Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Engadget gives Google Glass a try on a Ducati 848 Streetfighter

Our friends at sister site Engadget recently got a chance to give an early version of Google Glass. Tim Stevens went so far as to hop on the back of a Ducati 848 Streetfighter with Glass tucked under his helmet in an attempt to host a Google+ hangout while on a ride. Unfortunately, the system doesn't easily fit under a helmet thanks in part to the fact that it requires a sizable battery pack behind the user's ear. That kind of nips any fun on track recording options in the bud, either on a bike or on a car.

Still, with some finagling, Stevens was able to wedge the system in place well enough to take decent video, but cell reception woes soon put his online broadcasting hopes to an end. The good news is that Glass doesn't require a connection to continue recording, which is nice. You can watch video from the ride below for yourself.

While Google still has some work to do to make Glass appealing to the motorsports set, Stevens also uncovered a few other issues. Namely, the device isn't as intuitive as he'd hoped, and those with vision impairments had a hard time getting the system to function at all.

Continue reading Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed

Engadget tries Google Glass with motorcycle helmet, results are mixed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ducatiducati 848 streetfighterengadgetgooglegoogle glassvideoFri, 03 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553556/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/engadget-tries-google-glass-with-motorcycle-helmet-results-are/20553556/article-detail.xml 20553556 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/engadget-google-glass-ducati-streetfigther-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/engadget-google-glass-ducati-streetfigther-628.jpg <![CDATA['Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance has more clout every year and is getting a reputation as Pebble Beach minus the madness. Held in March this year, it celebrated Ducati and the 50-year anniversaries of Lamborghini, the Corvette Sting Ray, Porsche 911 and the Ford GT40.

Justin Lapriore was there, and seemingly everywhere, getting footage of the various wares on display on the lawns and the sand and the runway. The resulting video, Born of a Blue Sky, is a 16-minute survey of some of the finer sights and plenty of engine sounds. Check it out below.

Continue reading 'Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you

'Born of a Blue Sky' brings the Amelia Island Concours to you originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amelia islandborn of a blue skyducatifordford gt40lamborghiniporscheporsche 911videovimeoFri, 03 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/born-of-a-blue-sky-brings-the-amelia-island-concours-to-you/20557121/article-detail.xml 20557121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/amelia-island-concours-overview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/amelia-island-concours-overview.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When 30 Grand For Two Wheels Isn't Too Much



Surviving long-term motorcycle riding requires a healthy dose of fear and the heightened awareness that accompanies it. Nothing suffers fools quite as ruthlessly as two-wheeled transport, an axiom that has been relentlessly reinforced by YouTube. The exposure of riding is bound to catch up with thrill-seekers hungry for speed, knee dragging, and all the potential disaster that comes with tapping into a sportbike's vast reserves of performance.

That said, few things trigger as many life-preserving neurochemicals for a red-blooded rider as a fleet of 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R motorcycles idling in pit lane at the newly minted Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, TX. Something about the blood-red bodywork, the guttural idle from two huge combustion chambers and electric tire-warmers (with their implicit suggestion to strike while the rubber is hot), warns the reptile brain to take it easy and not make today the day to chase imaginary trophies and champagne sprays.

Continue reading 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R

2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ducati 1199 panigale rducatiducati 1199 panigale rfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveFri, 03 May 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556488/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/2014-ducati-1199-panigale-r/20556488/article-detail.xml 20556488 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/panigale-r-corner-basem-wasef-opt-car_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/panigale-r-corner-basem-wasef-opt-car.png <![CDATA[Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The classic car-versus-motorcycle comparison is put to the test as Autocar pits a 2013 Audi R8 V10 against the Ducati Diavel in a run from 0-150-0 miles per hour. While you might expect the 162-horsepower Ducati weighing just 515 pounds to blow away the 542-horse, 3,500-pound Audi, this particular test measures the acceleration and braking of both high-performance machines.

Drag racing an Audi R8 against a Ducati on a long, flat stretch of concrete sounds fun to us, and Autocar documented the whole test for our viewing pleasure. We don't want to spoil the fun for you, so let's just say that a Volkswagen-owned brand wins. Scroll down to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line

Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi r8audiaudi r8audi r8 v10 pluscar vs bikeducatiducati diavelvideoFri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/20531823/article-detail.xml 20531823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r8-vs-ducati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r8-vs-ducati.jpg <![CDATA[Runway Rumble: Nissan GT-R, Ducati 1098 and Lamborghini Reventon Roadster battle it out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/29/runway-rumble-nissan-gt-r-ducati-1098-and-lamborghini-reventon/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/29/runway-rumble-nissan-gt-r-ducati-1098-and-lamborghini-reventon/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/29/runway-rumble-nissan-gt-r-ducati-1098-and-lamborghini-reventon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



One 2.5-mile runway, three different ways to take off: a Ducati 1098, a tuned Nissan GT-R with 580 horsepower and a launch control upgrade, and a Lamborghini Reventon Roadster. You'd naturally expect the Ducati to assert it's lightweight, high-horsepower authority in these matters, but with more than two miles to run, the ride that gets the jump at the line isn't always the one that gets the win.

That comes in especially handy for the Lamborghini, which suffers from a bad start in the first race and just looks plain ordinary in the second, until it finds redemption. You can see how it all goes down in the video below.

Continue reading Runway Rumble: Nissan GT-R, Ducati 1098 and Lamborghini Reventon Roadster battle it out

Runway Rumble: Nissan GT-R, Ducati 1098 and Lamborghini Reventon Roadster battle it out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1098drag raceducatiducati 1098gt-rlamborghininissanreventonreventon roadsterrunwayvideovideosyoutubeTue, 29 Jan 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20441656/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/29/runway-rumble-nissan-gt-r-ducati-1098-and-lamborghini-reventon/20441656/article-detail.xml 20441656 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/supercarbikedrag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/supercarbikedrag.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13 at Mugello]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/watch-the-ducati-1199-panigale-rs13-at-mugello/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/watch-the-ducati-1199-panigale-rs13-at-mugello/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/watch-the-ducati-1199-panigale-rs13-at-mugello/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13

Ducati has finally put the finishing touches on its newest race bike: the 1199 Panigale RS13. To celebrate, the team took its newest creation down to Mugello for a quick sprint around the track ahead of its date with the World Superbike Championship. Factory riders Carlos Checa and Ayrton Badovini have put in plenty of hours on the saddle during development in an effort to fine tune the bike before making their official competition debut at Phillip Island early next year. We'll have to wait and see if it has paid off.

The race-only bike has stripped off as much weight as possible thanks in part to the fact that WSBK organizers have repealed the weight limit for V-twin powered bikes. Previously, the 1098R Superbike had to carry nearly 14 pounds of weight ballast to offset the 200cc displacement advantage the V-twin had over its four-cylinder rivals.

Ducati has released a video of the new 1199 Panigale RS3 whipping around Mugello for us all to enjoy. You can check it out below.

Continue reading Watch the Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13 at Mugello

Watch the Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13 at Mugello originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11991199 panigale rs13ayrton badovinicarlos checaducatiducati 1199 panigale rs13panigaleworld superbikeworld superbike championshipWed, 26 Dec 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411253/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/watch-the-ducati-1199-panigale-rs13-at-mugello/20411253/article-detail.xml 20411253 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ducati-1199-panigale-rs13-628-1356527042_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ducati-1199-panigale-rs13-628-1356527042.jpg <![CDATA[The 2013 Bimota DB11 VLX is a supercharged terror]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/the-2013-bimota-db11-vlx-is-a-supercharged-terror/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/the-2013-bimota-db11-vlx-is-a-supercharged-terror/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/the-2013-bimota-db11-vlx-is-a-supercharged-terror/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Bimota DB11 VLX

Bimota kicked in the doors at the 2012 EICMA International Motorcycle Show with a whopping 19 models, and while creations like the 1198cc Ducati Testastretta-powered DB11 and the BMW S1000RR-based BB2 are enough get our hearts pumping, the 2013 DB11 VLX can stop them all together. That beast situates the same 1198cc Duc engine between the rails of a custom frame, but bolts on a supercharger for good measure. That's right, there's a blown V-twin dumping 188 horsepower on this bike's rear tire. We'll admit, we're having a hard time wrapping our mind around that sort of lunacy.

The DB11 VLX just goes to show no one does insanity with quite the same elegance as the Italians. With 105 pound-feet of torque on hand and a curb weight of under 400 pounds, the DB11 VLX is likely quick enough to carry you from zero to dead faster than anything else in your stable. We approve. Right now, there's no word on how much the machine will set you back, but like most toys worth having, you probably don't have the pennies if you have to ask.

The 2013 Bimota DB11 VLX is a supercharged terror originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 eicma international motorcycle show2013 bimota db11 vlxbimotabimota db11 vlxdb11 vlxducatieicma 2012vlxThu, 15 Nov 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/the-2013-bimota-db11-vlx-is-a-supercharged-terror/20381005/article-detail.xml 20381005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bimota-db11-vlx-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/bimota-db11-vlx-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ducati debuts three new bikes at EICMA 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/ducati-debuts-three-new-bikes-at-eicma-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/ducati-debuts-three-new-bikes-at-eicma-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/ducati-debuts-three-new-bikes-at-eicma-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ducati Hypermotard

The minds at Ducati have been busy lately. The Italian manufacturer pulled back the curtains on three new machines at the 2012 EICMA International Motorcycle Show, including the water-cooled 2013 Hypermotard. Using and 821cc variant of the company's Testastretta 11-degree DS V-twin, the Hypermotard dishes out 110 horsepower and 65.8 pound-feet of torque thanks in part to a smaller bore and longer stroke than the standard 848cc engine. The revised Hypermotard tips the scales at 436.5 lbs fully fueled and boasts Kayaba front forks with 6.7-inches of travel. Out back, a Sachs rear shock serves up 5.9-inches of flex, though the Hypermotard SP delivers more inches in both categories.

By most accounts, the Ducati Diavel is as wicked a cruiser as you're likely to find, but that didn't stop engineers from pouring a few tricks from the Ducati Performance line onto the bike. The result is the 2013 Diavel Strada. Designed to serve up easy miles, the new bike offers up a larger windscreen, slightly higher handlebars with heated grips and a gel seat. There's also a higher capacity generator on board to help power additional electronics via two 12-volt ports.

Then there's 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R. A subtly tweaked version of last year's bike, the 2013 model now features a 500 rpm rev boost thanks in part to light-weight titanium connecting rods and a lightened flywheel. There's also a four-point adjustable swing arm for the first time, and a full race exhaust and ECU helps the bike spit out 201 horsepower on the top end. More importantly, Ducati says the Panigale R now generates 15 percent more mid range power. Want one? Better pull a stinking $29,995 from your wallet.

Ducati debuts three new bikes at EICMA 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1199 panigale2013 ducati 1199 panigale r2013 ducati diavel strada2013 ducati hypermotarddiaveldiavel stradaducatiducati 1199 panigale rducati diavel stradaducati hypermotardeicma 2012hypermotardpanigale rThu, 15 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381160/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/ducati-debuts-three-new-bikes-at-eicma-2012/20381160/article-detail.xml 20381160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-ducati-hypermotard-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-ducati-hypermotard-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[CEO says Volkswagen's buying spree is over]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

VW CEO Martin Winterkorn licks his lips during press conference

After adding Italian motorcycle icon Ducati to its stable and spending $5.6 billion on the rest of Porsche, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn says he's done shopping for a while.

"We have enough to do at the moment in taking our twelve brands to where we want to be," Winterkorn tells German newspaper Handelsblatt.

Rumors of VW's pending purchase of Malaysian carmaker and Lotus owner Proton have been swirling for a while - as recently as July. And a year ago, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piëch implied interest in relieving Fiat of its Alfa Romeo brand. But Winterkorn says his company is just too busy integrating Porsche and Ducati into the corporate structure to add any more brands right now.

"That I find Alfa Romeo an interesting brand is not a secret," Winterkorn said. "But we are currently busy enough with our brands."

At least one industry analyst, Michael Punzet of DZ Bank, thinks VW wouldn't pass up a bargain-priced Alfa or Proton if offered. "But at the moment I guess they are really focusing on integrating Porsche AG and consolidating the truckmakers MAN and Scania," Punzet said.

Read the full story at Bloomberg.

CEO says Volkswagen's buying spree is over originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoducatiferdinand piëchferdinand piechfiatman trucksmartin winterkornpiechporscheproton+volkswagenprotonvolkswagenscaniavolkswagenvwMon, 03 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/03/ceo-says-volkswagens-buying-spree-is-over/20314002/article-detail.xml 20314002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/vw-ceo-martin-winterkorn_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/vw-ceo-martin-winterkorn.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Greg Tracy snap the 10-minute Pikes Peak barrier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Greg Tracey's Pikes Peak run in 2012 - cyclecam

There are the racers who tackle the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on four wheels and then there are the (even more) insane bastards who head up the mountain on bikes. Greg Tracy is without a doubt one of the most talented of those souls. He's collected the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb overall win a total of six times, and this year, he blew straight past the 10 minute barrier on his Ducati with a 9:58.262 time up the course. Impressive, given the rider laid down a machine the weekend before the hill climb during a video shoot.

The time put him within six seconds of this year's winner, Carlin Dunne. Six seconds is a lifetime in motorsports, but watching Tracy wring the big Duc out over the 12-mile slog to the top makes it hard to fathom pulling any more time from the run. Check out the clip below for yourself.

Continue reading Watch Greg Tracy snap the 10-minute Pikes Peak barrier

Watch Greg Tracy snap the 10-minute Pikes Peak barrier originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ducatigreg tracyhelmet camhelmet camerapikes peakpikes peak international hill climbpikes peak videovideoMon, 27 Aug 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/watch-greg-tracy-snap-the-10-minute-pikes-peak-barrier/20310237/article-detail.xml 20310237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/greg-tracey-pikes-peak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/greg-tracey-pikes-peak-628.jpg <![CDATA[Valentino Rossi leaves Ducati, heads home to Yamaha]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Valentino Rossi Ducati crash

After an undeniably unsuccessful two-year relationship with Ducati, motorcycle superstar Valentino Rossi has decided to take his talents back to Yamaha, the team he left at the end of the 2010 season for what he hoped would be greener pastures.

The deal signed by Rossi will see him wearing Yamaha blue for two years - the 2013 and 2014 seasons - and teaming up once again with Jorge Lorenzo, the 25-year-old Spanish rider who won the World Championship in 2010 and is currently doing the same for 2012. Though Lorenzo is undoubtedly an extremely gifted rider, Rossi is a fan and sponsor favorite and is sure to help Yamaha bring in some much-needed sponsorship dollars.

As to who will be filling Rossi's vacated saddle at Ducati, rumor has it that the Italian team is most interested in Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso. If that's the case, he will be paired up with American Nicky Hayden, who has been with Ducati since 2009. Dueling press releases, one from Ducati and the other from Yamaha, can be found below. Suffice it to say, the 2013 MotoGP season - even without Casey Stoner - is shaping up to be rather interesting.

Continue reading Valentino Rossi leaves Ducati, heads home to Yamaha

Valentino Rossi leaves Ducati, heads home to Yamaha originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrea doviziosoducatijorge lorenzomotogpnicky haydenvalentino rossiyamahaFri, 10 Aug 2012 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/valentino-rossi-leaves-ducati-heads-home-to-yamaha/20298289/article-detail.xml 20298289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rossi-ducati-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rossi-ducati-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Is Lamborghini the real owner of Ducati?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/is-lamborghini-the-real-owner-of-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/is-lamborghini-the-real-owner-of-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/is-lamborghini-the-real-owner-of-ducati/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ducati Monster Diesel special edition - profile studio image

Will the real owner of Ducati please stand up? It seems things are not as cut-and-dry as we once understood. Audi has just released its 2012 Interim Financial Report, and there is an interesting little bit on its acquisition of Ducati. It seems that not only was the performance motorbike producer purchased for less than previously stated, but it's technically not even owned by Audi.

In the breakdown from Asphaltandrubber.com, the Italian two-wheel purveyor was purchases for €747 million (or $980 million), less than the $1.1 billion at which Ducati was previously estimated. Even more interesting is that Ducati appears to have actually been acquired by Lamborghini. So, while Ducati falls under the Audi umbrella, it it technically is owned by Lamborghini. This news makes sense of the appointment of Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio to the Lamborghini board of directors.

There are two major outcomes from this maneuver. One, it keeps the Italian motorcycle brand (technically) in Italian hands. Two, with the emissions crackdown from the EU, putting a fleet of fuel-sipping motorcycles under Lambo's roof can throw off the curve and ease the heat from european officials.

Is Lamborghini the real owner of Ducati? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiducatilamborghinimotorcyclesuperbikesupercarThu, 02 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20291728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/is-lamborghini-the-real-owner-of-ducati/20291728/article-detail.xml 20291728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ducati-monster-diesel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ducati-monster-diesel.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris pits Porsche 911 GT2 RS against Ducati 1199 Panigale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/chris-harris-pits-porsche-911-gt2-rs-against-ducati-1199-panigal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/chris-harris-pits-porsche-911-gt2-rs-against-ducati-1199-panigal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/chris-harris-pits-porsche-911-gt2-rs-against-ducati-1199-panigal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

porsche 911 gt2rs and ducati 1199 panigale at santa pod dragstrip

Just because you can't ride a motorcycle doesn't mean you can't appreciate them. Chris Harris is one of those guys who can't ride, but admits to being fascinated by motorcycles. So to that end, he brought his pal Ben Cope from visordown.com to Santa Pod drag strip with a Ducati 1199 Panigale to face it off against a Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Some numbers to ponder. The Porsche has six cylinders, 620 horsepower, and a traditional manual transmission. The Ducati packs just two cylinders, but doesn't give up any enthusiasm to the Porsche, with an astounding 192 hp from its V-Twin. You might think the bike would spank the Porsche, but consider this: both vehicles proved tricky to launch.

So, which extreme machine is quicker? Scroll down to watch the video.

Continue reading Chris Harris pits Porsche 911 GT2 RS against Ducati 1199 Panigale

Chris Harris pits Porsche 911 GT2 RS against Ducati 1199 Panigale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris harrischris harris porsche ducatidriveducatiducati 1199 panigalemotorcycle versus carporscheporsche 911 gt2rsporsche ducati raceThu, 26 Jul 2012 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20286488/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/chris-harris-pits-porsche-911-gt2-rs-against-ducati-1199-panigal/20286488/article-detail.xml 20286488 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/gt2-vs-panigale_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/gt2-vs-panigale.jpg <![CDATA[Audi mulling sporty new people carrier and... a scooter?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Audi Q5 - dead-on front view, gray

Autocar says they have spoken to Audi sales and marketing chief Peter Schwarzenbauer who admits his company may soon enter the MPV market (pronounced "minivan" here in the U.S.) market. Of course, with Audi that means a premium minivan with as many as seven seats.

Schwarzenbauer tells Autocar that the brand's target is sportier - think more Ford S-Max than Honda Odyssey. That makes some sense, as Ford claims many premium brand offerings have been traded in on its rakish European S-Max.

Schwarzenbauer also let slip that as new owners of Ducati, Audi will soon introduce its own two-wheeled vehicle. The exec didn't give any indication if it would be a motorcycle or (like the concepts by Mini, Smart and BMW) a scooter. But he says there would never be a "Ducati wearing an Audi badge," characterizing the vehicle as a "future mobility solution. Thus, Autocar predicts the new vehicle will be a scooter of some sort.

Audi mulling sporty new people carrier and... a scooter?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi minivanaudi mpvaudi scooterducatiminivanmpvpeople moverpeter schwarzenbauerscooterTue, 17 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20278954/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/17/audi-mulling-sporty-new-people-carrier-and-a-scooter/20278954/article-detail.xml 20278954 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-audi-q5-dead-on-front_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-audi-q5-dead-on-front.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Robb Report</em> releases 24th annual Best of the Best list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Robb Report Best of the Best 2012Robb Report has released its annual Best of the Best issue, and the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 has been awarded top honors in the automotive category. No surprise there - the Italian supercar was chosen as the magazine's Car of the Year earlier in 2012.

Prefer to go topless? In that case, Robb Report suggests you have a look at the Ferrari 458 Spider. The BMW M5 took top honors in the sedan category and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque was the winning SUV. We approve of the nods given to the Morgan 3 Wheeler and Icon Bronco, too.

If all those options are still too tame for your tastes, perhaps the Ducati 1199 Panigale, the mag's motorcycle of choice, is more up to speed. Have a gander at the full list of winners in the press release below.

Continue reading Robb Report releases 24th annual Best of the Best list

Robb Report releases 24th annual Best of the Best list originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1199 panigaleaventadorbest of the bestbmwducatievoquelamborghiniland roverm5robb reportrobb report best of the bestFri, 01 Jun 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/20248843/article-detail.xml 20248843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/robb-report-bob-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/robb-report-bob-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari, Lamborghini among car plants shut down following Italian earthquake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Earthquake in Italy

An earthquake has rocked northern Italy once again, this time centered approximately 40 kilometers north of Bologna. Early reports indicate at least ten people have been killed in the shock and ensuing aftermath.

Reports from Italy also indicate that several automotive assembly plants and related facilities have temporarily ceased operations - more so that their employees can be with their families than due to actual damage to the facilities themselves.

Both Ferrari and its star driver Fernando Alonso tweeted in the aftermath of the event that the headquarters in Maranello was closing so that staff members could go home. Motorcycle manufacturer Ducati reportedly did the same at its headquarters located in Borgo Panigale, closer to Bologna. As did Lamborghini, whose factory in Sant'Agata is on the outskirts of Bologna, although no damage was yet reported to the location. However, the Maserati factory in nearby Modena was reportedly damaged, although to what extent remains unclear. Production is expected to resume again tomorrow.

Ferrari, Lamborghini among car plants shut down following Italian earthquake originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bolognaducatiearthquakefernando alonsoferrariitalyItaly earthquakelamborghinimaseratinatural disasterplant closureTue, 29 May 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246787/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/ferrari-lamborghini-among-car-plants-shut-down-following-italia/20246787/article-detail.xml 20246787 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/italyquake.c5f83249a5df4da38499fa5debf28934_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/italyquake.c5f83249a5df4da38499fa5debf28934.jpg <![CDATA[AWD vs. One Wheel Drive: Audi TT RS Plus pitted against Ducati 1199 Panigale S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/awd-vs-one-wheel-drive-audi-tt-rs-plus-pitted-against-ducati-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/awd-vs-one-wheel-drive-audi-tt-rs-plus-pitted-against-ducati-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/awd-vs-one-wheel-drive-audi-tt-rs-plus-pitted-against-ducati-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ducati 1199 Panigale versus Audi TT RS

It was only a matter of time, folks. As soon as Audi finalized its purchase of the Ducati brand, we knew to expect a slew of comparison tests pitting the German automaker's finest wares against the two-wheeled exotica rolling out of Italy's best-known motorcycle maker.

The scribes from Germany's Auto Bild have indeed taken up the challenge. But what machinery to choose? Naturally, the mind first turns to the R8 supercar and its Lamborghini-derived V10 engine, but, in reality, Audi officials have conceded to us that its 360-horsepower TT RS is actually quicker around most race tracks. So, the all-wheel-drive TT RS Plus it is.

Holding the mantle for Ducati is none other than the 1199 Panigale - an easy choice, as this is the marque's premier superbike for 2012. Sure, there was a replica MotoGP machine a few years back called the Desmosedici RR, but that bike is sold out and the Panigale is likely faster in the hands of all but the most talented riders anyway.

So, who wins? You'll have to scroll down and watch the video to find out, but suffice it to say that it wasn't even close.

Continue reading AWD vs. One Wheel Drive: Audi TT RS Plus pitted against Ducati 1199 Panigale S

AWD vs. One Wheel Drive: Audi TT RS Plus pitted against Ducati 1199 Panigale S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1199 panigaleaudiaudi ttaudi vs ducaticar versus motorcyclecar vs motorcycleducatiducati 1199 panigaletttt rstt rs plusttsvideoThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224988/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/awd-vs-one-wheel-drive-audi-tt-rs-plus-pitted-against-ducati-1/20224988/article-detail.xml 20224988 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ducati-1199-panigale-vs-audi-tt-rs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ducati-1199-panigale-vs-audi-tt-rs.jpg <![CDATA[AMG officially disavows partnership with Ducati]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/amg-officially-disavows-partnership-with-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/amg-officially-disavows-partnership-with-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/amg-officially-disavows-partnership-with-ducati/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz AMG and Ducati Streetfighter

Can't say we didn't see this one coming. Hot on the heels of Audi's official announcement that it had acquired the Ducati brand from Investindustrial Group, AMG, the in-house performance arm of German automaker Mercedes-Benz, has ended its "marketing cooperation" with the storied Italian motorcycle brand.

Naturally, Mercedes-Benz doesn't want to sponsor Ducati now that it's been taken over by, in its own words, "a rival car manufacturer." While there had been some speculation that Mercedes or its AMG division might make a bid for Ducati, the automaker claims that was never its intention:

"Our focus lies clearly in developing and producing premium performance cars and we will be concentrating all our energy on this."

Seems pretty cut and dry to us, but if you want to read more, feel free to scroll down for the brief announcement. We have to wonder, though, what will be come of the special-edition Ducati Diavel AMG?

Continue reading AMG officially disavows partnership with Ducati

AMG officially disavows partnership with Ducati originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgamg ducatiaudiaudi ducatiducatimercedes-benzThu, 19 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219690/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/amg-officially-disavows-partnership-with-ducati/20219690/article-detail.xml 20219690 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mercedes-benz-ducati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/mercedes-benz-ducati.jpg <![CDATA[It's official, Audi has just bought Ducati]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/audi-buys-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/audi-buys-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/audi-buys-ducati/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi and Ducati together at last

There aren't a lot of automakers that also make motorcycles: Peugeot, Honda, Suzuki, and perhaps most pertinently, BMW. And now Audi is getting in the game - not with its own four-ringed motorbikes, but with today's acquisition of Ducati.

In the announcement just released, Audi confirmed the deal but stopped short of confirming the reported purchase price of $1.1B. Although Audi is, of course, part of the Volkswagen group, it is Audi AG itself that officially bought the motorcycle manufacturer, making Ducati the third Italian operation under its umbrella alongside Lamborghini and ItalDesign-Giugiaro.

Tellingly, Audi also points to certain technologies developed by Ducati - particularly their control systems, combustion chamber process and competence in lightweight construction - as particular assets that "offer great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group." Read more in the official release after the jump.

Continue reading It's official, Audi has just bought Ducati

It's official, Audi has just bought Ducati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsaudiaudi agaudi buys ducatibreakingducatiducati saleWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218643/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/audi-buys-ducati/20218643/article-detail.xml 20218643 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/audi-ducati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/audi-ducati.jpg <![CDATA[Audi deal to buy Ducati valued at $1.1B]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/audi-deal-to-buy-ducati-valued-at-1-1b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/audi-deal-to-buy-ducati-valued-at-1-1b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/audi-deal-to-buy-ducati-valued-at-1-1b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP - rear three-quarter view at sunset

Automotive News is reporting that Audi is set to lay down $1.1 billion to purchase Ducati from the motorcycle manufacturer's current owner, Investindustrial. The news comes courtesy of a source "familiar with the matter," though neither Audi nor Investindustrial have officially commented on whether that price is accurate. As Automotive News points out, the price is around seven times what Ducati earned last year before interest, taxes and depreciation - even after subtracting any debt Ducati holds. Currently, the motorcycle maker's liabilities are less than $262.6 million.

Most analysts view the purchase as a thinly veiled jab at rival BMW, itself a longtime motorcycle builder. Last year, the Italian firm sold somewhere in the neighborhood of 42,000 bikes with a revenue of $630 million. While that's technically more than either Bugatti or Lamborghini, both Volkswagen brands, adding a motorcycle manufacturer to the VW portfolio probably won't do much for the rest of the company's brands. Longtime industry watchers may remember that VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech tried to purchase Ducati once before in 2008 before loosing out to Investedindustrial.

Audi deal to buy Ducati valued at $1.1B originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi ducatiducatiducati purchaseducati saleferdinand piechinvestedindustrialmotorcyclesTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217484/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/audi-deal-to-buy-ducati-valued-at-1-1b/20217484/article-detail.xml 20217484 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ducati-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ducati-628.jpg -1 2