Robert Downey Jr. is at it again; He’s going to save the world by combining his passion for historic cars and the environment. That might be a humorous exaggeration, but Robert Downey Jr. and his latest project will be worth a watch. Along with his team of experts, Downey plans on updating classic cars to entertain and inform. So, how does he plan on pulling this one off? 

What’s next for Robert Downey Jr.?

Robert Downey Jr. plans on returning to the screen in his second discovery+ series, most likely called Downey’s Dream Cars. In the series, he will collaborate with his team of automotive experts to restore some of the coolest classic cars he can acquire. However, the Iron Man star made it clear that this won’t simply be another vehicle restoration program. Instead, this series vies to bring some beloved classics into the new millennium. 

How does Robert Downey Jr. plan on updating these classic cars? 

Downey and his team plan on using modern technologies to update the classic vehicles. Carbureted, inefficient, and dirty powerplants power many classic vehicles. While those old-school powerplants sound and even smell fantastic, they are hopeless to abide by modern standards. Specifically, the cars guzzle gasoline, pollute without fail, and leak almost regularly. 

While Downey hasn’t revealed too much on how he plans to update the cars or with what technologies, there are plenty of options. One option that serves his anti-climate change initiative is electrification. Companies like Electric GT in California regularly electrify classic Porsche 911s and other iconic sports cars. Additionally, Electric GT has an electric crate V8 replacement that, with a bit of modification, will drop into a classic muscle car. Hollywood Reporter says that we can expect the new series later this year.

What cars are considered classic cars? 

According to American Collectors, classic cars are any vehicle 20 years or older. There are also vintage and antique cars, which run all the way back to the automobile’s inception. It is safe to conclude that all of these storied rides are Robert Downey Jr.’s target with this latest series. 

Why would Robert Downey Jr. update these old vehicles? 

Robert Downey Jr. loves cars. For example, he commissioned not one, but two vehicles from the artists at SpeedKore, one of which he gifted to Chris Evans. It seems appropriate to give Captain America a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro with a shield for a steering wheel centerpiece. Those cars are in addition to the already impressive collection he keeps, including an Audi R8 and a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. 

However, there is an essential, all-important function to what Downey is doing here. He is striving to keep these cars relevant. With internal combustion engines (ICE) on the way out and mandates regarding emissions and even vehicle age, the only way to survive is to update. By introducing these timeless cars to tasteful technological updates, people can continue to drive them. 

Want to know more? Scroll down to the following article to read about daily driving a classic car.