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[Official: Renault and Red Bull Racing team up for awesome sports Megane [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/renault-and-red-bull-racing-team-up-for-awesome-sports-megane/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Renault Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 - front three-quarter view

The Renault Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 is a special edition hatchback celebrating the company's third year in a row powering Infiniti Red Bull Racing to the Formula One Constructor's Championship. The French carmaker did the same thing last year with the Megane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7, but whereas last year's model came in the black and yellow livery associated with Renault factory racing teams, this one hews closer to Infiniti Red Bull colors, with an exclusive Crépuscule Blue finish and platinum gray accents.

Other signs as to the hatchack's purpose are the Red Bull logos on the rear quarter panels, the badging on the sills and inside and the laurel stickers on the rear windows. Helping fulfill the buyer's need for speed are a set of 19-inch black wheels shod in the same Bridgestone rubber that got the Megane around the Nürburgring in record time for a production front-wheel-drive car. The car also includes the first use of Renault's new R-Link multimedia tablet and the second generation of the R.S. Monitor.

It will go on sale in 26 countries that sadly fail to include ours. Its arrival in French dealerships is slated for June at a starting price of 36,000 euro ($46,445 US, taxes included), and it will be withdrawn from sale on September 30, 2013 to make good on its limited-edition promise. There's more on it in the press release and video below.

Continue reading Renault and Red Bull Racing team up for awesome sports Megane [w/video]

Renault and Red Bull Racing team up for awesome sports Megane [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti red bull racingred bullred bull racingrenaultrenault meganerenault megane rs red bull racing rb8Tue, 21 May 2013 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: McLaren 12C Spider worked over by Gemballa]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mclaren-12c-spider-worked-over-by-gemballa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



A host of carbon fiber parts designed and made in Germany are what turn the McLaren MP4-12C Spider into the Gemballa GT Spider. The 625-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 is untouched, almost everything else is heavily touched. There's the body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, new tailpipes and logos. Swing up the doors and you'll find a reskinned interior in leather and Alcantara in your choice of color, plus color-matched gauges. That will run you 19,980 euro ($25,647 US) including paint and installation, but it can alternatively be shipped internationally if you'd like to have your own people install it.

The GForged-one wheels are an inch larger than the standard units, at 20 inches up front and 21 inches in back, but don't change the weight of the car. There are two styles and two finishes available, and shod in Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber they'll require 7,980 euro ($10,243) of your hard earned. Throw down a little more and you can have the brake calipers painted, too.

If this number whispers seductive German nothings in your ear, check out the press release below and the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading McLaren 12C Spider worked over by Gemballa

McLaren 12C Spider worked over by Gemballa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketgemballagemballa gt spidermclarenmclaren mp4-12c spiderTue, 21 May 2013 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-bmw-m5-and-m6-add-competition-package-bundles-stay-close-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

​2014 BMW M5 and M6 Competition Package models - sitting on race track

The leaked facelift images and the Competition Package rumors were accurate: These are the 2014 BMW M5 and M6 models, with exactly three nips and four tucks distinguishing them from their outgoing counterparts, as well as an expected track-day overhaul package. The standard M5 boasts 560 horsepower from its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8, and the new Competition Package ups that to a preliminary 575 hp, with shifting options remaining the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or the six-speed manual. Unsurprisingly, the M6 family - including the two-door coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe - get this optional treatment as well.

The go-fast packs make a lot more changes around the cars, though. It lowers them by ten millimeters, recalibrates the steering, differential, front bushings, coil springs, dampers and M chassis control system while adding stiffer anti-sway bars and black chrome exhaust tips. All models sit on 20-inch M light alloy wheels and can be specced with carbon ceramic brakes. For the dragsters among you, the result is a 0-62 mph time that drops by 0.1 second in all models but the M6 convertible.

Inside, on all 2014 M5 and M6 models, there's a new look to the steering wheel, a touchpad for the iDrive controller, more storage and more chrome trim. Two more paint colors and two more leather hues have been announced, with more Frozen paint finishes on the way as well. We're told prices will be announced closer to the models' August on-sale date. For now you read what BMW has to say about them in the press release below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise

2014 BMW M5 and M6 add Competition Package bundles, stay close to home otherwise originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw m52014 bmw m62014 bmw m6 convertible2014 bmw m6 gran coupebmwbmw 5 seriesbmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series gran coupebmw m5competition packageMon, 20 May 2013 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/audi-r8-v10-gets-tuned-up-by-abt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ABT-tuned Audi R8 V10 - front three-quarter view, red

Bavarian tuners ABT have done another job on the Audi R8 V10, pumping up the 5.2-liter FSI V10 from 525 horsepower to 600 hp, and torque from 391 pound-feet to 406 lb-ft. With 50 more horsepower than the R8 V10 Plus - but not the extreme weight-loss scheme - ABT claims a 0-62 mile per hour run of 3.5 seconds, the same as the R8 V10 Plus, and a top speed for the mid-engined coupe of 198 miles per hour "is no problem at all."

Managing all that speed are the aero tweaks provided by a comprehensive body kit including a rear wing, a lowered and beefed-up suspension, a stainless steel exhaust and 19-inch wheels in two different designs.

The press release below has a few more bits of info on the matter. And while ABT hasn't put a price on the Audi upgrades, but it's safe to say that nearly 200 mph in an R8 won't come cheap.

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT

Audi R8 V10 gets tuned up by ABT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtabt r8 v10aftermarketaudiaudi r8audi r8 v10Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As of now, the Assurance Connected Care service that Hyundai introduced at the New York Auto Show with the 2014 Equus sedan is complimentary for three years on any vehicle equipped with the company's Blue Link telematic systems. It's the third service package to join the Blue Link suite, after Essentials and Guidance.

Assurance Connected Car provides owners with monthly vehicle reports, maintenance alerts, notification of diagnostic trouble codes and safety features like SOS emergency assistance and automatic collision notification sent to Blue Link agents. The service can also be transferred to new owners within the three-year timeframe. Owners who already have Blue Link can add Assurance Connected Care "at a reduced price," but Hyundai hasn't said what that price is yet.

There's a press release below with more details and four commercials to show you just what you could be missing out on.

Continue reading Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos]

Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assurance connected careblue linkhyundaitelematicsvideoMon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2014 Lexus IS gets TRD bits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/2014-lexus-is-gets-trd-bits/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in Japan has designed cosmetic and performance bits that give the 2014 Lexus IS a front-to-back workover. Different from the F-Sport parts we expect from Lexus here, the full body kit runs 437,700 yen ($4,285 US) and starts with air deflectors at the lower edges of the front bumper, through to side skirts, a decklid spoiler and a rear bumper with a diffuser and quad exhaust tips.

For 288,750 yen ($2,830) you can sharpen responses with new shocks, springs, dampers, sway bar and bracing. The priciest individual component is the set of 19-inch wheels, four of them going for 527,625 yen (5,170 US). There's no word on US importation or pricing yet, but done up all in black like the IS above, we wouldn't mind seeing it here.

2014 Lexus IS gets TRD bits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 lexus isaftermarketlexuslexus istoyota racing developmenttrdMon, 20 May 2013 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-thief-caught-in-mcdonalds-drive-thru-after-placing-order-wi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McDonald's drive-thru

If you're going to drive a stolen car in a town of roughly 77,000 people - about the same size as Scranton, Pennsylvania or Ogden, Utah - you want to be very careful about where you drive that stolen car to eat. That's the lesson Katherine York of Kennewick, Washington learned when she was arrested for being in possession of a stolen Toyota 4Runner that also happened to have a bunch of stolen clothes from JC Penney and Sears in it.

Virginia Maiden woke up Tuesday, May 14 to find her 1995 4Runner - that she thought she forgot to lock - swiped from her apartment building. At 3 PM that afternoon, while working her shift at the drive-thru at McDonald's that day, she saw her truck in line. York hadn't even gone far - the McDonald's is not even five miles from Maiden's apartment. Maiden called the police, they showed up just as York was leaving, and York made another vehicle switch, this time into a black-and-white for a trip to the Benton County jail. They don't have McDonald's there, but she won't have so far to go to eat.

Car thief caught in McDonald's drive-thru after placing order with owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katherine a yorkkennewickstolentoyotatoyota 4runnervirginia maidenwashingtonMon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



BMW itself says it is making "Precise modifications to the design" of the facelifted, sixth-generation 5 Series, and this is the result. The 2014 5 Series will come in four flavors - sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo and ActiveHybrid 5 - the biggest news probably the addition of a diesel engine for the US market.

When they go on sale in August, the 528i sedan will start at $50,425, a $1,700 increase over the 2013 model, and if you want xDrive that adds $2,300 to the price across the model range. The 535d employs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel with 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and starts at $56,025. BMW portends "substantial fuel efficiency gains over its gasoline-fueled counterpart," but the exact numbers won't come until closer to the on-sale date. The $64,825, top-dog 550i holds pat with 4.4-liter, twin turbo V8, with output upped to 445 hp and 480 lb-ft - an increase of 45 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque. The outputs haven't changed on the twin-turbo four-cylinder in the 528 nor the 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine in the 535, and *all prices include the $925 destination charge. The engines are also fitted with a coasting mode that uncouples the powertrain when rolling downhill.

Outside there are new "contour lines" for the grille and air intakes, slimmer taillights and elements that accentuate the car's width - as if that were necessary. Xenon adaptive headlights will be standard along with side indicator lights on the rearview mirrors, the options list adds LED headlights, the Luxury Line and Modern Line packages. The former package adds chrome trim to certain exterior elements, the latter adds matte chrome trim.

Inside will be more storage and more cup holders, additional luggage capacity in the 5 Series GT, an optional rear seat entertainment system that puts tablets on the front seatbacks, and a touchpad iDrive controller.

There's a lot more besides which you can read about in the press release and video below, and you can pair words with images in the four high-res galleries above and below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video]

2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw 5 series5 seriesbmwbmw 5 seriesbmw 5 series gran turismobmw 5 series gtbmw 535dSun, 19 May 2013 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: McLaren already pondering P1 successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/mclaren-already-pondering-p1-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/mclaren-already-pondering-p1-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/mclaren-already-pondering-p1-successor/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now that McLaren is a proper automaker, it's automatic that auto journalists will inquire about future product. That's how we've come to learn that the McLaren P1 will have a successor - but not until a decade from now.

Attempting to answer the question left by the mission statement of the P1, which is that it "will maintain its status as the best super sports car the world has ever seen until a successor is built," Autocar inquired about the supercar's following act. The company's head of sales and marketing explained that not only will it be a "decade or so" before the next flagship arrives, but we can expect a "short product cycle" for the P1 because "you have to step back from the market for a few years." We take that to mean there'll be a gap when no transcendent flagship is on sale, the same way we waited nine years for the Ferrari LaFerrari to succeed the Enzo.

The McLaren F1 didn't fulfill its sales ambitions but did become a legend. The clock has just started on the McLaren P1, but with "30 or so" cars in the order books it should avoid the former fate, and before we get to thinking about a successor, perhaps we can first see how the P1 fares against the competition and its own heritage.

McLaren already pondering P1 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greg levinemclarenmclaren f1mclaren p1Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:00 EST<![CDATA[ETC: Lego Caterham Seven does Chapman proud [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/lego-caterham-seven-does-chapman-proud-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/lego-caterham-seven-does-chapman-proud-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/lego-caterham-seven-does-chapman-proud-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A chap who calls himself "Sheepo" has a habit of making custom creations out of Lego bits. These aren't kits, these are the expressions of his own automotive imagination using traditional Lego and Lego Technic parts. His year so far seems mostly devoted to suspension builds and a Land Rover Defender, but his latest work is a Caterham Seven.

Sheepo keeps his builds close to their inspirations, this Seven constructed with working steering, double-wishbone front suspension and Ackerman geometry in front, a three-link De Dion rear suspension in back and disc brakes. A bit of liberty has gone into the gearbox, which is a five-speed sequential unit plus reverse.

At one-seventh scale it is 45 centimeters long, has 2,500 parts and five motors. It is also a Chapman-approved lightweight at just 2.2 kilograms. Check it out in the video below and the high-res gallery of images above.

Continue reading Lego Caterham Seven does Chapman proud [w/video]

Lego Caterham Seven does Chapman proud [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7legolego carlego technicsheepotoysSat, 18 May 2013 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Teased: Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We knew Aston Martin was taking three cars to the Nürbrurgring 24-Hour race this weekend, they being a V12 Vantage GT3 car, the Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen concept and a V12 Vantage N24 that is close to road-legal. We've just discovered that the automaker is bringing a fourth, a concept to be revealed on Sunday, May 19 that we know nothing about save that it will celebrate the company's centennary.

Based on the image above it looks like it will be a modern take on the Aston Martin racer from the late fifties that contested the World Sportscar Championship and won Le Mans, but we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. There's a short video below, and a press release on its other 'Ring efforts this weekend, to tease you until then.

Continue reading Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]

Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin rapideAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogenaston martin v12 vantageconcept carNurburgringnurburgring 24videoyoutubeSat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mercedes-Benz isn't a brand afraid to put on a show for any old reason at all - like, just because it's Tuesday - but the premiere of the 2014 S-Class, even by the standards we're used to, was Broadway-theater intense. Held at a purpose-built venue inside a hanger at the Airbus factory in Hamburg, the hours-long extravaganza was hosted by two German newscasters and guest-starred Alicia Keyes, an A380, fireworks, every model in the lineup in a choreographed driving routine while The Stig did donuts in an SLS AMG in the rain, and at the very end, burlesque. That's how much the S-Class means to this brand.

What's it going to mean to the razor's edge of the mass-market large luxury sedan market? The exterior, that's ripe for debate. But the interior - well, it just hung a sign on the segment that read, "Achtung! This, meine Damen und Herren, is how it's done."

Continue reading Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos]

Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes s-classmercedesmercedes s-classmercedes s-klassevideoFri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Rolls-Royce, the "power solutions" company that makes jet engines and much more (not the luxury motorcar company) has signed on to support the Bloodhound SSC Land Speed Record attempt project. This isn't just a financial tie-up and exchange of engines and tech, though, Rolls-Royce is just as interested as the Bloodhound gang in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to children in the UK and around the world.

It will be providing its EJ200 jet engine that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet with 20,000 pounds of thrust. In the Bloodhound, the engine will be the first stage in the hybrid rocket system that they hope will get the SSC to 1,000 miles per hour. Coincidentally, although Rolls-Royce hasn't been officially involved with Bloodhound before, its engines have been used to break records in the Bloodhound predecessors Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC.

There's a press release below with more details and a video that animates how the hybrid rocket inside the blue streak works.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]

Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerospacebloodhoundbloodhound sscland speed recordlsrrolls roycerolls-royceFri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Last October, Chris Harris got a shotgun ride in the Porsche 918 Spyder. Seven months on, the automaker is quite a bit further on the development on the hybrid supercar, and Porsche invited him to the Leipzig circuit for a test drive.

Harris starts off going through some of the technical bits on the car, including the galvanized carbon fiber instrument panel and forged carbon fiber attachment points, and before he gets in, he's a little unsure of the car. The hybrid aspect is of particular concern, Harris almost wishing that instead of a 3,608-pound coupe with a combined 887 horsepower, that Porsche would ditch the heavy batteries and make a 2,420-pound coupe with the combustion engine's 608 horsepower.

Then he drives it, and all of a sudden, "It doesn't feel like I'm driving a hybrid sports car." You can watch him come around in the video below.

Continue reading Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder

Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris harrisporsche 918 spydervideoyoutubeThu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Take the Race of Champions, keep its wide-ranging motorsports disciplines but replace national teams with duos called Red Outrageous, Yellow Powerful, Blue High Tech and Green Superfast. Give them rides from a toy store shelf and the cockiness of Top Gun, put them on courses from Mad Max and mix in a vibe and radio chatter from the attack on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, and what do you have? The Hot Wheels short film World's Best Driver.

The maker of little diecast cars got some big cars together - some you've seen before, some are from other planets - as well as some wild drivers and moto-crossers, and put them to the test at a 'secret' location called the Hot Wheels Test Facility, where things get quite a bit wilder than they do at the Nürburgring.

We have no idea why this movie exists, and we don't care - it's 22 minutes of camped-out fun and you'll find it below.

Continue reading Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver

Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron rossbryce hudsoncasey curriediecastgeoff aaronhot wheelshot wheels worlds best driverluke johnsonronnie rennervideoworlds best driverThu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-liter V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-liter four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-liter engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and a winner crowned in the video below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike

Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutubeThu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2013-dodge-dart-gets-brace-of-new-special-edition-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



After almost a year on the market it, it is becoming more clear to Dodge how customers like to option out their Darts, so the automaker has combined popular features into three special edition packages and sweetened the prices. Start with a standard 2013 Dart and add either the SXT or Limited "Special Editions" or Rallye Appearance Group, and you'll save yourself a lot of box checking.

The $595 Dart SXT Special Edition takes the trim just above the base model and adds a new grille, dark-tinted headlights and projector fog lights, LED racetrack taillights, cruise control and audio controls on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited Special Edition starts with the top-end model and adds a power sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather seats among other features, for $1,810.

The Rallye Appearance Group (pictured) is a package for the SXT, and it blacks out the front fascia, throws on 17-inch wheels and some badging for $395. The new special editions are reaching dealers now and could help the Dart's sales to further improve after a slow start. You can find out more about them in the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models

2013 Dodge Dart gets brace of new special edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dartdodgedodge dartdodge dart limiteddodge dart rallyedodge dart sxtThu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Peugeot Climb Dance Pikes Peak film - remastered screencap

Climb Dance, the rally-porn film celebrating the Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories of Ari Vatanen in 1988 and Robby Unser in 1989 - and including footage from both drives - has been remastered in high definition. It was commissioned by Peugeot, maker of the four-wheel steering 415 T16 Grand Raid, the racecar that took both drivers to the top to overall victories.

Peugeot will be hoping that Sébastien Loeb can dance the same way next month when he runs up the now-paved mountain in his 208. You'll find the breathtaking remastered Climb Dance below, as well as tribute the Motor Trend made with Marcus Gronholm in a Ford Fiesta back in 2009. Enjoy.

Continue reading Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory

Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ari vatanenclimb danceford fiestapeugeotpeugeot 405 t16pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrobby unservideoThu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Volvo teases mysterious new small crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/volvo-teases-mysterious-new-small-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/volvo-teases-mysterious-new-small-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/volvo-teases-mysterious-new-small-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo crossover teaser - video screencap

The image you see above is just about all we know of the new Volvo crossover that will be revealed at 8:30 pm Central European Time on May 17 (2:30 pm Eastern Standard Time). Volvo released three very short video teasers, all with the tagline "Leave The World Behind," all of which feature a member of the now-defunct band Swedish House Mafia - Axwell sits in a boat in the first, Sebastian Ingrosso walks toward cabin in the second and Steve Angello stares at the sea in a third.

A microsite, www.leavetheworldbehind.com, accompanies the teasers and it's been said that a short film by Lune will feature the band - Swedish Mafia had a hit in 2009 with the song Leave the World Behind. As for the vehicle, theories are that it could be something between the V40 Cross Country and XC60, the new XC90 or something else entirely. We don't have long to wait, and you can watch both teasers below.

Continue reading Volvo teases mysterious new small crossover

Volvo teases mysterious new small crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leave the world behindswedish house mafiateaservideovolvovolvo crossovervolvo cuvThu, 16 May 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Coulthard and Vettel drive Infiniti M sedans on the site of Russia's future grand prix circuit

The next Winter Olympics will happen in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23, 2014. Sometime after that, barring any delays, a portion of the Sochi Olympic Park will be turned into the Sochi Olympic Park Circuit, a 3.65-mile track for the first Russian Grand Prix in 100 years (the last of two Formula One grands prix were held in St. Petersburg).

As we've come to expect from the Infiniti Red Bull team, it recently sent Sebastian Vettel and brand ambassador David Coulthard to the unfinished venue to run the route in Infiniti M sedans and offer some impressions. With average cornering speeds above 62 miles an hour, Coulthard called it a fast street circuit in the Monaco vein. You can watch them try it out - yes, that's Vettel gone airborne above - and avoid a "White Van Man" in the video below.

Continue reading Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit

Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coulthardf1formula 1formula oneinfinitiinfiniti mrussian grand prixsebastian vettelsochisochi olympic park circuitvettelvideoThu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST