Discover the Ultimate Beast: Ringbrothers' Unleashed 1000-hp '69 Camaro in L.A.
In the ever-evolving narrative of automotive transformation, the concept of a 1000-horsepower car might seem like yesterday's news. However, when the masterminds at Ringbrothers take a crack at it, you can bet it's going to be nothing short of spectacular. The newest marvel to hit the streets of Los Angeles is a 1969 Camaro like no other, with Jay Leno at the helm and the expertise of the Ring brothers themselves guiding this behemoth through its paces. Who wouldn't want to spend their coffee break watching this automotive symphony on wheels?
Founded by Mike and Jim Ring in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Ringbrothers has emerged as a colossus in the world of custom cars. Their journey from restoring cars to creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. As Jim Ring puts it, their objective is to break the monotony of automotive shows dominated by cookie-cutter restorations. And with their latest 1969 Camaro, they've done just that.
This isn't just any '69 Camaro. From its customized widebody kit designed from the ground up using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to the meticulous hand-laying of carbon fiber for its new body panels, every element of this vehicle screams bespoke. According to Jim, the car's body components weigh in at a feather-light 150 pounds in total.
Not Just Skin Deep
Peel back the stunning exterior, and you'll find a chassis reimagined with the same meticulous attention to detail. The car retains the inner skeleton of a stock Camaro, but everything below is a reengineered masterpiece. The introduction of twin floor pans renders the underside of this beast completely flat, contributing to a weight that's speculated to hover around 3600 lbs. But the surprises don't stop there.
Step inside, and you're greeted by an interior that blends retro charm with unrivaled luxury. Jay Leno finds himself nestled in bucket seats wrapped in premium pleated leather, surrounded by an expanse of the same high-quality material enveloping the dashboard, console, and even the trunk's fuel tank. The bespoke crushed carbon-fiber steering wheel and Dakota Digital gauges are nods to both the past and the future. Yet, at its heart, it's the powerhouse under the hood that steals the show.
Boasting an LS3 engine assembled by Wegner Motorsports, topped with a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger and paired with a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, this Camaro is a force to be reckoned with. The roar of its Flowmaster 44 SS exhaust is music to any gearhead's ears, with six-piston Baer brake calipers at each corner ensuring it stops as well as it goes.
Commanding the Streets
The prowess of this Camaro isn't just about its straight-line performance; its driving dynamics are equally impressive. Decked out with HRE wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, this car handles like a dream, even with the engine's boost dialed down to produce a 'mere' 500 horsepower. Leno quips that driving this Camaro requires old-school finesse, as it comes devoid of modern driver aids. 'You are the traction control,' he jests, making clear that this beast demands respect and skill in equal measure.
The backstory of this incredible machine adds another layer to its allure. Commissioned by a close friend of Kevin Hart, the Camaro's name, 'Strode,' pays homage to a character from the Halloween franchise, adding a touch of humor and personality to this mechanical masterpiece.
Ringbrothers' '69 Camaro is not just a car; it's a testament to what's possible when passion, expertise, and creativity collide. It's a celebration of automotive artistry, a beacon of custom car craftsmanship. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy the ride as Jay Leno takes you on a journey through the streets of L.A., behind the wheel of one of the most exhilarating vehicles to grace the asphalt.