Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[IndyCar: Sparks fly as thrilling Indy 300 closes season [SPOILERS]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/03/indycar-sparks-fly-as-thrilling-indy-300-closes-season-spoiler/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/03/indycar-sparks-fly-as-thrilling-indy-300-closes-season-spoiler/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/03/indycar-sparks-fly-as-thrilling-indy-300-closes-season-spoiler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Indy 300
2010 Cafes do Brasil Indy 300 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Heading into the final race of the 2010 IRL IZOD IndyCar Series Championship, early championship leader Will Power clung to a 12-point lead over the fast-closing Dario Franchitti. The two drivers had each been strong on ovals or road courses, but not both. Franchitti was crowned the oval champ, earning the A.J. Foyt trophy, while Power had won the road race crown, picking up the Mario Andretti trophy. Power had shown a level of dominance through the mid-season road and street races that made his title lead look insurmountable. But Franchitti racked up more points in the latest oval races as Power struggled to get good results.

That brought the title fight down to the last race of the season at the Miami-Homestead oval: The Cafes do Brasil Indy 300. Follow the jump to see who took the 2010 IndyCar Championship and how it came to be.


Gallery: IndyCar: 2010 Cafes do Brasil Indy 300


[Images: Chris Graythen, Nick Laham/Getty | Alan Diaz, Terry Renna/AP]

Continue reading IndyCar: Sparks fly as thrilling Indy 300 closes season [SPOILERS]

IndyCar: Sparks fly as thrilling Indy 300 closes season [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cafes do Brasil Indy 300indyIndy 300Indy Racing Leagueindycarindycar seriesIRLIZOD IndyCar SeriesRacingSun, 03 Oct 2010 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse is one fierce Scorpion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2010-2011-fiat-punto-evo-abarth-esseesse-is-one-fierce-sc/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2010-2011-fiat-punto-evo-abarth-esseesse-is-one-fierce-sc/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2010-2011-fiat-punto-evo-abarth-esseesse-is-one-fierce-sc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Arbath Punto Evo esseesse
2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you like the Fiat Punto, you'll love the Punto Evo. And if you love the Evo, the Abarth Punto Evo will make you quiver. So we're not exactly sure what this Abarth Punto Evo EsseEsse is going to do to you - you may just faint. First shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Abarth-tuned version of the Punto Evo debuted, offering a bit more oomph, more aggressive styling and even better handling and braking. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the Scorpion brand brought us even hotter versions of both, and we're very glad it did.

Wearing a Campovolo Gray paint scheme with white accents - and carrying that EsseEsse tag - this Punto gets a slight boost in power and a variety of upgrades to match. Output is now a full 180 horsepower, which is enough for a 7.5-second dash to 62 miles per hour. Additionally, top speed rises to 134 miles per hour.

That gray color might look familiar to you if you've ever seen an Italian warplane. The color is named after the airfield across the road from the company's historic headquarters in Turin. Inside, the EsseEsse gets "Abarth Corse by Sabelt" seats in black leather and Blue&Me sat-nav. The Punto also features an array of upgrades to the suspension, brakes, rolling stock and more. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesse

Paris 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesseParis 2010: Arbath Punto Evo esseesse

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse is one fierce Scorpion

Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat Punto Evo Abarth EsseEsse is one fierce Scorpion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthabarth puntoabarth punto evoabarth punto evo esseesseAbarthPuntofiatfiat puntofiat punto abarthparisparis 2010paris auto salonparis auto showparis auto show 2010paris autoshow 2010paris motor showpuntoPunto Evopunto evo abarthpunto evo esseesseFri, 01 Oct 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat 500C Abarth EsseEsse packs quite a punch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2010-fiat-500c-abarth-esseesse-packs-quite-a-punch/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2010-fiat-500c-abarth-esseesse-packs-quite-a-punch/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/paris-2010-fiat-500c-abarth-esseesse-packs-quite-a-punch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Arbath 500C esseesse
2011 Fiat 500 Abarth EsseEsse - Click above for high-res image gallery

At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Abarth-tuned versions of the Fiat 500C and Punto Evo debuted, adding some cajones to the cute-as-a-bug Fiat 500C and the no-less-lovable Punto. Now, at the Paris Motor Show, the mark of the Scorpion brought us even hotter versions of both, and our reaction was that the difference between 500C, Abarth 500C and Abarth 500C EsseEsse is much more than just shades of gray.

Wearing a gray-on-gray paint job and carrying the EsseEsse postscript - Italian for "SS" - the Abarth 500C gets a substantial boost in output and a variety of upgrades to match. In the case of the 500C, it picks up 22 tiny ponies under its curved bonnet to bring the total to 160 horsepower. That's good for a 7.6-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. Perhaps not record-breaking, but just look at it; cute as a button and pretty darn quick.

The EsseEsse also features an array of upgrades to the suspension, brakes, rolling stock and more, plus Blue&Me connectivity and Record Monza exhaust. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Arbath 500C esseesse

Paris 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesseParis 2010: Arbath 500C esseesse

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat 500C Abarth EsseEsse packs quite a punch

Paris 2010: 2011 Fiat 500C Abarth EsseEsse packs quite a punch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 paris2010 paris auto show2010 paris motor show500 abarth500 abarth esseesseabarthfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500 abarth esseesseparisparis motor showFri, 01 Oct 2010 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Stig Ben Collins hired by <i>Fifth Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/the-stig-defects-to-fifth-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/the-stig-defects-to-fifth-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/the-stig-defects-to-fifth-gear/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Stig, Ben Collins
Former Top Gear Stig, Ben Collins, will be joining the cast of rival program Fifth Gear

With all of the Paris Motor Show coverage this week, we haven't had a Stig update in, like, five days. The last we heard about Ben Collins, he was suggesting a "Who Wants to be The Stig" TV show, or saying that he might enter the British Touring Car Championship. Today we are hearing that, like another BTCC superstar, Jason Plato, Collins will be joining the ranks of Fifth Gear presenters.

Collins was recently fired as the Stig when he outed himself in his autobiography. The book had been held up by a court case brought by the BBC on behalf of Top Gear. Fifth Gear is the more car-focused and generally less over-the-top Top Gear rival that airs on Channel 5.

The former Stig will reportedly make his debut on Fifth Gear when the new season starts next Friday and appear in five episodes total. Collins will be at least the third former Top Gear cast member to make the switchover, joining fellow ex-TG stars Tiff Needell and Vicki Butler-Henderson over at Fifth Gear. Collins will not don the famous white racing suit on Fifth Gear, but he will reportedly appear in a "colorful racing suit" as well as present on the show in street clothes while not wearing a helmet.

In all fairness, Top Gear has also snatched talent from the Fifth Gear pool as well, with renowned wookie, Tom Ford, recently joining the ranks of Top Gear Magazine staffers. Hat tip to Kris!

[Source: The Guardian | Photograph: AP Photo/ PA]

Ex-Stig Ben Collins hired by Fifth Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben collinsben collins fifth gearfifth gearstig fifth gearthe stigtop gearFri, 01 Oct 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Event Alert: October 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/event-alert-october-2010-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/event-alert-october-2010-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/event-alert-october-2010-calendar-of-automotive-events/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



October brings us the beginning of Fall, Halloween, Octoberfest... and the Paris Motor Show. In fact, the second and final press day is coming to a close as we speak. Between now and the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas at the beginning of November, there are going to be hundreds of automotive events to keep car-lovers busy.

Local auto shows like the OC Auto Show will bring all of the 2010 and some 2011 models to the public. The 2010 Alt Car Expo & Conference in Santa Monica will do the same for those who want the latest in green motoring. Camaro lovers of all stripes might want to stop in at the Hotchkis All-Camaro Show and Open House at their shop in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Classic and collectible car fans can still see some of the most amazing machinery from throughout history at events like:

If you'd like to buy your own classic, there are a couple of auctions in October as well - RM Auctions hosts its Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey event during Fall Meet Week in Hershey, PA. RM also conducts its Automobiles of London auction this month.

Racing fans can take in Formula 1 action during the Japanese and Korean Grands Prix. The Chase is on in NASCAR and the pack will be making stops at Kansas, Charlotte, Fontana, Martinsville and Talladega. IndyCar finishes its 2010 season with the championship-deciding Miami Indy 300. The WRC hosts rallies in France and Spain this month, while the ALMS heads to Georgia for the Petit Le Mans. Drag racing fans can catch NHRA action at Maple Grove Raceway and Las Vegas in October.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: October 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: October 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog calendar of eventscalendar of automotive eventscalendar of eventsconcours calendarmotorsports calendarparisparis 2010paris motor showracing calendarFri, 01 Oct 2010 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Barrett-Jackson buyer reneges on $700,000 Bugatti Veyron purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/27/video-barrett-jackson-buyer-reneges-on-700-000-bugatti-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/27/video-barrett-jackson-buyer-reneges-on-700-000-bugatti-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/27/video-barrett-jackson-buyer-reneges-on-700-000-bugatti-veyron/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2008 Bugatti Veyron at Barrett-Jackson
2008 Bugatti Veyron at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas - Click above to watch the video

It's not very often you see a Bugatti Veyron going up for auction...especially at Barrett-Jackson. Perhaps better known for their muscle cars and classics, the occasional late-model sportscar will sometimes pop up, but we can't ever remember a Veyron crossing the block. Well, on Saturday night, a 2008 Bugatti Veyron with 11,800 miles on the clock did indeed cross the block at B-J...but things didn't go quite as planned.

The one-time fastest production car on the planet (it's been trumped by Bugatti's own Super Sport) might have sold for over $1.8 million new, but was struggling to break the 1 mil mark in Vegas. Heck, it barely got to $700,000. Now, that's still a lot of money for a car, but it should have brought much more - we've never heard of a non-wrecked example going for anywhere near that little. In the end, the Bug went to a guy seated near the stage who outbid a couple of phone bidders - but that's when it got weird.

Saying that he hadn't actually bid and then that he was only trying to help, the would-be buyer rescinded his bid... and was promptly escorted from the premises. Barrett-Jackson didn't want to lose any credibility - so CEO Craig Jackson stepped up and bought the car himself. Just as he was announcing what had happened, he got a phone call from one of the other phone bidders who was saying he'd take the car off Craig's hands. Quite the little soap opera, but good theater nonetheless. Follow the jump to see the video and take a look at the gallery below as well. Hat tip to Larry!


Gallery: 2008 Bugatti Veyron at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas


[Sources: Speed TV, Barrett-Jackson]

Continue reading Video: Barrett-Jackson buyer reneges on $700,000 Bugatti Veyron purchase

Video: Barrett-Jackson buyer reneges on $700,000 Bugatti Veyron purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barrett JacksonBarrett Jackson BugattiBarrett Jackson Bugatti VeyronBarrett Jackson Veyronbarrett-jacksonBarrett-Jackson BugattiBarrettJacksonBugattiVeyronbugattiBugatti VeyronVeyronvideoMon, 27 Sep 2010 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[203-mph Suzuki Kizashi stops by for coffee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/203-mph-kizashi-stops-by-for-some-coffee/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/203-mph-kizashi-stops-by-for-some-coffee/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/203-mph-kizashi-stops-by-for-some-coffee/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

203-mph Suzuki Kizashi
Record-setting Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember that 500+-horsepower Suzuki Kizashi that recently went over 200 miles per hour at the Bonneville Salt Flats? The one that Road & Track's Sam Mitani drove to a new F/BGC record of 203.720? Well, R&T brought it down to Cars and Coffee this weekend and we got our first up-close look at it. Color us impressed.

The exterior features a large air dam up front, Moon discs and a pair of dorsal ridges running along the roof, but other than that, the car looks pretty much stock. Sure it sits a bit lower and it is covered in decals, but it doesn't look much different from a tuner Suzuki that one might see at this weekly show. Even the engine looks relatively streetable.

Looking inside, you see much of the same - a fairly stock dash and center console, the original door panels, and even the stock steering wheel, albeit with the airbag removed. The biggest mods inside are for safety, with a single racing seat and a roll cage, plus a couple of fire-suppression tanks and a slew of switches and levers to keep everything moving smoothly. The biggest tip-off that this is something a little more special than just a tuner Kizashi is that giant parachute out back. Click below to check out our high-res gallery.


Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special


Photos Copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio / AOL

203-mph Suzuki Kizashi stops by for coffee originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonneville kizashiBonnevilleKizashicars and coffeeCarsAndCoffeeKizashi LSRKizashiLsrLSR KizashiLSR SuzukiLsrKizashiLsrSuzukisuzukiSuzuki KizashiSuzuki Kizashi Bonneville Salt FlatsSuzuki Kizashi Bonneville SpecialSuzuki LSRSuzukiKizashiSuzukiKizashiBonnevilleSaltFlatsSuzukiKizashiBonnevilleSpecialSuzukiLsrSun, 26 Sep 2010 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai recalling nearly 140,000 new Sonatas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/breaking-hyundai-recalling-nearly-140-000-new-sonatas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/breaking-hyundai-recalling-nearly-140-000-new-sonatas/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/26/breaking-hyundai-recalling-nearly-140-000-new-sonatas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai Sonata
2011 Hyundai Sonata being recalled for steering issues - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like the Hyundai Sonata is officially taking its place near the top of the midsize car category. We already told you how it has moved into third place in the sales race, and now it moves up the charts again... but on a much less desirable list. Hyundai has issued a recall of 139,500 Sonatas over steering issues.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report at safercar.gov identifies the issue says "the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened." The consequence could be "a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash."

The recall affects MY 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedans built between December 11, 2009 and September 10, 2010. Dealers should begin sending out recall notices in October. They will inspect and re-torque the assembly, and update the steering software too, at no charge.

In the meantime, owners can contact the Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151, or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153). Hat tip to Ralph!


Gallery: Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS


Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Hyundai recalling nearly 140,000 new Sonatas

Hyundai recalling nearly 140,000 new Sonatas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingHyundaiHyundai recallhyundai sonataHyundaiRecallHyundaiSonatarecallsonata recallSonataRecallSun, 26 Sep 2010 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[IndyCar: 2010 Indy Japan 300 settles oval championship [SPOILERS]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/19/indycar-2010-indy-japan-300-settles-oval-championship-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/19/indycar-2010-indy-japan-300-settles-oval-championship-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/19/indycar-2010-indy-japan-300-settles-oval-championship-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Indy Japan 300
2010 Indy Japan 300 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Heading into Saturday, only two races remained in the 2010 Izod IndyCar Series season, and the championship is coming down to the wire. Team Penske's Will Power raced to an early lead in the standings, his dominating performances on the road and street courses earning him the inaugural Mario Andretti award as the road course champ.

Team Target Chip Ganassi teammates Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon headed to Japan in second and third respectively and first and second in the oval championship standings. Power's lead before the green flag waved at Twin Ring Motegi was 17 points over Dario, the same lead Franchitti has over Dixon in the race for the A.J. Foyt oval champ award. This weekend's Indy Japan 300 was crucial, with the potential to end with both championships decided even though the season's final race at Homestead is still two weeks away.

Follow the jump to see how it played out.


Gallery: IndyCar: 2010 Kentucky Indy 300


[Images: Jonathan Ferrey, Chris Graythen/Jiji Press/AFP/Getty, Shizuo Kambayashi, Greg Baker/AP]

Continue reading IndyCar: 2010 Indy Japan 300 settles oval championship [SPOILERS]

IndyCar: 2010 Indy Japan 300 settles oval championship [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indyIndy Japan 300Indy Racing Leagueindycarindycar seriesIndyJapan300IRLIZOD IndyCar SeriesMotegiTwin Ring MotegiSun, 19 Sep 2010 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda recalling Accord Crosstour over airbag issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/honda-recalling-accord-crosstour-over-airbag-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/honda-recalling-accord-crosstour-over-airbag-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/15/honda-recalling-accord-crosstour-over-airbag-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda is set to launch a recall of certain 2010 Accord Crosstour models to "inspect and potentially replace the front passenger airbag." According to Honda, the recall will cover about 3,340 units in total, some 700 of those in Canada.

The cause for the recall stems from recent testing which revealed a potential problem with the airbag modules not meeting the rules regarding protection of an unbelted, child test dummies in the front seats. They say no incidents have been reported, but Honda is recommending that children under the age of 12 be properly restrained in the vehicle's rear seat for now.

Honda will notify affected customers by mail but owners can also call their dealer or Customer Relations toll-free at 1-888-946-6329.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour


Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Canada NewsWire via Digital Journal]

Honda recalling Accord Crosstour over airbag issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accord crosstourAccordCrosstourCrosstourCrosstour RecallCrosstourRecallHondaHonda Accordhonda accord crosstourHonda Accord Crosstour recallhonda crosstourHonda Crosstour RecallHondaAccordHondaAccordCrosstourHondaAccordCrosstourRecallHondaCrosstourHondaCrosstourRecallWed, 15 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IndyCar: 2010 Kentucky Indy 300 comes down to fuelish decisions [SPOILERS]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/indycar-2010-kentucky-indy-300-comes-down-to-fuelish-decisions/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/indycar-2010-kentucky-indy-300-comes-down-to-fuelish-decisions/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/05/indycar-2010-kentucky-indy-300-comes-down-to-fuelish-decisions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Kentucky Indy 300 from Kentucky Speedway - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the IRL IndyCar Series, the 2010 Kentucky Indy 300 was all about the number "200." It was the 200th race in IRL history. The drivers would be running 200 laps around the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway. And the speeds would be well above 200 mph as the field of 27 cars ran inches away from each other under the lights of Kentucky. Among those 27 drivers was last year's runner-up, Ed Carpenter, who still hasn't scored a full-time ride, and Paul Tracy, the fan favorite who seems to never get rusty. Maybe we'll have to start calling him Platinum Paul.

Last week's winner Dario Franchitti was making things interesting in the race for the championship by closing the gap to points leader Will Power who hasn't done as well as some of the others - including Franchitti - on ovals. Kentucky is an oval, of course, and so are Motegi and Miami, the final two races of the season. Would Power be able to get that monkey off his back? Would Franchitti take the win and close the gap even further? Would the talented and hard luck Ed Carpenter finally head to Victory Lane? Follow the jump to see how the 2010 Kentucky Indy 300 went down.


Gallery: IndyCar: 2010 Kentucky Indy 300


[Images: Chris Graythen, Streeter Lecka/Getty Images | Ed Reinke, James Crisp/AP]

Continue reading IndyCar: 2010 Kentucky Indy 300 comes down to fuelish decisions [SPOILERS]

IndyCar: 2010 Kentucky Indy 300 comes down to fuelish decisions [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indyIndy Racing Leagueindycarindycar seriesIndycarSeriesIndyRacingLeagueIRLIZOD IndyCar SeriesIzodIndycarSeriesKentucky Indy 300kentucky speedwayKentuckyIndy300KentuckySpeedwaySun, 05 Sep 2010 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.3.10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-9-3-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-9-3-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/03/daily-u-turn-what-you-missed-on-9-3-10/#comments

Officially Official: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor gains SuperCrew, loses 5.4L V8 for 2011

Ford's off-road beast, the F-150 SVT Raptor, has only been on sale for a year, but it's already getting a few upgrades for the 2011 model year. Many reports and a few spy shots indicated that Ford had been prepping a four-door SuperCrew version of the Raptor (you know, for when the family wants to do the Baja run with you), and the automaker has officially confirmed the details (again).

Rumormill: Toyota working on FT-86 sedan?

That's what the crew at Car Guide would have us all believe. According to the website, Toyota is looking to hedge its bets by producing a second model on the same platform as the upcoming FT-86....

Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

General Motors will be expanding Chevrolet of Europe's lineup by adding a five-door Cruze, and while we won't get our first look at this new hatchback for a few weeks, GM has decided to preview it early with a few pictures on the web.

Also of interest:

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.3.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>uturnFri, 03 Sep 2010 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: <i>Top Gear USA</i> runs with the bulls]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/video-top-gear-usa-runs-with-the-bulls/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/video-top-gear-usa-runs-with-the-bulls/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/video-top-gear-usa-runs-with-the-bulls/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Top Gear USA runs with the bulls - Click above to see the video after the jump

While everyone and their mother seems to have made Top Gear USA bashing the new national pastime, you might want to take a look at the newest video tease it's just released. While the appeal of the BBC show undoubtedly revolves around the chemistry between its three mismatched hosts, at its core, it's a show about cars. So even if we're not certain the three American hosts can live up to the legacy established by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, perhaps they really don't need to.

Top Gear USA isn't a replacement for the BBC show after all - it's more of a spin-off. And as long as the production values stay high - and from the looks of it, they have - it's just more car pr0n for all of us. Case in point: the video you'll see after the jump. The storyline is fairly straightforward: Round up the baddest Lamborghinis from the corral - Superleggera, Balboni and SuperVeloce - and open them up so we can see what they'll do. Can there possibly be a loser? Maybe the matador. Follow the jump to see the Top Gear USA guys on their run with the bulls. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The History Channel via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Top Gear USA runs with the bulls

Video: Top Gear USA runs with the bulls originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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September means the end of summer vacation, but the automotive festivities continue, including the Paris Motor Show at the very end of the month. We'll have a full team coverage in the City of Lights, but that's almost a month away. Between now and then there are hundreds of car-related events to keep all but the most rabid gearheads satisfied.

While our coverage of Monterey and the Woodward Dream Cruise last month gave us a year's worth of classic and collectible car memories, September has a lot more to offer for classic car fans. Here's some highlights:
If you'd like to buy your own classic, there are plenty of auctions in September as well: RM Auctions: Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction, Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction, The Branson Auction, Vintage Toy Vehicle Auction, Mecum St. Charles Auction and the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.

Racing fans can take in Formula 1 action during the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix. NASCAR has stops at Atlanta, Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover. IndyCar heads to Kentucky and Japan in September before wrapping up the 2010 season in Miami in October. The WRC hosts the Rally Japan this month, while the ALMS heads to Georgia for the Petit Le Mans at the end of the month. Grand-Am fanciers can catch the last race of the season at Miller Motorsports Park. Two-wheel fans can see the AMA Pro Superbike Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction calendarAuctionCalendarauto show calendarautoblog calendarAutoblog calendar of automotive eventsAutoblog calendar of eventsAutoblogCalendarAutoblogCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsAutoblogCalendarOfEventsAutoShowCalendarcalendarcalendar of automotive eventscalendar of eventsCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsCalendarOfEventsconcours calendarConcoursCalendarmotorsports calendarMotorsportsCalendarracing calendarRacingCalendarWed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[That was quick - Ferrari 599 Roadster preview confirmed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/that-was-quick-ferrari-599-roadster-preview-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/that-was-quick-ferrari-599-roadster-preview-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/31/that-was-quick-ferrari-599-roadster-preview-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



That didn't take long. As soon as the Ferrari 599 Spyder post went live this afternoon we started hearing from multiple sources that Ferrari did indeed preview a 599 "Roadster" in Monterey a few weeks ago and that the letter posted on Luxury4Play is authentic. It shouldn't be that surprising, after all, we did a post predicting the unveiling a while back.

Apparently the invitees had to negotiate a tricky path after clearing a security gate to get to the venue. They all had to sign NDAs and their phones and cameras were confiscated. The car that was presented to them was a 599 convertible with a part-time fabric roof that included a removable glass panel for the back window. It was described as an occasional use roof, making this more of a barchetta than a spider in Ferrari parlance. Actually one person described it as nothing more than a piece of fabric that connected to both sides of the body. We're thinking a Porsche Boxster Spyder-type arrangement.

This particular 599 roadster was rosso fuoco - a rare and expensive multi-layer red - and had silver buttresses. It also had a new wheel design. The best news about this new model was that the engine will come from the recently unveiled 599 GTO and that the convertible will weigh no more than the current 599 GTB coupe. It will be priced at a premium over the GTO and will be limited to just 100 units. There was no indication of what this new model will be called, but Barchetta and SuperAmerica were used on the 550 and 575 convertibles, so maybe one of those will be resurrected...or possibly another name from Ferrari's past, like Monza. Sales were tentatively promised for Summer 2011.

That was quick - Ferrari 599 Roadster preview confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari 599ferrari 599 barchettaferrari 599 convertibleferrari 599 fioranoferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 gtb fioranoferrari 599 gtoferrari 599 gtsferrari 599 gts monzaferrari 599 roadsterferrari 599 spiderFerrari 599 spyderFerrari599Ferrari599BarchettaFerrari599ConvertibleFerrari599FioranoFerrari599GtbFerrari599GtbFioranoFerrari599GtoFerrari599GtsFerrari599GtsMonzaFerrari599RoadsterFerrari599SpiderFerrari599SpyderTue, 31 Aug 2010 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim's 1951 Chevy 3100 "Redster" ahead of SEMA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/autotrader-classics-unveils-fireball-tims-1951-chevy-3100-reds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/autotrader-classics-unveils-fireball-tims-1951-chevy-3100-reds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/autotrader-classics-unveils-fireball-tims-1951-chevy-3100-reds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


The Redster by Fireball Tim Lawrence - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any time Hollywood's current go-to car guy, Fireball Tim Lawrence, is involved in a project, you know it's going to be a rolling masterpiece. So when AutoTrader Classic invited us to see Fireball's latest creation ahead of its public debut at the SEMA show in November, we jumped at the chance. Make the jump for yourself to get up close and personal with The Redster.


Gallery: Fireball Tim's Redster Unveiling


Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio / AOL

Continue reading AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim's 1951 Chevy 3100 "Redster" ahead of SEMA

AutoTrader Classics unveils Fireball Tim's 1951 Chevy 3100 "Redster" ahead of SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1951 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet 31001951 Chevy1951 Chevy 31001951Chevrolet1951Chevrolet31001951Chevy1951Chevy3100AutotraderAutotrader ClassicsAutotraderClassicschevroletChevrolet 3100Chevrolet3100chevyChevy 3100Chevy3100fireball timFireball Tim LawrenceFireballTimFireballTimLawrenceSEMAsema 2010Sema2010Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[IndyCar: 2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 [SPOILERS]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/29/indycar-2010-peak-antifreeze-and-motor-oil-indy-300-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/29/indycar-2010-peak-antifreeze-and-motor-oil-indy-300-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/29/indycar-2010-peak-antifreeze-and-motor-oil-indy-300-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300
2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 from Chicagoland Speedway - Click above for high-res image gallery

It might seem that the 2010 IndyCar championship is a foregone conclusion. After all, Team Penske's Will Power has a sizable lead in the standings and there are just four races left to run. Ah, but those four are all on ovals, and Will has never claimed the top step of the podium at an oval track. Plus, right behind Power in the race for the overall IZOD IndyCar Championship are Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon - two drivers who have considerably better luck than Power when everybody only has to turn left.

In fact, Dixon leads Franchitti in the new-for-2010 A.J. Foyt Oval Champion standings. Furthermore, Dixon basically owns this week's venue - Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois - despite never actually winning there. That might seem like a contradiction, but Scott has been the bridesmaid on five separate occasions at Chicagoland.

IndyCar's return to the ovals also means bigger fields, with 29 drivers lined up to run for the checkers on Saturday night. Among those 29 were a record five female drivers - Ana Beatriz, Milka Duno, Sarah Fisher, Danica Patrick and Simona de Silvestro. Would Dixon finally take the win in Chicago? Would Dario claim victory and close the gap on Power? Would one of the ladies break through and be the first across the stripe? Follow the jump to see how the 2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 from Chicagoland Speedway played out.


Gallery: 2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 from Chicagoland Speedway


[Images: Jonathan Ferrey, Streeter Lecka/Getty Images | Skip Stewart, Nam Y. Huh, Warren Wimmer/AP]

Continue reading IndyCar: 2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 [SPOILERS]

IndyCar: 2010 Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010chicagoland speedwayindyindy 300indy 300 chicagolandindy racing leagueindycarindycar seriesirlizod indycar seriespeak antifreeze and motor oil indy 300Sun, 29 Aug 2010 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Some say he's Ben sacked! BBC reportedly fires The Stig]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/29/some-say-hes-ben-sacked-bbc-reportedly-fires-the-stig/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/29/some-say-hes-ben-sacked-bbc-reportedly-fires-the-stig/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/29/some-say-hes-ben-sacked-bbc-reportedly-fires-the-stig/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Frank and The Stig

We saw this one coming; the BBC has apparently sacked The Stig. Britain's Daily Mirror tabloid reports that the Stig, a.k.a. Ben Collins, has been let go and that a new Stig has already replaced him on Top Gear. In fact, the Mirror says it already have pics of the new Stig at a Nürburgring track event, wearing the signature white coveralls and smoked visor helmet. How does the paper know it's not Collins in the photos? Simple: it had another photographer at Ben's house - 1,100 miles away - watching Collins play with his children at the same time.

The firing of the Stig comes a week after a battle erupted over Collins' autobiography, slated for release in September. Details about the Stig's true identity have been trickling out for some time, including the recent discovery that Collins Auto-Sport, a company owned and operated by Ben Collins, claimed income from "driving services for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme."

Of course, this could still just be speculation, and TG may have hired another driver just for that one track event. If Collins has indeed been canned and the show follows form, a segment will be filmed showing the demise of the white Stig and the appearance of his replacement. At least that's what they did when the original black-clad Stig, Perry McCarthy, left the show. Wonder what colors the new Stig will fly...

[Source: The Daily Mirror]

Some say he's Ben sacked! BBC reportedly fires The Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcben collinsben collins stigbreaking newsBreakingNewsstig firedthe stigthe stig firedthe white stigtop geartop gear stigtop gear the stigSun, 29 Aug 2010 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/28/spy-shots-2011-dodge-ram-two-mode-hemi-hybrid-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/28/spy-shots-2011-dodge-ram-two-mode-hemi-hybrid-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/28/spy-shots-2011-dodge-ram-two-mode-hemi-hybrid-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid
2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid captured by Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler

While recently shooting some cloaked Chrysler and Hyundai prototypes, Automotive Traveler's Rich Truesdell came across several completely undisguised Ram 1500 pickups the other day. As Rich tells it:
Upon closer examination, I figured out why: They are near-production-ready versions of the rumored 2-Mode Hybrid version. Judging by the complete lack of cloaking, I'd assume they are undergoing final validation, possibly to establish their published tow ratings. Don't be surprised if the Ram is an early-introduction 2012 model to reach showrooms in the spring.
We've talked about these hybrid pickups before, and if a schedule posted at Allpar is to be believed, Chrysler will kick off production of this new Ram 1500 Hybrid on November 16, so they may be badged as MY2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrids and not MY2012 as Rich supposes. Either way, the hybrid Ram is expected to employ the same 5.7-liter Hemi V8, two-mode hybrid powertrain that was used in the short-lived Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen hybrids in 2008, backed by a transmission supplied to Chrysler by General Motors. Expected mileage ratings should be similar to GM's hybrid trucks, with a city number of about 21 to 22 mpg.

Check out Automotive Traveler for more photos of the 2011 Ram 1500 Hemi Hybrid.

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: 2011 Ram 1500 Hybrid uncloaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15002-mode2011 ram 15002011Ram1500dodge hybriddodge ramhybridramram 1500ram hybridram pickupspy shotsSat, 28 Aug 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 making the rounds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/spy-shots-hyundai-hed-5-making-the-rounds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/spy-shots-hyundai-hed-5-making-the-rounds/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/spy-shots-hyundai-hed-5-making-the-rounds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Hyundai HED-5 prototype captured by Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler

Our buddy Rich Truesdell over at Automotive Traveler was out at one of his favorite spy shot locales and came across some Hyundai prototypes under wraps. Among them was a hatchback that Rich initially figured was the new Accent. It turns out it's more likely the production version of the Hyundai HED-5 undergoing testing.

The Elantra-based competitor for the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Ford Grand C-Max - was first shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2008, and then again in Los Angeles where Hyundai quickly confirmed it for production. Things got a bit quiet after that until February of this year when an alert reader sent us pics of a cloaked version of the production microvan undergoing testing in Scandinavia.

The three-row space wagon shows signs that it will be blessed with Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture styling, a design language that we are finding very appealing, despite the kooky name. We're not sure what's under the hood, but Hyundai did mention its new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine as a possibility when the concept was on the stand in Los Angeles back in '08. That would certainly shake things up in this increasingly popular class, but such a powerful motor doesn't seem likely. However, were it to recceive the force-fed motor, who knows? It could singlehandedly force a business case for a Mazdaspeed5 as well. Hmmm.

Click on over to Automotive Traveler for more pics of the cloaked Hyundai HED-5.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5


Gallery: Hyundai i-Mode concept


[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 making the rounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HED-5Hyundaihyundai elantrahyundai hed-5Hyundai HED-5 ConceptHyundai HED-5 i-Modehyundai hed-5 productionHyundaiElantraHyundaiHed-5HyundaiHed-5ConceptHyundaiHed-5I-modeHyundaiHed-5Productionspy shotspy shotsSpyShotSpyShotsFri, 27 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST