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The Inaugural Sheely Collection Charity Autocross & Celebrity Shootout

17. jan. 2018

Photo of Scott Fraser on track behind the wheel of the Porsche GT3

Scott Fraser behind the wheel of the Porsche GT3

Imagine it’s mid-December and most of the pro-touring community across the nation has finished their season in late November and put their race rides away for the winter. That is with the exception of the California contingency.

Because of the incredible weather the state of California seems to boast year round, you can, on any given weekend, find a handful of car events all over the state of California, especially the So Cal area. Whether it’s a Cars and Coffee or Cars and Cones at the local mall, or maybe a Speed Ventures or SCCA event you crave, or perhaps the Hotchkis Sport Suspension Annual Toy Drive, Southern California has something for almost any gearhead!

The Crew at TCI showed up and gave BIG to this cause

K&N Filters, as a title sponsor of the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car series, was thrilled to see so many of the USCA drivers participating in this charity event. Their actions speak volumes about the heart of the pro-touring community. Even more impressive was to see Optima’s Race Director Jimi Day, President of FM3 Sports Marketing, out on course as a competitor. So inspired by Sheely and his motivation to make a difference in people’s lives, it was a no-brainer for Day to make the trek from Tennessee. We caught up with Jimi and he had this to say, “Pat Sheely, his family and race team are so generous to invite me and several others out to drive their cars. Not only are they creating a great event for all of us to have a great time, but they are generously matching and donating the significant proceeds to local SoCal charities. I can’t thank them enough for their commitment and generosity.”

Photo of the award winners on Sunday morning

Sunday morning awards, nothing but smiles from Chad Ryker, Mike DuSold and Wes Drelleshak

Quite a few of K&N’s Ambassadors made up this “invite only” field. Local racer Efrain Diaz, along with Northern California driver, Nick Relampagos were on hand to represent. Unfortunately, Invited K&N Team Driver, Jane Thurmond, was unable to attend as she landed a position at the world-renowned Bridgestone Winter Drive School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado as a Driving Instructor, for the Winter Season.

Photo of Scott Fraser in the drivers seat. Your winner in the Sports Car Class and winner overall.

Scott Fraser along with the Sheely Collection Charities are the big winners of the weekend.

The Inaugural Sheely Collection Charity AutoX and Celebrity Shootout held at the Autoclub Speedway in Fontana, California, December 16 & 17th, was the first of its kind in SoCal. This 2-day event included a full day of Autocross and Charity Fun Runs on Saturday along with Bracket Style Shootout on Sunday. You can be sure this was a first class event. Sheely elected to fly in Pro Driver’s Ken Thwaits, Mike DuSold, Rich Wilhoff and Jimi Day to get behind the wheel of his livery to represent the Sheely Collection. This 2 Day event really showcased some of the Nation’s best talent behind the wheel.

Photo of Greg Nelson out on track , your leader in Modern Muscle.

Greg Nelson the Leader in Modern Muscle

The field was made up of 48 participants, including the four pro drivers, who would compete for fastest lap time on Saturday at the autocross. In typical Racing Byrds fashion, every challenge element of autocross went into creating the track; long and fast straights with slaloms to test a car’s handling, early & late apex turns, tight hairpin & showcase turn all on a less than forgiving track surface. On Saturday horsepower wasn’t enough to claim victory. These driver’s had to prove they could handle more than just a throttle! A mid-day break for lunch, provided by The Sheely Collection, made it possible for the racers to connect and share strategies. Then the racers were back out on course. The common thread among these drivers was knowing that the pressure was off and they were living their passion for charity. Their two-day entry fee would go straight into the charity fund and provide for those in need.

The Inaugural Sheely Collection AutoX and Celebrity Shootout will benefit local charities that include the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, The Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Ronald McDonald House, and the San Diego Fisher House Foundation, supporting Veterans seeking treatment for wounds, illness, and injury by providing temporary housing close by for their family.

Photo of Matt Alcala in the drivers seat of Greg Thurmond's '65 Corvette

Matt Alcala behind the wheel of Greg Thurmonds '65 Vette

At the end of Day 1 our drivers had the opportunity to throw down with head to head challenges and fun runs at a mere $10 per run slated for the charity. Anyone of the participants could choose to compete in their own ride or select one of ten incredible vehicles from the Sheely Collection. This made for some very cool competition. The smiles on the faces of these driver’s raising money and awareness doing what they love made for the most incredible vibe in the pits.

Sunday, Day 2 began with the ultimate driver’s meeting where the racers would learn who they were matched up with for the bracket-style shootout. One by one the driver’s would stage. The green flag was thrown and in the end, there would only be one crowned the victor.

Photo of Greg Nelson with his award fior the win in Modern Muscle.

Greg Nelson rolls away a winner!

Taking home the shootout win along with earning the fastest lap time of the weekend at 44.341 was none other than race veteran Scott Fraser behind the wheel of the Porsche GT3, in the Sports Car Class. Eric Sheely in his 2016 Ford Focus, Pat’s eldest, came nipping at Scott’s heels with his fastest lap time of 45.206 and ultimately edged out Rich Wilhoff on Day 2 in the Shootout. Greg Nelson in Modern Muscle, who ultimately made it to the semifinals on Day 2 and would run head to head with Scott Fraser, edged Sheely out in the overall ranking, making him second fastest in AutoX for the weekend, with his fastest lap time of 45.192. In Classic Muscle it would be Chad Ryker who would be paired with Scott Fraser in the Shootout but landed first in Classic Muscle with the fastest lap time of 45.768. Greg Thurmond in his ‘65 Candy Tangerine Corvette, SCAR, just 0.224 of a second behind Ryker in the TCI 71 Camaro, earned a solid second place finish in his class.

Celebrating his sixth decade on this rolling rock, Pat came to AutoX not quite three years ago. He had purchased a Ford Daytona and wanted to see if that fast and light car could finagle its way around some orange cones at the 15th Annual Meguiar’s Spring Nationals at Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA. One might say that after his first autocross, he was hooked. Between the camaraderie in the pits, the smell of burning fuel, the salt in the air, and let’s not forget the course, the staging lights and the spectators, Sheely was downright smitten with Autocross!

Chad Ryker in the TCI '71 Camaro winner in Classic Muscle

Pat Sheely is a husband, father, and grandfather. He’s an accomplished businessman, a car collector, and enthusiast, a self-proclaimed lead foot behind the wheel even served the Navy in the Vietnam War.

Photo of Wes Drelleshak on course in the Sheely Collection Ranchero

Wes Drelleshak wins the truck class with an amazing time

Anyone who has spent time with Sheely can tell you that he is an extraordinary man. He’s kind, honest and generous. He has incredible stories to regale you of his youth when he was detained by authorities for exceeding the speed limit, that he had one too many times settled differences through fisticuffs, and that his wife, Marlene, was the catalyst when it came to racing. He’ll be the first to tell you how blessed his life has been. Sure he’s a successful businessman, but his real wealth lies in his ability and choice to give back. He credits an employer that encouraged him to participate fundraising for an event for the United Way. To this day he still feels that his reward was far greater than any amount of time he’d put into his fundraising efforts.

Photo of driver's lined up for warm up on Sunday for the shootout

Sunday's Celebrity Shootout Warm Up Laps at the track

Fast forward to this past weekend right smack dab in the middle of December, what some might see as the busiest time of the year what with impending Holidays and family obligations. But Sheely saw an opportunity to draw on his racing communities sense of charity and created the Inaugural Sheely Collection Charity AutoX and Celebrity Shootout.

Combining his passion for giving with his passion for motorsports, Sheely and the Racing Byrds created an event like none other. In the end, the Inaugural Sheely Collection AutoX & Celebrity Shootout raised almost $25,000. Our (Santa) hat’s off to Pat Sheely, Eric Sheely, and Wes Drelleshak along with Rob and Trish Byrd of the Racing Byrds and every one of the 48 participants for making this event so successful.

Ernie Adams’ Dwarf Car Museum is Well Worth the Drive into the Arizona Desert

17. jan. 2018

Dwarf 1940 Mercury 2 door sedan replica at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

Ernie Adams with his wonderful dwarf 1940 Mercury 2 door sedan replica

The year was 1965 when a young Ernie Adams used the steel from old refrigerators to create his first Dwarf custom car. In the decades since, Adams has created some of the most stunning miniaturized replica cars one can imagine.

K&N visited Adams’ Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona, and we can say with no small measure of certainty that there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. It is hard to imagine the hours of work and the limitless talent that have gone into the glimmering and sometimes whimsical creations that grace the Adams’ compound in the Arizona desert.

The cars are replicas of iconic American models built in smaller scale. When asked about the specific scale that he uses, Adams says that each car is based on 12-inch wheels (which are most often custom made) and the rest of the car is built to suit that rim size. In most cases, the scale becomes somewhere around 5/8 of full size.

Home-built whitewall machine at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

Adams daughter-in-law shows how the home-built whitewall machine works

When talking about the time that goes into the collected creations, Adams speaks in years, not months. Most of the cars have a time investment of two to four years. One car took seven years to finish, but that project was slowed by some medical complications along the way.

Building these dwarf customs means that Adams has had to be creative with his tools and techniques. Many of the metal bending tools, frame jigs, and various other custom pieces of equipment were designed and built by Adams.

Conventional metalworking equipment just didn’t work for Adams’ specialized builds. Adams’ daughter-in-law showed us a special jig that he designed to cut and paint whitewalls on tires that can’t be found in the vintage motif.

A car at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

Adams also creates dwarf customs that reflect his sense of humor like his 'Hillbilly' Model A

While some of the cars use motorcycle and other small engines, Adams says that many of the dwarf cars use old Toyota Corolla motors and drivetrains. Of course, heavy modifications are needed to fit the mechanical componentry into the carefully authentic but downsized scale of the builds. Adams said that fitting the exhaust systems under the ultra-low chassis is often a particular challenge.

Once completed, you might think that the cars become pampered showpieces. However, while his creations frequently win top prizes at leading car shows, Adams drives all of his cars. In fact, several of the street-legal dwarf cars have been driven cross-country to distant shows in places like Chicago, Illinois, and other states across the East and Midwest.

Front end details on a car at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

Creative badging and intricate trim finish Adams' amazing builds

Adams’ dwarf car creations have gained worldwide fame. The magnetic attraction of the museum is reminiscent of the iconic line from the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” Adams told us that the day after our visit, a busload of Swedish car enthusiasts would be rolling into the museum.

Ernie's son Kevin has written a book on his father's life, cars, and the museum. 'Break Time at Ernie's' is filled with photos and great memories, and will soon be available to the public.

Ernie Adams and the rest of the family are welcoming, gregarious, and great fun to talk to. You will not regret a visit to the Dwarf Car Museum. As you peruse the photos, remember that each car is roughly the size of the one by which Adams is standing for scale.

1949 Mercury at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

The dwarf 1949 Mercury is one of Ernie's favorites. James Dean would be impressed

1934 Ford Sedan at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

How cool is the 1934 Ford sedan with dwarf suicide doors?

1954 Chevy Bel Air at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

Check out the detail on the back of Adams' dwarf 1954 Chevy Bel Air

Car show trophies at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

Clearly, Adams' dwarf car creations are favorites at car shows

Dwarf hot rod and matching tiny speedboat at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

This dwarf hot rod and matching tiny speedboat are museum favorites

Cars at the Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona

The cars look like full-size models without a person in the photo for scale

K&N Engineers Ready To Pounce On 2019 Chevy Z71 Trailboss Silverado 1500

17. jan. 2018

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss front

The 2019 Chevrolet Trail Boss will have unique styling and off-road inspired enhancements

Chevrolet has been very cagey about its Ford Raptor fighter, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trailboss. The only time anyone’s seen it in person is when it was dropped via helicopter into the 2019 Silverado 1500 launch party at Texas Motor Speedway.

While the Texas event was billed as a 100th Birthday party for Chevrolet trucks, it also served as an introduction to the all-new from the ground up 2019 Silverado 1500 line, with will be offered in eight different trim levels.

FAST FACT: The 1918 Chevrolet One-Ton truck was powered by a 2.8 L four-cylinder engine rated at 36 horsepower with an estimated 45 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed was 25 mph.

What we know so far is that the Trailboss is based on the Z71, but in addition “integrates the off-road equipment of the Z71 package as well as a two-inch suspension lift. “Unlike aftermarket lift kits, the Trailboss suspension is fully tested, validated, and warrantied by Chevrolet,” explained Chevy management.

Distinguishing features of the Trailboss from other Silverado 1500 trim levels are its gloss black grille, black rear step bumper, black Chevrolet "Bow-Tie" emblems on the front grille and rear tailgate, gloss black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, large-diameter Goodyear off-road tires, "Trailboss" decals on the sides of the pickup box, front bumper-mounted center fog lamps, "Z/71" emblems on each front fender, and red-painted front tow hooks.

While we are not sure what powertrain will come in the Trail Boss, the dual exhausts say V8

Dual exhausts and the unmistakable rumble of a V8 were reported by attendees, but Chevrolet has not been forthcoming with any drivetrain details to date. It’s unlikely that anything less than the 6.2 L L86 V8 currently offered in the Silverado would be the base engine of the Trailboss, but with an even higher performance of the LS developed, maybe Chevrolet will blow our minds with a 500+ horsepower LSA (fingers crossed).

As a leading supplier of aftermarket accessories, regardless of category, K&N is often at the very front of the line when it comes to vehicles provided to manufacturers for measurement, engineering, and new product testing.

In the meantime, if you own a 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, K&N has plenty to offer you and your truck. Unlike an OEM manufacturer concerned over sound levels, cost, and every last ounce of weight, K&N develops products with only one concern in mind: increasing horsepower as much as possible.

From replacement air filters that improve response and power to air intake kits that can add nearly 18 estimated horsepower, here are the K&N products that’ll improve your second and third generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500:

K&N OE Replacement Air Filters

K&N Replacement Air Filters use the same technology as K&N racing air filters

K&N High Flow Replacement Air Filters add response and performance to your Silverado or Sierra

All K&N replacement filter designs are subjected to airflow test measurements as well as filtration efficiency in K&N’s own laboratory to international ISO 5011 test protocols. In addition, the K&N OE replacement air filters are covered by a 10-year, Million Mile Limited Warranty and are engineered to be driven for 50,000 between cleanings, depending upon the road conditions.

K&N OE replacement air filters for Chevy Silverado 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500

2007-2018 4.3 L K&N 33-2129

2007-2013 4.8 L K&N 33-2129

2007-2018 5.3 L K&N 33-2129

2007-2013 6.0 L K&N 33-2135

2009-2018 6.2 L K&N 33-2135

K&N Performance Air Intake Systems

The 57-3058 features a free-flowing high-density polyethylene tube with all needed fittings

The K&N 57-3058 adds 17.6 estimated horsepower to 2007-2008 4.8 L Vortec L20 V8

The intake system of new cars and trucks is often compromised and as a result, doesn’t deliver as much fresh air as the engine can draw. Since 1992, K&N high-flow performance air intake systems replace the entire restrictive factory air intake system with an aerodynamically-engineered intake tube and oversized conical filter engineered specifically for that vehicle. K&N guarantees that by replacing your restrictive factory air intake system with a high-performance K&N system, your engine will produce more power.

Most K&N air intake systems include a heat shield with rubber weatherstripping to isolate the cool, fresh intake air from hot engine air, which would reduce its efficiency. As required, a fitting for the MAF sensor is incorporated in the kit.

While most K&N air intake kits feature the company's cotton gauze filter media, it has introduced the K&N Blackhawk Induction air intakes feature a black powder coated air intake tube and reusable non-oiled synthetic air filter for excellent airflow and engine protection.

K&N performance air intake systems are dynamometer tested to estimate the horsepower gain you can expect with a K&N system, while a typical air intake installation can be completed with a screwdriver, pliers, and a ratchet-set in 90 minutes or less. K&N specifically engineers our intake kits to use existing factory holes and mounting points, making installation simple and straightforward.

K&N Air Intake Systems for the 2007 – 2018 Silverado and Sierra 1500:

2014 - 2018 4.3 L K&N 63 Series AirCharger Air Intake 63-3085 +10.0 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 4.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3085KP +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 4.8 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3058KP +12.5 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 4.8 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3058 +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 4.8 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3058 +17.6 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 4.8 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 4.8 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 4.8 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 5.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3058KP +12.5 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 5.3 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3058 +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 5.3 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3058 +17.6 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 5.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 5.3 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 5.3 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 5.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3082KP +12.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 5.3 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3082 +8.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 5.3 L K&N 63 Series AirCharger Performance Air Intake 63-3082 +10.7 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 6.0 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3058KP +12.5 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 6.0 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3058 +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 6.0 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3058 +17.6 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2009 6.0 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2009 6.0 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2009 6.0 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2010 - 2013 6.2 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2010 - 2013 6.2 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2010 - 2013 6.2 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 6.2 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3082KP +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 6.2 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3082 +9.0 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 6.2 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3082 +13.8 estimated HP Gain

2014 – 2018 6.2 L K&N 63 Series AirCharger Performance Intake 63-3082 +13.8 estimated HP Gain

Suzuki Boulevard 1500 Cruisers Get More Air From the K&N SU-1409 Air Filter

17. jan. 2018

The substantial power plant on the Boulevard benefits from the airflow of the K&N SU-1409 filter

The big engine on the 1500cc Suzuki Boulevard power cruiser has gained the reputation for reliability and smooth power delivery. That 90-cubic-inch, 54-degree, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine features four-valves in each of its dual-sparkplug heads. Those two big 750cc cylinders are fed by 42mm Mikuni EFI throttle bodies with dual throttle valves.

Of course, engines pushing that much displacement need air and lots of it. The Suzuki Boulevard is especially receptive to the added airflow that K&N filter technology delivers. The K&N SU-1409 direct replacement air filter is just the prescription to open up the lungs on several Boulevard models produced from 2009 – 2017.

It’s pretty simple. More air to an engine greatly increases the potential for more power. Restrictive stock filters limit the air available to the fuel injection system which, in turn, limits the bike's performance potential. K&N has been producing and refining free-flowing filters for over four decades.

Performance gains that a rider can feel is what K&N is all about. One of our astute customers, Sherwin H. from Union City, Georgia, was effusive in praising what the SU-1409 did for his 2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90.

“I noticed it idles a whole lot smoother,” said Sherwin. “[It] pulls stronger from a dead stop. Downshifting and passing had definitely improved. Can't beat that formula - more air, more power. Very, very pleased with this product.”

K&N SU-1409 filter for the Suzuki Boulevard 1500 product view

The SU-1409 filter uses K&N's oiled, cotton gauze filter media for performance and protection

Those real-world performance benefits don’t come at the expense of real-world engine protection. In K&N’s stringent testing, the SU-1409 filter achieved an estimated filter efficiency of almost 99.5% in both initial and overall performance. That amazing filtration efficiency is made more impressive when you combine it with the test-verified dirt holding capacity estimate of over 11 grams.

The benefits of the SU-1409 don’t stop with more power and great filtration. The filter is also easy to install and is extremely cost efficient over its guaranteed lifespan. Again, our happy customer, Sherwin, may have put it best.

“Considering the fact that a new regular filter for this bike is about $85 for a single use, highly restrictive filter, this is actually a great deal,” Sherwin said. “If you have ever changed the air filter on your bike then you will have absolutely no problems installing this filter. Just read the instructions and you will be very happy with how easy it is to install.”

All you need to carry out the periodic filter maintenance is a K&N recharge kit like the 99-5000 filter care kit. The kit includes filter cleaning fluid and filter oil.

The SU-1409 filter fits the following models:

K&N SU-1409 filter product and box for the Suzuki Boulevard 1500

The SU-1409 filter for the Suzuki Boulevard 1500 comes ready for easy installation

2017 SUZUKI BOULEVARD M90 1462 - All Models
2017 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T 1462 - All Models
2016 SUZUKI BOULEVARD M90 1462 - All Models
2016 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T 1462 - All Models
2015 SUZUKI VL1500BT INTRUDER 1462 - All Models
2015 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T 1462 - All Models
2014 SUZUKI VL1500BT INTRUDER 1462 - All Models
2014 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T 1462 - All Models
2013 SUZUKI VL1500BT INTRUDER 1462 - All Models
2013 SUZUKI BOULEVARD C90T 1462 - All Models
2013 SUZUKI BOULEVARD BOSS C90T 1462 - All Models
2010 SUZUKI VZ1500 BOULEVARD 1462 - All Models
2009 SUZUKI VZ1500 BOULEVARD 1462 - All Models
2009 SUZUKI BOULEVARD M90 1462 - All Models

The AirFlow Starship Aims To Break All Records For Class 8 Truck Fuel Efficiency

22. dec. 2017

Major efforts have been undertaken in both reducing drag and imroving efficiency of the StarShip

The area under the cab of the Starship is completely flat in order to improve aerodynamic efficiency

With new cars being designed with improved aerodynamics to assist both performance and reduce fossil fuel consumption, the trucking industry is looking at the same issues. No doubt you’ve seen Class 8 tractor-trailer rigs with devices fitted like roof fairings, aerodynamic side mirrors, cab extenders to help fill the gap between cab and trailer, and side fairings hanging from the bottom of the trailer itself. In fact, there are probably more aero add-ons available for a big rig than a Honda Civic.

But what’s the actual effect if one were to take an integrated approach to optimize all areas of the tractor-trailer that the wind passes over? That’s what Bob Sliwa has been pondering since he founded AirFlow Truck Company in 1983. After a misspent youth drag racing a 1965 GTO and then a 1966 L88 Chevelle SS he decided to start a trucking company, first as an owner-operator.

Fast forward to 2009 when AirFlow developed its first hyper-efficient Class 8 rig. Equipped with a K&N air filter and nicknamed the BulletTruck, its nose looked like a cross between a Shinkansen and an NHRA Pro Stocker.

The solar panels are capable of generating 5000 watts of electricity that can help run the truck

The gap between cab and trailer is electonically-controlled while solar panels contribute power

AirFlow has now partnered with Shell and its Rotella brand of diesel lubricants to develop the most fuel-efficient Class 8 tractor-trailer combination ever to hit the road. This next-generation concept truck, named Starship, features an integrated aerodynamic design applied across the rig. Some of the features are active, rather than passive as in existing trucks, meaning they will respond to the circumstances in which the truck is being operated to maximize efficiency.

For example, the drag-inducing space between cab and trailer is closed by an electronically-controlled gap sealer. The system monitors the position of the truck in relation to the trailer retracting the sealer so that tight turning maneuvers don’t damage the gap sealer but then moves it back into place at highway speeds.

The underside of both the truck and trailer is completely flat, which eliminates a great deal of turbulence-induced parasitic drag that the engine must overcome, especially at highway speeds. This both increases fuel consumption but also limits the revenue-generating load the truck can carry.

Air flow management is a critical component of the StarShip's design

Even how the air exits from under the hood has been treated for aerodynamic efficiency

The trailer itself benefits from the extensive use of carbon-fiber material, which is not only exceptionally strong and lightweight but can be molded into aerodynamically-efficient shapes. The same material is used for the cab as well.

On the roof of the trailer is a 5000 watt solar array, while there’s a regenerative braking system on the trailer’s rear axle that collects otherwise lost energy on downhill runs. Power can be stored in a battery system like a Tesla, then used to drive the electrical systems of the truck (eliminating the drag of an alternator, thus achieving yet another improvement in engine efficiency).

The engine is an X15 high-efficiency diesel from Cummins, offering the highest fuel economy in the industry. Because of the aerodynamic efficiency of the Starship, it doesn’t need to push its engine as hard as conventional trucks. So instead of running at the advertised governed speed of 1800/2000 rpm, the StarShip will redline at 1100 rpm, contributing to significant fuel savings. The engine is fitted with a unique Eaton transmission modified specifically for the Starship.

Those fuel savings actually relate to the weight capacity of the truck as well. Instead of the standard 250-gallon fuel capacity, the Starship will be fitted with a 100-gallon fuel tank. At seven pounds per gallon for diesel fuel, that’s a weight savings of over a half a ton that can instead be used to carry revenue-generating cargo.

The aerodynamics panels help the air reattach after passing over the truck, reducing drag

Even the trailer end has received an aerodynamic treatment to further reduce parasitic drag

The 15L DOHC 16-valve X15 engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger fed by an advanced prototype K&N air filter based on the 38-2027S, as builders wanted the filter to fit in a stock housing. Lessons learned from K&N’s participation in this project will be applied to improve future filter designs.

Improvements in aerodynamics on the truck have netted a 50% reduction in drag versus current trailer-trailer combinations. But there are other areas, particularly those affected by friction, that are addressed on the Starship as well, including low viscosity synthetic lubricants, low rolling resistance tires whose inflation pressures are constantly monitored and maximized for economic operation and long wear.

If you’re going to be attending the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, from March 22 through March 24, be certain to stop by the Shell booth and take a first-hand look at the future of trucking as exemplified by the AirFlow Starship.