Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/video-bbc-interviews-schumacher-about-his-return-to-mercedes-be/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Michael Schumacher talks about his return to F1 racing - Click above to watch the video

Let the rumors rest -- Michael Schumacher is back. As we reported earlier this morning, it appeared he was all set to sign with Mercedes-Benz, and now the deal is done. The newly named Mercedes GP Petronas team (nee Brawn GP) finally announced that they have signed the soon-to-be-41-year-old, seven-time World Champion to drive for the Silver Arrows team in 2010, and the BBC has already tracked him down for an extensive interview. Although most closely associated with Ferrari for returning that legendary marque to the winners circle following a decades-old drought, Schumacher does have a history with Mercedes having started his top level driving career via their junior program back in 1990 competing in Group C and DTM racing.

Besides being reunited with Ross Brawn - the man who brought him every one of his seven championships - Michael brings just a bit more experience to the Mercedes F1 team with his 248 starts, 91 wins, 154 podiums, and 68 pole positions. And even after a three-year layoff, the consensus seems to be that he hasn't missed a step. As you may remember, Michael almost made his comeback for Ferrari last year following Felipe Massa's unfortunate accident in Hungary, but he was sidelined due to neck problems related to a motorcycle racing crash. Schui has been tuning up with some karting action, most recently in Las Vegas, where he was competing against some of the best racers in the world, including fellow F1 pilots Nelson Piquet, Jr. and Sebastien Buemi.

MS will be joining fellow German Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, making the team an all-German affair. The F1 driving contract is said to be worth nearly $9.9 million to Schumi for 2010. Michael, for his part, says he has high hopes for returning to the podium right away and in fact plans to grab another championship trophy next year. Why else would he bother, right? It should be a fascinating season. Click through to the jump to watch the BBC interview Schumacher talking about his decision to return to racing and read the official statement from Mercedes GP.

[Sources: YouTube via BBC Sport, Brawn GP]

Continue reading VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1

VIDEO: BBC interviews Schumacher about his return to Mercedes-Benz F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCbenzBrawn GPBrawnGpF1F1 world championshipF1WorldChampionshipFerrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemercedesMercedes GPmercedes-benzMercedesGpMichael SchumacherMichaelSchumacherNico RosbergNicoRosbergRoss BrawnRossBrawnSchuischumachersilver arrowsSilverArrowsWorld ChampionWorldChampion Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jay Leno getting a ride in the McLaren MP4-12C prototype - Click above to view the video after the jump

A month ago, Jay Leno got a glimpse behind the scenes at McLaren, where the late-night talk show host and car nut got a tour of the facility and had a chance to sit in an early version of the company's newest roadcar in the studio. While Jay was on the other side of the pond he even stopped in at Top Gear to do a lap in the Lacetti. Well, apparently he ran a couple of laps in another car while he was at the Top Gear Test Track too. One camo-covered McLaren MP4-12C prototype.

After the jump you can view a video of Leno ride along in the new McLaren supercar, wax poetic about the 12C's power, its handling and its totally bespoke construction. Jay even wrote up an article for The Times recalling his experience. Read here and watch here.


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

mp4_12c_011_2mp4_12c_010_2mp4_12c_012_2mp4_12c_014_2mp4_12c_015_2

[Source: Times Online]

Continue reading VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baby McLarenBabyMclarenjay lenoJayLenolenomclarenMcLaren MP4-12CMclarenMp4-12cMP4-12Ctop gearTopGear Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST <![CDATA[Not digging <i>Top Gear</i> this season? Read this.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/not-digging-i-top-gear-i-this-season-read-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/not-digging-i-top-gear-i-this-season-read-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/not-digging-i-top-gear-i-this-season-read-this/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Season 14 of Top Gear is nearly finished, and some fans are singing "The Thrill is Gone" where before the tune had been "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." The creators have heard the complaints and producer Andy Wilman doesn't disagree that something is different this time around.

While Wilman's not in league with Internet whiners lamenting about how the show feels overly scripted, he does acknowledge the complaints while stating unequivocally "it doesn't necessarily mean we're going to do anything about them." The overly-scripted feel isn't on-purpose, says Wilman, and while he does acknowledge that things have changed, there have been flashes of the simple formula that's gotten TG to its current stature of greatness. The refusal to submit to any Internet pressure isn't arrogance, says Wilman, "we're not wedding DJs taking requests."

If you don't like everything, Wilman posits, then the creators of what many call the best car show ever haven't stopped trying. It may not all work all the time, but they're not going to give up trying things, right up to the end. When does it end? It's been rumored that this is the final season. Of course, it was rumored that Season 13 was the end, too. "This incarnation of Top Gear is nearer the end than the beginning," says the producer, but clearly the team isn't ready to hang it up just yet.

[Source: TopGear.com]

Not digging Top Gear this season? Read this. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> and wilmanAndWilmanandy wilman top gearandy wilman top gear hondaAndyWilmanTopGearAndyWilmanTopGearHondatop geartop gear andy wilmantop gear blogTop Gear Season 14TopGearTopGearAndyWilmanTopGearBlogTopGearSeason14 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/justin-timberlake-named-new-audi-brand-ambassador/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/justin-timberlake-named-new-audi-brand-ambassador/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/justin-timberlake-named-new-audi-brand-ambassador/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



All we really want to do at this moment in time is make a never-ending series of N'Sync jokes. But we don't know any. So instead, let's talk about how Audi has just picked Justin Timberlake to be their new spokesman. What's JT doing specifically? Seems as if the four interlocking rings folks are gearing up to do some sort of "extraordinary Internet campaign" for the A1 and "That's where Timberlake will play a leading role."

Just yesterday, we published a report that the new Audi A1 will possibly not be coming to the U.S. Obviously, a star of Timberlake's caliber will be able to effectively move metal outside of our shores. But we have to wonder if Audi's naming Timberlake its brand ambassador doesn't kick a little sand into the eye of the A1-is-not-for-here theory. After the all, the guy started his music career on Star Search and later as a Mouseketeer. It seems fairly apparent that Audi would make a move like this if us American types are in fact getting their small premium city car. Then again, we're not really up on our star watching and our Significant Others tell us that JT is an international phenom. In any case, at this moment in time, we just don't know what to think. Press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A1 Graffiti Teasers


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador"

Justin Timberlake named new Audi "brand ambassador" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Audi A12010AudiA12011 Audi A12011AudiA1A1AudiAudi A1AudiA1brand spokesmanbrand spokespersonBrandSpokesmanBrandSpokespersonJTJustin TimberlakeJustin Timberlake AudiJustinTimberlakeJustinTimberlakeAudiNSyncspokesmansponsorshipTimberlake Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> crew responds to gay audience kerfuffle by bringing on the Village People. Sort of.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/top-gear-crew-responds-to-gay-audience-kerfuffle-by-bring/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/top-gear-crew-responds-to-gay-audience-kerfuffle-by-bring/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/top-gear-crew-responds-to-gay-audience-kerfuffle-by-bring/#comments Filed under: , ,



What to Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May all have in common with the Village People? Well, nothing really, except for the fact that all of them were present and accounted for at last Sunday's taping of Top Gear in Britain. Sort of... actually, it was four men that the BBC crew hired to dress up like the stereotypically gay musical group of "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man" fame.

So, the next logical question: Why? To prove that Top Gear isn't homophobic, obviously. Just last week, word hit the Interwebs that a gay couple had been denied tickets to the super-popular British show due to a rule that TG's cast be made up equally of men and women. The BBC claims it doesn't deny gay people from its audience as long as the 50/50 rule is adhered to.

Never one to back down from controversy, Jeremy Clarkson reportedly said during the taping, "The truth is, we welcome homosexual couples. We particularly like the lesbian sort... I saw a film about lesbians on the Internet once. It looked very interesting." This is sure to smooth over any tensions between the gay community and Top Gear, dontcha think?

[Source: Mirror.co.uk]

Top Gear crew responds to gay audience kerfuffle by bringing on the Village People. Sort of. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCgayGLBTGLBTGjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonrichard hammondRichardHammondthe village peopleTheVillagePeopletop geartop gear audienceTopGearTopGearAudiencevillage peopleVillagePeople Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST <![CDATA[Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/officially-official-danica-patrick-joining-nascar-nationwide-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/officially-official-danica-patrick-joining-nascar-nationwide-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/officially-official-danica-patrick-joining-nascar-nationwide-se/#comments Filed under: , ,


Danica Patrick No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The "Will she, won't she" debate is over - Danica Patrick is headed for closed-wheel racing in 2010. Patrick will race a partial schedule in next year's National Nationwide series in the No. 7 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, and she will also participate in one ARCA race. As a driver on the No. 7 team, she will be signed through 2011 to the JR Motorsports team that's owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Rick Hendrick, Kelley Earnhardt and Tony Eury, Jr. through 2011.

This bit of news is not to say that Danica is eschewing her open-wheel career - she will also continue to race her similarly day-glo green Andretti Autosport IndyCar, also in full GoDaddy.com regalia. The NASCAR events that she will race in will be interlaced with her IndyCar schedule, before, during, and after the open-wheel season.

Danica's first stock car race will be a February 6 ARCA race in Daytona, the day before the Super Bowl. As usual, her primary sponsors will feature Patrick in a slate of new commercials during the big NFL game, and we're willing to bet that they'll have a bit of NASCAR flavor. High-res gallery of her new ride below, official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Danica Patrick NASCAR


[Source: GoDaddy.com]

Continue reading Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010

Officially Official: Danica Patrick joining NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ARCADanicaDanica PatrickDanicaPatrickEarnhardtfemale racerFemaleRacerGo DaddyGoDaddyGodaddy.comhendrickhendrick motorsportsHendrickMotorsportsIndy carIndyCarNASCARnationwideNationwide seriesNationwideSeriesstock carstock car racingstock carsStockCarStockCarRacingStockCarsSuper BowlSuper bowl commercialsSuperBowlSuperBowlCommercials Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Tiger Woods' Escalade owned by GM, will be fixed and eventually sold]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/tiger-woods-escalade-owned-by-gm-will-be-fixed-and-eventually/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/tiger-woods-escalade-owned-by-gm-will-be-fixed-and-eventually/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/tiger-woods-escalade-owned-by-gm-will-be-fixed-and-eventually/#comments Filed under: , ,

Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade, post crash - Click above for high-res image gallery

The world's most infamous 2009 Cadillac Escalade, the one Tiger Woods drove into a hydrant and then a tree early in the morning of November 27, is heading to the body shop for repairs. Interestingly enough, the Escalade isn't owned by Tiger Woods - it's part of GM's promotional fleet. After the golfer's deal with Buick ended last year, Tiger made a deal with the automaker to keep a few cars for his personal use. His choices included a Buick Enclave and Cadillac Escalade... the black SUV that is now sporting a mangled front end and missing a couple rear windows.

As it's a promotional/marketing vehicle, the SUV goes back to GM for the automaker to decide its fate. Depending on the severity of the repairs, it may head back into the loaner fleet... or it may be replaced by a new vehicle. If it is replaced, the now-repaired Escalade will be pulled from rotation and sent to auction where it goes to the highest bidder. Of course, we can only imagine what the Cadillac would bring on eBay in its current shattered state.


Gallery: Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade


[Source: Drive On, Photos: Florida Highway Patrol]

Tiger Woods' Escalade owned by GM, will be fixed and eventually sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Body ShopBodyShopcadillacCadillac Escaladecadillac escalade hybridCadillac Escalade Platinumcadillac escalade sportCadillacEscaladeCadillacEscaladeHybridCadillacEscaladePlatinumCadillacEscaladeSportCrashescaladeFloridaGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMPress fleetPressFleetPromotionalRepairtigerTiger EscaladeTiger Woodstiger woods cadillactiger woods escaladeTigerEscaladeTigerWoodsTigerWoodsCadillacTigerWoodsEscaladewoods Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/video-jay-leno-gets-behind-the-wheel-of-the-mercedes-benz-sls-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/video-jay-leno-gets-behind-the-wheel-of-the-mercedes-benz-sls-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/video-jay-leno-gets-behind-the-wheel-of-the-mercedes-benz-sls-a/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Jay Leno drives the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - click above to watch the video

Like Jay Leno, many of us Autobloggers are oil-in-the-blood car freaks living in Los Angeles, California. Only thing is, we can't seem to recall Mercedes-Benz dropping off their new gullwinged supercar - the SLS AMG - at our garage. Of course, Leno is an international superstar that knows most presidents on a first name basis and we wear sweatpants most of the time. Oh, and we don't even have a garage, let alone two Miuras and an Espada, among dozens of other pieces of drooly metal.

And sure, we've driven the 2011 SLS AMG. In California, no less. Liked it quite a bit, too. Still, we think you'll get a kick out of the video. Why? Well, it's good to see the SLS in motion, even though from certain angles at least one of us (*ahem*) thinks it resembles a third generation Mazda RX7. We also like how Jay reviews cars, as if he's talking to his buddies during a long lunch. Which is probably pretty close to what's actually happening. We also like how he just keeps hammering and hammering the press car - something we can (*double ahem*) relate to.

Then, of course, while admitting that a dual-clutch transmission can shift faster than any human, he still states that he'd prefer three pedals. Seriously, our kind of guy. And really, if you think about it, Jay Leno is little more than every gearhead's fantasy writ large after hitting the lotto (vis-à-vis, cars at any rate). For instance, he starts this video standing next to his 1955 300 SL Gullwing. Meaning that we're so jealous, we can't stop smiling. Hit the jump to watch Jay at play in the streets of Burbank.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 mercedes2010Mercedes2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG2011 SLS2011 SLS AMG2011Mercedes-benzSlsAmg2011Sls2011SlsAmg300 SL300 SL Gullwing300Sl300SlGullwingAMGbenzgullwingJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLenoMercedesmercedes benzMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz SLSMercedes-benz SLS AMGMercedes-benzSlsMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzSLSSLS AMGSlsAmg Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: TN Senator Corker's daughter carjacked, suspects apprehended via OnStar]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/video-tn-senator-corkers-daughter-carjacked-suspects-apprehen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/video-tn-senator-corkers-daughter-carjacked-suspects-apprehen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/video-tn-senator-corkers-daughter-carjacked-suspects-apprehen/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Senator Corker praises OnStar -- Click above to watch the video

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker had this opinion of OnStar a month ago: "Each month I get the bill for OnStar and [I think], 'I don't want to pay this again.'" Then his daughter Julia was carjacked in Washington D.C. last week driving his Chevrolet Tahoe, and having been yanked out of the car by her throat, she was left lying in the street.

Thankfully, Corker's daughter was all right, and she was able to call her father who was nearby. She also remembered that the vehicle as equipped with General Motors' OnStar system, and within an hour, the service had notified the D.C. police that the Tahoe was parked at a Taco Bell seven miles away in Maryland. Corker said that the carjacking happened about 9:15 pm, and by midnight the suspects had been identified and he was headed back home with his daughter.

His opinion of OnStar now: "this is an incredible service." Follow through to the jump to hear about the ordeal in Corker's words (the OnStar talk begins at about 2:15), or check out CNN for the nitty gritty details. And for proof of the extent of Southern politesse, Corker begins the tale with "A gentleman appeared, opened the door, grabbed her by the neck... and he threw her on the pavement and drove away." A "gentleman?" Hat tip to Berto!

[Sources: Politico; CNN]

Continue reading VIDEO: TN Senator Corker's daughter carjacked, suspects apprehended via OnStar

VIDEO: TN Senator Corker's daughter carjacked, suspects apprehended via OnStar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob corkerBobCorkercarjackcarjackingcorkeretcgovernmentonstarsenator bob corkersenator corkerSenatorBobCorkerSenatorCorkervideo Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: BBC says <i>Top Gear</i> doesn't ban gay couples from show audience]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/#comments Filed under: , ,



Is the BBC discriminating against gay couples? As is often the case, that depends on whom you ask. How so? It seems that Top Gear, the Beeb's ridiculously popular car show, has created a rule stipulating that its audience be made up of 50 percent males and 50 percent females, and at least one gay couple was allegedly denied tickets "unless [they] took a couple of female friends."

A BBC spokesperson has responded to the kerfuffle saying, "We do not - absolutely do not - discriminate against same sex couples... the whole implication that Top Gear is in any way homophobic is completely wrong." Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall, doesn't quite seem to agree: "It's very odd, but what do you expect from pigs that grunt? Regrettably, with Jeremy Clarkson involved, it's not surprising. The show itself is full of stereotyping of both men and women - but it's funded by gay and lesbian license fee cash as well as everyone else's."

The BBC adds that it doesn't even handle the actual ticketing for the show. A company called Applause Store issues the tickets in quantities of two. Says the spokesperson, "We don't ask people to apply as a couple, we ask them to apply as people."

[Source: AOL TV UK]
Note: AOL owns both AOL TV and Autoblog, but the two share no editorial affiliation.

REPORT: BBC says Top Gear doesn't ban gay couples from show audience originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Applause StoreApplauseStorebbcbbc discriminationBbcDiscriminationdiscriminationgaygay discriminationGayDiscriminationGLBTGLBTGJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRichard HammondRichardHammondsexual discriminationsexual orientationSexualDiscriminationSexualOrientationtop geartop gear discriminationTopGearTopGearDiscrimination Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST <![CDATA[Paper: Guy Ritchie wrecks four reasonably-priced cars on <i>Top Gear</i>]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/paper-guy-ritchie-wrecks-four-reasonably-priced-cars-on-top/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/paper-guy-ritchie-wrecks-four-reasonably-priced-cars-on-top/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/paper-guy-ritchie-wrecks-four-reasonably-priced-cars-on-top/#comments Filed under: , ,

Guy Ritchie - Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty ImagesWhen fans tune in to watch (or torrent) tomorrow night's episode of Top Gear, they'll get to see Snatch director Guy Ritchie regale Jezza, Hamster, and Captain Slow with tales of his stint as the program's Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car.

According to London's Daily Mirror, which spoke to a source who attended the taping, it seems Ritchie wound up doing his best H.B. Halicki impression, killing four of the reasonably-priced crapboxes in his effort to set the fastest celebrity lap. Sloppy track conditions were to blame, says Madonna's ex, according to the Mirror's snitch.

Whether he actually succeeded in his mission to land atop the leaderboard will be revealed during Sunday's broadcast, which, according to the tabloid, also sees the boys race airport equipment and bombard a ferry using hatchbacks as munitions. That, friends, sounds like some quality television.

[Source: Mirror.co.uk | Image: Dave Hogan/Getty]

Paper: Guy Ritchie wrecks four reasonably-priced cars on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> guy ritchieGuyRitchiestar in a reasonably priced carStarInAReasonablyPricedCartop gearTopGear Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Vikings RB Adrian Peterson flagged for going 109 mph]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/vikings-rb-adrian-peterson-flagged-for-going-109-mph/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/vikings-rb-adrian-peterson-flagged-for-going-109-mph/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/vikings-rb-adrian-peterson-flagged-for-going-109-mph/#comments Filed under:

Minnesota Vikings All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson - or "Purple Jesus" as he's known to Vikings fans - is one of the fastest men in the NFL. Turns out, he's also one of the fastest men on a certain suburban Minnesota freeway, where police clocked him and his (model unknown) BMW going 109 mph in a 55 mph zone. Oops!

For his part, Peterson claims it was just, "A little ticket" and that he was not going as fast as the cops said he was. However, Minneapolis police spokeswoman Molly Anderson said that Peterson was indeed pulled over after police recorded him going 109 mph. Anderson states that Peterson was given a citation and allowed to drive away after what she described as a "routine traffic stop." Must be nice being the savior for an entire state. Go Pack, go!

[Source: Associated Press | Image: Hannah Foslien/AP Photo]

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson flagged for going 109 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Adrian PetersonAdrianPetersonBMWMinnesotaMinnesota VikingsMinnesotaVikingsPolicePurple JesusPurpleJesusSpeedingVikings Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:44:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jay Leno and the Allard J2X MkII - click above to watch the video

It's not like we need another reason to be sickeningly jealous of Jay Leno, but along comes this video. In it Jay drives perhaps our favorite car from the 2009 LA Auto Show, the hugely lovely and impressive Allard J2X MkII. Only unlike the 500-ish horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi powered J2X MkII we got to look at, Jay blasts around the streets of Burbank, CA in a 600-hp 6.1-liter Hemi version. Grrr. Still, the Allard is such a desirable beast - and to see it in motion such a treat - that we'll tuck our Jay-based jealously back into its hole. This time... Watch the video, after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> AllardAllard J2XAllard J2X MkIIAllardJ2xAllardJ2xMkiiHemiJayJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLeno Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-chrysler-ad-gets-political-advocates-for-release-of-myan/#comments Filed under: , ,

Chrysler 300 in political spot - click above to watch the video

This is... different. To summarize, a new commercial by Chrysler is agitating for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's (a.k.a. Burma's) pro-democracy leader and lightning rod who has been under one form of house arrest or another for twenty years. The thirty-second spot was originally created to be part of sister-brand Lancia's sponsorship of the 10th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates. Says Oliver Francis, the new President and CEO of Chrysler and Managing Director of Lancia:
"We produced the TV film in honor of all those who put their lives at stake in the hopes of making the world a better place. In particular, those men and women who are still prisoners, like Aung San Suu Kyi. For Chrysler, this is a chance to use our brand image to join with others in the fight for peace and to knock down the walls that divide us. We at Chrysler believe in doing the right thing and making a difference."
The spot opens with a Chrysler 300 driving next to the some still-standing sections of the Berlin Wall. It then passes by a mural of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. We then see three Nobel Laureates getting out of the back of 300s: Muhammed Yunus, founder of the micro-lending Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Polish union leader and president Lech Walesa and former leader of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev.

As to whether or not a car company should be advocating in favor of peace and democracy, all we'll say is we're glad Chrysler is not fighting against 'em. Be sure to check out the video and press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

VIDEO: Chrysler ad gets political, advocates for release of Myanmar Nobel Peace Prize Laureate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Chrysler 3002010 Chrysler 300C2010Chrysler3002010Chrysler300c300300CAung San Suu KyiAungSanSuuKyiChryslerChrysler 300chrysler adChrysler300ChryslerAdGrameen BankGrameenBankLanciaLech WalesaLechWalesaMikhail GorbechevMikhailGorbechevMuhammed YunusMuhammedYunusnobel laureatenobel prizeNobelLaureateNobelPrizeOliver FrancisOliverFrancis Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Jag2011 Jaguar2011 jaguar xj2011 XJ2011Jag2011Jaguar2011JaguarXj2011Xjblueprint 3Blueprint3HovajagJaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjjay zjay z jaguarjay z jaguar xjjay-zjay-z jaguarJay-zJaguarJayZJayZJaguarJayZJaguarXjJiggalala 2009la auto showla showLa2009la2009showLaAutoShowLaShowlashow2009music videoMusicVideoOn to the Next OneOnToTheNextOneThe Blueprint 3TheBlueprint3 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Fifth Gear</i>: Hope yet for Britain's other car show?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/i-fifth-gear-i-hope-yet-for-britains-other-car-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/i-fifth-gear-i-hope-yet-for-britains-other-car-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/i-fifth-gear-i-hope-yet-for-britains-other-car-show/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Our heart goes out to the crew at Fifth Gear. It really does. Because it's got to be tough living in the shadow of the BBC show that spawned it. We're talking about Top Gear, of course, and by any other yardstick, Fifth Gear is a fantastic car show. But its popularity has never approached what Clarkson and company enjoy, which has reportedly led to UK's Channel 5 decision to cancel the show. Which is really a shame.

All hope may not be lost, however, as reports indicate that Channel 5's decision isn't final just yet. But if it is, the show's lead host Tiff Needell has hinted that it could very well get picked up by another network altogether. Alternatively, Needell could get a show of his own. If he does, we hope he takes some of his co-hosts with him. Because short of Jezza, Hampster, Captain Slow and the Stig, Fifth Gear's ensemble is one of the best - on the airwaves or off. Thanks for the tip, Paul T!

[Source: Tiff Needell on Twitter via iCars Singapore]

Fifth Gear: Hope yet for Britain's other car show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 5th gear5thGearchannel 5channel fiveChannel5ChannelFivefifth gearFifthGeartiff needellTiffNeedellTop GearTopGear Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:00 EST <![CDATA[Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Coys of Kensington will be hosting a True Greats auction on December 1, and among the items for sale will be an MG service manual (Lot 1), a Corvette poster (Lot 61), and some pre-WWII driving gauntlets (Lot 81). Oh, and there'll also be the matter of Lot 142, a number plate reading "D1ANA" expected to pull down £100,000. That's $164,174 to us here in the American system.

That's no small beer, certainly, yet while it might appear to be impressive, other less obviously impressive number plates have recently been fetching ridiculous amounts: aside from the UK tuner who bought the "F 1" plate for $870,000, earlier this year a gent - also in the UK - bought "1 D" for $513,000. And it's not just our British pals in that game: "D1ANA" is far less fetching than the number "6," which was bought by a Delaware man for $675,000. So there.

The preliminary viewing was today, but it's not too late to get in on the auction. Follow the jump for the press release, and get your pounds and pence ready.

[Source: Coys]

Continue reading Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction

Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> englandeuropelicense platelicense plate auctionLicensePlateLicensePlateAuctionnumber plateNumberPlateprincess dianaPrincessDianauk Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-audi-a8-unveiled-in-miami/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami


Gallery: 2011 Audi A8


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 A82011 Audi A82011A82011AudiA8a8audiAudi A8Audi sedanAudiA8AudiSedanDesign MiamiDesign WeekDesignMiamiDesignWeekFeaturedLucy LiuLucyLiu Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/top-gear-builds-hammerhead-eagle-i-thrust-an-er-ev-to-answer-th/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Click above to watch videos after the jump

Many electric vehicle fans out there are constantly complaining about how long it's taking automakers to bring plug-in vehicles to market. We've had commenters on this site claim that automakers should be able to bring EVs to the street in six months. Apparently even six months is too long for the crew at Top Gear.

For those unfamiliar with the format of the show, most episodes involve the producers giving a challenge of some sort to hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. The most recent episode, aired this week on the BBC in the UK, included just such a challenge. The boys were tasked to build their own answer to the extended-range EV Chevrolet Volt.

In a mere 18 hours they transformed a TVR Chimaera (interesting choice since a chimaera is a mythological creature composed of parts of a number of animals) into the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust pictured above. Once the i-Thrust was completed, it was turned over to Autocar magazine for an independent road test. As you might guess based on the photo, the results were not surprising and are a testament to perhaps taking all the time you need when developing a car. You can grab a copy of AutoCar's full road test as a PDF or just watch the entire Top Gear segment and video of the Autocar road test after the jump.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt

Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> er-evextended range electric vehicleextended range EVextended range vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleExtendedRangeEvExtendedRangeVehicleHammerhead Eagle i-ThrustHammerheadEagleI-thrusttop gearTopGear Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST <![CDATA[Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/#comments Filed under: ,

Top Gear in Romania - click above to watch video

Another day, another country that hates Jeremy Clarkson's guts. Or at least, another country that is seeking an apology from the Top Gear host for his no doubt rude, but no doubter funny comments about said country. In this case, it's the former Iron Curtain nation of Romania. Seems that during the series' season 14 opener, Jezza had some less than flattering observations about the country that shot former "Conductor" Nicolae Ceauşescu and his wife before they could even be tied up and blindfolded.

Clarkson's offending remarks? He referred to Romania as "Borat country." He also donned the silly-looking pork pie hat above and stated, "I'm wearing this hat so the gypsies think I am one. I'm told they can be violent if they don't like the look of you." He also called Romanian water "Communist water" and mentioned that Romanians like to express their sense of humor with guns. Pretty innocuous stuff if you ask us. Especially compared to cracks Clarkson's made about other non-British places. Like Germany, America and Malaysia. Regardless, the Romanian government is apparently expecting an apology. We think they'd have a better chance at satisfaction by issuing a Whamber Alert. In any case, you can see the offending footage in its entirety by clicking through to the jump.

[Sources: Telegraph; YouTube]

Continue reading Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]

Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCBoratClarksonCommunismJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRIchard HammondRichardHammondRomaniaTop GearTopGear Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST