Autoblog

Ken Block's latest Gymkhana vid goes small scale

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toys/Games

If you've been waiting for someone to combine R/C cars and Ken Block's brand of gymkhana, you'll want to pay a visit to Hot Wheels. The toy maker has produced a replica of Block's rallying Ford Fiesta, and after you load the required eight AA batteries you'll be drifting it around corners WRC-style in much less time than it took Block to learn his craft.

We won't mention the center-mounted wheel under the car that makes it all a bit easier. Instead, you can scroll down to see a video of Ken Block writ small for yourself.

Continue reading Ken Block's latest Gymkhana vid goes small scale

Ken Block's latest Gymkhana vid goes small scale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Racing offering B-spec upgrade kit for Fiesta owners

Drew Phillips — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Motorsports is expensive in any form, although there are ways to do it without completely breaking the bank. One of those ways is the relatively new B-Spec class featuring the compact offerings of Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Mini and more that allows racers to compete in SCCA and Grand-Am racing on a relatively level and inexpensive playing field.

Ford is the latest to enter the B-Spec foray with an upgrade kit for the current 2011-2012 Fiesta. The package includes everything from a tow hook ($59.00) to a coilover suspension kit ($1,486.00) to make the Fiesta meet the B-Spec eligibility requirements. Racers will also need to add a variety of safety equipment like a roll cage, racing seats and so on. Ford says that it will cost just $25,000 to build a complete Fiesta B-Spec racer, including the cost of the donor car.

The first SCCA B-Spec race is scheduled for Miller Motorsports Park in Utah late next month while the inaugural Grand-Am B-Spec event is slated for Homestead Speedway in Miami the same weekend.

Hit the jump for more details about the Ford Fiesta B-Spec upgrade kit and a complete list of parts included in the package.

Continue reading Ford Racing offering B-spec upgrade kit for Fiesta owners

Ford Racing offering B-spec upgrade kit for Fiesta owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block goes over the river and through the 100 Acre Wood in latest rally video

Chris Shunk — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Off-Road, Racing

Rally racing is amazing to watch, and it's no doubt a blast from behind the wheel. But while we'd love some time behind the wheel of a genuine rally car, we're guessing that the sport is a lot harder than it looks. Then again, dirt racing looks really easy when Ken Block is behind the wheel.

Block and his seemingly ever-present camera crew hit the 100 Acre Wood course for some practice time before his attempt at a sixth consecutive victory, and the proof is in the video shown here. As you might've guessed, there is a lot of high-speed drifting of his Ford Fiesta, some gratuitous high-definition slow-motion awesomeness and some bonus Alex Gelsomino on the mic. Hit the jump to watch for yourself.

Continue reading Ken Block goes over the river and through the 100 Acre Wood in latest rally video

Ken Block goes over the river and through the 100 Acre Wood in latest rally video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block revisits Twin Peaks to test his Fiesta on gravel

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

You know you want another one of Ken Block's trademark hoonage videos, don't you? Of course you do. And so we're glad to oblige. But, Ken Block being Ken Block, "just another" video wouldn't do. No, he and his crew at the Monster World Rally Team have to make each episode count. And that requires a certain measure of creativity.

For this latest three-minute clip, Block and company headed to the Dirtfish Rally School in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington. That may not mean anything to you now, but do you remember Twin Peaks? Dirtfish is based in the very same location where the popular early-90s TV show was shot. Block and his team headed there to test out the new Ford Fiesta HFHV on gravel for the first time, and were kind enough to bring along a video crew to, um... "document" the process. Follow the jump to go fire walking with Block and crew.

Continue reading Ken Block revisits Twin Peaks to test his Fiesta on gravel

Ken Block revisits Twin Peaks to test his Fiesta on gravel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A day in the life of Ken Block and his SYNC-equipped H.F.H.V.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Specialty

Ken Block has extended his tireless Ford promotion to SYNC, equipping his Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle with FoMoCo's infotainment system to star - along with DC BMX rider Kelly Bolton - in his latest video.

The day-in-the-life comes in three acts, beginning with Block driving one of his Gymkhana-prepped Fiestas to LA's Cars and Coffee, followed by a brief lunch, filming of the previously released Gymkhana 4 and wrapping up with a parking lot smoke fest where Block and Bolton do what they do best. Although we're not sure what we're impressed with more: Bolton doing a backflip off a ladder after Block topples it going sideways or the fact that Ken was able to drive his hardly street-legal H.F.H.V. around LA for the day. Check it all out after the jump.

Continue reading A day in the life of Ken Block and his SYNC-equipped H.F.H.V.

A day in the life of Ken Block and his SYNC-equipped H.F.H.V. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block gets own line of Hot Wheels in time for holiday season

Zach Bowman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Ford, Toys/Games, Celebrities, Specialty, Racing

Like floods, wildfires and tsunamis, the Ken Block marketing machine is a force of nature. The exhibition driver has partnered up with Mattel for a special line of Hot Wheels toys that include 1:64-scale die cast versions of Block's WRC Ford Fiesta in either black or white liveries. As with most Hot Wheels toys, the cars are priced at $1, which means that just about everyone can afford to find one of these in their stocking this year.

Mattel has also unveiled two different remote controlled Ken Block cars, starting with the radio-controlled Nitro Speedsters Ford Fiesta. The pint-sized R/C car is a self-contained controller and racer unit, perfect for stuffing in your pocket. We imagine the tiny wireless car would be ideal for disrupting class or the occasional office meeting. The whole kit will set you back $25.99.

Those of us who demand a slightly larger R/C experience may opt for the Ken Block R/C Fiesta Stunt Car. The toy allows just about anyone to execute either wide or tight drifts with little more than a press of a button, and with a scale speed of 0-80 mph in two seconds, the toy should be plenty of fun for $45. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ken Block gets own line of Hot Wheels in time for holiday season

Ken Block gets own line of Hot Wheels in time for holiday season originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford rushes to fix gearbox problems, but not quickly enough for Consumer Reports

Zach Bowman — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Consumer Reports recently cited issues with the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission in the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta as one of the primary reasons behind the automaker's fall from grace in its annual Car Reliability Study, but according to The New York Times, the automaker has already worked to solve most of the problems with the gearboxes. Ford has issued a number of technical service bulletins designed to improve drivability at low speeds. On September 13, Ford sent its dealers a bulletin describing how to reprogram the powertrain control module for "smoother acceleration, reduced hesitation, better low-speed drivability and improved shift scheduling."

In addition, a separate bulletin sent out on September 2 specifically dealt with harsh gear changes in the Fiesta. Like its larger sibling, dealers were instructed to reprogram the transmission for better performance. Still, those fixes come too late for Ford in the Consumer Reports' report. We'll have to wait until next year to see if the changes improve the Blue Oval's ranking.

Ford rushes to fix gearbox problems, but not quickly enough for Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus and Fiesta to be well represented at SEMA

Zach Bowman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:14:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Budget, Hatchback, Ford

Ford is hitting SEMA with a volley of modified Focus and Fiesta models this year. The company says that the aftermarket show is the perfect venue for showing off just how customizable both vehicles can be, and with creations from the likes of Roush, Cobb Tuning and Gold Coast Automotive among others, there should be a hatch or sedan on hand in Las Vegas for everyone. Roush is doing what the company does best: plopping an R900 TVS Supercharger on top of the four-cylinder engine in the Focus for a substantial bump in power, and a full Roush exhaust ensures that the engine will breathe easy.

Cobb Tuning, meanwhile, will be going the turbocharging route with its Focus. The car will boast forged pistons, a custom turbo kit and front-mounted intercooler, as well as a unique air box, intake and exhaust manifold. No one's saying just how much power the Focus will make, but a StopTech Trophy big brake kit should ensure the car can be brought down from speed in a hurry.

The star of the Fiesta show this year will likely be from Gold Coast Automotive. With an intercooled Jackson Racing Rotrex supercharger, Wilwood braking hardware on all four corners and a custom front diffuser and rear spoiler, this GCA entrant could be the mightiest Fiesta of them all. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford Focus and Fiesta to be well represented at SEMA

Ford Focus and Fiesta to be well represented at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta Metal edition heads for UK

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, UK

Ford UK is set to release a hotter version of the Fiesta to its customers. The Fiesta Metal Edition packs 132 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque courtesy of a reworked version of the same 1.6-liter Duratec engine that U.S. buyers enjoy. That's a 12 horsepower nudge over the base figures, and as a result, the special-edition Fiesta can hop to 62 mph in 8.7 seconds. A slightly lowered ride height is also part of the handling package. Right now, Ford is only planning to build 1,000 examples of the hotter hatch, each with a price tag of £15,695.

In addition to the slight bump in power, the Fiesta Metal Edition will come packing dual chrome exhaust tips, a silver-painted grille surround, and fog light bezels as well as 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the vehicle features a piano-black center stack surround, as well as Ebony black leather sport seats with contrasting stitching. Buyers will only be able to choose between three colors, however; Panther Black, Midnight Sky and Frozen White. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta Metal edition heads for UK

Ford Fiesta Metal edition heads for UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford celebrates 100 years in Britain with special edition Fiesta Centura

Noah Joseph — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Ford, UK

While we tend to think of Ford as an American automaker - and it is - the fact of the matter is that it has also been in the British market for longer than most automakers have been around altogether. 100 years, all told, and the company has been celebrating that milestone throughout the year in a variety of ways. And this is the latest.

Called the Centura edition, this special Fiesta marks the Blue Oval's centenary in the UK with a bunch of options bundled into one package. To start with, the special Fiesta nods at its forefather in its color options: British buyers can get it in any color they want, as long as it's black. Panther Black metallic, to be specific. It's also got a 1.25-liter Zetec four, chrome mirror caps, 16-inch alloys, daytime LEDs and a slew of automatic do-dads.

While hardly the exclusive GT supercar you might expect Ford of Britain to celebrate with, it is decidedly more accessible. And in the end, wasn't that what Henry Ford envisioned for the motorist? Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford celebrates 100 years in Britain with special edition Fiesta Centura

Ford celebrates 100 years in Britain with special edition Fiesta Centura originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta turns 35, hits 15 million units, celebrates

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford

Ford kicked off the Fiesta Movement in 2010, but the little hatchback's history goes back 35 years. In 1976, Ford launched the Fiesta, and since then, it's gone on to sell 15 million units. The latest iteration joined the family in 2010, and Ford's keeping it fresh for 2011 with new colors and upgrades to the highest trim level.

Mars Red and Fashionista are the new hues on the Fiesta color palette, and the Fiesta Titanium adds a dash of chrome to the grille, new wheels, and a woven headliner. You can also order partial leather seats for it.

Check out the progression of the Ford Fiesta in the gallery and click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta turns 35, hits 15 million units, celebrates

Ford Fiesta turns 35, hits 15 million units, celebrates originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford

A new car, updated livery and a fresh set of tires can only mean one thing for Ken Block - a new Gymkhana video is in the works, and it's slated to take over YouTube sometime this summer. The new instrument of driving precision and rubber destruction is Block's Ford Fiesta Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle.

Gymkhana Four will no doubt be another internet sensation, one that will add to the constantly growing mass of people who've viewed the previous three videos. To date, Gymkhana installments one through three have been watched over 110 million times, with Gymkhana Three making its way on to YouTube's list of Top 10 Videos of 2010.

Whether you think it's merely a marketing stunt, a display of skill behind the wheel or something in between, there's little doubt that you're going to watch it. We'll do the same, and you'll be sure to find it here on Autoblog when Ken Block and DC Shoes release the finished version. For now, you can get a taste of what's to come by checking out the image gallery above.

Continue reading Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer

Gymkhana 4 production underway, arriving late summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road, Racing

Being Ken Block has got to be a lot of fun, but like any other life, it has its share of problems. In Ken's case, he's actively involved in a number of rally disciplines, each of which has its own parameters and requires its own type of car. Solution: the Ford Fiesta HFHV.

The initials stand for Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, but don't let that first H fool you: there's nothing Prius about this car. It's the new beast which Ford and Block have developed for adaptable use in each of three types of rally competition: stage rallies, rallycross and Gymkhana.

The car is based on Block's Ford Fiesta RS WRC, albeit with a 2.0-liter turbo four capable of producing as much as 600 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque, depending on configuration. And configurability is what this car's all about. By swapping the wheels and tires and adjusting everything from the suspension to the engine mapping, the HFHV can be quickly set up for any of these three functions. Believe it or not, Block's Monster crew says it can even be street-legal, depending on the setup.

Bottom line: expect to see this car wherever you see Block pop up, whether it's on a rally stage, a closed parking lot or a film set - starting with the X Games this weekend in Los Angeles. Follow the jump to watch the video footage and read the full press release.

Continue reading Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV

Ken Block unveils new multi-hoonable Ford Fiesta HFHV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block brings home Goodwood hooning title... again

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Ford

Ken Block is on a quest to destroy tires on every patch of land on this planet. His latest conquest is the driveway belonging to one Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, Earl of March and Kinrara. He also goes by Lord March, and his driveway happens to play host to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Block was in attendance with both his Gymkhana-prepped Ford Fiesta and Fiesta WRC ultra-hot hatch. Many a donut was turned, lots of smoke was generated and it appears that serious sideways fun was had by both Block and the few lucky folks who got to ride shotgun on Block's passes... including Lord March's own son.

For the second year in a row, Lord March has handed down a hooning award to Ken. Check out the Goodwood action, the trophy and the unique way Ken decides to celebrate the victory by watching the clip posted after the jump.

Continue reading Ken Block brings home Goodwood hooning title... again

Ken Block brings home Goodwood hooning title... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dates for Ken Block's Gymkhana World Tour announced

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Ford

Ken Block is coming to a ~~town~~ country near you, and he's bringing the world of Gymkhana with him. Block has decided to bring Gymkhana to the people with a three-stop tour that will see his Ford Fiesta going through a lot of rubber around the world.

The Monster World Rally team will first head to Vienna, Austria, where the Gymkhana World Tour kicks offs on July 10. A live audience will be treated to a Gymkhana run that will in turn be filmed for a new soon-to-be-YouTube-sensational video.

From Austria, Ken Block and his crew will move to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. This July 23 stop on the tour is the week prior to X Games 17, after which Block will stick around to try and pilot his Fiesta to Rallycross gold. Following that, the Gymkhana tour heads Down Under to bring tire-smoking antics to the birthplace of Hoon. Ford Australia will welcome Block in Melbourne for the weekend of September 2-3 just prior to Rally Australia.

This is going to be a smokey summer for Ken Block, and an expensive one for his tire sponsor, Pirelli. Click past the jump for all the details in the full press release.

Continue reading Dates for Ken Block's Gymkhana World Tour announced

Dates for Ken Block's Gymkhana World Tour announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford confirms 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder, eight-speed transmission

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President of Global Product Development, has confirmed that the Dearborn automaker will offer turbocharged EcoBoost powertrains in 90 percent of its vehicles here in the United States by 2013. This journey for (nearly) full-line forced-induction started with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 found in the Taurus, Flex and F-150, as well as the Lincoln MKS and MKT. Next, we'll be seeing a 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four under the hood of the Edge and Explorer, and now, Ford has confirmed development of a 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine.

This 1.0-liter, inline-three will be the smallest engine in Ford's portfolio, and it will find its way under the hood of vehicles across the globe. No specific output or fuel economy numbers have been divulged just yet, but Joe Bakaj, Ford's Vice President of Global Powertrain Engineering, says that the 1.0-liter triple will provide similar power to the automaker's 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four, while improving fuel economy. When asked, Bakaj tells us that the fuel economy improvements will be similar in percentage to those with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 compared to a naturally aspirated V8.

Ford says it plans to announce more information about the 1.0-liter engine at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, including exactly what vehicles will be powered by this mill. Since Ford is benchmarking its 1.6-liter engine here - the powerplant used in the Fiesta - we'd expect that this EcoBoost three almost certainly slot into Ford's smallest offering here in the States.

The Blue Oval has also confirmed that it is working on an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, which is being designed, engineered and built by Ford in-house. Bakaj states that the eight-speed automatic will offer "best-in-class" shift smoothness and responsiveness.

Follow the jump for Ford's official press release.

Continue reading Ford confirms 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder, eight-speed transmission

Ford confirms 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder, eight-speed transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tanner Foust signs multi-year racing deal with Ford

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Off-Road, Racing

Tanner Foust Ford Fiesta jump - Click above for high-res version

Tanner Foust has carved out a place for himself in motorsports lore as a preternaturally talented drifter and rally racer. Partnered with Ford, Foust has raced in both the European RallyCross Championship and the brand-new Global RallyCross Championship, and dominated ESPN's X-Games. Now, Foust has made the partnership last by signing a multi-year contract to drive for Ford.

Foust's new long-term deal has him at the wheel of his familiar Rockstar Energy-sponsored 2011 Ford Fiesta in both the European RallyCross Championship and the inaugural season of the Global RallyCross Championship. Foust is also headed to X-Games 17 in July to defend his double gold-medal run from last year and his title as the most-decorated rally driver in X-Games history.

As well as his role as Ford's RallyCross and X-Games pilot, Foust is bringing his talent and fame along to help launch the 2012 Ford Focus ST, Dearborn's upcoming 2.0-liter EcoBoost-powered hot hatch.

Gallery: Tanner Foust Ford Fiesta jump

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Tanner Foust signs multi-year racing deal with Ford

Tanner Foust signs multi-year racing deal with Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DiRT 3 hidden games and party mode revealed

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

DiRT 3 screen shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The release of DiRT 3 is nigh upon us and, as a final teaser, game maker Codemasters has revealed an intriguing three-game party mode. The party mode consists of mini games and will serve as an escape for those who get tired of sliding Ken Block's WRC Ford Fiesta around gravel-strewn corners at breakneck speed. It also means there will be a welcome multiplayer mode to an already awesome racing title.

Party mode's three mini games all sound like an excellent way to avoid homework, housework, taxes, lawn mowing or emotional interaction with other human beings. The first, called Invasion, has players driving around an open parking lot attempting to destroy cardboard robots while avoiding skyscrapers, which could turn out to also be robots.

The second game is Outbreak, where a glowing-green "infected" player tries to spread his car's disease by crashing into opponents. Last man standing without the verdant infection leaves the game victorious.

The last game is Transporter, where players careen around in search of spontaneously-appearing flags. Once you claim a flag, you have to return it to your home base without being mugged by another player.

Essentially, party mode combines a Mario Party-style multiplayer mode with a straightforward rally-racing game. The marketability of that seems more than plausible, and the prospect of breaking up racing with some good, old-fashioned playground games sounds like a winner to us.

Gallery: DiRT 3 Screen Shots

[Source: Joystiq]

DiRT 3 hidden games and party mode revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video]

Drew Phillips — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

Global RallyCross Championship at Irwindale Speedway - Click above for high-res image gallery

Former World Rally Championship title-holder Marcus Grönholm dominated the first-ever Global RallyCross Championship event this past weekend at Irwindale Speedway, first winning the head-to-head SuperRally competition on Friday and following it up with a dominating performance in the multi-car RallyCross event on Saturday.

Formula Drift retiree and Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust also had a strong performance, finishing in second behind Grönholm in both events with the same Ford Fiesta that he drove to a double gold medal in the X Games 16.

Complete event coverage of the Global RallyCross Championship is set to air on ESPN2 on April 17, but until then you can check out our gallery of Friday's action below or follow the jump to watch a video of Grönholm's victory in the final SuperRally race.

Gallery: Global RallyCross Championship at Irwindale Speedway

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video]

Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Two-time WRC champ Gronholm takes day one victory at Global Rally Cross

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Global Rally Cross at Irwindale Speedway - Click above to watch video after the jump

Global Rally Cross kicked off its inaugural even yesterday at Irwindale Speedway. Drivers raced in bracket-style competition on a mixture of dirt and gravel stages. Competitors each ran events in two and four-wheel-drive cars.

Marcus Gronholm sealed victory at the wheel of a 550-horsepower Ford Fiesta in the all-wheel-drive round, beating out Swedish star Michael Jernberg in second and Formula Drift superstar (and U.S. Top Gear host) Tanner Faust in third.

Gronholm's victory shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who watched him drive WRC cars in the early 2000s. For his part, Gronholm wasn't too shocked either, and attributed his victory in part to experience with motocross. Check out video of the event after the jump.

[Source: Rally Buzz via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Video: Two-time WRC champ Gronholm takes day one victory at Global Rally Cross

Video: Two-time WRC champ Gronholm takes day one victory at Global Rally Cross originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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