despite being involved in a life-threatening accident in June 2017 with the infamous Concept One, The Hamster got back on the horse. Actually, 1,877 horses. In a new video for Drivetribe – which he co-founded with Jeremy Clarkson and James May – gets behind the wheel of Croatia’s fastest car ever.
The Nevera in question is #10 out of a total of 150 cars and sitting in the passenger seat is Rimac’s chief engineer and test driver. Given what happened the last time Hammond drove a Rimac, it’s an understandable precautionary measure to make sure The Grand Tour co-host isn’t involved in another nasty accident. Predictably, it looks as though the English journalist was a bit hesitant to drive off, but he eventually built up the courage to get going.
Chevrolet missed an opportunity to bring back the K5 Blazer as a two-door SUV, but Flat Out Autos created a modern version that looks like it came straight from Chevy.
The converted Silverado, known as the KR2, is not only visually appealing but also functional, with wider fenders, off-road suspension, and a removable carbon fiber roof.
While a modern K5 Blazer would likely be popular and profitable for Chevy, their focus on EV development may prevent them from investing in a new internal combustion engine vehicle like the Blazer.
When Chevrolet introduced the current Blazer in 2018 for the 2019 model year, it was reinvented as a two-row midsize crossover with Camaro-inspired sporty looks. It’s not a bad model, per se, but since it was yet another crossover in an already crowded segment, it never particularly stood out, either. Therefore, we think it was a missed opportunity for Chevrolet to bring the K5 Blazer back as a two-door body-on-frame SUV like the original model and be a formidable competitor to the Jeep Wrangler. But alas, It was Ford that was able to capitalize on this first with the Bronco, and this window of opportunity for Chevrolet to introduce a Wrangler rival is slowly fleeting.
But what if they actually did revive the Blazer as it was intended to be—a two-door or available four-door body-on-frame SUV with off-road chops that match or exceed both the Bronco and Wrangler? Well, there’s no need for us to do any imagining because Flat Out Autos turned a Chevrolet Silverado into what they call the KR2—a modern take on the K5 Blazer that the American automaker should’ve made, but decided to make the Blazer a nondescript crossover for the modern times.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including GM Authority, Chevrolet, and Goodcarbadcar.
Related: Chevrolet’s SUV Lineup, Pricing, And Features
If Chevrolet Made A Modern-Day K5 Blazer…
We’re impressed by the fact that the automotive shop’s conversion of a Silverado 1500 pickup looks like an OEM-quality job. It’s as if Chevy themselves actually made a modern K5 Blazer. In order to achieve this, it involved more than just improving its looks, but also doing some structural revisions to make it look better proportioned and make it look like a modern-day K5 Blazer.
Not Just A Looker, But Also Functionally Better
The affordable Silverado 1500, base WT (Work Truck) in regular cab to be precise, has been fitted with wider FiberwerX fenders that add seven inches to its width, putting it on par dimensionally with the Silverado ZR2 crew cab. A set of 17-inch Method Race Wheels wrapped in 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires have also been fitted to improve both the looks and the off-road performance of the truck.
It’s not only a better pickup from the looks department, but it also is functionally better as well thanks to long travel off-road suspension by Dirt King, while the removable roof that truly harks back to the original K5 Blazer—which, by the way, is made out of carbon fiber, comes from Sankuer Composite Technologies. Topping it all off is a RIGd Supply rear tire carrier just to fully complete that SUV look.
Better Performance On And Off-Road
Take that carbon fiber roof away, and you’re left with seating for two at the rear bed. This exposes the roll bars as well as the red leather seats to spruce up the interior of what was otherwise a barebones interior since this is the WT trim of the Silverado. It’s also worth mentioning that if you carefully check out the photos, the proportions of the Silverado have also been altered.
Apart from the wider fenders, the shop also made alterations to the vehicle’s chassis itself. The chassis has been shortened by 22 inches and to achieve that open-air rear section that the K5 Blazer had, Flat Out Autos cut the back of the cab open for the open-air back seats.
Specifications
Engine
5.3-liter V-8
Transmission
10-Speed Auto
Horsepower
467
Torque
440 lb-ft
Driveline
4WD
(Specifications Sourced from Flat Out Autos)
If you think this is just a conversion from a pickup into a modern-day take on the K5 Blazer, Flat Out Autos will also improve the pickup’s performance by adding an optional Whipple supercharger under the hood. The Silverado WT base vehicle is fitted with a 5.3-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 and is fitted to a 10-speed automatic. According to Flat Out Autos, with the supercharger, the engine produces 467 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
Related: Chevy Duramax 3.0-Liter Diesel Engine: Everything You Should Know
What It Would Take For Chevy To Build One
Velocity
Now that we’ve seen what’s possible if the K5 Blazer was brought to modern times, what would it take for Chevrolet to bring it to market? Actually, from a capital investment perspective, probably not much, but this is just pure speculation. That’s because just as with Ford’s Bronco, the K5 Blazer won’t need a completely new platform from scratch.
Take Advantage Of What Chevy Already Has
As demonstrated by Flat Out Autos, the Silverado’s GMT T1XX platform already serves as a solid foundation for what could be possible for a modern-day K5 Blazer. The resulting vehicle is bigger than a Bronco or a Wrangler, but the K5 Blazer was also a full-size two-door SUV in the first place.
Not A Lot Of Capital Investment Is (Probably) Needed
With the existing GMT T1XX platform, Chevrolet doesn’t need to do a lot of major engineering in order to make it fit into a modern K5 Blazer. This is why we think that the American automaker doesn’t need to spend a lot of money to mass produce an all-new K5 Blazer. The Bronco, for instance, uses the T6 platform of the Ranger and in overseas markets, the Everest.
Ford’s T6 platform is already a solid foundation to start with and with the popularity of the Bronco, we think that the capital investment poured by Ford into the Bronco’s development program was easily recuperated. Not to mention the fact that the engines that the Bronco uses are also in the Ranger, and Chevrolet could do the same thing with the Silverado and the modern K5 Blazer.
Related: A Brief History Of Chevy Pickup Trucks
Why Chevy Probably Won’t Build One
Chevrolet
Considering these scenarios, it would be a no-brainer for Chevrolet to not build a modern-day Blazer K5, right? Actually, when you think about it, this vehicle will most likely increase the sales of its SUVs without spending a significant amount of money on development. Especially with the fact that Chevrolet already has the right engines and platform for a full-size two-door SUV, the parts commonality will also mean not a lot of investment would be needed in terms of production.
Today’s Blazer Isn’t A Stand-Out Model
The Blazer in its current form doesn’t suck, but it isn’t a standout either. The market is already full of midsize crossover SUVs with both two and three-rows, while the market for rugged off-roaders is still popular and should be a room of opportunity for growth for Chevrolet. Ford says they’ll be releasing more Bronco variants as sales of its off-roader continue to close the gap with the Wrangler. Chevy releasing a competitor in the segment, especially one that builds upon the iconic image of the original K5 Blazer could surely be a hit–even more so than a run-on-the-mill two-row crossover you can get in dealers today.
But GM Is Also Laser-Focused On EVs
However, as you’ll probably notice, Chevrolet’s parent company General Motors or GM has been very aggressive in its push for electric vehicles (EVs), with the most recent being the new Equinox EV. Though this is just a theory, we think that the intense capital that they’re pouring into battery plants, supply chains, as well as the BEV1, BEV2, and BEV3 platforms using the Ultium electric drivetrain and battery architecture means that fewer dollars and manpower are being allocated by the automotive group to the development of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Then again, EV sales have been slowing down (albeit still growing), which led GM to likewise reduce its speed in adding more EV models to its lineup, as well as delay the production commencement of new EVs such as the new Silverado EV and even a Blazer EV.
Related: 10 Reasons Why The Chevy Blazer EV Is Special
Here’s Why Chevrolet Needs To Build A Modern-Day K5 Blazer
The sales of midsize off-roaders remain strong, and with the K5 Blazer having a strong fanbase, we don’t see the market for this segment to saturate, either. It’ll most likely once again attract Chevrolet fans who haven’t bought a vehicle from the brand, probably waiting for a successor to the K5 Blazer for decades already.
Not A Lot Of Investment For A Potentially Popular SUV
Because of this, a modern-day K5 Blazer will also help add more growth to Chevrolet’s bottom line without a lot of capital investment. From a business standpoint, the amount of potential profit relative to what the automaker will invest will be good. In addition, today’s Blazer isn’t just another two-row midsize crossover that barely stands out in its segment. However, the automaker also has its hands full in the development and production of EVs, which means that their priorities are probably shifted away from ICE vehicles.
Opting For Conversion Isn’t Cheap
There’s another reason why you would also want to wish for Chevrolet to make a modern-day K5 Blazer successor–affordability. That’s because the Flat Out Autos conversion isn’t cheap. If you want this converted Silverado, you have to fork out $178,000. Add the superchargers, spare tire, and bed cover, which are also optional extras, and you’re looking at $202,000 for what is essentially a heavily modified base-level Silverado WT.
Toyota & Lexus Increase Visibility and Opportunity For Potential Accessory Partners
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – Last year at SEMA, Toyota announced a unique expansion to its accessory portfolio, by bringing well-respected aftermarket brands into the fold. This year, Toyota’s accessory presence will be boosted with an even larger display to feature the expansion that has taken place over the past year.
In order to cater to the needs of Toyota customers who have a passion for performance on the road, on the track, and off-road, Toyota has expanded its program. This expansion allows Toyota to offer a wide range of aftermarket accessory products from respected brands like ARB®, Go Rhino®, Yakima®, and Rigid Industries®. Through this initiative, customers will have never-before-offered accessory solutions. This is not only beneficial for Toyota dealers who will be selling and installing these accessories, but also for customers who will have the option to finance the parts with their vehicle purchase. For warranty details, please refer to the third-party site.
According to Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, the program was introduced last year to simplify the customization process for Toyota owners while enhancing their selection of genuine Toyota and Lexus accessories. He also stated, “The space showcases some of Toyota’s great product and accessory offerings and allows for greater collaboration with our portfolio of accessory suppliers.”
This year, Toyota’s accessory offerings will be prominently featured at the center of the SEMA booth. A digital parts catalog will be available, which includes all families of available parts, including AAP, Toyota Genuine, and TRD. The booth has been designed with a refined interior and video display to create a visually impactful experience.
Throughout the SEMA exhibit, visitors can expect to see a wide range of Toyota’s products and accessories. These include rooftop tents and coolers from Dometic®, Go Rhino® XRS Overland Xtreme Racks, ski and bike racks from Yakima®, and awnings and hammocks from Kammok®. Overlanders will also find essential gear such as high-performance fog lights from Rigid Industries® and ARB® air compressor kits.
In its SEMA Show exhibit, Toyota is showcasing 19 featured vehicles, including various build concepts, production cars, SUVs, and trucks (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200). The expanded space further emphasizes Toyota’s commitment to on-and off-road performance, excitement, and adventure.
We apologize for the wind noise, but we couldn’t resist sharing a spy video of the Lamborghini Huracan successor being tested in Spain. The “baby Lambo” is remarkably quiet in the beginning of the clip because it will be a plug-in hybrid, similar to its big brother, the Revuelto. Around the 1:00 mark, we finally hear the engine before the car reverses in electric mode.
The most exciting part of the video occurs at 1:14 when the driver restarts the internal combustion engine. Unfortunately, it does not feature the naturally aspirated V10 found in the Huracan and Audi R8. Recent reports suggest that it will have a downsized engine, potentially a twin-turbo V8. Rumor has it that the turbochargers will not engage until 7,000 rpm, so for the most part, the engine will behave like a naturally aspirated one. The redline is expected to be at 10,000 rpm.
We had the amazing opportunity to try out the new Motosport RDRco gear and visit the famous Gold Creek Lodge in Bayview, Idaho. It was an incredible experience, to say the least! The team at Motosport feels more like a family than just employees of a company, which made our time with them even more enjoyable.
We spent the entire day riding in the new RDRco (Octane) pant, jersey, glove, and Factor helmet equipped with rider-to-rider communication from Cardo, and we were absolutely impressed. The Octane line offers features and functions typically found in higher-priced gear, and its clean design comes in multiple color options. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to try out the boots, but the RDRco helmet also surprised us with its comfort and affordability.
The views from the trails surrounding Gold Creek Lodge are absolutely breathtaking, and the hospitality there is unmatched!
Yes, we couldn’t resist taking a picture of our delicious breakfast, and trust us, it tasted as good as it looks. The food at the Gold Creek Lodge is simply amazing.
If you’re a small group of riders looking for challenging trails and a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience, we highly recommend checking out the Gold Creek Lodge.
The Toyota Crown has been predominantly available only in Japan for many years. However, with the introduction of the sixteenth generation in 2022, it has expanded to become a family of several vehicles. Currently, the Crown is sold as a high-riding sedan and a crossover, with a larger SUV and a regular sedan set to be released in Japan soon.
Hot on the heels of the recently launched Crown Sport crossover, Toyota is now preparing a special edition for the jacked-up saloon. This limited-run variant, which will only be available in Japan, is based on the RS Advanced trim and features an exclusive matte paint job along with unspecified “other special features”.
This special edition Crown is expected to go on sale in Japan in December. Although the price has not been announced, it is likely to be more expensive than the 6,400,000 yen (approximately $43,000) RS Advanced trim. Customers will be able to purchase this special edition from dedicated Crown showrooms, with locations currently available in Tsuzuki, Yokohama, and Tenjin, Fukuoka. Additional showrooms in Aichi, Chiba, and Tokyo are planned to open soon.
It seems that the Crown is turning into a sub-brand to distinguish it from the regular lineup of Toyota vehicles. In addition to the four initial models, the even more luxurious Century sedan and the recently launched SUV are only available for order from select Century Meisters showrooms.
Crown dealerships will showcase all four models, and potential customers will have the opportunity to test drive them. Toyota is also creating upscale lounge areas and organizing networking events for owners, while the design of the building reflects the Crown brand’s identity. Following the release of this first special edition, more limited-run variants with additional features will be introduced for other Crown models.
# This Pair Of Riders Is Circling The Globe To Set A New World Record
If you have the opportunity to do it, travel can be amazing. Most of us know this, although of course life gets in the way for many of us. Assuming you’re able to do it, though, there’s something extra special about being able to travel with someone else.
There are caveats here, of course. The most important thing if you’re traveling in a pair is that you both have to have similar travel styles. If one person just wants to get between points A and B as fast as possible, and the other wants the chance to stop and see cool stuff that pops up along the way, then things aren’t going to end well.
However, if you overcome that hurdle, and you’re able to enjoy spending nearly every moment of every day together, then you might just be Lavi and Ollie. This couple has been circumnavigating the globe for the past 387 days as of this video on a [Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT](https://www.rideapart.com/news/505100/suzuki-vstrom-1050-xt-launch-uk/). Together, they’re aiming to set a [Guinness World Record](https://www.rideapart.com/news/671686/acerbis-honda-monkey-record-attempt/) as the youngest pair to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle riding two-up.
They’re currently 31 and 34 years old, and it’s a record that doesn’t exist yet—so they’ll be the first ones setting it. When they first set out to complete their mission, they gave themselves two years to complete it. Both the global pandemic situation at the beginning—as well as evolving geopolitical complications—made their planning much trickier. Still, they spent the first three months in Europe and Northern Africa before heading to the southern tip of South America.
Since then, they’ve ridden through South America, Central America, and have just recently made it into North America. In this video, they’re riding from the south to the north of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, and as usual, they’re having a lovely time. Camping is good, tacos are good, camp coffee is good, and the weather is mostly quite agreeable (with the exception of some serious wind toward the end of the day).
The views are stunning, and at their stop in Bahía Concepción, they’re even able to see dolphins! When they stop to camp for the night near an abandoned house that’s popular with the overlanding community, they’re surrounded by some impressively tall cacti.
If you’re looking for a reminder that beauty is all around us if we can only ride out to see it, then you probably want to check out Lavi and Ollie’s adventures.
Save the date: September 30, 2023 is your golden opportunity to acquire a truly unique automobile that combines German precision with Italian elegance. Spellman Signature Auctions presents an exclusive event at the esteemed Newport Car Museum, featuring a remarkable 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder. This supercar stands out from the crowd with its limited production of only 1,291 units worldwide and a mere 8,470 miles on its odometer.
The Audi R8 V10 Spyder exudes grace and sophistication within its class. Its powerful 5.2-liter DOHC 40 Valve V10 engine, derived from the legendary Lamborghini Huracan, generates an astonishing output of 540 horsepower and delivers torque of up to 398 ft-lbs. This beauty boasts exceptional performance capabilities. Enhancing its prowess even further, the R8 V10 Spyder showcases advanced features such as a transaxle system and four-wheel drive, ensuring optimal weight distribution and enhanced handling capabilities.
Equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Audi R8 V10 Spyder is both powerful and fast. It can sprint through quarter-mile distances in just over eleven seconds and reach impressive speeds from zero to sixty in merely 3.5 seconds. This car is not only aesthetically pleasing but also an untamed beast ready for unleashing.
25Photos
Despite its performance capabilities, the comfort of the R8’s interior design remains uncompromised. Audi’s renowned craftsmanship and utilization of high-quality materials throughout the vehicle’s cabin space ensure a comfortable driving experience. With its track-ready attributes combined seamlessly into one package, you can enjoy thrilling drives without sacrificing daily driving comforts.
The 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder being unveiled at Spellman Signature Auctions is not your ordinary car. With its exclusive production line of only 1,291 units worldwide and a low mileage of 8,470 miles, this car’s rarity further enhances its allure. Its story is far from complete.
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Spellman Signature Auctions event on September 30th, it becomes evident that the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder epitomizes style, comfort, power, and track-ready capabilities in perfect harmony. Whether you are a seasoned collector or an ardent enthusiast, this vehicle promises to be both an intelligent and sensational addition to your esteemed collection.
Do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own automotive excellence. Join us at the Newport Car Museum on September 30th where you can bid for this extraordinary automobile—a rare gem that combines exclusivity with remarkable qualities that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
