Petronas Car Pack
2016 Iveco #501 Petronas Team de Rooy Powerstar 4x4
In order to drive a truck in the grueling Rally Dakar, one must be insane. The De Rooy family knows it well: father Jan won the truck class of the famous raid competition in 1987, back when it went on from Paris to its titular destination, and son Gerard followed in his footsteps in 2012 and 2016: both times, driving an Italian truck originally designed for the Australian market, the Iveco Powerstar. Of course, with the necessary modifications to make it thrive in the South American deserts: long-travel suspension and beefy off-road tires, and an engine that produces 900 horsepower and a gargantuan 3600 Nm of torque. Will the Powerstar feel as much at home in the Outback as it does on the Australian highways? Find out for yourself!
Hint: big in Australia, and in South America.
2017 Praga R1R
Czech manufactuer Praga has a long history of producing all sorts of vehicles, from 2-stroke bikes to military trucks, but with the single-seater R1R they intend to return to the streets after an absence of 70 years. But with its ability to produce more downforce than the car weights at just 120mph, and a Renault 2.0-litre engine ripped straight from a Formula car and turbocharged from good measure, this car promises to challenge the very definition of "road legal car" at any corner. So, are you up to the challenge?
Hint: sometimes I get cranky when I have to wait too long for something...
2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Whether it is because of Alfa Romeo's long heritage, because of its beautiful lines or its uncompromising performance, you will surely find a reason to like the Giulia Quadrifoglio. As the crown jewel of the brand's newest model range (which takes its name from its most successful car ever), the Quadrifoglio brings a 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6 and perfect weight balancement to the table: enough to make it the fastest sedan around the famed Green Hell, the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
Hint: they wouldn't have needed a Ferrari if they had this... [reference to
Highway Racer]
2016 Morgan 4/4 80th Anniversary Edition
The Morgan 4/4 is a testament to the British manufacturer's love of tradition: it was first introduced in 1936, and it's gone through eighty years of technological evolution almost unchanged. No car can claim such longevity, and this special edition intends to celebrate it fully, by harkening back to the original cars with clues such as the solid wheels with brass center locks and brass grille, the four hood straps and a carefully-selected choice of colors. The engine is a far more modern Ford unit, but the thrills are unchanged. Sure, the 4/4 may struggle a bit to reach 88mph, but that won't be necessary in order to travel back in time.
Hint: this would've saved Doc Brown a lot of troubles!
1976 Lancia Beta Montecarlo
The Lancia Beta Montecarlo was originally destined for greatness: designed by Abarth and powered by a V6 engine, it was supposed to become nascent Fiat Group's rally weapon. When the Fiat 131 sedan was choosen for that role, it found its place in the Lancia's line-up as a version of the Beta sedan. Powered by a 2-litre engine, producing 120 horsepower, it wasn't going to leave an impression on the world of racing until Lancia decided to try their hand at GT racing: a silhouette version of the Montecarlo was developed, and it eventually morphed in the group B 037 which won a World Rally Championship much later. Still, who needs power when you got lines like that? Just enjoy the ride in this true Italian classic.
Hint: beware of the scorpion's sting. [reference to the car's USDM name, Lancia Beta Scorpion]
1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday
Have you ever wondered where the American love affair with eight-cylinder engines started? This classic Oldsmobile played a part in it: the 88 was offered with the "Rocket" engine, one of the first mass-produced OHV V8s in history. The name eventually stuck to the car, which was nicknamed the "Rocket 88" by the public. The "Holiday" was also the first four-door car with a hardtop (which means that it doesn't have a b-pillar between the front and the rear window). The Super 88 is the perfect car for cruising, but it also packs a punch under its hood: so, what are you waiting for? Put on some Ike Turner, and go on a roadtrip on this cherished piece of Americana!
Hint: this is how rock'n roll was born. [reference to Ike Turner's song,
Rocket 88]
1984 Toyota 4Runner SR5
Toyota knows how to build rugged, reliable off-road cars, and the first-generation 4Runner is no exception. Built on the platform of the venerable Hilux (which, in this case, means that the rear of the cab was cut and seats were added in the back) and following on the success of the limited-production Toyota Trekker, it featured a removable rear fiberglass canopy, just like the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Blazer it was meant to challenge. The recipe was very successful, and the 4Runner is still loved by offroad enthusiasts all over the world.
Hint: all those years in the making, and they come up with such a hack job? Pssh.
