Maxximus LNG 2000 Combines Style, Power, and Natural Gas

Liquid natural gas (LNG) is normally considered a fuel for heavy-duty trucks, not a million dollar supercar. Yet, this is the very ’green‘ fuel that powers the street legal Maxximus LNG 2000 and coming Prodigy LNG, both developed by businessman and philanthropist Bruce McMahan and high-performance engine builder Marlon Kirby.

Previously, they built the Maxximus G-Force, claimed to be the world's fastest street-legal supercar with three records: 0 to 60 mph in 2.0 seconds, 0 to 150 mph in 9.3 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 9.7 seconds at 157 mph. The records were set at the Rockingham, North Carolina Raceway and were certified by the World Record Academy.

Now this team says it expects to break those records with the Maxximus LNG 2000, which was unveiled at the World Oilman’s Poker Tournament at the Wynn in Las Vegas. This new effort by Centaur Maxximus Motion uses a 430 cubic-inch, twin turbo all-aluminum V-8 engine producing over 1600 horsepower while running on LNG. With appropriate adjustments, the engine can also use compressed natural gas or liquid petroleum gas (propane).

In addition to the Maxximus LNG 2000, the company’s planned Prodigy LNG supercar engine will feature a billet block and cylinder heads with four valves-per-cylinder and LNG direct injection. Digital valve technology is said to eliminate the need for camshafts, pushrods, rockers, and lifters, resulting in reduced parasitic friction losses. All this adds up to 2000 horsepower, says the company. Other advanced technologies include a six-speed paddle gear shift box, hybrid all wheel drive with in-line torque sensing technology, carbon ceramic brakes, and ceramic wheel bearings.

The Prodigy LNG's all-carbon-fiber body will ride on a hybrid carbon-fiber and chromalloy tubbed chassis. Ride height adjustable suspension with comfort control is part of the package along with an integrated computer-controlled front wing. Its full custom interior is planned to feature inlay carbon-fiber and burled wood. And the projected price? A cool million.