Autoblog UK http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog UK 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[Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters playing Frisbee - video screencap

Playing a game of Frisbee is rarely about power - it's more about agility, precision and open-air enjoyment. Much the same can be said of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, whose charm has always originated more from its finesse and tactility rather than brute strength and outright speed, qualities the evergreen roadster has traditionally lacked.

So consider it a fine match that Mazda has taken a couple of its popular convertibles out with a handful of crack Frisbee players and put them on a closed circuit in Surrey, England for a stylish game of catch. It's a simple recipe for entertainment - check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner

Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mazda miata2013 mazda mx-5 miataflying discfrisbeelongcrossmazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatastuntvideo Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578068/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/20578068/article-detail.xml 20578068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-mazda-miatas-playing-frisbee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-mazda-miatas-playing-frisbee.jpg <![CDATA[Car sales in Europe up for first time in 19 months]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/#comments Filed under: , ,

Volkswagen factory's famous cylindrical car elevator garage

Automotive News reports the European automotive market has posted first gain in 19 months. Germany and Spain helped push the swell thanks to higher-than-average consumer confidence, though the EU saw registrations jump two percent overall compared to the prior year. In April, buyers took home 1.08 million new vehicles, up from 1.06 million during the same month in 2012. Analysts are hoping the news is the first sign of a legitimate recovery for a region that has suffered some of the slowest auto sales in 20 years. Even so, the market continues to suffer - four-month sales are down 7 percent to 4.18 million units.

Peugeot-Citroen saw its sales fall off by 10 percent last month. Ford and General Motors both posted declines of 0.6 percent and four percent respectively, with Chevrolet suffering through a 28-percent decline last month. There were winners in the region, however. Mercedes-Benz sales increased by 13 percent while Volkswagen registrations jumped by around 9 percent. Sales were particularly strong in the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

Car sales in Europe up for first time in 19 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto salescar saleschevroleteueuropeeuropean unioneuropean car salesfordgeneral motorsmercedes-benzsalesvw Mon, 20 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575189/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/car-sales-in-europe-up-for-first-time-in-19-months/20575189/article-detail.xml 20575189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-factory-car-elevator-garage_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-factory-car-elevator-garage.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[Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-liter V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-liter four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-liter engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and a winner crowned in the video below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike

Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutube Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/20569468/article-detail.xml 20569468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt.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[Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



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

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

Continue reading Supercar parade entering highway is mesmerizing

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinferrarilamborghinim6nissan gt-rporscheporsche 911ukvideo Thu, 09 May 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562691/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/supercar-parade-entering-highway-is-mesmerizing/20562691/article-detail.xml 20562691 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/supercar-parade-m6.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa exec confirms SUV to arrive within 2-3 years]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Alfa Romeo Kamal

"There will certainly be an SUV in the next two or three years," said Damien Dally, head of the Alfa Romeo brand in the UK, speaking to The Telegraph. We've known for quite some time that Alfa Romeo had plans for a sport utility vehicle - the automaker has gone so far as to produce a concept of what such a machine may look like, as seen by the Kamal above.

We've even heard a few dates from Alfa Romeo about when to expect its production SUV, and so far, each of them has come and gone with nary a 'ute to be seen. Still, where there's smoke there's fire, and we really do think the Italian automaker is cooking up an SUV or two, possibly based on underpinnings borrowed from either the Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or both - remember, both Jeep and Alfa fall under the massive Fiat umbrella held up by Sergio Marchionne.

Of course, we've been waiting for Alfa Romeo's return to the United States for what feels like an eternity, so we're not holding our breath for a flock of US-market machines anytime soon. That said, we'll keep our ears to the ground for more on any potential new Alfa SUVs or crossovers, and as soon as we know anything solid, so will you.

Alfa exec confirms SUV to arrive within 2-3 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alfa romeoalfa romeo crossoveralfa romeo kamalalfa romeo suv Fri, 03 May 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556287/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556287/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/20556287/article-detail.xml 20556287 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/kamal-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/kamal-1.jpg <![CDATA[Reborn Ford Escort could make its way to Europe]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The Ford Escort concept just unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show was created with the Chinese market in mind, but it's got people talking all over the world. Not purely fancy, the point of the Escort concept was to give Chinese buyers a preview of what they could expect to see in a Ford showroom in the near future. If Ford wasn't seriously considering the new Escort for other countries, a report in Auto Express indicates that the concept's reception has changed all that.

No less than the incoming chairman of Ford UK said "it could work in other places," bolstering the comments of "a senior Ford insider" who said the question of bringing the car to Europe to slot in underneath the Focus had been raised. That's a long way from anything of the kind happening, which would require Ford to figure out how to sell it for the right price and not torpedo the company reputation among Euro buyers. In any case, we'd be as intrigued as anyone if an Escort resurrection created the next 'who knew?' market segment of few-frills transportation offered by non-Asian carmakers.

Reborn Ford Escort could make its way to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europefordford escort conceptford ukuk Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548783/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548783/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/reborn-ford-escort-could-make-its-way-to-europe/20548783/article-detail.xml 20548783 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-escort-europe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-escort-europe.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Ghost gets in the pink for breast cancer charity]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/rolls-royce-ghost-gets-in-the-pink-for-breast-cancer-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/rolls-royce-ghost-gets-in-the-pink-for-breast-cancer-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/rolls-royce-ghost-gets-in-the-pink-for-breast-cancer-charity/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Rolls-Royce has unveiled a special version of its extended-wheelbase Ghost, called FAB1, with the hopes of helping to raise more than one million pounds (roughly $1.5 million) for a UK charity named Breast Cancer Care. Over the next year, the FAB1 Million Project will see this pink Ghost used to raise money by renting it out for special events and occasions with all of the proceeds going to the charity.

More than just a pretty pink paint job, though, this Ghost demonstrates some of the bespoke options you can order from Rolls-Royce, including pink carpeting, pink leather, pink center caps and even a pink umbrella tucked into the door. The full press release for this Ghost can be found below.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce Ghost gets in the pink for breast cancer charity

Rolls-Royce Ghost gets in the pink for breast cancer charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breast cancer carebreast cancer charityfab1fab1 million projectrolls-roycerolls-royce ghost Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542621/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542621/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/rolls-royce-ghost-gets-in-the-pink-for-breast-cancer-charity/20542621/article-detail.xml 20542621 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rolls-royce-ghost-fab1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rolls-royce-ghost-fab1.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover planning entry-level 'baby' SUV?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/land-rover-planning-entry-level-baby-suv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/land-rover-planning-entry-level-baby-suv/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/land-rover-planning-entry-level-baby-suv/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Land Rover DC100

Autocar reports Land Rover may be mulling a new, inexpensive SUV to slot below the company's current offerings. John Edwards, global brand director for Land Rover, has confirmed his company's product planners are currently evaluating the viability of a baby SUV. Edwards says he scan see such a model performing well in several markets, but has yet to see a convincing business case for bringing the machine to life right now. Other premium manufacturers are seriously pushing into the small CUV market with vehicles like the upcoming Porsche Macan, BMW X1 and even the Mini Countryman.

If the small Land Rover were to come to fruition, we could expect the car to carry an MSRP of around 18,000 pounds in the UK, or around $27,500 in the US at current conversion rates. Autocar reports the machine would likely borrow design cues from the beefy-looking Land Rover DC100 Concept as well as the upcoming Defender replacement.

Land Rover planning entry-level 'baby' SUV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baby suvcuvland roverland rover cuv Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20534878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20534878/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/09/land-rover-planning-entry-level-baby-suv/20534878/article-detail.xml 20534878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/land-rover-dc100_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/land-rover-dc100.jpg <![CDATA[Over $20,000 in 'irreplaceable' trophies stolen from Goodwood]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/#comments Filed under: , ,

Goodwood Estate map

A band of thieves is being blamed for a brazen nighttime theft of 33 historic trophies from the Goodwood estate, where the Festival of Speed and Revival are held. According to the Telegraph, at least four burglars drove up to the Earl Of March's 12,000-acre estate on Monday night in a Range Rover, whereupon they broke a window at the Kennels Clubhouse (above, upper left) and smashed four cabinets to gain access to the trophy collection.

The trophies are valued at £15,000 - over $22,700 US - but are essentially priceless because they cannot be duplicated and some have significant historic and sentimental value. One of the stolen pieces includes the Mobil Oil Trophy, awarded in 1931 to the Earl's grandfather for a race at Brooklands.

An estate spokesperson fears the trophies may be sold for scrap, as they figure to be very difficult to sell. A reward has been set up for the return of the trophies and local police are asking for help from anyone who may know anything about the burglary.

Over $20,000 in 'irreplaceable' trophies stolen from Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> earl of marchgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood revivalgoodwood theftkennels clubhousesussextrophytrophy theft Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530185/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/over-20-000-in-irreplaceable-trophies-stolen-from-goodwood/20530185/article-detail.xml 20530185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/goodwood-map-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/goodwood-map-628.jpg <![CDATA[London firm hiring professional double-parkers to avoid fines]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/#comments Filed under: ,



Autoblog sister site AOL UK reports that a company in London is hiring young drivers to sit double parked in the businesses vans, in an effort to avoid parking fines. As a traffic officer approaches, the drivers simply start up the van and drive away. Aspect.co.uk (a property management firm, as we understand) pays drivers around $12.15 per hour at current conversion rates to sit with the vehicles to avoid fines of up to $182 for illegally parking. Will Davies, the company's owner, says the ploy is within the bound of the law, saying he has gone so far as to clear the effort with traffic authorities.

While he currently uses the scheme to keep company vehicles from getting tickets while work crews carry out their tasks, Davies says he may eventually expand the model to a stand-alone business for the public.

London firm hiring professional double-parkers to avoid fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car-sittinglondonparkingparking ticketukunited kingdomvan-sitting Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523814/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/20523814/article-detail.xml 20523814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/london-parking-meter-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/london-parking-meter-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson gets his own song]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson Song

We've seen all manner of Top Gear tributes, but this is something of a different caliber altogether. British comedy duo Hawkeye and Windy have worked up a musical homage to the ever-contrarian Jeremy Clarkson with a tune that mocks the TV personality's critics. Clarkson has a long and documented history of agitating just about every group of people on the planet with his off-color comments. The song in the video after the jump pokes fun at everyone who's taken offense with some clever lyrics and one suitably creepy Clarkson mask.

We can't say we'll be watching this one more than once, but it's worth giving it a click through. Take a look for yourself below.

Continue reading Jeremy Clarkson gets his own song

Jeremy Clarkson gets his own song originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bbcclarksonhawkeye and windyhumorjeremy clarksontop gearvideo Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524689/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/20524689/article-detail.xml 20524689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/clarkson-song-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/clarkson-song-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault sells French sex appeal with stripped-down dancers, 'va va voom' button]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/renault-sells-french-sex-appeal-with-stripped-down-dancers-va/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/renault-sells-french-sex-appeal-with-stripped-down-dancers-va/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/renault-sells-french-sex-appeal-with-stripped-down-dancers-va/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Renault Clio

This commercial starts off quietly enough, with some potential customers arriving at a Renault dealership in England for a test drive of the new Clio compact with a salesman. The drive route takes them to a nondescript intersection where the customer is told to try out the "Va Va Voom" button, and that's where the Frenchy action begins when a pop-up theatrical production materializes around the car, with everything from baguette-selling cart pushers to young lovers in the crosswalk to burlesque dancers putting on a show.

And in case beautiful women strutting around in lingerie isn't really your thing, there's a more dude-centric version below, too. You can check them both out by scrolling below, but be aware, the vids might be Not Safe For Work.

Continue reading Renault sells French sex appeal with stripped-down dancers, 'va va voom' button

Renault sells French sex appeal with stripped-down dancers, 'va va voom' button originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 renault clioburlesquecliocommercialnsfwrenaultrenault cliorenault commercialva va voomvideo Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523296/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523296/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/renault-sells-french-sex-appeal-with-stripped-down-dancers-va/20523296/article-detail.xml 20523296 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/cliova-va-voombutton_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/cliova-va-voombutton.jpg <![CDATA[Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencap

Mystery Renault concept caught on camera phone - video screencapRenault has exceptional plans for this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, bringing six classic cars, four Formula One cars from this year's season and three current offerings. It will also be showing off two brand-new concepts, one of them gasoline-powered and another that's purely electric, and it's possible that the ICE concept has been spotted in Madrid on a video shoot. If so, it would be appear to be a fresh take on the Eighties-era Renault 5 that would look very nice next to the 1984 Renault 5 Maxi that will be at Goodwood.

Some Spaniards with camera phones caught a little blue Renault hatchback with a number "5" on its flanks and a giant wing hanging off the back. Renault has to have expected someone to catch it in photos, not because it was working with a camera truck but because it was doing donuts in an intersection and spitting out a murderous exhaust note. It might actually have nothing to do with the Goodwood concepts, but the coincidence of a classic Renault 5 showing up in England does provide a potential connection.

Elsewhere in the stand from July 11 to 14 Renault will have a 1920 Renault Type K, a 1926 Renault 40CV, the first turbocharged F1 car, the 1978 RS01, the Alpine that won Le Mans in 1978 and a Groupe 5 Alpine A310 rally car, Kimi Räikkönen's Australian F1 Grand Prix-winning Lotus E21, the Red Bull RB9, Caterham CT03 and Williams FW35. Among current offerings will be the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, Captur crossover and all-electric Zoe. Find out more about all of them in the two videos and the press release below.

Continue reading Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot

Evidence of Renault 5 revival discovered during commercial shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concept cargoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedmotorsportsrenaultrenault 5spy photosspy shots Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522523/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/evidence-of-renault-5-revival-discovered-during-commercial-shoot/20522523/article-detail.xml 20522523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renault5vid.jpg <![CDATA[Four seniors to drive around world in pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs for charity]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The Ultimate Challenge Suzuki Jimny

Plenty of us here at Autoblog have designs for epic drives. Whether it's bouncing around the country in an old International or heading from Alaska to Chile on a bike, we like to think we have big aspirations. Or at least we did until we heard about these four gentlemen. You see, Leslie George Carvall, Alan Butler, Glyn Maher and Charles Scott are all in their 70's, and they plan to pile into a pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs and drive around the world. Sort of makes a hike across country seem like a trip down the block to the local corner store. They're calling it "The Ultimate Challenge," and they plan to undertake the journey for two reasons.

First, they want to prove that age shouldn't stand in the way of people doing what they want to do. Second, the group hopes to raise funds for the 'Heaven Can Wait I'm Busy' group, which aims to direct money toward worthy charities both in the UK and around the world. Save the Children and Oakhaven Hospice are the two currently designated charities.

The trip gets started in just three days, and you can head over to the effort's site to track their progress. The route should cover some 16,500 road miles and 10,375 sea miles. You can also catch up with the project on Facebook.

Four seniors to drive around world in pair of Suzuki Jimny SUVs for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drive around the worldheaven can wait im busysuzukisuzuki jimnythe ultimate challenge Fri, 29 Mar 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519861/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519861/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/four-seniors-to-drive-around-world-in-pair-of-suzuki-jimny-suvs/20519861/article-detail.xml 20519861 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/the-ultimate-challenge-01-1364394430_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/the-ultimate-challenge-01-1364394430.jpg <![CDATA[UK driver bricks father's Audi TT into side of house]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/uk-driver-bricks-fathers-audi-tt-into-side-of-house/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/uk-driver-bricks-fathers-audi-tt-into-side-of-house/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/uk-driver-bricks-fathers-audi-tt-into-side-of-house/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



A family in Lowestoft, UK woke up to quite a surprise Sunday morning when they found a bright red Audi TT parked in their living room. While the details of the crash are unknown, the video shows the TT lodged halfway into the side of a house after the car somehow drove through a hedge, launched in the air and drove over two parked cars.

From the angle of the accident shown on the BBC video, it appears the roads may have been snowy or ice and there was a berm behind the hedges, which apparently launched the car into the air helping it drive over a parked BMW 3 Series Coupe and an Audi A4 Avant. Reports indicate that the driver was in his 20s, and he suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the hospital in critical condition; there were three people inside the house, but none of them were injured. The car belonged to the driver's father.

Scroll down for three videos showing the aftermath of the accident, and head over to BBC for that news report.

Continue reading UK driver bricks father's Audi TT into side of house

UK driver bricks father's Audi TT into side of house originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi ttcar crashvideo Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516868/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516868/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/uk-driver-bricks-fathers-audi-tt-into-side-of-house/20516868/article-detail.xml 20516868 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audi-tt-crash-1364232237_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audi-tt-crash-1364232237.jpg <![CDATA[Charles Morgan discusses his Aeromax and generally makes us jealous]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/charles-morgan-discusses-his-aeromax-and-generally-makes-us-jeal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/charles-morgan-discusses-his-aeromax-and-generally-makes-us-jeal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/charles-morgan-discusses-his-aeromax-and-generally-makes-us-jeal/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Morgan Aeromax in the snow with sheep - video screencap

Our friends at XCAR were lucky enough to spend some time with Charles Morgan, the managing director of Morgan Motor Company, discussing exactly what makes the company's Aeromax so special. The machine was the company's first modern foray into the ultra high-end market. Morgan only built 100 examples of the car after a wealthy prince approached the company looking for a more unique version of the standard Aero. After Morgan showed off a concept at the Geneva Motor Show, the company had some 300 hand raisers asking for one of their own. Development started soon thereafter.

Morgan lets us all in on an interesting secret about the Aeromax about half way through the clip. As it turns out, the car is actually named after his son, Maximus, who was born just as engineering for the machine was coming to a close. The video is an interesting glimpse into the ethos behind the Morgan brand, and features plenty of beautiful shots of the Aeromax rolling through the frozen countryside. You can check it out below for yourself.

Continue reading Charles Morgan discusses his Aeromax and generally makes us jealous

Charles Morgan discusses his Aeromax and generally makes us jealous originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aeromaxcharles morganmorganmorgan aeromaxvideo Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496179/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/charles-morgan-discusses-his-aeromax-and-generally-makes-us-jeal/20496179/article-detail.xml 20496179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/morgan-aeromax-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/morgan-aeromax-628.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover releases first Range Rover Sport teaser footage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/land-rover-releases-first-range-rover-sport-teaser-footage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/land-rover-releases-first-range-rover-sport-teaser-footage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/land-rover-releases-first-range-rover-sport-teaser-footage/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

2014 Range Rover Sport Teaser - headlight - video screencap

Land Rover is gearing up for this year's New York Auto Show with a teaser for the company's new Range Rover Sport. The brief clip doesn't reveal much beyond a fender and a quick glimpse at a headlamp (which picks up the flared look of the new Range Rover), but we do get to put an ear on the machine's exhaust note for the first time. Trust us when we tell you you'll want to get friendly with your volume knob on this one. Details are scarce as can be at the moment, but it certainly sounds as if there are eight furious cylinders burbling away in this thing.

The last time we saw the Range Rover Sport in development, it was prancing around in the snow near the Arctic Circle. That peek didn't give us much to go on beyond some suggestion towards a significantly revised lower fascia, though we have heard Land Rover is working on whipping up a seven-passenger version of the Range Rover Sport in addition to the standard five-passenger model. Since previous iterations of the RRS have derived their underpinnings from the seven-passenger LR4, that would seem to be a pretty easy thing to engineer. While you're waiting for the Big Apple reveal, you can check out the new teaser video below.

Continue reading Land Rover releases first Range Rover Sport teaser footage

Land Rover releases first Range Rover Sport teaser footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 land rover range rover sportland roverland rover range rover sportnew yorknew york 2013new york auto showrange rover sportteaservideo Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498840/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498840/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/land-rover-releases-first-range-rover-sport-teaser-footage/20498840/article-detail.xml 20498840 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/range-rover-sport-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/range-rover-sport-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[1,000s of UK speeders to get out of tickets because signs were in wrong font?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/1-000s-of-uk-speeders-to-get-out-of-tickets-because-signs-were-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/1-000s-of-uk-speeders-to-get-out-of-tickets-because-signs-were-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/1-000s-of-uk-speeders-to-get-out-of-tickets-because-signs-were-i/#comments Filed under: ,

Traffic on M42

How's this for a technicality? According to a report from The Telegraph, thousands of speeding tickets issued to drivers over the last six years while traveling on a portion of the M42 motorway west of Coventry may not actually be liable for their fines. Why? Apparently, a series of signs showing variable speed limits were created with numbers that are too narrow.

An official Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions document has existed since 2002 that sets standards by which traffic signs must adhere. Since these variable speed limit signs use an improperly sized font, a group of lawyers and traffic consultants say tickets issued to motorists based on these signs are null and void.

In somewhat kinda-sorta-related news, a barber in the Cornish town of Liskeard named Andy Blackwell has started blowing the whistle on local wardens who ticket motorists who haven't paid parking fees. It seems Blackwell had been using a megaphone to perform a similar service, but the police put the kibosh on that arrangement, so he instead switched to whistles, using one himself and handing them out to other local shopowners.

Not surprisingly, the Cornwell Council isn't pleased. "Civil enforcement officers carry out an important role and it is disappointing that a small number of traders in Liskeard have decided to take this action," said a spokesperson.

1,000s of UK speeders to get out of tickets because signs were in wrong font? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> coventryenglandm42speeding ticketukvariable speed Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498016/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498016/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/1-000s-of-uk-speeders-to-get-out-of-tickets-because-signs-were-i/20498016/article-detail.xml 20498016 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/m42-traffic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/m42-traffic.jpg -1 2