Autoblog Europe http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Europe 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[Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/#comments Filed under: ,



The Bowler EXR S is a purpose-built SUV based on Land Rover bones with a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 designed to tackle off-road rallying events like the Paris-Dakar. The Caterham Seven Supersport is a feather-light track day weapon, purposely created to out-hustle just about anything on a winding race circuit. If asked to pick one of the as the fastest around a handling circuit in the UK, the smart money is clearly on the racing Caterham. Right?

Maybe, maybe not, as it turns out.

In what can only be the product of some right-place, right-time car loans, British publication Autocar has put together a wild on-track comparison between the Seven and the EXR S, with a pretty interesting outcome. We won't spoil it for you - go ahead and click it on below to watch the head-to-head for yourself.

Continue reading Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle

Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bowlerbowler exrbowler exr-scaterhamcaterham sevencaterham seven supersportland roverlotus 7lotus sevenvideo Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574159/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/20574159/article-detail.xml 20574159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bowler-vs-caterham-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bowler-vs-caterham-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Yaris

Our tiniest Toyota (Scion iQ notwithstanding) is about to get a little French flair. The Japanese automaker announced Thursday that its Toyota Motor Manufacturing France facility would begin building Yaris models destined for North America - specifically, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. This will mark the first time in history that Toyota has exported vehicles to North America from Europe.

Initially, Toyota will export roughly 25,000 Yaris models to North American markets from France each year. In order to handle this additional production, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France has invested 10 million euro into its French facility.

Despite being somewhat of a snooze-fest (it's a car!), the Yaris carries on in North America with a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with prices starting at $14,370 for the three-door and $15,395 for the five-door, not including $795 for destination.

Continue reading Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America

Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> francetoyotatoyota yaris Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574228/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/20574228/article-detail.xml 20574228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-2013-toyota-yaris628opt.png <![CDATA[Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Ford Fiesta ST - front three-quarter view, red

We at Autoblog love the new little Ford Fiesta ST, and apparently, folks in Europe are pretty impressed with it, as well. According to Ford, the automaker's European arm has already logged 3,000 orders for the new hot hatch since it hit dealerships this March. The US-spec car, which will only be available as a five-door, will go on sale in the United States this summer.

What's perhaps most interesting about the Fiesta ST ordering is that the majority of customers appear to be ordering high-spec cars. According to Ford data, 60 percent of customers have opted for the leather interior with Recaro buckets, and 90 percent have selected the upgraded 17-inch wheels (seen on our test car, above). Spirit Blue has been the most popular color, commanding 27 percent of all orders. As for the technology upgrades, 19 percent of customers have ponied up for the Sony stereo with navigation.

To recap, the Fiesta ST is offered with Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, putting out 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. We had an absolute blast flinging the hot Fiesta through the French Alps, and we can't wait for this sharp little hatch to make its way over to the States.

Ford has already announced US pricing for the Fiesta ST, which starts at $22,195 (including $795 for destination). Load one up with Recaros, navigation, a sunroof and more, and you'll just crest the $26,500 mark.

Scroll down for Ford's full release about European orders.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start

Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 ford fiesta2014 ford fiesta stfordford fiestaford fiesta st Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573717/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/20573717/article-detail.xml 20573717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd628opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-2014-ford-fiesta-st-fd628opt.png <![CDATA[Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Lexus LFA supercar at sunset

What do you do if you have enough money to buy a Lexus LFA but can't get the car safely to your house? Get local government involved, of course. Rune Berge Vik, of Stavanger, Norway, did just that after he bought a Lexus LFA (the only LFA in the Nordic region according to tv2.no) last year only to find out that it could not clear a speed bump in his neighborhood.

To remedy the situation, Vik got in touch with his city, which had the speed bump removed. Talk about your tax dollars hard at work. On the other hand, it's commendable that the man actually uses his supercar as a daily driver, and besides, doesn't a street-legal car have the right to access said public streets?

Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 lexus lfalexuslexus lfalocal governmentspeed bumpspeed hump Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573785/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/20573785/article-detail.xml 20573785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-2011-lexus-lfa-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/01-2011-lexus-lfa-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/#comments Filed under: , ,

Volkswagen and Porsche emblems overlayed

The sequence of events from 2007 that began with Porsche's secret attempt to take over Volkswagen, and instead lead to Porsche being taken over by VW, continues to instigate lawsuits against the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. A group of hedge funds that suffered over $1 billion in losses sued the car company in New York. Porsche had publicly stated it wasn't trying to buy VW, the hedge funds in question were shorting VW stock, and when Porsche's actual intentions were revealed, the stock shot up and the hedge funds took a beating.

The case was thrown out over the issue of jurisdiction, then appealed, only to see another suit filed on top of that. After that, most of the hedge funds withdrew their claims in New York and Porsche offered a 90-day window to refile in Germany where it is already fighting a number of other suits over the same issue. The hedge funds accepted the offer, refiling in Stuttgart for $1.8 billion in damages. According to Bloomberg, Porsche hasn't commented on the refiling, but as the same plaintiffs are involved, it's safe to assume that the carmaker still feels the case is "unsubstantiated and without merit." It has fared alright so far even in German courts, with two lesser cases against it thrown out last year.

Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> derivativesgermanyhedge fundslawsuitporscheporsche lawsuitporsche volkswagenporsche vwstock marketstuttgartvolkswagenvw Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569429/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569429/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/20569429/article-detail.xml 20569429 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests.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[Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



This year's Formula One season might qualify as being just as crazy as last year's, only it's a different kind of crazy. Instead of a new winner every Sunday, how the winner actually manages to take the victory is the mystery, and just when we thought the season might have settled into a groove regarding team performance, here comes the Spanish Grand Prix to remind us that we don't know anything until the race has been run.

There were many similarities to past weekends to being this one: Mercedes-AMG Petronas showed awesome one-lap pace, Fernando Alonso did well enough in qualifying to get fifth on the grid but talked up the race pace of the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen was the equivalent of a racing photobomber, never saying much but always showing up in the picture, Felipe Massa wasn't really big on the tires and McLaren might want to consider starting a blues band they spend so much time singing them.

Then the lights went green and things went nuts...

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops'

Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 spanish grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoFerrariformula 1formula oneinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgnico rosbergspanish grand prix Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/20567561/article-detail.xml 20567561 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b.jpg <![CDATA[Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



For some reason, having unlikely rappers - like minivan-driving suburbanites or British mothers - spit about their rides is still a catchy advertising hook, even in other cultures. Far more so, we're guessing, than having P. Diddy sing about his dog and his pickup truck or a Brazilian street gang doing a Celtic dirge, for example.

And that's how you get three grandmothers ridin' dirty clean in a Mitsubishi i electric vehicle. The ad for the Belgian car sharing company Cambio - promoting the i in its fleet - gets the three "omaatjes" rolling through town in veteran hip-hop fashion, right down to the police once-over. Check out how they do it in the video below, but beware, there is some explicit language.

Continue reading Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV

Rapping grandmas love the Mitsubishi i EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingbelgiumcambiocambio car sharingrapvideoyoutube Mon, 13 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565887/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565887/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/rapping-grandmas-love-the-mitsubishi-i-ev/20565887/article-detail.xml 20565887 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cambio-i-ad.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Aventador reports for taxi duty at Bologna airport]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/lamborghini-aventador-reports-for-taxi-duty-at-bologna-airport/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/lamborghini-aventador-reports-for-taxi-duty-at-bologna-airport/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/lamborghini-aventador-reports-for-taxi-duty-at-bologna-airport/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Lamborghini Aventador in airport

Lamborghini has invaded another airport as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. In January, it took over one of the two runways at Miami-Dade International Airport so it could conduct high-speed runs and have an Aventador pose with a Boeing airliner. Across the Atlantic, the Aventador has just been made the "Follow Me" vehicle at the Aeroporto di Bologna, which is 30 minutes from the company factory in Sant' Agata Bolognese.

According to Auto Evolution, it's been done up just like the Fiat models one normally encounters on such duty - it even has a light bar in case pilots don't simply want to follow the noise. Specially trained airport staff will guide arriving flights to their gates in the Aventador from May 6 to May 19, and once passengers are deplaned, they can check out the Lamborghini exhibit inside the airport.

Lamborghini Aventador reports for taxi duty at Bologna airport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 lamborghini aventadoraeroporto di bolognaairportairport equipmentbolognabologna airportlamborghinilamborghini aventador Mon, 13 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565863/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/lamborghini-aventador-reports-for-taxi-duty-at-bologna-airport/20565863/article-detail.xml 20565863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-aventador-bologna-airport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-aventador-bologna-airport.jpg <![CDATA[New Peugeot 308 looks to be a big improvement]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Peugeot 308 - maroon - front three-quarter studio shot

As much as we applaud automakers for flexing their design muscles every now and then, we occasionally find ourselves raising our eyebrows at the "new family design language" that companies smatter across their products. For example: Have a look at pretty much everything Peugeot has put out in recent years. Funky stuff, to be sure, but not always the sort of vehicles that garner adjectives like "pretty" or "sleek." And the old 308 hatchback was perhaps one of the company's worst offenders.

But that changes, right now. Peugeot has taken the wraps off of the new 308 hatch, and from what we can see in these high-res images, it's decidedly better looking. The design follows in the footsteps of the recently launched 2008 crossover, boasting cleaner lines without that huge, gaping maw up front. Instead, there are slimmer, LED-capped headlamps and pronounced foglamps, topped off with a rakish hood. Strong body lines flow from front to back, where there's a clean rump and a thick, windowless C-pillar. Large, split-five-spoke wheels round out all four corners.

Peugeot has not released any technical data about this 308 just yet, only saying that the new generation is a full (and appropriate) 308 pounds lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the company's new modular EMP2 platform. Inside, the reworked interior features premium materials and a rather interesting design, with a 9.7-inch touchscreen interface in the center stack and an instrument panel that's set high on top of the dashboard. Pretty cool.

The 308 makes its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. For now, have a good glance at the much, much better-looking hatch in our gallery above, and be sure to glance below for all of the details in Pug's press blast.

Continue reading New Peugeot 308 looks to be a big improvement

New Peugeot 308 looks to be a big improvement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 peugeot 308frankfurtfrankfurt 2013frankfurt motor showpeugeotpeugeot 308 Mon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567121/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/new-peugeot-308-looks-to-be-a-big-improvement/20567121/article-detail.xml 20567121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-peugeot-308628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/001-peugeot-308628opt.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[2013 Audi S3]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Coming Soon To Our Shores With Two More Doors And A Trunk



The Audi S3 is not exactly a sales juggernaut, despite it being a bit of a legend for passionate fans of the small German premium genre. In most markets outside of Europe, people may consider such setups as the S3 three-door tested here, look at the price, and then think maybe they should just get a nice A4 sedan with greater practicality for similar cash. That certainly has been one reason Audi has never officially brought the S3 hatchback to the United States. And the 335-horsepower RS3 Sportback? Forget about it nearly everywhere but in Germanic regions, Switzerland and the UK.

All of which automatically turns the new S3 hatchback into an unattainable object of desire for many fans of the four-ringed brand. The good news, of course, for many markets not on the three-door S3's dance card is that most of us will get a shot at buying the new S3 sedan that will be powered by the same drivetrain tested here. We reported heavily on the sedan version from the recent New York Auto Show and are convinced that there is much for North American shoppers to like.

Continue reading 2013 Audi S3

2013 Audi S3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi s3audiaudi s3audi s3 reviewfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrive Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566100/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/2013-audi-s3-review-first-drive/20566100/article-detail.xml 20566100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-audi-s3---01-opt.png <![CDATA[Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The producers of Iron Man 3 undoubtedly have the No. 24 Audi RS5 DTM car driven by Adrien Tambay at last week's Hockenheim round to thank for the movie's record-breaking global opening. Not only was Tambay's car wrapped to be a high-speed billboard for the movie, the entire team dressed in Iron Man-themed race suits made by partner Alpinestars and wore themed helmets from Uvex. What other reason could there be?

To make sure that all of Earth's residents at least get to hear about the movie, Tambay's team will be donning the livery again at the Brands Hatch round on May 19. There's a miniature press release below, along with a video of the crew hamming it up - as you would do when you get the chance to drive one of the few Audis that might be cooler than Tony Stark's.

Continue reading Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video]

Iron Man takes over Audi DTM racing team [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adrien tambayaudi rs5audi rs5 dtmbrands hatchdtmhockenheimiron maniron man 3 Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564097/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564097/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/iron-man-takes-over-audi-dtm-racing-team-w-video/20564097/article-detail.xml 20564097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-dtm-iron-man.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Max Reisbock

It's hard to imagine, but once upon a time, there were only two BMW 3 Series variants: the coupe and sedan. Back before gran coupes, convertibles and yes, even touring models were available, buyers could only get their 3 Series fix if it came with two or four doors and a fixed roof. Back in the mid '80s, BMW engineer Max Reisbock was having some trouble fitting his whole family into his four door. Rather than suck it up and buy a van, he picked up a wrecked 3 Series and got to cutting in a buddy's garage. Months later, he had the very first 3 Series Touring ever built.

At first, he kept the the car to himself, using it to haul friends and family around, but he eventually showed it off to his friends at work. When the BMW executives found out about his project, they called him up to take a closer look. After putting an eyeball on the car, they took it, copied his design, made a few tweaks and quickly rolled out the first production 3 Series Touring. How's that for validation? Check out the video below for Reisbock's story.

Continue reading Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon

Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 3 series3 series touringbmwbmw 3 series touringmax reisbockvideo Sat, 11 May 2013 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563826/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563826/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/meet-the-inventor-of-the-bmw-3-series-wagon/20563826/article-detail.xml 20563826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/max-reisbock-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/max-reisbock-628.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[Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen Stop Start Ad

Babies and cars go together like screaming blobs of insomnia and sleep machines. New parents quickly find that nothing soothes an irritable newborn quite like a quick drive around the block, and Volkswagen employed that truth in the company's newest ad for its stop/start technology. The spot follows one new dad as he tries to lull his child to sleep with the burble and purr of his Tiguan TDI. Unfortunately, his efforts are thwarted by the machine's start/stop system at each stop light.

While the clip does a great job of explaining how the start/stop system works and what it does for the buyer, Volkswagen took a bit of a gamble by having the system wake a sleeping babe. Automakers spend plenty of time trying to convince the world that their stop/start gear is as smooth as possible, and while this wee Volkswagen enthusiast falls asleep the moment the diesel engine wakes up, the implication is that the system isn't exactly imperceptible. Check out the
for yourself.

Continue reading Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech

Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adcommercialstop startvideovwvw tiguanvw tiguan tdi Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564907/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/20564907/article-detail.xml 20564907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-stop-start-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-stop-start-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



While most automakers are clawing and scratching for every possible sale, it sounds like Ferrari is content in losing a few potential customers in the name of better exclusivity and higher profits. Autocar reports that Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo recently stated that the Italian automaker hopes to sell fewer than 7,000 units globally in 2013 compared to last year's tally of 7,318.

As a part of this plan, Ferrari will be slowing its production lines and trying to create a balanced market for its cars in the US, the Middle East, Europe and China - the latter two being the automaker's biggest markets. Montezemolo also said that Ferrari would not be expanding its model lineup with SUVs, sedans or small cars.

Ferrari looking to become even more exclusive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari productionferrari salesluca di montezemolo Thu, 09 May 2013 17:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563663/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/ferrari-looking-to-become-even-more-exclusive/20563663/article-detail.xml 20563663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-ferrari-f12-berlinetta-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In what must have looked and sounded to motorists on the M6 like an invasion of The Swarm, a parade of 50 enthusiast gems leaving a charity event were caught shooting down the on-ramp and merging into traffic. There were plenty of Porsches joining the 959 and Ducktail above, Aston Martins going back to the badboy V8 of the last millennium, a Ferrari Testarossa, a TVR and numerous other Easter eggs.

There were not, however, plenty of turn signals, with someone counting just five among the fifty engaging in proper use of the blinker. One reason put forth for that is the same reason we're posting this video, which is from last Summer, below: "because supercar." Enjoy.

Continue reading Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing

Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinferrarilamborghinim6nissan gt-rporscheporsche 911ukvideo Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/20562691/article-detail.xml 20562691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6.jpg <![CDATA[Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In the 'Just Because It's Awesome' category we have the Seat Leon Cup Racer, a kerb-stomping trinket the Spanish brand took to the GTI Wörthersee gathering. A transformation worthy of Marvel turns the recognizable five-door hatch underneath into a test-bed for a 325-horsepower sprint or endurance racer, depending on which version a customer prefers, and Seat "can envision" a 1.6-liter motor so it can contest World Touring Car championships.

The machine's track has been stretched by 40 centimeters, 18-inch wheels hung on the axle hubs underneath popped-out arches. The single-seat inside is wrapped in a moisture-regulating leather. Torque maxes out at 258 pound-feet, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed double-clutch gearbox and electronically controlled diff in the sprint version, a six-speed sequential transmission and mechanical diff going on the endurance variant.

It is expected to be available for customer teams in time for the 2014 season. The sprint race spec will cost 70,000 euro ($92,100 US) plus tax, the endurance spec runs 95,000 euro ($125,992 US), and the press release below has more info.

Continue reading Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine

Seat Leon Cup Racer for Worthersee is one bad machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motorsportsseatseat leonseat leon cup racerworthersee Thu, 09 May 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562463/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/seat-leon-cup-racer-for-worthersee-is-one-bad-machine/20562463/article-detail.xml 20562463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/seat-leon-cup-special.jpg <![CDATA[Why Italians are no longer buying supercars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-italians-no-longer-buying-supercars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-italians-no-longer-buying-supercars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-italians-no-longer-buying-supercars/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Ferrari LaFerrari

Italy is the wound that continues to drain blood from the body financial of Italian supercar and sports car makers. The wound was opened by the country's various financial police who decided to get serious about superyacht-owning and supercar-driving tax cheats a few years ago, by noting their registrations and checking their incomes. When it was found that a rather high percentage of exotic toy owners had claimed a rather low annual income - certain business owners were found to be declaring less income than their employees - the owners began dumping their cars and prospective buyers declined to buy.

Car and Driver has a piece on how the initiative is hitting the home market the hardest. Lamborghini sold 1,302 cars worldwide in 2010, 1,602 cars in 2011 and 2,083 cars in 2012 - an excellent surge in just two years. In Italy, however, it's all about the ebb: in 2010, the year that Italian police began scouring harbors, Lamborghini sold 96 cars in Italy, the next year it sold 72, last year it sold just 60. The declines for Maserati and Ferrari are even more pronounced.

Head over to CD for the full story and the numbers. What might be most incredible isn't the cause and effect, but where the blame is being placed. A year ago the chairman of Italy's Federauto accused the government of "terrorizing potential clients," this year Luca di Montezemolo says what's happening has created "a hostile environment for ­luxury goods." Life at the top, it ain't easy.

Why Italians are no longer buying supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariguardia di finanzaitalian policeitalylamborghinimaseratisupercarstax evasiontaxes Wed, 08 May 2013 10:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558982/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558982/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/why-italians-no-longer-buying-supercars/20558982/article-detail.xml 20558982 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-laferrari-geneva-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-laferrari-geneva-628.jpg -1 2