Autoblog Convertible http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Convertible 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[2014 BMW 6 Series M Sport family to start from $80,625*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-bmw-6-series-m-sport-family-to-start-from-80-625/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-bmw-6-series-m-sport-family-to-start-from-80-625/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-bmw-6-series-m-sport-family-to-start-from-80-625/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 BMW 6 Series with M Sport package - front three-quarter view

BMW shoppers looking for sportier and more luxurious versions of the 6 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe without stepping up to the mighty M6 now have something new to check out. Offered on all versions of the 640i and 650i for the 2014 model year, the company's M Sport Edition package goes on sale in June with prices starting at $80,625 for the 640i Coupe, $83,325 for the 640i Gran Coupe and $87,925 for the 640i Convertible (*all prices including $925 for destination).

This package will allow standard 6 Series models to receive M6 styling cues like the more aggressive, aero-tuned front fascia, 19-inch wheels and even the option of the M6-exclusive Sakhir Orange metallic hue shown above. Matching the M6-like exterior, the interior will also be upgraded with an M-specific steering wheel, M badges on the door sill plates and the option of BMW Individual leather with a unique white and orange color scheme. With price increases of well over $5,000 for the M Sport Edition, this package also includes plenty of standard features like the company's Professional hi-fi audio system, head-up display, ConnectedDrive Navigation and - wait for it - a ski bag.

Continue reading 2014 BMW 6 Series M Sport family to start from $80,625*

2014 BMW 6 Series M Sport family to start from $80,625* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw 640i m sport edition2014 bmw 650i m sport editionbmwbmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series convertiblebmw 6 series coupebmw 6 series gran coupebmw 6 series pricing Fri, 17 May 2013 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571965/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-bmw-6-series-m-sport-family-to-start-from-80-625/20571965/article-detail.xml 20571965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-650i-m-sport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-650i-m-sport.jpg <![CDATA[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/#comments Filed 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 spydervideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571600/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/20571600/article-detail.xml 20571600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chris-harris-918-drive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chris-harris-918-drive.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

We've seen it (in concept form, in officially rendered form, in flat black, and in Martini Racing livery), we've heard all about its 4.6-liter V8 with 608 horsepower, buoyed as it is by twin electric motors, its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and carbon fiber monocoque chassis. We've even taken a ride in one. What we haven't had, up until now at least, is had all of these details about the Porsche 918 Spyder in one convenient press blast. And we also now know that it will be a introduced as a 2015 model.

Along with the official specifications, Porsche has seen fit to release a new batch of images showing its production body from all angles. We get a good look at the car's interior bits and pieces, including a few shots showing how people fit underneath the removable hardtop panel.

Porsche sums up its baby with the following words: Maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption. We like the sound of that, and we think it's cool that the 918 can travel up to 18 miles on electricity alone, with performance statistics that aren't far off what we had from sports cars from a few short decades ago.

We think you'll find plenty of interesting information in the press release below, but first, you'll want to browse through the high-res image gallery above to take in all the unique visuals. Enjoy!

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body

Pics Aplenty: Porsche 918 Spyder shows its production body originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 porsche 918 spyderporsche 918 spyderporshe Thu, 16 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572560/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/2015-porsche-918-spyder-official-details/20572560/article-detail.xml 20572560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-porsche-918-spyder628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2015-porsche-918-spyder628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar F-Type meets America in first TV spots]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/jaguar-f-type-meets-america-in-first-tv-spots/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/jaguar-f-type-meets-america-in-first-tv-spots/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/jaguar-f-type-meets-america-in-first-tv-spots/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



With its new "Your Turn" global ad campaign, Jaguar has introduced its 2014 F-Type to the world of broadcast media. The effort takes aim at the monied 25-54 demographic, which makes sense of Jaguar recently shacking up with the 2013 Playboy Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun and San Francisco NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. You'll also be seeing the new roadster on ESPN's SportsCenter, late night ABC talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, the USA Network show Covert Affairs, the Sundance Channel and theaters, magazines and everywhere digital. On top of all that, a social media campaign includes a contest called #MyTurnToJag that will reward four winners with a custom drive in the new convertible.

You'll find the first two spots below, along with a press release on the roaring red marketing onslaught headed your way.

Continue reading Jaguar F-Type meets America in first TV spots

Jaguar F-Type meets America in first TV spots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jaguar f-typead campaigncommercialjaguarjaguar f-typemyturntojagvideoyour turn Wed, 15 May 2013 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569281/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569281/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/jaguar-f-type-meets-america-in-first-tv-spots/20569281/article-detail.xml 20569281 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jaguar-f-type-ad-campaign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jaguar-f-type-ad-campaign.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-z4-sdrive35is-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-z4-sdrive35is-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-z4-sdrive35is-quick-spin-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - front three-quarter view, top down

The BMW Z3/Z4 roadster has never really had a truly widespread following because it has either been too humble and small a roadster (albeit with some fun and very low-volume M editions) or it has been - in this E89 generation - too casual an image leader with no racier aspirations. The current 480-hp Z4 GTEs don't count, since they are as stock a Z4 as today's Pamela Anderson is the same blonde actress we knew as Lisa on Home Improvement. You know, sort of like those ever-so-slightly modified Toyota Camry coupes competing in NASCAR.

The ultimate highpoint for the BMW Z roadster franchise was at the very start of its life in the mid-90s, in the James Bond film GoldenEye with Pierce Brosnan. The Stinger missiles that Q's team installed behind the Z3's headlights were never fired, and BMW never even offered this self-defense package as an option. Yet another case of the ol' bait and switch.

And in all these subsequent years of Z3s and Z4s strutting their long-hooded stuff, the little sporting Bimmer could really have used a live Stinger missile or two to spice things up. The current Z4 exists, it is pretty dang sexy, and BMW seems content to let it linger there. We just drove the new midlife version of the roadster near BMW headquarters in Munich, and it served to reinforce our feelings.

Driving Notes
  • We have always harbored a desire to fall in love with this swoopy and well-proportioned roadster, but it still strikes us a bit like the way the over-designed Mercedes SLK now strikes us: a really nice lifestyle/reward car, with not much else going on.
  • All BMW had on hand for us was this Z4 sDrive35is with its 335-horsepower, 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo straight-six that also cranks to 332 pound-feet of torque, all spiffed up with the M Sport spa treatment and adaptive dampers. Things could be worse.
  • If we were going to take the graying-chest-hair plunge and grab a BMW Z4, it would be this exact car. Otherwise, and despite all the positives of the newer 240-hp four-cylinder sDrive28i model, what's the point? This particular roadster needs its strong six-cylinder to give it some character.
  • We would also be happier if this top-trim roadster could be equipped with the six-speed manual transmission that is offered on the aforementioned sDrive28i.
  • The optional Valencia Orange Metallic paint does look a bit two-tone precious to us when the black folding hardtop is closed, but it's still a sweetheart to gaze upon.
  • Looking at the standard Monroney sticker of $64,800 (the base sDrive28i now starts at $47,950) and then dragging our eyes down the hyper-extended list of optional add-ons until reaching our car's $75k-plus price estimate, one has to pause to take it all in. The Z4 35is is wonderful enough, but, man, it can cost a ton.
  • Our 19-inch, $1,200 optional M alloys with Bridgestone Potenza RE 050A run-flat treads, combined with the speed-sensitive electric power steering and Servotronic assistance, made for a usually fine but occasionally woggy feeling under some circumstances. Through series of curves taken at real speed, there was, at times, a vagueness of trajectory, again leaving us with the feeling that BMW wants the Z4 in any trim to be a car of leisure.
  • The adaptive M suspension package does help treat this vagueness from behind the wheel somewhat, but overall the various dynamic elements taken together create a slightly confused ride and handling experience for a sexy car that promises so much. Basically, the Z4 ends up feeling every bit of its 3,549 pounds. (For reference, a Porsche Boxster S weighs a tick under 3,000 pounds at its heaviest PDK curb weight and feels like even less than that.)
  • Attempting to make up for any black marks on the Z4's resume is this model's sheer power and torque. That final "s" tagged on to the name certainly helps. And while we miss a manual option, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters is a sweet setup when its most dynamic mode is selected. However, we understand that BMW has no intention of even offering a self-locking sport limited-slip rear differential. Oh, well.
This freshened 2014 BMW Z4 has been on sale in North America since the end of March. It's a shame the car has become so sexy and interesting, yet so little time has been spent spicing up its chassis dynamics and overall drive feel. The absence of an M edition of the Z4 has been rather conspicuous, but perhaps that's because BMW's engineers know the platform isn't up to the job. This one's for sunny-day happy time cruising only... with style.

2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw z42014 bmw z4 sdrive35isbmwbmw z4bmw z4 sdrive35isquick spinquickspin Tue, 14 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565250/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565250/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-z4-sdrive35is-quick-spin-review/20565250/article-detail.xml 20565250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2014-bmw-z4-quick-spin628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2014-bmw-z4-quick-spin628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Maserati's small two-seater could arrive by 2016]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/maseratis-small-two-seater-could-arrive-by-2016/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/maseratis-small-two-seater-could-arrive-by-2016/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/maseratis-small-two-seater-could-arrive-by-2016/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Maserati grille

As a following act to the redesigned Quattroporte and the recently unveiled 2014 Maserati Ghibli, Maserati will be releasing a slew of new products in the coming years, including the next-generation GranTurismo, the all-new Levante SUV and a new 911-fighting coupe - possibly called Gran Sport. While all of this information was detailed last year in a leaked product plan document, there were no dates associated with any of the new products. Auto Express is now reporting that the new GranTurismo will be out in 2015 and the new smaller coupe is expected out in 2016.

According to the report, the new coupe will be smaller and sportier than the GranTurismo, and it will feature a mid-engine layout with a platform that isn't shared with the Alfa Romeo 4C. This product onslaught is a part of Maserati's plan to increase sales to 50,000 units globally by 2015.

Maserati's small two-seater could arrive by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> maseratimaserati coupemaserati gran sportmaserati two-seater Mon, 13 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564890/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564890/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/maseratis-small-two-seater-could-arrive-by-2016/20564890/article-detail.xml 20564890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/maserati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/maserati.jpg <![CDATA[Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun gets a Jaguar F-Type]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/raquel-pomplun-playmate-of-the-year-gets-a-jaguar-f-type/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/raquel-pomplun-playmate-of-the-year-gets-a-jaguar-f-type/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/raquel-pomplun-playmate-of-the-year-gets-a-jaguar-f-type/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Jaguar F-Type is slinking its way into vastly divergent corners of the celebrity world. Lana del Rey is its songstress, Englishman-playing-American-terrorist Damien Lewis lead its cinematic debut in Desire, San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick gets the athletic endorsement, and now it's just been driven behind the "Adults Only" doors at the Playboy Mansion: Raquel Pomplun was gifted a year's use of an F-Type for being named 2013 Playmate of the Year.

There's a video below of Pomplun and her F-Type getting 'camera ready,' and a press release below that in case you want to, you know, "read the article."

Continue reading Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun gets a Jaguar F-Type

Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun gets a Jaguar F-Type originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jaguarjaguar f-typeplayboyplaymate of the yearraquel pomplunvideoyoutube Sun, 12 May 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565896/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/raquel-pomplun-playmate-of-the-year-gets-a-jaguar-f-type/20565896/article-detail.xml 20565896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/playmate-f-type_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/playmate-f-type.jpg <![CDATA[Admire 350 Lamborghinis lined up at 50th Anniversary Tour]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/admire-350-lamborghinis-lined-up-at-50th-anniversary-tour/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/admire-350-lamborghinis-lined-up-at-50th-anniversary-tour/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/admire-350-lamborghinis-lined-up-at-50th-anniversary-tour/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



If you're a fan of Lamborghini then you'll want to set aside 13 minutes of your time for this video. The Sant' Agata carmaker is hosting a 50th Anniversary Tour from Milan to Rome and then back up to the factory in Bologna, and the 350 entries in this running of the bulls were staged on a Milan street. YouTube user Shmee150 is with the convoy and he spent the aforementioned 13 minutes walking among the field of glory that spans models from 1963 to now.

None of the cars were running so the video lacks the audio thrill of the supercars merging onto the M6 in the UK. As a virtual tour of Italian art museum showcasing a massive outdoor exhibit of Lamborghinis, however, it can't be beat. Don't hesitate to check out the video below.

Continue reading Admire 350 Lamborghinis lined up at 50th Anniversary Tour

Admire 350 Lamborghinis lined up at 50th Anniversary Tour originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lamborghinilamborghini 50th anniversaryvideoyoutube Fri, 10 May 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564775/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564775/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/admire-350-lamborghinis-lined-up-at-50th-anniversary-tour/20564775/article-detail.xml 20564775 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-50th-tour_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-50th-tour.jpg <![CDATA[More next-gen Audi TT details revealed]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



We still only have rumors about the third-generation Audi TT said to be scheduled for launch in late 2014, but based on a report in Car and Driver, we know a tiny bit more about it. The base engine will be the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with direct injection, but horsepower is said to be 220 horsepower - that would make for a nine-hp jump over the current output. The TTS would get an even larger power boost, going from 265 currently to 300 hp. The TT RS would stick with it's 2.5-liter five cylinder, with output increased from 360 to 380 hp. If Audi includes a nice dose of the go-light engineering involved in the TT Ultra Quattro, these horsepower numbers might be even more impressive.

As with the TT concept and first-generation production car, though, it sounds like the brand is concentrating on aesthetics. It's been widely reported that Audi wants to reclaim the juju conjured by the original TT, and while we still don't know what that means outside, CD reports that the interior gets simplified, "futuristic-feeling" styling thanks to instruments served up on a TFT screen. Remember, the first Audi TT had a cockpit that Car magazine dubbed simply, "The Cabin."

About a year after the coupe comes, the Audi TT Roadster will show up and should be joined by the next A5. The news for the next version of the subtly beautiful coupe is the arrival of a plug-in hybrid with torque vectoring via an electric motor for the rear axle. Beyond that is wilder speculation of an A9, which might be called Q9, and which was the four-door-coupe flavor of the month two years ago when it was possibly going to share a platform with the Lamborghini Estoque. According to the CD story, the thinking now is around "a combination of fastback and crossover proportions," a two-fer we've yet to see any carmaker pull off without making us go, "Oh. I see."

More next-gen Audi TT details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 audi ttaudiaudi tt Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563667/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/more-next-gen-audi-tt-details-revealed/20563667/article-detail.xml 20563667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/next-gen-audi-tt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/next-gen-audi-tt.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster... in Arkansas?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was built as a race car for the FIA GT Championship series in 1997. To meet homologation requirements, a total of 26 road-going vehicles were built in the following years. The rarest were the open-roof roadster models, of which only six were made. While 24 of the street-legal cars were fitted with a 6.9-liter V12, good for more than 600 horsepower, two were upgraded to "CLK GTR Super Sport" configuration with a 7.3-liter V12 rated at 655 horsepower. Performance was spectacular, with a 0-60 sprint of about 3.7 seconds and a top speed of just over 200 miles per hour.

The original sticker price for the CLK GTR Super Sport, more than a decade ago, was $1,547,620 - dissuading most of us from buying one. But if you missed out last time, we just found a clean example that has apparently been sitting inside a showroom in Arkansas waiting for a new owner. It is reportedly the only roadster currently in the United States. Federalized and street legal, its odometer shows only 70 delivery miles (are we the only ones who consider it a shame nobody has ever enjoyed wringing it out?). Fresh off an extensive factory service, this museum piece boasts a Buy it Now price of $1,995,980. So much for depreciation, eh?

[Update: One of our readers correctly pointed out that the car has depreciated... as its original selling price of $1.547 million is $2.2 million in today's money!]

eBay Find of the Day: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster... in Arkansas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ebay motorsmercedesmercedes clk gtrmercedes clk gtr roadster super sport Thu, 09 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560865/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560865/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/ebay-find-of-the-day-2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-in/20560865/article-detail.xml 20560865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/glk-gtr-lead-26_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/glk-gtr-lead-26.jpg <![CDATA[Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Morgan Plus 8 Hot Rod in Jay Leno's Garage

We love Morgan for its quintessentially British approach to motoring charm, and while the automaker has recently ventured into more modern machinery with the launch and development of its Aero line, it's the classic Plus 8 and Roadster that have stood the test of time, having first been released back in 1968.

Of course, classic cars are all well and good for those who covet the joy of driving, just so long as it's kept to weekends and sunny days, but there's always room for tinkering and improvement to bring things up to modern levels of performance and reliability. With that in mind, we suggest you scroll down below to watch Jay Leno put a hot-rod Morgan Plus 8 through its paces with its builder, Jason Len of XKs Unlimited, along for the ride.

Continue reading Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod

Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jay lenojay lenos garagemorganmorgan plus 8videoxks unlimited Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562259/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562259/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/20562259/article-detail.xml 20562259 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/morgan-plus-8-jay-leno_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/morgan-plus-8-jay-leno.png <![CDATA[Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Scion FR-S vs Mazda RX-8 vs Honda S2000

There are very few vehicles available today that compare directly with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. A case could be made for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and possibly even six-cylinder versions of American coupes like the Ford Mustang. Pretty much everything else is either too expensive or is powered by the wrong set of wheels.

The boys from EverydayDriver on YouTube decided the only fair way to judge the inherent qualities of the Toyobaru twins was to pit them against two standard-bearers of years past: The Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Neither of these cars is an exact matchup, with the Honda boasting a convertible top and the RX-8 offering more practicality via a rear seat and two reverse-opening doors for easier access. What they do offer, however, are similar performance stats and proven reputations for excellent handling.

None of this talk answers the real question, though: Which one wins the comparison test? Scroll down to watch the video, and be prepared for something of a surprise conclusion.

Continue reading Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000

Scion FR-S pitted against oldtimers RX-8 and S2000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 scion fr-shondahonda s2000mazdamazda rx-8scionscion fr-svideo Tue, 07 May 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559441/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559441/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/scion-fr-s-pitted-against-mazda-rx-8-honda-s2000/20559441/article-detail.xml 20559441 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/frs-rx8-s2000_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/frs-rx8-s2000.png <![CDATA[Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The last time we wrote about the Fiat USA commercial Immigrants, it was to question whether the ad provided our first glimpse of the 500T. That was a year ago, but Fiat isn't finished utilizing that commercial theme. The song in the one-minute commercial was Sexy People (All Around the World) by Italian songstress Arianna, and the Immigrant commercial has been lengthened and turned into a music video for the song as Arianna prepares that track and more for her first studio album.

The tune features Pit Bull and the clip is like a hip-hop video meets The Little Mermaid. Well, until Charlie Sheen shows up. That's when it starts Winning, and you can enjoy it all in the video below, along with the original ad from Fiat.

Continue reading Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video

Fiat 500 commercial expanded into 'Sexy People' music video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariannacharlie sheencommercialfiatfiat 500fiat 500cfiat 500tfiat admusic videopit bullsexy peoplevideo Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559559/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/fiat-500-commercial-expanded-into-sexy-people-music-video/20559559/article-detail.xml 20559559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/arianna-fiat-immigrants.jpg <![CDATA[See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



One of the greatest things every Corvette has had going for it, and also one of the most re-used arguments against it, is its price-to-performance equation - long before the Nissan GT-R became the de facto Porsche 911 comparator the Corvette spent decades as Exhibit A. Depending on which side of the argument you stressed, supporters crowed about how much performance you got for how (comparatively) little, detractors carped on how little you got everywhere else in the bargain.

It appears Chevrolet is working as hard as ever to render the argument meaningless. Spy shooters at KGP captured a convocation of European birds of prey leaving the General Motors test center, and aimed at benchmarking the C7 Corvette ZR1. The road train comprised of two C7 Corvette Stingrays, a 2013 Corvette ZR1, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458 Italia, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Porsche 911 Carrera S and it was last seen heading down the same kinked-up back roads used to hone the Corvette Stingray.

The C7-series ZR1 and its possible 700 horsepower are still a ways off. If it really is being positioned to compete with the celestial exotica in the testing group, could it be the first Corvette to regularly be the first answer to the question "Cost no object, which would would you rather have?"

See what the Chevy C7 ZR1 may be benchmarked against originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi r8 v10 spyderc7 corvettechevy corvettechevy corvette zr1corvette zr1ferrariferrari 458 italiamclarenmclaren mp4-12cporscheporsche 911spy shots Tue, 07 May 2013 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559599/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/see-what-the-chevy-c7-zr1-may-be-benchmarked-against/20559599/article-detail.xml 20559599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/c7-corvette-zr1-benchmark-spies_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/c7-corvette-zr1-benchmark-spies.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen still considering small roadster]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/#comments Filed under: , ,

Volkswagen BlueSport Roadster

Despite the on-again, off-again rumors surrounding a small Volkswagen roadster, it would appear that a small droptop two-seater is still on track. CarScoops, citing a report in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine, states that there are many people within Volkswagen who still believe that this sort of vehicle would be good for the brand.

"I'm not the only one in our company who is convinced that a small roadster wouldn't be the worst thing for Volkswagen," the automaker's design chief, Walter de Silva, told AMS, according to CarScoops. "This is a vehicle that we particularly like, and we always have in mind."

Volkswagen showed the BlueSport concept (pictured above) at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but the project was quickly put on hold, with earlier reports stating that there simply wasn't a business case for the car. Those reports were contradicted early last year, and it's good to hear that spokespeople within the company are still looking to move forward with the project.

The BlueSport concept debuted with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, good for 177 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. According to Volkswagen, the BlueSport would hit 62 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 140 mph, and able to hit fuel economy numbers as high as 54.7 miles per gallon. Of course, a small turbocharged gasoline engine could also work in this application, and CarScoops states that this sort of vehicle could also find homes within the Audi and Porsche brands, as well.

Volkswagen still considering small roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw bluesportvw bluesport conceptvw roadster Mon, 06 May 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559048/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/20559048/article-detail.xml 20559048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/00vwroadster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/00vwroadster.jpg <![CDATA[Spyker promises B6 Venator Spyder reveal this year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/spyker-promises-b6-venator-spyder-reveal-this-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/spyker-promises-b6-venator-spyder-reveal-this-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/spyker-promises-b6-venator-spyder-reveal-this-year/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Spyker B6 Venator Concept

Tucked in the middle of a very long business update press release, Spyker has confirmed that it will unveil a topless version of the B6 Venator Concept that we first saw in coupe form at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. A specific launch timeframe has not been given, other than the ultra-vague "later this year," but we'll bet our bottom dollar that the open-top B6 will show its face at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Spyker states that the launch of the B6 marks "the beginning of a new era for the brand, one that will include a significant increase in production." The B6 will go into production in 2014, with the first cars being allocated for Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India. Production of US-spec models will kick off in the fall of 2014.

We don't imagine the specs will change from the coupe, meaning the mid-mounted V6 with 375 horsepower should still be offered in the Spyder. A key factor to the coupe's performance is lightness (the whole package weighs in at just 3,100 pounds), and while we don't imagine the Spyder will be a porker, some sort of folding top mechanism and its associated bracing will no doubt add weight.

We'll keep our ear to the ground for more details before the car's unveiling later this year. For now, scroll down for a full business update in Spyker's press release.

Continue reading Spyker promises B6 Venator Spyder reveal this year

Spyker promises B6 Venator Spyder reveal this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> spykerspyker b6 venatorspyker b6 venator spyderspyker carsvictor muller Thu, 02 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556088/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556088/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/spyker-promises-b6-venator-spyder-reveal-this-year/20556088/article-detail.xml 20556088 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-spyker-b6-venator-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-spyker-b6-venator-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer to a circuit near you]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We haven't heard much about the Lotus Exige S Roadster since we first saw it at the Geneva Motor Show last year, but Lotus is now confirming the car will go on sale this summer. Of course, unless anything has changed since the car was introduced, Lotus' "ultimate roadster" will still not be coming to the US.

Lotus has released a new video showing its 345-horsepower roadster in action, and while it doesn't even show that much of the car, you can check out our live images of the Exige S Roadster in our gallery. The video, which looks like a knockoff of a Universal Studios movie trailer, is posted below.

Continue reading Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer to a circuit near you

Lotus Exige S Roadster coming this summer to a circuit near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lotuslotus exigelotus exige s roadstervideo Wed, 01 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554940/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554940/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/lotus-exige-s-roadster-coming-this-summer-to-a-circuit-near-you/20554940/article-detail.xml 20554940 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lotus-exige-s-roadster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lotus-exige-s-roadster.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,

​2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - dead-on front view

Reuters reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating certain Ford Crown Victoria, Porsche 911 and Dodge Viper models for potential defects. NHTSA is currently looking into 2005-2008 Crown Victoria police car models for steering column failures that could cause the upper and lower portions of the steering shaft to separate. Such a condition would lead to a loss of control. So far there are 195,000 vehicles involved with 15 warranty claims.

Meanwhile, 10,000 Porsche 911 sports cars are under investigation for a faulty cooling hose fitting. The loose hose could cause a rapid loss of coolant that could not only damage the engine, but cause a slick road surface that could pose a danger to other traffic. The investigation is only concerned with models equipped with 2001-2007 models. There have been 10 owner complaints of failures, with one owner saying the coolant caused him to loose control and spin the vehicle off of the road.

Investigators are also looking into certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper models for a rear suspension knuckle failure. Two owners have filed complaints after crashes, and NHTSA is now looking into 2,500 of the vehicles.

Note: these probes aren't recalls, but can lead to them if NHTSA or the automakers find sufficient evidence of danger to drivers.

NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dodge viperfordford crown victoriaford crown victoria police interceptorford police interceptornational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanhtsa investigationnhtsa probeporsche 911viper Wed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554541/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/20554541/article-detail.xml 20554541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628.jpg -1 2