Autoblog

DC Design previews India's first supercar

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, India

Think "supercar" and only a handful of countries are likely to come to mind. And most of them are in Europe: Italy, Great Britain, Germany... even Sweden and France have pitched in here and there with such notables as Koenigsegg and Bugatti. Consider examples like the Dodge Viper, Ford GT and Corvette ZR1 and you can deal America in on the action, and with vehicles like the Acura NSX, Nissan GT-R and Lexus LFA, Japan has lent its hand, too. But India?

The populous subcontinent may not be the first that comes to mind, but DC Design is eager to change that. The company has popped onto the scene here and there with its Rolls-Royce coachbuilds and dolled-up Tata Nanos, but is now preparing to step up to the big leagues with the vehicle you see teased here.

Set to be unveiled at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo (which is not, to our chagrin, a display of pastrami delivery trucks), DC's first independent project is set to be powered by a forced-induction V6 engine sourced from Honda, delivering about 400 horsepower. Considering the low target weight of less than 3,500 pounds, that could prove more than enough. 30 lakh rupees (about $56,000) is the target price, with production capped at 3,000 units per year.

DC Design previews India's first supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Neil calls out D.C. drivers as the world's worst

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

Dan Neil on DC drivers - Click above to watch video

Dan Neil isn't exactly known for being Mr. Sensitive. In fact, Neil has built an entire career around ruffling people's feathers and not saying sorry. In a clip from SPEED's upcoming The Car Show, Neil calls out drivers in Washington, D.C. as the worst, not in America, but in the world. Harsh.

That said, we can't say we disagree. As far as we're concerned, thumb screws are preferable to an afternoon spent trying to traverse the D.C. Beltway. Click the image above to check out the video at The Car Show's Facebook page.

Dan Neil calls out D.C. drivers as the world's worst originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Plato v. Coulthard in Red Bull's driving sim

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Racing

Jason Plato vs David Coulthard in the Red Bull F1 simulator - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Race-Star ConverTTable is cool and all, but compared to Red Bull's F1 racing simulator it's just a toy. Jumping behind the Red Bull sim's wheel are David Coulthard, whose Formula 1 resume boasts 247 starts and 13 wins, and Fifth Gear's Jason Plato, himself a two-time British Touring Car champion. You'd expect DC to mop the floor with Plato, considering that BTTC cars are a long way from the open-wheel racers of F1. So, what happens? Hop the jump to check out the clip.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Plato v. Coulthard in Red Bull's driving sim

Video: Plato v. Coulthard in Red Bull's driving sim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coulthard takes to the tin-tops for Mercedes DTM

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

Formula One drivers have a relatively short career span. Sure, they're starting younger and younger, but few driving aces extend their careers beyond their early thirties, if that long. David Coulthard is one notable exception, retiring after 15 consecutive seasons in F1 at "the ripe old age" of 37.

For years the DTM German touring car series has been a refuge for former F1 drivers, attracting the likes of Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Mika Hakkinen, to name just a few. Now Coulthard is set to join their ranks.

Instead of driving for the Red Bull-sponsored Audi team, however, Coulthard will be driving for Mercedes-Benz, having recently tested one of their touring cars. There he'll be teaming up with a handful of other drivers with F1 experience, including Ralf Schumacher (who renewed his Mercedes DTM contract after failing to return to F1 this season) as well as Gary Paffet and Paul di Resta, both reserve drivers for Mercedes-powered F1 teams (McLaren and Force India, respectively).

Because the DTM calendar doesn't conflict with F1's, Coulthard will also continue his role as a commentator for BBC's grand prix coverage. The Flying Scotsman points to the seven years he spent racing Mercedes-powered McLarens as the basis for his move, and rules out the prospect of returning to F1.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty]

Coulthard takes to the tin-tops for Mercedes DTM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One-off Million-Dollar "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe up for sale

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Rolls-Royce, UK, India, Specialty

DC Design "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe - Click above for image gallery

Funny thing about one-off creations. Sometimes you look at them and wonder why they only made just the one, and sometimes you thank your lucky stars they're not roaming the streets in packs. Whatever side of the fence you come down on with the DC Design Rolls-Royce coupe, that one and only example is now up for grabs.

The product of Indian coachbuilder Dilip Chhabria - also responsible for the Porsche Cayenne coupe and the $220k Tata Nano - "The Black Ruby" combines the grille of a Rolls-Royce with the shape of a Nissan Z, packing exotic-style scissor doors and the spirit of the Maybach Exelero. It was reportedly built for an Indian maharaja, and has been spotted as far away as London.

It's now available for purchase for the low-low price of £750,000, or about $1.2 million. Check it out in the gallery below for a closer look... if you dare.

Gallery: DC Design "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe

[Source: SparkCars.com via CarScoop]

One-off Million-Dollar "Black Ruby" Rolls-Royce coupe up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$220,000 DC Designs Tata Nano coming this year

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, India, Tata, Specialty

DC Designs Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

DC Designs came out swinging at this week's Auto Expo 2010, and in addition to revealing its Imperator and Ying Yang concepts, the Mumbai-based firm's namesake - Dilip Chhabaria - revealed plans to produce a bespoke Tata Nano that's set to cost... wait for it... 10 million rupee. That's $220,000.

How could Chhabari possibly inflate the price of the Nano by some $218,000? According to reports coming out New Delhi, DC plans to completely overhaul the budget runabout, replacing all the body panels, brakes, suspension and interior components, along with fitting 20-inch wheels and replacing the 33 horsepower, 624cc engine with a 1.6-liter mill that's able to propel the five-seat hatch to a maximum speed of 124 mph. We figure we could do all of that on a LeMons budget, so either something got lost in translation or we'll have what he's having.

Chhabari told the AFP that he expects, "...people from Bollywood to be interested in this project, but I think generally it will be people who have a passion for cars." DC plans to sell between two and five modified Nanos each year and expects to not only market his creation in India, but also export his $200k hatch to outside markets. Hey Dilip, stop hogging the hookah.

Gallery: DC Designs Cars

[Source: AFP]

$220,000 DC Designs Tata Nano coming this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auto Expo 2010: DC Designs Imperator and Ying Yang shock and amuse

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, India

DC Designs Imperator and Ying Yang - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're not already familiar with DC Designs, let's refresh your memory. Founded by Dilip Chhabria, the Indian designer has been responsible for such autotrocities as the Amrierod and Cayenne Coupe, along with tuned versions of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Tata Nano. Pleased with what he's done for other people's vehicles, Chhabria has turned his efforts towards developing two new vehicles, both of which debuted this week at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.

Without any hard details on what's underneath each concept, there's not much to say aside from analyzing the exterior designs. Despite its name, the Ying Yang struck us as a stylish amalgamation of the en vogue box aesthetic and a traditional minivan, while the Imperator is far too similar to the Lexus 2054 shown in the movie adaption of Philip K. Dick's Minority Report -- right down to the plummeting windows and red hue. Decidedly less swoopy than its silver screen inspiration, the four-seat Imperator (anyone remember the Isdera supercar by the same name?) is festooned with all the show car baubles you'd expect, including 24-inch wheels and gullwing doors, the latter of which are held up by massive hydraulic tubes that seemingly prove that opening the concept's doors was an afterthought. You can check out both concepts in the gallery below thanks to Indianautosblog.com.

Gallery: DC Designs Imperator and Ying Yang

[Source: IndianAutosBlog | Live Images: Shrawan Raja]

Auto Expo 2010: DC Designs Imperator and Ying Yang shock and amuse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: David Coulthard will leave F1 at season's end

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:33:00 EST

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

Click above for a stunning high-res gallery of D.C.'s 2008 highlights.

The end of an era. That's what we called it when rumors began intensifying just a couple of days ago that David Coulthard might retire from Formula One racing. Those rumors were confirmed today - at the Silverstone track, one day before the start of his home race - when the elder statesman of grand prix racing announced his retirement.

To get an idea of just how long Coulthard has been racing, remember that his first race was to fill the late Ayrton Senna's seat at Williams after the famed Brazilian's fatal crash 14 years ago. Since that fateful start, Coulthard has competed in 236 grands prix to date, winning 13 of them, taking pole position 12 times and setting the fastest lap 18 times. DC spent nine seasons with McLaren, and was instrumental in brokering the purchase of the defunct Jaguar team from Ford by Red Bull, with whom he has raced for the past few seasons, scoring the team's first point and first podium. This weekend's British Grand Prix will be David's last home race, having won the event twice in his career.

So what's next for the flying Scotsman? For starters, he will remain as a consultant to Red Bull Racing, pitching in for development driving, much like his contemporaries Schumacher and Hakkinen still do for Ferrari and McLaren respectively. Despite earlier assertions, however, Coulthard says he will remain open-minded about racing in other leagues, and we could very well see him back in the race seat for the Race of Champions at London's Wembley Stadium in December, however it remains to be seen if Coulthard will try his hand at Le Mans, DTM or some other form of motor racing or rallying. Meanwhile, the vacation of his seat at Red Bull leaves the door open for Sebastian Vettel's promotion from the Toro Rosso B-squad, so sit tight for that announcement. In the meantime we wish David all the best of luck for the remainder of his last season and for life after F1. Follow the jump to read David Coulthard's official statement.

Gallery: David Coulthard - 2008

[Source: Formula 1]

Continue reading Official: David Coulthard will leave F1 at season's end

Official: David Coulthard will leave F1 at season's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The End of an Era: David Coulthard to retire?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Now campaigning his 15th consecutive season at 37 years old, David Coulthard is Formula One's elder statesman. His 236 grands prix contested to date is second only to Rubens Barrichello's 261, and the Scotsman has elevated his suffering of the latest batch of rookies each season to an art form. But that may be winding to a close, as DC looks into the future.

With rumors of Red Bull promoting its young driver Sebastian Vettel out of the Toro Rosso junior team and into Coulthard's seat, the veteran driver is admitting it might be time to hang up the helmet and move on. And what does he think of the proposition? "Boo hoo.... There are a lot of worse things that can happen to you. You just move on to the next challenge."

The next obvious question is what the next challenge will be for the perennial fixture of the F1 grid. He's already discounted the notion of moving to another team. Rumors suggest he could move into a management role in the Red Bull team he helped establish. Others suggest he could buy out Toro Rosso with the cash he's liquidating from the sale of his five-star Columbus hotel in Monaco (realizing what was previously just a joke). A third possibility pegs him as a commentator for BBC's Formula One coverage. What he's committed to avoid, however, is following his longtime friend Jacques Villeneuve in pursuit of a NASCAR seat, or reverting to any other racing series for that matter. "After F1, everything else is a step down."

[Sources: autosport and F1-Live; photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images for Puma]

The End of an Era: David Coulthard to retire? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Major air - Ken Block and his flying Subaru

Dan Roth — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:14:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Subaru

click above to view video after jump

Thumbing through the last issue of 0-60, one of the car-guyiest car mags around, I turned the page and saw an image that stopped me cold. Mother of pearl, a Subaru rally car flying through the air at a snowboard park. How is that even possible? We've all seen imagery of airborne rally cars, but the cruising altitude is usually just a couple feet. These shots depict serious flight. General Lee, Bo and Luke Duke flight. $150,000 worth of machinery being treated as the Greatest. Snowmobile. Evar.

It turns out 0-60 contributor and driver extrodinaire Ken Block was behind the wheel of that car, flying off jumps intended for snowboarders with 3,000 pounds of machinery as part of the shoot for the DC Shoes production MTN.LAB 1.5. Hit the jump for more, and to see some of the jaw-dropping video.

[Source: 0-60]

Continue reading VIDEO: Major air - Ken Block and his flying Subaru

VIDEO: Major air - Ken Block and his flying Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coulthard the next to defect to NASCAR?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

It's been all the rage in motorsports recently: Formula One refugees hopping the trans-Atlantic to race in NASCAR. Juan Pablo Montoya has found considerably more success than Jacques Villeneuve (even Michael Schumacher was offered a drive), but they could have some company soon.

Recently interviewed by ESPN, F1's elder helmsman David Coulthard said he would consider racing in NASCAR in the future. The Scottish driver is now entering his 15th season in F1, having started with Williams and driven nine seasons for McLaren before brokering Red Bull's purchase of Jaguar Racing from Ford. If DC did decide to make the switch, Red Bull's NASCAR team (pictured, right) could potentially provide him with an "in".

Although once a competitive driver, Coulthard has slipped to back-marker status over the past few seasons, and may soon have to face retirement from F1. If he does, NASCAR could offer a challenging alternative - joining his long-time friend Jacques in stock cars - because DC stated he was less keen on the idea of racing in IndyCars.

[Source: F1-Live, photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images for Puma]

Coulthard the next to defect to NASCAR? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bye, bye Auburn Hills? VW may be moving to the East Coast

Dan Roth — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen

Volkswagen may or may not be considering moving its operations, in part or entirely, to the East Coast. Washington D.C. or North Carolina are looking far more favorable to VW than its current digs in Auburn Hills, MI. Perhaps VW management thinks it can kick-start some new enthusiasm inside its US operations by heading to a part of the country where it's more appreciated (VW's assorted brands sell best on the coasts) and making space for new blood by leaving behind those unwilling to relocate. Being in a city with a more cosmopolitan perception may help VW entice employees to sign on for US duty, as well as making VW a big fish in its own pond, versus living in the shadow of the domestic brands in Detroit.

More justification for the move could be due to the allure of hanging out in D.C. versus Michigan. That's quite a snub to Auburn Hills, but Michigan residents may get the last laugh, D.C. has a larger crime problem than Auburn Hills. Every time an exec gets mugged, an angel in MI will get its wings. Speculation has been spreading through the company faster than food poisoning on a cruise ship, prompting Audi's US head Johan de Nysschen to blip off an email. In his communication to Audi of America's employees, de Nysschen couldn't really offer specifics to calm people down, but he did go on to say that things will be clearer once new CEO Stefan Jacoby lands on September 1 and initiates a restructuring. There seems to be plenty of desire to not be in Michigan, and in light of de Nysschen's further statement that "reality is not nearly as severe as some of the rumors would suggest," we're eager to see what the next move will be.

[Source: Detroit News]

Bye, bye Auburn Hills? VW may be moving to the East Coast originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog's Top 10 Coachbuilt Supercars

Noah Joseph — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:54:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Performance, Supercars, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari

Sometimes the past deserves to remain in the past, but once in a while the automotive industry reaches into its history to resurrect something worthwhile whose demise was regrettable and whose return is welcome. The return of coachbuilding is one example of an industry trend we're glad is making a comeback.

Coachbuilding was popular decades ago among the extremely wealthy for whom the ordinary offerings of the automotive industry weren't anywhere near exclusive enough, so they had special bodywork fitted to regular cars to make them their own. Contemporary coachbuilt motors follow the same formula: an existing car fitted with new bodywork, and often customized mechanicals, for the most discerning and obscenely wealthy clients. Results have varied, but variety, as the saying goes, is the spice of life. Here we've chosen our ten favorite examples.

Continue reading Autoblog's Top 10 Coachbuilt Supercars

Autoblog's Top 10 Coachbuilt Supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bruce Wayne or Batman? DC Design Rolls-Royce coupe

Noah Joseph — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 01:36:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Rolls-Royce

Ever wonder what would happen if you crossed a Nissan 350Z with a Rolls-Royce? Yeah, us neither. But Indian styling house DC Design, the same people who brought us the Cayenne coupe, seem to have a knack for crafting the answers to questions no one was asking - with considerable skill, mind you.

DC Comics gave us Batman and Bruce Wayne, but DC Design gives us the wheels that would satisfy both: a one-off custom coach-built Rolls-Royce coupe, complete with gargantuan wheels and trick Enzo-style doors that are sure to turn heads. Details aren't available, though it's rumored to be based on a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit platform. The styling reminds us of such concept cars as the Maybach Exelero and the Peugeot 907 and 908 RC.

Rolls-Royce's own two-door may be on its way, but this one's sure to remain one of a kind - for better or for worse.

More images after the jump. (AutoExpress has a couple of shots of the car caught in the wild.)

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading Bruce Wayne or Batman? DC Design Rolls-Royce coupe

Bruce Wayne or Batman? DC Design Rolls-Royce coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Oct 2006 01:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuner Tuesdays: DC Star two-door Cayenne

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, SUV, Porsche

Has the four-door Porsche SUV gone from quirky to commonplace as they pop up in every parking lot these days? A custom coachbuilt two-door Cayenne just might fit the bill...a $375,000 bill, to be specific.

DC Design, the Indian design house Aston Martin used to develop the beautiful V8 Vantage, coachbuilds the unique DC Star, based on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Leaving the mechanicals in-tact, DC shapes a custom body and chops off the rear doors. Inside they've lined the cabin with Alcantara and special wood or aluminum trim, crafted a new center console with a 15" display and hooked it all up to a Mac Mini.

This car definitely gives Rinspeed a run for their money as the quirkiest of Porsche tuners.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Tuner Tuesdays: DC Star two-door Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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