Autoblog Off-Road http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Off-Road http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Baja 1000 1970 Grabber Olds is our personal hero]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

1970 Grabber Olds 442

Racing is racing. Whether it's pounding the quarter mile into submission or kicking it sideways around a circle track, going fender to fender or against the clock is the same kind of rush no matter the flavor. As you well know, some of the biggest names in hot rodding tried their hand at what would eventually become the Baja 1000 in the '60s. Parnelli Jones, Don Prudhomme, Jim Garner and Steve McQueen all headed to the sands of Mexico to bash around in massive muscle cars between 1967 and 1972.

Needless to say, few of those racers are around today. Ron Johnson of Tacoma, Washington found what was left of Jim Garner's 1970 "Grabber Olds" 442 back in 2008 and began the laborious process of stitching the vehicle back together. Miraculously, he was able to find the original aluminum-block 410 V8 and even the vehicle's hood, which was removed before the car went bumper-over-tea-kettle in an accident that saw the car roll eight times.

Johnson kept the vehicle as close to original as possible, with a few concessions for modern race requirements. The original rear end was scrap by the time he got his hands on the car, so a replacement 12-bolt was sourced and installed with a Moser spool and Yukon 4.11 gears. After reworking the original V8 with all new internals, the engine is good for 508 horseopwer. A TH400 was purpose-built for the application.

Rod Hall has raced the Grabber Olds in a few vintage series with mixed success. You can check out more photos over at the HotRod.com or read the full feature in the March issue of Hot Rod magazine.

Baja 1000 1970 Grabber Olds is our personal hero originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 442baja 1000baja oldsmobile 442grabber oldsmobile 442jim garneroldsmobile 442rod hall Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/11/baja-1000-1970-grabber-oldsmobile-442-is-our-personal-hero/20169083/article-detail.xml 20169083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-grabber-olds-442-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-grabber-olds-442-628.jpg <![CDATA[Range Rover celebrates 10th anniversary with special editions]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/range-rover-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-special-editions/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/range-rover-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-special-editions/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/range-rover-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-special-editions/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Ten years wouldn't seem like much of an anniversary for an automaker, or even a sub-brand. But we're not talking about a make here, we're talking about one model. That's right: The current Range Rover has been on the market for a decade, which is a rather long life-cycle for any automobile, but Jaguar Land Rover isn't the least bit embarrassed. In fact, it's celebrating the anniversary with a series of special edition models.

Picking up where the Vogue model leaves off, the Westminster Edition features a cabin decked out in leather trim, thick carpeting and piano lacquer veneers, with illuminated treadplates, polished pedals, a 19-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with Dual View display and heated and cooled front seats. JLR's 4.4-liter turbodiesel V8 pulls all four 20-inch, 10-spoke wheels through an eight-speed automatic.

Meanwhile the Autobiography edition is available with the same engine, or with the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with six-speed automatic. The Range Rover Design Pack distinguishes the exterior, while the Range Rover Seat Style Pack makes the cabin an even more opulent place to be with the reclining rear seats and moveable front passenger seat you'd expect to find in a limousine.

Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, including pricing in Land Rover's native market since these won't be available in the U.S.

Continue reading Range Rover celebrates 10th anniversary with special editions

Range Rover celebrates 10th anniversary with special editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> anniversaryautobiographyland roverland rover range roverland rover range rover autobiographyland rover range rover westminster editionrange roverrange rover autobiographyrange rover westminster edition Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/range-rover-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-special-editions/20165843/article-detail.xml 20165843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/rrover-anniv-spcl_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/rrover-anniv-spcl.jpg <![CDATA[Save China's Jeep beer for the end of the trail]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeep Beer advertisementModern advertising has conditioned us to associate a wide array of strange images with beer in a can. The Rocky Mountains, silver bullets, Clydesdale horses and blue ribbons all do their best to peddle cheap brew, but Chinese drinkers now have a new mascot for their favorite cold one. Hubei Jeep Brewery Corporation has turned out a new light beer featuring everyone's favorite off road machine. The logo even features a Jeep Wrangler silhouette, complete with the brand's iconic/trademarked seven-slat grille. What does Jeep Beer taste like? Fresh mountain streams? Muddy hill sides? Licking a Chrysler interior? No one is saying for certain.

Hubei Jeep Brewery Corporation has completely adopted the Jeep brand as an emblem of rugged manliness, and the company even went so far as to giveaway a Jeep Compass to the highest-selling distributor. The winner managed to move 60,000 liters of suds to take home the prize.

Don't get us wrong. Beer and vehicles go together about as well as fenders and telephone poles, but we're just curious enough about the notion of Jeep Beer to want a bottle or three. Besides, you can't argue with a tag line like, "JUST FOR MAN."

Save China's Jeep beer for the end of the trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinahubei jeep brewery corporationjeepjeep beerjeep compassjeep wranglerwrangler Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/save-chinas-jeep-beer-for-the-end-of-the-trail/20164720/article-detail.xml 20164720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-jeep-beer628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-jeep-beer628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mopar Jeep Compass True North points... north?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-mopar-jeep-compass-true-north-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-mopar-jeep-compass-true-north-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-mopar-jeep-compass-true-north-chicago-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2012 Mopar Jeep Compass True North

Mopar didn't leave Jeep out of the customized fun here at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Based on the Compass, the 2012 Mopar True North boasts a two-inch suspension lift from Rocky Road Suspensions and 16-inch matte black wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. Other exterior tidbits include a matte black grille surround and lower body cladding.

There aren't any changes to the standard Compass drivetrain that we know of, but the interior is fitted with a custom center console that features pitch and roll inclinometer gauges. Finishing it off is an audio system sourced from Kicker that Jeep says "transform [it] into a rolling high-end sound studio," which would appear to be completely unrelated to its intended purpose.

Continue reading 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass True North points... north?

2012 Mopar Jeep Compass True North points... north? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 jeep compasschicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcompasscompass true northjeep Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167384/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2012-mopar-jeep-compass-true-north-chicago-2012/20167384/article-detail.xml 20167384 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mopar-jeep-compass-true-north_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mopar-jeep-compass-true-north.jpg <![CDATA[Watch as a Ferrari FF goes rallying in the snow]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/watch-as-a-ferrari-ff-goes-rallying-in-the-snow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/watch-as-a-ferrari-ff-goes-rallying-in-the-snow/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/watch-as-a-ferrari-ff-goes-rallying-in-the-snow/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Markku Alen drives Ferrari FF in the snow

Ferrari has had its share of drivers who knew their way around a snowy rally course. Gilles Villeneuve, for example, was famous for the drifting techniques he picked up racing snowmobiles in his native Quebec. And Kimi Raikkonen, for another, left the Scuderia for the World Rally Championship where he exercised his Finnish roots. Thing is, both of these top drivers were gone from the Ferrari roster long before the company introduced the FF as its first all-wheel-drive car.

That's where Markku Alen comes in. The former World Rally Champion took the FF up to the Arjeplog track in the north of his native Sweden, just an hour's drive south of the Arctic Circle, to stretch it out in the snow. Fortunately, he also brought a film crew along. While Ferrari's shot footage of the FF playing in the snow before, none of it came out quite as majestic as this clip. Follow the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Watch as a Ferrari FF goes rallying in the snow

Watch as a Ferrari FF goes rallying in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari ffmarkku alenrallysnowswedenvideo Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/watch-as-a-ferrari-ff-goes-rallying-in-the-snow/20163125/article-detail.xml 20163125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/110012car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/110012car.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson voted worst off-road trip partner in UK survey]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/jeremy-clarkson-voted-worst-off-road-trip-partner-in-uk-survey/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/jeremy-clarkson-voted-worst-off-road-trip-partner-in-uk-survey/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/jeremy-clarkson-voted-worst-off-road-trip-partner-in-uk-survey/#comments Filed under: , ,



If you're about to embark on an off-road driving expedition, you're going to need the right co-pilot. Someone with good knowledge of how a car works, good survival skills and - most important of all - a good sense of humor.

This according to a recent study carried out in the UK by Continental Tires ahead of the launch of the Conti 4x4 Trophy, in which respondents ranked humor as an over-arching qualifying trait for the right person to ride shotgun.

So who did the British respondents choose? The blokes went with a pretty face in glamor model Kelly Brook, while the ladies elected Robert Pattinson of Twilight fame. But it's the least favorite picks that caught our attention.

According to the study, the worst person to have riding shotgun on such an off-road trip would be Jeremy Clarkson. Joining Jezza in the top ten least favorite co-pilots in the study were Katie Price (another "glamor model" like the aforementioned Kelly Brook who goes by the name Jordan), Prime Minister David Cameron, fashion model Kate Moss, TV show hostesses Carol Vorderman and Christine Bleakley, parliamentarian Nick Clegg, pop idol Madonna, Idol host Simon Cowell and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

For our part, we're not sure the Top Gear host (or for that matter the McLaren driver) would be at the very top of our list, but he certainly wouldn't be at the bottom. This after a similar study placed Jezza as the top choice for a house-sitter, one of the top five Brits that men would like to have a date with, and, most contradictingly, the country's top pick for a passenger on an on-road trip.

Continue reading Jeremy Clarkson voted worst off-road trip partner in UK survey

Jeremy Clarkson voted worst off-road trip partner in UK survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> britainclarksonconti 4x4 trophycontinentaljeremy clarksonpollstudysurvey Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162165/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/02/jeremy-clarkson-voted-worst-off-road-trip-partner-in-uk-survey/20162165/article-detail.xml 20162165 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/clarkson1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/clarkson1.jpg <![CDATA[Blaser outfits special edition Land Rover Defender for hunting]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Blaser Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender may be nearing the end of its line, but over the course of its lifetime it has become the go-to vehicle for any number of off-road applications. They're used on safaris and expeditions, by military forces and humanitarian organizations. And yes, they're used by hunters. That's why German firearms manufacturer Blaser has outfitted this special edition Defender for just such a market.

The Blaser edition Defender includes roof rack, underbody skid plates, trailer hitch, power winch, spotlight, snorkel intake, custom-embroidered leather seats and more. It's decked out in what's called Keswich Green, but to us looks more like Panzer green, and packs a 2.2-liter turbodiesel four with 122 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque on tap. But the party piece is the custom armory built into the back that can carry as many as five hunting rifles plus ammunition. Only 60 examples will be made available exclusively in Germany, each carrying a €49,500 ($64,400) price tag.

Blaser outfits special edition Land Rover Defender for hunting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> blaserdefenderland roverland rover defenderland rover defender blaser edition Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/blaser-outfits-special-edition-land-rover-defender-for-hunting/20155544/article-detail.xml 20155544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/defender-blaser-edition-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/defender-blaser-edition-1.jpg <![CDATA[Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Land Rover DC100 concept - LA show update

When Tata's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover began to appear inevitable, the question "Would you buy a Jaguar made in India?" was oft repeated. Yet it looks like Land Rover will be the first of the two brands to try to benefit from this kind of Anglo-Indian synergy: a report in Autocar states that the 2015 Land Rover Defender will be built at Tata's plant in Pune, India.

The Defender is a truly old school body-on-frame SUV that sells in small numbers compared to the rest of the Land Rover line. But it has benefitted from technology, some regulatory gymnastics and exemptions and, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, a warm place in people's hearts. If it's going to be around, though, LR would like to move more of them. Building the next generation model in Pune - with final assembly of some examples in England, a reverse of what's done now with products like the knockdown Freelander 2 (read: LR2) - could give the Defender's bottom line the boost it needs, as well as close proximity to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

It is expected that the next Tata Aria SUV will be close enough in dimensions and manufacturing to share the same facility with the the 2015 Defender. They will remain two distinct vehicles - the Defender will likely go on the T5 ladder chassis that underpins the Discovery/LR4 and Range Rover Sport, and is predicted to have the general features of the DC100 concept. The current Defender is slated to remain on sale until 2017, and will likely be built in Solihull, England until then.

Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 land rover defenderdc100dc100 conceptdefenderland roverland rover defenderpunepune indiatatatata motors Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/20157089/article-detail.xml 20157089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/landroverdefenderpune_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/landroverdefenderpune.jpg <![CDATA[Venchurs Vehicle Systems shows off Xplore truck line]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/venchurs-vehicle-systems-shows-off-xplore-truck-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/venchurs-vehicle-systems-shows-off-xplore-truck-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/venchurs-vehicle-systems-shows-off-xplore-truck-line/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Xplore Dodge Ram

Venchurs Vehicle Systems has turned its attention toward the full-size truck market. As you may recall, the company produces expedition-ready versions of SUVs like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, and now truck owners can have their beasts turned into similarly capable Xplore machines. While Venchurs plans to expand to trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-Series in the near future, the company only offers the Xplore Ram for now. Buyers can choose from three stages of off-road prowess depending on their needs.

Stage one starts with custom Katzkin leather seats and a variety of dealer-installed Mopar accessories, while stage two throws in black aluminum wheels wrapped in meaty BF Goodrich tires, adjustable Bilstein 5100 series shocks and a stainless steel cat-back exhaust. Hardier floor mats and smattering of Xplore aluminum badges are also part of the mix.

Stage three lets owners choose from a variety of ARB goodies, including special racks, tent systems and recovery hardware should they find themselves mired. Stage four vehicles are custom built at the Venchurs facility in California, and include special matte-finish paints alongside AMP tricks like power retractable running boards and bed sliders. If you're ready to weather the apocalypse, hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Venchurs Vehicle Systems shows off Xplore truck line

Venchurs Vehicle Systems shows off Xplore truck line originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> venchursvenchurs vehicle systemsxplorexplore dodge ramxplore ramxplore ram 4x4 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151993/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/venchurs-vehicle-systems-shows-off-xplore-truck-line/20151993/article-detail.xml 20151993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/xplore-ram-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/xplore-ram-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-tackles-hells-revenge-trail/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-tackles-hells-revenge-trail/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-tackles-hells-revenge-trail/#comments Filed under: , , ,



We recently went off the beaten path with a Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Moab, Utah to test the 2012 model's improved off-road chops. While Editor Paukert's tale of the experience certainly gets the point across, there's nothing quite like watching Ford's monster tackle the rocks and dirt in high-definition video, especially video that was taken by a hovering camera-equipped drone.

While the Raptor is best known for its desert-storming, dune-jumping prowess (we ourselves have greatly enjoyed getting all four wheels off the ground), what's truly amazing is watching a vehicle this big tackle some of Moab's toughest obstacles at a snail's pace. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor tackles Hell's Revenge Trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 ford f-150 svt raptorf-150fordhells revengemoabsvt raptorvideo Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-tackles-hells-revenge-trail/20153391/article-detail.xml 20153391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-moab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-moab.jpg <![CDATA[Watch as a motorcycle rides on top of the world]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/watch-as-a-motorcycle-rides-on-top-of-the-world/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/watch-as-a-motorcycle-rides-on-top-of-the-world/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/watch-as-a-motorcycle-rides-on-top-of-the-world/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Motocross on a mountaintop

It takes guts to ride a motocross bike. Tuned practically to the point of blowing themselves to bits, every pound stripped away so that only the bare necessities are left and sitting on top of a foot-plus of suspension travel, it takes a deft hand to tame these race machines.

Which makes the feat you'll see in the video after the break all the more amazing. It's one thing to strap on your gear and head out to the relatively safe confines of an off-road track. It's something completely else to ride a singletrack trail at the top of a mountain ridgeline.

Judging from the perspective of the rider, which is where the camera has been thoughtfully mounted, a single mistake could send this daredevil plummeting to the ground, where serious injury or even death seem inevitable. And yet there seems to be no tension whatsoever from the rider. We've got to say, we're impressed. See what we're talking about after the break.

Continue reading Watch as a motorcycle rides on top of the world

Watch as a motorcycle rides on top of the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motocrossmotocross stuntmotocross videomotorcycle stuntridge ridestuntvideo Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/watch-as-a-motorcycle-rides-on-top-of-the-world/20152306/article-detail.xml 20152306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/motocross-mountaintop_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/motocross-mountaintop.jpg <![CDATA[Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/teens-build-mini-tvn-dominator-tornado-chase-vehicle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/teens-build-mini-tvn-dominator-tornado-chase-vehicle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/teens-build-mini-tvn-dominator-tornado-chase-vehicle/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mini Dominator tornado chase vehicle

There are few things that can't be accomplished with a little PVC pipe, some chicken wire, cardboard boxes and spray paint. Just ask the innovative chaps in the videos after the jump. As part of a Halloween celebration last year, the quartet of youths took it up on themselves to recreate a scale version of the tornado-chasing Dominator from TVN. The finished product looks pretty good given its humble roots, and since the project uses a Honda Recon ATV for a chassis, it gets down the road with a quickness.

The guys behind the project nailed all of the relevant details, right down to a mock Bosch sponsorship and a plethora of wiper blades. Well played, sirs. The troupe plans to roll out a mini Dominator 2 in coming months alongside a slew of skits inspired by the reality TV show Storm Chasers. We can't wait. Hit the jump to check out the four-part series on the Dominator's creation after the jump.

Continue reading Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle

Teens build mini TVN Dominator tornado chase vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> atvdominatorhalloweenhondahonda reconstorm chaserstornadotornado chase trucktornado chasertvnvideo Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151008/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/teens-build-mini-tvn-dominator-tornado-chase-vehicle/20151008/article-detail.xml 20151008 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-dominator-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mini-dominator-628.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki shows Concept XA trucklet in Delhi]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/suzuki-shows-concept-xa-trucklet-in-delhi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/suzuki-shows-concept-xa-trucklet-in-delhi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/suzuki-shows-concept-xa-trucklet-in-delhi/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Want to know how highly regarded the multiple-award winning Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is? At the recent Auto Expo in Delhi, India Maruti Suzuki showed a concept that is, to our eyes, extraordinarily reminiscent of the small English SUV - although we'll readily admit the glasshouse is a tweaked version of the current Suzuki Swift.

Called the XA Alpha concept, some reports say that it's underpinned by the Swift platform, while others report that the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy off-roader, based on the Jimny, provides the chassis. For comparison purposes, the XA is just a few inches shorter and narrower than an Evoque, but the same height as the Evoque four-door.

Plans for production are said to rest with audience reception, which appears to have - understandably - been quite positive. If and when a production version does arrive, you can probably kiss the suicide doors goodbye, but it is predicted to be offered with four-wheel drive and "a range of K-Series petrol engines and 1.3-liter DDIS engine." Click the link for more photos of the flexible Indian flyer.

Suzuki shows Concept XA trucklet in Delhi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto expo 2010Concept XA Alphamaruti suzukiMaruti Suzuki Concept XA Alphaxa alpha Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/suzuki-shows-concept-xa-trucklet-in-delhi/20144337/article-detail.xml 20144337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/maruitsuzukiconcepta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/maruitsuzukiconcepta.jpg <![CDATA[Tim Cameron's ShowTime is our kind of commuter car for the apocalypse]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Tim Cameron ShowTime buggy

It's amazing what a little good old-fashioned ingenuity can create. Well, that and about 200 feet of thick steel tubing, 16-inch Fox coil-over suspenders, an LSX 454 crate engine from General Motors hooked to a Powerglide automatic transmission, and a custom-built pair of axles and a set of four 43-inch tires...

Of course, none of those components would do a lick of good if it weren't for a talented builder and driver, and Tim Cameron apparently is both. Cameron has been building this unique type of rock-climbing off-road buggy for years, and his latest creation, which is called ShowTime, is his most impressive yet.

There aren't many obstacles that can't be tackled when you've got endless supplies of horsepower and articulation, even if traction is limited. That point will be driven home if you check out the video after the break, which is a compilation of tricky situations ably conquered by Cameron and his ShowTime rig. Well, almost all of them were conquered... See for yourself.

Continue reading Tim Cameron's ShowTime is our kind of commuter car for the apocalypse

Tim Cameron's ShowTime is our kind of commuter car for the apocalypse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hill climboff-road buggyrock bouncerock bounce rigshowtimeshowtime buggytim cameronyoutube hero Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146686/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/20146686/article-detail.xml 20146686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/tim-cameron-showtime_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/tim-cameron-showtime.jpg <![CDATA[James Stewart and Red Bull hit the Motocross track in slow-mo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

James Bubba Stewart slow motion

Following up on the two-wheeled slow-motion theme in 2012, Red Bull is highlighting two-time motocross champion James Stewart and his factory Yamaha race bike. We've already seen a couple of Honda-mounted MotoGP riders at 1,000 frames per second, so it only seems appropriate to see what super slow motion looks like on the dirt.

Bubba makes it look easy when viewed frame-by-frame at these speeds, but, as anyone who's ever thrown a leg over a motocross bike's saddle some 40-inches above the ground will tell you, there's nothing easy about it. Whether skimming the top of the whoops, railing through a tight turn or flying through the air like an acrobat on wheels, we're simply in awe of Stewart's abilities aboard his dark blue steed.

We highly suggest you click past the break to watch the video, it's well worth your time.

Continue reading James Stewart and Red Bull hit the Motocross track in slow-mo

James Stewart and Red Bull hit the Motocross track in slow-mo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bubba stewartjames stewartmotocrossmotocross videored bullslow motionslow motion videoyamaha Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20142528/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/06/james-stewart-and-red-bull-hit-the-motocross-track-in-slow-mo/20142528/article-detail.xml 20142528 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/james-stewart-slow-mo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/james-stewart-slow-mo.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover Defender concepts turn red for New Delhi [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/land-rover-defender-concepts-turn-red-for-new-delhi-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/land-rover-defender-concepts-turn-red-for-new-delhi-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/land-rover-defender-concepts-turn-red-for-new-delhi-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Land Rover Defender Concept 100

Land Rover took to the Delhi Auto Expo with a pair of Defender Concepts, demonstrating a few design possibilities Land Rover could pursue with the next-generation SUV. The company says it intends to launch the vehicle by 2015, which means the automaker has its work cut out for it if it plans to meet that deadline. The concepts feature many of the same attributes that made the original Defender and off-road icon, including dramatically short overhangs front and rear and a near vertical wind screen for increased visibility.

This isn't the first time we've seen the pair of Defenders, though. After an initial debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Land Rover spruced them up for a North American reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November.

The Defender Concept Twins also come loaded with technology designed to make blazing your own trail all the easier, including a clever sonar-based system that can measure water depth as the vehicle crosses deep creeks and flooded streams. In addition, a new Terrain Response system maps the ground ahead of the vehicle in 3D and suggests alternate routes when the vehicle detects an obstruction. Hit the jump for a quick video on the vehicle as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Land Rover Defender concepts turn red for New Delhi [w/video]

Land Rover Defender concepts turn red for New Delhi [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 delhi auto expodefender concept 100defender concept 100 sportdelhidelhi auto expoland rover defender conceptland rover defender concept 100 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20142009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/06/land-rover-defender-concepts-turn-red-for-new-delhi-w-video/20142009/article-detail.xml 20142009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-land-rover-defender-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-land-rover-defender-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Getting Deliciously Dirty With Clean Diesel



Back in July, our man Bowman got his first chance to drive the new Mercedes M-Class in the wilds of Montana, and he came away particularly impressed by the ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic. It's great news that this updated diesel powertrain finally got to the United States in November, but in Montana, we missed out on the new-generation On&Offroad Package and innovative Active Curve System.

Fortunately, we were recently afforded the chance to test all of this goodness over a small paved circuit in Austria, as well as up and down a truly hellacious off-road course. By the end of the day, we were convinced that this ML350 diesel 4x4 thus equipped can finally take it to a similarly optioned BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. And, as Mercedes Germany tells us, North American buyers will at long last get a crack at this On&Offroad harder-core package for 2013. Are they at risk of messing with the winning on-road recipe that has made the M-Class the world's best-selling premium SUV, with over 1.2 million sold?

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package

2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 mercedes-benz ml350bluetecfeaturedm-classm-klassemercedes-benzml 350ml-350ml350quick spinquickspin Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140703/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/2012-mercedes-ml350-bluetec-w-onandoffroad-package-quick-spin-review/20140703/article-detail.xml 20140703 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/11c9190003-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/11c9190003-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan gives two incredibly quick teases of the Pathfinder Concept]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/nissan-gives-two-incredibly-quick-teases-of-the-pathfinder-conce/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/nissan-gives-two-incredibly-quick-teases-of-the-pathfinder-conce/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/nissan-gives-two-incredibly-quick-teases-of-the-pathfinder-conce/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan has already given us a darkened preview of the next Pathfinder's profile, but tonight the automaker has released two exceptionally brief videos of its latest 'ute.

The Pathfinder concept is set to debut at next week's Detroit Auto Show, and all Nissan is saying is that the seven-seat concept will still be able to haul through the muck with four-wheel drive when it goes on sale this fall.

Beyond that, we're left with the two videos after the break, the first showing the Pathfinder's redesigned face and the second giving us a glimpse of its rear. Neither designs are particularly revolutionary, but they're certainly more handsome than what's currently on offer. Here's hoping it delivers when the wraps come off on January 9th.

Continue reading Nissan gives two incredibly quick teases of the Pathfinder Concept

Nissan gives two incredibly quick teases of the Pathfinder Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 nissan pathfinder2013 pathfinder2013 pathfinerdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto shownissannissan pathfinder conceptpathfinderpathfinder concept Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/03/nissan-gives-two-incredibly-quick-teases-of-the-pathfinder-conce/20139749/article-detail.xml 20139749 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/pathfinder-vid-cap628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/pathfinder-vid-cap628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Exhilaration At 1 MPH

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

When thinking about the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, one tends to picture an orange meteor barreling across the desert at absurd velocities, flying through the air, long-travel suspension dangling its dirty bits below. That's partially because desert storming and bombing down muddy, root-strewn fire roads was the Special Vehicle Team's design brief, and partially because those environs have dominated Ford's advertising efforts. Marketing shtick aside, there's little doubt that the Raptor has that Kool-Aid Man "Oooh, Yeah!" wall-crashing thing going on better than any other vehicle on sale today.

In fact, if you tend to picture the Raptor exclusively in terms of yumps and dry creekbeds, you're not alone. Ford and SVT kind of admit they did, too. But in building this street-legal trophy truck, they've come to realize that they unwittingly created a vehicle that's far more versatile than originally envisioned. Case in point: Back in 2009, a massive snowstorm crippled the ability of Ford staffers and media members trying to reach the Chicago Auto Show. In particular, Mark Fields and other key execs had to journey from Dearborn to the Windy City, and company pilots refused to take off in the horrible weather. Fields and some other executives settled on boarding the train, arriving haggard eight hours later and barely making their press conference. SVT boss Jamal Hameedi and his crew elected to travel by Raptor. Driving their trucks through inches of thick slush and ice in the fast lane at more-or-less normal highway speeds (while what little traffic was sharing the road crawled along with hazard lights aglow) was a revelation. Despite building the thing, Team SVT simply didn't expect something with wide, knobby tires and a higher center of gravity to cut through the frigid slurry like that.

It's exactly this sort of discovery process that led us to the foot of the smoothly picturesque red rocks seen here. We had arrived in a convoy of eight 2012 Raptors, having taken the easy hour's drive from Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah to tackle Hell's Revenge, a well-known 4x4 trail over this otherworldly terrain that doesn't take kindly to larger vehicles like our full-size SuperCab pickups. Solid bets for tackling Hell's Revenge include Jeep CJs and Wranglers, Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4s and so on - vehicles with exceptional approach, departure and breakover angles. Even with its raised suspension and ground clearance of 11.2 inches front and 12.1 rear, we couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish about the Raptor's chances.

Continue reading 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 ford f-150 svt raptorf-150f-150 svt raptorf-seriesfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivefordhells revengejamal hameedimoabraptorsvtsvt raptor Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130528/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/2012-ford-f-150-svt-raptor-first-drive-review/20130528/article-detail.xml 20130528 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-ford-svt-raptor-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-ford-svt-raptor-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan rolls out Platinum edition X-Trail in the UK]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/nissan-rolls-out-platinum-edition-x-trail-in-the-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/nissan-rolls-out-platinum-edition-x-trail-in-the-uk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/nissan-rolls-out-platinum-edition-x-trail-in-the-uk/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Nissan X-Trail Platinum

Nissan makes a whole mess of different crossovers, and not just the ones we get here in North America. Overseas, the Japanese automaker has even more, like the Qashqai, the Koleos (sold by sister-company Renault) and the vehicle you see here, the X-Trail.

Not to be confused with the Xterra, the X-Trail is a small but rugged-looking little ute built atop the same platform that underpins the Rogue and the Sentra. Though its not exactly what you'd call cheap, it is more affordable than most other crossovers on the market overseas, but Nissan is now bridging that gap by offering a new premium version called the Platinum edition.

The special model is visually distinguished by the extra protection plates on the bumpers front and rear, and the chrome side steps and door moldings. Inside the Platinum gets leather trim and motorized, heated front seats, touch-screen infotainment system and a back-up camera displayed in the rearview mirror.

A 2.0-liter diesel pulls all those luxury touches along with 170 horsepower, in a package limited to 200 examples selling for about £30,000 (depending on whether you take the automatic or manual transmission option). That's nearly $47k at current exchange rates, and includes the UK's relatively high Value-Added Tax.

Continue reading Nissan rolls out Platinum edition X-Trail in the UK

Nissan rolls out Platinum edition X-Trail in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nissannissan x-trailnissan x-trail platinumnissan x-trail platinum editionplatinumx-trail Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/26/nissan-rolls-out-platinum-edition-x-trail-in-the-uk/20134615/article-detail.xml 20134615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/webxtrail-platinum_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/webxtrail-platinum.jpg -1 2