Autoblog Racing http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Racing 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[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[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[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[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[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[eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Over the last decade or so, competition in NASCAR has led to some pretty funky looking racecars. And when the sport was still up and coming, the tight competition actually led to some interesting production cars. The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird are perhaps the most well-known cars of the sport's "aero wars" era but the Ford Torino King Cobra might have been the most memorable of all, if not for some different homologation rules established in 1970. The Torino King Cobra never made it to production and never competed in NASCAR, but three examples exist including this one now for sale on eBay.

Designed as a successor for the aero-tuned Torino Talladega, the Torino King Cobra has a sleeker front end with hidden headlights and a sloped nose. As the story goes, NASCAR made a rule change in 1970 requiring 3,000 of the vehicles to be produced, which was substantially more than the 500 units required by the previous rule. One of the three prototypes ever built - and the only one built with the Boss 429 engine - is now for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $500,000. With a little more than three days left on the auction there are still no bids, but in the grand scheme of things this seems like a relatively fair price for a rare piece of automobile and racing history.

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1970 ford torino king cobrafordford torinoford torino king cobraking cobranascar Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560442/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/20560442/article-detail.xml 20560442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra.png <![CDATA[Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Red Bull Crown Range drifting by Mad Mike

For the first time ever, the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest paved road, was closed off for the drifting pleasure of one man. That man is Mad Mike Whiddett, and the machine he's piloting is a heavily modified Mazda RX-7 sponsored by the energy-rich crew from Red Bull and powered by a 750-horsepower quad-rotor engine. There will be smoke. Lots and lots of smoke.

Mad Mike hits speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour over the course of the road's six and a half miles, which boasts 47 individual corners at over 3,500 feet of elevation. Scroll down for all kinds of fire-belching, tire-squealing and smoke-inducing action. Or, as Mad Mike himself puts it, "A dream turned into reality."

Continue reading Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range

Red Bull RX-7 goes drift crazy on New Zealand's Crown Range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crown rangedriftingmad bikemazdamazda rx-7mazda rx-7 drift carnew zealandred bullrotary drift carvideo Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561134/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/red-bull-rx-7-goes-drift-crazy-on-new-zealands-crown-range/20561134/article-detail.xml 20561134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-bull-crown-range-mad-mike_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/red-bull-crown-range-mad-mike.png <![CDATA[Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

DTM Champion Faceoff Video

BMW recently had a little fun with two of the company's past DTM champions. Roberto Ravaglia and Bruno Spengler, winners of the 1989 and 2012 championships, respectively, both showed up at the world-famous Hockenheimring with their title-winning cars. The two swapped seats, with Ravaglia taking the helm of Spengler's BMW M3 DTM racer and Spengler sliding behind the wheel of Ravaglia's first-generation M3 racer in the classic BMW Bank livery, and headed for the track. Spengler got a 23 second head start in the first-gen M3 with Ravaglia chasing behind.

It didn't take long for the older hotshoe to sort out his new ride and close the gap. The short clip below follows the two as they make their way around the circuit, but the really interesting portion comes when the pair begin discussing what they like and don't like about each other's machines. You can check out the full video below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head

Watch two championship-winning DTM cars from BMW go head-to-head originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw m3bruno spenglerdtmdtm champions videoraceroberto ravagliavideo Mon, 06 May 2013 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558410/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/watch-two-championship-winning-dtm-cars-from-bmw-go-head-to-head/20558410/article-detail.xml 20558410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dtm-champ-faceoff-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dtm-champ-faceoff-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


High-zoot supercar tour organizer Gran Turismo Events held its annual Nürburgring track day last month, and in addition to the amateur punters the gates were opened to two tuned supercars from Edo Competition: A Maserati MC12 Corsa and a Ferrari Enzo ZXX. The ZXX, in case you've forgotten, is the same love child of Edo Competition and Zahir Rana's ZR Exotics that belly flopped into the Atlantic during the 2011 Targa Newfoundland.

We get a trip around the Nordschleife with both cars during a no-doubt quick but not insane lap, on board with driver Patrick Simon in the 755-horsepower MC12 and 'Ring queen Sabine Schmitz following in the 840-hp ZXX.

That should be all the build-up you need when the action's in the video below.

Continue reading Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring

Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> edo competitionferrariferrari enzomaseratimaserati mc12Maserati MC12 CorsaNurburgringSabine Schmitzvideoyoutubezahir ranazr exotics Fri, 03 May 2013 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556716/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/20556716/article-detail.xml 20556716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mc12-corsa-vs-edo-zxx-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mc12-corsa-vs-edo-zxx-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail

Audi released a single photo of the long-tailed version of its R18 E-Tron Quattro Le Mans racer, but the photo didn't offer the best view of the stretched rear. The car has been caught testing at Monza, in Italy, and not only do we get a better view of what it's got out back, we get pretty awesome sound as it makes high-speed runs past the camera.

Since the 2013-spec car was found to be down on performance versus the 2012, the long-tail is a different evolution to see if Audi can eke out more performance from its already dominant chassis. Have a look and a listen in the video below.

Continue reading Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza

Watch the Audi R18 E-Tron Quattro long-tail testing at Monza originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecmonzavideoworld endurance championshipyoutube Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552740/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/watch-the-audi-r18-e-tron-quattro-long-tail-testing-at-monza/20552740/article-detail.xml 20552740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-long-tail_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audi-long-tail.png <![CDATA[Nissan prices limited-edition 2014 GT-R Track Edition from $115,710*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Nissan has released its pricing for the model-year 2014 GT-R, including the new Track Edition of Godzilla. The 2014 Nissan GT-R Premium will now command an MSRP of $99,590, while the Black Edition will go for $109,300 and the new Track Edition will ask $115,710 (*not including a $1,000 destination and handling charge for all models).

Nissan calls the GT-R Track Edition its most exclusive model, which makes sense as it will be limited to just 150 examples for the US market. The competition-ready Track Edition gets Bilstein DampTronic shocks and revised spring rates; all chosen after more development work by Nissan engineers at the Nürburgring. (Good work, if you can get it.) A carbon fiber rear spoiler and six-spoke black wheels come with the package, as do blue-trimmed, high-grip front seats inside. To save weight, the car's rear seats have been deleted in this model.

Continue down below to read Nissan's press release, or have a gander at the (quite large) gallery of 2014 Nissan GT-R images.

Continue reading Nissan prices limited-edition 2014 GT-R Track Edition from $115,710*

Nissan prices limited-edition 2014 GT-R Track Edition from $115,710* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 nissan gt-r2014 nissan gt-r track editionnissannissan gt-r Wed, 01 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554781/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nissan-prices-limited-edition-2014-gt-r-track-edition-from-115/20554781/article-detail.xml 20554781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-nissan-gt-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-nissan-gt-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

1956 Le Mans footage

Mike Hawthorne and Ivor Bueb won The 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955 driving a Jaguar D-Type. The following year, a few days before the race, a British broadcaster put cameras on Hawthorne's car, hung a mic from a plate on his race suit and had him narrate a lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe.

It is compelling viewing. A new pit complex was built after the massive accident on the front straight in 1955, but this was still a time when crews prepped for the race on roads that were open to the public. Hawthorne's lap includes maneuvers to avoid bicyclists and cars, and gems like letting us know that doing 185 miles per hour down the Mulsanne Straight was where you could "relax a little, recover your energy." Watch him work it like the men of old in the video below.

Continue reading Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam

Lapping Le Mans with 1956's version of a dash cam originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> d-typedash camjaguarjaguar d-typele mansmike hawthornevideovimeo Wed, 01 May 2013 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552160/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552160/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/lapping-le-mans-with-1956s-version-of-a-dash-cam/20552160/article-detail.xml 20552160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jaguar-hawthorne-le-mans-lap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jaguar-hawthorne-le-mans-lap.jpg <![CDATA[Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Honda plans to storm the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30, entering ten cars in nine classes at the race to the sky, and signing on as a corporate sponsor. Part of the company's return to grassroots racing - if that's what you can call factory-backed efforts - the banners of Honda R&D and Honda North America will fly on these entries: a first-gen Acura NSX, an Acura TL SH-AWD, Honda CR-Z, Honda Fit EV, one CRF450R and two CRF250R motorcycles, a CBR1000RR motorcycle and a TRX450 ATV.

One more entry, details of which are to be announced later, will be driven by IndyCar pilot Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports. LoveFab (pictured above during practice last year) will be there with its new, NSX-based Enviate, but as a privateer entry.

Honda's been to the mountain before, with high-powered gear in 2012 and record-setting EVs in 1994 and 1999, but it's never made noise like this. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

Continue reading Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant

Honda signs on as Pikes Peak sponsor, race participant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> acuraacura nsxacura tlcbr1000rrcrf250rcrf450rhondahonda cr-zhonda fit evpikes peakPikes Peak International Hill Climb Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548784/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/honda-signs-on-as-pikes-peak-sponsor-race-participant/20548784/article-detail.xml 20548784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/honda-pikes-peak-sponsor.jpg <![CDATA[Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Race teams are always looking for ways to shave hundredths of seconds of their lap times. Case in point: Audi is making some slight changes to its prototype racecar to make it ever so much more slippery as it cuts through the air.

Debuting at the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa on May 4, Audi will be testing a long-tail version of its R18 E-tron Quattro racecar. As its name suggests, the long-tail car gets a lengthened rear section with the goal of improving aerodynamics. The long-tail will be run alongside the standard version of the racecar as a testbed for possible changes that might be in store, heading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Audi did not say how many inches were added to the racecar, but as you can see in the image above, "long-tail" definitely doesn't take on the same meaning of classic long-tail cars of the past such as the Porsche 917. More information about the car, Audi's team and even some info about the track itself can be found below.

Continue reading Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans

Audi testing long-tail version of R18 e-tron quattro for Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi r18 e-tron quattroaudi r18 e-tron quattro long-tailfia wecworld endurance championship Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548922/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/audi-testing-long-tail-version-of-r18-e-tron-quattro-for-le-mans/20548922/article-detail.xml 20548922 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r18-etron-longtail-628-1366903305.jpg <![CDATA[The Petersen celebrates 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and 1,000]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/the-petersen-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-the-baja-500-and-1-0/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/the-petersen-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-the-baja-500-and-1-0/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/the-petersen-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-the-baja-500-and-1-0/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The year 1963 was a pretty good one for things on wheels - Lamborghini was born that year, as was the Porsche 911, and we'll give a shout out to the all-American Apollo GT even though it only lasted four years. This summer, Petersen Automotive Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and Baja 1,000 desert races with an exhibit called Braving Baja: 1,000 Miles to Glory.

Truth be told, the 50th anniversary of the peninsula race was last year - it was in 1962 that Dave Ekins and Billy Robertson, Jr. did a 950-mile timed run from Tijuana to La Paz to prove the grit of Honda's new CL72 Scrambler motorcycle. That single time trial has turned into the trophy truck, buggy, Volkswagen Beetle and motorcycle spectacle that we know today. 1962 was also the anniversary of Shelby American and the dearly departed Iso, so it still wasn't a bad year for things on wheels.

The event kicks off with a tribute dinner on May 2 featuring Elkins and Parnelli Jones - another legendary off-road racer - in attendance taking audience questions. Two days later will be a one-day off-road show in which anyone can participate who has a museum ticket and a vehicle that can handle the dirt.

The exhibit itself runs through September 2nd and will feature all manner of Baja paraphernalia including numerous bikes and buggies that have run the route, like a 1964 Myers Manx, a 1960 Bilstein VW Baja Bug driven by Doug Robinson and the 2003 Honda XR650R ridden by Mouse McCoy as seen in the Baja documentary Dust to Glory. If you're interested, there's a press release below with info on all the events.

Continue reading The Petersen celebrates 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and 1,000

The Petersen celebrates 50th anniversary of the Baja 500 and 1,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bajabaja 1000baja 500braving bajaexhibitmuseumpetersen automotive museum Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547790/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547790/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/the-petersen-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-the-baja-500-and-1-0/20547790/article-detail.xml 20547790 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/baja-exhibit-petersen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/baja-exhibit-petersen.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Just a few months ago, fan safety at racetracks was a hot topic following the last-lap NASCAR Nationwide Series crash at Daytona that sent large pieces of racecars into the grandstands injuring 33 fans. Now, a freak incident at a National Hot Rod Association event resulted in a drag racer's bodywork flying into the crowd at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte over the weekend. The carbon-fiber body of Robert Hight's Ford Mustang funny car blew off toward the end of a run when his engine exploded, but fortunately, the two fans evaluated after the incident were later released without serious injury.

As you can see in the image above, the body flew high into the air before landing on a walkway in front of the grandstands, a bit of happenstance that likely gave most fans enough time and space to move out of the way. Scroll down to watch a couple of videos showing what happened, including one from a fan's perspective that also reveals what appears to be part of the body's metal bracing landing dangerously close to the crowd.

Continue reading Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd

Watch these videos of an NHRA racer's bodywork blowing off into a crowd originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drag racingfailfan safetyfordford mustangfunny carnational hot rod associationnhranhra four-wide nationalsrobert hightvideo Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547503/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/watch-these-videos-of-an-nhra-racers-bodywork-blowing-off-into/20547503/article-detail.xml 20547503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/robert-high-nhra-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/robert-high-nhra-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The sand, the wind, the penalties, the contact and the one crash - all of them collided to make the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix a surprise affair from day to day and lap to lap. Oh, and did we mention the tires? Pirelli made a last-minute swap after the amusement park ride that the Chinese Grand Prix turned into with the soft compound tire, and brought medium and hard compounds to the desert. That didn't stop things from falling apart for some teams - literally - and that didn't stop the one team that seems to love the hard compound Pirelli tire.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bahrain grand prixbahrain grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula onegrand prixinfinitiinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusred bullromain grosjeansebastian vettel Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/20546744/article-detail.xml 20546744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1.jpg -1 2