Automakers go the extra mile (or fathom)
Classic Recreations, an Oklahoma-based coachbuilder, just got the green light and is now officially licensed by Ford to build three modern, turnkey, classic Mustangs: the 1969-1970 Boss 302, Boss 429 and Mach 1.
The first vehicle built under the new license will be a Boss 429, debuting at this year's November SEMA show in Las Vegas. Shoppers for these new ‘Stangs can begin their project with an original 1969-1970 Mustang body or opt to use a new Ford-licensed body.
From there, the latest chassis and drivetrain technology will be installed, giving customers updated and modern supercars. The Boss 429 will be powered by a custom-built 429-cubic-inch engine while the 302 cars will have two engine options: a current generation Coyote 32-valve Ford Performance V-8 crate engine or a 363-cubic-inch stroker engine that utilizes a 302 block. The Mach 1 package can be equipped with any engine option offered by Classic Recreations, including the latest EcoBoost models from Ford or an original FE big block.
Pricing for these ponies starts around $169,000 for the Mach 1 and goes up to around $209,000 for the Boss 429. For details, visit www.classic-recreations.com.
Brabham Automotive BT62
Brabham Automotive may be a new boutique automaker but it's one packing decades of race-bred pedigree and experience.
It all started in the 1960s with Jack Brabham, an Australian racer who competed quite successfully in Formula One. He went on to form his own company, making single-seat race cars and becoming the world's largest manufacturer of them.
In 1966 he became the first, and still only, driver to win a Formula One World Championship in a car of his construction.
Now, his storied legacy is carrying on, as son, David Brabham, is spearheading a new foray: creating a new, mid-engined race car for the modern age. It's called the BT62, being built in the company's south Australia facility. It will have a carbon fiber body; a 700-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8; and carbon fiber, six-piston brakes, both front and rear.
Production will be limited to 70 vehicles, celebrating the 70 years since Jack launched his racing career in 1948. The first 35 cars will be liveried in tribute to each of Brabham's 35 Formula Grand Prix victories. Each of these ultimate speedsters will cost about $1.36 million dollars and owners will get a specially tailored driver development and experience program to learn how to wring the most performance out of their new rides.
First deliveries are expected to take place later this year.
Project Neptune: Aston Martin
Aston Martin is making waves, but not with a traditional four-wheeled project. The luxury automaker is building a limited-edition submarine.
After announcing a partnership last fall with Florida-based Triton Submarines (builder of luxury submersibles), the two brands set sail to redefine luxury and performance under the sea, calling their joint craft Project Neptune.
The resulting high-end sub can hold three occupants, two passengers and a pilot, and can dive to 500 meters. Project Neptune will have a “sprint speed” in excess of five knots (approaching 6 mph under water).
One of the greatest design challenges was with the interior, the company said in a news release. Unlike cars, which can have interior components installed through open doors, all of the sub's inside components had to be lowered through the upper hatch and assembled within the completed acrylic sphere of the pressure hull. Those assembly details were figured out, resulting in an elegant cabin featuring hand-stitched leather seating with carbon fiber and stitched Aston Martin logos in the seat backs.
Customers can dive in and further personalize their craft, picking unique colors and trim. There's no word on how many will be built or on pricing. However, Aston Martin says there's only one remaining build-slot available.
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