Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Subaru returns to rallying for 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/subaru-returns-to-rallying-for-2010-intercontinental-rally-chall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/subaru-returns-to-rallying-for-2010-intercontinental-rally-chall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/subaru-returns-to-rallying-for-2010-intercontinental-rally-chall/#commentsFiled under: ,


Subary Impreza WRC 2008 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After only a one-year hiatus, Subaru is preparing to get back into the rally game next season. And when it does, it won't be back into the World Rally Championship, but rather the rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

The Japanese automaker has competed in the IRC since its inception - and even won the very first IRC stage in 2007 - but was not previously registered as an official manufacturer in the series. Rather than field its own works team, however, Subaru will supply cars to privateers, but will be eligible to score points in the manufacturers' standings for 2010.

With the addition of Subaru, that makes eight automakers signed up to compete in the series next year, along with Fiat/Abarth, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Proton, Skoda and Volkswagen. Follow the jump for the full press release.


Gallery: Subaru WRC2008 Race Debut


[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru returns to rallying for 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge

Subaru returns to rallying for 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 intercontinental rally championship2010IntercontinentalRallyChampionshipintercontinental rally championshipIntercontinentalRallyChampionshipircirc 2010Irc2010stisubarusubaru ircsubaru rallysubaru tecnica internationalsubaru wrcSubaruIrcSubaruRallySubaruTecnicaInternationalSubaruWrcMon, 07 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/jd-power-releases-sat-nav-study-findings-crowns-ford-tops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/jd-power-releases-sat-nav-study-findings-crowns-ford-tops/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/jd-power-releases-sat-nav-study-findings-crowns-ford-tops/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not only does Ford rank number one on J.D. Power and Associate's 2009 navigation system survey, it ranks number two as well. The top ranking system, according to Power's study, is the one found in the Lincoln MKS, followed by a nearly identical system (if not 100% identical) in the Ford Flex. And get this, Ford took down five of the top ten spots with the F-150 coming in fourth and the Escape and Edge taking seventh and eighth place, respectively.

To anyone that's driven a modern Sync-equipped Ford with navigation, these survey results probably won't come as any sort of shock, as FoMoCo has been making some of the best systems in the business ever since they released Sync with Sirius Travel Link. Here's what Ford user interface design engineer Jason Johnson had to tell us about why Ford got ranked tops:
"I think what really makes our system stand out is the fact it's designed with the user in mind. Yes, it has all the features you'd expect from a high-level navigation system -- the 3-D maps, the digital jukebox, the customizable home screens, and of course we pride ourselves on SYNC and SIRIUS Travel Link -- but it's more than that. This system is easy to use. It's intuitive. The buttons are where you'd expect them to be, the grouping is logical and the graphics are bright and easy to read. Everything is integrated, so it all works together, simply and easily."
Non-Ford top ten nav-system finishers include the Acura TL (third), Porsche 911 (fifth), Cadillac CTS (sixth), Hyundai Genesis (ninth) and Infiniti FX-series (tenth). Interestingly, Ford is the only non-luxury/premium brand to make it into the top ten. If you were wondering, seven of the bottom ten nav-systems were made by Toyota, with the Avalon finishing dead last. Complete results list and official press release available after the jump.
[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops

J.D. Power releases sat-nav study findings, crowns Ford tops originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FlexFordFord FlexFordFlexJ.D. PowerJ.d.PowerJD PowerJD Power and AssociatesJdPowerJdPowerAndAssociatesLincolnLincoln MKSLincolnMksMKSNavigationsat-navsatnavSiriusSirius Travel LinkSiriusTravelLinkSyncMon, 07 Dec 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Honda to supplant Chrysler as America's 4th largest auto retailer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-honda-to-supplant-chrysler-as-americas-4th-largest-auto/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Throughout most of the history of the US auto industry, the Detroit Three sat atop of the sales charts with General Motors claiming first, Ford in second and Chrysler placing third. In the past few years Toyota has clawed its way past Chrysler and then Ford, and now it appears that Honda too has now passed the Pentastar. Barring some miraculous (and we mean truly outstanding) development, Honda will officially overcome Chrysler to become the fourth largest automaker in the States. Honda holds a rather insurmountable 200,000 unit cushion against its competition from Auburn Hills, MI -- more vehicles than any automaker sold during the month of November. Speaking of November, Chrysler was the only major automaker to see a sales decline, down 18.5 percent with a mere 65,000 units sold. Honda fared better with over 74,000 products sold.

While Honda's victory on the sales charts is indisputable, neither automaker is making a big deal about it. A Honda exec reportedly told Automotive News that it only worries about it internal sales numbers and doesn't focus on ranks. Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham told AN that the company is on the right track to improve its standing, adding, "We are taking the steps that are necessary to have a good foundation and to build consumer confidence." Graham also said that the company is expecting better results in the future on account of its increased advertising spending. If Chrysler doesn't reverse its sales slide, the next automaker to pass team Pentastar could be Nissan -- the Japanese automaker finished only 7,000 units behind Chrysler in November.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Honda to supplant Chrysler as America's 4th largest auto retailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler salesChryslerSalesdetroit threeDetroitThreehondahonda salesHondaSalespentastarMon, 07 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>NewScientist</i> investigates emerging road-heating technologies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/newscientist-investigates-emerging-road-heating-technolog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/newscientist-investigates-emerging-road-heating-technolog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/newscientist-investigates-emerging-road-heating-technolog/#commentsFiled under: ,



Those not blessed with endless sun have to put up with road salt each and every winter, and it does a number on cars and roadways alike. There must be a better option, right?

Enter Christiana Chang and her colleagues at the University of Houston in Texas. The researchers are developing self-heating roads that would melt off the snow and ice without resorting to a powdery mess of road salt. There are a number of ways to go about heating the road, including coating it in fly ash or steel shavings and sending electricity through it or pumping heated water through the concrete, but the system favored by Chang is predictably a bit more high-tech.

Sheets of cone-shaped carbon nanofibers are embedded in paper and placed under the roadway. Electricity heats these sheets, thereby melting the sloppy wintery mix. According to Chang, this system consumes less power than other options and the carbon nanotube-embedded paper sheets are cheap and plentiful. Will it ever see the light of day? We hope so, for the sake of our salt-covered buddies out east, of course.

[Source: NewScientist | Image: J.D. Pooley/Getty Images]

NewScientist investigates emerging road-heating technologies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon nanofibersCarbonNanofiberschristiana changChristianaChangheatedheated concreteheated roadheated roadsHeatedConcreteHeatedRoadHeatedRoadsroad saltRoadSaltsaltMon, 07 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/chrysler-reportedly-set-to-extend-holiday-shutdown-at-five-plant/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for a high res image gallery

During last year's holiday season Chrysler's rank and file were faced with extended holiday shutdowns. The reason was simple: Millions of Americans decided to stop buying vehicles due to the economic downturn. While the market is still down, auto sales have stabilized and the Pentastar isn't dealing with an outrageously bloated inventory, but Chrysler vehicles aren't flying off dealer lots. Chrysler was the only major automaker to see year over year sales down by double digits in November and the automaker's short-turn sales outlook is anything but rosy.

The Wall Street Journal reports that for the second straight year many Chrysler workers will be on extended shutdown during the holidays, with five plants taking three week leaves beginning December 21. Vehicles affected by production shutdowns include the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, the Dodge Viper, Charger and Challenger, the Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Wrangler. Also under consideration for an extended layoff is the Dodge Ram. The Pentastar originally planned to shutter the plants for the typical ten-day holiday shutdown. To help combat continued slow sales Chrysler has increased its advertising budget.

[Source: Wall Streer Journal - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler reportedly set to extend holiday shutdown at five plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler 300Chrysler300dodge challengerdodge chargerDodgeChallengerDodgeChargerjeep wranglerJeepWranglerplant shutdownsPlantShutdownsMon, 07 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoblogGreen for 12.07.09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/autobloggreen-for-12-07-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/autobloggreen-for-12-07-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/autobloggreen-for-12-07-09/#comments
LA 2009: CMT-380 packs microturbine, li-ion battery into a matte black package
It's one way to make a $20,000 kit car into a $375,000 project.
Don't you dare: French parents criticize Renault for naming new electric car Zoé
What would happen if we had the Ford Emily, hmm?

Et tu, Clarkson? Top Gear names Toyota Prius its "City Car of the Year"
Surprise!		 Other news:

AutoblogGreen for 12.07.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoblogGreenMon, 07 Dec 2009 05:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mythbusters annihilate a car near the speed of sound]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-mythbusters-annihilate-a-car-near-the-speed-of-sound/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-mythbusters-annihilate-a-car-near-the-speed-of-sound/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-mythbusters-annihilate-a-car-near-the-speed-of-sound/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mythbusters make us smile - click above to watch the video

This one is good. Previously Adam and Jamie smashed a car to smithereens between two semi trucks. Which was fun, but hardly fun enough. So, they get a two-stage rocket sled and ram it into some poor, defenseless Ford Aspire -- at 650 mph! As gets pointed out in the video, the word "awesome" is thrown around all too easily these days. That said, this is AWESOME! Maybe double awesome. Make the jump to watch the video while giggling like a ten-year-old.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mythbusters annihilate a car near the speed of sound

VIDEO: Mythbusters annihilate a car near the speed of sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MythbustersRocketRocket SledRocketSledSun, 06 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/aston-martin-rapide-to-cost-199-950-in-the-us/#commentsFiled under: ,


Aston Martin Rapide - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of days after announcing U.K. pricing for the the new Rapide, Aston Martin has now also priced the North American version of its slinky four-door. When Aston starts deliveries of its newest model next spring, U.S. customers will have to pony up a minimum of $199,950. Aston Martin dealers will doubtless provide clients with the opportunity to substantially elevate that price tag via costly personalization options. After all, when you're dropping that kind of coin, you don't want to see yourself coming and going all the time.

The Rapide will be the first Aston Martin produced outside of Great Britain once cars start rolling off the line in Graz, Austria. The special factory was set up in cooperation with Magna Steyr prior to the global financial collapse, back when the Gaydon factory that makes the other Astons was running at full capacity. In these post-meltdown days, the decision about where to produce the car may have been very different. If you have the means, your local dealer is taking orders now. Official press release available after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin Rapide


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S.

Aston Martin Rapide to start at $199,950 in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin rapideaston martin rapide priceAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonMartinRapidePricerapiderapide priceRapidePriceSun, 06 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-thats-a-wrap-ferrari-f430-spider-gets-the-vinyl-treatme/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-thats-a-wrap-ferrari-f430-spider-gets-the-vinyl-treatme/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-thats-a-wrap-ferrari-f430-spider-gets-the-vinyl-treatme/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Ferrari F430 Spider goes under the knife - Click above to watch the video

It can't really be that simple, can it? Well, it seldom is. But experts in any given field tend to have a knack for making complex procedures look deceptively simple. Take this video, for example, from Creative FX. The British firm specializes in vinyl wraps, and they make it look all too easy.

Wraps are growing into a popular choice for exotic car owners looking to give their rides a new look. Rather than repainting the entire car, specialist shops like Creative FX apply what essentially amounts to giant decals. That's how most of the matte-finish cars we see - including this particular Ferrari F430 Spider - end up that way. You have to figure it'd be a very tricky operation. Follow the jump to watch the video and judge for yourself.

[Source: Creative FX]

Continue reading VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creative fxCreativeFxf430 spiderF430Spiderferrariferrari f430ferrari f430 spiderFerrariF430FerrariF430Spidervinylvinyl wrapVinylWrapSun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Two bidders step up to acquire Renault F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-two-bidders-step-up-to-acquire-renault-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-two-bidders-step-up-to-acquire-renault-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-two-bidders-step-up-to-acquire-renault-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Renault looks set to be the next automaker to bail out of Formula 1, and it appears that there are two serious bidders in line to take over the operation. Renault will hold a special board meeting this week to decide on the racing team's fate, and it looks like it may go ahead and just line up a sale right away, instead of announcing a shutdown and then trying work out a sale as Honda and BMW did.

AutoCar reports that Prodrive, which has been trying to break into F1 for several years, may have the inside line on the French outfit. The other primary bidder is Genil Capital, a Luxembourg-based investment fund. The financial group would likely retain the Renault name for the team, while Prodrive would probably run under its own banner. If Prodrive wins out, Renault would remain only as an F1 engine supplier.

[Source: AutoCar]

REPORT: Two bidders step up to acquire Renault F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F1F1-Renaultformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegenil capitalGenilCapitalprodriverenaultRenault F1RenaultF1Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Et tu, Clarkson? <i>Top Gear</i> names Toyota Prius its "City Car of the Year"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/et-tu-clarkson-i-top-gear-i-names-toyota-prius-its-city-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/et-tu-clarkson-i-top-gear-i-names-toyota-prius-its-city-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/et-tu-clarkson-i-top-gear-i-names-toyota-prius-its-city-ca/#comments2010 Prius
2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jeremy Clarkson seems to hate anything that "greens up" or in any other way adds an "eco" label to his cars - and some environmentalists don't exactly appreciate the television host either - so it's with some amusement that we learn that the Top Gear team has named the Toyota Prius the "City Car of the Year." Turns out, the Prius really can appeal to almost everyone.

Clarkson was not specifically quoted in the Prius praise piece - remember, this is the guy who called Honda's Insight "Biblically terrible" and pretended to run out of energy in a Tesla Roadster - but his mates said the 2010 Prius gets "awesome numbers" of 60 mpg (U.S. gallons, as measured on the UK scale) and emits just 89 grams of C02 per km. And all this from "a proper family five-door hatch." BBC Top Gear Editor Conor McNicholas even called the third-gen model "something quite ground-breaking." Press release pasted after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Et tu, Clarkson? Top Gear names Toyota Prius its "City Car of the Year"

Et tu, Clarkson? Top Gear names Toyota Prius its "City Car of the Year" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jeremy Clarksonjeremy clarkson priusJeremyClarksonJeremyClarksonPriusprius top gearPriusTopGeartoyota priustoyota prius hybridToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridSun, 06 Dec 2009 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BBC says <i>Top Gear</i> doesn't ban gay couples from show audience]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Is the BBC discriminating against gay couples? As is often the case, that depends on whom you ask. How so? It seems that Top Gear, the Beeb's ridiculously popular car show, has created a rule stipulating that its audience be made up of 50 percent males and 50 percent females, and at least one gay couple was allegedly denied tickets "unless [they] took a couple of female friends."

A BBC spokesperson has responded to the kerfuffle saying, "We do not - absolutely do not - discriminate against same sex couples... the whole implication that Top Gear is in any way homophobic is completely wrong." Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall, doesn't quite seem to agree: "It's very odd, but what do you expect from pigs that grunt? Regrettably, with Jeremy Clarkson involved, it's not surprising. The show itself is full of stereotyping of both men and women - but it's funded by gay and lesbian license fee cash as well as everyone else's."

The BBC adds that it doesn't even handle the actual ticketing for the show. A company called Applause Store issues the tickets in quantities of two. Says the spokesperson, "We don't ask people to apply as a couple, we ask them to apply as people."

[Source: AOL TV UK]
Note: AOL owns both AOL TV and Autoblog, but the two share no editorial affiliation.

REPORT: BBC says Top Gear doesn't ban gay couples from show audience originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applause StoreApplauseStorebbcbbc discriminationBbcDiscriminationdiscriminationgaygay discriminationGayDiscriminationGLBTGLBTGJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRichard HammondRichardHammondsexual discriminationsexual orientationSexualDiscriminationSexualOrientationtop geartop gear discriminationTopGearTopGearDiscriminationSun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[REUTERS: China's BAIC secures $2.1B line of credit... is it for Saab?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/reuters-chinas-baic-secures-2-1b-line-of-credit-is-it-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/reuters-chinas-baic-secures-2-1b-line-of-credit-is-it-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/reuters-chinas-baic-secures-2-1b-line-of-credit-is-it-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) could still be in the game for Saab, having secured a $2.93 billion line of credit from the Bank of China. On the other hand, BAIC could just be gearing up for its own home-grown expansion plans, with an eye on ramping up production and putting financial and technological legs underneath its partnerships with Mercedes and Hyundai.

Or... it could be doing both: trying to buy Saab and as well as remodel its business. The deal for Saab between GM and Koenigsegg was for about $1 billion: the European Investment Bank approved a loan for $615 million, and BAIC provided about $400 million by buying a minority stake in the Koenigsegg Group. If BAIC did its own deal with GM for that same amount -- although we have a feeling they could get a Christmas discount -- that would leave nearly $2 billion for BAIC to take care of Saab and invest in its own operations.

This is, of course, pure speculation -- BAIC could have something else in mind entirely. All we know right now is that they've got a lotta yuan just sitting around waiting to be spent, and aborted plans to build the new 9-5 in China. This Saab story isn't finished yet...

[Source: Reuters]

REUTERS: China's BAIC secures $2.1B line of credit... is it for Saab? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baicBeijing Automotive Industry CorpBeijingAutomotiveIndustryCorpchinafinancialsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmkoenigseggsaabSun, 06 Dec 2009 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-old-dirty-bastards-the-glory-of-group-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-old-dirty-bastards-the-glory-of-group-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-old-dirty-bastards-the-glory-of-group-b/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Group B Quattro
The gorgeous insanity of Group B - Click above to watch the video

You know, there's a reason people talk about Group B racing - and the drivers who participated in it - in practically hushed tones. After all, we're currently in an era where motorsports news is just as likely to be about ever-more-restrictive regulatory efforts or the deranged hooker fantasies of the F1 illuminati as it is about, you know, racing. But during Group B's brief, crazy tenure, it was the regulations that fostered the lunacy, giving us unforgettable, insanely-powered cars and legendary drivers.

Of course, immense power and infinitesimal margins for error meant that the dangers were high -- for the drivers, obviously, but also for the spectators, who were, in their own ways, as bonkers as the factory pilots they idolized and flocked to see, forming masses of humanity that routinely spilled onto the circuits as the hyper-powered rally cars flew by. Eventually, those dangers led to tragedy, which, in turn, led to the abrupt end of the Group B era. But it's not easily forgotten, and every so often, someone posts a reminder why.

Follow the jump for eleven minutes of heaven, edited together (miraculously) without a lick of crappy, distracting music. The only soundtrack you'll hear is the one coming from Group B cars engineered to explore the limits, piloted by drivers who routinely (and expertly) exceeded them. It is, in a word, beautiful. Thanks to Danijel for the tip.

[Source: YouTube via MyCarVid]

Continue reading VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B

VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>group bGroupBnostalgiaracingrallyRally CarRallyCarrallyingvideoSun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hauler

Luxury cars are nice. Most people would consider some kind of sacrifice to own one, while others plant their behinds in Corinthian Leather through ill-gotten gains. When something is desirable, there's no end to the scheming. The latest tactic for driving luxe without earning it is pretty blatant: just show up and take it! Automotive News reports that the FBI is currently looking into an operation that's using the identity of Atlas Towing and Recovery of Illinois, a real, legitimate business, to take luxury vehicles right out from under the noses of dealerships.

The false haulers are apparently showing up at dealers and picking up cars using Atlas Towing's credentials, causing the National Auto Auction Association to send out a warning. Over the summer, Manheim Auto Auctions also got hit with a fake car hauler, and that operation is believed to be connected to the more recent activity. Dealers have been warned to notify the authorities if anyone posing as Atlas Towing and Recovery comes calling and and tries to pick up vehicles. It is pretty slick, though, showing up with a truck and an air of official-ness. Points for cleverness, but it's likely not clever enough to avoid capture eventually.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req, | Image: BringATrailer]

Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction auto theftAuctionAutoTheftauto theftauto theft schemeAutoTheftAutoTheftSchemecar auction theftcar theftcar theftsCarAuctionTheftCarTheftCarTheftsfake auto transport schemeFakeAutoTransportSchemevintage auto theftVintageAutoTheftSun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

STR8 Cologne TV commercial
STR8 Challenger cologne TV commercial -- Click above to watch the video

According to one of the YouTube commenters for the STR8 Challenger cologne commercial embedded after the jump, it was made for Polish television. Which , of course, makes perfect sense, since the whole thing's in English. Regardless, the ad features Captain Generic Macho driving a Chevy Camaro, which gradually transforms into a giant robot tsunami of cologne that deposits him into the arms of Random Desert Babe. Frankly, "STR8 Challenger" sounds a lot more more like a certain Mopar than some quasi pheromone for European dudes. Check out the video after the jump to see how you too can have it "STR8 My Way." Or, at least, smell like you do. Or something. Hat tip to our man in Poland, Rafal!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks

VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcamarocolognecommercialpolandvideoyoutubeSat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper: Guy Ritchie wrecks four reasonably-priced cars on <i>Top Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/paper-guy-ritchie-wrecks-four-reasonably-priced-cars-on-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/paper-guy-ritchie-wrecks-four-reasonably-priced-cars-on-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/paper-guy-ritchie-wrecks-four-reasonably-priced-cars-on-top/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Guy Ritchie - Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty ImagesWhen fans tune in to watch (or torrent) tomorrow night's episode of Top Gear, they'll get to see Snatch director Guy Ritchie regale Jezza, Hamster, and Captain Slow with tales of his stint as the program's Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car.

According to London's Daily Mirror, which spoke to a source who attended the taping, it seems Ritchie wound up doing his best H.B. Halicki impression, killing four of the reasonably-priced crapboxes in his effort to set the fastest celebrity lap. Sloppy track conditions were to blame, says Madonna's ex, according to the Mirror's snitch.

Whether he actually succeeded in his mission to land atop the leaderboard will be revealed during Sunday's broadcast, which, according to the tabloid, also sees the boys race airport equipment and bombard a ferry using hatchbacks as munitions. That, friends, sounds like some quality television.

[Source: Mirror.co.uk | Image: Dave Hogan/Getty]

Paper: Guy Ritchie wrecks four reasonably-priced cars on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guy ritchieGuyRitchiestar in a reasonably priced carStarInAReasonablyPricedCartop gearTopGearSat, 05 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Ferrari 458XX developmental track-car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/rendered-speculation-ferrari-458xx-developmental-track-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/rendered-speculation-ferrari-458xx-developmental-track-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/rendered-speculation-ferrari-458xx-developmental-track-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Make-believe Ferrari 458XX

Ferrari has stumbled upon one heck of a formula with its XX development programs. They've found that their most wealthy clients aren't just willing to help Maranello develop new components for future supercars, they're actually willing to pay for the privilege. And pay big, too - as in $2 million big.

The program started with the Enzo-based FXX, evolved with the FXX Evoluzione, and carries on with the Fiorano-based 599XX. So what's next up Ferrari's sleeve? A 458XX wouldn't be too far off the mark.

If the outgoing lineup (and those that came before) can serve as any indication, the new mid-engined V8 sports car is poised to spawn numerous variations, including the requisite Spider, a new Challenge-spec racer, a replacement for the existing F430 GT2, a stripped-down successor to the 360 CS and 430 Scuderia, and, if this speculative rendering from Luxury4Play has its way, a 458XX as well. If and when it does come along, we'd expect it to look something along these lines - which is to say, "tasty."

[Source: Luxury4Play]

Rendered Speculation: Ferrari 458XX developmental track-car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italia458 xx458Italia458Xxferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 xxferrari motorsportsferrari xxFerrari458Ferrari458ItaliaFerrari458XxFerrariMotorsportsFerrariXxluxury4playmaranelloSat, 05 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/kimi-raikkonen-signs-with-citroen-red-bull-rally-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/kimi-raikkonen-signs-with-citroen-red-bull-rally-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/kimi-raikkonen-signs-with-citroen-red-bull-rally-team/#commentsFiled under: ,



Kimi Räikkönen is now a WRC driver. The Flying Finn will pilot one of two Citroën CR4 Junior Team cars with Kaj Lindström as his co-driver. It's been in the works for a while, and from the sounds of it, no one appears to have any doubts that Raikkonen will do well there. Team boss Olivier Quesnel rates the ex-Ferrari pilot highly, saying, "What he did there in a S2000 was amazing," when speaking of Kimi's run in an Abarth in a Finnish rally earlier this year.

Even 2003 WRC title winner Petter Solberg puts Kimi in with a shout, commenting, "If he's in a decent World Rally Car next season I think he could finish between third and fifth on some rallies." This will put four Citroën cars in next year's Championship, with returning title winners Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti, plus the junior cars of Räikkönen/Lindström and Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia. You can check out Citroën's official release after the jump.

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team

Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenkimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenmotorsportsworld rally championshipWorldRallyChampionshipwrcSat, 05 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Vikings RB Adrian Peterson flagged for going 109 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/vikings-rb-adrian-peterson-flagged-for-going-109-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/vikings-rb-adrian-peterson-flagged-for-going-109-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/vikings-rb-adrian-peterson-flagged-for-going-109-mph/#commentsFiled under:

Minnesota Vikings All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson - or "Purple Jesus" as he's known to Vikings fans - is one of the fastest men in the NFL. Turns out, he's also one of the fastest men on a certain suburban Minnesota freeway, where police clocked him and his (model unknown) BMW going 109 mph in a 55 mph zone. Oops!

For his part, Peterson claims it was just, "A little ticket" and that he was not going as fast as the cops said he was. However, Minneapolis police spokeswoman Molly Anderson said that Peterson was indeed pulled over after police recorded him going 109 mph. Anderson states that Peterson was given a citation and allowed to drive away after what she described as a "routine traffic stop." Must be nice being the savior for an entire state. Go Pack, go!

[Source: Associated Press | Image: Hannah Foslien/AP Photo]

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson flagged for going 109 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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