You can buy and rebuild a 1967 GT for $150
People love restoring full-size Ford Mustangs and now Lego is offering a way to assemble a highly detailed scaled version, too. As part of its Creator Expert line, the toymaker released a 13-inch long model, based on a dark blue 1967 GT 'Stang.
In total, there are 1,471 pieces and buyers can opt to either put it back to stock or make customizations. They can add on such things as a supercharger, rear ducktail spoiler, bigger exhaust pipes, front chin spoiler or a nitrous oxide tank. Even the rear axle can be lifted to give a nice, mean rake.
The model's doors, trunk lid and hood all open and the kit comes with a selection of license plates for the finishing touch. It's available now for $149.99.
<h3 class="leadin">Zero Motorcycles SR/F
California-based Zero Motorcycles is rounding out its product portfolio by releasing its first street-fighter contender.
The high-performer is called the SR/F and, like the rest of the company's lineup, is all electric.
Power for the naked-style sport bike comes from a lithium-ion battery. That, when combined with Zero's Power Tank option (available later this fall), delivers up to 200 miles of range. Without it, the two-wheeler will offer around 160 miles of range in city use and around 100 miles blasting at highway speeds.
The motorcycle's Rapid Charge System works with the growing network of Level 2 charging stations. Depending on the system's configuration, the SR/F can charge from zero to 95 percent capacity in one hour. The battery's output is rated at 140 foot-pounds of torque and 110 horsepower.
Zero claims the SR/F is the first fully “smart” motorcycle to hit the market and the machine boasts tons of tech. Riders stay “connected” thanks to the company's smartphone app and onboard Cypher III operating system. Using their phones, riders can monitor such things as charge status, ride data (including speed, lean angle, power and torque) and if the bike has been tipped over while parked. There's also the ability to do software updates - and for the forgetful rider, there's a “Find My Bike” function.
The SR/F also boasts a selection of ride modes, allowing riders to cycle through Street, Sport, Eco, Rain and up to 10 other programmable custom ride setups. All of this data (and more) is viewable on a large LCD screen, positioned just ahead of the handlebars.
The bike comes in two trims. The lower level comes with a 3 kilowatt Rapid Charger with pricing starting at $18,995. Opting for the more premium offering comes with a 6 kilowatt Rapid Charger, fly screen, heated hand grips and aluminum bar ends. That one will start at $20,995.
Both models, which are hand built, can be had in Seabright Blue or Boardwalk Red colors. They'll be shipping to dealers this spring.
<h3 class="leadin">Porsche 24 Minutes of Le Mans
Race cars make sweet music, so Porsche took tires from its 919 Hybrid race car and re-imagined them into a one-of-kind audio experience.
The brand took the original tires that ran the final miles at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans and cut and pressed them to create a unique vinyl record. Twenty-four stories were recorded on it, told in 24 minutes, telling of Porsche's storied racing heritage.
In total, the run was limited to 200 pieces. The first 24 were auctioned off, with proceeds going to Loisirs Pluriel, an organization in Le Mans that assists handicapped children all over France. You can hear the stories at 24minutesoflemans.com.
Share your car's story with Matt at auto@dailyherald.com. Learn about his book at COPOthebook.com.