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posted Jul 7, 2019, 11:12 AM by Race Reporter
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updated Jul 7, 2019, 11:32 AM
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Electrification and technology can create a truck that’s incredibly capable and fun to drive! Rivian plans to build its electric pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles at this former Mitsubishi plant in Normal. Keep in mind - Jeff Bezos came to visit, he saw and he invested! A mere 700 million dollars. Two months later, in April, Ford Motor invested $500 million. All told, Rivian has raised $1.7 billion without selling a single truck or S.U.V..
R.J. Scaringe, the founder of Rivian, wants to dispel myths he thinks still surround electric vehicles. "We have a number of untruths — a truck can’t be electric, an electric car can’t go off road, it can’t get dirty, it can’t tow, and truck buyers don’t want something that’s environmentally friendly," he said. "These things are fundamentally wrong. Electrification and technology can create a truck that’s incredibly capable and fun to drive."
In addition to developing advanced battery systems, Rivian has designed a skateboard-like chassis that it plans to sell to other carmakers. For Ford, investing in Rivian is a way to leapfrog the competition and get new ideas from a start-up as it and other automakers race to prepare for an electrified future. Amazon has been mum about its interest in the company, but Rivian’s vehicles could help the retail giant reduce its carbon footprint as it builds its own distribution network.
Mr. Scaringe, an outdoorsy type who enjoys mountain biking, wants his cars to be able to go off road. Rivian trucks and S.U.V.s can operate in three feet of standing water. A ballistic liner protects the battery pack so drivers can take the vehicle into rugged terrain without worrying that rocks and other objects could penetrate the undercarriage.
Rivian’s R1S S.U.V. bears a resemblance to a Range Rover, while the flatbed in its R1T pickup is shorter than the best-selling Ford F-150’s. “Rivian’s products are not really meant to be work trucks,” said Stephanie Brinley, principal automotive analyst with IHS. “They aim to be lifestyle products, capable but meant for recreational use.”
The R1S will directly challenge Tesla’s S.U.V., the Model X, and although Mr. Musk has said he will introduce a pickup, Tesla has yet to unveil one
The R1S and the R1T will start at around $70,000 and cost more than $90,000 for fully loaded models that can travel up to 400 miles on a full charge. Rivian has received tens of thousands of reservations from buyers who have made deposits of $1,000 each.
“Targeting the premium pickup and S.U.V. market in the U.S. was smart,” said Sam Abuelsamid, principal auto analyst at Navigant Research. “Those are the kind of vehicles Americans want to buy, as opposed to a compact car or midsized sedan.” Profit margins are higher, too, especially for luxury models.
Source: New York Times
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posted Aug 21, 2014, 10:36 AM by Thor Fornica
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updated Aug 21, 2014, 10:40 AM
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Toyota Tundra is a full-sized pickup truck, and after customization in DEVOLRO Tuning Studio, it becomes an exceptional vehicle possessing qualities such as speed, power, and safety.
Additional supercharger upgrade increases engine’s horsepower from 380 to 520!
This vehicle is equipped with a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. For fans of off-road driving, Toyota Tundra is the best choice!
The frame construction, full-time 4-wheel drive, and high-friction self-locking rear differential speak for themselves. The standard version of Toyota Tundra includes a stabilization system that gives the driver complete control over the vehicle's movement over unsurfaced terrain
When the regular bumpers are replaced with heavy-duty ones, the pickup has virtually tank-like armor in the front and rear.
These bumpers are made from 8-mm thick sheets of a special alloy and have a large number of stiffening ribs, all of which are united into a whole with the powerful frame; this is the primary criterion for tuning and guarantees both safety and off-road maneuverability in remote areas!
Besides safety, heavy-duty bumpers give the Tundra a more aggressive look when combined with 7” lift and 37" tires. This suspension tuning increases the vehicle's clearance, which is highly important when driving off-road.
In addition, for areas where there are no roads at all, we install an air locking differential, created to provide 100% traction on demand, without sacrificing any of your vehicle’s highway driving performance.
Below you find what's listed under the "Diablo Devolro Carbon Edition"
- 5.7 V8 TRD SUPERCHARGED 505 HP
- BREMBO 6 PISTON GRAND TURISMO FRONT BRAKES WITH DRILLED ROTORS
- ICON 2.5" PIGGYBACK MANIFOLD RESERVOUR RESERVOIR REAR SHOCKS
- ICON REMOTE RESERVOIR FRONT COIL OVER SHOCK
- ICON BILLET ALUMINUM UPPER CONTROL ARMS
- ARB FRONT AND REAR AIR LOCKERS
- BREMBO GT BRAKE KIT
- 22” FUEL NUTZ WHEELS WITH NITTO GRAPLE TIRES
- DEVOLRO CUSTOM FABRICATED FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS
- WARN 9500TI FRONT MOUNTED WINCH
- LED OFF ROAD LIGHTING BY RIGID
- HID OFF ROAD LIGHTINING BY HELLA
- BUSHWACKER OFF ROAD WHEEL FLARES
- 46 GAL AUXILIARY BED MOUNTED FUEL TANK
- CUSTOM ROOF RACKS
- HORNBLUSTERS TRAIN HORNS
- CUSTOM BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS
- RECON SMOKED LED TAILLIGHTS
- RECON 60 LED TAILGATE LIGHT
- REAR VIEW CAMERA
- CUSTOM MESH GRILLE
- FULL SOUND DEADENING INSULATION
- FIBERGLASS ARE BED TOPPER
- TRD INTAKE
- TRD EXCHAUST
- 4X4
- BDS 7" LIFT KIT
- LINE-X
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Image credits: DEVOLRO Tuning Studio
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posted Mar 4, 2013, 11:53 AM by Thor Fornica
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updated Mar 4, 2013, 11:57 AM
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The intent for communicating with you is to document the position of Sunoco Race Fuels as it applies to the recent fuel rule mandates that have been issued for the upcoming 2013 SCORE Schedule and to rectify any misconceptions that may have been conveyed on the internet through blogs, websites, or other public forums. Before I do this, on behalf of the employees of Sunoco Race Fuels, our distributors and their authorized dealers, I would like to thank you for the past five years where you accepted us as the Official Fuel of SCORE. Whether you used our fuel or not, my hope is that Sunoco assisted in elevating the level of professionalism in the series and played a part in furthering the vision of SCORE’s previous management.
Each year since 2006, the previous management of SCORE and Sunoco Race Fuels discussed the possibility of a spec fuel in the series. Although we agreed that Sunoco was the right company to partner with when the time was right, it was determined that the series was not yet ready for a spec fuel rule. Sunoco respected SCORE’s position and in 2008 agreed to become the Official Fuel. We were pleased with our position, but yes, having a spec fuel arrangement was our ultimate goal when the time was appropriate.
When the sale of SCORE was announced, a meeting was arranged with the new management of the series. There was no confusion on the part of SCORE or Sunoco Race Fuels that the intent of the meeting was to discuss our Official Fuel designation and to review the merits of a spec fuel relationship. As a result of that meeting on January 29th, we were told that a spec fuel deal may not be the best direction “at this time”, but would be considered after Sunoco had the opportunity to return to its headquarters, review the opportunity, solicit the participation of our Branded Marketing and Advertising Department, and consult Octagon, our sports marketing partner. Our intent was to formulate a proposal that leveraged our position in motorsports and enhance the exposure of SCORE and their participants via television, radio, retail, social media, at-event, and other mutually beneficial activation opportunities. Consistent with this type of relationship, Sunoco was prepared to propose rights fees and participant awards that would be commensurate with the relationship.
In addition to proposing a spec fuel for SCORE, Sunoco was instructed to propose a relationship whereby we would be an “Approved Fuel” for both SCORE and HDRA, but that we would share this category with two other race fuel brands. Although Sunoco did not want to relinquish the Official Fuel of SCORE (non-spec), we agreed that we would also forward a separate proposal for this reduced relationship. Our commitment was to forward both proposals to SCORE within two weeks of the date of our meeting.
Prior to the date that the proposals were due to SCORE, Sunoco was made aware by a Sunoco Race Fuels distributor that SCORE had announced they had appointed a third party as the sole fuel supplier permitted to supply fuel at SCORE events. When Sunoco contacted SCORE to verify this decision, we were told that it was true and that this sole supplier would offer Sunoco Race Fuels in addition to two other competing brands. When asked about Auto Sports Baja (Bill and Terri Rodriguez), the authorized Sunoco Race Fuels dealer who has professionally represented us in SCORE for the duration of our relationship with SCORE, we were informed that SCORE management was not pleased with Auto Sports Baja’s services or business practices and preferred the services of the sole fuel supplier they selected.
The final misrepresentation of the facts that warrant specific clarification is that Sunoco; I in particular, agreed to this decision by SCORE and was willing to move forward with the arrangements as mandated by SCORE. I did participate in a very brief three-way telephone call with SCORE and the appointed fuel supplier, but not with a representative of VP Race Fuel as reported in an internet live stream segment. My direction to the appointed fuel supplier was to establish communication with Paul Oil, Sunoco’s distributor for Mexico and Western United States. If they could determine a way that Auto Sports Baja could remain in the distribution chain, Sunoco would support the fuel supply mandate and contribute in a proportionate manner to the rights and contingency fees. In fact, an e-mail was sent to SCORE indicating this and specifically identified the rights fee to be paid. Paul Oil and the appointed fuel supplier could not come to an agreement to keep Auto Sports Baja involved so as a result Sunoco was not willing to participate as an approved fuel for the 2013 schedule for either SCORE or HDRA.
Sunoco values and is committed to our authorized distribution network. In addition to the unequaled quality products we manufacture and the highly successful marketing relationships we enjoy with all forms of motorsports, it is the companies and people who represent us throughout the world that make us who we are. Sunoco appreciates their partnership and will stand by them during times of adverse circumstances.
Credits 100%: Rob Marro, General Manager - Sunoco Race Fuels
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posted Dec 8, 2012, 2:11 AM by Thor Fornica
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updated Dec 8, 2012, 2:44 AM
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AGM and the Baja 1000: Never give up! A defect nickel and dime part robbed Armin Schwarz and All German Motorsports of all chances for a top result at the 45th running of the Baja 1000. "That’s racing" – is how Armin Schwarz sums up the turbulent Baja 1000, the highlight of the 2012 US SCORE Championship. Armin Schwarz and All German Motorsports had their sights set on a podium spot at the infamous rally through Mexico’s Baja California. After several tests and meticulous preparation, the AGM-Jimco X6 SCORE Trophy Truck was ready to face the toughest challenge of Baja racing. But then a defect part worth just a few cents held up the team for hours, robbing the outfit of the chance to bring home a top result.
The 45th edition of the Baja 1000 led through the Mexican desert, from Ensenada in the north to La Paz in the south. Participants tackled around 1,150 miles of toughest terrain, with meter-high bumps, gravel and sand tracks as well as passes and hairpins. Not to forget the legendary ‘silt beds’ that stretch for miles through the desert: deep, powdery sand that turns visibility and propulsion to zilch. The first half of the race ran virtually to plan for All German Motorsports. Taking up the race from starting position 33 was not an easy task, but Armin Schwarz ploughed his way through the field and had his sight set on the front-runners.
"After the first six miles we got a slow puncture at the rear and had to change the wheel. We then got stuck for a bit in the extreme dust, but that’s quite normal at the Baja 1000,” reports Armin Schwarz. “Afterwards we picked up the pace and things were going well for us. We were able to fight our way towards the front, and at race mile 520 we were running in seventh. Our plan seemed to be working. We had not even covered half the distance and were making very good progress."
But after a little over 600 race miles the hunt for a podium spot at the Baja 1000 came to a sudden end, just 25 miles from the pit stop where teammate Martin Christensen was waiting to take over the wheel. The reason: a defect seal in the hydraulics of the torque converter. “That’s why the torque converter lost huge amounts of oil and we had no more drive. The reason for this defect is very probably that we went through more than 30 miles of very deep silt prior to this. That’s where the temperatures shoot up and you can’t stop otherwise you get stuck,” explains Armin Schwarz. Schwarz was pinned there for almost seven hours.
To make matters worse, the AGM-Jimco X6 SCORE Trophy Truck was stranded in all but impassable terrain. Despite there being no direct access, the technicians from All German Motorsports took only two hours to reach their racer and tow it out for repairs. “That’s just like the Dakar rally. If you get stuck in the middle of the dunes it’s almost impossible to reach you,” says Armin Schwarz. “We had to take out the gearbox and the torque converter to reach the hydraulic part with the faulty seal and then put it all back together again. And this took us four more hours."
But for Armin Schwarz and All German Motorsports there was not one second where they considered throwing in the towel. “It was clear that we would do the repairs and keep going. If we had managed to fix everything in three or four hours we could have achieved a top ten result. But seven hours at a standstill made this impossible.” Martin Christensen reached the finish in La Paz as the 14th Trophy Truck and 51st place overall. Victory went for the second time since 2010 to local heroes Tavo and Gustavo Vildosola from Mexico. “Congratulations to our friends at the Vildosola team. Congratulations guys! You’re really awesome,” said Armin Schwarz.
“It was really a cheap part that put a spoke in the wheel so to speak,” summed up Armin Schwarz. “Otherwise we would have been really pleased. All other parts lasted, including the transmission parts which we had tested thoroughly. Our strategy worked too. At the driver change we replaced the drive shaft to shorten their running time. All this worked perfectly. But as it so often happens a totally different part gave up the ghost when you least expected it. Well, that’s the Baja 1000 – you simply can’t predict it."
But right now, Armin Schwarz and All German Motorsports are looking to the future: The highly motivated squad tackles the 2013 SCORE Championship and Baja 1000. “We have shown that our car has the necessary speed now and we were well prepared. The Trophy Truck ran well, our set-up was right and we were very competitive. We are feeling confident for 2013,” emphasises Armin Schwarz. “We would like to thank all our partners and sponsors who have supported us in constantly improving our Trophy Truck in its maiden season of racing and making it as competitive as it is now. This would be unthinkable without the incredible support from all sides of partners. They were always there - at short notice, with flexibility and without all the red tape. Just because they are as passionate as we are. A heartfelt thank you to you all!”
Things went better for All German Motorsports in the fiercely-contested category for Class One Buggies. Start driver Armin Kremer managed to hand over the Buggy after 255 miles to Andy Mancin ranking second. Mancin, for whom this marked his first time here in the Buggy, battled with the deep dust and was unable to defend his position. Still, he handed the car ranking eighth to AGM’s regular class one Buggy driver Tony Miglini, who brought the AGM Buggy home after his 580 mile stint seventh in the class.
“Our congratulations to the team and a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us,” commented Armin Schwarz. “And what is even better. Everyone from AGM made it back safely to La Paz. But right now: Baja 1000, we’ll be back!”
Content and image credits: Armin Schwarz news release
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