Autoblog

Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

Renaultsport Twingo R2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For such a tiny car, Renault's punchy little Twingo RS sure has been getting a lot attention lately. First came the launch of the Twingo Gordini edition, reviving a long-dormant racing nameplate for the French automaker. Then Jeremy Clarkson took it for a ride (and a swim) around (and under) Belfast. Now Renault's motorsport division has released the a pair of entry-level rally machines based on the pint-size hot hatch.

Called the Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2, these are Renault's latest offerings to aspiring rally drivers getting in at the bottom. They pack 1.6-liter 16-valve four-bangers pumping out a substantial 160 horsepower - 27 over the standard RS - driving the front wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox with a slip-resistant dog clutch and wheel-mounted shift paddles. There's little to distinguish the rally machines from their street-going counterparts, but inside, the interior has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage.

Upgrading from the R1 to the R2 (which can be performed at any later point, helpful if your team is dependent on prize cash to re-invest into the car) gains Sabelt buckets with six-point harness and a few more bells and whistles. The best part? They're apparently still street legal (in Europe at least) so you can drive it home after the rally instead of loading it onto a truck. A fully equipped Renaultsport Twingo R2 will set you back €38,980, or the equivalent of $58k in American greenbacks...if only it were actually available here. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renaultsport Twingo R2

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Videos

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.

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Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford Motor Company and noted rally masters M-Sport have pulled the veil off their latest collaborative rally machine, the Fiesta S2000. It's their first global rally car, and as such will be able to compete in a whole bevy of international competitions ranging from IRC to the S2000 World Cup to Aatos and Aamu's Finnish Tree Bash. Long story short, going by past history alone, this should be one bruiser of a successful rally car.

Right, so let's talk stats. The Fiesta S2000 comes with a naturally aspirated 1998cc I4 Duratec S2000 engine good for 280 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of twisting torque all the while spinning to an 8,000 rpm redline. That mill gets mated to a permanent all-wheel drive system hooked up to a sequential manual transmission with an AP clutch. Sizable Brembos are at all four corners (and like the wheels, vary in size depending on asphalt or gravel). Ready for the best part? It weighs just 2,640 pounds - and that's with the roll cage. And get this - the Fiesta S2000 is "due for homologation in January 2010." Fake, well-produced "spy video" after the jump, gigantic high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Ford and M-Sport Fiesta S2000 rally car

[Source: FiestaS2000.com via 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]

Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ten minutes of rally crashes devoid of butt-rock soundtrack

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos

Finns crashing with pure engine sounds - Click above to watch the video

It's often said that the Finns are ~~drunk and walk around carrying axes~~ the best rally drivers in the world. There's been lots of speculation as to why. Some say it's their relative isolation -- large distances between places makes for lots of fast, back roads driving. Others speculate it's their tough Viking blood that makes the Finns fearless in the face of death. Still others feel it's the sheer boredom of living in Finland that fosters a devil may care attitude towards life and limb.

But after watching this video, we have a new theory. The Finns are the world's best rally drivers because they crash so dang much. We're not kidding. If practice makes perfect then the country of Finland as a whole is... well, we can't say perfect now can we? Watch for yourself, after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Ten minutes of rally crashes devoid of butt-rock soundtrack

VIDEO: Ten minutes of rally crashes devoid of butt-rock soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Latest '10 Unleashed winner gets his rally on

Drew Phillips — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

The '10 Unleashed "Mustang Rally" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We don't think of the Ford Mustang as a rally car. In fact, a Mustang doing anything but drag racing doesn't represent its customer base very well, but that doesn't mean we don't like to see it compete in all kinds of motorsports. So who would turn a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang into a rally car? J.B. Niday would. He's the managing director of Rally America, and he unleashed his inner Mustang by pitting his two rally driving friends together for a head-to-head competition.

Using a fairly stock 2010 Ford Mustang GT - only a roll cage, race seats, rally computer, off-road tires, and an HID light bar were added - Mike Hurst and Mark Utecht raced back-to-back over four stages of the Ojibwe Forests Rally in Minnesota, with the winner taking all. And by all, we mean the Mustang. Watch the video after the jump to see who wins.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Latest '10 Unleashed winner gets his rally on

VIDEO: Latest '10 Unleashed winner gets his rally on originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 100% NSFW Irish rally footage

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Humor

Irish Rally Team - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are good rally videos, bad rally videos and ugly rally videos. There are even other totally unsafe for work Irish rally videos. But then there's this video. Now, we love swearing. It's like a form of meditation. Dirty yoga let's call it. Speaking of Eastern philosophies, there's an old Taoist saying, "When the student is ready the master appears." Well, we thinks we met our potty-mouthed master.

Meet the faceless navigator of this Irish rally team. Remember that scene from A Christmas Story when Ralphie is beating the snot out of Skut Farkus? I think the line goes something like this, "I have since heard of people under extreme duress speaking in strange tongues. I became conscious that a steady torrent of obscenities and swearing of all kinds was pouring out of me as I screamed." Well, that's about the half of it. And if you think it's a little tame for the first ninety seconds, may we suggest skipping ahead to 1:31? Colorfully NSFW video after the jump. Tip O'the bowler to Ramana!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 100% NSFW Irish rally footage

VIDEO: 100% NSFW Irish rally footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino during the New England Forest Rally -- Click above to watch video

What you need to know: New England Forest Rally, Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino, Special Stage 5 -- Concord Pond Run, breaking their own stage record they set last year. What you need to ask: what happens when Block meets Loeb next year?

Everything else worth considering is in the video in glorious high-definition. Follow the jump to check it out. Thanks for the tip, Nate!

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast

VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Irish rally co-driver gives more confidence than a bottle of Bushmill's [*NSFW]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos, UK

Click above to watch video after the jump

Football fans know that offense sells tickets, but defense wins games. Rallying is not so different. Drivers get all the glory, but they'd all be stranded upside-down in a tree somewhere without their co-pilots. The navigators ride shotgun and give the driver a turn-by-turn play-by-play of what's coming up around the next bend.

We've seen all kinds of pairings of driver and co-driver, but this one has to take the cake. Behind the wheel of a vintage Ford Escort MkII (pictured above), Irish rally driver Jimmy Deane gets the lay of the land from Barry Meade, whose comically enthusiastic directions make us wish our sat-nav had his voice as an option. If you don't mind a bit of swearing, follow the jump and clip the apex to watch the video to see what we mean.

[*WARNING: Explicit language - NSFW]

[Source: TotallySideways.com via ColdTrackDays.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Irish rally co-driver gives more confidence than a bottle of Bushmill's [*NSFW]

VIDEO: Irish rally co-driver gives more confidence than a bottle of Bushmill's [*NSFW] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ken Block heading to WRC with new Monster Ford team

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

One of the most significant deals in rally history. That's how news of Ken Block's imminent move to the World Rally Championship is being touted in the motorsport press. And we couldn't agree more.

Now don't get us wrong. We enjoy watching Block's famous antics behind the wheel of his purpose-built Gymkhana Subaru Impreza as much as the next guy. Probably more. But we can't help but feel that the superstar's otherworldly car control skills couldn't be put to better use than pure showboating. And this deal could give him exactly that opportunity, graduating from the relatively low-visibility Rally America series to the top-tier WRC.

Since Subaru, for whom Block competes in the USA, pulled out of the WRC, Ken's been hunting for another ride in the premier series, and reports now indicate that he - along with former Subaru driver Chris Atkinson - will be driving the 2009-spec Ford Focus WRC for the new Monster Energy Drink World Rally Team (which could, incidentally, go some way towards explaining what the two rally stars were doing behind the wheel of that old Ford Escort). Once the details are hammered out, both Block and Atkinson are expected to start next season in select rounds of the championship before challenging the full calendar the year after, presumably behind the wheel of the new rally-spec Fiesta.

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: Ken Block heading to WRC with new Monster Ford team originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen's 2011 DS3 rally fighter revealed in spy shots

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Citroën, Specialty

Citroen DS3 WRC test mule - Click above for image gallery

With all the regulatory changes in Formula One over the past couple, the rally world is arguably in the midst of an even greater state of flux. Manufacturers are dropping out of the World Rally Championship en masse, the rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge is closing in fast, and soon the WRC will be changing to a more cost-effective formula. Along with it, the participating manufacturers will be developing new rally machinery, but none will be as important as the one you see here.

With rally superstar Sebastien Loeb behind the wheel, Citroen has won five consecutive drivers' titles, and five out of the past seven manufacturers' titles as well - first in the Xsara and then in the C4. But to adapt to the new formula, the French rally team will be switching to a rally-spec super-mini.

Rather than basing their new challenger on the new C3, however, Citroen has opted to use the opportunity to promote the more premium DS3, released in production form just last month at the Frankfurt show. The Mini rival's avant-garde interior has been stripped out and fitted with a pair of competition buckets and a full roll cage. And to keep the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine breathing, the Citroen rally team has fitted its new machine with more scoops than a paparazzo. The rally-prepped DS3 is expected to hit tarmac, gravel and snow for the 2011 season, but you can check it out now in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Citroen DS3 WRC spy shots

[Source: Racingpassion via Autocar]

Citroen's 2011 DS3 rally fighter revealed in spy shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Videos, Mini

Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk take a Mini JCW Cabrio up a Monte Carlo Rally route - Click above to watch video

Alec Issigonis' Mini began production in 1959. By 1960, there were half a dozen works teams entering the car in the Rally Monte Carlo. By 1964, Mini had won with the pilotage of Irishman Paddy Hopkirk, and in 1967, the automaker won again with Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel.

Those two gents got behind the wheel of a modern Mini JCW Cabrio (top down in the snow!) and tackled the Col de Torrini again, in the process sharing a few thoughts on the cars and the racing. We can't say we'd want to be in the back seat, but it's terrific to watch and to remember where Mini and the checkered flag really got to know one another. Follow the jump to see the vid.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Abarth 500 R3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

The little brand that could, Abarth, secures whatever few items from the growing Fiat empire it can get its hands on and takes them to the extreme. The performance division was designated to handle Fiat's rally activities, and took the IRC title in its formative year with the Punto Abarth S2000. Then they turned around and put their hot Punto on the road with the 155 horsepowerPunto Abarth and 180 hp Punto Abarth EsseEsse.

But since the scorpion brand got its hands on the Fiat 500, they've been churning out more performance variants than Porsche. The 500 Abarth debuted with 133 hp, launched with the special Opening Edition. Then the 500 got an EsseEsse version of its own with 160 ponies. The track-bound 500 Abarth Assetto Corse followed with 200 horsepower, and at the recently concluded Frankfurt show they unveiled the 695 Tributo Ferrari. More versions were interspersed, and even more are said to be on the way - but not before the rally team has had a chance to debut the new Abarth 500 R3T.

Built to Group R3T specifications, a rally formula for turbocharged cars up to 1.6-liters in engine displacement, the rally-prepped 500 packs a 1.4-liter four with a Garret GT 1446 fixed-geometry turbocharger, good for 180 horsepower and driving through a six-speed sequential transmission with twin-plate clutch and a locking differential. 17-inch OZ alloys are mounted to an adjustable suspension and pack Brembo discs all around supplemented by a hydraulic handbrake. Inside, the 500 R3T has been fitted with a full roll cage and FIA-spec racing buckets with six-point harnesses, while dry weight comes in at 1080kg (2380 lbs), the minimum for the category.

The vehicle was introduced this past weekend at the Sanremo rally, where Abarth has won two of the past three years running, and it will be used in special promotional events as part of the Assetto Corse program. Check out the details in the press release after the jump and the pair of high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abarth 500 R3T

[Source: Abarth]

Continue reading Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo

Fiat unveils rally-spec Abarth 500 R3T in San Remo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HD Theater to begin screening WRC in October 4 [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Ford Focus WRC - click for high-res image gallery

"Gentlemen, start your DVRs!"

Anyone that has ever watched a major league rally event knows that this form of motorsports is perhaps the most engaging form of four-wheeled competition in the world. Nothing compares to standing in a forest and watching these high-powered monsters blasting down a dirt road - sideways - at ridiculous speeds. While most people can't head out into the woods for a rally, watching the World Rally Championship on a big screen in the glory that is high definition broadcasting might be the next best thing. That's where the Discovery Channel's HD Theater comes in.

Starting October 4, HD Theater will run 17 hours of fresh WRC programming. In fact, that Saturday afternoon and evening there will be six solid hours of action. Following that, every Sunday night at 8 pm through December, the channel will feature a one hour wrap of one of the season's rallies. Check out the high-res gallery below as well as the full schedule and a video trailer after the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus WRC

[Source: HD Theater]

Continue reading HD Theater to begin screening WRC in October 4 [w/VIDEO]

HD Theater to begin screening WRC in October 4 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek

Chris Paukert — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Subaru, Humor, Specialty

Gymkhana 2.1 - Block vs. Dyrdek - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Driftmeister Extraordinaire Ken Block is at it again, only this time, with a bit more of a sense of humor on display. The tire-immolating Subaru WRX STI rally driver has teamed up with pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek for a "Me and My Shadow" video extravaganza dubbed Gymkhana 2.1.

While we have to admit that the finished product isn't filled with as many jaw-slackeningly awesome moments as the pair of videos that proceeded it, it's an amusing coquet while we wait for Gymkhana 3.0, a film that will presumably involve a borrowed space shuttle, a runway full of banana peels, and at least one octogenarian goat herder. The 3:49 production is worth watching just for Dyrdek's custom "Mini Me" go-kart, which we want parked in our lawnmower shed yesterday. Enjoy watching the video after the jump, and be sure to check out the slightly less-than high-res images in the gallery below. Hat tips to Adam and Christian!

Gallery: Gymkhana 2.1 - Block vs. Dyrdek

[Source: DC Shoes]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek

VIDEO: Gymkhana 2.1 - Electric Boogaloo: Block vs. Dyrdek originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

MINI Crossover concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

The original Mini Cooper earned its performance credentials back in the 1960s being flung about on the Monte Carlo rally. Paddy Hopkirk won the Monte in 1964 at the wheel of a Cooper S. While modern Minis are still considered fun to drive cars, they have never been used in a major factory-backed motorsports program. In a move that could rectify that shortcoming, AutoCar is reporting that the company's new crossover could form the basis of a World Rally Championship program in 2011. The all-wheel drive crossover first appeared as a concept vehicle last year in Paris and is expected to debut in production form next month in Frankfurt.

The new model possibly called "Countryman" is expected to get a high performance John Cooper Works edition sometime next year which could form the base of a rally car. The demise of parent BMW's Formula 1 program and the restructuring of Formula BMW could certainly make room in the budget for something with closer ties to a production program.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept LIVE

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Rumormill: Mini could be headed for WRC by adapting new crossover model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've never been given a "hot lap" by a professional driver, let me try and convey what the experience is like. You're usually dehydrated and have been standing on a heat-soaked paddock for far too long. There's a track rat (or two) whose job it is to get a helmet and HANS device fastened on you and their default thinking is that you've never even seen a track before, much less driven on one. You're wearing your street clothes, and items like your wallet and cell phone make it even harder for them to get you shoehorned and belted into the seat. The passenger seats are typically much narrower than the driver's seat and you're typically much fatter than the driver. It can be pretty embarrassing. Once you're secured, the driver sticks his hand out, you shake it and then you're off.

Follow the jump to find out what happens next.

Gallery: 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

Continue reading 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Subaru, UK

Click the image above to view the video after the jump

In case Richard Hammond's spectacular jet-car crash wasn't enough to convince you of the inherent dangers of filming British television's top car shows, the presenters of Fifth Gear have given us another startling reminder.

Barrowman, who plays a character who cannot be killed on Dr. Who spin-off series Torchwood, was driving the £120,000 rally-spec Subie with Needell riding shotgun when the actor lost control of the car, sending it over the shoulder and flipping several times down the hill before coming to a rest on the shore of a lake. Paramedics arrived at the scene and removed glass shards from Barrowman's eyes before taking both to the hospital with no major injuries. Check out the video after the jump for the segment -- a stark reminder that enthusiasm and ego aren't a suitable replacement for talent.

[Source: Daily Mail via RPMGo.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear

VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discovery Channel's HD Theater bringing WRC coverage back to U.S.

Chris Paukert — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

For World Rally Championship fans living in the U.S., it's been tough to keep up on the action, as domestic television coverage has been virtually nonexistent for some time now. That's about to change, however, as the series has inked a deal with Discovery Communications' HD Theater, a channel with an audience of 633 million. HD Theater has committed to show weekly coverage "from every round of the championship" beginning in October, and it will also air shows featuring related WRC content and news.

The adventure/technology channel already shows other forms of motorsports coverage and car-related programming that we've enjoyed, and we're particularly excited for the return of WRC, as the rallying genre lend itself particularly well to the channel's 1080i, 5.1 digital surround high-def format. After all, the races regularly take place in spectacular settings, and HD broadcasting ought to provide for a heightened level of detail in everything from flying dirt to the look on bystanders' faces as the competitors whip by. Consider us psyched.

Official press release after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: WRC | Image: Massimo Bettiol/Getty]

Continue reading Discovery Channel's HD Theater bringing WRC coverage back to U.S.

Discovery Channel's HD Theater bringing WRC coverage back to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Got 90 minutes? Good. Watch this gigantic compilation of rally crack-ups

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Click above to see 94 minutes of rally crashes

For those who watch auto racing hoping to see some crashes, here's your chance to watch crashes in order to see a little bit of racing. Vintage rally footage showcasing various categories and countries has Renaults, Fords, Peugeots, Volvos, and Lancias flying all over the circuits.The level of danger for everyone involved never ceases to amaze -- cameramen pull off acrobatic moves to avoid crashing cars that would make Wolverine jealous. It proves that rally fans have reflexes that are almost as good as the drivers. They're just as crazy, too. Follow the jump to see the whole... shebang. (Be advised: it takes several moments for the video to load and begin playback.)

[Source: Google Video]

Continue reading VIDEO: Got 90 minutes? Good. Watch this gigantic compilation of rally crack-ups

VIDEO: Got 90 minutes? Good. Watch this gigantic compilation of rally crack-ups originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Evo X Group N rally car by MML Sports

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mitsubishi

MML Sports Mitsubishi Evolution X Group N - Click above for an image gallery

Automakers are cutting motorsports spending to weather the economic downturn, leaving privateers and independent teams to take the reigns at the upper echelon of racing. UK-based MML Sports is one such shop that's ready to take on the Production class during the 2009 World Rally Championship (WRC) season.

Based on the Mitsubishi Evolution X RS, MML's Group N-spec Evo features a custom roll-cage and fuel tank, along with BOS dampers, upgraded springs and modified gearing. Per Group N rules, the suspension geometry and engine must remain stock, however a MOTEC ECU has been employed to eek out every last bit of performance from the turbocharged 4B11 four-cylinder, along with controlling the center differential.

Check out MML's site for all the details and get an eye-full of the build-up and completed car in the gallery below.

Gallery: MML Sports Group N Mitsubishi Evolution X Rally Car

Mitsubishi Evo X Group N rally car by MML Sports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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