Syfy hopes to tap into the grindhouse movie tradition with a 13-episode order for "Blood Drive," a high-octane drama from Universal Cable Productions.

Set in a near-apocalyptic future, series follows LA's last good cop, who's forced to join a gory cross-country death race -- with cars powered by blood and a dangerous femme fatale partner who sees people as fuel.

The pilot was written by James Roland, who'll serve as supervising producer. The series will be executive produced by John Hlavin ("Underworld: Awakening," "The Shield") and David Straiton ("Bates Motel", "Hemlock Grove'), who will also direct.

"This highly stylized roller-coaster ride is a throwback to 1970s grindhouse cinema, Dave Howe, president of Syfy and Chiller, said in a statement. "With its fast-paced thrills and indie feel, Blood Drive will make an exciting and edgy addition to Syfy's growing slate of original scripted series."