BIO ROCKET

BIO ROCKET MTV's "Pimp My Ride" and the creative force behind it, the San Fernando Valley-based Galpin Auto Sports (G.A.S.) crew, have turned out some of the wildest vehicle transformations on television.

In celebration of Earth Day, the crew took a sharp turn to greener pastures as it transformed a worn and weathered 1965 Chevy Impala into a 21st century biodiesel vehicle nicknamed the "Bio Rocket." As if the event needed any more muscle, the Bio Rocket was unveiled by special guest Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during a ground-breaking Earth Day episode of "Pimp My Ride" which aired on Sunday, April 22, 2007 and repeats throughout the week. The episode also served as the kick-off of a "Pimp My Ride" sneak peek marathon featuring brand new episodes from the fifth season. Galpin Motors, the parent company of G.A.S., has green credentials dating back to 1979, when it began converting fleets of gasoline engine vehicles to run on methanol. Galpin opened the nation's first methanol service station back then. Galpin Motors was also one of the first dealers to sell Ford flexible fuel vehicles, Ford's THINK Neighbors and other electric vehicles, for which they built on-site charging stations.

"With the increasing amount of traffic on the roads, protecting the environment is a major concern for automotive manufacturers and dealership" says Beau Boeckmann, president of G.A.S. and Vice President of Galpin Motors. Boeckmann also serves as consulting producer and on-air talent for "Pimp My Ride." "By installing a monster 800-horsepower diesel engine to run on biodiesel in the '65 Impala, we demonstrated that you don't have to sacrifice power to go green." The Bio Rocket is loaded with a new PPE supercharged GM Duramax diesel engine that runs on B-100 biodiesel which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent. Switching the Bio Rocket to alternative fuel consumption did not compromise its performance and speed. In fact, it evidently improved it significantly. The Bio Rocket's engine power was boosted from 350 horsepower to 800 horsepower, with a whopping 1400 pound-feet of torque - allowing the Bio Rocket to jet from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds.

The powertrain is not the only thing green on the Bio Rocket. The G.A.S. crew tackled the interior, making the seats from a material comprised of 100 percent recycled fibers. The Bio Rocket's trunk is lined with biodegradable, all natural hemp and reclaimed wood that was recovered from quarries and pre-existing wooden structures. Last, but not least, the crew installed a GPS system that shows the driver where to find the nearest biodiesel station. "Galpin's customizing innovation began in the late '50s and produced national trends in the automotive aftermarket" said Boeckmann. "50 years later, the aftermarket and tuner world has become a much greater part of the mainstream. We see Galpin's move to green, ground-shaking horsepower as the ripple that can start a sea of change and we are proud to start that right here, right now."

About Galpin Auto Sports (G.A.S.) Galpin Auto sports, located at 15600 Roscoe Boulevard in Van Nuys offers customizing and personalizing services on all new and pre-owned vehicles sold through its family of dealerships, and financing for the customizing services can be included into the purchase price of the vehicle. In addition, G.A.S. will customize or personalize any make or model vehicle, including collector and classic cars.

For more information about G.A.S., go to www.galpinautosports.com.