GM FYI Blog

By Mad Mike
Guest Blogger, MTV’s “Pimp My Ride”

Yo, this is Mad Mike, from MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” and Galpin Auto Sports (G.A.S.) and I am excited to have a chance to tell you how MTV, GM and G.A.S. got together to restore and rejuvenate a 1965 Chevy Impala SS — a true American automotive classic. We proved that power and preservation can co-exist in this finely finished extreme green machine. Check this out!

We took a tore up the ‘65 Impala and dropped in a powerful 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine. Although this is the same engine found in the latest Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, the G.A.S. crew went a step further and converted it to biodiesel for the ultimate ecological transformation, and cranked up the engine. Combined with an Allison 1000 Transmission, we pumped out torque equivalent to a crazy 18-wheel big rig!

During the show, we’ll take you on a tour of how alternative fuels are created and used. While fly rides like the “Pimped Impala” show the creativity and latitude we can have with a one-off vehicle, the environment is on all of our minds, including the automakers. And one thing is for sure, whether it is biodiesel, E85 ethanol, hybrids, fuel cells or electric vehicles, the General is serious about going green.

Now, to make this bad boy pure, GM hooked us up with the real stuff — GM Restoration Parts, made from the original tools, machinery and dies to complete the restoration. The authentic stuff included fenders, bumpers, the grill, steering wheel, seats, chrome treatment, speedometer and gauges with bezels, head and tail lights. No fake junk on this beast!

After all of this we took it out to Pomona and challenged the manhood of a Lamborghini Gallardo in the ultimate race. One thing is for certain, the pimped-out ’65 Impala completely annihilated the exotic!

Tune in to see this monster Earth Day special, airing this Sunday, April 22, at 1p.m. ET/PT, where “Pimp My Ride” fans will meet my man, Kristoffer, from North Hollywood, Calif., who’s had more than his share of car trouble. Xzibit and special guest — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger — reveal his new pimped-out masterpiece. To read more about the show, go to think.mtv.com.