小罗伯特·唐尼。Eco-Fri赠送他修改endly Dream Cars

Movies & TV /7 Comments

RDJ's not keeping his new eco-friendly collection.

Earlier this year, Robert Downey Jr. updated six cars from his private collection, and now you can win one. And by updated, we meanrebuilt to be more environmentally friendlyfor the showDowney's Dream Cars.

Each car was the topic of a single episode featured onMax. We don't want to give too much away, but the builds didn't always go according to plan. RDJ wanted to convert his 1966 Buick Riviera to a hybrid, but it simply wasn't possible. The donor vehicle's gearbox was too big, so the team replaced the 465 Wildcat V8 with a more modern LS V8. In doing so, the Riviera's original 6.8 mpg figure was doubled, proving that a modern V8 is far more efficient than an ancient one.

Basically, the Riviera was still a gas guzzler even after RDJ's team got their hands on it, but this unexpected turn of events is also what makes the series so much fun to watch.

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

Unlike many celebs who buy aTesla Model Sand post images on Instagram, Downey is a card-carrying gearhead. He still loves gas-powered cars but wanted to explore alternative fuels. Most of the uninformed and ignorant called him a virtue signaler without having the decency to watch the series, but if they did, they'd see Downey exploring electric vehicles, hybrids, and even biofuels. And there are interviews with experts who clearly call out the inherent flaws of electrification. It's a well-balanced show which takes a closer look at both sides of the argument.

In addition to the show, Downey also created the Footprint Coalition, which is a non-profit that shines a light on new technologies that can have a massive impact on the future of the planet.

Let's take a closer look at the six cars that you can win in theRDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes.

HBO Max/YouTube HBO Max/YouTube

1965 Chevrolet Corvette

This episode hurt the most, as RDJ converted a pristine '65 Corvette into an electric vehicle. It's likeEV-swapping a Jaguar E-Type. Even the team behind the build (Rich Benoit and the Electrified Garage) was hesitant about this project. This particular model year was even more unique, as it was the only year the car used a 396 cubic-inch engine.

Initially, the car was Glen Green with a Saddle vinyl interior. Along with the EV conversion, the car received a disc brake conversion, rack & pinion steering, lightweight wheels and tires, and an animal-friendly interior. RDJ used a mushroom-based leather alternative instead.

It's currently valued at $200,000.

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

1966 Buick Riviera

RDJ wanted his '66 Riviera converted to a hybrid, but the gearbox containing the electric motor was too big. The engine swap wasn't possible without cutting into the body. Instead, the 425 Buick Nailhead was replaced with a more modern LS V8, which improved the fuel consumption considerably.

At least the show is honest. They could have ditched this episode but chose to show why electricity isn't always the answer. To make it more environmentally friendly, the Riviera was equipped with "The Puck," an air quality sensor made by Aclima. This allows the car to gather real-time air quality data as it drives along.

The Riviera is estimated to be worth $150,000.

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE

This was Robert's mother's car, which makes it extra special. The team removed the original 2.8-liter inline-six and replaced it with a modern diesel, converted to run on biodiesel. The original wheels were also removed and replaced with lightweight wheels and tires to further improve fuel economy.

The interior was also replaced with a suede-like material made from recycled plastic bottles.

It's worth $100,000, and since you could get it for free, you're not allowed to make comments on the color scheme if you win.

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

1972 Chevrolet K10 Pickup

RDJ了他1972年的雪佛兰卡车K10改变了d and painted purple, and it became known as the Thanos Thumper. For the series, it was overhauled again and equipped with an electric motor. It has one battery under the hood and another mounted on the bed. It uses a recycled drivetrain from a Tesla Model S, so it should be rather rapid despite its heavy overcoat.

It's estimated to be worth $200,000.

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

1972 Volkswagen Bus

This particular model was built in Brazil after all the tooling was shipped there when VW started making the Bay Window bus. All the body panels were replaced, and they ripped the original Beetle engine out.

It received anEV West electric conversionwith a custom-made battery pack. It also has an electric grill powered by solar panels. Even the surfboard on the side is made from recycled material.

It's estimated to be worth $200k, and its character suits electrification beautifully.

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

1985 Chevrolet El Camino

The El Camino's 4.3-liter V6 was removed and replaced with a modern 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It also received a modified suspension, raising the front by three inches and the rear by two inches.

In the bed, you'll find two Rad Runner electric bikes, charged by two solar panels on the truck's roof while it's driving or parked.

The team spent 2,845 hours modding this car, and it's worth $175,000.

If you could choose, which would you take home?

RDJ Dream Cars Sweepstakes

Join The Discussion

Gallery

9
Photos

Related Cars

Back
To Top