Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals to host car that spawned a Hot Wheels toy ‘The 2 Jet Z’ May 14-15
Carlisle Events will welcome a fascinating car named ‘2JetZ’ that spawned its own Hot Wheels toy along with the same owner’s creation Scorp*Ion at the Import & Performance Nationals on May 14-15, 2021.
CARLISLE, PA – One of the best parts about a car show is being able to see real life versions of cars we played with as kids. For one car owner, that real life car spawned an actual toy that Hot Wheels produced. That car, its toy, plus another unique gem are coming to the 2021 Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals May 14-15, 2021.
Built and owned by Luis Rodriguez, the car is powered by a 2JZ engine, popularized by the Toyota Supra. Of course, Luis loved the engine, but wanted something a little more unique. There’s one seat and its in the middle of what can best be described as a cockpit. The car is light by car standards, weighing in at 1,600 pounds and powerful…very powerful. According to comedian and TV star Jay Leno (who has driven it), there’s nearly 630 horses in motion when it’s in full-on performance mode, but when Luis drives it to shows like the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, it’s a highway friendly 525 horsepower. The exhaust even looks like that of a jet turbine, although it’s actually a stainless-steel veggie steamer.
If this car isn’t cool enough, it gets bonus points after having been made into a Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast. The 2 Jet Z toured the country a few years back and after 15 stops with other cars that were unique in and of their own design, it was selected to earn the toy honor. Hand built, industry tested and enthusiast approved, the 2 Jet Z, Luis and its little toy buddy will be part of the 2JZ display in May.
Luis’ mental wheels of innovation kept spinning and in addition to the 2 Jet Z, he’ll be bringing his latest creation, Scorp*Ion. This ride kind of resembles something from Tron, which is very fitting because Luis says he was inspired by Syd Mead. Mead designed the Light Cycles and several other vehicles and objects for Tron. Scorp*Ion is powered by a 510 horsepower, turbocharged Mitsubishi four-cylinder engine and with its carbon fiber body, it weighs a mere 1,500 pounds. Scorp*Ion will join 2 Jet Z in Building T. These are two more reasons to check out the most unique and diverse show on the Carlisle Events schedule.
In addition to these vehicles, guests will enjoy a big Volvo celebration, 20 years of the Honda K-Series and 30 years of the Toyota 2JZ engine. Additionally, the Opel Manta turns 50, the club, Opels at Carlisle, celebrates 25 years of attending the show AND the 15th annual Opel Nationals meet, which rotates locations annually, has rotated its way to Carlisle for 2021!
Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com. While on the web, be sure to learn more about Spring Carlisle, register to become a vendor, sell in the car corral, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.
Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of over a dozen annual collector car/truck events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA) and the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus (Lakeland, FL). The season schedule includes four automotive flea markets of varying size, four auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports, tuners and performance sport compacts. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or www.CarlisleAuctions.com.
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