Chevy WTCC Concept
The Paris Auto Show is where Chevy debuted the WTCC Ultra, a driveable race-car show vehicle that was invented to "explore the concept of a Chevrolet musclecar reinvented for Europe." Yeah, you read that right: Europe. But still. It has a 190hp, four-cylinder, common-rail diesel based on the four-valve unit currently in the country's less-ponied Captiva. It has independent suspension, fiberglass and carbon-fiber body parts, spoilers, and a rear diffuser. The engineers and designers are saying it's the most global concept GM has ever built.
Tales Of The Rat Fink
A new documentary about Ed "Big Daddy" Roth is about "custom cars, monster T-shirts, the anti-Mickey Mouse, and the guy that started it all." Tales of the Rat Fink is mostly animated and uses the vocals of people such as Jay Leno, John Goodman, Billy Gibbons, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Brian Wilson. For more info, visit talesoftheratfink.com.
Ford's New Wagon
We're not saying we thought Magnum or anything when we saw this . . . or at least more Magnum than Focus. Here's a peek at the Mondeo, which will launch in Europe a few months into the new year as an '07 model. It's a pretty thrilling new design for that crowd, and it will have a couple of engine offerings, including a 1.6L diesel and a 2.5L high-performance, supercharged mill.
Monopoly's Redesign
The new Monopoly: Here & Now Edition gives the game a total revamp-including the pieces. You can kiss the race car goodbye and embrace the Toyota Prius as part of the modernization process. There's also a laptop, a cell phone, and McDonald's fries. And if you're old school, you'll also probably hate that Illinois Avenue is now Disney World, Boardwalk is Times Square, Park Place is Fenway Park, Pacific Avenue is Las Vegas Boulevard, and Oriental Avenue is now the Grand Ole Opry (these, among many other rewrites). Airports have replaced the railroads, and property values are through the roof ($20 mil on Times Square for a hotel). But you can still go directly to jail-for identity theft and insider trading.
No worries-the 1935 version of the game still will be available.
What the Filthy Rich Drive
We like when Forbes focuses on Forbes-related topics, like people with stupid money and what they do with their mounds of stupid money. So what do billionaires drive or have they driven while rolling in it? For Bill Gates, a '99 Porsche 911 convertible and an '88 Porsche 95 coupe, while for IKEA-founder Ingvar Kamprad, a '93 Volvo 240 GL wagon. Jim Walton, who runs Wal-Mart, has been known to own an '02 Dodge Dakota, an '00 Acura Integra, a '98 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, a '99 Chevy Silverado, and a '59 Cadillac. Michael Dell of Dell has sat behind the wheel of the '04 Porsche Boxster and '05 Hummer H2. Meanwhile, investor Warren Buffett ran around town in an '01 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series with the license plate "Thrifty."
The General Lee Knows No Bounds
We got a kick out of this turbocharged Audi 80 Quattro that's primarily drag-raced (even though the photo might lead you to believe it's a drifter) by Martinsson Racing-this 750 wheel-horsepower car proves the General Lee language is universal. You can check it out in action at martinssonracing.se.
Johnny Loper Sr., 1936-2006
On September 23, 2006 Johnny Loper Sr. died at the age of 70. Former Car Craft publisher and longtime friend Jim Adolph remembers his contribution to the racing industry:
"Johnny was as tough a man and a racer as I've ever met. His Lil' Hoss drag cars are internationally known for attention to detail and outstanding performances. Aside from his numerous records set with Gassers in the '60s and '70s, his fuel Funny Cars were among the best in that era. Loper's Funny Car ran one of the first 5-second e.t.'s at the Bakersfield March Meet and on an M&H tire, which was unheard of at the time. He did everything his way without major sponsorship on his own money. As a successful driver, engine builder, and tuner, Johnny was respected by his competitors and feared on the starting line. His passion for racing was such that he would be glad to help a 'bucks-down racer' in any way he could. I was one of those racers, and had it not been for Johnny's generosity, I would have had to turn around and go home more than once. He had a big heart and loved his family and close friends, as they were the most valuable things in his life. Sons Johnny and James will continue running the Loper's Performance Centers in Phoenix as they have for most of their adult lives."
Farewell my friend,
Jim Adolph