That’s right, Ringbrothers hasn’t just stopped with the Barracuda build. The 2024 SEMA show also sees the debut of these two beauties, a Chevrolet K5 Blazer called Tuka and perhaps Ringbrothers’ craziest build yet, the Grand National-based Invadr. We’re not going mad, either; yes, the latter looks like a lightly modified example of Buick’s '80s icon, complete with some very smart HRE wheels and fresh ‘Dark Vader’ paint. But underneath beats the heart of a pure monster; still a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6, sure, albeit now purpose-built by Duttweiler Performance with 1,246hp (!) and 1,000lb ft thanks to a pair of Precision 62mm turbos boosting at 32lbs; Ringbrothers says the all-aluminium block, billet crank and hand-ported heads are strong enough for 50lbs if needed. Or 2,000hp. Because whoever has commissioned Invadr is a legend of the highest order, all that power reaches the rear Michelins via drag-spec carbon driveshaft and a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual. As with the pink Plymouth, the exhaust design is Ringbrothers’ own, and here the intake manifold is unique too. Probably it’s going to sound awesome.
Invadr is equally serious under the skin, with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes from a C6-era Corvette ZR1, three-way adjustable dampers from Penske and even a nitrogen-powered air jack system, presumably for speedy tyre swaps wherever the Buick ends up. Speaking of which, the tyres are monster 345-section Michelin Cup 2s at the rear (you’ll want as much rubber as possible with 1,200hp), with 295s at the front. The chassis is again from Roadster Shop, something called a Fast Track Stage III that’s then modified to fit by Ringbrothers. All that, combined with the bespoke bodywork - carbon bonnet scoop, new front end, tucked bumpers - is said to have taken more than 5,000 hours work. They’re busy folk in Wisconsin.
After that, anything else might seem a tad disappointing, but then this is Ringbrothers - it only deals in epic. Those with good memories might remember it has dabbled in the world of Chevy Blazers before with the Raskal; Tuka is described as ‘a singular edition to Ringbrothers’ storied lineage of K5 Blazers and delivers Ringbrothers’ singular attention to detail.’ To that end the bodywork is hand-formed here, with bits of new Blazer and Jeep Wrangler included; the sides have been lifted to match the door height and smooth out the profile. The paint is Galactic Black, the wheels bronze, and the resulting look as mean as anything. Short wheelbase, big attitude seems to have been the mantra.
Under the carbon bonnet is the venerable LS3 V8, all 6.2 litres churning out 525hp and 487lb ft while breathing out of a Ringbrothers exhaust with Borla mufflers. GM also provides the transmission, with a 4L60E auto included. Perhaps most interestingly, this car that looks like a Blazer is underpinned by Toyota Tacoma hardware, with chassis, steering rack and anti-roll bars from the pickup. But this being a Ringborthers build, Tuka doesn’t just employ standard parts; it gets Offroad Design custom leaf springs with more travel, King Shocks dampers with air bump stops, and Total Chaos control arms. Safe to say if the owner wants to off road their car, Tuka will be more than up to the task. All-terrain tyres for those 18-inch HRE wheels are from Nitto, the brake from Baer.
Ringbrothers says the interior is ‘techno-utilitarian’, and completely unique to the Tuka, outsourced to Gabe’s Custom Interiors. As we’ve come to expect from these commissions, the Tuka interior is just as lovingly crafted as outside - it’s not often you’re sat staring at door cards and grab handles. But look at this thing, complete with a carbon dash and 3D-printed switches. Wherever you end up, the Tuka is going to be a pretty lovely space to spend time.
Mike Ring said of Tuka: “We wanted to leave no stone unturned in creating something wholly unique, designed to embrace the open road and the unbeaten path. This truck is built for driving in style and with modern comfort.” You suspect it’s going to provide fantastic entertainment in all situations. As for the Buick, which Mike suggests is the fastest car Ringbrothers has built, he added: “This car is all about presence. The bodywork is subtle at a glance, but the ferocity of what’s under the hood begins to materialise on second viewing. And then you drive it. The acceleration of this car is nothing short of violent.” Sounds absolutely perfect, then.
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