MTV's Pimp My Ride Builds Bio Rocket

The astute automotive geniuses of Galpin Auto Sports (G.A.S.), the garage behind MTV's hit show Pimp My Ride, have teamed up with biodiesel-giant Imperium Renewables to produce a monster muscle car fueled entirely by biodiesel. Spokesmen for the 1965 Chevy Impala, dubbed the "Bio Rocket," say the car gives "serious muscle to the green movement!"

A 1965 Chevy Impala, similar to the one pictured here, became the "Bio Rocket" after being equipped with an 800 hp diesel engine to run on biodiesel and achieve 25 mpg. Credit: www.wikipedia.com

As part of a special Pimp My Ride Earth Day episode, the souped up, alternative fuel wonder was unveiled by special guest Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The episode is part of the thinkMTV (www.think.mtv.com) year-long, twelve-step campaign "Break the Addiction," which is targeted at young people to help them make smart, everyday decisions that will improve their lives as well as the environment.

"With the increasing amount of traffic on the roads, protecting the environment is a major concern for automotive manufacturers and dealers," said Beau Boeckmann, president of G.A.S., vice president of Galpin Motors, and consulting producer and on-air talent for Pimp My Ride. "By installing a monster 800 horsepower diesel engine to run on biodiesel in the '65 Impala, we demonstrated that you don't have to sacrifice power to go green."

G.A.S. worked with Imperium Renewables to install a new PPE supercharged GM Duramax diesel engine. By running the muscle machine entirely on B100 biodiesel, carbon dioxide emissions are said to be reduced by 78 percent. The Bio Rocket's power was never compromised; in fact, engine power was increased from the classic's original 350 hp to an astounding 800 hp with 1400 lb-ft of torque. With the substantial power increase, the '65 Impala rockets from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds and yet maintains an average 25 mpg in standard cruising conditions!

"When we approached MTV about converting a car to diesel so we could run it on pure biodiesel, we knew the sky was the limit," said Martin Tobias, CEO Imperium Renewables. "What they were able to do to this car is an unparalleled achievement. Viewers will be blown away, and every one of them will want one of their own."

The '65 Impala's 800 hp engine isn't the only green component of this environmentally minded muscle car. G.A.S. installed new seats crafted from 100 percent recycled fibers. The Bio Rocket's trunk is lined with biodegradable, all-natural hemp and reclaimed wood. The team also equipped the vehicle with a built-in GPS that will quickly locate the nearest biodiesel fueling station.

For more information on the Bio Rocket, visit the Galpin Auto Sports Web site (http://www.galpinautosports.com). To watch the episode of Pimp My Ride online, visit http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1557903&vid=145456.