Bigger, badder, bolder, faster, louder.
That's how entrepreneur, gear head and reality TV star Richard Rawlings recently described what's in store the new season of Fast N' Loud, which premieres Labor Day on Discovery Channel.
This likely won't surprise avid fans -- Rawlings and his Gas Monkey Garage crew aren't known to shy away from a challenge. In fact, quite the opposite.
Season 7 of Fast N' Loud kicks off Monday with the first of a two-episode build during which the Gas Monkeys try a hand at customizing a '78 Cutlass lowrider, something unprecedented for the Dallas-based shop, Rawlings told GuideLive. The Gas Monkey founder embedded himself within the local lowrider scene to learn the basics, but assured us the car still gets Gas Monkey treatment.
"It's something that hasn't ever ever been done in the lowrider world, but we pulled it off and I think it's something a lot of lowriders are going to start adapting because it's a much smoother, better way to do it," he says.
To do what? Rawlings wouldn't say, aside from that whatever Gas Monkey "invented, if you will" took longer than expected and dipped further into the timeline and pocketbook than he planned. Ouch!
Also coming this season: A new Gas Monkey supercar. Fans will remember the totaled 1991 F40 Ferrari that Rawlings rebuilt -- to the chagrin of the Italian car maker -- to be faster than any original Ferrari. How could the Gas Monkeys possibly outdo themselves this time around?
"Our supercar from this year is over the top," Rawlings says. The only hint he would offer: "It's American."
'Get you some of that!'
Rawlings and his Gas Monkey brand have always been engaged with the fan base. Ask why, and he'll tell you his success is due to and reliant on fan support. So he tries to give back, whether that be answering tweets, shaking hands at Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, or donating to charities through the Gas Monkey Foundation.
This season there are several ways you, the viewer, can get you some of that, as Rawlings would say.
- Cutlass auction: Once the second episode of '78 Cutlass lowrider build airs on Monday, Sept. 14, the car will go up for auction online and sold to the highest bidder. Yep, you can literally own a piece of the show.
- Fast N' Loud watching parties: Every Monday, Gas Monkey Bar and Grill in Dallas hosts a watching party for fans. Usually Rawlings is there too, although we won't be for the premiere -- the Gas Monkey crew will be drag racing in Indianapolis. The watching party is free and does not require an RSVP or reservation.
- Look for this season's fan request: Fast N' Loud recently polled Facebook fans for build suggestions they'd like to see on the show. Rawlings confirmed the crew did pursue a fan pick, though he wouldn't say which one.
Fast N' Loud airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Central on Discovery Channel.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct to the year of the Cutlass lowrider.
