Extreme diesel truck racing with Gale Banks
Diesel is receiving much attention as an earth-friendlier fuel -- but for automotive engineering guru and multiple land speed record-holder Gale Banks, it's all about speed. We check out the Banks Sidewinder, known as the world's first roadracing diesel truck. The twin-turbocharged, diesel-powered endurance road-racing pickup can go over 222 mph. Banks is an advisor to the Automotive X Prize, and the guy Jay Leno calls when he wants to double the muscle of an 810-horsepower racecar. (special thanks, Ruth and Coop)
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Not to act completely like an enraged hippy, but isn't calling diesel "earth-friendlier" a bit like saying Jeffrey Dahmer is life-friendlier because he didn't kill as many people as Ted Bundy? Granted, "less harmful" doesn't sound quite so nice. :)
Man that car sounds good though, doesn't it? Have you seen the Bugatti Veyron? It's a 400kph (252mph) road car - if you can't outrun the screaming of mother earth in that bastard, then the engine noise will cover it up for you.
Well, what about Audi's diesel car that won Le Mons this past summer?
And it still has nasty cancer causing particulates, correct?
Gosh Inanimatt, that's harsh. Especially considering that using a computer is about one of the least eco-friendly things to do on earth.
I mean, they're massive power drains, made out of non-biodegradable plastics, with environmentally hazardous chemicals held just behind the screen. Heck, even if you "recycle" them, all that really happens is that a megacorp ships them over to a 3rd world country where workers disassemble the machine with hand tools, spilling everything right out into the environment.
Makes Diesel car racing seem eco-friendly by comparison.
Sure -- if all you take into consideration is the physical object itself, and not how it's used.
With a little help from Superchips, my 2003 Excursion pumps out well over 400hp - accelerates more like a Corvette! And, it gets better mileage than some Hondas. I burn 100% bio-diesel - made from recycled cooking oil. 100% sulfur free, virtually no particulates. Good stuff, renewable, and smells great, like french fries.