The Mach 5 in Detroit

(Credit: CNET Networks/Sarah Tew)

Racer Motors, a family-owned racing company, displayed its Mach 5 race car at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Although the car's design is not typical of what's found on today's race tracks, the Mach 5 boasts some impressive specifications. Spinning at 8,500rpm, the engine produces 1,000 horsepower, while its 1,000 ft.-lbs. of torque comes at 7,000rpm. All this power pushes the Mach 5 to speeds in excess of 300 mph. The spec sheet handed out at the auto show mentions some surprising and decidedly nontypical racing equipment, including a bulletproof cockpit, jump jacks, and saw blades. Pops Racer, proprietor of Racer Motors, designed the car, which is raced by his son, Speed Racer. The Mach 5's first race is scheduled for May 9, 2008.

(Credit: CNET Networks/Sarah Tew)

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