Justin Bieber’s 1/1 Rolls Royce Prototype Is Breathtaking

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Justin’s custom Rolls Royce Prototype will convert anyone into a “belieber”. Justin Bieber is a 1/1 for better or worse, and he told Ryan and the team at West Coast Customs that he needed a Rolls Royce to reflect that. The Rolls Royce custom that the West Coast Customs crew built for Justin is easily one of the most incredible jobs they’ve ever done.

Justin Bieber’s Rolls Royce protoype

Money may not buy happiness, but it sure can get you some awesome custom cars. Justin Bieber is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, and with a net worth of close to $285 million, the Biebs can buy just about anything he wants.

Justin saw a video of a Rolls Royce prototype and texted it to Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs. Ryan contacted Rolls Royce and attempted to get the prototype for Justin but learned it was a design exercise and completely unavailable. So what do you do when you can’t buy the car of your dreams? You build it (or pay West Coast Customs a large sum of money to build it).

If you can’t buy it then build it

The Rolls Royce Wraith Black Badge | Martyn Lucy via Getty Images

The folks at West Coast Customs aren’t quitters. They always rise to the occasion. According to Motor1, since Ryan couldn’t procure the 103EX Vision 100 Rolls Royce prototype for Justin, he decided to build a working model using a 2018 Rolls Royce Wraith as a base. The process took years, but the team got the job done.

The crew widened the car by a foot and shortened it by eight inches. It was given a complete redesign to resemble the prototype as closely as possible. Its wheel covers made it look like it was meant for air travel instead of L.A roads.

When the car was finally reassembled after modifications, it was painted with matte gray and gloss silver. The interior included two-tone leather, custom door panels, and just about everything that a Rolls Royce from the future would feature.

The Rolls Royce “Uriel”

Justin Bieber’s custom Rolls Royce “Uriel” | West Coast Customs YouTube channel

After three years of work, the Rolls Royce “Uriel”, named after the Christian archangel, was complete. This custom Rolls Royce looks like it hovers slightly above the ground. Biebs was pleased, to say the least.

West Coast Customs makes dreams come true for the right price. It’s hard to imagine a car so lavish that even Rolls Royce wouldn’t build it, but that’s the custom Rolls Royce “Uriel” in a nutshell. The hardest part of the build was the unique body.

The body was built after scanning the original 2018 Rolls Royce Wraith and inputting that data into a 3D modeler. The 3D modeler then cut the pieces that became the mold of the custom Wraith. Making the custom mold the right size to fit the body and create the desired silhouette took months, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

One of the West Coast Customs team members commented that Bieber’s custom Wraith was the longest automotive project he had ever been a part of. Justin’s mock-prototype Rolls Royce is legendary because how many shops would take on such a lengthy job? It is truly a 1/1 creation.

RELATED: Is This Luxury SUV Really a Budget Rolls-Royce Cullinan?

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All Roads Lead to Romulus Michigan as Ford Invests $100 Million in EV Battery Research

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The electric car business is booming as Ford and other automakers push for an all-electric future. That’s why Ford is investing $100 million in electric car battery research, purchasing a plot of land in Romulus Michigan. In hopes to advance electric technology and stimulate job growth, the initiative paints a bright future for American electric cars.

Ford Ion Park | Ford

Battery research facility in Romulus brings the auto industry back to Michigan

It’s called Ion Park, a dedicated research facility for electric car batteries. A123 owned the 270,000 square foot facility first but closed down in 2017 due to low electric car demand. This $100 million investment is part of a $185 million electric push, with the rest dedicated to battery testing. And Ford projects that by 2025, they’ll have invested $30 billion (with a B) in electrifying their fleet.

And Ford didn’t just throw a dart on the wall when choosing the location. They deliberately picked Romulus in an effort to bring the auto industry back to Michigan, committed to that promise since 2010. And the town it’s located in will receive certain tax breaks, including local property taxes and the six million dollar state education tax.

Detroit Free Press explained that “part of the inspiration for this effort is driven by supply chain challenges in recent months that have created costly disruptions in the automotive industry and others.” In other words, they’ve learned from their chip shortage mistakes, and don’t want to experience these delays while transitioning to electric cars.

What kinds of battery research will be conducted?

Ford Battery Research and Testing Laboratory
Ford Battery Research and Testing Laboratory | Ford

Now more than ever, extensive battery research is crucial to the success of long-term electric cars. And while it’s impossible to say what Ford will do with the facility right now, there are a few areas they may focus on.

The most concerning talking point, the primary power source of today’s electric cars, lithium, may eventually run out. This leaves automakers with two choices: find a new battery technology, or find a way to recycle them. One possible solution is iron-air batteries, which are cheaper to manufacture and less expensive to maintain.

Because electric car batteries are more complex, recycling them is trickier than your standard 12-volt battery. But the 200 workers about to be hired at Ion Park will be tasked with making batteries more efficient, easier to attain, and reusable in the years to come.

How many electric cars does Ford make now?

Ford F-150 and Mustang Mach-E Electric Cars
Ford F-150 (top) and Mustang Mach-E (bottom) | Ford

Ford is one of the frontrunners for electric cars, with the Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning making setting the bar for new EVs. Both of them are soon to feature BlueCruise, a Level 2 Autonomous Driving capability. And both are making electric vehicles affordable for the masses. On top of that, Ford is electrifying their infamous Transit lineup, pursuing solutions to making other businesses more eco-friendly.

And while they’re not electric, Ford’s hybrid effort is also reducing the brand’s emissions footprint. With the Ford Maverick hybrid shattering expectations with excellent gas mileage and surprising strength, Ford is taking all the right measures to promote a clean, green future in America.

RELATED: The Electric Chevy Silverado Challenges Ford F-150 EV

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To the Extreme: Jeep Wrangler Announces Xtreme Recon Package at 2021 Chicago Auto Show

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This year marks 80 years since the introduction of Jeep. It has been the brand synonymous with off-roading capability since 1941. The Wrangler is perhaps the most iconic Jeep, though the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee also have a long brand history and reputation.

Jeep offers many different trim levels and packages on their vehicles and introduces the Xtreme Recon package this year. It will make the Jeep Wrangler even more capable.

Stellantis announced the Xtreme Recon package for the Jeep Wranger

Jeep Rubicon | Getty Images

The Chicago Auto Show was first held in 1901 and has been the nation’s longest-running show since. It has been held 113 times and is one of the largest shows. Introducing a concept or package here puts that new product front and center of a large audience.

Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, announced the Xtreme Recon package at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. The show ran from July 15-19, 2021. Stellantis made several announcements during the show, starting with a package that can already be pre-ordered. 

The Xtreme Recon package enhances Jeep Wrangler’s already incredible off-road capability

The Xtreme Recon package gives the Wrangler 35-inch factory tires, 17×8 inch bead-lock capable wheels, swing-gate reinforcement, 4.56 to 1 axle ratio, and 1.5-inch factory suspension lift with tuned shocks.

While that may not sound like much beyond bigger tires, this package boosts Wrangler’s off-roading ability by giving it the best-in-class approach, departure angles, and ground clearance. It makes the Wrangler’s ability in water better than any other stock off-road SUV. The Xtreme Recon package gives the Wrangler a 12.9-inch clearance and approach and departure angles of over 40 degrees. It can go through water over thirty inches deep. 

Production on the Xtreme Recon package will begin in August, and it will be built at Jeep’s Toledo, OH plant. Anyone interested can pre-order the Xtreme Recon package for $3,995 on top of the base Wrangler price. 

For anyone who wants to take their Wrangler off-roading, the Xtreme Recon package will be a perfect package to add to their purchase. 

Jeep introduced other options, too

Jeep is also offering other options for their iconic Wrangler. At the Chicago Auto Show, they made additional announcements about optional additions to the Wrangler. 

Jeep will offer an optional 4.88:1 axle ratio later in 2021. If that optional axle is paired with their six-speed manual transmission, then the Wrangler will have a crawl ratio of 100:1, which is best in class for off-roading SUVs. A crawl ratio describes the amount of power to the tires in low-end torque; general off-roading usually requires about a 50:1 ratio. Experienced rock crawlers strive to build to a 100:1 ratio with aftermarket parts. Jeep will be the first to offer it as a factory option. 

Jeep is also offering a Sunrider Flip Top for their hardtop models. Wrangler has always been synonymous with open-air offroading, and the Sunrider Flip-top continues this tradition. It gives the hardtop models an easy flip-top, and it will cost an additional $895.

The Sunrider Flip Top will be constructed of black twill fabric, which is common in luxury convertibles. It gives the hardtop models an easy way to experience open-air driving and off-roading. 

Stellantis’ announcements regarding the Jeep Wrangler at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show align with Jeep’s reputation as a serious off-roading brand. With the additional Xtreme Recon package and the optional gear ratio, the Wrangler will be the most capable factory direct off-roading SUV available.

RELATED: Why the Jeep Wrangler Has the Best Resale Value

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Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen Belonging to Ferdinand Porsche up for Auction

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 1979 Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen is a Porsche car that has many names. Another name for the Volkswagen Iltis is Porsche 597 Jagdwagen, which roughly translates to “hunting car.” While the vehicle goes by different aliases, Ferdinand Porsche was the original owner. At some point, Porsche abandoned it on a farm for many years. Based on the history of both cars, this particular version is more Volkswagen Iltis than Porsche 597 Jagdwagen, but the history is still remarkable.

The 1979 Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen

Volkswagen Iltis Porsche Jagdwagen | Getyourclassic

The heritage of this vehicle is a bit confusing. According to the listing on Getyourclassic, this vehicle is a Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen. The Volkswagen Type 183 was also known as the Iltis, which was a Volkswagen military vehicle at the time. The Canadian company, Bombardier, made 2,500 vehicles for the Canadian forces and 2,673 cars for the Belgian Army.

Volkswagen produced this vehicle from 1984 through 1988, during which time VW produced the Type 183 and Type 181 simultaneously. VW shipped some of these vehicles to Cameroon and Oman at the time. However, this vehicle was essentially one of a kind due to the owner. There are fewer of the Porsche 597 Jagdwagen produced.

A Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen for Ferdinand Porsche

The Volkswagen Iltis Porsche Jagdwagen registration | Getyourclassic

Volkswagen created this particular Iltis as a civilian vehicle. It was made explicitly for Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, aka “Butzi.” As seen in the original registration paperwork, Ferdinand Porsche was the first owner of the vehicle. Porsche registered the Iltis on March 7, 1979, in Zell am See, Austria. The vehicle lived in the area and was long forgotten in a Farmhouse in Austria. When the farmhouse went up for sale, the owner found the Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen.

Since it lived unattended on a farm for so many years, the Iltis needs a complete restoration. Included in the auction is another shell in better shape. According to the listing, the technical and electronic components likely require a total replacement. The owner did not start the for many years and it currently does not start. There are many other bits and pieces included in the auction.

A historic vehicle up for auction

In an article from Autoweek from 2017, Porsche made the 597 Jagdwagen a light-duty army-transportation vehicle. It was to be similar to the American Jeep. It had a simple engine and body design, with a lightweight body that made it easy to take off-road. Porsche made 49 of these to civilian spec. Only about 15 of these vehicles still exist out of about 71 total.

According to the auction, these are the specifics of the vehicle. It is a 1979 Volkswagen Iltis, Type 183-55. It currently lives in Renkum, in the Netherlands. The estimated price of the auction is €19000 to €21000, which is between $22,000 and $25,000. A buyer placed one bid for $4,394 (€3700) at the time of publication.

Bring A Trailer sold a similar 1983 VW Type 183 Iltis for $7,000 back in 2019. That vehicle was arguably in better shape. While the vehicle needs a lot of work, the 1979 Volkswagen Iltis Porsche 597 Jagdwagen is a pretty cool piece of history.

RELATED: Top Gun: Watch Tom Cruise Drive a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 at Silverstone

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