Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Tiger Woods' Escalade owned by GM, will be fixed and eventually sold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/tiger-woods-escalade-owned-by-gm-will-be-fixed-and-eventually/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/tiger-woods-escalade-owned-by-gm-will-be-fixed-and-eventually/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/tiger-woods-escalade-owned-by-gm-will-be-fixed-and-eventually/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade, post crash - Click above for high-res image gallery

The world's most infamous 2009 Cadillac Escalade, the one Tiger Woods drove into a hydrant and then a tree early in the morning of November 27, is heading to the body shop for repairs. Interestingly enough, the Escalade isn't owned by Tiger Woods - it's part of GM's promotional fleet. After the golfer's deal with Buick ended last year, Tiger made a deal with the automaker to keep a few cars for his personal use. His choices included a Buick Enclave and Cadillac Escalade... the black SUV that is now sporting a mangled front end and missing a couple rear windows.

As it's a promotional/marketing vehicle, the SUV goes back to GM for the automaker to decide its fate. Depending on the severity of the repairs, it may head back into the loaner fleet... or it may be replaced by a new vehicle. If it is replaced, the now-repaired Escalade will be pulled from rotation and sent to auction where it goes to the highest bidder. Of course, we can only imagine what the Cadillac would bring on eBay in its current shattered state.


Gallery: Tiger Woods GM-owned Cadillac Escalade


[Source: Drive On, Photos: Florida Highway Patrol]

Tiger Woods' Escalade owned by GM, will be fixed and eventually sold originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Body ShopBodyShopcadillacCadillac Escaladecadillac escalade hybridCadillac Escalade Platinumcadillac escalade sportCadillacEscaladeCadillacEscaladeHybridCadillacEscaladePlatinumCadillacEscaladeSportCrashescaladeFloridaGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMPress fleetPressFleetPromotionalRepairtigerTiger EscaladeTiger Woodstiger woods cadillactiger woods escaladeTigerEscaladeTigerWoodsTigerWoodsCadillacTigerWoodsEscaladewoodsTue, 08 Dec 2009 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Ruh Oh: Florida drops all charges against woman framed by police for traffic accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/ruh-oh-florida-drops-all-charges-against-women-framed-by-police/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/ruh-oh-florida-drops-all-charges-against-women-framed-by-police/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/ruh-oh-florida-drops-all-charges-against-women-framed-by-police/#commentsFiled under:


Click above to view the video after the jump

This is just... well, decide for yourselves. A Hollywood, Florida police officer rams into the back of a woman's car. Three other cops arrive on the scene and they concoct a fictional story about a cat jumping out of a car, and the officer thinking it's a pedestrian, thereby causing the accident. They then pinned a DUI charge on the woman. The cops even went so far as to change the angle of the pictures to make it look like the woman swerved in front of the police car. And it gets worse from there -- and it's all caught on the video. One of the officers says on tape (NSFW language), "I don't lie and make things up ever because it's wrong, but if I need to bend it a little bit to protect a cop, I'll do it -- She's freaking hammered anyway."

All charges have been dropped against the woman by the Broward State Attorney's Office and all four officers are now on administrative duty pending the completion of the investigation. To paraphrase Dave Barry, only in South Florida.

[Source: NBC Miami]

Continue reading Ruh Oh: Florida drops all charges against woman framed by police for traffic accident

Ruh Oh: Florida drops all charges against woman framed by police for traffic accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccidentCrashFloridaPoliceThu, 30 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Felipe Massa's skull fractured by track debris during Hungarian GP qualifying [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/felipe-massas-skull-fractured-by-track-debris-during-hungarian/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/felipe-massas-skull-fractured-by-track-debris-during-hungarian/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/felipe-massas-skull-fractured-by-track-debris-during-hungarian/#commentsFiled under: ,



Yesderday during Formula 1 qualifying in Hungary, Ferrari's Felipe Massa suffered a life-threatening head injury when a spring from Reubens Barrichello's car struck him in the helmet. As you'll see in the ESPN video posted after the jump, the impact appears to knock the Brazilian unconscious; immediately after the incident, his car simply drives straight into the runoff area and tire wall.

Massa was reportedly conscious when he arrived at the hospital, where he received a CT scan and underwent successful surgery to treat two skull fractures suffered as a result of the accident. He was placed into an induced coma immediately following the procedure and remains in intensive care. Doctors talking to the BBC described his condition as stable and said there were no complications following the operation. Another brain scan will be performed on Massa later today, after which the medical team will update his condition. Massa's injury comes on the heels of Henry Surtees' death last weekend, the result of the young driver being struck in the head by a flying tire. Massa's on-track incident left some F1 personnel openly wondering whether it's time to make changes that improve cockpit safety for drivers. Fortunately, things appear to be progressing well for Massa, and we wish him a speedy and full recovery. Follow the jump for ESPN's video report on the incident, which includes the on-car-camera view of what happened.

UPDATE: Click here for the latest update on Massa's condition, his future in racing and consequences for Renault.

[Sources: Sky News, Formula1.com, The New York Times | Video: ESPN | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty Images]

Continue reading Felipe Massa's skull fractured by track debris during Hungarian GP qualifying [UPDATE]

Felipe Massa's skull fractured by track debris during Hungarian GP qualifying [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 hungarian grand prix2009HungarianGrandPrixbreakingcrashF1felipe massafelipe massa crashFelipe massa injuryFelipeMassaFelipeMassaCrashFelipeMassaInjuryformula 1Formula1hungarian gphungarian grand prixHungarianGpHungarianGrandPrixhungary 2009Hungary2009injurySun, 26 Jul 2009 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on <i>Fifth Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/video-tiff-needell-and-actor-john-barrowman-crash-subaru-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/video-tiff-needell-and-actor-john-barrowman-crash-subaru-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/video-tiff-needell-and-actor-john-barrowman-crash-subaru-rally/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrowmancrashfifth gearfifth gear crashFifthGearFifthGearCrashjohn barrowmanJohnBarrowmanneedellneedell fifth gearNeedellFifthGearrallysubaru imprezasubaru impreza rally carSubaruImprezaSubaruImprezaRallyCartiff needellTiffNeedelltop gearTopGearThu, 23 Jul 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Raising national speed limit has resulted in 12,500 deaths ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/study-raising-national-speed-limit-has-resulted-in-12-500-death/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/study-raising-national-speed-limit-has-resulted-in-12-500-death/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/study-raising-national-speed-limit-has-resulted-in-12-500-death/#commentsFiled under: ,



In 1995, highway speed limits increased from a nation-wide 55 mph to 65, 70 or 75 mph, depending on the state, and most Americans were thrilled. The obvious benefit of the change was people could legally get to where they wanted to go, but according to a new study, the downside has been an alarming increase in accidents and deaths.

The University of Illinois School of Public Health studied accidents from 1995 to 2005 to determine the impact on the speed increase on accidents. The study examined deaths and injuries in fatal car crashes on rural interstate highways, urban interstates and non-interstate road, and found the speed increase resulted in 2,545 deaths and an additional 36,582 injuries.

All told, the study found that deaths and injuries increased by 3.2% over the ten-year period, while rural road deaths increased by an alarming 9.1%. Lead researcher Lee S. Friedman says the easy way to solve the increases in deaths and injuries would be to drop the speed limit back to 55 mph, adding "Researchers have demonstrated that lower travel speeds and death tolls usually follow lowering of speed limits, and higher travel speeds and death tolls follow increases in speed limits."

Naturally, Friedman points out that the drop in speed would result in decreased fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gasses as well. Studies show that decreased speeds lead to higher volume capacity on freeways as well, as drivers require less distance between vehicles to safely drive.

Not all agree with Friedman's hypothesis, though. Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine, says that while deaths will decrease with a lower speed limit, it'd also gum up everyone's schedule. Others point out that the bulk of the added deaths happened in areas where limits are 70 and 75 mph, and where the limits were 65, the impact was far less severe.

[Source: US News | Image Source: Ian Waldie/Getty]

STUDY: Raising national speed limit has resulted in 12,500 deaths originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>55 mph55Mph65 mph65Mphcrashcrash deathsCrashDeathsfatalitiessafetyspeed limitSpeedLimitMon, 20 Jul 2009 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VW test driver reportedly killed in on-track incident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/vw-test-driver-reportedly-killed-in-on-track-incident/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/vw-test-driver-reportedly-killed-in-on-track-incident/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/vw-test-driver-reportedly-killed-in-on-track-incident/#commentsFiled under: ,



Tragedy struck Volkswagen when a 42-year-old Brazilian test driver was reportedly killed at the automaker's Ehra-Lessien test track near Wolfsburg, Germany. Manufacturing reports that the driver lost control of the vehicle after a sudden storm dumped rain on the track. The test car came to rest just shy of a crash barrier, but a second car, piloted by an unidentified 27-year-old driver, also spun out and rammed into the first car. The second driver reportedly sustained serious injuries.

The fatal accident comes just five months after a Porsche test driver was killed on the Autobahn, further proof that the glorified job of test driver is a lot more dangerous than most of us think.

[Source: Manufacturing]

VW test driver reportedly killed in on-track incident originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashehra -lessienEhra-lessienfatal accidentFatalAccidenttrack accidentTrackAccidentvolkswagenvwThu, 16 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano, the diminutive Indian four-door econobox rumored to eventually arrive in U.S. showrooms, has reportedly passed current European impact testing. According to Autocar, the offset front and side impact tests took place at the MIRA test center last week under supervision by an inspector from Britain's Vehicle Certification Authority. A spokesperson for Tata said the company is "delighted but not surprised" with the results, as the car had already been tested in India.

Sold only in its homeland right now, Tata seems determined to expand its passenger vehicle business to Europe and North America. With that in mind, the automaker is working to upgrade the Nano to ensure the Lilliputian meets "Westernized" crash standards, including the European NCAP tests, and our own NHTSA requirements.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa


[Source: Autocar UK]

REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BVCACrashCrash TestCrashTestIIHSIndiananoNCAPNHTSASmall CarSmallCarTata NanoTataNanoTestingTue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[First 2010 Taurus SHO to receive involuntary restyling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/first-2010-taurus-sho-receives-involuntary-restyling/#commentsFiled under: ,


Smashed 2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for image gallery

The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO hasn't even gone on sale yet, and already an example of the twin-turbo sedan is sitting in the body shop. Chicago SVT member The Beast alleges that the once elegant-looking red SHO had barely left the lot on dealer demo rounds, only to return shortly after in a flat-bed. The brand-new SHO was reportedly involved in a three-car pileup, leading to some serious damage to an otherwise swell sports sedan.

We don't know the exact details of the incident, but whatever happened during the crash left the freshly christened SHO with a well-mangled rear including a hosed trunk and bumper, along with a fairly substantial ding to the front fascia. Click on the image above or the gallery below to view the crash damage in more detail.


Gallery: Smashed 2010 Taurus SHO


[Source: Chicago SVT]

First 2010 Taurus SHO to receive involuntary restyling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Taurus SHO2010FordTaurusShocrashFordFord Taurus SHOFordTaurusShoSHOsmashedTaurus SHOTaurusShowreckerTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/video-kia-soul-aces-euro-ncap-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/video-kia-soul-aces-euro-ncap-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/30/video-kia-soul-aces-euro-ncap-crash-tests/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the Kia Soul's Euro NCAP crash tests

There is no rating yet for the Kia Soul in the U.S., but in Europe the car did the business: the Soul scored five stars on the NCAP frontal offset, side impact and pole crash tests, doing no worse than "marginal" in just two areas. In the frontal offset test the windshield doesn't crack and there is only minor cosmetic damage aft of the front door's front shut line. It's a big result for a little car, and if it has the reliability to match it should do very, very well. Thanks for the tip, GenGT!


Gallery: Kia Soul Euro NCAP Test



[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests

VIDEO: Kia Soul aces Euro NCAP crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testCrashTesteuroeuro ncapEuroNcapeuropehatchbackkiakia soulKiaSoulncapratingratingssafetysoulvideoSat, 30 May 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang nets five-star safety rating ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/2010-ford-mustang-nets-five-star-safety-rating/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/2010-ford-mustang-nets-five-star-safety-rating/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/2010-ford-mustang-nets-five-star-safety-rating/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch crash test videos after the jump

The 2010 Ford Mustang is quicker and more refined than the model it replaces, and it has also been upgraded in ways you can't see or feel - unless you're in an accident. The new 'Stang has received a five-star rating for front and side collisions by National Highway Traffic Safety Association, as well as five-stars for roll-over performance. The Blue Oval says that these top scores adds to the company's industry leading amount of five-star rated vehicles.

Ford achieved the top U.S. government top safety scores in part because of the new Mustang's stiffer chassis. The 2010 model's body structure is 31% stiffer than the 2009 model, and Ford engineers augmented the more rigid platform with improved high strength sheetmetal to protect occupants in a side impact.

Hit the jump to check out the Ford press release and watch two videos of the 2010 Ford Mustang being crash tested.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang nets five-star safety rating

VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang nets five-star safety rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Mustang2010 Ford Mustang Safety Rating2010FordMustang2010FordMustangSafetyRatingCrashFordMustangpony carPonyCarSafetystangThu, 21 May 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Got 90 minutes? Good. Watch this gigantic compilation of rally crack-ups]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/video-got-90-minutes-good-watch-this-gigantic-compilation-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/video-got-90-minutes-good-watch-this-gigantic-compilation-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/video-got-90-minutes-good-watch-this-gigantic-compilation-of/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crasheuropehillclimbmotorsportsrallyvideowrcwreckSun, 26 Apr 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[World's longest fingernails clipped in SUV accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/worlds-longest-fingernails-clipped-in-suv-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/worlds-longest-fingernails-clipped-in-suv-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/worlds-longest-fingernails-clipped-in-suv-accident/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Seatbelts save lives... and prevent broken fingernails, too. An apparently unbelted Lee Redmond was ejected from her SUV during an accident earlier this week. While the noteworthy Utah resident somehow survived the crash, her record-setting fingernails didn't fare as well. The Guinness Book of World Records-certified growths (yeah, they are more than a bit grotesque) were all broken, apparently leaving Redmond rather stumped.

As she recovers in the hospital from her injuries it would be wise to ponder the case of Shridhar Chillal. The previous record fingernail holder from India cut his own nails off in search of a more normal life several years ago. However, he was so emotionally distressed afterward that he had them glued back on. Apparently, when it comes to fingernails, there's nothing that a bit of super glue can't fix!

[Source: Google/AP]

World's longest fingernails clipped in SUV accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccidentbrokenCrashFingernailsguiness book of world recordsGuinessBookOfWorldRecordsLee RedmondLeeRedmondSUVSat, 14 Feb 2009 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche test engineer killed in autobahn crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/porsche-test-engineer-killed-in-autobahn-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/porsche-test-engineer-killed-in-autobahn-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/porsche-test-engineer-killed-in-autobahn-crash/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Porsche test engineer was killed on the autobahn early Friday morning during a round-the-clock test while at behind the wheel of a next-generation 911 Cabriolet prototype. The 25-year veteran tester was part of a three-man driving team that operated in shifts around the clock.

While the cause of the accident is not yet known and the victim has not been named, what is understood is that the 51-year-old driver's car slid under the center guardrail around 2:40 am on the A5 autobahn between Frankfurt and Heidelberg. Porsche spokesman Dirk Erat says that the car was not taking part in a high-speed test, as those are not carried out on public roads. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Porsche test engineer killed in autobahn crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911accidentautobahncabriocabrioletcarreracrashporscheprototypeFri, 13 Feb 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Michigan International Speedway joining with state to create car test facility]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/michigan-international-speedway-joining-with-state-to-create-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/michigan-international-speedway-joining-with-state-to-create-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/michigan-international-speedway-joining-with-state-to-create-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Michigan International Speedway (MIS) plays host to two NASCAR races: the 3M Performance 400 Presented by Bondo in the Sprint Cup Series, and the Carfax 250 in the Nationwide Series. Both races are likely to involve a fair number of cars crashing into each other, so it's ronic, then, that the MIS has been selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation as a neutral testing facility for car-to-car and car-to-road technology that are expected to one day prevent cars from crashing.

The testing is a part of Michigan's "Connected Vehicles" program, which is examining the practical use of technologies that allow cars to communicate with one another. The $100 million state program is four years into its five-year term, and needed a site where it could test a variety of makes and a range of components without giving anyone home-field advantage. The Speedway is now that site.

Between automakers and technology suppliers, Connected Vehicles is expected to add up to 40,000 jobs to the Michigan economy, 1,000 in 2009 alone. The larger goal behind it is for Michigan to position itself as a center of automotive technology and research -- and were it to succeed and end up creating cars that can't crash, that would make a nice filler for the vacuum created by the Detroit 3.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Ronald Martinez/Getty]

Michigan International Speedway joining with state to create car test facility originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashgovernmentmdotmichiganmichigan department of transportationmichigan international speedwayMichiganDepartmentOfTransportationMichiganInternationalSpeedwaymismotorsportssafetytechtechnologytestingFri, 30 Jan 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Clarkson injured in head-on crash during filming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/clarkson-injured-in-head-on-crash-during-filming/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/clarkson-injured-in-head-on-crash-during-filming/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/clarkson-injured-in-head-on-crash-during-filming/#commentsFiled under:

According to a report by the UK's Mirror, Jeremy Clarkson has been injured during filming of the BBC version of Top Gear. The story doesn't divulge the circumstances of the crash or what the presenter was driving during the incident, but according to Clarkson, the head-on collision was his first serious crash in 31 years. Top Gear's front-man described his injuries in typical Clarksonian style thusly: "My right index finger looked like a burst sausage, my left shin was fatter than my thigh and my back felt like someone had driven over it with a pile-driver." Clarkson's wife took a call from the Mirror on Saturday and told the tabloid that her husband was fine. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to the Top Gear team's triumphant return on November 2nd. Top tip Lee!

[Source: Mirror.co.uk]

Clarkson injured in head-on crash during filming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashhead onhead-onHeadOnjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksontop geartop gear jeremy clarkson crashTopGearTopGearJeremyClarksonCrashMon, 13 Oct 2008 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Bush administration needs more time for new roof strength rule]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/03/bush-administration-needs-more-time-for-new-roof-strength-rule/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've been following the ongoing roof strength regulation saga, this will likely come as no surprise. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has again asked for an extension to rewrite the government's vehicle roof strength rule. We've been reporting on this for more than three years, and the delays never seem to end (of course, we can assume the big cheese in Washington have more pressing issues on their plates these days). Rewriting the legislation set back in the 1970s isn't as simple as specifying stronger roof pillars. Beefing up the roof will add weight - potentially making a vehicle more top heavy and likely increasing the possibility of a rollover. The new rules will need to address these concerns, and take into account new safety technologies (curtain airbags, stability control, etc...) that are on our current-generation models. While each previous request for an extension included new deadline dates, this latest appeal didn't. A wise move considering the administration's track record on this issue.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Bush administration needs more time for new roof strength rule originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testCrashTestcrushMary PetersMaryPetersNHTSArollrolloverroof regulationsRoofRegulationsTransportation SecretaryTransportationSecretaryFri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorcyclist dies attempting land speed record on Salt Flats]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/motorcyclist-dies-attempting-land-speed-record-on-salt-flats/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/motorcyclist-dies-attempting-land-speed-record-on-salt-flats/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/motorcyclist-dies-attempting-land-speed-record-on-salt-flats/#commentsFiled under:


Tragedy struck the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah last week when 47-year-old Cliff Gullett, of Team Bullet Costella-Gullett Racing, lost control of his bike at nearly 240 mph. Gullett, an experienced racer who held nearly a dozen land speed records on motorcycles, was competing in the 500cc class (two-stroke, two-cylinder) riding the Costella-Gullett Motorcycle Streamliner. He crashed after completing his return run -- the record is pending ratification by the governing racing bodies. A memorial service will be held next Saturday in his hometown of Bozeman, Montana. Our condolences are extended to the entire Gullett family including his wife, son, and daughter. Our appreciation to 3seriesisking for alerting us to the sad news.

[Source: Yahoo! Sports, Photo by Team Bullet]

Motorcyclist dies attempting land speed record on Salt Flats originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnevillebonneville salt flatsbonneville speed recordbonneville speed weekBonnevilleSaltFlatsBonnevilleSpeedRecordBonnevilleSpeedWeekBozemanCliff GullettCliffGullettcrashdeathMontanamotorcycleSalt FlatsSaltFlatsTeam BullettTeamBullettMon, 08 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Lutz agrees with McElroy, calls for moratorium on U.S. crash test standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/lutz-agrees-with-mcelroy-calls-for-moratorium-on-u-s-crash-tes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/lutz-agrees-with-mcelroy-calls-for-moratorium-on-u-s-crash-tes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/lutz-agrees-with-mcelroy-calls-for-moratorium-on-u-s-crash-tes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view video of the 2008 Smart fortwo crash test

Anybody who watches Autoline on Detroit or reads our Autoline on Autoblog posts will know that John McElroy is a certifiably nice guy. Bob Lutz is known more as a brash talker who isn't afraid to make his views known, regardless of what others may think. Both of them, though, are very closely attuned to the auto industry. The head product-honcho at GM and our very own Mr. Nice Guy share the opinion that the Feds should suspend their ever-increasing crash-testing standards for a few years. If a car is safe enough for our European relatives, it should be safe enough for us, right? In reality, this is not the case, as the U.S. standards differ enough from those across the pond that a car sometimes needs to be designed specifically to pass one or the other. For this reason, the Chevy Beat won't be sold on U.S. soil.

To complete the deal, McElroy also suggests doing the same for environmental standards. As with crash tests, though both the U.S. and the European regulations are strict, they don't quite match. Therefore, many cars -- especially those equipped with diesel engines -- can't be sold in the States despite being available in Europe. Lutz doesn't specifically touch on this point, but we'd hazard a guess that he'd go along with it as well.

[Source: Wards Auto]

Lutz agrees with McElroy, calls for moratorium on U.S. crash test standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testingCrashTestingeuro ncapEuroNcapsafetyWed, 03 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Watch your height...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/video-watch-your-height/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/video-watch-your-height/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/video-watch-your-height/#commentsFiled under: ,



Miraculously, the driver of the '08 Dodge Ram in the video above escaped unharmed, along with his ten-year-old son. Apparently, he had miscalculated his position when pulling past the drive-thru station at his Dallas-area bank. Disaster quickly ensues after his tall camper trailer impacts the awning covering the entire area. Fortunately, no other cars were having transactions processed at the time. While the bank's going to remain open, the drive-thru area's going to be out of commission for a bit...

[Source: NextAutos]

VIDEO: Watch your height... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashdallas bankDallasBankdodge ramDodgeRamdrive-throughtexas bankTexasBanktrailer heightTrailerHeightThu, 17 Jul 2008 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Feds' new crash-test program to go into effect in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/feds-new-crash-test-program-to-go-into-effect-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/feds-new-crash-test-program-to-go-into-effect-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/feds-new-crash-test-program-to-go-into-effect-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view video of the 2008 smart fortwo crash test

Each year, it seems as if more and more new models are able to ace both the IIHS' and the government's crash-test ratings. In fact, according to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, 97-percent of all new cars available today earn the highest four or five-star ratings from NHTSA. These all-too-similar ratings makes it rather difficult for consumers to make a choice based solely on passenger safety, so the Fed's have decided to take another stab at the current rating system, which was introduced way back in 1979. Though still based on a five-star ranking, the revised 2010 ratings will include additional front-end tests and a new side-impact test meant to mimic the impact of a vehicle that collides with a tree or pole. Also new for the '10 model year is an overall rating meant to make comparisons easier between competing vehicles. More changes are possible for 2012, as NHTSA is still considering whether to make electronic nannies like stability control mandatory.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Feds' new crash-test program to go into effect in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testcrash-testcrash-testscrashesCrashTestiihsnhtsasafetysafety regulationsSafetyRegulationsTue, 08 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST