Rob Dyrdek’s “kick flip” stunt in a Chevrolet Sonic effectively sealed his place in the hallowed halls of stunt driver lore. As it turns out, actually pulling off a 360-degree barrel roll in a vehicle is one of the most challenging stunts one can perform. Driving on two wheels? Cakewalk. Knocking down a series of buses stacked on their ends? As easy as sucking pea soup through a crazy straw. The barrel roll requires stacks of mathematical calculations to account for everything from the vehicle’s weight to its speed and the exact rotation angle of each ramp.

But Dyrdek wasn’t the first guy to successfully execute such a bit of insanity. He’s one of a select few stunt drivers to do the deed, and Popular Mechanics has taken a look at those who have tackled the automotive barrel roll in the past. Dyrdek’s stunt was actually an almost exact replica of the Astro Spiral Jump as performed in 1972 at the Houston Astrodome. That exercise used a significantly classier AMC Javelin, however. Head over to Popular Mechanics to check out the video series and click past the jump for a clip on the Astro Spiral Jump.

Continue reading PopMech offers a video history of the automotive barrel roll

PopMech offers a video history of the automotive barrel roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

The Ford Model A doesn’t get the historical respect of its 15-million-unit predecessor, the Model T, nor is it as beloved as the 1932 Ford V8 which followed. But when the Model A went on sale on December 2, 1927, it was an important transitional model for Ford.

Following the unparalleled success of the Model T, Ford had been reluctant to develop a new model, or even upgrade the T with features that were increasingly driving customers to other brands. The Model A was the first Ford to feature modern controls, with clutch, brake and throttle pedals, and a gearshift lever sprouting out of the center of the front floorboards.

Selling for as little as 5, the Model A was a huge success. Ford built almost five million units over five years. Had it not unveiled the A when it did, the Blue Oval might have met the same fate as many auto manufacturers of the 1920s that didn’t see the other side of the Great Depression.

Surprisingly enough, this 84-year-old car can actually provide somewhat serviceable transportation today, although with limitations. While its four-cylinder engine provides fuel economy in the high 20′s, Interstate travel is a bit beyond its meager 40 horsepower output. Mechanical drum brakes are the weakest point in the A’s specifications, with a lack of climate control rating a distant second.

For more on what it’s like to drive an A everyday, check out the 365 Days of A blog.

This Day in History: Ford Model A goes on sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

Don’t get us wrong; we’re thrilled there are collectors with the means and patience required to hide vintage race cars in climate-controlled warehouses for decades. History needs its preservationists, but competition vehicles are meant to compete. Their sheet metal requires heat from a track-day sun as much as their engines require fuel. That’s part of what makes the annual Rennsport Reunion such an important event. Porsche owners from all corners of the globe bring out their race cars for plenty of track time as well as a low-key paddock car show.

Driven by the men and women who made the vehicles famous to begin with, the cars once again put fender to fender on the tarmac. For fans of the brand, there’s no better opportunity to get close to the cars or shake hands with the drivers. Hit the jump to check out a video of 24 Hours of Daytona winner Hurley Haywood speaking about what makes the event so special.

Stay tuned for live coverage of this year’s reunion October 14-16.

Continue reading Hurley Haywood talks about Rennsport history

Hurley Haywood talks about Rennsport history originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

GoAuto RSS – Car News

No related posts.

No related posts.