Conversion Firm AFVTech Developing 600-Horsepower Dedicated CNG Hot Rod

Conversion Firm AFVTech Developing 600-Horsepower Dedicated CNG Hot Rod

By Scott Doggett September 25, 2009

CNG conversion company AFVTech Inc. is developing a dedicated compressed natural gas hot rod (pictured) based on a 1933 Ford Roadster to make a statement.

That statement being "that natural gas can be fun to drive, fast and wrapped up in a package that will turn heads," said AFVTech President Kevin Fern in a statement today.

"We are investing a lot of engineering time in this project, highlighting the technological advancements that we use in the Natural Drive Dedicated EPA Certified CNG retrofit systems," he said.

What might those be, you ask?

Well, the CNG Hot Rod features:

• A modified General Motors LS7 7-liter engine producing more than 600 horsepower (it's hand-built by GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan; most are installed in the Corvette Z06).
• Drive-by-wire engine management system (replaces the traditional mechanical and hydraulic control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators).
• 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with selectable traction control (a good thing, considering how easy it would be to lose control of this steel beast).

Fern promises lots of other features not found in your run-of-the-mill '33 Ford Roadster -- as if he hadn't gotten our attention yet. The vehicle will debut at the AFVI trade show in Las Vegas in May 2010.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.