Autoblog Event Alert http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Event Alert 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[Autoblog Podcast #295 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/autoblog-podcast-295-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/autoblog-podcast-295-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/autoblog-podcast-295-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/#comments Filed under: ,

Autoblog Podcast Live

We're almost ready to record Episode #295 of the Autoblog Podcast, and we're joined this week by Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara of Top Gear USA on the History Channel. You can check out the topics below, add your own to the Q&A and join us live via UStream, as well. Keep reading for our embedded UStream player, and thanks for listening!

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #295

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #295 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern

Autoblog Podcast #295 goes LIVE at 10PM Eastern originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastautoblog podcast top gearautoblog podcast top gear usaautoblog podcast topicstop geartop gear usa Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20300043/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20300043/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/autoblog-podcast-295-goes-live-at-10pm-eastern/20300043/article-detail.xml 20300043 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus launches "Unleash The LFA" contest [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/lexus-launches-unleash-the-lfa-contest-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/lexus-launches-unleash-the-lfa-contest-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/lexus-launches-unleash-the-lfa-contest-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Lexus' annual Golden Opportunity Sales Event is in effect, and an additional bit of golden yellow to go along with it this year is the Unleash the LFA sweepstakes. The deal is simple: you log onto your Facebook page, check out the Lexus Facebook page, submit your personal details to enter the contest and then spread the link to your Facebook friends.

Having done that, you'll be entered for the chance to unleash the LFA yourself. If you win, you'll be flown to the Skip Barber Racing School in Salinas, California for some personal training from ex IndyCar and NASCAR driver and reigning Grand-Am champion Scott Pruett, behind the wheel of an LFA. The contest ends August 21, and of course the odds are long, but since you'll be on Facebook anyway... and, come on, have you heard the LFA? If you need a reminder, you'll find one in the video below.

Continue reading Lexus launches "Unleash The LFA" contest [w/video]

Lexus launches "Unleash The LFA" contest [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> contestfacebooklexuslexus lfalfaskip barbersweepstakesunleash the lfavideovideosyoutube Mon, 06 Aug 2012 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293524/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/06/lexus-launches-unleash-the-lfa-contest-w-video/20293524/article-detail.xml 20293524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/unleashthelfa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/unleashthelfa.jpg <![CDATA[Buick Regal Grand National documentary <i>Black Air</i> coming in August]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/buick-regal-grand-national-documentary-black-air-coming-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/buick-regal-grand-national-documentary-black-air-coming-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/buick-regal-grand-national-documentary-black-air-coming-i/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Black Air, the documentary on the Buick Grand National, is set for release on December 11 of this year. On August 4, however, the first 20 minutes of the film will be screened at the at the national meet of the Buick Performance Group in Hebron, Ohio.

The film, by Andrew Fillipone, Jr., looks at a car that is as much of an anomaly now as it was during the years it was built, from 1984 to 1987. The Regal Grand National, a boxy black coupe that still sported Buick portholes emitting the superheated air from a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, had little to say to its brethren like the Buick Century, Skylark and Park Avenue. And any speaking it did do was usually centered around tire smoke and bystanders gasping, "Golly..."

You can watch the trailer below. And if you're near the National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio on August 4, you know whose party to crash.

Continue reading Buick Regal Grand National documentary Black Air coming in August

Buick Regal Grand National documentary Black Air coming in August originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> andrew filippone jr.black airbuickbuick regal grand nationaldocumentarygnxgrand nationalmoviesregalregal grand nationaltrailervideo Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281219/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281219/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/19/buick-regal-grand-national-documentary-black-air-coming-i/20281219/article-detail.xml 20281219 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/gnmoviepreview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/gnmoviepreview.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Fusion campaign will feature 'Idol's' Ryan Seacrest]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/2013-ford-fusion-campaign-will-feature-idols-ryan-seacrest/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/2013-ford-fusion-campaign-will-feature-idols-ryan-seacrest/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/28/2013-ford-fusion-campaign-will-feature-idols-ryan-seacrest/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Ryan Seacrest and Ford Fusion

Just when you thought you could get away from Ryan Seacrest...

The host of Fox's "American Idol" will be featured in an upcoming advertising campaign that will pitch the 2013 Ford Fusion.

Seacrest will help spearhead Ford's "Random Acts of Fusion," which will introduce the model to potential consumers across the country prior to its official debut. Ford will run the campaign through radio, broadcast, social media and Internet channels.

"Through this innovative approach, countless people will have an opportunity to take part in once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the Fusion before it even arrives in dealer showrooms," Ford said, and we're still trying to figure out exactly what that means, but that's the power of suggestion.

Ford has been an 'Idol' sponsor since Season 1 a decade ago, and its promos ever since have included providing the two 2008 finalists with new Ford Escape Hybrids, giving away an American Idol Edition Fusion Hybrid (complete with an in-car karaoke set-up) to a contest winner in 2009 and a 2010 promo that let Idol finalists design their own Ford Fiestas.

Last month marked the best May ever for the Fusion, which moved 26,857 units, up 8.9 percent from a year earlier. Through the first five months of the year, Ford sold more than 112,000 Fusions, making it Ford's second-most popular to its F-Series trucks.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Fusion campaign will feature 'Idol's' Ryan Seacrest

2013 Ford Fusion campaign will feature 'Idol's' Ryan Seacrest originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20132013 ford fusionadvertisingamerican idolfordfusionrandom acts of fusionryan seacrest Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267682/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20267682/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/28/2013-ford-fusion-campaign-will-feature-idols-ryan-seacrest/20267682/article-detail.xml 20267682 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seacrest-ford_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/seacrest-ford.jpg <![CDATA[Old timey Toyota Tundra being auctioned for charity in Orange County]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/old-timey-toyota-tundra-being-auctioned-for-charity-in-orange-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/old-timey-toyota-tundra-being-auctioned-for-charity-in-orange-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/old-timey-toyota-tundra-being-auctioned-for-charity-in-orange-co/#comments Filed under: , ,

Clint Boyer 2011 Toyota Tundra

No, your eyes do not deceive you, that's a 2011 Toyota Tundra masquerading as a vintage pickup. Not an awesome old Toyota Hilux pickup, but something decidedly more domestic. Of course, a new Toyota doesn't look anything like a 1950's truck. Neither does a modern Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado or Ram, for that matter, which is why this whole enterprise is so bizarre.

If you're wondering where to place the blame, the truck is the product of the apparently fertile imagination of one Clint Bowyer, Toyota-sponsored NASCAR driver and seemingly all-around good guy. Bowyer will be auctioning off the custom truck at the Barrett-Jackson Orange County auction, to be held June 22-24 in Costa Mesa, CA, with the proceeds going to charity. That lucky organization is the Emporia Community Foundation, based in Emporia, KS, Bowyer's hometown.

While Bowyer said in a statement that he, "wanted to take a brand new Toyota Tundra and make it look like it had been sitting, working on a farm for 50 or 60 years," in reality the pseudo-patina is the creation of custom painter Jason Jewett.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Old timey Toyota Tundra being auctioned for charity in Orange County

Old timey Toyota Tundra being auctioned for charity in Orange County originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 toyota tundrabarrett-jacksonclint bowyeremporiaemporia community foundationjason jewettnascartoyotatundra Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263343/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/old-timey-toyota-tundra-being-auctioned-for-charity-in-orange-co/20263343/article-detail.xml 20263343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bowyer-charity-truck-1-opt-1340291610_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bowyer-charity-truck-1-opt-1340291610.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari aims to set record at Silverstone with thousand-car parade]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/#comments Filed under: , ,

Ferrari parade at Silverstone

The record for the longest parade of Ferrari models was set back in 2007 when 385 examples lapped Silverstone at the same time. That record was broken with 490 cars sometime thereafter, but the Maranello automaker's London-based unit is gearing up to shatter the record once again.

So far, Ferrrari North Europe has registered a whopping 600 cars to participate in the event during the Ferrari Racing Days event at Silverstone. That would be enough to take back the record on its own, but the organizers are hopping to attract another 400 participants over the next few months to make it a nice, round 1000 vehicles.

That'll set the bar high enough when the event takes place on September 15, but to see what the previous run of 385 cars looks like, take a stroll through the high-resolution image gallery above.

Continue reading Ferrari aims to set record at Silverstone with thousand-car parade

Ferrari aims to set record at Silverstone with thousand-car parade originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari north europeferrari northern europeferrari paradegreat britainguinnessparaderecordsilverstoneukunited kingdomworld record Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261463/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/20261463/article-detail.xml 20261463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferrari-silverstone-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferrari-silverstone-record.jpg <![CDATA[GM Design turns 85, help 'em celebrate by viewing this awesome gallery]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/gm-design-turns-85-help-em-celebrate-by-viewing-this-awesome-g/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/gm-design-turns-85-help-em-celebrate-by-viewing-this-awesome-g/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/gm-design-turns-85-help-em-celebrate-by-viewing-this-awesome-g/#comments Filed under: , ,



General Motors Design is 85 years old this month, and it has put together a photographic sampling of its history that would be understatement to label merely "rich." The division has been the home of Harley Earl, Charles Jordan, the Cadillac Madame X and its V16, the Turret Tops, the first concept car, an industrial design division working on projects like the Kitchen of Tomorrow, the 1951 Buick LeSabre, the Stingray, Mako Shark and Manta Ray Corvettes, and so much more.

Just 25 years ago, in fact, the same year that Stefan Roser was flogging the Ruf Yellowbird around the 'Ring, IndyCar legend A. J. Foyt was flogging the Oldsmobile - that's right, Oldsmobile - Aerotech concept car beyond 260 miles an hour and setting land speed records. One of the Aerotech's designers was Ed Welburn, who now leads GM's global design.

Scroll down for more on GM Design and a lengthy timeline detailing its major achievements. There's also information on GM's Eyes on Design event happening this weekend in Grosse Point Michigan, and of course, a large gallery of photos above.

Continue reading GM Design turns 85, help 'em celebrate by viewing this awesome gallery

GM Design turns 85, help 'em celebrate by viewing this awesome gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> charles jordandesign centered welburngeneral motorsgmgm designgm design centerharley earl Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20257988/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20257988/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/gm-design-turns-85-help-em-celebrate-by-viewing-this-awesome-g/20257988/article-detail.xml 20257988 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/gmdesign85_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/gmdesign85.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari corrals the Prancing Horses for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/ferrari-corrals-the-prancing-horses-for-the-queens-diamond-jubi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/ferrari-corrals-the-prancing-horses-for-the-queens-diamond-jubi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/ferrari-corrals-the-prancing-horses-for-the-queens-diamond-jubi/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ferrari FF with the 4th Mounted Carabinieri

When Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee, it will be a cause for celebration for her entire United Kingdom. But the Brits aren't the only ones marking Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne.

The celebrations will apparently include delegations from around the world, including one mixed party of prancing horses old and new to represent Italy. Not only will several Ferraris be represented at the first Concours d'Elegance to be held at Windsor Castle, but Ferrari is bringing the 4th Mounted Carabinieri to strut their stuff on the grounds of the palatial estate for Her Majesty's enjoyment.

The event will form part of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant from May 10 to 13, but you can see a preview of what Ferrari and the Mounted Carabineri it supports have in store after the jump. The fancy dress makes the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (which you'd otherwise be more likely to see in the other Windsor, where Sergio Marchionne - chief executive of Ferrari's parent company - went to college) look sober by comparison, but it's worth watching for the overly dramatic music alone.

Continue reading Ferrari corrals the Prancing Horses for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee [w/video]

Ferrari corrals the Prancing Horses for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carabiniericelebrationdemonstrationdiamond jubileeferrarihorsehorsesjubileemounted carabinieriqueen elizabethqueen elizabeth iiwindor castle Fri, 11 May 2012 09:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234105/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/ferrari-corrals-the-prancing-horses-for-the-queens-diamond-jubi/20234105/article-detail.xml 20234105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/web-horses_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/web-horses.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M5 called in to service as new Ring Taxi]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 Ring Taxi

There's any number of cars that can be used for taxis. The Ford Crown Vic, Nissan NV, Toyota Sienna... pretty much anything with a useable back seat, a cargo area and a roof on which to put a dome light. But a BMW M5? Surely that has to be overkill, right?

Maybe for most taxis, but this is no ordinary cab. This is the Ring Taxi. Operated by BMW and OK-Speed-Marketing at the Nürburgring, the Ring Taxi allows passengers to book a high-speed ride around the harrowing Nordschleife, chauffeured by a professional driver who knows the track's every twist and bump like the back of his (or in the case of Sabine Schmitz, her) capable hands.

For a few years the service was run in the previous-generation M5, with its high-revving V10 engine, but when that model was phased out of production, so was it retired from Ring Taxi duty. The M3 was said to have taken its place for a while, but now the M5 is back at it in its new iteration: all 560 twin-turbocharged horsepower of it.

Tickets for what will undoubtedly prove the ride of any enthusiast's life go for 216 euros ($282 by today's rates), with rides taking place once a week: on Mondays at 10 am. But BMW warns that if past experience (of which it has plenty) is any indication, hopefuls had better reserve well in advance as they tend to book up as fast as the new M5 will sling you around the Karousel.

BMW M5 called in to service as new Ring Taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 bmw m5 ring taxibmwbmw m5 ring taxim5nürburgingnürburging nordschleifenordschleifenurburgingnurburging nordschleifering taxi Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216182/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216182/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/20216182/article-detail.xml 20216182 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/f10-m5-ringtaxiweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/f10-m5-ringtaxiweb.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar Heritage hosting Swallow-to-Jaguar 90th Anniversary Tour]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/jaguar-heritage-hosting-swallow-to-jaguar-90th-anniversary-tour/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/jaguar-heritage-hosting-swallow-to-jaguar-90th-anniversary-tour/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/jaguar-heritage-hosting-swallow-to-jaguar-90th-anniversary-tour/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Swallow sidecar

Long before Jaguar was a five-time Le Mans victor instantly associated with the Leaper icon and cars like the the E-Type, it was Swallow Sidecar, making hexagonal outriders like the one pictured above. When the company got into automobile production it maintained the name Swallow and produced ornately turned-out coupes like the Austin-Swallow, Wolseley-Swallow and the prewar speedster known as the SS-100, the SS standing for Standard-Swallow. It wasn't until after the war that company head William Lyons would, for obvious reasons, swap the SS tag for Jaguar.

This year is the 90th anniversary of the Swallow Sidecar company, so the Jaguar Heritage Trust is hosting a circuitous Swallow to Jaguar 90th Anniversary driving tour from Coventry to Blackpool. The eight-day jaunt begins September 2, 2012 and is open to any of the marques under the historic Jaguar umbrella, including Swallow, SS, Lanchester, Daimler and Jaguar.

There's a press release after the jump with all the details. And for those who have wondered about the closure of the Jaguar Heritage center this September, we just spent two days in Coventry walking through the whole collection and we'll have a report with good news shortly.

Continue reading Jaguar Heritage hosting Swallow-to-Jaguar 90th Anniversary Tour

Jaguar Heritage hosting Swallow-to-Jaguar 90th Anniversary Tour originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> blackpoolcoventrydaimlerenglandlanchesterss 100swallowswallow sidecarwilliam lyons Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176687/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176687/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/26/jaguar-heritage-hosting-swallow-to-jaguar-90th-anniversary-tour/20176687/article-detail.xml 20176687 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/swallow90thtour_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/swallow90thtour.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari debuts new snow and ice driving school in Aspen]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/ferrari-debuts-new-snow-and-ice-driving-school-in-aspen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/ferrari-debuts-new-snow-and-ice-driving-school-in-aspen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/ferrari-debuts-new-snow-and-ice-driving-school-in-aspen/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ferrari FF in the Snow

If you're one of those good souls who doesn't mind getting their Ferrari out in foul weather, we have good news for you. The Italian automaker has just announced the creation of a special winter driving school in Aspen, Colorado. The 2012 Winter Driving Experience is the first snow and ice driving school in America, and should offer participants the chance to sample everything that the new Ferrari FF has to offer in low-traction situations on a custom-built snow and ice course. A fleet of eight FF models have been specially prepared for the task.

Ferrari says that the whole experience will set you back a cool $11,300, plus $950 per guest, though don't expect to lay down your credit card and hop in line unless you already own a Ferrari - the course is for current Prancing Horse owners only. The event will take place over three days and two nights, and Ferrari says that the instruction is based on the successful Pilota On Ice program made popular in Italy. Sounds like a good time to us. Hit the jump for the full press blast and check out the Ferrari site for more information.

Continue reading Ferrari debuts new snow and ice driving school in Aspen

Ferrari debuts new snow and ice driving school in Aspen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aspenaspen coloradoferrariferrari ffferrari winter driving experienceffwinter drivingwinter driving experience Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050072/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050072/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/ferrari-debuts-new-snow-and-ice-driving-school-in-aspen/20050072/article-detail.xml 20050072 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/ferrari-ff-in-the-snow-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/ferrari-ff-in-the-snow-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mid America Motorworks celebrates two American icons at 18th annual Corvette Funfest]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/mid-america-motorworks-celebrates-two-american-icons-at-18th-ann/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/mid-america-motorworks-celebrates-two-american-icons-at-18th-ann/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/mid-america-motorworks-celebrates-two-american-icons-at-18th-ann/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

corvette funfest

Corvette savant Mike Yager is prepping his Effingham, Illinois-based Mid America Motorworks for a celebration of an American icon. On September 15, the doors to the 18th annual Corvette Funfest will open, and thousands of cars and people will descend upon the grassy destination. This is an important year for fans of the Bowtie brand because the automaker is about to celebrate its 100th birthday.

Oscar Meyer WienermobileAnother American icon has also reached a milestone this year. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile turns 75 years old. Oddly enough, the Wienermobile shares a portion of General Motors history alongside the Corvette. Since 1969, the hot-dog-shaped vehicle has utilized a GM chassis, and the current Wienermobile is powered by a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is also making the trek to Effingham to join in on the Funfest activities.

While it's certainly an odd pairing, the Wienermobile and hordes of Chevrolet Corvette cars and fans will mingle under the Illinois sky. According to organizers, registration for the 2011 event is already 40 percent greater than Mid America Motorworks experienced for the 2010 Funfest.

Check out some photos from previous events in our gallery.

Continue reading Mid America Motorworks celebrates two American icons at 18th annual Corvette Funfest

Mid America Motorworks celebrates two American icons at 18th annual Corvette Funfest originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chevroletchevrolet corvettecorvettecorvette funfestfunfestgeneral motorsgmmid americamid america motorworksmike yageroscar mayer weinermobileoscar meyervetteweinermobile Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20040619/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20040619/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/mid-america-motorworks-celebrates-two-american-icons-at-18th-ann/20040619/article-detail.xml 20040619 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/roadtour-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/roadtour-628.jpg <![CDATA[World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/worlds-largest-james-bond-car-collection-coming-together-next-y/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/worlds-largest-james-bond-car-collection-coming-together-next-y/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/worlds-largest-james-bond-car-collection-coming-together-next-y/#comments Filed under: , ,

Bond cars

Over the past half-century, James Bond has driven a wide variety of vehicles. (Okay, so most of them have been Aston Martins. The point is there's been a lot of them.) And while the occasional former Bond vehicle may pop up at auction every now and then, seeing more than one or two in the same place is a rare occasion indeed.

Next year, however, the Bond franchise is turning 50, and to celebrate, a number of parties are teaming up to put together the largest display of Bond cars ever. The exhibition will take place at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, and is being orchestrated with help from Empire (the world's foremost movie magazine) and EON Productions (which puts together every Bond movie ever filmed).

The display will be part of the Big Screen exhibition there, which already includes the Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the DB5 from Goldeneye, the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day, and the 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom lll from Goldfinger. All told, some 50 cars from various Bond movies will be on display from January through December 2012. Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the quartet of high-resolution images of the four aforementioned vehicles in the gallery.

World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 007beaulieubondempireeoneon productionsjames bondnational motor museum Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20017151/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20017151/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/15/worlds-largest-james-bond-car-collection-coming-together-next-y/20017151/article-detail.xml 20017151 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webdb5-f355-goldeneye_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webdb5-f355-goldeneye.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus designs a pair of new test tracks for <i>Top Gear Live</i>]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/24/lotus-designs-a-pair-of-new-test-tracks-for-top-gear-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/24/lotus-designs-a-pair-of-new-test-tracks-for-top-gear-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/24/lotus-designs-a-pair-of-new-test-tracks-for-top-gear-live/#comments Filed under: ,

Top Gear Live Docklands GP circuit

Few circuits in the world have gained as much notoriety as the Top Gear test track in Surrey, England. The show's private playground plays host to the best performance machines and biggest celebrities. But Clarkson and company didn't design the track themselves, it was set up by Lotus.

Now, Top Gear has again turned to Lotus to design two new tracks for the Top Gear Live traveling show. The courses, B20 Raceway and Docklands GP, will be set up at the NEC in Birmingham and the ExCel center in London, respectively, where thousands of fans will gather for the veritable automotive circus. Each circuit is set up differently, and the corners will be individually named, with an opportunity for fans to vote on the names of one at each track.

Clarkson, Hammond, May and The Stig will perform, of course, as well as Ring-mistress Sabine Schmitz, rival presenter Tiff Needell and five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell. An array of celebrities will battle for the top spot in the on-site Star in a Reasonably Priced Car competition. The highlights of the show, however, are sure to be supercars like the McLaren MP4-12C, Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari 599 GTO, classic Group B rally cars and F1 racers past and present.

Follow the jump for the press release and check out the track layouts in the gallery.

Continue reading Lotus designs a pair of new test tracks for Top Gear Live

Lotus designs a pair of new test tracks for Top Gear Live originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> birminghamexcelexcel centerlondonnec birminghamtop geartop gear live Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996630/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996630/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/24/lotus-designs-a-pair-of-new-test-tracks-for-top-gear-live/19996630/article-detail.xml 19996630 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webtgl-london_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webtgl-london.jpg <![CDATA[<i>SENNA</i> documentary announces dates and cities for limited release]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/senna-documentary-announces-dates-and-cities-for-limited/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/senna-documentary-announces-dates-and-cities-for-limited/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/senna-documentary-announces-dates-and-cities-for-limited/#comments Filed under: , ,

ayrton senna movie documentary

Did you miss the chance to catch Senna in theaters? Did you also miss it when Netflix accidentally allowed you to watch it via their online service? Stop punching yourself in the face because Senna is heading to theaters around the country for a limited time. This means you have no excuse to miss the flick this time around. Get your butts to a theater in one of the following cities on the following dates:
  • August 12th: New York and Los Angeles
  • August 19th: Chicago, Philadelphia, Cambridge, San Francisco, Berkley, D.C., Detroit, San Diego, Miami, Nashville, Dallas
  • August 26th: Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver
  • August 29th: Seattle
  • September 2nd: Indianapolis, St. Louis
If you're a Formula One fan who happens to live in NYC, you have another event worth adding to your calendar. City Winery is hosting a live viewing party of the British Grand Prix. During the event, organizers will share an exclusive peek at Senna. If you're interested, be sure to head to the City Winery web site and make reservations.

SENNA documentary announces dates and cities for limited release originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ayrton sennabritish grand prixcity winerysennasenna filmsenna movie Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979410/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/01/senna-documentary-announces-dates-and-cities-for-limited/19979410/article-detail.xml 19979410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/sennamovieposter-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/sennamovieposter-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Lingenfelter opens doors to his collection for charity [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/sultan-of-michigan-opens-doors-to-his-collection-for-charity-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/sultan-of-michigan-opens-doors-to-his-collection-for-charity-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/16/sultan-of-michigan-opens-doors-to-his-collection-for-charity-w/#comments Filed under: , ,

lingenfelter collection

Back in 2009, we gave you an inside look at a truly amazing car collection located in Michigan. At the time, the owner preferred an air of anonymity, so we referred to him as the "Sultan of Michigan," which is a moniker we've since learned he dislikes and we won't be using anymore. His collection is both expansive and all-encompassing, containing automobiles from a range of eras and locations. The man's name is Ken Lingenfelter (cousin of the late John Lingenfelter), and the doors to his collection will open to the public on Saturday, June 18th.

For $15, you will gain access to a collection of over 150 vehicles that range from early Chevrolet Corvettes to the Ferrari Enzo wearing build plaque number 399. Lingenfelter has amassed the type of automotive showcase that makes all enthusiasts envious, while also providing a timeline of exciting vehicles that spans decades.

This isn't just about viewing a collection that's rarely shared with the public. Ken Lingenfelter is hosting the event to support the Detroit Institute of Opthalmology. The organization is devoted to being the leader in collaboration of vision related research, and a champion of helping those with impaired vision.

You can get a look at Lingenfelter's cars by way of the Lingenfelter Collection website. If you're in the Brighton, Michigan area, however, we suggest you pony up some dough and see the vehicles in person. You'll feel good about helping a charity, and we'll feel jealous that we're not there to see the cars for ourselves. This is a collection that is not open to the public, but is occasionally available for car clubs to view when they donate proceeds of the viewing to charity.

Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone (313-824-4710), or at the door (7819 Lochlin
Brighton, MI). We've gone ahead and posted an older video showing just a portion of the Lingenfelter Collection after the break.

Continue reading Ken Lingenfelter opens doors to his collection for charity [w/video]

Ken Lingenfelter opens doors to his collection for charity [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car collectioncar museumcorvettedetroit institute of opthalmologyenzoeyes onken lingenfelterlingenfelterlingenfelter collectionsultan of michigan Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19967888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19967888/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/16/sultan-of-michigan-opens-doors-to-his-collection-for-charity-w/19967888/article-detail.xml 19967888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lingenfelter-pano_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/lingenfelter-pano.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block set for F1 test at Monza]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/ken-block-set-for-f1-test-at-monza/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/ken-block-set-for-f1-test-at-monza/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/ken-block-set-for-f1-test-at-monza/#comments Filed under: ,

Ken Block

Even with a skill set as specific as vehicular control, there are polar opposites. At one end you have F1 drivers, who position what essentially amount to fighter jets on wheels with pin-point precision. At the other end sits the likes of Ken Block, the Gymkhana master who has wowed us all time and again by drifting his rally car sideways through the tightest of spots and in the grandest of fashion. The two may seem entirely irreconcilable, but they're about to come together for what promises to be an interesting crossover.

While visiting Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, it was announced that Block is headed for his first drive in an F1 car this August. But rather than test, as many others have, for a specific team, Block will be the invited guest of Pirelli - the company that supplies the tires both for his rally car and for the entire F1 grid.

The drive will take place at Monza - the legendary home of the Italian Grand Prix - on August 5th. There, Block will take to the wheel of the TF109, the car which Toyota fielded in the 2009 championship before withdrawing from the series altogether, and which Pirelli now uses to test its various F1 rubber compounds.

Block says this test will "take hooning to a whole new level." Are we smelling an F1 Gymkhana video in the making? Too early to say, but we can certainly dream. Official announcement after the jump.

Continue reading Ken Block set for F1 test at Monza

Ken Block set for F1 test at Monza originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> blockken blockmonzapirellitoyotatoyota f1toyota tf109 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964966/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/ken-block-set-for-f1-test-at-monza/19964966/article-detail.xml 19964966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kenblock1-1307966319_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kenblock1-1307966319.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast LIVE at 10PM EST!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/autoblog-podcast-live-at-10pm-est/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/autoblog-podcast-live-at-10pm-est/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/autoblog-podcast-live-at-10pm-est/#comments Filed under: ,

The Autoblog Podcast is opening up tonight for interactive Q&A at 10PM EST. We've embedded both our Q&A module and UStream channel below, so you can listen live and give us real-time feedback. See you soon!


Online TV Shows by Ustream

Autoblog Podcast LIVE at 10PM EST! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcast livefeatured Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19960043/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19960043/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/autoblog-podcast-live-at-10pm-est/19960043/article-detail.xml 19960043 <![CDATA[Submit your questions for the first LIVE episode of the Autoblog Podcast]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/submit-your-questions-for-the-first-live-episode-of-the-autoblog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/submit-your-questions-for-the-first-live-episode-of-the-autoblog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/submit-your-questions-for-the-first-live-episode-of-the-autoblog/#comments Filed under:

Autoblog Podcast Live
Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

For tonight's Autoblog Podcast, we're trying something new and exciting. We're going live tonight, responding to your feedback as it comes in through our Q&A Module, which will flip to real-time mode at 10PM Eastern. You can listen live at UStream to hear the hijinks as it happens, too. We've picked some discussion topics, but we fully expect to be led on tangents. You can also use the forum below to drop us your own feedback and questions, or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what else we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #233
Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for the first LIVE episode of the Autoblog Podcast originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Autoblog podcastautoblog podcast liveautoblog podcast topics Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19959779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19959779/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/submit-your-questions-for-the-first-live-episode-of-the-autoblog/19959779/article-detail.xml 19959779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[The Chevrolet Volt is out there on the test drive circuit, too]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/24/the-chevrolet-volt-is-out-there-on-the-test-drive-circuit-too/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/24/the-chevrolet-volt-is-out-there-on-the-test-drive-circuit-too/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/24/the-chevrolet-volt-is-out-there-on-the-test-drive-circuit-too/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Chevrolet Volt
Chevy Volt Tour hits L.A. Fashion Weekend - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Nissan Leaf is on a nationwide tour to spread the electric gospel, and it turns out the Chevrolet Volt is also making a national round to pitch its "More Car than Electric" mantra. We swung by its L.A. stop more interested in the L.A. Fashion Weekend show that was going on behind the test drives. This particular blogger had never been in the Volt and hadn't thought much of it beyond the three years of headlines it's been making - especially because our tastes tend more toward words like Gumpert Apollo and Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport and Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black and Lamborghini Murciélago.. and Fisker Karma.

But then we drove it. Twice. Once with the engine juicing the battery, once on battery power alone. They were short drives, just around a few blocks. And, um, we hate to go all Volt homer with this, but we have no choice: it was fantastic. As coincidence would have it, we rocked up to the event in a Honda Insight and discovered that the Volt is at the opposite, highly enjoyable pole of hybrid driving. We characterized it as "the best hybrid experience we've ever had."

Of course, we can't pass judgment on the car as a complete proposition because we had just a moment of seat time. Yet it was long enough to know that we're going to get in one again as soon as we get the chance. And it was long enough for us to recommend that if the Volt tour comes your way and you're into cars at all, then take our advice: drive it. For dates and cities, have a look at the info after the jump.


Gallery: Chevy Volt tour in LA


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading The Chevrolet Volt is out there on the test drive circuit, too

The Chevrolet Volt is out there on the test drive circuit, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Chevrolet Voltchevy voltvoltvolt tour Sun, 24 Oct 2010 14:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19681077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19681077/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/24/the-chevrolet-volt-is-out-there-on-the-test-drive-circuit-too/19681077/article-detail.xml 19681077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/chevyvolttour_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/chevyvolttour.jpg -1 2