LX and Beyond Nationals

CAR SHOW | RACING | ENTERTAINMENT

December 17, 2011

Chrysler 300 Commercial / Imported from Detroit – “Show Up”

The first and most important step in accomplishing something is showing up.

December 8, 2011

Fatchance 2.0 Comes Full Circle

By: Scott Vandekerckhove – Lead Contributor

It was just this past August when we met up with John Fortuno at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, MI. His customized 2011 Chrysler 300C, nicknamed “Fatchance 2.0” (or “FC 2.0” for short), had just undergone its second of three build stages. Under the hood, the Bright White sedan received a monstrous 426 HEMI which, according to Fortuno, mounts up just like a 5.7L HEMI.

 

Fast forward several months and you can see the complete car now with all the fixings (shown below here with the Hollywood sign in the back drop).

 

Subtle pieces like the door handles and grille surround have been clad in black chrome from Lanzini Body Works, and the Imported From Detroit logo has been etched into the rear window which is a really nice touch.

 

 

 

From afar, however, the most notable changes include a urethane body kit by Xenon and new forged wheels from USW – both of which will be available to the public soon. The additions undoubtedly take this 300 to more of an extreme edge in terms of appearance.

Wheel sizes are 22 X 9.5 up front, with 22 X 10.5 out back, wearing 255 30/22 and 295 25/22 tires respectively. While the size is certainly impressive, it’s more in the detail of the wheels that sets them apart from all others.

The twisted 6-spoke design is set between an inner white barrel and black chrome outer barrel that provide excellent contrast. In photos, the wheels almost look like they’re sunken behind a tire that’s too wide; when in reality, the outer black chrome is playing tricks on your vision. In person, they look really sharp as you peer down to see your own reflection.

 

Behind the wheels lie a new set of massive Brembo brakes. 15-inch drilled rotors are coupled with 6-piston calipers to supply the stopping power – a necessary change considering the power under the hood now. (We’d love to see Fatchance 2.0 compete in a “brake-off” with a 300 SRT8 that wears smaller Brembos – could be interesting).

But it really is underneath the 300’s hood where the car does all its talking.

 

The engine compartment has been dressed up considerably and would be the envy of every Star Wars Stormtrooper in or around our galaxy. Bright white paint adorns the valve covers and intake manifold, while the coil packs, fuse box cover, and fluid caps (all custom-made by Billet) are covered in gloss black. A set of Mopar blue fuel rails offset the entire package nicely.

 

 

 

Attention to detail was of utmost importance to the Fatchance program. “We painted and reglossed the entire engine bay,” says Fortuno. “We also created a custom firewall cover that was kept black in order to maintain focus on the engine, and we even changed out all visible bolts underneath the hood so that everything was uniform. [...] The details and just how clean everything looks is frightening,” he added.

When it comes to the 426 HEMI sitting inside, Fortuno says that the tune is about 80-85% complete. “The engine starts real easy, but the cam takes some time to warm up and smooth out. [...] The calibration is getting closer by trial and error. It needs to run a bit smoother to blend with the motto of the 300, but we’ll get it eventually.”

Additionally, Fortuno stated that Fatchance 2.0 averages about 14 mpg. “If you keep your foot out of it, the 426 can be relatively efficient. I hit 22.3 mpg out on the highway.” Not too bad.

There is no doubt that Fortuno’s car has already made an impact. At this year’s LA Auto Show (where I met up with Fortuno), Chrysler was showcasing a new 300 “426S” concept model with a custom see-through hood revealing the 426 HEMI within. It’s what one Chrysler Executive referred to as a “brute in a suit”. We’ll have to see if something of this nature makes its way to production. (Don’t hold your breath)

 

 

Fortuno said that he’s “really pleased” with the overall look of his car. It’s what he refers to as a “banker’s hotrod”. “I think this is one of the best collaborations you’ll see between a corporation and the street. It’s been fun,” he said.

 

What’s next for Fortuno, you ask? That’s an easy answer – Spring Fest 7.

The world’s largest gathering of LX vehicles will be rockin’ all over again come March 24, 2012.

In 2011, the event had roughly 830 cars in attendance representing 28 states and all parts of Canada as well. In 2012, Fortuno (the event’s main organizer) says, “We’re shooting for a thousand cars, no doubt! We’ll have also have a strong corporate presence once again.”

For more info on Spring Fest 7, visit www.socallx.com. It’s one event that no one in the Modern Mopar community should miss. Check it out!

November 29, 2011

Modern Mopar Action at 2011 Ikura’s American Festival – Japan

2011 Ikura’s American Festival – Japan

November 25, 2011

Chrysler 300 Commercial / Imported from Detroit – “See it Through”

Written in 1917 by Detroit poet Edgar Albert Guest.

The new Chrysler 300. More than just our flagship.

November 12, 2011

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 – Track Tested

Posted: 12th November 2011 by MMM in 300

By: Scott Vandekerckhove – Lead Contributor

 

In a show of brute force, the new Chrysler 300 SRT8 absolutely stunned me at the drag strip today. I ran a blistering 12.553@111.55 mph, making this the fastest SRT product we have tested from the entire 2012 lineup. The 300 didn’t flinch all day as it consistently ran in the mid to high 12’s; never once exceeding the 13 second mark.

Check out the videos below…

 

 

In the next video, I did all I could to beat a BMW M6 with its mighty V10, but he catches up for the win despite my + .065 reaction time. So close…

 

My full review of the 300 SRT8 is on the way soon, but I still have to wrap up the Charger and Challenger stories first. Plus, I’ll be heading out to the LA Auto Show next week, so look for a full report from there too!

Lots of writing to do, my friends. I owe you lots of material!

September 14, 2011

Official 2012 Modern Street HEMI Shootout Series Rules

All classes except exhibition and Index are required to have NAG1 Transmission with factory TCM. Six speed entries must be production style units with the standard H-Style pattern. Sequential or clutchless transmissions are prohibited. Clutch must be conventional, slipper clutches prohibited. All Cars must run factory engine controllers. Approved engine controllers are NGC 3, 4, and 4A models as well as GPEC 2. Cars that are eligible to participate in heads up classes are 2005-present LX, LC and SRT Jeeps. If you have a Gen III HEMI powered vehicle that is not an LX, LC or SRT Jeep, you may participate in Exhibition and Index. All classes will be run with a Pro Tree.

EXHIBITION (Non-Points Class)

  • Any Gen III HEMI powered vehicle.
  • Any LX, LC and SRT Jeep not using approved drive train components and or electronics.
  • Drag Pak or body in white cars.
  • Will be on a .250 bracket.
  • Trophy only.
  • Not eligible for King of the Hill.

Quick 8

  • Quickest 8 cars taken from qualifying.
  • Not optional, if your car is one of the quickest 8, you get lumped into this class. If you decline, you cannot participate in another heads up class, only Index.
  • Totally heads up without weight or power adder restriction.
  • Multiple power adders allowed.

PRO

  • Heads up any single power adder vehicles that do not qualify for Quick 8.
  • N/A vehicles larger than 468 cubic inches.
  • All cars that weigh less than required weight per specified class would be forced into this class.
  • Sandbagging will not be tolerated, if you run an ET that is quicker than the #7 Quick 8 qualifier during eliminations, your run will be evaluated. DA and Traction will be taken into account. We want cars running all out during qualifying to get the true top 8 in Quick 8.

Stroker Class

  • N/A heads up racing for all stroked cars up to 468 cubic inches and Stock block 6.4 SRT.
  • Aluminum based strokers must weight 4300+ lbs. with driver, 6.1 based strokers must weigh 4150+ lbs (includes new stock block 6.4) with driver and 5.7 based strokers must weight 4000+ lbs. with driver.
  • If you don’t want a weight restriction, you get moved to PRO Class.
  • Accepted fuels are pump gas, any commercially available race fuel, or E-85. Any additional fuel system including water methanol systems are prohibited and may not be present on the vehicle.

Super Stock Class

  • N/A heads up racing for all 6.1 and 5.7 cars.
  • 6.1 must weigh 4150+ lbs with driver and 5.7 must weigh 4000+ lbs. with driver. Cars larger than 5.79 cubic inches will be treated as a 6.1.
  • If you don’t want a weight restriction, you get moved to PRO Class.
  • Aluminum blocks prohibited.
  • Accepted fuels are pump gas, any commercially available race fuel, or E-85. Any additional fuel system including water methanol systems are prohibited and may not be present on the vehicle.

Index

  • Index racing run on a .250 bracket such as 12.00, 12.25, 12.50…
  • All Gen III HEMI powered and V6 cars are allowed to compete in this class.
  • No delay boxes or throttle stops

King of the Hill

  • Index runoff between the class winners of Super Stock, Stroker, Pro and Quick 8.
  • Random pairing on a .250 bracket.

August 27, 2011

Chrysler Brand Party and Tour of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum

We were honored to be part of the invite list for the exclusive LXForums member party held at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum during Woodward Dream Cruise Week. The Chrysler Brand took this opportunity to thank the forum that has been the most influential in promoting the LX-platform (and LC-platform) cars and culture since their introduction back in 2005.

There were over 100 vehicles and members in attendance from all over the midwest and eastcoast to include Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, New York and some even flew in from Florida. Chrysler executives were on-hand and stopped by throughout the evening. We also saw members of  DriveSRT.com, SRT engineers and Mopar at the event.

Attendees got a sneak peek a some new Chrysler 300 and Chrysler 200 models with unique interior and exterior options that have not been officially announced for the 2012 line-up. Also, Fatchance 2.0 and designer John Fortuno were “Imported From SoCal” to show off the latest upgrades to the custom 2011 Chrysler 300 project that started at the annual Spring Festival event in Irvine, California.

Pictures: http://www.flickr.com//photos/lxandbeyondnats/sets/72157627308912387/show/

August 15, 2011

SRT High Performance Tour Rides Into The Buckeye State

Aug 13. Mopar Nationals, Columbus, Ohio – Stop #1

The SRT Tour rolled into the Buckeye State on Saturday morning straight from the Detroit Kickoff Party at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum and made their first of many stops at the Mopar Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.

The stop in Columbus gave old-school, new-school and future Mopar enthusiasts from across the country the opportunity to see the full 2012 SRT Lineup in-person and why there is so much excitement surrounding what is going on with the SRT Brand. The SRT Tour Team stayed busy throughout the day answering questions and doing demonstrations of the features and improvements the SRT Brand vehicles have over their more tame Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep counter-parts.

Pictures: http://www.flickr.com//photos/lxandbeyondnats/sets/72157627425781214/show/
 

We got a chance to talk with the SRT Tour Team and there was no doubting that John, Laura, Danny and Barbara were excited about the vehicles, the road ahead and meeting all of the enthusiasts and clubs that have fueled the buzz about these vehicles. If you want them to make a pitstop in your town or want to know where they are headed next, follow them on www.drivesrt.com.

July 26, 2011

2011 LX and Beyond Nationals: Car Show Winners List

Best of Show and Go Award Billy Gray – Dodge Charger

DriveSRT.com Facebook Favorite Award Teri Williams – Dodge Magnum

Vehicle Make Competition
300/300C Daily Driver Todd Roberts – Chrysler 300C
300/300C Weekend Driver Phil Mitchell – Chrysler 300C

Challenger Daily Driver Ryan Blair – Dodge Challenger
Challenger Weekend Driver Jeff Jazbec – Dodge Challenger

Charger Daily Driver Nick Barnes – Dodge Charger
Charger Weekend Driver Ken Schauer – Dodge Charger

Magnum Daily Driver Adrian Olivencia – Dodge Magnum
Magnum Weekend Driver Sheldon Webster – Dodge Magnum

Grand Cherokee Daily Driver Chris Bosworth – Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Grand Cherokee Weekend Driver Brian Brunt – Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

SRT4 (Neon/Caliber) Daily Driver Joe Sikora – Dodge Neon SRT4

Other MOPAR Weekend Driver Rob Pachner – Shelby Charger

Specialty Awards
Outstanding Engine Visual
3rd Place Pam Mazzola – Dodge Challenger
2nd Place Jeff Jazbec – Dodge Challenger
1st Place Ken Schauer – Dodge Charger

Outstanding Interior
3rd Place Paul Gazo – Dodge Charger
2nd Place Joe Sikora – Dodge Neon SRT4
1st Place Shawn Oliver – Dodge Magnum

Outstanding Custom Paint/Finish
3rd Place Adrian Olivencia – Dodge Magnum
2nd Place Sheldon Webster – Dodge Magnum
1st Place Billy Gray – Dodge Charger

Outstanding Underhood Performance Modification
3rd Place Ken Schauer – Dodge Charger
2nd Place Jeff Jazbec – Dodge Challenger
1st Place Brian Brunt – Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Outstanding Female Ride
3rd Place Bobbi Kimak – Dodge Challenger
2nd Place Mary Sheffield – Dodge Challenger
1st Place Pam Mazzola – Dodge Challenger

Audio/Video Award
Outstanding Sound Presentation
3rd Place Todd Roberts – Chrysler 300C
2nd Place Billy Gray – Dodge Charger
1st Place Shawn Oliver – Dodge Magnum

Outstanding ICE (In Car Entertainment)
3rd Place Nick Barnes – Dodge Charger
2nd Place Lito Rodriguez – Dodge Magnum
1st Place Shawn Oliver – Dodge Magnum

Vehicle Presentation
Outstanding Performance Themed Ride
3rd Place Al Generalli – Dodge Challenger
2nd Place Rick Ellison – Dodge Challenger
1st Place Mike Doyle – Dodge Challenger

Outstanding Show Car Themed Ride
3rd Place Nick Barnes – Dodge Charger
2nd Place Phil Mitchell – Chrysler 300C
1st Place Paul Gazo – Dodge Charger

Choice Awards
Chuck Sheffield – Dodge Charger
Brian Schubert – Dodge Charger
Justin McMinn – Dodge Charger
Rob Vicujnic – Dodge Magnum
Eric Tobey – Dodge Challenger
Bill Bodkin – Chrysler 300C
Lisa Lewis – Dodge Challenger
Eric Tetuan – Chrysler 300C
Rich Sprinzl – Dodge Charger
Rick Kaczmarek – Dodge Challenger

Club/Team Awards
Best Club/Team Participation
2nd Place Buckeye LX Club (BLX)
1st Place Canadian Contingent

 

Racing Winners List:

2011 Racing and Carshow Prize List:

June 1, 2011

Imported From Detroit – Good Things (featuring Dr. Dre)

Some people say good things come to those who wait. Truth is, good things come to those who work. Introducing the all new 2012 Chrysler 300S.

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