Electric Cars

The celebrated Eleanor Mustang, an icon of cinematic automotive history, is making a grand return with a special 25th-anniversary tribute. This limited series, comprising only 25 meticulously crafted vehicles, is set to be unveiled next month at the prestigious Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The revival comes after a significant legal victory, clarifying the car's status as a film prop and paving the way for authentic reproductions. Enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to acquire these exclusive models, each promising a blend of historical accuracy and contemporary enhancements.

The year 2025 marks a quarter-century since the unforgettable chase scene where Nicholas Cage, behind the wheel of Eleanor, outmaneuvered a helicopter in the 2000 rendition of \"Gone in 60 Seconds.\" This film cemented the custom 1967 Shelby GT500 as a legendary automobile, captivating a devoted following within the car community and establishing it as one of the most recognizable vehicles in cinematic lore. To honor this significant milestone, Cinema Muscle Recreations LLC has announced a limited production of these tribute Eleanors.

The dedicated team behind this commemorative project is the very same group responsible for constructing the original eleven Eleanor Mustangs featured in the movie two and a half decades ago, guaranteeing an unparalleled level of authenticity. This exclusive collection of officially licensed tribute Mustangs will be restricted to a mere twenty-five units, primarily targeting discerning collectors and affluent enthusiasts. Each vehicle will be accompanied by a numbered plaque, comprehensive documentation, and official branding rights, all attesting to its genuine provenance.

The journey of the Eleanor GT500 has been marked by its share of legal controversies. For more than two decades, Denice Halicki, the custodian of the rights to the original 1974 \"Gone in 60 Seconds\" and its associated intellectual property, aggressively defended her claims over Eleanor's visual representation. Inheriting these rights from her late husband, H.B. Halicki, the original film's writer and director, Denice consistently pursued legal action against any party, including Shelby, that attempted to produce replica or homage vehicles, asserting Eleanor's protected status as a copyrighted character.

However, earlier this year, a landmark decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals redefined Eleanor's legal standing. The court ruled that Eleanor is indeed a movie prop, not a character eligible for copyright protection, thereby liberating the design for licensed reproductions. This pivotal judgment has empowered Cinema Muscle Recreations to proceed with their 25th-anniversary Eleanor production and has opened new avenues for other customizers to craft their own tributes to the iconic GT500, fostering a new era of appreciation for this legendary vehicle.

The Cinema Muscle Recreations initiative, titled \"Eleanor: Gone Again,\" builds upon the foundation of the classic 1967 Ford Mustang fastback, transcending mere aesthetic modifications. While meticulously adhering to the original design's spirit, the \"Eleanor: Gone Again\" models will seamlessly integrate modern upgrades, aiming to resonate with a new generation of automotive enthusiasts. Every detail, from the bodywork, paint, and trim to the lighting, hood design, and interior accents, has been carefully refined to evoke the high-performance and star-quality presence of the original. Each car stands as both a reverent homage and a formidable high-performance Mustang in its own right, promising superior components, meticulous craftsmanship, and undeniable authenticity in every aspect of its construction.

Stellantis is rekindling its connection with American automotive enthusiasts by preparing to showcase a series of custom vehicles at the upcoming SEMA show. This strategic move, particularly under the revitalized leadership of Tim Kuniskis as Ram Trucks CEO, emphasizes a return to heritage, highlighted by the reintroduction of the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 in the 1500 pickup series. The success of this reintroduction has led to a surge in V-8 model sales, paving the way for exciting new concepts, including a potential V-8 return for the new Charger.

Stellantis Unveils Performance Concepts at SEMA, Highlighting Heritage and Innovation

In a bold move to captivate the American market, Stellantis, in collaboration with its in-house performance division Mopar, is gearing up to display a range of specially customized vehicles at the highly anticipated SEMA event. While comprehensive details remain under wraps, initial previews offer a tantalizing glimpse into two key models: a Dodge Charger and a Ram 1500 V-8. These vehicles are set to make their grand debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center from November 4 to 8, drawing the attention of automotive enthusiasts and industry insiders alike.

The first revealed concept is a Dodge Charger, specifically a Scat Pack Sixpack variant powered by a gasoline engine rather than an electric drivetrain. This model is presented in an eye-catching new shade, 'Purple Haze,' complemented by a prominent, bulging black hood that contrasts sharply with an illuminated badge. Distinctive, non-standard rims further suggest a performance-oriented customization, hinting at the vehicle's enhanced capabilities. This iteration of the Charger underlines Stellantis's commitment to maintaining the muscle car's storied legacy amidst evolving automotive trends.

The second teaser features a 2026 Ram 1500, finished in a vibrant 'Sublime Green' paint scheme. This particular truck proudly displays a 'Symbol of Protest' badge on its front fender, unequivocally indicating the presence of a V-8 engine. Observations suggest that the front fender is notably closer to the tire, implying a lowered suspension setup. This design choice has sparked speculation about the potential reemergence of a dedicated street truck from Ram, a segment that has been eagerly awaited by many consumers. Stellantis's deliberate scarcity of details, beyond confirming the Mopar collaboration, has only intensified anticipation for the full reveal at SEMA.

These unveilings at SEMA are more than just a display of new vehicles; they represent a significant strategic direction for Stellantis. By embracing its rich heritage and responding to consumer demand for powerful, performance-driven models, the company is aiming to solidify its position in the competitive American automotive landscape. The reintroduction of the Hemi V-8 and the development of these customized concepts demonstrate a clear intent to blend tradition with innovation, promising an exciting future for both Dodge and Ram brands.

The unveiling of the Dodge Charger and Ram 1500 V-8 concepts at SEMA underscores a significant strategic pivot for Stellantis, particularly in its American market approach. The decision to lean into the brand's heritage, as exemplified by the reintroduction of the Hemi V-8 and the development of these custom models, highlights a keen understanding of consumer sentiment and a willingness to cater to the desires of performance enthusiasts. This move provides a compelling narrative: that even in an era increasingly dominated by electric vehicles, there remains a vibrant demand for traditional power and customization. For other manufacturers, this could serve as a valuable lesson in balancing future-forward innovation with a respect for established legacy and consumer loyalty.