Tag: Aftermarket

First Look: LOKI Basecamp Icarus


Presented by LOKI Basecamp – LOKI Basecamp, maker of premier four-season pods that transform a stock pickup truck into the ultimate adventure vehicle, is proud to release its second model, the Icarus, into the wild.

The new slide-in camper retains the same four-season capabilities and all the basic comforts and functions of the Falcon but condenses it into a smaller, and lighter package that’s more agile and easier to drive while overlanding. The modular interior design is carried over from the Falcon, allowing users to customize the interior to suit their needs, be it sports, leisure, or field office.

LOKI 1 2
LOKI Basecamp

“We designed the Icarus with a philosophy of no compromises” said founder and CEO Pierre-Mathieu Roy. “We wanted a four-season unit that was light enough for easy driving both on and off-road, and it needed to be strong enough to carry all of our outdoor toys on the exterior rack system” continued Roy.

LOKI 2

LOKI Basecamp

The reengineered and reinforced fiberglass shell adds the structural support requested by Roy and it boasts R16 insulation, making it suitable for use in all four seasons. A Webasto Heating Unit supplies hot air and water, and A/C is powered by a 12v air conditioner. A 2,000-watt inverter is up to the task of charging the onboard 300ah to 600ah Lithium battery bank, and rooftop solar panels can supply up to an additional 300w of energy. The Icarus also boasts an on-board water pump, a 15-gallon fresh water tank and 13-gallon grey water tank. The exterior is adorned with an up to 48,000 Lumen light bar on the front, and utility LED lights on the sides and rear as well as a retractable awning. Like the Falcon, the Icarus also has a modular exterior rack system that can be configured to carry a wide range of sporting goods.

  • LOKI 3
  • LOKI 4
LOKI Basecamp

The interior has room for a full bed over the cab, hidden storage for a portable toilet, and a multi-function seating and table area that can be reconfigured to make room for an additional bed. The kitchenette features a stainless-steel sink and a mobile induction cooktop. Remaining interior space is dedicated to a mudroom with a mobile shower. That precious real estate can also be used to hang wet clothing or for additional seating.

LOKI 6 1

LOKI Basecamp

Later this year it will be possible to add a Red Tail Overland structure on the roof of the Icarus, transforming it into a penthouse with a full 4 season bed.

The Icarus is available in two models: the Icarus 6 will fit trucks with 6.5-foot beds and the Icarus 8 is for larger trucks with 8-foot beds. Prices start at $69,000, with many custom options available. LOKI Basecamp is currently accepting pre-orders with a $5,000 deposit through its website at www.lokibasecamp.com. Once finished, the Icarus will be hand-delivered and installed for customers in North America. For more information about LOKI Basecamp, please direct media inquiries to Bobby Lea at bobby.lea@backbone.media.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Hyundai check out Hyundai of Escondido TODAY!

The 1000 HP Wagon: Performance and Functionality Without Compromise

Presented by RENNtech – Famous for extracting more power out of Mercedes and AMG powerplants, RENNtech’s R3 Performance Package turns the W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon into a serial supercar slayer.

With 1017 HP and 871 TQ at the crank, the AMG E63S R3 (S213) is the most powerful street-legal wagon ever to leave RENNtech’s shop in Stuart, FL.

[embedded content]

With a top speed restrictor delete the longroof will run beyond 180 mph making it the ideal choice for setting a new road trip record this summer. The wagon accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in 2.9 sec., 60 – 130 mph in 6.3 seconds, and runs the quarter-mile in 10.42 seconds trapping at 136.42 mph. In car terms, that is fast enough to leave McLaren’s MP4 in the dust, even with a full payload.

Developed to run on either standard 93-octane or 100-octane race fuel, RENNtech’s R3 -package offers the convenience of an everyday commuter and the balls-out performance of a track-ready race car. In “daily mode” the R3 produces 965 HP and 816 LB-FT of torque and can be fueled up with premium gas at the local station. Flip the switch on the HHT (Hand Held Tuner), fill the tank with 100 octane fuel, and the RENNtech’s rocket wagon will hammer down 1017 HP and 871 TQ (DYNO SHEET) into the tarmac without hesitation.

  • RENNtech E63 R3 Wagon Black 3
  • RPS 10 2 White Silver E63 Wagon 7

The R3 -package for the W213 E 63 AMG includes RENNtech’s Stage II Turbo’s, an improved Fuel System, performance software for ECU (Engine Control Unit) and CPC (Power Train Control Unit), Stainless-Steel Downpipes with 200 Cell Catalytic Converters, Blow Off Valve adapters, and BMC air filters.

The full R3 package runs $29,380 plus labor and can be built around any of the M177 twin-scroll-powered Mercedes-AMG 63’s. With 1000+ horsepower and the sublime sound of a petrol-fueled AMG V8, there is no doubt who rules the leafy suburbs.

RENNtech R3 Performance Upgrade
For: MY 2018+ Mercedes-AMG E63 & E63S Wagon or Sedan
Power: 1017 HP and 871 TQ (100 Oct) 965 HP and 816 TQ (93 Oct)
Performance: 0 – 60 MPH in 2.9 seconds. 60 – 130 MPH in 6.3 seconds

R3 Performance Upgrade Includes:
ECU Upgrade (RENNtech HHT)
Stainless Steel Downpipes w/200 Cell Catalytic Converters
CPC Upgrade
RENNtech Fuel System Upgrade
Blow-Off Valve Adapters
BMC Air Filters
Price: $29,380

RENNtech 213 E63AMG R3

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM check out Vacaville Dodge TODAY!

Regulatory ruling brings new DeLorean closer to reality, current brand owner says—but the reincarnated 80s classic may go electric

New DeLorean, viewed from behind, with a city skyline in the background.
Photo: DeLorean Motor Company.

DeLorean Motor Company, the firm based in Humble, Texas, that currently owns the fabled DeLorean DMC automotive brand, stated this week that a final rule document released January 15 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) brings their promised production of a new DeLorean vehicle a big step closer to reality.

However, the automaker also noted that the new DeLorean may be built with an electric rather than an internal combustion powertrain.

The regulation, an outgrowth of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (a.k.a. The FAST Act), signed into law by President Obama in 2015, allows exemption from certain federal motor vehicle safety standards for low-volume manufacturers of replica vehicles.

“Low volume” is defined as production of up to 325 units, and the replicas must resemble conventionally manufactured vehicles from more than 25 years ago.

SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association), an aftermarket automotive equipment trade group that has lobbied tirelessly for this regulation for years, applauded the final ruling this week.

“The roadblocks have been eliminated,” said SEMA President and CEO Christopher J. Kersting, in a statement. “Companies will be able to hire workers, start making necessary parts and components, and produce and sell cars.”

In a January 20 blog post, the DeLorean Motor Company, which acquired rights to the brand as well as unsold parts inventory from the original DeLorean automaker in 1995, reacted with a similar level of enthusiasm about the impact of the final ruling on making the dream of building new DeLoreans a reality, stating that “Companies like DeLorean will now be able to apply for authorization to produce and sell vehicles under this program.”

According to Road and Track, the company’s original plan was to sell a modest number of new DeLorean vehicles—about 50 per year—at a price of around $100,000.

However, in a disclosure that may irk some of the more traditionally minded DeLorean enthusiasts, the company also noted that “we’ve been considering switching to an all-electric as the future,” citing concerns about their ability to maintain emissions compliance with an internal-combustion platform for vehicles that they had originally planned to begin building in 2017.

How the market may react to the idea of an electric DeLorean seems tough to predict, although the idea of finding 50 customers per year for a limited-production vehicle does not, intuitively, seem daunting.

In fact, an electric powertrain may be a no-brainer way to breathe new excitement into a vehicle that, in its original incarnation, was notoriously underpowered.

A strong electric motor might be just what the DeLorean needs to finally deliver performance that matches the sleek lines and stainless-steel finish of the exterior.

About The Author

Bill Hayward

Bill Hayward, a writer, marketer, and car enthusiast, is editor and publisher of AutoNewsblaster. Originally a native of the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., he currently resides in South Central Pennsylvania. Contact: auto.enthusiasts.news@gmail.com or 717-968-0883.

For GREAT deals on a new or used Chevrolet, Buick or GMC in St. Louis check out Laura Chevrolet Buick GMC TODAY!

HOFELE Launches Their “Ultimate G-Wagon”

HOFELE has just unveiled their new Ultimate HG, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon that is as lavish as they come. The most exciting feature about the Ultimate HG has to be the inclusion of rear “coach” doors. Throughout the past decades, these kinds of rearward opening doors have typically only been found on the most luxurious of vehicles. To complement these door, HOFELE also added full-length electronically-deployable side steps and individual VIP seating in the rear. Other exterior touches include the new front grille, headlight surrounds, front bumper, roof-mounted light bar, 23-inch HOFELE Turbine forged alloy wheels and a beautiful two-tone paint finish. Inside is a cabin worthy of being found in the most luxurious of vehicles. The Nappa leather hides and Alcantara are highlighted by perforation and stitching designs. And to go back to those rear they feature multiple adjustments, massage, heating and ventilation functions that are all controlled by the touchscreen control. For more information, be sure to visit HOFELE.com.

hofele ultimate g wagon 6

Wild 1993 Land Rover Defender For Sale

Starting a complete restoration is nerve wracking. The issues of where to find NOS parts and the itch to resto-mod can and will complicate your build. That is why Osprey Custom Cars specializes in late-model Defenders. Taking them down to every nut and bolt allows each build to be better than new. Such is the case with this wild 1993 Land Rover Defender for sale.

Once the body was off, the frame was not worthy of modern performance. Therefore they started with a new frame made with the latest in high-strength steel. Galvanized just like the original, it is gusseted and welded where rivets would normally be found. Terrar Firma suspension includes double-cardan driveshafts, poly bushings, twin-tube shocks, and an adjustable Panhard bar.

While the interior was completely stripped, everything was updated to the newer Puma style for ultimate comfort. The hood and all 5 doors are new, as are the bumpers and all body hardware. Seven leather seats are entertained by speakers hidden throughout. The latest in sound and heat insulation allow the new A/C to keep everyone cool while staying connected. USB charge ports are located throughout because we know how stressful a dead battery can be on family road trips. Apple Car Play and Android Audio are fed to a 10-speaker JL Audio system.

Chevrolet Performance supplied a new LS3 crate engine (conservatively) rated at 525 horsepower. Backed by a 4WD version of the 6L80E automatic, power is sent to new TDCI axles. Kahn 18″ wheels are wrapped in BFG KO AT rubber and stopped by the largest brakes available. Click the link below to see all the details and stay with us for all your Osprey Custom Car updates.