Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![CDATA[Video: Another R/C movie car chase mini movie, but this one's really an advert]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When a video touts itself as "probably the greatest hollywood-style RC action movie car chase ever," (sic) you should set yourself up for disappointment. That's not to say that this joint effort, a clearly well-funded partnership between LA Muscle Sports Supplements and Fast & Furious 6, isn't fun and polished, but just lately we've posted some very entertaining small-scale car videos like this and this.

Still, it's cool to watch an R/C Camaro slide wide around turns amidst warehouse shelves full of LA Muscle product. Just as in real life, zooming around gets the attention of the constabulary, and a passel of police cars gives chase, which leads our Camaro protagonist to... J-TURN! It is a cool video, tied to a movie that we know is full of some fantastic cars and you can bet that the full-sizers will do stunts that are even more jaw-dropping.

Invest the minute below, you weren't going to use it, anyway.

Continue reading Another R/C movie car chase mini movie, but this one's really an advert

Another R/C movie car chase mini movie, but this one's really an advert originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car chasefast and furiousla musclerc carrc car chasevideoSun, 19 May 2013 19:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/the-2014-bmw-5-series-starts-at-50-425-and-gets-a-new-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



BMW itself says it is making "Precise modifications to the design" of the facelifted, sixth-generation 5 Series, and this is the result. The 2014 5 Series will come in four flavors - sedan, Touring, Gran Turismo and ActiveHybrid 5 - the biggest news probably the addition of a diesel engine for the US market.

When they go on sale in August, the 528i sedan will start at $50,425, a $1,700 increase over the 2013 model, and if you want xDrive that adds $2,300 to the price across the model range. The 535d employs a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel with 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque and starts at $56,025. BMW portends "substantial fuel efficiency gains over its gasoline-fueled counterpart," but the exact numbers won't come until closer to the on-sale date. The $64,825, top-dog 550i holds pat with 4.4-liter, twin turbo V8, with output upped to 445 hp and 480 lb-ft - an increase of 45 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque. The outputs haven't changed on the twin-turbo four-cylinder in the 528 nor the 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine in the 535, and *all prices include the $925 destination charge. The engines are also fitted with a coasting mode that uncouples the powertrain when rolling downhill.

Outside there are new "contour lines" for the grille and air intakes, slimmer taillights and elements that accentuate the car's width - as if that were necessary. Xenon adaptive headlights will be standard along with side indicator lights on the rearview mirrors, the options list adds LED headlights, the Luxury Line and Modern Line packages. The former package adds chrome trim to certain exterior elements, the latter adds matte chrome trim.

Inside will be more storage and more cup holders, additional luggage capacity in the 5 Series GT, an optional rear seat entertainment system that puts tablets on the front seatbacks, and a touchpad iDrive controller.

There's a lot more besides which you can read about in the press release and video below, and you can pair words with images in the four high-res galleries above and below.

Continue reading 2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video]

2014 BMW 5 Series starts at $50,425* and gets a new diesel, 5 Series GT starts at $60,925* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw 5 series5 seriesbmwbmw 5 seriesbmw 535dSun, 19 May 2013 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Opinion: CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Time For Buyers To Have Some Skin In The EV Game

CO2 warning

Politicians know that $8- or $9-a-gallon gas like in Europe would end their careers.

The back-and-forth between those writing the fuel economy rules and auto manufacturers is designed to see how far the CO2 regulations can be pushed without inconveniencing the general public.

Rather than taxing fuel like they do in Europe to encourage buyers to opt for the most fuel-efficient vehicles, in America it's up to the manufacturers to develop a fleet that averages some magic number, in this case 54.5 mpg by 2025. That's because most politicians know that $8- or $9-a-gallon gas like in Europe would end their careers.
Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate?

CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2 creditselectric vehicleev creditsfeaturedmatt delorenzoopinionteslatesla model sSun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: WTCC drivers try to get pole position by going... slower?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/wtcc-drivers-try-to-get-pole-position-by-going-slower/#commentsFiled under: , ,

WTCC Salzburgring slow qualifying

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>poor sportsmanshipqualifyingSalzburgringwtccwtcc penaltiesSun, 19 May 2013 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept - front three-quarter view

Aston Martin CC100 Concept interior viewGenerally speaking, today's Aston Martin is known more for its beauty and power than for its minimalism or lightness. But that could change if it decides to produce a version of this CC100 Speedster concept, designed to celebrate the company's centenary. The V12-powered roadster is being unveiled at the Nordschliefe today ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where it is expected to lap the circuit with Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez at the wheel. The rakish concept is a nice surprise, and will be run around the circuit along with a 1959 DBR1 with racing royalty Sir Stirling Moss in the driver's seat. No surprise, then, that designers had the company's Nürburgring- and Le Mans-winning '59 racecars in mind when they conceived of this car.

Aston says that the two-seat CC100 Speedster came together in under six months time, carbon fiber bodywork and all. Powered by the British automaker's well-known naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 and six-speed sequential manual paddleshift gearbox, the company estimates 0-60 in four seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Aston claims the butterfly-doored CC100 affords onlookers with "teasing glimpses of potential future design direction," suggesting a pugnacious new face is in store for the company.

Production hopes? None are mentioned, but even if today's Aston isn't known for its minimalism or lightness, it is known for turning concepts into production cars, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn in a few months that a handful of the company's best customers have managed to cajole it into building a handful of examples.

Oh, and about that Stirling Moss connection - forgive us if we're experiencing a bit of déjà vu. After all, doesn't this half-door speedster concept remind you a bit of another car? The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss comes to mind for us. For some reason, however, this doesn't really bother us. If it doesn't bother you either, scroll down for to watch a video from Aston and to find the official press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of nurburgringaston martinaston martin cc100aston martin cc100 speedster conceptbreakingnurburgringstirling mossulrich bezSun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Autonomous cars found trustworthy in global study]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/autonomous-cars-found-trustworthy-in-global-study/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/autonomous-cars-found-trustworthy-in-global-study/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/autonomous-cars-found-trustworthy-in-global-study/#commentsFiled under: ,

Driverless car study

"Consumers Desire More Automated Automobiles." That's the title of one page of a new study published by Cisco Systems as part of its Customer Experience Report, which focuses on the "automobile buying and driving experience." The study specifically targeted technology and its integration into the cars and trucks of today and tomorrow, and, not surprisingly, roughly half of all those surveyed globally (1,500 consumers across 10 countries, says Cisco) "value the technology adoption reputation of a brand when selecting a vehicle." We also think it's of interest that "83 percent of global consumers prefer to research online for information on a car."

Perhaps the most intriguing bit of information gleaned from the study pertains to driverless automobiles. A full 57 percent "stated they would be likely to ride in a car controlled entirely by technology that does not require a human driver," with Brazil, India and China cited as the countries most willing to trust autonomous technology. When Cicso asked drivers if they'd let their kids ride in driverless cars, however, the figures dropped dramatically - just 46 percent found that idea acceptable.

In the United States, 60 percent of those surveyed said they would trust driverless cars, and that dropped to 48 percent when children were included. Japanese drivers were least likely to trust their lives or their children's lives to automated technology. Scroll down below for a press release from Cisco highlighting more of its findings.

Continue reading Autonomous cars found trustworthy in global study

Autonomous cars found trustworthy in global study originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousciscocisco customer experience reportdriverlesstechnologySun, 19 May 2013 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: McLaren already pondering P1 successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/mclaren-already-pondering-p1-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/mclaren-already-pondering-p1-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/mclaren-already-pondering-p1-successor/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now that McLaren is a proper automaker, it's automatic that auto journalists will inquire about future product. That's how we've come to learn that the McLaren P1 will have a successor - but not until a decade from now.

Attempting to answer the question left by the mission statement of the P1, which is that it "will maintain its status as the best super sports car the world has ever seen until a successor is built," Autocar inquired about the supercar's following act. The company's head of sales and marketing explained that not only will it be a "decade or so" before the next flagship arrives, but we can expect a "short product cycle" for the P1 because "you have to step back from the market for a few years." We take that to mean there'll be a gap when no transcendent flagship is on sale, the same way we waited nine years for the Ferrari LaFerrari to succeed the Enzo.

The McLaren F1 didn't fulfill its sales ambitions but did become a legend. The clock has just started on the McLaren P1, but with "30 or so" cars in the order books it should avoid the former fate, and before we get to thinking about a successor, perhaps we can first see how the P1 fares against the competition and its own heritage.

McLaren already pondering P1 successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greg levinemclarenmclaren f1mclaren p1Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:00 EST<![CDATA[ETC: Lego Caterham Seven does Chapman proud [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/lego-caterham-seven-does-chapman-proud-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/lego-caterham-seven-does-chapman-proud-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/lego-caterham-seven-does-chapman-proud-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A chap who calls himself "Sheepo" has a habit of making custom creations out of Lego bits. These aren't kits, these are the expressions of his own automotive imagination using traditional Lego and Lego Technic parts. His year so far seems mostly devoted to suspension builds and a Land Rover Defender, but his latest work is a Caterham Seven.

Sheepo keeps his builds close to their inspirations, this Seven constructed with working steering, double-wishbone front suspension and Ackerman geometry in front, a three-link De Dion rear suspension in back and disc brakes. A bit of liberty has gone into the gearbox, which is a five-speed sequential unit plus reverse.

At one-seventh scale it is 45 centimeters long, has 2,500 parts and five motors. It is also a Chapman-approved lightweight at just 2.2 kilograms. Check it out in the video below and the high-res gallery of images above.

Continue reading Lego Caterham Seven does Chapman proud [w/video]

Lego Caterham Seven does Chapman proud [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caterhamcaterham 7legolego carlego technicsheepotoysSat, 18 May 2013 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Teased: Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We knew Aston Martin was taking three cars to the Nürbrurgring 24-Hour race this weekend, they being a V12 Vantage GT3 car, the Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen concept and a V12 Vantage N24 that is close to road-legal. We've just discovered that the automaker is bringing a fourth, a concept to be revealed on Sunday, May 19 that we know nothing about save that it will celebrate the company's centennary.

Based on the image above it looks like it will be a modern take on the Aston Martin racer from the late fifties that contested the World Sportscar Championship and won Le Mans, but we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. There's a short video below, and a press release on its other 'Ring efforts this weekend, to tease you until then.

Continue reading Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]

Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin rapideAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogenaston martin v12 vantageconcept carNurburgringnurburgring 24videoyoutubeSat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/honda-could-halve-its-us-lineup-without-crimping-its-sales-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/honda-could-halve-its-us-lineup-without-crimping-its-sales-much/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/honda-could-halve-its-us-lineup-without-crimping-its-sales-much/#commentsFiled under: ,



Taking a detailed look at the Honda lineup in the US, it isn't hard to see the strength of some models and the weaknesses of others. A recent report on Autoline Daily points out that its five core models - the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot - make up a full 93 percent of Honda's sales in the US. Through April, Honda has sold 419,798 vehicles, and 389,474 of them were from these core models; not to mention the fact that the Accord was the top-selling car in the US last month.

This means that Honda could technically cut six of its 11 models and only lose about 5,000 sales per month. Of course, this is just some data crunching and there is no reason to believe that Honda is planning to kill off any of its models in the near future. In fact, it seems to be committed to the Ridgeline, while Japanese-made models that may actually lose money for Honda still fill unique voids. Scroll down for the video report - fast-forward to the 1:43 mark for the Honda info.

Continue reading Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video]

Honda could halve its US lineup without crimping its sales much [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda accordhonda civichonda cr-vhonda cr-zhonda crosstourhonda fcx clarityhonda fithonda insighthonda odysseyhonda pilothonda ridgelinehonda salesSat, 18 May 2013 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Of course, Dubai Police add Bugatti Veyron to fleet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/of-course-dubai-police-add-bugatti-veyron-to-fleet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/of-course-dubai-police-add-bugatti-veyron-to-fleet/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/of-course-dubai-police-add-bugatti-veyron-to-fleet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dubai Police Bugatti Veyron

Well, now it's official: Nobody in Dubai is going to be able to outrun the police. You see, in addition to the Aston Martin One-77, Ferrari FF and Lamborghini Aventador that were already part of its stable of police cars, the constabulary in Dubai have most recently procured a Bugatti Veyron to add to the force. And, since the Veyron is the fastest production vehicle in the world, it'd take something truly special to evade the long arm of the law.

The image you see above was tweeted by Dubai's Chief of Police, and as you can see, it's painted up in the green and white hues we've come to expect from its ilk. We do have to wonder, though, if they drilled holes in the Bugatti's roof for the light bar or if it's held on by suction cups or something else less likely to damage the delicate carbon fiber bodywork...

Of course, Dubai Police add Bugatti Veyron to fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti veyrondubai policedubai police bugatti veyronpoliceSat, 18 May 2013 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[ETC: 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/#commentsFiled 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 gameSat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Why BMWs are cheaper than Hyundais in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2014 Hyundai Equus

Bloomberg reports shifting tariff regulations have upended the traditional automotive pecking order in Korea. Thanks to cheaper import taxes, foreign brands have seen market share jump from 28 percent to 41 percent over the last two years. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have all capitalized on the shift, with domestics like Hyundai and Kia suffering at the hands of their German rivals.

Taxes on European imports have fallen from 8 percent in 2011 to just 3.2 percent today. Over the next few years, tariffs will all but be eliminated for most imports, and taxes on US-made vehicles are expected to fall to just 4 percent in 2014. By 2016, that number will be zero. Needless to say, Hyundai and Kia are concerned about the shift.

Hyundai has seen profit fall by 15 percent last quarter, and the company says it is on pace to see the slowest sales growth since 2007. The company's shares have fallen by 12 percent. In order to stem the losses, Hyundai has discounted its midsize sedans and started working on diesel engine options.

Why BMWs are cheaper than Hyundais in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwhyundaikiakorean auto marketmercedesSat, 18 May 2013 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Bowler EXR S is a purpose-built SUV based on Land Rover bones with a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 designed to tackle off-road rallying events like the Paris-Dakar. The Caterham Seven Supersport is a feather-light track day weapon, purposely created to out-hustle just about anything on a winding race circuit. If asked to pick one of the as the fastest around a handling circuit in the UK, the smart money is clearly on the racing Caterham. Right?

Maybe, maybe not, as it turns out.

In what can only be the product of some right-place, right-time car loans, British publication Autocar has put together a wild on-track comparison between the Seven and the EXR S, with a pretty interesting outcome. We won't spoil it for you - go ahead and click it on below to watch the head-to-head for yourself.

Continue reading Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle

Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlerbowler exrbowler exr-scaterhamcaterham sevencaterham seven supersportland roverlotus 7lotus sevenvideoFri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Visteon working on creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,



Those that hanker for the days when automobiles were generally simple machines - responsive only to the will of their human masters - probably don't work in R&D at Visteon. The Michigan-based automotive supplier, with a track record in climate control and electronics manufacture, has released some new information about a new system it is calling Human Bayesian Intelligence Technology or HABIT.

The goal of HABIT, in a nutshell, is to learn and predict what in-car setting a driver would like, in advance of him even having to ask for them. Using data about radio, climate control and driving behavior, HABIT stores and analyses (some might say "learns") about a driver's preferences, and then makes cues them up for the driver at the right time of day, or in the right situation.

If all of that sounds a little "big brother" to you, well, just wait until you have a look at the demo video Visteon has put together. We'd certainly like to get a closer look at the HABIT system when it's ready for primetime (or even in advance of that), but we're not entirely sold on the sort of creepy, blonde robot guide that we've seen here. Scroll down to see and watch what we mean.

Continue reading Visteon working on creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment [w/video]

Visteon working on creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>human bayesian intelligence technologyvideovisteonvisteon habitFri, 17 May 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/toyota-begins-shipping-le-yaris-to-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Toyota Yaris

Our tiniest Toyota (Scion iQ notwithstanding) is about to get a little French flair. The Japanese automaker announced Thursday that its Toyota Motor Manufacturing France facility would begin building Yaris models destined for North America - specifically, the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. This will mark the first time in history that Toyota has exported vehicles to North America from Europe.

Initially, Toyota will export roughly 25,000 Yaris models to North American markets from France each year. In order to handle this additional production, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France has invested 10 million euro into its French facility.

Despite being somewhat of a snooze-fest (it's a car!), the Yaris carries on in North America with a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with prices starting at $14,370 for the three-door and $15,395 for the five-door, not including $795 for destination.

Continue reading Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America

Toyota begins shipping Le Yaris to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francetoyotatoyota yarisFri, 17 May 2013 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/ford-fiesta-st-orders-off-to-strong-start/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Ford Fiesta ST - front three-quarter view, red

We at Autoblog love the new little Ford Fiesta ST, and apparently, folks in Europe are pretty impressed with it, as well. According to Ford, the automaker's European arm has already logged 3,000 orders for the new hot hatch since it hit dealerships this March. The US-spec car, which will only be available as a five-door, will go on sale in the United States this summer.

What's perhaps most interesting about the Fiesta ST ordering is that the majority of customers appear to be ordering high-spec cars. According to Ford data, 60 percent of customers have opted for the leather interior with Recaro buckets, and 90 percent have selected the upgraded 17-inch wheels (seen on our test car, above). Spirit Blue has been the most popular color, commanding 27 percent of all orders. As for the technology upgrades, 19 percent of customers have ponied up for the Sony stereo with navigation.

To recap, the Fiesta ST is offered with Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, putting out 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. We had an absolute blast flinging the hot Fiesta through the French Alps, and we can't wait for this sharp little hatch to make its way over to the States.

Ford has already announced US pricing for the Fiesta ST, which starts at $22,195 (including $795 for destination). Load one up with Recaros, navigation, a sunroof and more, and you'll just crest the $26,500 mark.

Scroll down for Ford's full release about European orders.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start

Ford Fiesta ST orders off to strong start originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ford fiesta2014 ford fiesta stfordford fiestaford fiesta stFri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



One driver in Portland, OR should make a hefty donation to his or her local wildlife conservation group after a family of ducks got the person out of a speeding ticket. A Portland police officer clocked a car going 52 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone, but when the officer went to pursue the speeder, a mother duck and her two ducklings ran some unintended interference.

Rather than just going around the ducks, the officer blocks the street to usher the waterfowl from the road. While the speeder got away, it's nice to see some compassion from the authorities. Besides, the gesture might've saved more than just the ducks from an unfortunate accident on the rain-slicked road. Scroll down to watch the video taken from the patrol car's dash cam.

Continue reading Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam

Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camdash camedashcamduckmallard duckpolicepolice campolice chaseportland policespeeding ticketvideoFri, 17 May 2013 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Malaise Era All-Stars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/malaise-era-all-stars-porsche-audi-corvette-/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1976-1979 Porsche 930 - front three-quarter view, blue

A few weeks ago, we bid a fond happy 40th anniversary to the automotive dark ages of 1973-84 that have come to be known as "The Malaise Era" - the performance ice-age when 160 horsepower was a lot and a 0-60 time of under 10 seconds was remarkable. Like music in the 1980s, everything in automobiledom didn't suck, however. There were a few bright spots. Here are five of our favorites:

1976-79 Porsche 930, aka 911 Turbo Carrera (above)
Photo Credit: Dorotheum

While Chevrolet beat them by a decade with the turbocharged Corvair Corsa, the Germans more fully developed turbocharging through racing where General Motors couldn't. Early Porsche 930s (known technically as 911 Turbo Carreras) were a bit crude, with turbo lag that could be measured with an egg timer. They lacked an intercooler as well as brakes that were up to the task, but performance was sensational, with the buff books reporting 0-60 times of anywhere from 4.9 to 5.8 seconds and quarter-mile times of under 14 seconds. This was '60s muscle car performance at the height of the Malaise Era. Sadly, the 930 cost about six times as much as your average muscle car did.

Rob Sass is the Publisher of Hagerty Classic Cars magazine. He is a regular contributor to the automotive section of the New York Times and is the author of "Ran When Parked, Advice and Adventures from the Affordable Underbelly of Car Collecting."

Continue reading Malaise Era All-Stars

Malaise Era All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattroaudi ur-quattrocar collectorchevychevy corvettecollector carsdatsundatsun 280zxmalaise eramercedesporscheporsche 930Fri, 17 May 2013 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/lexus-lfa-owner-gets-town-to-remove-speed-bump/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Lexus LFA supercar at sunset

What do you do if you have enough money to buy a Lexus LFA but can't get the car safely to your house? Get local government involved, of course. Rune Berge Vik, of Stavanger, Norway, did just that after he bought a Lexus LFA (the only LFA in the Nordic region according to tv2.no) last year only to find out that it could not clear a speed bump in his neighborhood.

To remedy the situation, Vik got in touch with his city, which had the speed bump removed. Talk about your tax dollars hard at work. On the other hand, it's commendable that the man actually uses his supercar as a daily driver, and besides, doesn't a street-legal car have the right to access said public streets?

Lexus LFA owner gets town to remove speed bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lexus lfalexuslexus lfalocal governmentspeed bumpspeed humpFri, 17 May 2013 15:45:00 EST