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[Introduction to Karting - Part 7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/introduction-to-karting-part-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/introduction-to-karting-part-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/introduction-to-karting-part-7/#commentsFiled under: ,


WRAPPING UP

The leaves have long-since changed and most have fallen off. There's a chill in the air and the odd snowflake, too. The summer motorsports season is at an end, and it's time to think about putting everything into stasis for the winter. With a kart, this requires a bit of work: freezing temperatures and race hardware don't tend to get along. But, even if you have a spacious, heated garage there's still some prep-work and general maintenance you should know how to do. In this final installment of An Introduction to Karting we'll walk you through tearing down and cleaning the kart, answer some questions received from readers, and mix in a little more race footage from the final event of the year.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 7

Introduction to Karting - Part 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to kartingAnIntroductionToKartingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkanye westKanyeWestkartkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/introduction-to-karting-part-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/introduction-to-karting-part-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/introduction-to-karting-part-6/#commentsFiled under: ,

RACE DAY

It's taken a long time to get here, many months accelerated through the magic of the internet, but now it's finally time to hit the track in anger, to fight for position, to make some daring passes - or at least to try and avoid getting lapped more than once. Learning all about karting was interesting, shopping was a chore, hitting the track to practice was a blast, but it was all about wheel-to-wheel competition. In this installment of the series we'll take you through our first race day and our first time turning a wheel on fresh rubber, an experience we shall not soon forget. Oh, and we've given our kart a bit of a make-over too. Click on through to see how it looks, and how we managed under our first green flag.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 6

Introduction to Karting - Part 6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 06 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/introduction-to-karting-part-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/introduction-to-karting-part-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/introduction-to-karting-part-5/#commentsFiled under: ,

HAVE ENGINE, WILL PRACTICE

Finally, after weeks of learning, shopping, and preparation, we have a track-ready kart. If you've been following along with our An Introduction to Karting series you're probably just as ready to go as we are. Last time we got our chassis, installed the seat, and finally spooned a little two-stroke Rotax 125 engine on the back. The only thing left to add is a driver, and wouldn't you know it we have one of those.

In this installment we'll hit the track with the kart, get the motor broken in properly, start looking at some tuning parameters, and have a heck of a lot of fun drifting around the track on some ancient tires that appear to have been hewn from slate or something similarly hard. We'll also get some further advice on driving techniques, troubleshoot some brake issues, and learn just how easy it is to make a kart point in the wrong direction at high-speed - captured for you in high definition.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 5

Introduction to Karting - Part 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to kartingAnIntroductionToKartingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkart racingkartingKartRacingrotaxrotax fr125RotaxFr125Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/introduction-to-karting-part-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/introduction-to-karting-part-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/introduction-to-karting-part-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

We've been accused of acting as facilitators; as dealers; as dastardly souls encouraging readers to engage in a one-way trip toward an expensive, time-consuming hobby. That's pretty accurate. Yes, we did describe karting as an inexpensive way into a serious motorsport, and that's true, but any racer or would-be should know that few forms of motorsport are truly inexpensive. Karting is no different. You can get going in the sport for cheap, but running costs escalate quickly, leaving the most finely honed budgets full of holes and rusting by the side of the road.

After getting a taste for real karting at the school we attended in Part 2, and after our bruises had faded, we knew we needed more. What we didn't know was whether we could afford it. So we set out creating a budget, then went about buying what we'd need and along the way made a number of... revisions. We're more or less done shopping at this point, meaning you get the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, but of course our priorities may not jive with yours so don't come yelling at us if your numbers come up differently.

First, though, you need to decide what kind of racing we're going to do.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 3

Introduction to Karting - Part 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbudgetingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingintroductiontokartingkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/introduction-to-karting-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/introduction-to-karting-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/introduction-to-karting-part-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

RENT YOUR WAY TO GLORY

Welcome to the second installment of our Introduction to Karting series. Hopefully the first piece piqued your interest with tales of tiny machines pulling 3 g in the corners then hitting 60 in under three seconds on their way up to over 140 MPH. (Well over, as it turns out; one commenter indicated he hit an indicated 156 this season.) That kind of performance is unequaled outside of top-level formula motorsport, yet is available to anyone with some disposable income and a passion for going quick.

However, karting isn't for everyone so suitably endowed. The physical demands placed on a kart racer are hard to comprehend until you're in a fast turn, holding your breath because you can't inhale, feeling like your head is going to fly off and land somewhere in the pits. Chances are it won't, but whether or not you can withstand that while maintaining a good racing line and keeping an eye on a swarm of opponents is an important thing to find out before breaking out the charge card. The best way is, of course, to try it, and given the big up-front cost to buy a kart, a rental is the way to go.

To get our first real experience we signed up for an afternoon's racing school. We walked the track, worked with multiple instructors, got a lot of advice, had an impromptu race, and stuck it out for way more seat time than was probably advisable for a newbie. How'd we do? Read on to find out, and see some videos of our on (and, occasionally, off) track antics.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 2

Introduction to Karting - Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to kartingAnIntroductionToKartingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingIntroductionToKartingkartkart racingkartingKartRacingoakland vally race parkOaklandVallyRaceParkovrpFri, 09 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/review-2010-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-convertible-is-just/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/review-2010-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-convertible-is-just/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/review-2010-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-convertible-is-just/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ford has been introducing a countless string of Mustangs that appeal to nearly every enthusiast on the planet, Chevrolet has had to make due with only three versions of the Corvette (five if you count both coupes and convertibles). Well, for 2010, Chevrolet is adding a new model to the mix, the Corvette Grand Sport. Bridging the gap between the base Corvette and the track-focused Z06, the Grand Sport - unlike the aluminum chassis Z06 and ZR1 - is available in both coupe and convertible form, giving 'Vette lovers another way to enjoy motoring al fresco.

After spending a few hours at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds wringing out the GS on track back in August, we finally managed to snag some significant street time in a Crystal Red Grand Sport convertible. Lo and behold, when we looked inside we found a manual transmission, meaning this particular Grand Sport is packing the new-for-2010 launch control system. So now it's time to find out if this newest 'Vette variant is as livable on the road as it is fun on the track.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible is just right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 chevrolet2010 chevrolet corvette2010 chevrolet corvette grand sport2010 chevrolet corvette grand sport convertible2010Chevrolet2010ChevroletCorvette2010ChevroletCorvetteGrandSport2010ChevroletCorvetteGrandSportConvertiblechevroletchevycorvettecorvette convertiblecorvette grand sportcorvette grand sport convertibleCorvetteConvertibleCorvetteGrandSportCorvetteGrandSportConvertiblefeaturefeaturedfeaturedstoriesfeaturesreviewreviewsWed, 30 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/review-2010-acura-tsx-v6-sacrifices-twisties-for-long-haul-crui/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/review-2010-acura-tsx-v6-sacrifices-twisties-for-long-haul-crui/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/review-2010-acura-tsx-v6-sacrifices-twisties-for-long-haul-crui/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.

Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?


Gallery: Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6

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Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising

Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 acura tsx2010 acura tsx v62010AcuraTsx2010AcuraTsxV6acuraacura tsxacura tsx v6AcuraTsxAcuraTsxV6featurefeaturedfeaturedstoriesfeaturesreviewreviewedreviewstsxWed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Before you weld a Chevrolet Volt, you have to stamp out the bodies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/video-before-you-weld-a-volt-you-have-to-stamp-out-the-bodies/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/video-before-you-weld-a-volt-you-have-to-stamp-out-the-bodies/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/video-before-you-weld-a-volt-you-have-to-stamp-out-the-bodies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Volt body panels being stamped - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

The other day, we pointed you toward a video produced by General Motors that is part of a series on the building of the pre-production Chevy Volt prototypes. That video showed the model's IVER (Integration Vehicle Engineering Release) bodies being assembled, welded and painted in the body shop at the pre-production operations center in Warren MI. However, before you can weld and paint, you have to take sheets of steel and stamp them into the right shapes. It turns out that there were other videos that came ahead the body shop video show this aspect of the Volt's development.

In the stamping shown above, you can see how the engineers go from the mathematical models of the parts to machining the prototype dies. Unlike the production dies, these prototypes are not as tough and are only useful for producing a limited number of parts. Because the steel springs back somewhat after it comes out of the press, the dies don't have the same shape as the final part. As a result, there is often some trial and error in creating them. Once the final die shape is determined, it is scanned and the data is sent to the production tool and die shop. Check out the videos after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading VIDEO: Before you weld a Chevrolet Volt, you have to stamp out the bodies

VIDEO: Before you weld a Chevrolet Volt, you have to stamp out the bodies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgmvideovideosvoltvolt iver prototypevolt prototype buildVoltIverPrototypeVoltPrototypeBuildTue, 04 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/video-a-lap-of-the-milford-road-course-in-the-2010-corvette-gra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here at Autoblog we've been fortunate enough to have two separate opportunities to drive what is officially known as the Milford Road Course. Informally, the facility is better known as the Lutz-ring. Early this decade when Bob Lutz was lured out of retirement to provide guidance to the product development staff at General Motors he quickly came to the realization that despite all of the different test surfaces at the Milford Proving ground there was no proper facility for evaluating the limit handling performance of its vehicles.

Under Lutz's prodding the development staff led by Jim Mero designed a 3 mile, 17 turn course where 97 percent of every lap is spent undergoing lateral acceleration to one side or another. The facility is used for both handling evaluation and development and as part of the durability cycle for new GM vehicles. We shot some footage the other day while driving in the Corvette Grand Sport and you can follow along for a lap of the Lutz-ring after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

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Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport

VIDEO: A lap of the Milford Road Course in the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet corvettechevrolet corvette grand sportchevrolet corvette grand sport 2010ChevroletCorvetteChevroletCorvetteGrandSportChevroletCorvetteGrandSport2010chevychevy corvettechevy corvette grand sportChevyCorvetteChevyCorvetteGrandSportfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDrivelutzlutz ringLutzRingmilford proving groundsmilford road coursemilfordprovinggroundsMilfordRoadCourseSat, 01 Aug 2009 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/live-reveal-2010-suzuki-kizashi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/live-reveal-2010-suzuki-kizashi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/live-reveal-2010-suzuki-kizashi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've gone to some unusual places for new product unveilings, but today's reveal of a new mid-sized sedan from Suzuki may be one of the most ironic. For some reason, the small automaker of mostly small cars chose a World War II memorial in suburban Detroit for the global reveal of its most aggressive attack yet on the heart of the U.S. car market.

Suzuki has always been a bit of an outlier in this market, although the company has been a strong player in the Japanese mini-car scene. Its most successful entry to date here in the U.S. has been the compact SX4. Now, it's trying to encroach on Camry/Accord/Fusion territory. Learn all about where Suzuki is going and what to expect from the Kizashi after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Live Reveal


Gallery: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

2010kizashi_official0002010kizashi_official0012010kizashi_official0022010kizashi_official0032010kizashi_official004-1248984638

Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled!

Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsfeaturefeaturedfeatureskizashilive revealLiveRevealsuzukisuzuki kizashiSuzukiKizashiThu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/quick-drive-2010-acura-rdx-bring-on-the-shield/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/quick-drive-2010-acura-rdx-bring-on-the-shield/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/quick-drive-2010-acura-rdx-bring-on-the-shield/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Acura RDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

After three years on the market, the Acura RDX is getting its first comprehensive makeover for the 2010 model year. Unlike the automaker's new TSX V6, where the changes were largely restricted to the bits you don't see, the opposite is true of the RDX. Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up - meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere.

If, on the other hand, you're partial to the new corporate beak, the RDX benefits from a few well-designed tweaks to boost its exterior appeal. The shape of the headlamp clusters remains the same, although the internal arrangement has been shuffled around, while below the bumper you'll spot a new air intake sitting in between the revised fog-lamp housings. Out back, the taillights receive a few minor revisions that most observers probably won't notice and the satin frame around the license plate pocket now matches the finish on the front grille.


Gallery: Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield

Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 acura rdx2010 rdx2010AcuraRdx2010Rdxacuraacura rdxAcuraRdxfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDriverdxWed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/first-drive-2010-buick-lacrosse-looks-to-breathe-life-into-old/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/first-drive-2010-buick-lacrosse-looks-to-breathe-life-into-old/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/first-drive-2010-buick-lacrosse-looks-to-breathe-life-into-old/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

Make no mistake, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse is the most important vehicle launched by the brand in decades. Buick, nearly consigned to the dustbin of history a few short years ago, is now one of General Motors' four remaining "core" brands. And if it weren't for the Chinese market's love affair with the marque, there's little doubt Buick would've followed Oldsmobile into the afterlife. Instead, GM is attempting to (once again) refashion the brand as a serious competitor to Acura, Lexus and Volvo, and the LaCrosse is the opening salvo in the battle for hearts, minds and market share - not to mention pocketbooks.

Technically, the "New" Buick was born two years ago when the Enclave debuted, but in reality, that was simply a new segment for the brand. In contrast, the LaCrosse marks the initial transformation of Buick's future. CEO Fritz Henderson has stated that new Buicks (and actually all GM vehicles going forward) must be more than competitive - they must be superb. They can't merely match the competition, they have to surpass them in every quantifiable way. So the launch of the LaCrosse couldn't be more fortuitous or fraught with risk. Developed before bankruptcy, bailouts and government intervention, the LaCrosse is what GM envisioned for the future of Buick over two years ago. But is it good enough to revive the marque? Time to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand

First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse looks to breathe life into old brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featured first drive FirstDrive2010 buick lacrosse2010 buick lacrosse price2010 buick lacrosse pricing2010BuickLacrosse2010BuickLacrossePrice2010BuickLacrossePricingbuickbuick lacrosseBuickLacrossefeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDrivelacrosseThu, 16 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

First impressions can be problematic, even more so when reviewing a vehicle. When the media gets its first shot at a new offering, the automaker typically invites journalists to a location of its choosing to drive under conditions that show the car in its best light. Such was the case with the 2010 Honda Insight. After our First Drive, we came away with the impression that Honda's hot new hybrid was an engaging alternative to the Toyota Prius, but we quickly came to realize the Insight's limitations and flaws after a week behind the wheel on our home turf.

Get our real-world impressions after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent

Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> reviews2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightfeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeatureshondahonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridinsightreviewreviewedreviewsThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/second-winner-in-mustang-unleashed-contest-drag-races-teacher-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/second-winner-in-mustang-unleashed-contest-drag-races-teacher-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/second-winner-in-mustang-unleashed-contest-drag-races-teacher-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Derek Murrell and his drag racing 2010 Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For the second installment of Ford's "The '10 Unleashed" contest, the Mustang is going to the drag strip. Last time, Ford gave a blind man the opportunity to drive, and this time around, a kid fresh out of high school is going up against one of his teachers in the quarter-mile. Derek Murrell just graduated from Lake Mary High School north of Orlando, Florida, a school where his auto shop teacher Bill Rosenblum apparently loved to share his drag racing exploits with his students.

Being a typical teenager, Murrell wanted to show up his elders and compete with Rosenbleum at the track. Since Ford is heavily promoting the 2010 Mustang in motorsports, the automaker decided to give him the chance to win a new Mustang GT. Of course, to to do that Murrell would have to do more than write a contest entry - he'd have to outrun a more experienced racer.

The teenage would-be racer had his first competitive run during the National Mustang Racing Association meet at Michigan's Milan Dragway. Luckily for us, the NMRA event took place concurrent with last week's Ford Racing Invitational, and we got to spend a few minutes chatting with Murrell. Check out the video of our interview with him after the jump.


Gallery: Mustang Unleashed: Derek Murrell


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO]

Second winner in Mustang Unleashed contest drag races teacher on Pinks [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derrek murrellDerrekMurrelldrag racingDragRacingfeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeaturedvideofeaturesmustang contestmustang unleashedMustangContestMustangUnleashedpinksthe 10 unleashedThe10UnleashedWed, 24 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/first-drive-ford-mustang-cobra-jet-watch-out-for-second/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/first-drive-ford-mustang-cobra-jet-watch-out-for-second/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/first-drive-ford-mustang-cobra-jet-watch-out-for-second/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - Click above for high-res gallery

Saturday afternoon we went for what may have been the shortest and quickest first drive in the history of Autoblog. When we go on a typical first drive with a manufacturer, we get to drive a vehicle around for at least a few hours in a variety of environments. Not so this past Saturday, when we tried out the latest customer race car product from Ford Racing, the Cobra Jet, a Mustang conceived at the behest of drag racers who wanted a factory built car ready to take to their local drag strip.

The original Mustang Cobra Jet appeared back in 1968 with a big, powerful engine and all of the interior bits normally stripped out by racers already absent. Those cars would go on to be some of the most successful factory-built drag cars ever. A year ago, Ford began preparing to build a run of 50 brand new cars bearing the legendary nameplate. Officially designated "FR500CJ," the new cars were delivered to customers last Fall and have been seen racing regularly at strips across the country throughout the year.


Gallery: First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc., lead image courtesy of Dale Amy

Continue reading First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second!

First Drive: Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, watch out for second! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racingDragRacingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDrivefordford mustangford mustang cobra jetford mustang cobra jet fr500cjFordMustangFordMustangCobraJetFordMustangCobraJetFr500cjmustangmustang cobra jetMustangCobraJetMon, 15 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/03/review-2009-cadillac-cts-v-supercar-performance-everyday-driv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite recent products to the contrary, when much of America thinks "Cadillac," a lot of people still recall the land yachts of the '70s and '80s. Hoods and decks marginally shorter than your average aircraft carrier, and Sedan de Villes and Fleetwoods serving as hearses or transportation for those awaiting a ride in one. But something happened to Cadillac a few years back. After several failed attempts to compete with the Germans (Seville STS, Allante and Catera), General Motors began crafting a strategy to take on the luxury marques abroad. At the forefront of that movement is the Cadillac CTS and the pinnacle of their efforts is this, the CTS-V. To paraphrase and co-opt the grizzled Oldsmobile tag-line: "The 2009 CTS-V is not your grandfather's Cadillac." Not by a long shot.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Max Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability

Review: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V offers supercar performance, everyday drivability originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragecadillaccadillac cts-vCadillacCts-vctscts-vfeaturefeaturedfeaturesin the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragereviewreviewedreviewsWed, 03 Jun 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale. While the Q7 TDI is one of the most fuel efficient seven-passenger SUVs available anywhere, it's only the beginning for Audi. Assuming that Americans start taking a shine to hot oil, Audi is likely to introduce a whole series of Rudi D's disciples here. So far, however, only one has been announced in addition to the Q7, the compact A3 hatchback.

The A3 is the entry-level model for the four-ringed brand here in the U.S. Until now, it has only been sold with a choice of a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or 3.2-liter V6 engines running on gasoline. At the Detroit Auto Show, Audi announced that the A3 TDI would go on sale late this year. While the A3 TDI isn't yet available, one was made available to us for five days during a recent trip to Southern California. Find out what it was like after the jump.


Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport

Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a3 tdiA3Tdiaudiaudi a3 tdiAudiA3Tdidieseldiesel audiDieselAudifeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeaturesreviewreviewsThu, 21 May 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkz-a-solid-performer-gets-a-makeover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkz-a-solid-performer-gets-a-makeover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/first-drive-2010-lincoln-mkz-a-solid-performer-gets-a-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lincoln MKZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Launched in 2006 as the Zephyr, Lincoln's entry-level luxury sedan has undergone quite a few changes over the last three years. Graced with a new name - the MKZ - in 2007, as well as a 3.5-liter V6 and available all-wheel drive, the feature list continued to grow when SYNC and reverse park-assist were added to the MKZ in 2008. Like its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan brothers, the 2010 MKZ benefits from a significant mid-cycle refresh that Lincoln hopes will make it more competitive in its segment. We recently spent a day with the new MKZ, scrutinizing its revamped exterior design, inspecting its all-new interior and testing out the re-tuned engine and suspension. Read on to see if the sum of the 2010 Lincoln MKZ's parts add up to an improved car.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover

First Drive: 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a solid performer gets a makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lincoln MKZ2010 Lincoln MKZ review2010 Lincoln MKZ test drive2010LincolnMkz2010LincolnMkzReview2010LincolnMkzTestDrivefeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDriveLincolnLincoln MKZLincoln MKZ reviewLincolnMkzLincolnMkzReviewMKZFri, 17 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/preview-drive-2010-cadillac-srx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/preview-drive-2010-cadillac-srx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/preview-drive-2010-cadillac-srx/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for a high-res gallery

Cadillac invited a handful of local media to its Milford, MI proving grounds for an early "preview" drive of the second-generation SRX crossover. The first official media launch won't happen until late May, just ahead of the mid-summer on-sale date, but GM wanted to provide a sneak peak at the chassis and hardware underpinning the new SRX. Contrary to popular opinion, the SRX and the Saab 9-4X aren't built atop the Theta platform used for the Saturn Vue and Chevy Equinox. Both vehicles uses a mix of Theta pieces, bits from the Epsilon II platform and a host of new components to create a new premium crossover architecture.

Unfortunately, Michigan weather just didn't want to cooperate with the SRX. After an early event was cancelled due to unseasonably warm weather in February, GM decided to let us loose on a 50-mile local road loop to show off the SRX's new chassis control and vehicle dynamic systems. Read on to find out how it fared.


Gallery: Preview Drive: Cadillac SRX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX

Preview Drive: 2010 Cadillac SRX takes a swing at Lexus' RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 cadillac srx2010CadillacSrxcadillaccadillac srxCadillacSrxfeaturedfeaturesfirst driveFirstDrivesrxMon, 06 Apr 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's not every day that you get more for the same money. Yet that's what Toyota is offering with the 2010 Corolla, which will come with traction control and vehicle stability control and no price increase over the outgoing model. The MSRP of that car remains $15,350 for the base model 5-speed sedan. The Matrix also adds the two features as standard, but the price on the CUV goes up by $201, to $21,960. Both cars will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of February, and for more pricing info you can check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcorollacrossovercuveconomyfeatureshatchbackmatrixoptionssedanstability controlStabilityControltoyotatoyota corollatoyota matrixToyotaCorollaToyotaMatrixtraction controlTractionControlvehicle stability controlVehicleStabilityControlSat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST