Fast and Furious Cars: A Q&A with Dennis McCarthy

Summary

Dennis McCarthy, the man behind the cars in the Fast and Furious franchise, shares insight into the making of these iconic vehicles. From Brian’s 95 Eclipse to Dom’s Charger and the Skyline GT-R, each car was carefully selected and modified to fit the scene and character. Some cars were borrowed or loaned from other builders to maintain the authenticity of the franchise.

Brian’s Cars: Eclipse, Supra, and Skyline GT-R
Dom’s Cars: Charger and RX-7
The Import Scene: Integra, S2000, Eclipse, Silvia, and RX-7
Tokyo Drift: Evo, Mustang, and Silvia
Other Iconic Cars: Buick Grand National, Fleetline Chevy, and ICE Charger
Challenges and Unique Vehicles: Lykan Hypersport, Gurkha, Flip Car, and Ripsaw

Introduction

Cars play a significant role in the Fast and Furious franchise. From the iconic Dodge Charger to the sleek Skyline GT-R, each car has a unique story and a special place in the heart of fans. Dennis McCarthy, who has been responsible for modifying cars for the franchise since the third installment, is the mastermind behind bringing these cars to life on the big screen. In this Q&A, he shares his experience and the story behind each car used in the franchise.

Brian’s Cars: Eclipse, Supra, and Skyline GT-R

Q: Brian’s character has driven some of the most memorable cars in the franchise. Can you talk about his 95 Eclipse, 95 Supra, and Skyline GT-R?

A: We wanted Brian to fit the import racing scene, and the Eclipse was the perfect car for him at the time. The 95 Supra was Paul Walker’s personal car, and we wanted it to be prominently featured in the film. The Skyline GT-R was an excellent addition to the franchise and has been in every movie since its introduction. I feel like we need Brian to have a GTR at some point.

Dom’s Cars: Charger and RX-7

Q: Dom’s Charger is one of the most iconic cars in the franchise. Can you talk about the modifications that made it stand out?

A: The Charger is more of a character than just a car. It’s got a supercharger and a bug catcher that just scream horsepower. The RX-7, on the other hand, had a unique rotary motor and was a standout car. The scene where Dom lifts up the seat to reveal miniature nitrous bottles was great.

The Import Scene: Integra, S2000, Eclipse, Silvia, and RX-7

Q: The import racing scene was a big part of the early films. Can you talk about the Integra, S2000, Eclipse, Silvia, and RX-7?

A: These cars were part of the big import racing movement in the 90s. The S2000 was nimble and fast, while the Eclipse, though not to my personal taste, was perfect for Roman’s character. The Silvia’s were easy to make drift and go fast, and the RX-7 had everything that could be done to it at the time.

Tokyo Drift: Evo, Mustang, and Silvia

Q: Tokyo Drift featured some unique cars such as the Evo, Mustang, and Silvia. Can you talk about the challenges that came with these cars?

A: The Evo was a car we had to have and was completely converted to rear-wheel drive only. The Mustang had a unique R34 engine and was a fully functional car that did a quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds. The Silvia’s were also featured in Tokyo Drift and had a fascinating backstory.

Other Iconic Cars: Buick Grand National, Fleetline Chevy, and ICE Charger

Q: The franchise features some unique cars such as the Buick Grand National and Fleetline Chevy. Can you talk about them?

A: The Buick Grand National was a significant car that broke through with its turbocharged V6. The Fleetline Chevy is a favorite due to its fastback body style, and the ICE Charger was modified for all-wheel drive to race on ice.

Challenges and Unique Vehicles: Lykan Hypersport, Gurkha, Flip Car, and Ripsaw

Q: The franchise has featured some unique vehicles such as the Lykan Hypersport, Gurkha, Flip Car, and Ripsaw. Can you talk about the challenges that came with these vehicles?

A: The Lykan Hypersport was challenging to feature due to the extravagant lifestyles of the characters. The Gurkha, Flip Car, and Ripsaw were all unique vehicles that required modifications to fit the scenes and characters they were used for.

Conclusion

The Fast and Furious franchise is well-known for its iconic cars and exciting racing scenes. Dennis McCarthy, the man behind the cars in the franchise, has brought these vehicles to life on the big screen. From Brian’s 95 Eclipse to Dom’s Charger and the Skyline GT-R, each car has a unique story and a special place in the heart of fans. The franchise has featured some unique challenges, such as the Lykan Hypersport and Gurkha, but they were ultimately overcome to make the franchise one of the most beloved in history.