Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz and its AMG division wanted to thank the two million viewers of its various videos, so it dropped a C63 AMG at the top of the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and recorded it drifting down. The treat was wasn't as sweet as it should have been due to an editor who got a bit too happy with the "Cut" button, and watchers said as much.

So, in a nice bit of "Here, let's fix that," AMG has uploaded aerial footage of the uncut drift. Now that we know AMG takes requests, feel free to leave them in the Comments section. On your way there, scroll down to check out the new vid.

Continue reading Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca

Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz c63 amg coupeamgc classc-classc-klassec63c63 amgcorkscrewlaguna secamercedes-benzmercedes-benz amgmercedes-benz c63 amgvideovideosWed, 23 May 2012 16:56:00 EST

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20241097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mercedesamgdriftc63_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mercedesamgdriftc63.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari claims unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari F2003-GA at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Setting the fastest lap on any race track is worth its share of bragging rights, but some are worth more than others. Like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, for example. Or the Top Gear test track. Or, on this side of the pond, Laguna Seca.

The Mazda Raceway near Monterey, California, is one of the most challenging circuits in the world. It's got a double-apex hairpin at the start, an off-camber sweep to the left and of course the dreaded Corkscrew that drops five and a half stories with tight turns at top and bottom. Little wonder, then, that its lap record is a subject of such contention.

The record was set at 1:07.722 by Helio Castroneves in 2000 behind the wheel of a Penske Champ Car. And that remains the fastest official time since the ones that followed were not set during an officially-sanctioned race weekend. But, in 2006, Ricardo Zonta drove the Toyota TF106 there to an unofficial new record of 1:06.039. Sebastian Bourdais took it back for the Champ Car series the following year at 1:05.880. But now Ferrari has taken the unofficial crown at 1:05.786.

The record lap was set during the Ferrari Racing Days event by veteran scuderia test driver and Le Mans winner Marc Gené, behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2003-GA, the car named for the late Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli with which Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello took seven grand prix wins and both titles in the 2003 Formula One World Championship. And now it can go down in history with another accolade to its history. See below for the official announcement.

Continue reading Ferrari claims unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca

Ferrari claims unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1f2003-gaferrariferrari f2003-gaferrari racing daysformula 1formula onegenégenelaguna secamarc genémarc genemazda racewaymazda raceway laguna secaWed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST

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20242904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-record-laguna-seca_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-record-laguna-seca.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Ferrari, Luxury, Racing

Ferrari 458 Italia Crash

There's the right way to tackle the infamous Corkscrew at Laguna Seca and then there's the way that puts your Ferrari 458 Italia into the catch fence and on its roof. Ryan Ockey recently gave the latter option a shot during the Ferrari Challenge at Mazda Raceway with predictable results. All of the safety equipment both in the car and at the track worked as intended, however, and the driver walked away with little more than a bruised ego. There are no solid reports as to what caused the flying Ferrari, but rumor has it there may have been a brake failure.

Unfortunately, the 458 Italia had to be pulled from the gravel trap by a tow truck, which meant a long, painful slog downhill on the Italian exotic's roof. Check out two videos of the carnage and the rescue to see what we mean. Jump forward to two minutes in on the second clip to see things go downhill for Ockey.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca

Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia crashferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia crashferrari challengelaguna secamazda racewayvideoWed, 23 May 2012 12:33:00 EST

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20242839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-458-italia-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-458-italia-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Patrick Dempsey makes ALMS debut at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Celebrities

Dempsey Racing Lola B12/87

Actor Patrick Dempsey is no stranger to racing. After his wife sent him to a three-day Skip Barber driving school, the actor fell in love with road racing has gone on to compete in Grand-Am for the last several years. McDreamy even got the chance to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009, finishing in 9th in the GT2 class behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430 GT.

After getting a taste of Le Mans, Dempsey now has aspirations to return to the legendary endurance race, but this time with his own team and his own car. At the 12 Hours of Sebring earlier this year, Dempsey Racing announced that they would be fielding a car in the P2 class for part of the 2012 ALMS season with the eventual goal of competing at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Dempsey and his team took the first steps towards their Le Mans goal this past weekend by debuting their new V8-powered Lola B12/87 race car in the P2 class at the six-hour ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This was Dempsey's first time driving a modern prototype race car, and he admitted there would be a steep learning curve.

"It feels familiar but so much more intense - the braking, the acceleration, cornering and power, it is all on a much more dynamic level than the GT cars I have driven," Dempsey said after a practice session with the car. "It's an amazing machine and it is incredible to even have the opportunity to race in a car like this at this level, and what better track to start with than Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca."

Dempsey and his team eventually finished 30th overall and fourth in class - not bad for a brand new team with a rookie driver. They plan to compete in several more races this year and will be running the full ALMS season in 2013.

You can see photos of the Dempsey Racing Lola B12/87 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the gallery above.

Patrick Dempsey makes ALMS debut at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesdempsey racinglaguna secamazda raceway laguna secapatrick dempseyMon, 14 May 2012 19:28:00 EST

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20237174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dempsey-racing-lola-b1287_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dempsey-racing-lola-b1287.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda and SCRAMP extend Laguna Seca partnership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda

Mazda Raceway

Mazda and the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula have extended the automaker's naming rights of Laguna Seca for another five years. That means the famous race track in California will continue to be known as Mazda Raceway, at least through 2016. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors ratified the agreement.

The Japanese manufacturer has been instrumental in updating and improving Laguna Seca to make the facility more convenient and safer than before. Mazda helped fund additions like permanent pit lane garages and luxury hospitality suites as well as additional runoff areas on the track itself. Mazda first partnered up with SCRAMP in 2001, but the company says its ties to the track go all the way back to the '70s, when the brand was little-known here the States. Scroll down below for the full press release.

Continue reading Mazda and SCRAMP extend Laguna Seca partnership

Mazda and SCRAMP extend Laguna Seca partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20236912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazda-raceway-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazda-raceway-628.jpg <![CDATA[GT cars thrill at ALMS race in Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

ALMS Monterey 2012

The American Le Mans Series headed to Monterey, CA this weekend for the third round of the season following Sebring and Long Beach. The annual race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is normally scheduled as the season finale in October, often leading to nail-biting finishes. More often than not, though, the team and drivers' championships were wrapped up before the last event, meaning that the Laguna Seca was essentially inconsequential. The schedule change to an earlier spot in the year ensures that each and every team fights for points.

With a highly competitive GT field - perhaps more than ever - spectators were almost ensured fantastic racing from the likes of Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Aston Martin. We can't wait until the new SRT Viper GTS-R is thrown into the mix as well. BMW and Corvette split the first two races of 2012, although it seems that any team and any car could pull out a win at any time.

It's a different story in the prototype classes, where the Honda HPD ARX-03a run by Muscle Milk Racing looks to be the runaway favorite in the P1 class. The team lost out at Sebring due to fueling problems, but had a dominating performance in Long Beach. Likewise, the Honda HPD ARX-03b of Level 5 Motorsports has swept the first two races of the season and look like the team to beat. However, the big news in Monterey for the prototype classes was the debut of Dempsey Racing's new closed-cockpit Lola B12/87 running in the P2 class. Patrick Dempsey himself would be making his ALMS debut.

Scroll down below to read more about the American Le Mans Series race in Monterey.

Continue reading GT cars thrill at ALMS race in Monterey

GT cars thrill at ALMS race in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20237069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alms-laguna-seca-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alms-laguna-seca-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Man attempts to lap Laguna in a car on two wheels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford

James Smith drives a Mustang on two wheels around Leguna Seca

We've been guilty of putting a vehicle or three on two wheels occasionally, but never on purpose. James "Ski" Smith, on the other hand, has made a habit of standing a car on edge for extended periods of time. That's impressive enough by our standards, but Smith recently attempted to take his skills to the next level by piloting a fox body Ford Mustang all the way around Laguna Seca. Why an old Mustang? Probably because no one would shed a tear if the car wound up on its roof.

Unfortunately, Smith ran into another piece of trouble before he could tackle the track's more daring corners. The extreme angle caused oiling issues with the V8 engine, flooding one bank with oil while depriving the other. As a result, Smith came to a stop just past Turn Six. Still, he hopes to try again soon. May we suggest he take something a little better suited to the task? A Chevrolet Volt, mayhaps? Scroll down to check out the clip for yourself.

Continue reading Man attempts to lap Laguna in a car on two wheels

Man attempts to lap Laguna in a car on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford mustangjames smithlaguna secamustang on two wheels laguna secaskiski cartwo wheelsMon, 07 May 2012 19:58:00 EST

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20232878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mustang-two-wheels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mustang-two-wheels.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes celebrates 2M views by drifting C63 AMG around Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

The AMG division of Mercedes-Benz has attracted two million views on YouTube. That's as if every single person in Boston, Las Vegas, Long Beach and St. Louis stopped what they were doing and clicked the left mouse button to get a video fix on a three-pointed star and quad pipes.

To thank its fans, AMG put a C63 AMG at the top of the corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, then drifted it all the way down. Looks like fun. All you have to do is scroll down to watch the recognition.

Continue reading Mercedes celebrates 2M views by drifting C63 AMG around Laguna Seca

Mercedes celebrates 2M views by drifting C63 AMG around Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20227601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mb-amg-yt-thanks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mb-amg-yt-thanks.jpg <![CDATA[Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Racing

GoPro ALMS at Laguna Seca

There's nothing quite like witnessing an automotive race in person. The sights, sounds, smells - it's a magical experience for anyone with petrol flowing freely through their veins. But it's just not possible to personally attend every race on the planet, and sometimes, television coverage leaves much to be desired.

Enter GoPro, maker of those little clear-plastic-housed cameras you see all over the place. The crew attached its HD Hero2 cams all over a couple of ALMS cars driven by Gunnar Jeannette and Ken Dobson as they battled the field at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

There are helmet-cams, shots up high and down low, from the front and toward the rear, all catching fender-to-fender racing at its finest. There's even some views showing what life is like for a mechanic in the pits. See for yourself in the video after the break. As an added bonus, you can also watch raw footage of each driver's laps in separate videos.

Continue reading Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro

Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20202350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gopro-amls_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gopro-amls.jpg <![CDATA[BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

BMW M3 vs. X5 M

It's nice to see that someone at BMW apparently has a wry sense of humor when it comes to the X5 M. We are not shy about admitting that we find it hard to take the 550-horsepower SUV seriously - we famously called it a "2.7-ton Miata with a lampshade on its head and a serious coke habit," when we reviewed it back in 2010. But this little 30-second spot pairing it with the M3 has us tickled with nostalgic memories of the 1996 CART finale at Laguna Seca.

Sixteen years ago, there was no Mazda in the storied track's name, just a heck of a battle through all 11 turns of the final lap of the season. Rookie-of-the-year Alex Zanardi made one of the historic racing moves, passing Bryan Herta on the inside of the downhill "Corkscrew" turn, running through the dirt to make the lead change stick.

If you're wondering what this might have to do with the X5 M, click through the jump to see both the BMW ad and the vintage CART footage.

Continue reading BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo

BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardibmwbmw m3bmw x5 mbmw x5mcartlaguna secam3videox5 mx5mMon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST

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20179106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/x5m-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/x5m-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos

Motor Trend 2011 Best Driver's Car

It's been a long while since the guys at Motor Trend went through the trouble of picking the best driver's car, and for good reason. In order to pull off an actual test with any merit, the publication would need to wrangle some of the most impressive pieces of automotive engineering together on the same track on the same day. When we're talking about vehicles like the Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Lotus Evora, Ferrari 458 Italia and the like, that can be a daunting feat, even for a rag of MT's swagger.

The stars aligned, however, and the crew managed to collect the hardware above as well as heathens like the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Porsche Cayman R, Audi R8 GT, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07 and the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. All told, the collection was worth more than $1.5 million, and Motor Trend took the time to put them all through a battery of grueling performance tests before handing over the keys to a pro driver for a few quick laps at Laguna Seca. Rough times, guys.

The decision-making process has been split into three parts, and Part 1 is after the jump. Enjoy.

Continue reading Motor Trend picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011

Motor Trend picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia911911 gt3 rsbest drivers carcaymancorvettedrivers carevoragt-rlaguna secalfamotor trendmotor trend 2011 best drivers carmustang boss 302r8videoz06Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST

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20178893 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/motor-trend-drivers-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/motor-trend-drivers-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S turbo spotted testing at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/scion-fr-s-turbo-spotted-testing-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/scion-fr-s-turbo-spotted-testing-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/scion-fr-s-turbo-spotted-testing-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Scion

Turbocharged Scion FR-S

It looks as if Scion may be hard at work on a new turbocharged FR-S prototype. Motor Trend nabbed a quick video of what appears to be a forced-induction version of the coupe darting around Laguna Seca. With its tall wing and sideways antics, the vehicle is likely being put through its paces by the Scion drift team, which has had to rely on specially modified TC models until now. It makes sense for the drift team to strap a turbo onto the vehicle's 2.0-liter flat four for a little extra grunt, but it's unclear if a forced-induction version of the FR-S will make its way to production.

If a hotter version of the coupe is coming down the pike, we'll have to wait for it. The first production FR-S models won't show up until summer, and any variations would trail along after that. Either way, it appears we should be able to catch a glimpse of high-performance FR-S on the Formula D circuit in no time. Hit the jump to watch the quick video for yourself.

Continue reading Scion FR-S turbo spotted testing at Laguna Seca

Scion FR-S turbo spotted testing at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The premiere episode of The List is here, and the first thing anyone should do if they're considering tackling a must-do roster of automotive things is attend a high performance driving school. We have to make sure that our hosts Jessi Combs and Patrick McIntyre are prepared for everything that's in store for them, so we sent them both to Skip Barber Racing School for a two-day High Performance Driving class. The action takes place at California's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, which means they'll have to get good enough to handle serious turns like the famous Corkscrew. Follow the jump to see how they do.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about the hosts of The List.

Continue reading The List #0001: Graduate From A High Performance Driving School

The List #0001: Graduate From A High Performance Driving School originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20126588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/list01racing-schoolfinal-opt-1323798412_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/list01racing-schoolfinal-opt-1323798412.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives

Uncorking This Road-Legal DTM Coupe At Laguna Seca

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

Turn Two at Laguna Seca is one of racing's more interesting creations. Get it wrong here and the rest of your lap will get really grumpy really fast. The AMG-Mercedes people thankfully gave us around 20 hot laps in their new C63 AMG Coupe Black Series over the course of the day - enough that we were able to get into a groove for the final 16 sorties or so. GT cars of about this size, setup and power tend to take to Laguna Seca like yuppies to mesquite.

And so we cooked all day in a fully accoutered C63 Black Series. The fixins' on our coupe went well beyond the standard model's race-car-for-the-road spec: Track Package, Aerodynamics Package, AMG Performance Media suite, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, 19-inch matte black forged light alloy wheels and a fire extinguisher. We'd have preferred if some of these options actually came as standard equipment, but last we checked, we don't own and run Daimler. Not yet anyway.

Goosing the well-weighted throttle pedal to the floor at the right moment in second gear out of Laguna Seca's insidious Turn Eleven left-hander, the C63 Black Series filled all of Monterey County with its divine quad-barrel noise. The sound was almost enough to make that difficult corner worth tolerating.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20110911 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, New Car Reviews

The Pony Car's Best Ambassador

Despite extolling their many carnal virtues for years, we know that there's still a sizable group of enthusiasts who have never managed to wrap their heads around the idea of owning a pony car. We've heard all the excuses before, from complaints about refinement, Jurassic underpinnings and muscle-straining inputs to shopworn stereotypes about the people who drive them. Thing is, if we're being honest, many of these same notions have troubled us as well - even those of us who have triumphed over our prejudices and actually bought one of the things.

Well, boys and girls, Ford finally has a four-wheeled answer for the naysayers and skeptics: The Mustang Boss 302. Just as bacon is the gateway meat for wayward vegetarians, the orange crush seen here is the four-wheeled, applewood-smoked come-on for pony car doubters. Better still, unlike that tasty bit of swine dining, it's nearly guilt-free.

The 2012 Boss 302 may carry the namesake of Ford's legendary 1969 competition car, and it might work a treat on racetracks, but Ford has made sure it's an honest-to-Detroit everyday proposition, not just a weekend warrior for waxing overconfident BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG preeners.

Continue reading 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20105325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/03-2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/03-2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Hotchkis Porsche 962 obliterate Laguna Seca at Rennsport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/watch-this-hotchkis-porsche-962-obliterate-laguna-seca-at-rennsp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/watch-this-hotchkis-porsche-962-obliterate-laguna-seca-at-rennsp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/watch-this-hotchkis-porsche-962-obliterate-laguna-seca-at-rennsp/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc., Videos, Porsche, Celebrities, Racing

Hotchkis Porsche 962 at Rennsport Reunion IV

There are many things to love about the Rennsport Reunion. Stacks of beautiful Porsche metal, the chance to meet racing legends face to face and the sound of historic race cars barking at the paddock walls all make for an experience unlike any other. But for us, the best part is watching those vintage racers take to a track like Laguna Seca in anger. This year, Mark Hotchkis hopped behind the wheel of the Hotchkis Porsche 962 for a few quick laps on the renowned road circuit once again. He wasn't there for a leisurely Sunday drive.

Hotchkis wasted no time slicing through traffic and generally consuming tarmac like only a properly-wielded 962 can. The Replay XD guys were kind enough to strap a few dozen cameras to the car to give us an idea of the action from every angle, and the result is pretty entertaining way to blow four minutes and change. Hit the jump to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Watch this Hotchkis Porsche 962 obliterate Laguna Seca at Rennsport

Watch this Hotchkis Porsche 962 obliterate Laguna Seca at Rennsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20087145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/porsche-962-at-rennsport-reunion-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/porsche-962-at-rennsport-reunion-628.jpg <![CDATA[Making the Porsche Rennsport Reunion family photo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/making-the-porsche-rennsport-reunion-family-photo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/making-the-porsche-rennsport-reunion-family-photo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/making-the-porsche-rennsport-reunion-family-photo/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos, Porsche, Racing

Porsche family photo at Rennsport Reunion 2011

If you're a Porsche fan, there were enough precious metals at this weekend's Rennsport Reunion IV to put a flutter of butterflies in the sturdiest of stomachs. The company naturally made sure to capture the moment, and just as naturally, it wasn't any mere point-and-shoot affair.

For a gorgeous time-lapse look at how 40 vintage Porsche racers (including 911s, 935s, 917s, 962s and 956s) posed for the camera in the California sun, the rest of the story is in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Making the Porsche Rennsport Reunion family photo

Making the Porsche Rennsport Reunion family photo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20082969 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/porscherennsportphoto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/porscherennsportphoto.jpg <![CDATA[Rennsport Reunion IV: Porsche porn in the car corral]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/rennsport-reunion-iv-porsche-porn-in-the-car-corral/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/rennsport-reunion-iv-porsche-porn-in-the-car-corral/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/rennsport-reunion-iv-porsche-porn-in-the-car-corral/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Convertible, Coupe, Etc., Porsche, Specialty, Sunday Drive, Racing

Porsche car corral at Rennsport Reunion IV

Autoblog has been walking the paddock of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca taking in Rennsport Reunion IV for the past two days... but that's just a small part of the action. Today, we took a long stroll through the various Porsche corrals where the privately owned cars park during the event. While we're suckers for race machinery, some of the automaker's street cars are equally spectacular, even in standard trim.

Take a look through our massive gallery of cars, including those from members of the Porsche Club of America (PCA) and Porsche Owners Club (POC). Both organizations are loaded with very enthusiastic owners who take meticulous care of their mid- and rear-engined sports cars. Look carefully and you'll spot everything from early cars all the way to the latest 997 GT3 RS 4.0 - even a rare RUF Turbo (on a 993 platform).

Our personal favorites include the 930, GT2 RS, RS Ducktails and the early 911-based RUF Turbo Targa. How about you?

Rennsport Reunion IV: Porsche porn in the car corral originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20082557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/rennsportlead97_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/rennsportlead97.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Porsche 911 makes North American debut at Rennsport Reunion IV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/2012-porsche-911-makes-north-american-debut-at-rennsport-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/2012-porsche-911-makes-north-american-debut-at-rennsport-reunion/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/2012-porsche-911-makes-north-american-debut-at-rennsport-reunion/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

2012 Porsche 911

Porsche pulled form-fitting covers off two of its all-new 911 models today at Rennsport Reunion IV, marking the first official unveiling of the vehicle in North America. While we were at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September for the Type 991's worldwide debut, it was an excellent opportunity to check out a few static examples up close and watch some of Porsche's famed drivers take hot laps around the Laguna Seca race circuit in two similar models circling the track.

On display were two of the upgraded 911 S models, fitted with 3.8-liter flat-six engines that produce 400 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque (standard Carrera models have a 3.4-liter flat-six rated at 350 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque). A seven-speed manual is standard in both rear-wheel-drive models, with Porsche's seven-speed PDK automated gearbox optional.

Bigger, better and lighter than its equivalent Type 997 predecessor, the new two-door promises impressive performance. According to Porsche, the 3,075-pound Carrera S will hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with the PDK (with Sport Chrono option), while the 3,042-pound Carrera will need 4.2 seconds to hit the same benchmark. Our first opportunity to drive is just around the corner, and we can't wait to tell you about it.

Check out the photo gallery of the 2012 Porsche 911 above, and look for more coverage from Rennsport Reunion IV over the next few days.

2012 Porsche 911 makes North American debut at Rennsport Reunion IV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20082226 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-porsche-911-rennsport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-porsche-911-rennsport.jpg <![CDATA[Ford designer creates special Parnelli Jones Mustang Boss 302 for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/ford-designer-creates-special-parnelli-jones-mustang-boss-302-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/ford-designer-creates-special-parnelli-jones-mustang-boss-302-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/ford-designer-creates-special-parnelli-jones-mustang-boss-302-fo/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Specialty

Eleven years ago, Ford designer Melvin Betancourt suffered a serious heart problem and had to undergo intense open-heart surgery at the Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan. The surgery was a total success, with Betancourt crediting Henry Ford's doctors with saving his life. Now, the designer uses his expertise as a way to give back to the medical field that helped give him a second lease on life.

This special edition 2012 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca has been done up as a modern interpretation of the famed coupe Parnelli Jones raced to victory in the 1970 Trans-Am Championship. Painted in School Bus Yellow and complete with black accents and number decals, the Boss will be auctioned off at the Get Your Heart Racing benefit on October 15. The benefit is sponsored by Ford Motor Company and the Henry Ford Health System and raises money for cardiovascular care, research and education. More information is available in Ford's press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford designer creates special Parnelli Jones Mustang Boss 302 for charity

Ford designer creates special Parnelli Jones Mustang Boss 302 for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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