Autoblog Concept Cars http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Concept Cars http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png 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/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept - front three-quarter view

Aston Martin CC100 Concept interior viewGenerally speaking, today's Aston Martin is known more for its beauty and power than for its minimalism or lightness. But that could change if it decides to produce a version of this CC100 Speedster concept, designed to celebrate the company's centenary. The V12-powered roadster is being unveiled at the Nordschliefe today ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where it is expected to lap the circuit with Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez at the wheel. The rakish concept is a nice surprise, and will be run around the circuit along with a 1959 DBR1 with racing royalty Sir Stirling Moss in the driver's seat. No surprise, then, that designers had the company's Nürburgring- and Le Mans-winning '59 racecars in mind when they conceived of this car.

Aston says that the two-seat CC100 Speedster came together in under six months time, carbon fiber bodywork and all. Powered by the British automaker's well-known naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 and six-speed sequential manual paddleshift gearbox, the company estimates 0-60 in four seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Aston claims the butterfly-doored CC100 affords onlookers with "teasing glimpses of potential future design direction," suggesting a pugnacious new face is in store for the company.

Production hopes? None are mentioned, but even if today's Aston isn't known for its minimalism or lightness, it is known for turning concepts into production cars, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn in a few months that a handful of the company's best customers have managed to cajole it into building a handful of examples.

Oh, and about that Stirling Moss connection - forgive us if we're experiencing a bit of déjà vu. After all, doesn't this half-door speedster concept remind you a bit of another car? The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss comes to mind for us. For some reason, however, this doesn't really bother us. If it doesn't bother you either, scroll down for to watch a video from Aston and to find the official press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of nurburgringaston martinaston martin cc100aston martin cc100 speedster conceptbreakingnurburgringstirling mossulrich bez Sun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575109/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/20575109/article-detail.xml 20575109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-concept-628-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-concept-628-2.jpg <![CDATA[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/#comments Filed 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 24videoyoutube Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574729/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/20574729/article-detail.xml 20574729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept echoes 8 Series]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe - rear three-quarter rendering

BMW and Pininfarina are planning to debut a new concept at the 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The Gran Lusso Coupé is designed to be the next logical step forward from the Zagato Coupé, and the one-off creation boasts plenty of BMW earmarks to set the car off as a true member of the German automaker's family. With a long wheel base and a stretched nose, the two door can't help but channel the long-dead BMW 8 Series, and the potent V12 under the hood only reinforces the link.

BMW has been kind enough to slip the world a few teasers, and the images show what looks like it could be the low-slung grand tourer of our dreams. Check out the full press release below for more information, and stay tuned for the full unveiling.

Continue reading BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept echoes 8 Series

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept echoes 8 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw gran lusso coupebmw pininfarina gran lusso coupegran lusso coupepininfarinavilla destevilla deste 2013 Tue, 14 May 2013 19:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566720/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/20566720/article-detail.xml 20566720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gran-lusso-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gran-lusso-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi subcompact sedan coming to US in 2015?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Mitsubishi G4 Sedan

Speaking to some of its dealers recently, Mitsubishi unveiled its plans for a new subcompact sedan offering in the US. Automotive News reports the automaker showed off a rendering of a new subcompact sedan and said the machine will debut sometime in 2015.

The little four-door could be based on the three-cylinder G4 Concept that bowed at the Shanghai Motor Show this year, effectively making it a four-door version of the current five-door Mirage. Mitsubishi dealers are currently starving for new products to entice buyers into showrooms. A redesigned Outlander will show up this summer, long before the teased subcompact sedan. The automaker is also planning to bring out a revised version of the five-door Mirage compact later this year.

Dealers are taking the announcement as a sign that Mitsubishi has finally begun to turn things around. Automotive News spoke with Scott Grove, who owns two Mitsubishi dealerships near Chicago. Grove said he thought the dealer meeting was more positive than it's been in years, and that he believes Mitsubishi is finally on the offensive.

Mitsubishi subcompact sedan coming to US in 2015? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mitsubishimitsubishi g4 conceptmitsubishi miragemitsubishi mirage sedan Tue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568327/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568327/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/mitsubishi-subcompact-sedan-coming-2015/20568327/article-detail.xml 20568327 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-g4-sedan-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-g4-sedan-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Lamborghini Egoista fire up on stage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Lamborghini Egoista

Seeing the wild Lamborghini Egoista is one thing, but hearing the single-seat concept car fire to life in all its glory is something entirely different. Visitors at the Lamborghini 50th anniversary celebration in Sant' Agata got that rare opportunity when the Egoista made its presence felt. Nothing says, "I have arrived" quite like a 5.2-liter V10 barking at the crowd. It may not be the prettiest belle at the ball, but it has the pipes to make even the most jaded among us weak in the knees.

You can catch the clip of the machine firing up in the brief (and sadly shaky) video below. We've also included a more polished video recap from the anniversary celebration. Something tells us you don't need a reason to spend a few minutes watching classic Lamborghini models prancing through Italy. You're welcome.

Continue reading Watch the Lamborghini Egoista fire up on stage

Watch the Lamborghini Egoista fire up on stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> egoista conceptlamborghinilamborghini egoistalamborghini egoista videovideo Mon, 13 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567050/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567050/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/20567050/article-detail.xml 20567050 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-628.jpg <![CDATA[Flying car falls from sky and crashes [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Flying cars aren't on their way, flying cars are here. If we're going to see more of them in the air above us, we're also going to see more images like the one above, in which a Maverick flying car has crash landed in a tree. We wrote about the Maverick in 2010 and the reverse-prop-driven buggy with the removable parasail was certified airworthy by the FAA in June of that year. In this incident the pilot, Ray Siebring, said he was coming in for a landing at the airport in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada when his flying car suddenly made a sharp left turn into three descending spirals.

By the time Siebring stopped the spiraling he was so low that all he could do was mitigate the crash. Noticing an empty school field below, he managed to power up and get the vehicle down just beyond the school ground, through some fencing and into a tree. Neither Siebring nor his passenger was seriously injured.

If you want to see how the Maverick usually works, check out the video below of it making a coffee run.

Continue reading Flying car falls from sky and crashes [w/video]

Flying car falls from sky and crashes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> accidentcrashflying carmaverickmaverick flying carray siebringwreck Sun, 12 May 2013 18:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565883/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/flying-car-falls-from-sky-and-crashes-w-video/20565883/article-detail.xml 20565883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/flying-car-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/flying-car-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini reportedly confirms Urus for production in 2017]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The editorial director of EVO, Harry Metcalfe, was at the Lamborghini anniversary gala that saw the launch of the Egoista concept car, and tweeted this bit of news on the Urus: "Lamborghini confirms Urus SUV for 2017 production at tonight's #Lambo50 gala dinner." The Urus, you'll remember, was the concept SUV revealed at the Beijing Motor Show last year and branded "the first Lamborghini for everyday use" by company CEO Stephan Winkelmann. But that would only be if it were produced, and as of December last year it still hadn't been given the green light - even though development had continued.

This year, though, a couple of things have happened to convince some that it's probably on its way. There were patents filed in China in February, and in March Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told Autocar "Lamborghini has to do it. Because of the need to dovetail into production cycles, we should see the Urus in 2017." And since Audi is the official owner of Lamborghini, one would think the CEO knows what he's talking about when he says Lamborghini "has" to do something.

It's predicted that the showroom version will appear in 2016 as a 2017 model, accounting for the time it will take to develop and Stadler's 'production cycle' comment, referring to a slot in the refresh timetable for the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg with which the Urus will share its MQB platform. A report in Car and Driver says the Sant' Agata company will also be looking for the Urus to bolster its sales in China and its coffers in Italy, and cost between $150,000 and $200,000.

Lamborghini reportedly confirms Urus for production in 2017 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> harry metcalfeLamborghinilamborghini suvlamborghini urus Sun, 12 May 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565938/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565938/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/lamborghini-reportedly-confirms-urus-for-production-in-2017/20565938/article-detail.xml 20565938 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/urus-production-2017_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/urus-production-2017.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Does the mere desire to own a ridiculously high-performance and stupendously expensive supercar automatically make its prospective owner a little selfish? Not necessarily, but if said supercar has just one seat, a case could certainly be made that its megalomaniacal owner simply doesn't want to share the experience with his friends...

For such an owner, Lamborghini has presented the Egoista Concept - perhaps fittingly, the car was unveiled at a private 50th birthday party that the automaker seems to have thrown for itself. From what we can glean without any official announcement from Lamborghini to go by, the Egoista Concept has room for a single occupant, is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine and boasts styling said to be inspired by an Apache helicopter.

While we eagerly await more details from Lamborghini, we suggest you click on the image above to view the Egoista in high resolution. With just one angle to go by, we can't really offer much commentary on its design, other than to say it joins the Veneno as one of the more memorable self-given birthday presents in recent memory.

*UPDATE: Full image gallery and press release from Lamborghini added.

Continue reading Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners

Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lamborghinilamborghini birthdaylamborghini egoista Sun, 12 May 2013 02:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565931/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/20565931/article-detail.xml 20565931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-000-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-000-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW Amarok R-Style debuting at Worthersee]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Volkswagen has announced another vehicle that will be delighting the brand's fans at this week's Wörthersee festival in Austria. The Amarok R-Style is a performance version of the pickup that VW seemingly sells all over the world... except the US and Canada, of course.

The truck is powered by a 3.0-liter TDI V6 making 272 horsepower and a stout 442 pound-feet of torque. That engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic, and the pair are reportedly good for helping the truck reach 62 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds. While a 20-year-old GMC Cyclone pickup would laugh that figure off as cute, the Amarok R-Style at least looks the part of a performance truck with 22-inch wheels bursting out of fenders widened by 2.36 inches on either side. There's also a carbon fiber diffuser out back, side sill extensions and bigger air intakes up front. Oh, and two chromed tailpipes for good measure.

Inside, the Amarok R-Style apes the GTI with a black, white and red color scheme on its surfaces and deeply bolstered sport seats. A new steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen, subwoofer and carbon fiber dashboard round out the other extra upgrades.

VW Amarok R-Style debuting at Worthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw amarokvw amarok r-stylewortherseeworthersee 2013 Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562186/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/20562186/article-detail.xml 20562186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-amarok-r-style-000-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-amarok-r-style-000-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As is the case every year, Volkswagen engineers have built and brought a new toy to their fans at the annual Wörthersee festival in Reifnitz, Austria. Called the Design Vision GTI, this track toy is a Golf that's been widened, lowered and given an injection of twin-turbo V6 steroids.

The powerplant providing motivation is a 3.0-liter V6 paired with two turbochargers to produce 503 horsepower and up to 413 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive and Volkswagen's famous DSG gearbox (the gear count is unknown), the Design Vision GTI can erase what's between you and 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, as well as a reach a terminal velocity of 186 mph. Carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels and a specially tuned chassis round out the hardware upgrades, while engineers compressed the car's dimensions to be shorter, wider and lower than a stock GTI.

The exterior of the Design Vision GTI is meant to evoke the future of GTI styling, which is fine by us as we especially like how the car's iconic C-pillar is pulled away from the body and flows into the significantly flared rear fenders. It looks like the reflection of a GTI in a circus mirror with menace-making bends. The interior, meanwhile, is an exercise in editing, with switches, knobs and all manner of unnecessary controls removed, and the center console more severely oriented towards the driver. The rear seats have been replaced by an X-shaped crossbar, and red straps appear where door handles used to be (à la Porsche). There's even a camera embedded in the A-pillar that can shoot either the track ahead or the driver at work.

While not as stout in the power or performance departments as the 2007 GTI W12 Concept, the Design Vision GTI looks even more the business than that King of Golfs. For now we only have renderings, but we'll update this post with live images of the Design Vision GTI as soon as they're available.

Continue reading VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video]

VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gtivwvw design vision gtivw gtiwortherseeworthersee 2013 Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561381/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/20561381/article-detail.xml 20561381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NASA invites students to design future Moonbuggy prototypes [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/04/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/#comments Filed under: , ,



There are a lot of awards handed out at the Great Moonbuggy Race, from 'Most Improved' to 'Crash and Burn,' but the one every team wants is the first-place trophy. This year was the 20th year of the annual event, held at the US Space & Rocket Center under the auspices of NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Aerojet, and it was two teams from Puerto Rico that took first in both high school and college divisions.

The race tested proof-of-concept vehicles created by 89 teams of high school and college students from around the world. Teams of six competitors include one male and one female driver and they have to design a buggy that, disassembled , fits into a 4x4x4 space. When the clock starts, the teams have to build their buggies and run them over a half-mile course that mimics the moonscape; whichever team has the shortest combined time wins. The winning time from Teodoro Aguilar Moro Vocational High School (pictured) was 3:24, while the collegiate entry from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao won with a time of 3:32.

There's a press release below with more details and a list of all the winners, plus a video from NASA Television on last year's race.

Continue reading NASA invites students to design future Moonbuggy prototypes [w/video]

NASA invites students to design future Moonbuggy prototypes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 May 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lunar rovermoonmoonbuggymoonbuggy racenasanasa moonbuggy race Sat, 04 May 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552741/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/nasa-invites-students-to-design-future-moonbuggy-prototypes-w-v/20552741/article-detail.xml 20552741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nasa-moonbuggy-race_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nasa-moonbuggy-race.jpg <![CDATA[VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2015 Volkswagen GTI

Following the announcement that Audi will be using the Wörthersee Tour to unveil a lightweight version of the TT called the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, we're now hearing that Volkswagen also has plans to show off a special concept vehicle at the annual brand-centric performance festival. According to Car magazine, VW will bring a hotter version of the GTI to the show, although not quite as hot as the 2007 VW GTI W12 concept.

After speaking with VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, the article says that the concept could be a preview of a future version of the new GTI, and with the 2015 model year signifying the 40th anniversary of the hot hatch that started it all, we expect to see this new model sooner rather than later. The 2013 Wörthersee Tour runs from May 17 to 19, so we don't have much longer to wait before we see this new concept.

VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw gtivw gti conceptwortherseeworthersee 2013 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556012/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/20556012/article-detail.xml 20556012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Taigun patent filings - front three-quarter view

Volkswagen brought an angular, bulldog-like small crossover concept called Taigun to the São Paulo motor show last year, claiming that it wanted to gauge interest in the design before making a decision about production. If a new report with alleged leaked patent images is to be believed, then, interest must have been pretty high.

China's Auto.Sohu.com has published this group of Taigun images, claiming that they have been sourced from the Chinese patent office and that the subcompact VW utility based on the Up! has been cleared for production.

If all of that is true, and if these images are representative of the final product, you'll see that designers haven't done much to alter the concept car's appearance. Comparing, shot for shot, with the images we have from Brazil, we see that even small details like roof rack-mounted lights and exhaust tips integrated in the rear fascia have been carried over. Take a closer look for yourself in the attached galleries.

Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> sao paulo motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen taigunvwvw taigun Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554593/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/20554593/article-detail.xml 20554593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628.jpg <![CDATA[Local Motors picks first-ever winner of motorcycle design challenge [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Local Motors, the company behind the Rally Fighter, briefly took its four wheels off the dirt and put two on the road for a crowd-sourced motorcycle project. Working with fellow Arizona company DP Custom Cycles, Local Motors invited its community to design a motorbike based on the Harley-Davidson Sportster. More than 200 entries from ten countries were received, and the winner has been chosen in the DP Racer by Andre Costa of Portugal. Second place was the NASCAR-inspired Talledega by Italy's well-known Oberdan Bezzi, third place went to Marc Senger of the US for his NASA-themed DP Customs Lander.

DP Custom Cycles will build Costa's Racer, but hasn't said how many of them will be produced. Serial Number 0001 is already taken, though, having been auctioned off to the Local Motors community. You can watch the selection process in the video and read about the contest and finalists in the press release below, and check out the top ten entries in the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Local Motors picks first-ever winner of motorcycle design challenge [w/video]

Local Motors picks first-ever winner of motorcycle design challenge [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crowdsourcingdp custom cycleslocal motorsmotorcyclevideoyoutube Wed, 01 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550832/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550832/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/local-motors-picks-first-ever-winner-of-motorcycle-design-challe/20550832/article-detail.xml 20550832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/local-motors-dpc-contest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/local-motors-dpc-contest.jpg <![CDATA[Renault teases followup concept to Twin'Z]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/#comments Filed under: , ,



When amateur spy shots first surfaced of a little blue hatchback roaring down the streets of Madrid, we thought it might be a Renault 5 revival - the sky blue city car did have a big "5" written on its doors, after all. Turns out, though, that it is the TwinFun, followup to the recently unveiled Twin'Z and the final offering in Renault's six-stage concept car cycle.

Last year, Renault introduced the Alpine A110-50 concept at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix; for 2013 it will be the TwinFun taking the spotlight. A three-sentence press release below tells us that it fulfills the 'play' brief in the "life-cycle design strategy." We just want to find out what kind of engine it's got that makes all that glorious noise.

Continue reading Renault teases followup concept to Twin'Z

Renault teases followup concept to Twin'Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> monaco grand prixrenaultrenault 5renault twinfunrenault twinfun conceptteaser Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550275/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/20550275/article-detail.xml 20550275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-twin-fun-concpet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-twin-fun-concpet.jpg <![CDATA[Reborn Ford Escort could make its way to Europe]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The Ford Escort concept just unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show was created with the Chinese market in mind, but it's got people talking all over the world. Not purely fancy, the point of the Escort concept was to give Chinese buyers a preview of what they could expect to see in a Ford showroom in the near future. If Ford wasn't seriously considering the new Escort for other countries, a report in Auto Express indicates that the concept's reception has changed all that.

No less than the incoming chairman of Ford UK said "it could work in other places," bolstering the comments of "a senior Ford insider" who said the question of bringing the car to Europe to slot in underneath the Focus had been raised. That's a long way from anything of the kind happening, which would require Ford to figure out how to sell it for the right price and not torpedo the company reputation among Euro buyers. In any case, we'd be as intrigued as anyone if an Escort resurrection created the next 'who knew?' market segment of few-frills transportation offered by non-Asian carmakers.

Reborn Ford Escort could make its way to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europefordford escort conceptford ukuk Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548783/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548783/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/20548783/article-detail.xml 20548783 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-escort-europe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-escort-europe.jpg <![CDATA[Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a racy EV that defies categorization]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/twizy-renault-sport-f1-is-a-racy-ev-that-defies-categorization/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/twizy-renault-sport-f1-is-a-racy-ev-that-defies-categorization/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/twizy-renault-sport-f1-is-a-racy-ev-that-defies-categorization/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept - front three-quarter view

It recently came out that Porsche mulled a return to Formula One but chose a return to Le Mans instead, citing F1 technology's lack of relevance to its road cars. Well Porsche, take this: the Twizy Renault Sport F1 concept, "a bridge between the world of F1 technology and that of production cars." The French Formula One legend took a 17-horsepower electric Twizy and replaced the back seat with an 80-hp KERS unit, just like the ones it produces for its F1 customer teams. Then it added tires from a Formula 2 Renault and a steering wheel derived from a Formula 3.5 Renault, a front splitter, sidepods and open-wheeler mirrors. Yes, it's absurd - and by absurd we mean outstanding.

There are two KERS modes the driver can use, the first a Recovery mode that uses the Twizy's main 17-hp electric motor to recoup energy since the city car can't produce enough energy through braking to repower the KERS unit. The other is Boost mode, which allows a 13-second burst using the combined 97 horsepower available with the two motors. A single-seater-style rain light is affixed out back, and it illuminates when in Boost mode. The result is a Twizy that can dash from 0-60 miles per hour as quick as Renault's fastest car, the Megane Renaultsport 265, listed by Car magazine at six seconds. The Twizy's top speed in Boost mode climbs from 53 mph to 68 mph.

It will be shown at various events throughout the year, starting with the World Series by Renault race in Aragon, Spain on April 27 and 28. You can read all about it right now in the press release below.

Continue reading Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a racy EV that defies categorization

Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a racy EV that defies categorization originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1formula onekersrenaultrenault twizyrenaultsporttwizy renault sport f1 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548990/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548990/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/twizy-renault-sport-f1-is-a-racy-ev-that-defies-categorization/20548990/article-detail.xml 20548990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/twizy-renault-sport-f1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/twizy-renault-sport-f1.jpg <![CDATA[Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Audi TT ultra quattro concept - front three-quarter view

Audi is celebrating the 2013 Wörthersee Tour with a special concept version of the company's TT. The Audi TT Ultra Quattro concept tips the scales at just 2,449 pounds thanks to some extensive engineering work. The company pulled nearly 95 lbs from the car's body structure and used carbon-fiber reinforced plastics for many of its detachable body components. As a result, the concept weighs in at a full 220 pounds lighter than its production counterpart. Throw in a wicked turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and you get a machine with the power to weight ratio in the supercar realm. 0-60 comes up in 4.2 seconds and top speed is listed at 173 mph.

Inside, the TT Ultra Quattro features plenty of carbon fiber trim, and designers also fitted the seats from the R8 GT to save a little weight. The buckets use CFRP for the seat frames, saving nearly 50 pounds in the process. In a world where automakers seem blind to the negative effect of throwing more heft at a vehicle, we're in love with the Ultra Quattro concept. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem

Audi TT Ultra Quattro Concept throws lightness at the problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi ttaudi tt ultra quattro conceptconcepttt ultra quattrott ultra quattro conceptworthersee Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548921/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548921/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/audi-tt-ultra-quattro-concept-throws-lightness-at-the-problem/20548921/article-detail.xml 20548921 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-tt-ultra-quttro-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-tt-ultra-quttro-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Kia-DYK Horki Concept live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

While we were busy ogling new vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept, Maserati Ghibli and Hongqi L9 at the Shanghai Motor Show, Kia was busy unveiling an entire brand. Through its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (or DYK), the South Korean automaker has introduced its new Horki sub-brand and a concept car, simply called the Horki Concept.

The name Horki comes from the combination of two Chinese characters "Hor" and "Ki," which translates to "China driving." As this suggests, the brand will only be offered in China, and this concept sedan shares its platform with the 2014 Kia Forte. We didn't happen to catch the car live at the auto show, and apparently neither did Kia, since it only provided us with some drawings rather than live (or even studio) shots of the actual concept car. Thankfully, our friends at Newspress managed to ferret it out, so we have a couple of live pics to share after all.

Continue reading Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car

Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showchinadongfeng yueda kiadykhorkihorki conceptkiakia ceratokia forteshanghaishanghai motor show Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547444/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547444/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/20547444/article-detail.xml 20547444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Toyota Me.We concept car on the beach

Not to be outdone by the Renault Twin'Z concept penned by Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove, Toyota has partnered up with French designer Jean-Marie Massaud to create the 2013 Toyota Me.We Concept. Unveiled at Le Rendez-vous Toyota in Paris, the Me.We Concept is an attempt to imagine a car that can be appreciated by owners across a wide variety of lifestyles while being courteous to the environment, too.

From a "Me" perspective, the concept is highly customizable with removable body panels, and even though it might look like just a small hatchback from the outside, Toyota claims it can also be used as a pickup (with an extendable rear panel), a convertible (with a neoprene roof panel) and even an off-road vehicle. As for the "We" part of the car, it's a fully electric vehicle with individual in-wheel motors and a battery pack mounted under the load floor. The concept has a weight of around 1,600 pounds kept low thanks to an aluminum chassis, but it also features renewable bamboo wood for the floor in addition to the fully recyclable polypropylene exterior body panels. Scroll down to see more in an official video and to check out Toyota's official press release.

Continue reading Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video]

Toyota Me.We concept is a multifunction Tupperware car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 toyota me.we conceptle rendez-vous toyotatoyotatoyota concept carvideowe.me Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548305/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548305/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/toyota-me-we-concept-is-a-multifunction-tupperware-car-w-video/20548305/article-detail.xml 20548305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-me.we-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-me.we-concept.jpg -1 2