Electric Cars

A passionate YouTuber has taken on the challenge of developing a prequel to Pixar's beloved 'Cars' universe, exploring the early days of one of its iconic characters. This fan-created series, focusing on the character known as 'The King' before his legendary status, has captured widespread attention due to its exceptional animation quality and compelling storyline.

This unofficial project fills in the narrative gaps of the 'Cars' world, venturing into the 1980s to portray the formative years of Strip Weathers. The series features intricately designed, NASCAR-inspired vehicles, brought to life through detailed 3D rendering. It also introduces new characters who contribute to the rich backstory, enhancing the existing lore with fresh perspectives and thrilling race sequences.

The Untold Story of Strip Weathers

Animator Ariya Alexander Berenji is developing a compelling prequel to Pixar’s “Cars” films, focusing on the early career of Strip Weathers, famously known as “The King.” This fan-made project explores the character’s origins in the 1980s, long before he became a racing legend or encountered Lightning McQueen. The narrative immerses viewers in a world of competitive dirt and asphalt racing, featuring rivals that shaped Weathers’ path to glory, all brought to life with impressive 3D animation. The series has captivated audiences with its detailed rendering and faithful homage to the original franchise, offering a fresh yet familiar take on the beloved characters.

Berenji’s prequel introduces an original character, Toni Jo Torque, dubbed “The Queen,” a five-time champion who serves as a mentor to both a young Strip Weathers and Chick Hicks. This addition enriches the narrative by providing a powerful female figure not present in the official Pixar films. Locations like Copper Canyon Speedway, a retro bowling alley, and an ice cream parlor serving “frozen coolant” enhance the 1980s setting, adding authentic period details that expand the “Cars” universe’s unexplored history. Berenji also plans to expand the cast with characters inspired by real-life NASCAR icons, further blending fantasy with racing history.

NASCAR Influence and Character Design

The prequel masterfully weaves real-world NASCAR history into its character designs, particularly through vehicle liveries. A character inspired by Dale Earnhardt, for instance, features his iconic number three and a black paint scheme, directly referencing the legendary Intimidator’s Chevrolet. This attention to detail creates a strong sense of authenticity, appealing to both “Cars” fans and NASCAR enthusiasts. The visual homages extend to other characters, providing a nostalgic trip for those familiar with 1980s racing, while also deepening the character backstories within the animated universe. The seamless integration of these elements showcases the project's dedication to quality and thematic consistency.

Chick Hicks undergoes a significant visual transformation in the prequel, trading his familiar green paint for a striking red-and-gold livery. This new design is a direct nod to Bill Elliott’s Coors-sponsored No. 9 Ford Thunderbird, one of the most recognizable and celebrated paint jobs from that era of NASCAR. These meticulous design choices not only add visual flair but also serve to enhance the narrative by linking character aesthetics to their historical inspirations. By grounding its designs in real racing heritage, the fan-made prequel successfully creates a believable and engaging world that complements the existing “Cars” canon, proving that a deep understanding of source material can elevate fan-produced content.

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: The Countryman Untamed is Here!

The Wild Side of Mini: Introducing the Untamed Edition

For the 2027 model year, Mini is unveiling a more rugged iteration of its popular Countryman, aptly named the Untamed Edition. This new variant is designed to tackle more challenging terrains, moving beyond Mini's traditional urban appeal to embrace an adventurous spirit. It's a departure from the brand's history of city navigators and rally champions, signaling Mini's foray into the burgeoning off-road market.

Power and Performance: Engine Options for the Adventurous

The Untamed Edition of the 2027 Mini Countryman will be available with two distinct powertrain options, catering to different preferences. North American buyers can opt for the Countryman S All4, featuring a potent 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. For European markets, the Untamed treatment extends to the electric Countryman E and SE models, with the SE boasting a formidable 308-horsepower dual-electric-motor setup. Notably, the high-performance John Cooper Works variant will not be offered in the Untamed trim.

Enhanced Capability: Mechanical Upgrades for Off-Road Prowess

While not a hardcore rock-crawler, the Countryman Untamed Edition receives several mechanical enhancements to boost its off-road capabilities. A lifted suspension raises the vehicle by 0.6 inches, and when combined with new 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires, the overall ground clearance increases by 0.8 inches. This subtle but effective lift, along with retuned ABS braking, DSC traction management, and steering, ensures improved handling and stability on varied surfaces.

Durable Design: Exterior Features Built for the Outdoors

Beyond its mechanical upgrades, the Untamed Edition distinguishes itself with a rugged exterior aesthetic. It features a redesigned front grille in an exclusive Dark Steel finish, which is also applied to various badges and trim elements. To protect against the rigors of off-road driving, the vehicle incorporates a textured coating on its wheel arches, sills, and hood, along with additional underbody protection. Color options inspired by natural landscapes, such as rocky gray, icy blues and whites, and a unique matte Frozen Nomad Blue finish, complete the adventurous look.

Ready for Adventure: Camping Solutions and Towing Capacity

The Countryman Untamed Edition is not just about looks; it's designed for practical outdoor adventures. An optional pop-up rooftop tent, developed in collaboration with Italian camping specialist Autohome, provides a convenient and quick shelter for two. The Countryman's roof is engineered to support 165 pounds while in motion and a substantial 661 pounds when stationary, making it ideal for camping. Furthermore, the Untamed comes standard with a tow hitch, boasting a towing capacity of up to 3500 pounds, ready for trailers and additional gear.

Adventure-Inspired Interior: Comfort Meets Functionality

The theme of the outdoors extends to the interior of the Untamed Edition, featuring a unique blue cabin adorned with a mountain logo on the seatbacks. Optional upholstery choices in brown and black provide further customization. Metal-look accents in Dark Steel complement the exterior design, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Practicality is also a key focus, with a redesigned center console offering smart storage solutions with elastic straps and rounded edges. Rubber floor mats and cargo mats ensure easy cleanup after muddy excursions, making the Untamed Edition a truly functional companion for any adventure.

Availability and Pricing: Your Next Adventure Awaits

The 2027 Mini Countryman S All4 Untamed Edition will be available with a starting price of $45,250. Pricing details for the all-electric SE All4 Untamed will be announced at a later date. Production for this adventurous new model is scheduled to commence in late 2026, with an anticipated launch in early 2027, inviting enthusiasts to embark on their next journey with Mini's most rugged offering yet.