By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

The Progressive X PRIZE, a race to build a functional 100 mpg, 100 mph-capable vehicle, is getting some serious traction at the SEMA show this year. This ’85 Blazer, built by Physics Lab of Lake Havasu, is powered by dual electric motors and draws some of its power from regenerative shocks—energy is generated every time they bounce, and it’s then stored in an accumulator under the truck. The Blazer retains its original 4WD drivetrain, and is heavy as hell—it started life at around 5500 lbs, and currently tips the scales at over 7000. Right now it tops out at 80 mph, and needs to gain the 20 that’ll make it a true contender for the prize.  But owner Jim Stansbury wouldn’t have it any other way: part of his mission with this project is to prove that plug-in EV technology is possibe even with a heavy vehicle. It’s some pretty innovative technology he’s working with, and he’s had to do it on a serious budget, funding a lot of the project with personal savings. The next step, in addition to gaining speed, is to figure ways to harness solar-thermal and waste heat to help power the motors. The Blazer is a work in progress, and Jim’s only got until September to finish it. See more pics after the jump, and check out his site.

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Here’s what you get when you take a Chevy Blazer, chop it, stretch it three inches by bolting double steel plates to the frame, and then drop an El Camino body on top. Pretty cool. Check out Brandon’s El Camino ride page for more pics.

In Arkansas on Easter Sunday, a disgruntled former federal employee rammed into the Ravenden Springs Post Office twice, using two different vehicles. Glenn Spalding first punched a hole in the building using an ’84 Chevy Blazer. Then he fled the scene, headed home and got his red ’72 Mustang (nooooo!), then returned and rammed that into the ragged hole left by the Blazer. Claiming nothing personal against posties, Spalding said he was simply targeting the nearest federal building: his beef was that the government owed him money. Spalding had to be extracted from the Mustang as it was wedged so deeply into the ruined building. Now he’s up on a slew of felony charges, including criminal mischief and vehicular fleeing. The Blazer broke down shortly after Spalding’s initial escape, but as for the Mustang, the police chief said that it "held up well, but he scratched the paint up real bad."

Apparently, this Blazer is off to the bone yard, and insaneskunky420 decided to have some fun with it before it’s officially retired. From the limited text on the page, it’s not clear what brought on the trashing of this lovable beater, though it is clear what happens after "the first tree."