The blokes down under are well-known for souping up just about anything possible that relies on a combustion engine for performance, and this V8-powered chainsaw is no exception. It consists of 253 cubes of Holden small-block V8 engine and a unique 1:1 right-angle drive system that converts the rotation to drive the saw blade. 

What it is, in fact, is nothing short of awesome. Using a 3/4-pitch Harvester chain on a super-long 1000mm Harvester bar, the machine makes quick work of everything placed in front of it. First up is a 550mm thick peppermint gum hardwood log (that’s 21.65 inches) that falls victim in exactly 2.4 seconds – quicker than one can put on a seatbelt and turn the key in a car. 

Of course, the zoomies are probably the best touch – wide open this thing screams like an animal trying to break free from its cage, and emits a nice healthy rumble at idle. In fact, it’s got much more of a voice than you’d ever expect from a smallish small-block, but the open pipes certainly give it a boost in that department.

All that appears to be needed for operation is a set of earmuffy, an itchy trigger finger, and the ability to tilt the engine on its side. One thing that’s not visible is any sort of guard at the tip of the saw – so one has to wonder whether this thing is capable of concrete coring as well. It was built by Australia’s Whitlands Engineering, but unfortunately, it’s not for public consumption at this time; this is only a demonstration model. And what a demonstration it is!