Jalopnik: Death Race

What Car Would You Death Race?

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:40:00 EDT

Though we have no way of verifying whether or not Death Race will be as competent a remake as The Italian Job or as horrible a reinvention as Blues Brothers 2000, the idea of racing cars to the death certainly appeals to us in a fictional sort of way. Looking at the cars of Death Race and the production stills, it's clear the movie has a novel mix of cars we'd consider. The trick is the vehicle has to be both destruction-worthy and fast enough to finish a race. What car would you choose?

A modified tanker truck is nice, and all, but it isn't that fast. Would a modified Stang really be able to crush its way through the carnage better than a 1989 7-Series Bimmer? Personally, we think that JFG-entrant Buick GNX is probably ideal. It's tough, it's mean-looking, it's easy to find parts for (G-bodies are everywhere) and it's fast as all hell. Would you mess with someone piloting a GNX? Seriously, what car would you race... to the DEATH!?!?

New Death Race Stills: Flame Throwing, Jag Destroying And Overacting Galore

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

We brought you first-hand photos of the cars of Death Race, as well as the first Death Race trailer. Now we've got more production stills than you can shake an armored Mustang at. These new photos add more details, including a look at a scarred-up Tyrese, a serious-looking Jason Statham, a strutting Joan Allen, a masked man and lots of flame throwing action.

What this latest round of photos doesn't do is give us any additional insight into the complex narrative structure or tip a hand toward revealing any what will no doubt be a plethora of surprisingly thoughtful literary allusions. You'll just have to wait until the movie hits the big screen to get all that. [Spoiler-TV Movies via io9]

Death Race Your Ride: Goofy, Yet Somehow Entertaining

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:40:00 EDT

With the upcoming Death Race movie the re-make on the tips of everyone's tongues these days (yeah right, you did see "The Dark Knight" didn't you?), the good folks at Universal decided to add a "Death Race Your Ride" feature to their website. You can pick from a number of canned cars OR you can upload photos of your own ride and add Death Race equipment. Heavy armor, weapons, decals, wheels, and battle damage are your paint, and Deathrace.net is your paintbrush. The old Audi somehow just isn't that intimidating compared to the big bad Ford Mustang. Great idea, right? It'd be like a personal "Jalopnik My Ride" p-shop feature if it weren't clunky as hell to use. A+ on the idea, F- on the implementation. [Death Race My Ride]

Death Race One Sheet Revealed, Shows Off More Of That Mean-Looking Buick

Ray Wert — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT

You saw the mean looking choptop Buick Riviera first when we showed you the cars of Death Race and y'all seemed to react favorably, so we figured you might like to see the first one-sheet for the Statham-starring film showing it again looking all bad-ass. Sure it's not the Death Race trailer, and sure, it reveals a tagline — "Get ready for a killer ride" — that screams hackneyed and lame, but whatever, it's not bad for a Tuesday before the Fourth of July weekend. Want to see the bevy of beefy cars from the film again? Well, they're waiting your eyeballs below. [via Universal]

Death Race Trailer, Revealed!

Ray Wert — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:11:21 EDT

A week after we showed you our exclusive first look at the cars of Death Race, the new movie starring Jason Statham to be released by Universal later this summer, we've now got the first trailer for Death Race. What can we say? Well, it's intense and in it we learn the first rule of the Death Race — you never drive backwards. Unless you're Statham and you're driving a Mustang — and I'd have to say the 'stang (called Frankenstein's Monster) looks seriously cool. Really, this should have been what the made the new KR look like. It makes every other Mustang variant look like a girlie car. Whatever, we're going to stop talking now and just let you watch the video above and then check out the gallery of vehicles again below.

The Cars Of Death Race

Ray Wert — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EDT

UPDATE:We've now got the first Death Race trailer! Almost a year ago, I had the opportunity to head out to Montreal and go behind the scenes of the new re-visioned movie "Death Race" starring Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane and yes, Joan Allen. Whereas the names of the characters they play may be the same, the storyline's anything but — this time the "Death Race" is set in what we'd been told was an "economic" prison sometime in the not-so-distant dystopian future. But we'll throw down more of that later. The really cool part was getting a first-hand look at some of the metal made into prison inmates very own PCH cars — and there's some really cool stuff to be seen. So without further ado, below the jump are the ten vehicles at the center of the new Paul W.S. Anderson-directed flick coming to a theater near you August 22nd, 2008 — along with all the details on the add-ons that make them "special" plus, because you're so good, a whole mess-load of screenshots. Enjoy and remember, small children are only worth more points because they're harder to hit.

1.) Frankenstein's Monster- 2006 Ford Mustang GT

Engine: Supercharged 4.6L V8
Ford Racing Exhaust System
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Progress Technology adjustable coil over front struts and rear shocks
Progress Technology adjustable rear lower control arms
Progress Technology adjustable panhard bar
Wheels: 18" 2007 Ford Mustang Cobra wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes T1R 255/45 ZR 18
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 285/45 ZR 18
Brakes: Brembo Disc Brake System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
CNC Hand Brake
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

2.) Machine Gun Joe's Ram- 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4wd

Engine: 5.7L V8 Hemi
Transmission: 5 speed automatic
Suspension: Rancho 9000 Shocks for front and rear
Firestone Air Bags for front and rear
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Drivetrain: Removed front axles and front differential
Replaced rear axle with 1 ton dually axle
Wheels: Front- Stock 20" Dodge Ram wheels
Rear- Stock 16" dually wheels
Tires: Front- Stock tires
Rear- Toyo Open Country 265/75R 16
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Sparrco Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon secondary hydraulic brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

3.) Pachenko's Chop Top- 1966 Buick Riviera

Engine: Stock 430c.i. V8 "Nail Head"
Crane Ignition System
Transmission: 3 speed automatic
Suspension: Big block springs
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Wheels: 17" Eagle Alloy Wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes T1R 255/45R 17
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 285/60R 17
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon secondary hydraulic brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

4.) 14K's 1980 Porsche 911

Engine: Stock 2.7L 6cyl.
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Suspension: Front and rear Bilstein adjustable coil shocks
Eibach racing springs
Wheels: 15" NASCAR style steel wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes TPT 225/60R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 295/50R 15
Brakes: Stock Braking System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
CNC hand brake
Jazz Aluminum fuel cell
Custom fabricated battery box

5.) Colt's Jag - 1989 Jaguar XJS

Engine: V12
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Suspension: KYB Gas Adjust Shocks
Eibach Racing Springs
Custom fabricated front and rear sway bars
Wheels: 15" Aero Beadlock wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes TPT 225/60R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 295/50R 15
Brakes: Stock Braking System
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
CNC hand brake
RCI fuel cell
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

6.) Grimm's 300: 2006 Chrysler 300C

Engine: 345c.i. V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Air Ride Technologies air suspension kit
Wheels: 20" American Racing Wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Proxes 4 245/45ZR 20
Rear- Toyo Proxes 4 255/45ZR 20
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
Tildon hydraulic secondary brake system
Custom fabricated fuel cell
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

7.) 1972 Buick Riviera "Boat tail"

Engine: 350c.i. V8
Crane Ignition System
Transmission: Turbo 350 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Big block springs front and rear
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Wheels: Stock 1971 Buick Riviera wheels
Tires: Front- Toyo Spectrum 225/70R 15
Rear- Toyo Proxes S/T 275/60R 15
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
Tildon hydraulic secondary brake system
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

8.) 1979 Pontiac Trans Am

Engine: 350HO V8 Crate motor
Transmission: Turbo 350 3-speed automatic
Suspension: Big block coil springs
KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Custom fabricated rear sway bar
Wheels: 17" American Racing wheels
Tires: Front/ Rear Goodyear 215/65R 17
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll cage
Kirkey Aluminum Racing Seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
RCI fuel cell
CNC hand brake
Wilwood secondary rear brake calipers
Battery moved to battery box in trunk

9.) 1989 BMW 735i

Engine: 6cyl.
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Suspension: KYB Gas Adjust shocks
Eibach Racing coil springs
Wheels: 18" American Racing wheels
Tires: Front/Rear Toyo Proxes T1R 255/40ZR 18
Brakes: Stock braking system
Stunt Modifications: Roll Cage
Kirkey Aluminum racing seats
RCI 5 point harnesses
Custom fabricated aluminum fuel cell
CNC hand brake
Wilwood secondary rear brake calipers

10.) The Dreadnaught

There are no words to describe this onslaught of mechanical strength called "The Dreadnaught." Check out the video to get a taste. Come on back later this week when we do a sit-down with Jason Statham and ask him what car he's got in his driveway.

Exclusive Video From New Death Race Movie Features Mean-Looking "Dreadnought"

Ray Wert — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

While we knew going in the Death Race "trailer" we posted earlier wasn't the real thing, our sources tell us like the Jason Statham screen shot we showed you last week, the video we've got up above is absolutely the real thing. It's some behind-the-scenes video from the new Death Race movie. That vehicle you see running through an industrial wasteland (that appears to look a great deal like a prison) is something called the "Dreadnought" and we're told it's up to no good in the Race all about the Death. Embargoes threatening our own "Death" prevent us from saying anything more. No need for us to give Universal Studios a free 40 points at our expense.

Death Race Trailer?

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST

Here, we have the actual Death Race trailer. Hit that link for the real Statham-hotness. We can't tell if this is the result of rampant fanboyism, or the beginnings of a painfully long viral marketing campaign, but something teaserish has surfaced for the new movie "re-imagination" Death Race. We ain't saying' nothin' as to it's authenticity - it could be a mashup of an anti speeding campaign, could be impressive indie work, or it could be the real thing, but it is creepy. It also makes us want to know how many points that would have been worth.

First Official Death Race Screen Shot Features an Intense-Looking Jason Statham

Ray Wert — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:05:00 EST

So Universal's creating a re-make of the classic schlock-camp 70's futuregasm Death Race 2000, starring the always-willing-to-Transport Jason Statham and now they've released the first official screen shot of the action star in his broke n' busted but rebuilt whip. We've included the official synopsis below the jump and while one of us already knows the answer to the following question but since his information's embargoed — we'll see if y'all can guess it. Anyone know what car Statham's "Frankenstein" is driving?

"A penitentiary full of felons has inspired the jailers to create a grisly pastime ripe for lucrative kickbacks. Now, adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for televised violence and a spectacular arena come together to form the Death Race.
Three-time speedway champion Jensen Ames (Statham) is an expert at survival in the harsh landscape that has become our country. Just as he thinks he has turned his life around, the ex-con is framed for a gruesome murder he didn't commit. Forced to don the mask of the mythical driver Frankenstein—a crowd favorite who seems impossible to kill—Ames is given an easy choice by Terminal Island's warden (Joan Allen): suit up or rot away in a cell.

His face hidden by a metallic mask, one convict will be put through an insane three-day challenge. Ames must survive a gauntlet of the most vicious criminals in the country's toughest prison to claim the prize of freedom. Driving a monster car outfitted with machine guns, flamethrowers and grenade launchers, one desperate man will destroy anything in his path to win the most twisted spectator sport on Earth."

Tokyo Motor Show: Hyundai QarmaQ Crossover Concept, Again

Ray Wert — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 07:30:00 EDT

If you'll remember from its original unveil at Geneva, this sporty little crossover coupe is the QarmaQ, Hyundai's concept designed to showcase environmentally progressive technologies, such as the Korean company's "Elastic Front." That's a pedestrian collision solution Hyundai hopes if implemented, can reduce the risk of turning a drive through the Shibuya crosswalk into a re-make of Death Race 2000. Remember, you get bonus points for maiming now, not killing.

But that's one of only 30 new technologies the QarmaQ incorporates, many of which Hyundai hopes they'll be able to incorporate into new models between 2008 and 2014. According to Hyundai, the QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. We also have to say it looks not too terrible on the eyes either — which is why we thought it was so nice, we've brought it to ya twice. Plus, we felt the need to drop a "Death Race 2000" joke and a Shibuya joke in one post.