E85 - Drifting in the Future? Ask Rhys Millen.

[AZhitman]

The Pontiac GTO has been cancelled, again. But, before this revival departs, a special Goat is chewing its way through the stereotypes of the drifting scene. Professional slide-guru Rhys Millen entered the Formula Drift competitions of late with a drift-spec GTO. Millen, along with Samuel Hubinette and Ken Gushi, have made a strong statement for domestic manufacturers in a previously Japanese-dominated event. In fact, last year Rhys became the 2005 champion. However, with the demise of the GTO, GM Racing needed a new entry. At a recent media event and unveiling, Miller and the GM Racing staff put an end to the wide-spread speculation of their next vehicle. The official Red Bull Pontiac Solstice GXP Drift stood before an eager crowd of industry personnel and drifting magnates with automotive implications for the specialty-equipment industry. The unveiling of the new Pontiac Solstice GXP has caught the attention of enthusiasts, and it should come as no surprise that this new replacement could refuel the demand for real-wheel-drive sports cars. Every single 2006 Solstice has been nabbed and a waiting list for the 2007 model is growing. Supported by the potent 2.0L ECOtec engine, this new platform needs little justification as a perfect racing candidate. With a RWD layout, feather light curb weight, and balanced proportions this vehicle can be tossed around while maintaining control.

What’s mystifying about this car is that it will run on E85—the fuel mixture comprised of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Furthermore, this corn-based energy source has been proven to produce more power than similar gasoline applications, especially in engines designed to use high octane fuels. This signals monumental ramifications for the racing industry, and several organizations are conducting research into the viability of adopting this fuel as an alternative. The National Street Car Association, the National Hot Rod Association, the Indy Racing League and NASCAR are all looking into E85 as a future fuel alternative, some as early as the 2007 season. Engine builders are seeing the possibility of a booming market developing on the notion of combining fuel efficiency with power increases. To promote this concept, the Engine Rebuilders Association established an E85-based competition to meet such goals. Millen’s Solstice has been massaged to the tune of 550hp (450 lb-ft), lightened with extensive carbon fiber body panels, stiffened with four-way adjustable shocks and coilovers and upgraded in typical OEM fashion. The ECOtec’s engine has been upgraded with iron cylinder liners, a ported cylinder head, tubular stainless steel exhaust headers, a performance camshaft, a FAST engine management system, billet steel crankshafts and rods, a ball-bearing turbo, and a water-to-air intercooler. Similar ECOtec project cars have been capable of squeezing out in excess of 1,400hp. Not only does this example illustrate the capability of this car and its platform, but it creates a precedent for future manufacturers to develop alternative-fuel-based performance parts. Millen will attempt to prove the value of this approach in the Formula Drift Round 3 event at Chicago’s Soldier Field on June 10.

[rb20det_pwr]

for some reason I still dont want to accept the idea of drifting mustangs and gto's and things..Although, hopefully other companies will see the market for this kind of vehicle, and soon design my imaginary S16

You're a good writer by the way..(AZ Hitman)

[Joe]

for some reason I still dont want to accept the idea of drifting mustangs and gto's and things..

why?

[rb20det_pwr]

I dont know why, exactly, but (and i'm being prejudice because i have never driven one) mustangs just look sluggish and big. It seems to me that a mustang on a touge would just be ridiculous and I would prefer a cheap 180 or something...Nobody else refuses to accept the future? is it just me hating?

[dsc4130]

i hate it too but in japan they drift anything rwd. sc300(cant spell the jpn name) is heavier than the mustang. idk i was against any domestic drifting frist but after seeing the gto slide like that. i quickly changed my mind. although the 69 camero im not so sure about.imo

[S14AddiCtion]

Correct!! Jap drifters do drift anything from shopping carts to soarers, so there shouldn't be a distinct distaste for american made vehicles on the scene, I thought the mustang and gto were abominations until I attended Formula D The sport is about fun sideways, not name politics. I still have my dreams of a BMW race or drift car, its doesn't have to be JDM.

On the solstice, I'm excited to see an alternative fuel, maybe we will see cheaper prices at the pump and a ****load of Pontiacs drifting crazy! I hate Pontiac (bad experience) personally, but you can't deny achievement

[s10cky]

Thanks for that info. I like seeing domestics in drifting. theres no reason not too have them. Ignorance is what keeps folks from the american drift scene. because its not original or something...I dont know.

[GTR]

Who all watch Round 1? Millen didn't do as well as i thought he would. I was hoping Ken Nomura would take 1st place this time. Whoa sorry for the thread jack, carry on :.

[S14AddiCtion]

Thats some impressive new technology that should only embrace imo. Too bad I can't afford a new car, I would possibly test the waters, I love any RWD platform since my 1st BMW

[glitched]

I made a thread about the same thing -

zerothread?id=172207

more info there