by Gabrielle DeSantis

As modern automotive technologies improve, so do the massive amounts of horsepower available to enthusiasts and racers alike. This phenomenon is perhaps the most visible at a drag strip where turbocharged engines and ultra-quick transmissions routinely break records. However, it seems the Lamborghini Huracan has become a recent favorite thanks to its robust and durable powertrain. In fact, one of these Lamborghinis built by AMS Performance makes 2,000 hp and runs a seven-second quarter-mile.

The car in question was filmed by 1320video on YouTube and covered by CarScoops. Part of what makes this particular supercar special is that it is currently the fastest one on the planet.

How fast is the world’s fastest Lamborghini Huracan?

Once upon a time, this Lamborghini Huracan you see above popping a wheelie began as a completely stock supercar. In stock form, it houses a 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 developing 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. While these figures are certainly enough for the street, they won’t get you very far on a drag strip. According to CarScoops, AMS Performance started out by adding two turbochargers and a billet intake manifold.

The next step was to strengthen the car’s transmission to handle all of the excess power. Aside from just holding power, the car’s dual-clutch has to perform repeatedly at a track without breaking or overheating. Thankfully, this is commonly known as a very robust powertrain, which is why so many racers utilize it.

With all of these modifications put together, you end up with a Lamborghini Huracan that produces around 2,000 hp and 1,279 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. If we’re measuring crank horsepower, those figures quickly swell.

It runs a seven-second quarter mile time

Lamborghini Huracan | 1320video via YouTube

According to CarScoops, the team behind this Lamborghini Huracan is still working to develop it in order to extract its full potential. This requires getting the front end to stick despite the massive power on offer. To help out, the team fitted Mickey Thompson ET drag radials on all four corners with massive rear tires. The result of these efforts is a car that can run the quarter-mile in 7.33 seconds at 194.52 mph.

If those figures seem larger than life, that’s because they are. According to 1320video, that quarter-mile time makes this Italian supercar the world’s fastest Lamborghini Huracan. Given the rate with which these cars improve over the years, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of these cars get dangerously close to a seven-minute time.

How much does this Lamborghini Huracan cost?

An image of a Lamborghini Huracan out on a race track.
Lamborghini Huracan | 1320video via YouTube

RELATED: 14-Year-Old Steals $250,000 Lamborghini Urus – Owner Gives Chase on a Scooter

If you’re wondering how much a Lamborghini Huracan such as this one cost, the answer isn’t cheap. For starters, you need to buy the supercar itself in stock form. If you’re buying a brand-new car, you’re looking at a base price of just over 200,000. However, you could save some cash by buying a used example.

According to AMS, the most expensive kit it’ll sell you is its Alpha 12 package, which ranges from $77,000 to $97,000. Thankfully, these figures include all of the installation necessary. However, this gets you a car with a little over 1,200 hp. If you want to reach into the 2,000-hp range, chances are you’ll have to pay up considerably more.

The post World’s Fastest Lamborghini Huracan Has 2,000 HP and Runs a 7-Second Quarter Mile appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Motorcycles and ATVs are fun to ride off-road. Feeling the wind as you fly through the air is as close to true freedom as many of us come. But it can also be a dangerous pastime. So which are riskier, motorcycles or ATVs? The answer might surprise you.

The dangers of motorcycles

It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risk. Driving any vehicle can be dangerous, but a sedan, truck, or SUV surrounds you with metal. Though this doesn’t mean you can walk away from an accident without a scratch, the metal protects you.

On a motorcycle, you don’t have a structure to keep you safe. Good riding habits can greatly increase your safety, such as wearing a helmet, riding in groups, and easing off the pedal in turns. Though everyone who rides a motorcycle isn’t doomed to wreck, it’s wise to take some precautions while riding.

With that said, motorcycle wrecks can be fatal, and deaths are on the rise. Most riders know this before they get their first bike, so it’s a risk they knowingly take. 

ATVs are great off-roaders

Not everyone wants to ride a motorcycle on the open highways. Some people just want to hit some open dunes. Off-road bikes can handle this just fine, but all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, seem like the safer option. They’re bigger, wider, and offer more of a seat. Plus, they’re incredibly fun to ride.

ATVs have become increasingly popular in the off-road community, and are used for racing, stunts, and just to have a good time with family and friends. It’s easier to go places that most traditional vehicles just can’t go, and it saves you from having to hike, unless that’s just something you want to do.

Like their two-wheeled brethren, however, ATVs can be very dangerous. Are they more dangerous than motorcycles, however? The answer isn’t as straight forwards as it would seem.

Are 4-wheelers safer than motorbikes?

Four wheels are clearly safer than two wheels. Everyone knows this. It’s just common sense.

Except that’s not quite the case. Studies from John Hopkins show that four wheels are not superior to two, regardless of what good old-fashioned common sense says. The study shows that riders who crashed an ATV were 50 percent likelier to die from their injuries than a motorcycle rider in a similar crash. Further statistics show that 55 percent of ATV riders were likelier to be admitted to an intensive-care unit than motorcycle riders, and 42 percent more would be placed on a ventilator.

It’s unclear why ATVs do so much more damage than motorcycles. It could have something to do with the fact that ATVs weigh much more than motorcycles, which increases the risk when you’re performing jumps. An ATV that flips and lands on the rider will do far more damage than the same accident with a motorcycle.

Dr. Adil Haider, a surgeon from the Johns Hopkins Center for Surgery Trials and Outcomes Research in Baltimore, Maryland, told Reuters: “We think there are much more energy transfers when an ATV turns over, but we can’t tell whether that is because of the stability of the vehicle or the weight of the vehicle as it rolls over on a rider.”

Before buying a new off-road motorcycle or ATV, do your research. Not all brands are created equal, and some put more emphasis on safety than others. It’s also important to get a vehicle for the right age and weight requirements. Taking a class will also give you tips on how to stay safe while having a great time.

RELATED: Honda Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles With Broken Drive Chain for Crash Risk

The post 1 Off-Roading Vehicle Is Deadlier Than a Motorcycle, According to Johns Hopkins appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

What is a diesel oxidation catalyst?

Diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) are a type of low-maintenance catalytic converter built for diesel engines. They drastically reduce the Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons, and Particulate emissions put out by diesel vehicles. These inexpensive parts can be retrofitted to any diesel vehicle to reduce pollution.

DOCs work by exposing exhaust gases created by the engine to a catalyst. In this case the catalyst is built into a honeycomb structure which provides maximum surface contact with exhaust gases. This catalyst transforms the components of these gasses into water and carbon dioxide.

In short, it turns pollutants into harmless substances. Interested owners can easily find compatible parts online. Many shops that specialize in work trucks will likely be familiar with installation. Expensive installation isn’t necessary for those with a knack for DIY repair.

Closed vs open crankcase ventilation systems

Crankcase ventilation systems are a common source of pollution. These systems

A closed system catches prevents open misting and aerosol droplets from freely releasing into the engine bay.

The post This $2,000 Hack Can Reduce Diesel Truck Pollution by up to 90% appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A fair number of large boats have pools or hot tubs, but a hot tub boat is different. This small vessel is more a hot tub than a boat, offering a unique way to get out on the water while relaxing in slightly warmer water. Though most people rent these vessels for a fun day, you can buy one. But it can cost you upward of $42,000, according to Uncrate.

Origins of the hot tub boat

Hot Tub Boats — the company behind this fun concept — is located in Seattle. According to the company, the concept for this unique vessel came in the winter of 2011. Founder Adam Karpenske was shivering on his houseboat, wishing he had a good way to warm up. And just like that, the idea for the hot tub boat was born.

Karpenske used his experience as a wooden boat shipwright to figure out how he could create a small, sleek boat that could stay afloat while bearing a heavy load. He developed an early prototype in only a week and launched a fully functional prototype on New Year’s Eve.

Since the company’s official launch in February 2012, residents and visitors of Seattle have enjoyed renting these boats for fun afternoons or evenings. However, if you don’t live in Seattle — or if you want to spend way more time in one of these vessels — you might choose to purchase one for yourself.

Pros and cons of hot tub boats

Custom-built in Seattle, the Hot Tub Boat is a fun and unique way to relax. According to Uncrate, the boat measures 16 feet long and comes with an eight-foot hot tub built into it. The water temperature is adjustable, and the boat has a cruising time of up to 10 hours.

The Hot Tub Boat is exactly what it says it is. It has no additional amenities or structures. In fact, there’s barely even a deck. It’s simply a floating hot tub. 

This can be a pro or a con, depending upon your goals. If you want a luxurious vessel that offers the option of a quick dip in a hot tub, this won’t be the right option for you. However, if you want a one-of-a-kind location for a party or vacation, this might be right up your alley.

Of course, the biggest downside is the cost. Though a $42,000 price tag is well below six figures, it still isn’t cheap — and it doesn’t account for the costs of storage or maintenance.  

How does it work?

According to Hot Tub Boats, this vessel uses an electric motor and is easy to maneuver. It features a joystick for steering, making it possible to control the boat while sitting in the hot tub or on the aft deck. In fact, the vessel is so easy to manage that the company requires you to have only a driver’s license while renting one.

The boat also features a diesel-powered boiler. This enables you to adjust the water temperature to your liking.

The company states that the design gives the vessel a particularly high load capacity — something that’s certainly important for a vehicle carrying 2,450 pounds of water. The tub itself is located in the boat’s center of buoyancy, preventing tipping.

Overall, hot tub boats are a fun invention. However, if you’re hesitant about dropping $40,000 for this kind of vessel, you might opt for renting one instead.

RELATED: You Can Saw Your Boston Whaler Boat in Half Without Sinking It

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