Autoblog Motorsports http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Motorsports 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[The big dune jump and the damage done]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Higgins Jump

The Silver Lake sand dunes see their fair share of well-built trophy trucks executing impressive jumps. Drivers build insane pieces of machinery for the express purpose of sailing through the air like mad men and women.

Mike Higgins is no stranger to the area. His heavily modified Ford trophy truck has gone flying through the sky on more than one occasion, but he recently bit off more than he could chew. After hitting a particularly lofty dune, Higgins went airborne for a ridiculous 180 feet before becoming intimately familiar with the finer points of gravity.

While Higgins nailed the jump, his landing fell short of wowing the judges. The impact very nearly broke his truck in two. Despite the mechanical mayhem, the driver walked away without a scratch, proving that occasionally miracles really do happen. You can check out the jump and the subsequent destruction below for yourself. Be warned: there's a fair bit of foul language.

Continue reading The big dune jump and the damage done

The big dune jump and the damage done originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crashfordford f-150 svt raptorford jumpjumpmike higginssilver lake sand dunesvideo Mon, 20 May 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576404/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/20576404/article-detail.xml 20576404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/higgins-jump-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/higgins-jump-628.jpg <![CDATA[WTCC drivers try to get pole position by going... slower?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/#comments Filed under: , ,

WTCC Salzburgring slow qualifying

Question: When does the desire to win dictate that a racing driver try to drive slower than everyone else? Answer: When those drivers are attempting to qualify for the opening of the World Touring Car Championship at the Salzburgring track in Austria.

And now for the why. It seems that, after racing hard for the first several minutes of the qualifying session, several drivers decided to slow down to let others pass them in an effort to follow close behind in the slipstream. It's a well-known fact that drafting is one way to gain an advantage in close wheel-to-wheel racing, but the desire to catch a competitor has never proven so comical as it did in this instance.

The final lap of qualifying was so slow that time ran out as the field limped their way around the track. Officials were not amused, and after it was all said and done, 12 drivers were handed penalties, leaving Michel Nykjaer, who was not penalized, on pole. Check out the ridiculous scene of poor sportsmanship on video below.

Continue reading WTCC drivers try to get pole position by going... slower?

WTCC drivers try to get pole position by going... slower? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> poor sportsmanshipqualifyingSalzburgringwtccwtcc penalties Sun, 19 May 2013 13:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575014/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575014/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/20575014/article-detail.xml 20575014 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/wtcc-slow-qualifying_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/wtcc-slow-qualifying.png <![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[Costco offering this $115,000 full-size F1 simulator in UK]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/#comments Filed under: , , ,



For video game enthusiasts who can't stand the thought of playing a racing game on a single television screen, using a standard controller and (gasp!) sitting on a couch, there are plenty of realistic racing simulators out there. While better simulators usually include a trio of monitors, a racing chair and appropriate steering wheel and pedals, Costco has what could be the ultimate racing simulator for Formula One fans in the UK with deep pockets and a desire for a life-like gaming experience.

Costing a mere 90,000 British pounds (roughly $136,000), Costco UK sells a simulator mounted to a life-size F1 car that includes plenty of composite, carbon fiber and alloy. It even has full brakes, wheels and tires. The price includes set up and training, but don't expect to pick one up in addition to a 10-pound package of bacon and a 40-count package of toilet paper, since it takes about 12 to 18 weeks to deliver. All that is missing to get this thing on a real track are the engine and transmission. As for the simulation aspect, this system uses three 23-inch thin film transistor (TFT) screens, an Intel Core i7 processor and a five-speaker surround sound system.

Head over to the Costco UK website to check out what has to be the coolest and most excessive gaming device ever.

Costco offering this $115,000 full-size F1 simulator in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> costcof1formula 1formula oneracing simulatorvideo game Sat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571875/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/costco-offering-this-115-000-full-size-f1-simulator-in-uk/20571875/article-detail.xml 20571875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/f1-racing-simulator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/f1-racing-simulator.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi confirms pair of MiEV Evolution II electric racecars for Pikes Peak]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Preparing for next month's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Mitsubishi - the presenting sponsor of this year's PPIHC - has unveiled its entrant for the race: the all-electric MiEV Evolution II. Building off last year's MiEV-inspired entrant, the Evolution II has received numerous improvements, including a more powerful electric drive system, a lower center of gravity and even a more traditional racecar look. Driving a pair of MiEV Evolution II models this year will be Hiroshi Masuoka from Mitsubishi vehicle development and six-time PPIHC motorcycle winner, Greg Tracy.

Both MiEV Evolution II racers employ a quartet of electric motors (last year's car used just three), and output has been increased from 280 kilowatts (375 horsepower) up to 400 KW (536 hp). For improved handling, the cars' lithium-ion battery packs help provide lower centers of gravity, and both Masuoka's and Tracy's cars have received active yaw control, stability control and redesigned anti-lock braking systems. Hopefully, this will help them stick to the mountain better. As previously mentioned, even their look has changed, with less of a wide-body i-MiEV feel and more of a racecar appearance. We think the finished product would actually make for a pretty cool Le Mans Prototype racer, or perhaps an electrically powered rival for trackday cars like those from Radical.

Mitsubishi confirms pair of MiEV Evolution II electric racecars for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> electric racecargreg tracyhill climbhiroshi masuokamitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi i mievmitsubishi miev evolution iipikes peakpikes peek international hill climb Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572404/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/20572404/article-detail.xml 20572404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-miev-evolution-ii-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-miev-evolution-ii-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Rolls-Royce, the "power solutions" company that makes jet engines and much more (not the luxury motorcar company) has signed on to support the Bloodhound SSC Land Speed Record attempt project. This isn't just a financial tie-up and exchange of engines and tech, though, Rolls-Royce is just as interested as the Bloodhound gang in promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to children in the UK and around the world.

It will be providing its EJ200 jet engine that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet with 20,000 pounds of thrust. In the Bloodhound, the engine will be the first stage in the hybrid rocket system that they hope will get the SSC to 1,000 miles per hour. Coincidentally, although Rolls-Royce hasn't been officially involved with Bloodhound before, its engines have been used to break records in the Bloodhound predecessors Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC.

There's a press release below with more details and a video that animates how the hybrid rocket inside the blue streak works.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video]

Rolls-Royce gets into LSR game, backs Bloodhound SSC [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aerospacebloodhoundbloodhound sscland speed recordlsrrolls roycerolls-royce Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571499/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/rolls-royce-gets-into-lsr-game-backs-bloodhound-ssc-w-video/20571499/article-detail.xml 20571499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bloodhound-rolls-royce-aero_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bloodhound-rolls-royce-aero.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Take the Race of Champions, keep its wide-ranging motorsports disciplines but replace national teams with duos called Red Outrageous, Yellow Powerful, Blue High Tech and Green Superfast. Give them rides from a toy store shelf and the cockiness of Top Gun, put them on courses from Mad Max and mix in a vibe and radio chatter from the attack on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, and what do you have? The Hot Wheels short film World's Best Driver.

The maker of little diecast cars got some big cars together - some you've seen before, some are from other planets - as well as some wild drivers and moto-crossers, and put them to the test at a 'secret' location called the Hot Wheels Test Facility, where things get quite a bit wilder than they do at the Nürburgring.

We have no idea why this movie exists, and we don't care - it's 22 minutes of camped-out fun and you'll find it below.

Continue reading Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver

Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aaron rossbryce hudsoncasey curriediecastgeoff aaronhot wheelshot wheels worlds best driverluke johnsonronnie rennervideoworlds best driver Thu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571586/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/20571586/article-detail.xml 20571586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver.jpg <![CDATA[F1 boss Ecclestone staring down bribery charges]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/#comments Filed under: ,

Bernie Ecclestone F1 boss suited with hand up

Controversial Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is facing bribery charges from German prosecutors. The long-rumored indictments stem from the 2006 sale of the racing series from Germany's Bayern LB bank to CVC Capital partners. The charge could result in Ecclestone facing jail time and losing his iron grip on the F1 series.

Ecclestone, 82, is said to be "100 percent" relaxed about the pending charges, despite the fact that Bayern's former chief risk officer, Gerhard Gribkowsky, is already incarcerated and serving an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for admitting to taking a bribe worth nearly $43 million. According to reports, German prosecutors are alleging that Ecclestone was responsible for that money. For his part, Ecclestone has repeatedly asserted his innocence, maintaining that he is a victim of blackmail.

If the case goes to trial, Germany's The Local says Ecclestone is not likely to appear in court until this fall, as much of the case's extensive documentation will need to be translated into English.

F1 boss Ecclestone staring down bribery charges originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bayern lbbernie ecclestonebriberycoercioncvc capital partnersf1formula one Thu, 16 May 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572559/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/f1-boss-ecclestone-staring-down-bribery-charges/20572559/article-detail.xml 20572559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bernie-ecclestone-f1-boss-testify_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bernie-ecclestone-f1-boss-testify.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/#comments Filed under: ,

Dick Trickle

Well-known NASCAR racer Dick Trickle has dies of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Trickle was 71 years of age.

According to reports, police in Lincoln County, NC were informed via an anonymous phone call (very likely made by Trickle himself) prior to the suicide where to find the body. Trickle's body was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Boger City, NC, next to his pickup truck.

Our thoughts go out to Trickle's friends and family. Please keep any comments respectful and remember that this is not the time for jokes.

NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dick tricklenascarrip Thu, 16 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572912/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/20572912/article-detail.xml 20572912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Peugeot Climb Dance Pikes Peak film - remastered screencap

Climb Dance, the rally-porn film celebrating the Pikes Peak Hill Climb victories of Ari Vatanen in 1988 and Robby Unser in 1989 - and including footage from both drives - has been remastered in high definition. It was commissioned by Peugeot, maker of the four-wheel steering 415 T16 Grand Raid, the racecar that took both drivers to the top to overall victories.

Peugeot will be hoping that Sébastien Loeb can dance the same way next month when he runs up the now-paved mountain in his 208. You'll find the breathtaking remastered Climb Dance below, as well as tribute the Motor Trend made with Marcus Gronholm in a Ford Fiesta back in 2009. Enjoy.

Continue reading Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory

Peugeot's legendary Climb Dance remastered in high-definition glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ari vatanenclimb danceford fiestapeugeotpeugeot 405 t16pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrobby unservideo Thu, 16 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571485/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/peugeots-legendary-climb-dance-remastered-in-high-definition-gl/20571485/article-detail.xml 20571485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climb-dance-remastered.jpg <![CDATA[Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/#comments Filed under: , ,

Honda and McLaren announce new F1 efforts by showing three race cars throughout history

McLaren Honda team formation - executives shaking handsHonda must really love Formula One racing, as evidenced by today's announcement that the Japanese automaker is returning to the world's most popular motorsport for the fifth time in its history. Honda has entered into a team partnership with McLaren to develop and manufacture power systems - the engine and energy recovery system - for the 2015 F1 season. McLaren will be in charge of chassis development and running the day-to-day operations of this newly formed team, which will be called McLaren Honda.

Honda says its decision to reenter F1 racing had to do with new regulations for the 2014 season that require cars to be powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbocharged V6 engine paired with an energy recovery system. Apparently the chance to develop this particular powertrain for F1 racing was too enticing for Honda to pass up, which suggests it has bigger plans for the knowledge learned while developing these systems beyond just winning races.

As mentioned, this is Honda's fifth foray into F1 racing, the first being back in 1964 when it participated as its own team through 1968. Its longest stint came from 1983-1992 as an engine supplier, during which time it partnered with many teams, including McLaren, and won six Constructor Championships. Honda then returned from 2000-2005 as an engine supplier for British American Racing (BAR) before buying that team outright and running it as Honda Racing from 2006-2008. Then the global economic crisis hit. Honda's return to the sport will surely be welcomed by fans as its partnership with McLaren should produce a formidable team. It's a strong signal that the company has returned to health after a few tumultuous years, and hopefully its rediscovered motorsports mojo will help yield more passionately engineered street cars.

Continue reading Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner

Honda returning to F1 as McLaren partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1formula 1formula onehondahonda engine suppliermclarenmclaren honda Thu, 16 May 2013 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571998/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571998/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/honda-returning-to-f1-as-mclaren-partner/20571998/article-detail.xml 20571998 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-honda-announcement-03-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Coulthard and Vettel drive Infiniti M sedans on the site of Russia's future grand prix circuit

The next Winter Olympics will happen in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23, 2014. Sometime after that, barring any delays, a portion of the Sochi Olympic Park will be turned into the Sochi Olympic Park Circuit, a 3.65-mile track for the first Russian Grand Prix in 100 years (the last of two Formula One grands prix were held in St. Petersburg).

As we've come to expect from the Infiniti Red Bull team, it recently sent Sebastian Vettel and brand ambassador David Coulthard to the unfinished venue to run the route in Infiniti M sedans and offer some impressions. With average cornering speeds above 62 miles an hour, Coulthard called it a fast street circuit in the Monaco vein. You can watch them try it out - yes, that's Vettel gone airborne above - and avoid a "White Van Man" in the video below.

Continue reading Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit

Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> david coulthardf1formula 1formula oneinfinitiinfiniti mrussian grand prixsebastian vettelsochisochi olympic park circuitvettelvideo Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/20569418/article-detail.xml 20569418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi.jpg <![CDATA[Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Challenge Crash - video screencap

Two people are lucky to be alive after a brutal crash during a recent Ferrari 458 Challenge event in Japan. Driver Shigeru Terajima lost control of his machine on the Suzuka Circuit start/finish straight, left the course at nearly 200 miles per hour and struck the inside wall where a corner worker was standing and monitoring the race. The 458 immediately disintegrated, sending bits of carbon fiber bodywork, suspension components, wheels and tires scattering into the infield and across the race course. The passenger cell spun through the air before coming to a stop on its roof.

Miraculously, both Terajima and the corner worker survived the incident. While the driver was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, he's expected to make a full recovery. The track worker, meanwhile, saw the incident coming and dove out of harm's way at the last possible moment, saving him from the brunt of the impact. You can watch an observer's frightening footage of the Ferrari crash by scrolling below.

Continue reading Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka

Driver, track worker survive horrific Ferrari 458 crash at Suzuka originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 458 challenge crashferrariferrari 458 challengeferrari 458 italiaferrari crashshigeru terajimasuzuka circuitvideo Tue, 14 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568146/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568146/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/driver-track-worker-survive-horrific-ferrari-458-crash-at-suzuk/20568146/article-detail.xml 20568146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-458-challenge-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ferrari-458-challenge-crash-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[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[Sir Stirling Moss apologizes to Susie Wolff for slight against women drivers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/sir-stirling-moss-apologies-to-susie-wolff-for-slight-against-wo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/sir-stirling-moss-apologies-to-susie-wolff-for-slight-against-wo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/11/sir-stirling-moss-apologies-to-susie-wolff-for-slight-against-wo/#comments Filed under: , ,

Stirling Moss

Stop us if you've heard this one: public personality speaks his unfiltered mind in a public forum, one of his unfiltered comments makes people go "OMG did he really say that?!", the Internet shock-and-rehash machine goes dynamo, public personality issues an apology. You didn't stop us, but we'll assume you are familiar with the formula, and Sir Stirling Moss is the latest in the automotive world to follow the script. In April, while a guest on a BBC Radio 5 special, Moss said he believed women "have the strength, but I don't know if they've got the mental aptitude to race hard, wheel-to-wheel" and win a Formula 1 race.

People who didn't even know they had hackles got their hackles up over that one. Moss was also publicly rebuffed by Susie Wolff, a test driver for the Williams F1 team who happens to be a woman. Interestingly, Wolff apparently did say she trains harder in order to be strong enough, but she was talking about muscular, not mental, fortitude.

As for Moss, on May 9 Wolff let everyone know via Twitter that Moss called her to apologize for his comments. Wolff said it was buried, ending the tweet with the same comment she made after the BBC interview aired: "He's entitled to his opinion."

Sir Stirling Moss apologizes to Susie Wolff for slight against women drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 May 2013 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1f1 driversfemale f1 driversformula onestirling mosssusie wolffwomen in f1 Sat, 11 May 2013 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564734/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564734/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/11/sir-stirling-moss-apologies-to-susie-wolff-for-slight-against-wo/20564734/article-detail.xml 20564734 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sir-stirling-moss_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sir-stirling-moss.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer with Sebastien Loeb

The annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the few events in motorsport with an Unlimited Class that is truly... well, unlimited. To put the word 'unlimited' in perspective, consider the Red Bull-sponsored Peugeot 208 T16: its 3.2-liter bi-turbo V6 engine puts out 875 maximum horsepower, sending power to all four wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. That's powerful enough to catapult the T16 from 0-62 miles per hour in a scant 1.8 seconds. Keep it planted and it'll hit 125 in 4.8 seconds and 150 in 7.0 flat.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is freakishly fast.

Just ask Sébastien Loeb, a man who's no stranger to high-performance machinery, having won nine World Rally championships, who said of the T16 after his first testing session: "I've never driven anything that accelerates so fast! ... It's got the downforce of a Formula 1 car, the wide tires of an endurance racing prototype and a differential like a WRC car."

And that right there is the automotive definition of 'Unlimited.' Oh, did we mention that the T16 is one of the meanest looking four-wheeled vehicles we've ever laid eyes on? See for yourself in the high-res image galleries, press release and video below.

Continue reading Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer

Watch Sebastien Loeb take first drive in Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> peugeotpeugeot 208 t16pikes peakred bullsebastien loebunlimited classvideo Thu, 09 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563857/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563857/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/sebastien-loeb-drives-peugeot-208-t16-pikes-peak-video/20563857/article-detail.xml 20563857 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/peugeot-208-t16-loeb_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/peugeot-208-t16-loeb.jpeg <![CDATA[Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/#comments Filed under: , ,



After two years in the US running just one class of car, the Supercars, Global Rallycross (GRC) is adding a SuperCar Lites class that will run spec cars. Intended to be a development formula for the "next generation of star drivers," the Lites will race at all five US races this year on the same course as the Supercars, and with a format similar to the top class: a 60-minute free practice, 30-minute qualifying, heats, with Last Chance Qualifier and Finals run just before the main Supercar events. Standings will be divided into overall and a Lites Rookie Cup for first-time racers who haven't yet completed a full season.

They'll be driving a Ford Fiesta ST prepped by Olsbergs MSE, a Swedish builder that supplies four of the 20 GRC teams including two-time champion Tanner Foust. They have 310 horsepower compared to 600 hp in the Supercars, all-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential transmission. Ordered directly from Olsbergs, they'll run you $165,000 if you're one of the first ten teams to purchase one, after that they'll be $185,000.

The overall Lites-class winner gets a Supercar drive with Olsbergs MSE in the year-ending Rallycross Battle of the Champs, the top three finishers get Supercar tests like the Young Driver Test in Formula One held at the end of the season. There's a press release below with more info as well as a two videos of Geoff Sykes and Tanner Whitten testing the Lites car earlier this year.

Continue reading Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos]

Global Rallycross announces Lites class for up and coming stars [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> global rallycrossglobal rallycross litesmotorsportssupercar litesvideoyoutube Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562382/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/global-rallycross-announces-lites-class-for-up-and-coming-stars/20562382/article-detail.xml 20562382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/grc-lites-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/grc-lites-class.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[This is why the X Games should come to Detroit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/#comments Filed under: ,



Recently, ESPN announced the finalists for cities eligible to host the 2014 Summer X Games, with Detroit, MI - my hometown and current place of residence - making the list. And despite the naysayers that give my city a really bad rap (quite literally, actually, since I'm sure many of you have heard about how it's "So Cold" here), there's good reason for Detroit to host the annual competition. Want proof? Check out the full five-and-a-half-minute-long video posted below.

ESPN had originally stated that "Detroit has been the most vociferous in its desire to host the games," and the video here provides some damn good high-res proof. Check out the rally-spec Ford Fiesta as it spins around the Cobo Hall roof parking deck and races along Woodward Avenue through the Campus Martius area. Or watch as folks on motorcycles and pedal-bikes jump and race through the gritty, gorgeous ruin porn of the historic Packard Plant, even backing-up traffic on the M-10 freeway for stunts and lining up in parade-like fashion along Cass Avenue.

I'm sure the other finalist cities - Chicago, IL; Austin, TX; and Charlotte, NC - all have plenty of credibility. But I dare you to watch the video below and not get at least a little excited about the possibility of the Motor City hosting the 2014 Summer X Games.

Continue reading This is why the X Games should come to Detroit

This is why the X Games should come to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> detroitvideox gamesx games detroit Wed, 08 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562571/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562571/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/why-the-x-games-should-come-to-detroit/20562571/article-detail.xml 20562571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xgames_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xgames.jpg -1 2