Cars&Planes
SR-71 Blackbird — view 1 SR-71 Blackbird — view 2

Images: SR-71 image 1 source  ·  SR-71 image 2 source

Aircraft — Strategic Reconnaissance

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Designed by Kelly Johnson and the Skunk Works, the SR-71 entered USAF service in 1966 and remained the world's fastest, highest-flying manned aircraft for its entire service life. Skin temperatures exceeded 316 °C at cruise speed, causing the titanium airframe to expand several inches in flight — the fuel tanks intentionally leaked on the ground. When surface-to-air missiles were fired, the crew's standing order was simply to accelerate. No SR-71 was ever shot down. On July 28, 1976 it set an absolute speed record of 2,193 mph that still stands today.

Performance
Max SpeedMach 3.3+ — 2,200 mph
Service Ceiling85,000 ft (26,000 m)
Range~2,900 mi (4,700 km)
Speed Record2,193 mph — Jul 28, 1976
Airframe
Engines2× Pratt & Whitney J58-1
Thrust each34,000 lbf w/ afterburner
Crew2 — Pilot + RSO
Units built32
Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé C192 — view 1 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé C192 — view 2

Images: AMG image 1 source  ·  AMG image 2 source

Automobile — Grand Tourer

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé C192

Unveiled at the 2023 Geneva Motor Show, the second-generation AMG GT rides on the MRA2 platform developed entirely in-house by AMG. The flagship GT 63 S E-Performance pairs a twin-turbo 4.0 L V8 with a rear-axle electric motor whose battery technology descends directly from the AMG F1 program, combining for 843 hp and 1,470 Nm of torque. Active Ride Control suspension eliminates body roll on track while remaining supple enough for grand-touring use. The wide-body fenders, carbon diffuser, and active rear wing are aerodynamic function, not styling.

Performance
Combined output843 hp (629 kW)
Peak torque1,470 Nm (1,084 lb-ft)
0–60 mph2.9 seconds
Top speed196 mph (315 km/h)
Drivetrain
Engine4.0 L M177 twin-turbo V8
Electric motorAMG HPQ rear axle
Transmission9-speed Speedshift MCT
DriveAMG Performance 4MATIC+