Cars

Making a movie like the just-released Ford vs Ferrari film requires a lot of on-track camera work, some of the creative variety. Look no further than this behind-the-scenes video posted on YouTube by Fab TV, showing what just might be one of the most unusual camera rigs you’ll ever see. That, folks, is a replica Ford GT40, except that it’s only half of the car. The other half is a giant tube-framed platform that not only supports an external driver but, more importantly, a full-blown production setup that includes multiple cameras. This is the kind of movie production razzmatazz that you can expect in 2019. It’s strange, awesome, and downright weird, all rolled into one.

Nobody has officially confirmed that the next-generation 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster will be electric or even hybrid, but a new report is saying that they could have 400 horsepower, a figure that will put them well ahead of the current Cayman GTS and pretty damn close to the 414-horsepower Cayman GT4.

Unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show, the 2021 Silverado HD Carhartt Special Edition is, in fact, the road-going, street-legal offspring of the Silverado 2500 HD Carhartt concept car shown back in 2016. Only this time, you will be able to actually get one from your Chevy dealership, provided you show enough patience to wait until the fall of 2020 when deliveries are slated to kick off.

Details are scarce for the time being and the 12-month waiting window is certainly far from appealing, but there are plenty of reasons to jump for joy. The Silverado HD Carhartt Special Edition is based on the Silverado 2500 LTZ, which means that in theory, it should be available with a V-8 engine. The only question is which one, as Chevy is offering a choice of two V-8s for the LTZ: a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter.

A year after unveiling a tricked-out TRD version of the Avalon, Toyota is back at it with an even more radical setup for its resident full-size four-door sedan. It’s called the Toyota Avalon TRD Pro Concept, and it’s loaded to the brim with track-spec modifications that enhance every detail of the sedan.

From aerodynamic modifications to powertrain enhancements, the Avalon TRD Pro Concept has them all. It’s a fitting homage to TRD’s 40th anniversary, though it would probably be even cooler if Toyota has plans to produce it in some capacity. For now, we can enjoy the Avalon TRD Pro Concept for what it is: a glimpse into what a full-blown, track-spec Toyota Avalon could look like if it was left in the hands of TRD. Maybe someday we can also find out what it feels like to drive.

One of the baddest and meanest trucks to have graced this year’s SEMA Show is this Ford F-250 Super Duty Baja Forged by LGE-CTS Motorsports, a California-based aftermarket company. There is nothing to not like about this truck. It looks vintage, it has the ‘Baja’ identity, and it has the old-school persona attached to it. The Baja Forged Super Duty is an all-in-one mobile command center, workshop, and campsite that will be utilized as a chase truck for the Baja Forged Ford Ranger that was launched by the company at last year’s SEMA Show. Such is the versatility of the truck that even Ford calls this the “Swiss army knife for the modern adventurer.” Need we say anything more about it?

Lamborghini is known for making some of the world’s most dramatic supercars and this sure is one of the most dramatic modern Lambos, not least because it lacks the usual amenities such as a full-width windscreen or side windows. Built as a styling design that harkens back to the old-time-y speedsters, the Gallardo Concept S previewed a limited-edition model that never materialized. However, one running and driving example powered by the 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated 512-horsepower V-10 of the standard Gallardo does exist and you’re looking at it now. If you’ve missed out on the Concept S the first two times RM/Sotheby’s tried to sell it, it’ll be up for grabs once again in Abu Dhabi.

Nissan unveiled a Time Attack-spec Nissan 370Z built by Z1 Motorsport in conjunction with Nissan Motorsport that is bound to take the world of time attack racing by storm. With 750 horsepower on tap thanks to a pair of Garrett turbochargers, this 370Z is one of the craziest you’ll ever see. The widebody is made entirely out of carbon fiber, the interior is bare, and, to shed even more weight, the body was acid-dipped. In other words, the guys at Nissan and Z1 Motorsport stopped at nothing in their mission to turn what many consider an outdated sports car into a record-breaking track beast.

It’s Veterans Day, and all of us here at TopSpeed would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those brave men and women that have served our country. In honor of this day, we’ve put together a video compilation that highlights some of the more interesting machines used by militaries across the world. Included is a list of 25 cutting-edge ground vehicles, a look at how vehicles are tested before they are put into service, and a list of the top five military trucks and armored cars.

If you’re looking for a way to help out a veteran, Military.com has a nice list of charities to check out, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops, and the USO. You could also check out volunteering opportunities at Veterans Affairs hospitals and facilities, or possibly get involved with the Veterans Initiative at Canine Companions for Independence. You can also simply say “thank you” to a veteran.

Continue reading to check out the videos.

Today is Veteran’s Day, and from all of us here at TopSpeed, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the men and women serving in our country’s military. In recognition of this day, we put together a list of videos that feature modern military machines, including a list top American transport vehicles, the new Oshkosh JLTV, the hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Colorado ZH2 undergoing testing, and even five military vehicles available for purchase by civilians.

If you’re looking for a way to show your appreciation, Military.com has a list of suggestions to check out. You could also donate to a veteran’s charity organization, such as Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, or the USO. Or you could just say “thank you for your service” to a veteran.

Continue reading to watch the videos.

The iconic Lotus Elan could return to the market after nearly three decades. The British company is reportedly considering a revival of the nameplate for a brand-new drop-top sports car that will slot above the Elise in the lineup. The revival won’t happen until 2021 though, as that is when Lotus will have the proper platform for such a car.

Now that FCA has finally killed off the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, it has managed to find its way back into our hearts again. Okay, maybe not, but at the same time, we’re still kind of sad to see it go. We can’t help but wonder if it would have met the same fate had Alfa Romeo actually had the money and desire to even so much as give the 4C a mild facelift or any type of update at al throughout its entire lifespan. It just doesn’t seem like the proper end to a model that reintroduced Alfa Romeo to the U.S. market, now does it?

Of course, with the 4C delivering just 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and no funds available to make any type of improvement, the 4C became largely obsolete and too expensive (for its capability) to even compete on the market anymore. So, with the 4C officially at the end of its life, we thought what a better way to send it off than to let it live on in our rotation of daily wallpapers. We’ve picked out our favorite and posted it below, but you can slide on down the page to find a rather large gallery with any 4C wallpaper you could ever want or desire.

The Nissan Frontier Desert Runner doesn’t have the racing pedigree of the Nissan Global Time Attack TT 370Z or the sheer tuning audacity of the Nissan Kicks Street Sport, but if you’re looking for a rugged version of Nissan’s long-standing pickup with some serious off-road chops, the Frontier Desert Runner should be right up your alley. Developed by the Nissan Motorsports team in collaboration with MA Motorsports, the Frontier Desert Runner is teeming with purpose-specific upgrades that help enhance the pickup’s already impressive form and functionality. Nissan has yet to give any indication of potential production plans for the tricked-out pickup, but that could come soon if there’s decent enough demand for it. For now, though, the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner takes center stage at the 2019 SEMA Auto Show.

The Tesla Model S Plaid tore around Laguna Seca in just 1:36.555 and is slated to be the fastest and most powerful version of the Tesla Model S, effectively dethroning the Model S P100D. The Model X will also get the same treatment and, while we know the Model S and Model X Plaid models will be more powerful – and faster – we’ve been left in the dark in terms of battery size, at least until now, as Elon Musk has confirmed that Plaid models will, in fact, feature a larger battery. In fact, they will sort the largest battery to ever grace Tesla’s lineup.

Right before Audi facelifted the second-gen R8 for 2019, it released the Audi R8 V10 RWS, which was, essentially, a RWD version of the V-10 R8. The model was limited to just 999 examples, though, leaving anyone who wanted a RWD R8 left holding an empty bag. All that has changed now, though, as Audi as finally launched a new RWD version of the R8 with a V-10, and it looks even better than the RWS since it’s being introduced post-facelift. Even better yet, this baby isn’t production limited, so you might actually stand a chance at getting one. It’s not all peaches and cream, though, and there are a couple of things that you need to know.

AS BMW Motorsport continues to expand its reach into providing more affordable ways to enter the world of racing, BMW has introduced the 2020 M2 CS Racing. Replacing the M4 GT4 as the entry-level racecar in the lineup, you’ll have to pony up about $105,000 to get one (€95,000) plus tax, of course. Under the hood sits BMW’s S55 2.9-liter inline-six that can be tuned to deliver anywhere between 280 and 365 horsepower depending on the Balance of Performance classification needed. Maximum torque is rated at 405 pound feet (550 Newton-meters) and is transferred to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a mechanical limited-slip differential. This is the same transmission found in the road-going M2 CS, but with different software tuning for quicker and crispier shifts.

Driver aids include ABS and stability control, but they can be disabled if you determine them unnecessary. Delivery of the M2 CS Racing should begin sometime in mid-2020 but it’s already been thoroughly tested at Miramas in France and Portimao in Portugal. With all of this in mind, we thought the M2 CS Racing would make a great wallpaper candidate, so we’ve added a few desktop wallpapers for you to choose from down below.

One of the most important Hollywood cars is about to get the LEGO treatment. In what could be the best LEGO car of all time, the iconic Batmobile from the 1989 Batman movie has now been immortalized in bricks. Otherwise known as the 1989 Tim Burton Batmobile, this LEGO car is a showstopper when fully built and a huge challenge to actually build. It’s made up of 3,306 pieces, which is around 200 fewer pieces than the LEGO Bugatti Chiron. The LEGO Batmobile, which arrives in time for the Tim Burton film’s 30th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the Batman character, will be released on November 29 (Black Friday) at a price of $250.