Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/from-the-awesome-files-v6-miata-auto-x-weapon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/from-the-awesome-files-v6-miata-auto-x-weapon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/from-the-awesome-files-v6-miata-auto-x-weapon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Follow the jump for a video of the owner discussing and driving the car

You don't need to spend much time with a Miata to "get" why so many drivers are attracted to them. Perfectly executed and relentlessly entertaining, it's no surprise that Mazda's little roadster is the track-day weapon of choice for a number of people. While countless 4-banger Miatas do their thing on the autocross circuit, one Mark Snell was interested in kicking things up a level so he could run with the big boys in their 'Vettes and similar machinery. His solution? Drop a Mazda 2.5L V6 into his blue roadster's engine bay, then modify and tune it to the point where it's pushing 180 horsepower to the rear wheels. The view underhood is plenty cool -- we especially dig those Suzuki GSX-R1000 throttle bodies he's added. The Miata sounds pretty mean, too. Follow the jump for a video in which Snell gives a tour of his car and discusses the modifications he's made before taking viewers for a quick spin. We believe that this is what fun looks like. Thanks for the tip, Ryan!

[Source: Driving Sports]

Continue reading From the Awesome Files: V6 Miata auto-x weapon

 

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]]>auto-xautocrossmark snellMarkSnellmazda miataMazdaMiatamiatamiata v6MiataV6v6 miataV6Miata2008-05-11T15:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Confirmed! Veritas testing at the Nurburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/video-confirmed-veritas-testing-at-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/video-confirmed-veritas-testing-at-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/video-confirmed-veritas-testing-at-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: ,



Watson, the mystery's been solved. After Chris spied a sinuous silver shape on his iPhone and a couple of readers sent us shots from the Nurburgring web cam, we now have video of the Veritas RS3 sitting at the starting gate, ready to do... something on the infamous Nordschleife. The blokes from the Bridge to Gantry have put the matter to rest with a video walk-around of the Veritas taken by one of the dozens of people surrounding the concept before it made its way onto the Green Hell.

Just as a refresher, the Veritas RS3 was a showcar displayed in 2001 packing a BMW-sourced V12 putting out 670 hp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. With a tubular chassis and a total weight of just over a ton, we can only imagine the fun the race-ready driver was having after speeding off from the entry gate at the 'Ring.

Check the full video after the jump and you can read up on the Veritas' racing history by clicking these blue colored words.

Gallery: Spied on the Nuerburgring again: Veritas RS3?


[Source: Bridge to Gantry via Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Confirmed! Veritas testing at the Nurburgring

 

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]]>nurburgringringrs3veritas rs3 nurburgringVeritasRs3Nurburgringvertias2008-05-07T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nick Heidfeld breaks BMW Sauber F1 car while showing off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/video-nick-heidfeld-breaks-bmw-sauber-f1-car-while-showing-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/video-nick-heidfeld-breaks-bmw-sauber-f1-car-while-showing-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/video-nick-heidfeld-breaks-bmw-sauber-f1-car-while-showing-off/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not that BMW's Sauber F1 car has anything more than three letters in common with cars that bear the propeller logo on public streets, but who's going to argue with the opportunity to lay down the tools early? Hotshoe Nick Heidfeld recently treated a crowd of laborer's at BMW's Munich factory to the spectacle of a big-dollar race car being treated like a hand-me-down Reliant, complete with a body-damaging finale. The shriek of a high-strung F1 racer while it slides around doing lurid donuts is a thing to behold, but the smile quickly fades when the front splitter gets tangled up in the curbing and ripped off the nose. Whoops. Video after the jump - Thanks for the tip, Ovidiu!


[Source: YouTube via Zercustoms]



Continue reading VIDEO: Nick Heidfeld breaks BMW Sauber F1 car while showing off

 

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]]>bmw f1 donutsbmw f1 sauber donutsbmw sauberbmw sauber f1bmw sauber f1 teambmw videoBmwF1DonutsBmwF1SauberDonutsBmwSauberBmwSauberF1BmwSauberF1TeamBmwVideonick heidfeldnick heidfeld crashnick heidfieldNickHeidfeldNickHeidfeldCrashNickHeidfieldsauber f1SauberF1video2008-05-06T17:14:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford Powertrain Director talks Diesel Engines]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/video-ford-powertrain-director-talks-diesel-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/video-ford-powertrain-director-talks-diesel-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/video-ford-powertrain-director-talks-diesel-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Autoblog talks Diesel with Ford Powertrain Directo

CAFE standards are being raised to 35 mpg by 2020, and automakers are working on several technologies to help achieve the lofty standard. The next 12 years will see lighter, more aerodynamic vehicles, but some of the most interesting solutions will be found under the hood. Electric vehicles, hybrids, and small, turbocharged engines will power many vehicles, and diesel engines are set to once again infiltrate our borders, but on a grander scale.

We talked to Ford Powertrain boss Dan Kapp to better understand why diesel engines are inherently more efficient than petrol engines, and we also discussed how and where Ford will be using diesel going forward. Hit play on the video above to take a look.

 

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]]>Dan KappDanKappDieselF-150F-SeriesFordPowerstroke2008-05-02T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[SPY VIDEO: 2010 BMW Z4 replacement at the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/spy-video-2010-bmw-z4-replacement-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/spy-video-2010-bmw-z4-replacement-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/spy-video-2010-bmw-z4-replacement-at-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


UPDATE: Video removed at request of spy videographer. Click here to view.

BMW is hard at work on the replacement for the current Z4 roadster, and a developmental test mule has been caught on video running laps around the vaunted Nurburgring. Despite the heavy camouflage, we can tell from the footage - which seems to follow the test mule around the Ring and into a nearby garage with conspicuous "look at me" accuracy - that the new roadster, due in 2010, will retain the current model's long nose and short rear decklid. Styling is expected to follow the theme set down by the Concept CS unveiled in Shanghai last year, but the real clincher is that the new roadster will feature a retractable hard top. That means it will be heavier than the outgoing model, but will keep up on the marketplace with hard-top competition from above (Mercedes SLK) and below (Mazda MX-5). Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Motor Authority via PistonHeads]

 

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]]>2010 bmw z42010BmwZ4bmw roadsterbmw z4BmwRoadsterBmwZ4nurburgring spy videoNurburgringSpyVideospy video 2010 bmw z4SpyVideo2010BmwZ42008-05-01T07:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hockey player auctions off souped-up Sunfire for good cause [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/hockey-player-auctions-off-souped-up-sunfire-for-good-cause-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/hockey-player-auctions-off-souped-up-sunfire-for-good-cause-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/hockey-player-auctions-off-souped-up-sunfire-for-good-cause-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In my lifetime, there has never been a single day in which I've wanted a Pontiac Sunfire, but a one of a kind tuner donated by Dallas Star defenseman Matt Niskanen is almost cool enough to own. Niskanen has owned the 2001 Sunfire since he was 15 years old, and the rookie kept it even after making the big bucks in pro hockey. The Sunfire was given a $12,000 makeover by Niskanen's more famous teammates, and Matt is donating the black and white coupe to benefit the family trust of ticket sales director Matt McKee. McKee died of cancer at age 33, and the team is pitching in by donating memorabilia and personal belongings to help his wife and young daughter.

Bidding is currently at $15,000, but if you're going to drop coin on this one of a kind Sunfire, you might want to be a fan of the Dallas Stars. Besides a tricked out sound system equipped with navigation, sub-woofers and black 18 inch rims, the Sunfire has a decidedly Stars theme. Hit the jump to view a video showing how the Sunfire was pimped out. Thanks for the tip, Scooter!

[Source: NHL]

Continue reading Hockey player auctions off souped-up Sunfire for good cause [w/VIDEO]

 

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]]>AuctionDallas StarsDallasStarsMatt McKeeMatt NiskanenMattMckeeMattNiskanenPontiac SunfirePontiacSunfiretuner2008-05-01T07:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Eye Candy: "Go Speed Racer Go" music video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/eye-candy-go-speed-racer-go-music-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/eye-candy-go-speed-racer-go-music-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/eye-candy-go-speed-racer-go-music-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for photo gallery. Follow the jump for the music video.

The music video for the updated Speed Racer theme, "Go Speed Racer Go", has hit the web, and while the song itself gets annoying after a couple of verses (how many times can you listen to that refrain before going insane?), the actual video is mesmerizing. There's a lot of footage that hasn't been seen in the trailers and ads so far, and the cartoon come-to-life visuals are simply eye-popping. In that respect, anyone who ponies up ten bucks for a ticket is going to get his or her money's worth. Hopefully, the strength of the story can match the undeniable visual power the Wachowski's onscreen kaleidoscope is set to deliver. At least one early review indicates that may not be the case, unfortunately. We'll wait 'till we see it ourselves next weekend to pass final judgement. In the meantime, feast your eyes on the new video after the jump.

Gallery: Speed Racer live action film


[Source: Ain't It Cool News]

Continue reading Eye Candy: "Go Speed Racer Go" music video

 

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]]>go speed racer goGoSpeedRacerGomusic videoMusicVideospeed racerspeed racer moviespeed racer music videoSpeedRacerSpeedRacerMovieSpeedRacerMusicVideowachowski brothersWachowskiBrotherswachowskis2008-04-30T19:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[ VIDEO: Gran Turimso creator takes the GT-R up to 193 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/video-gran-turimso-creator-takes-the-gt-r-up-to-193-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/video-gran-turimso-creator-takes-the-gt-r-up-to-193-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/video-gran-turimso-creator-takes-the-gt-r-up-to-193-mph/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Nissan GT-R is a legend in the making, and hardly a week goes by without the twin-turbo beast doing something amazing. Equally legendary for gaming enthusiasts is the Gran Turismo series, which is the best-selling Playstation game of all time, and the mother of all digital racing competitions. GT creator Kazunori Yamauchi, not surprisingly a hard-core car enthusiast, got behind the wheel of the Nissan GT-R and hit 193 mph just for kicks.

Hit the jump for video of Yamauchi racing around a wet Nurburgring in the GT-R. The legendary game creator held his own on the daunting track in very bad conditions, and the GT-R looks and sounds devilish as it pounds through the 'Ring's challenging bends. During his ten laps of the 'Ring, Yamauchi hit .6 on the G-meter when the GT-R forcefully kicked out on him, which rightfully scared the daylights out of him. Yamauchi also said that driving the GT-R was less like driving a thoroughbred and more like sitting astride a lion. While we don't think Yamauchi has ever driven a lion, but we get the point. He also said that playing Gran Turismo helped him keep a good racing line on the 'Ring, which prompted this blogger to immediately get GT5 Prologue (true story).

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turimso creator takes the GT-R up to 193 mph

 

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]]>Grand Turismo 5GrandTurismo5Nissan GT-RNissanGt-rnurburgringPrologue2008-04-30T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Volvo wants to eliminate in-car injuries and death by 2020]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/video-volvo-wants-to-eliminate-in-car-injuries-and-death-by-202/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/video-volvo-wants-to-eliminate-in-car-injuries-and-death-by-202/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/video-volvo-wants-to-eliminate-in-car-injuries-and-death-by-202/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Follow the jump for the video report on Volvo's safety goals

We all know how seriously Volvo approaches vehicle safety. At least we thought we did. In a new Reuters video feature, we learn that the safety-obsessed Swedish automaker has goals far loftier than we had imagined. You see, Volvo has set a goal of zero injuries or deaths to passengers in its vehicles by the year 2020. According to reporter Paul Chapman, Volvo wants to create a car that basically "forms a giant bumper" around its occupants to protect them if and when the need arises. A Volvo representative quoted on camera goes on to state that beyond the elimination of crash-related death and injury, Volvo would like to see the elimination of car accidents altogether.

While this admirable sentiment undoubtedly serves as a goal-setting mechanism for Volvo safety engineers, it's hard to view it as anything other than hopeless optimism unless you completely remove the human element from driving (and presumably replace all cars with Miracle Safety Volvos). You can build the most perfect car in the world and equip it with the greatest safety features imaginable, but cars can't predict everything, and humans are anything but predictable -- as any readers who commute amongst the general populace can attest. We'll know Volvo's really getting closer to safety Nirvana when it unveils a feature that determines when the driver next to you is simultaneously steering with his knees, reading a newspaper, sending text messages, and eating Ramen noodles at highway velocity.

Watch the full report after the jump.

[Source: Reuters]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo wants to eliminate in-car injuries and death by 2020

 

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]]>no fatalitiesno injuriesNoFatalitiesNoInjuriesvolvo 2020 safety goalVolvo2020SafetyGoal2008-04-30T17:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: BMW Design Director on M1 Hommage Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-bmw-design-director-on-m1-hommage-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-bmw-design-director-on-m1-hommage-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-bmw-design-director-on-m1-hommage-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above image to view video after the jump

Truth be told, the Autoblog team is split on whether or not we like the M1 Hommage Concept that was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este this past weekend. Some of us claim that it's genius baked in a car-shaped pan, while the rest would rather stare at flame surfacing, Chris Bangle's ignominious contribution to automotive design, until their eyes start bleeding. Regardless, it creates discussion, and to facilitate the talk we have BMW Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk on camera after the jump talking about the car and its inspiration, the original M1.

Though the video after the jump is over eight minutes long, you'll want to watch it all the way through to catch footage of the original M1 that was used for the photo shoot being thrashed on-track.

Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage

BMW M1 Family Tree

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW Design Director on M1 Hommage Concept

 

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]]>bmw m1bmw m1 homagebmw m1 hommagebmw m1 hommage conceptBmwM1BmwM1HomageBmwM1HommageBmwM1HommageConcepthommage conceptHommageConceptm1 hommageM1Hommage2008-04-29T14:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: smart fortwo crash test leaks out of IIHS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-smart-fortwo-crash-test-leaks-out-of-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-smart-fortwo-crash-test-leaks-out-of-iihs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/video-smart-fortwo-crash-test-leaks-out-of-iihs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The IIHS has put the 2008 smart fortwo through its frontal offset crash test, and the video is on YouTube even though the IIHS hasn't released its results yet. For everyone who points out the benefits of the smart's miniscule size, there are a number of others who say they wouldn't want to go up against a normal American car in a smart. Even the NHTSA had some concerns when it tested the fortwo's crashworthiness. Based on the video after the jump, however, it looks like the smart acquits itself quite well with no deformation of the A-pillar and not even a crack in the windshield. We'll have to wait for the IIHS to give its final, official word, however. Sure, we wouldn't want to be driving a smart fortwo in an accident... but that's only because we don't want to be in an accident. Follow the jump to watch the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: smart fortwo crash test leaks out of IIHS

 

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]]>crash testCrashTestfortwoiihsinsuranceinstitutefo...safetysmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwo2008-04-29T10:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: It's good to be the King: Jay Leno drives the Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-its-good-to-be-the-king-jay-leno-drives-the-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-its-good-to-be-the-king-jay-leno-drives-the-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-its-good-to-be-the-king-jay-leno-drives-the-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch Jay Leno enjoy his time with the Nissan GT-R

Autoblog is brimming with proof that Jay Leno is the luckiest car guy in the world. His legendary garage is only attainable in our wildest dreams, so when something like a Nissan finds its way (temporarily) into his stable, it deserves note.

The latest installment of Jay Leno's Garage is dedicated to the Nissan GT-R, with the late-night talk show host poring over the details and grilling Nissan's product planner, John Weiner, on what makes the GT-R special. The range of topics includes all the stats you've already memorized, Nissan's efforts to quell GT-R tuning and Leno's immeasurable joy that he can check the dipstick himself. Leno maintains that it's a vehicle he could get "emotionally involved with." We agree, so without further ado... Mr. Leno, the floor is yours.

Make the jump for the latest installment of Jay Leno's Garage.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R


Gallery: Nissan GT-R (US-spec)


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: It's good to be the King: Jay Leno drives the Nissan GT-R

 

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]]>gt-rgtrjayjay lenojay leno nissan gt-rjay leno nissan gtrjay lenos garage nissan gt-rjay lenos garage nissan gtrJayLenoJayLenoNissanGt-rJayLenoNissanGtrJayLenosGarageNissanGt-rJayLenosGarageNissanGtrlenonissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtr2008-04-28T19:24:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-nissan-qashqai-gets-even-more-extreme-in-thailand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the new Nissan Qashqai ad.

After Nissan scored creative points with its last Qashqai spot showing the 'lil CUV taking to the half pipe and performing skateboard stunts that would make Rodney Mullen's head spin, its now released a new campaign that involves - God help us - a driving dog, a Thai musical stunt team and a flaming hoop. The ad is part of Nissan's newest viral campaign that will highlight four amateur performance groups - the first from Thailand, followed by teams of Flemish, Polish and African descent - on the blog.spannerleague.com website. Look for new videos to pop up each month, but without further ado, hit the jump to watch man's best friend risk life and four limbs along with his band of (obviously fake) Thai musicians.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand

 

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]]>dogflaming hoopFlamingHoopnissannissan qashqaiNissanQashqaiqashqaiviral adViralAd2008-04-28T15:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Stephane Ortelli's wild ride at Monza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/video-stephane-ortellis-wild-ride-at-monza/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/video-stephane-ortellis-wild-ride-at-monza/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/video-stephane-ortellis-wild-ride-at-monza/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Motorsport is a game of inches and tenths. A few inches here and a few tenths of a second there can mean the difference between spectacle and tragedy. Case in point: Team ORECA driver Stephane Ortelli's horrifying crash during today's Le Mans Series race at Monza. Ortelli, driving the ORECA Courage LC70-Judd, lost control of the car, which spun off the pavement and onto the grass. The prototype then became airborne, barely missing Allan McNish in the Audi R10 TDI. And then things got really ugly. The Courage touched back down and went into a series of cartwheels, shedding bodywork all over the place before crashing into the wall and landing right-side up. Ortelli suffered a broken ankle, but Team ORECA reports he is otherwise in good health. As you'll see in the video, things could have been a whole lot worse. You know. A few inches here, a few tenths there...

We wish him a speedy recovery.

[Sources: Maximum Motorsport, Crash.net]

 

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]]>allan mcnishAllanMcnishcrashle mans seriesLeMansSeriesmonzaortelli crashortelli shuntOrtelliCrashOrtelliShuntshuntstephane ortelliStephaneOrtelli2008-04-27T18:09:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Winding Road drives the Audi R8 TDI LeMans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/video-winding-road-drives-the-audi-r8-tdi-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/video-winding-road-drives-the-audi-r8-tdi-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/video-winding-road-drives-the-audi-r8-tdi-lemans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi's R8 TDI LeMans concept is a powerful, exotic, and diesel-fueled supercar. Given its one-off nature, few have experienced it firsthand. Last month we told you about Autoweek and Fourtitude's time behind the wheel, as they drove the concept at an Audi drive event. The 500 hp V12 diesel was crippled by its modified A4 transmission and Audi's imposed 50 mph max speed, but the smooth power of the German oil burner was still present. The car was also on hand at the New York Auto Show, where low-speed demo drives were offered among a motorcade of Q7 TDIs that acted as pace cars.

Our friends over at Winding Road also spent some time with the R8 TDI, and the online mag had a full spread dedicated to the 738 lb-ft beast. The article is an interesting read, and it also comes with video footage and an interview with the car's technical project manager. Among the items covered in the video is a segment on how the engineers shoehorned the massive V12 into the R8's engine bay. Naturally, there's straight car footage, too. Hit the read link below to view the video.

Gallery: Audi R8 TDI Le Mans


[Source: Winding Road]

 

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]]>Audi R8AudiR8DieselTDI V12TdiV12Winding RoadWindingRoad2008-04-27T12:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Trap Gear</i> pedals the streets of The Hague]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/video-i-trap-gear-i-pedals-the-streets-of-the-hague/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/video-i-trap-gear-i-pedals-the-streets-of-the-hague/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/video-i-trap-gear-i-pedals-the-streets-of-the-hague/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the video

Some things require translation - that's why online translators are our best friends in reporting the latest news from Europe - but others transcend language barriers. A good number of both come out of Holland, where the preferred mode of transportation comes with two wheels, a pair of pedals and a set of handlebars. That makes sense when you consider the wide array of impediments to driving in Amsterdam, like narrow cobblestone streets and readily available hallucinogens. Now the same people who brought us wooden shoes and international law have given us Trap Gear.

The spoof of the famous BBC program pits two beat-up old bicycles - a Fongers Majestic and a Batavus Boulevard - against each other on the streets of The Hague. It's worth a watch, even if you aren't Dutch - isn't that weird? Follow the jump to take a trip.

[Source: YouTube via AutoJunk.nl]

Continue reading VIDEO: Trap Gear pedals the streets of The Hague

 

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]]>top gear bicycletop gear biketop gear dutch spooftop gear spoofTopGearBicycleTopGearBikeTopGearDutchSpoofTopGearSpooftrap gearTrapGearvideo2008-04-25T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/video-webridestv-pits-is-f-against-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/video-webridestv-pits-is-f-against-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/video-webridestv-pits-is-f-against-rs4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the WebRidesTV shootout.

It's tough to top Top Gear (as Gear producers are about to find out), but until Clarkson, Hamster and Captain Slow get back on schedule, the crew at WebRidesTV is back to cure our insatiable lust for all things automotive and in motion. Sure, it doesn't have TG's production value, but everything looks cooler with heavy vignetting.

This latest installment pits the Audi RS4 against the Lexus IS F, in what could be their best shootout to date. It's the battle of the middleweights and you can view the film in full after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4

 

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]]>audiaudi rs4AudiRs4battleis fis-fIsFlexuslexus is flexus is-fLexusIs-fLexusIsFrs4shootoutwebridestv2008-04-24T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[SPY VIDEO: Ferrari F149 GT California at Fiorano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-video-ferrari-f149-gt-california-at-fiorano/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-video-ferrari-f149-gt-california-at-fiorano/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/spy-video-ferrari-f149-gt-california-at-fiorano/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the spy video

Sound the alarm and turn up your speakers - Ferrari has a security breach. Someone managed to get a good vantage point with a video camera over the company's private Fiorano test track in Maranello and caught the oft-photographed test mule of the upcoming new Ferrari model lapping the track at full throttle.

Known internally as project F149 and alternatively referred to externally as the Dino or GT California, the new model is expected to feature four seats and a retractable hard top. Although rumor has it that Maserati may be delegated the assembly (including the 4.7-liter V8 it makes for the GranTurismo S and Alfa 8C), this beast sounds every bit like a purebred stallion. Follow the jump to see for yourself.

[Source: YouTube via Autoblog.nl]

Continue reading SPY VIDEO: Ferrari F149 GT California at Fiorano

 

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]]>ferrari 470 gt californiaferrari dinoferrari f149ferrari gt californiaFerrari470GtCaliforniaFerrariDinoFerrariF149FerrariGtCaliforniafioranospy videoSpyVideo2008-04-24T08:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Adam Carolla's audition drive for Top Gear (not really)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/adam-carollas-audition-drive-for-top-gear-not-really/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/adam-carollas-audition-drive-for-top-gear-not-really/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/adam-carollas-audition-drive-for-top-gear-not-really/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



SpeedTV did a video podcast featuring Adam Carolla -- along with SpeedTV's Kendall, and 50 Cent -- flogging a Pontiac G8 around a track. Carolla gets a check mark for being able to make jokes at speed and while in a spin. Whether he's actually funny, we'll let you decide. Since it wasn't done as a trial for the US Top Gear, and we have no idea what he was meant to be doing -- or allowed to say -- we shouldn't judge too harshly. But Clarkson doesn't have anything to worry about just yet...

[Source: Final Gear via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>50 cent50Centadam carollaAdamCarollag8pontiac g8PontiacG8top gearTopGear2008-04-23T19:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mustang Bullitt - Video edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mustang-bullitt-video-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mustang-bullitt-video-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mustang-bullitt-video-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Autoblog drives the 2008 Bullitt Mustang

The Ford Mustang has been the lone-surviving pony car since the last Camaro hit the chopping block back in 2002. Even though the Blue Oval no longer had any competition in the rear-wheel-drive muscle car market, the Mustang was given a major overhaul for the 2005 model year, and to keep the RWD coupe fresh, limited edition variants have been popping up with regularity. One of our favorites is the understated Bullitt Mustang, which we reviewed earlier this month. We had so much fun with the 315-hp retro coupe that we put it back on the street for some video love. Hit play on the video above for just over three minutes of a beautiful green Bullitt in glorious motion. It'll be worth your time. High resolution photos from our earlier review are available below, as well.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt

 

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]]>Autoblog GarageAutoblogGarageBullitt MustangBullittMustangFordMustangPony CarPonyCar2008-04-23T12:28:00+00:00