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[VIDEO: Movie cars are strange - VW Bug-powered R34 Skyline from F&F]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/video-movie-cars-are-strange-vw-bug-powered-r34-skyline-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/video-movie-cars-are-strange-vw-bug-powered-r34-skyline-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/video-movie-cars-are-strange-vw-bug-powered-r34-skyline-from/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GTR-bodied buggy from Fast & Furious -- Click above to watch video

Among the numerous cobbled-together blue GT-Rs used in Fast & Furious for Paul Walker's character, the strangest one in real life could be this one: a tube-framed buggy with a VW engine. So instead of an RB engine up front, it's got an empty engine bay and a People's Wagon lump in the back, under the trunklid. It was used for jumping and driving down a flight of steps, and it sounds like it's headed to Baja. Not quite life, not quite art, follow the jump to see video.

[Source: GTR USA Blog via Just Driven]

Continue reading VIDEO: Movie cars are strange - VW Bug-powered R34 Skyline from F&F

VIDEO: Movie cars are strange - VW Bug-powered R34 Skyline from F&F originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsefast and furiousFastAndFuriousfilmgt-rmovie carmovie carsMovieCarMovieCarsmoviesnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r r34NissanGt-rNissanGt-rR34r34videoMon, 21 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lights, camera, throttle: Movie camera cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/lights-camera-throttle-movie-camera-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/lights-camera-throttle-movie-camera-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/lights-camera-throttle-movie-camera-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a gallery of the cars that make the movies about cars

We dig the cars in car flicks -- but what about the cars that make the flicks about cars? Looking less like Transformers and more like space junk peddled by the sand people, it's hard to imagine what it takes to turn a regular old car into a mobile studio worthy of Deja Vu (pictured).

The Dukes of Hazzard TV series was barely better than those campy 60s movies, with a scenery film running in the back window of the General Lee during in-car shots. The General Lee from the movie is practically two car lengths longer than what you seen on the screen due to the equipment needed to make realistic rolling footage (and a roll of really bad film). Who'd have thunk it? Have a look at the gallery below, and follow the link to check out a bunch more shots of the rolling sound stages. Thanks for the tip, Brian!

Gallery: Movie Camera Cars


[Source: Oobject]

Lights, camera, throttle: Movie camera cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camera carsCameraCarsfilmfilmmakingfilmsmoviemovie camera carsmovie carsMovieCameraCarsMovieCarsmoviesThu, 25 Sep 2008 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Cars of Death Race revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/07/cars-of-death-race-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/07/cars-of-death-race-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/07/cars-of-death-race-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



No, these are not more spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang -- this is the 2006 Mustang GT that you'll soon see on the silver screen in the movie Death Race. A perusal of the film's automotive gems makes it look like Cars for post-apocalyptic and seriously angry adults. But if it were the 2010 Mustang, we'd probably find the time to stop by a Ford dealer today...

Lead man Jason Statham will have his giant outboard mirrors full of other similarly distressed cars, including two Buick Rivieras -- a Boattail and a Chop Top -- a 300C, a Trans Am, and what looks like a Peterbilt called "Dreadnought." And if there were any way to make an XJ12 sexier, check out Colt's Jag. Click the link for a full rundown and info on the cars of your demise.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Cars of Death Race revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death racedeath race 2000DeathRaceDeathRace2000filmfilmsjason stathamJasonStathammoviesSat, 07 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Clint Eastwood vehicle titled Gran Torino]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/21/new-clint-eastwood-vehicle-titled-gran-torino/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/21/new-clint-eastwood-vehicle-titled-gran-torino/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/21/new-clint-eastwood-vehicle-titled-gran-torino/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While he's shown a certain flair for historical pieces, we sincerely doubt that Clint Eastwood would forego his formidable film-crafting talent to make a documentary about a mid 1970's Ford that can be had for a dollar per pound. Details are scant, but Warner Brothers has targeted December 2008 as a release date for Gran Torino, which Eastwood both stars in and directs. Eastwood is no stranger to the big Ford - he drove a '72 in Magnum Force, the sequel to Dirty Harry, in which he wheeled a '68 Ford Custom. Despite the title we tend to doubt the movie will be terribly car-centric - who'd want to watch that?

[Source: Variety via Inside Line]

New Clint Eastwood vehicle titled Gran Torino originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clint eastwoodClintEastwoodfilmfordford gran torinoford motor companyFordGranTorinofordmotorfordmotorcompanygran torinoGranTorinohollywoodmovietorinovarietyFri, 21 Mar 2008 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/spy-video-bmw-progressive-activity-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/spy-video-bmw-progressive-activity-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/spy-video-bmw-progressive-activity-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Back in September, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer announced an ambitious plan to increase production to 1.8 million vehicles by 2012 and to 2 million units by 2020. To reach those goals, BMW is planning several new niche models, including what it referred to as a "Progressive Activity Sedan". But while little in the way of details for the PAS were revealed at the time, a video has surfaced revealing a test mule for the car, which will be based on the next 5-Series with a fastback body-style.

The PAS is anticipated to slot between the 5-Series sedan and 5-Series wagon, with five seats and a hatchback rear end. Currently undergoing testing, the PAS is expected to go into production in 2009 or 2010 after an unveiling as a concept either at the Paris show later this year or in Detroit a year from now. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Autocar via Carscoop]

Continue reading Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan

Spy Video: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwfilmimagePASphotoprogressive activity sedanProgressiveActivitySedanshotspyvideoSun, 06 Jan 2008 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future, Bullitt added to National Film Registry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/29/back-to-the-future-bullitt-added-to-national-film-registry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/29/back-to-the-future-bullitt-added-to-national-film-registry/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/29/back-to-the-future-bullitt-added-to-national-film-registry/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Judging from how a generation of thirty-somethings have images of a flying, fusion-powered DeLorean imprinted in their DNA, we'd say that Back To The Future has left its mark. Likewise, Highland Green '68 Mustang fastbacks only look appropriate wearing American Racing Torq-Thrust Ds and flying through the air. Bullitt might not have quite as broad an influence since it wasn't a comedy, but it's touched at least two generations of car nuts and sparked two commemorative edition cars. Because of the cultural significance of these films, they've been named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for preservation in perpetuity.

BTTF and Bullitt are but two of a total of 25 great films that the National Film Preservation Board and the Librarian of Congress have chosen as "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." The list this year includes greats from a variety of genres, though it's still a little strange to think of Marty McFly's character being as deep as Humphrey Bogart's lead in fellow nominee "In a Lonely Place." Bullitt's 11-minute car chase was certainly the most talked about aspect of the film, but the tense cop drama was also well acted and has a superb score. Back To The Future's special effects really pushed the envelope, while the underlying story proved portable through two sequels sharing the same basic plot. It's quite a gift to car guys and children of the '80s who've wanted to have a badass green Mustang and a sleek (if not fast) DeLorean parked next to each other in the garage to see these two films topping the list, but the 23 other films named to the register are just as worthwhile. Our Saturday nights will be wrapped up for a while working through the movies named. We'll start with Bullitt, though.

[Source: Library of Congress]

Continue reading Back to the Future, Bullitt added to National Film Registry

Back to the Future, Bullitt added to National Film Registry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back to the futureBackToTheFuturebullittcar chaseCarChasedeloreanfilmhonorlibrary of congressLibraryOfCongressmoviesnational film registerNationalFilmRegistersignificantSat, 29 Dec 2007 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Schumacher cameos in another kids' movie]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/schumacher-cameos-in-another-kids-movie/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/schumacher-cameos-in-another-kids-movie/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/schumacher-cameos-in-another-kids-movie/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we get all revved up over the revival of Speed Racer in film form, our funny friends in France are gearing up for the remake of their own children's classic, Asterix. The new film, which opens in French theaters next month, is slated to feature cameos by a number of sports figures, including Ferrari stars Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt.

Set in the ancient Roman era, Asterix is a classic series of French children's comic books which has been translated into dozens of languages around the world. The film which, like Speed Racer, is shot with live actors (rather than animated like the original), is called Asterix aux jeux olympiques ("Asterix at the Olympic Games"). Schumacher appears in a seven-minute segment in the movie as a chariot racer called - you guessed it - Schumix, while Todt gives orders from the pit wall...dressed in red, of course. (Hopefully the German authorities won't give Michael a hard time about driving the chariot this time.)

In addition to the Ferrari champions, several other European sports celebrities make cameos in the movie as well, including French tennis player Amelie Mauresmo, retired French soccer player Zinedine Zidane (of World Cup head-butting infamy) and British footballer David Beckham. This is, of course, the second such cameo Schumacher has made, after his appearance in Disney/Pixar's Cars.

[Source: F1-Live]

Schumacher cameos in another kids' movie originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asterixcameofilmgamesjeanjeuxmichaelmovieolympicolympiquesschumachertodtFri, 21 Dec 2007 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus goes after <i>another</i> porn-star...seriously]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/lexus-sues-i-another-i-porn-star-seriously/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/lexus-sues-i-another-i-porn-star-seriously/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/lexus-sues-i-another-i-porn-star-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Back in June, we brought you news that Toyota was in the process of suing a pornography firm for copyright infringement. Apparently the Japanese automaker didn't appreciate that adult film star Lexus Cash was using its luxury division's handle as her stage name and for her website. Evidently unwilling to stop its litigation campaign, Toyota is now turning its lawyers loose on a gay porn actor who also uses the name Lexus.

According to latest reports, the Japanese automaker's lawyers in DC sent a cease-and-desist letter to EBoys Studios in Switzerland. The EBoys honcho insists that his performer chose the name because of its association with Greek mythology, and not with the automotive brand, and that the company will not cave to the carmaker's demands to recall the two flicks it has produced with the actor using that name.

This has to be the funniest bit of news surrounding Lexus since that peacock had its way with one of their exhaust pipes.

[Source: Inside Line]

Lexus goes after another porn-star...seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actoradultfilmgaylawsuitlexusligitationmalepornstarsueSun, 09 Dec 2007 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Top Gear Outtakes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/video-top-gear-outtakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/video-top-gear-outtakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/video-top-gear-outtakes/#commentsFiled under:

Do you like outtake reels? Who doesn't! Do you like Top Gear? Well, if you're the kind of person who reads Autoblog, then chances are you do. In that case, have we got the video for you!

After the jump you'll find six minutes' worth of your favorite telemotive personalities (that's right, we just made up a word) fumbling over their lines, making each other laugh and cursing like longshoremen. Oh yeah, and plenty of breasts, 'cause what would a British men's "programme" be without that? Follow the jump to check out the Top Gear Boobers Bloopers video.

NSFW: If you work in a puritanical office environment, well... sorry for you, but you might want to wait 'till you get home to watch the video on account of the cleavage and bleeped-out naughty words.

[Source: German Car Scene]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear Outtakes

VIDEO: Top Gear Outtakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbloopersepisodefilmgearoutprogramtakestoptop gear outtakesTopGearOuttakesvideoWed, 17 Oct 2007 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Transformers on DVD has landed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/transformers-on-dvd-has-landed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/transformers-on-dvd-has-landed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/transformers-on-dvd-has-landed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Here's what you're doing tonight. You're going to your local big box retailer and walking out with a copy of Michael Bay's CG-extravaganza that was one of last summer's coolest ways to waste a couple hours: Transformers. We've all been inundated by the ad blitz, and now the DVD and HD-DVD are in stores now, still warm and offgassing from the pressing plant. You should do your homework to make sure you get the exclusive edition you want, though. Target's got the coolest, a DVD case that actually transforms into Optimus Prime, but Wal-Mart's got the prequel bundled with the film. If you're really hardcore and you need to have both, you'll end up with two copies of the feature. Or you could just go to Best Buy and get the two action figures and be done with it.

If you're in the Hollywood area, you can actually hang out with Bumblebee as he stands guard over the West Hollywood Gateway shopping center. It's an actual prop from the movie, and we think it's a brilliant idea to send Autobots out to promote their own DVD. After all, the life of unemployed Transformer can be tough (see video after the jump). The Hollywood Bumblebee is huge, you'd need Ironhide to tow it around, but you can also enter to win a Bumblebee Camaro when the model goes live in 2009.

[Source: Cinematical, Slashfilm, FilmSchoolRejects]

Continue reading Transformers on DVD has landed

Transformers on DVD has landed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdentertainmentfilmmichael bayMichaelBaymovietransformerstransformers DVDTransformers HD-DVDTransformersDvdTransformersHd-dvdWed, 17 Oct 2007 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: New Fast and Furious movie on the way?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/rumormill-new-fast-and-furious-movie-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/rumormill-new-fast-and-furious-movie-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/27/rumormill-new-fast-and-furious-movie-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Because the first three were such highly regarded cinematic art, The Fast and The Furious franchise may expand to a fourth waste of film movie. Currently, the project is in development by Universal, and nothing for production is nailed down. Rumors will suffice in lieu of real facts, though.

The conjecture machine has characters from the first three movies coming together for another installment of vehicular hijinks. This time, the action will be set in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cars will be a mix of old and new, such as a return to the 1970 Dodge Charger used in the original movie, as well as a new Camaro, a South-American Chevrolet Opala, and a Buick GNX may even make an appearance. We can hardly wait, even though we were so rapt watching "Tokyo Drift" that we can't imagine topping that particular masterpiece.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: New Fast and Furious movie on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fastfast and furiousFastAndFuriousfilmfuriousmovieMon, 27 Aug 2007 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: At the Autoblog Drive-In Part 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/video-at-the-autoblog-drive-in-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/video-at-the-autoblog-drive-in-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/video-at-the-autoblog-drive-in-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Time to stretch your legs! Head to the snack bar and get something to munch on. Suggestions pop up on the screen in case you need some inspiration. The concessions are multitudinous, from sweet candy bars to crispy fish sandwiches (don't they look scrumptious?), you can push your cholesterol way into bad numbers for just a few bucks. If the first horror show got you all wound up, there's even a smorgasbord of cigarette selections to soothe your frayed nerves, just in time to run back before The Terror starts!

Missed Part 1? See it here.

Continue reading VIDEO: At the Autoblog Drive-In Part 2

VIDEO: At the Autoblog Drive-In Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50s60s70sdrive inDriveInentertainmentfiftiesfilmmoviesseventiessixtiesvideosvintageFri, 17 Aug 2007 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[How'd they do that? Driving tricks from the Bourne Ultimatum]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/11/howd-they-do-that-driving-tricks-from-the-bourne-ultimatum/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/11/howd-they-do-that-driving-tricks-from-the-bourne-ultimatum/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/11/howd-they-do-that-driving-tricks-from-the-bourne-ultimatum/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Doesn't it always look so convincing? Star lead actor is frantically sawing at the wheel, and when it cuts back to the wide, damn if that wasn't a perfectly clipped apex, with a tinge of four wheel drift counteracted by just the right amount of opposite lock. Even Steve McQueen couldn't pull it off for Bullitt. The real story behind all those inspiring scenes of cars whipping hither and yon is that they're piloted by stunt drivers who have one of the best car guy jobs ever.

There's a nice little sequel to a sequel quietly making its way to theaters, perhaps you've heard of the Bourne Ultimatum? Besides offering a cinematic venue for Matt Damon to further cement his status as a cross between James Bond and John McClane, its serving as a nice little advertisement for Volkswagen's second generation Touareg. Several of the vehicles were given the General Lee treatment (i.e. a couple were kept nice, a whole bunch were thrashed and trashed) during the 140 days of production. Even the stunt drivers were impressed at how the Touaregs just hunkered down and took whatever abuse they were thrown. To get all those bitchin' shots requires maneuvers that'd make you screw up your face in horror. We're talking about things you wouldn't even do to a rented car.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

Continue reading How'd they do that? Driving tricks from the Bourne Ultimatum

How'd they do that? Driving tricks from the Bourne Ultimatum originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bournedamondriverfilmmattmodificationmoviestuntultimatumSat, 11 Aug 2007 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Pitt Bullitt: classic McQueen remake to begin production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/pitt-bullitt-classic-mcqueen-remake-to-begin-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/pitt-bullitt-classic-mcqueen-remake-to-begin-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/pitt-bullitt-classic-mcqueen-remake-to-begin-production/#commentsFiled under:

UPDATE: Don't fret all you Steve McQueen fans. After reading our post, Ford got in touch Brad Pitt's management, who don't know anything about the remake or Pitt's involvement. The credibility of this rumor's source, Monsters and Critics, was also called into question. Still, with all the positive buzz GM has earned for its involvement with Transformers, you'd think Ford would be all over a remake the stars Brad Pitt next to a recently released Bullitt Mustang.


Not unlike the retro styling and resurrection of old nameplates sweeping the car industry, some film critics bemoan the lack of originality inherent in the Hollywood trend of remaking old films, while others relish the opportunity to refresh classics for younger generations. One way or another, the latest Hollywood announcement has us frothing at the mouth, as the green-light has been given to start production on a remake of the most iconic of gearhead films of all time: the Steve McQueen classic "Bullitt".

Endeavoring to fill the legendary McQueen's pedals will be none other than Brad Pitt, who will take on the role of Lt. Frank Bullitt of the San Francisco Police Department, hunting down the hitman who killed his fellow officers. Pitt's co-stars have not yet been announced, but with the anticipated launch of the new Bullitt Mustang, the smart product-placement money would be on its inclusion in the new movie along with the Dodge Charger R/T, the two cars that made the famous race scene in the original.

This should be interesting.

[Source: Monsters and Critics via Mustangblog]

Pitt Bullitt: classic McQueen remake to begin production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bradbullittclassicfilmhollywoodmcqueenmoviemustangpittremakesteveThu, 05 Jul 2007 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: My gearbox is better than yours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/video-my-gearbox-is-better-than-yours/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/video-my-gearbox-is-better-than-yours/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/video-my-gearbox-is-better-than-yours/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This ad takes us back to our childhood, when transmissions came in manual and automatic. That was it. Today's kids have sequentials, continuously variable ratios, dual clutches, paddle shifters, manually-shifted automatics, automatic-shifting manuals and a gazillion other variations to confuse them when pretending to drive.

We could try to explain the technology behind Volkswagen's DSG transmission until we're blue in the face, or you could simply follow the jump to watch a couple of kids do it for us. It's so simple, it's child's play.

Disclaimer: No actual children were harmed by Autoblog or by Volkswagen in the presentation of this video.

[Source: German Car Scene via Carscoop]

Continue reading VIDEO: My gearbox is better than yours

VIDEO: My gearbox is better than yours originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adchildrenclutchcommercialdsgdualfilmkidstelevisiontransmissionvolkswagenvolskwagenvwFri, 27 Apr 2007 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaker, Breaker: Year One recreates Bandit T/As]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/19/breaker-breaker-year-one-recreates-bandit-t-as/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/19/breaker-breaker-year-one-recreates-bandit-t-as/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/19/breaker-breaker-year-one-recreates-bandit-t-as/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click the pic above to view a gallery of Year One Bandit Trans Ams

Every now and then when I'm hammering to make time on a road trip, this is what goes through my head: "East bound and down, loaded up and truckin'..." Second only to Star Wars in 1977, Hal Needham's iconic Smokey and the Bandit also seared itself into popular culture like the Space Opera. Thirty years on, a black 2nd-generation Trans Am still makes us think of bootlegging Coors.

To commemorate the Burt Reynolds vehicle, Year One is teaming up with the veteran actor and building a limited number of Bandit inspired Trans Ams. These cars won't be highly suspect like those that pop up on eBay from time to time, or aftermarket kits like those made by Trans Am Specialties and Choo Choo Customs back in the day. No, they'll be the real deal, and Year One isn't taking the easy way out, either. Since the Bandit car was a T/A, all of the Year One cars will be true T/As, and titled as such. You could get away with a Firebird as a basis, but that's not how Year One rolls.

There will be three variations on the Bandit theme, BAN1, thru BAN3. All cars have full body restorations first. Floors are replaced, as are other needed panels, so that the hi-po Ponchos have the best basis to build from. Flush-mounted glass, smooth fender flares, custom projector headlights and LED taillights update the basic car. Chassis mods firm up the structure with subframe connectors, tubular control arms and high performance bushings and springs. The interiors get pimped out in the same custom fashion, with "Bandit" inserts on the door panels, modern seats, a race-inspired gauge cluster and the requisite CB radio. It wouldn't be a Bandit car if you couldn't pick up that mic and say "Snoman, gotcher ears on?" BAN2 and BAN3 packages get increasing amounts of performance from monster aluminum 455s or LS-derived engines, as well as further chassis tweaks and more toys inside the cockpit, like a nav system and race harnesses.

Some history, and Year One's press release after the jump

[Source: Year One]

Gallery: Year One Bandit Trans Ams


Continue reading Breaker, Breaker: Year One recreates Bandit T/As

Breaker, Breaker: Year One recreates Bandit T/As originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970sbanditbandit trans amBanditTransAmbeerburt reynoldsBurtReynoldscarcoorsfilmfirebirdmoviepontiacsally fieldSallyFieldsmokey and the banditSmokeyAndTheBanditsmugglingthemetrans amTransAmyear oneYearOneThu, 19 Apr 2007 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Shellfish! Ferrari and Shell close down major cities to film commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/01/shellfish-ferrari-and-shell-close-down-major-cities-to-film-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/01/shellfish-ferrari-and-shell-close-down-major-cities-to-film-com/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/01/shellfish-ferrari-and-shell-close-down-major-cities-to-film-com/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shell Oil, those guys who are getting richer while we all get poorer at the gas pumps, are aiming to break the record for the most expensive advertisement, and the Super Bowl doesn't even factor into it. The fossil-fuels giant is a long-time sponsor of Scuderia Ferrari, and pours millions into the F1 team each year so that enthusiasts and consumers will associate its fuels - Shell V-Power high-performance gasoline, specifically - with Ferrari's racing success. But just to drive the point home even further, Shell is spending close to ?2 million to produce a television commercial.

Wondering how you could possibly spend that kind of cash on a TV ad? No big name endorsements; that's already taken care of. No elaborate sets or costly special effects; you don't need that when you've got a 700-horsepower F1 car at your disposal. The commercial is anticipated to feature an F1 race car speeding around the corners and down the streets of New York, London and Sydney. And we'll bet it's not going to be at five in the morning, either. Closing down big city streets in the middle of the day costs big, and Shell is spending big.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Shellfish! Ferrari and Shell close down major cities to film commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcommercialferrarifilmlondonmanhattannewoilshellsydneytvv-poweryorkThu, 01 Feb 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Evil robot Mustang from Transformers to punish and enslave the Camaro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/07/evil-robot-mustang-from-transformers-to-punish-and-enslave-the-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/07/evil-robot-mustang-from-transformers-to-punish-and-enslave-the-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/07/evil-robot-mustang-from-transformers-to-punish-and-enslave-the-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click on image to enlarge

One reason we're so geeked about the upcoming live action Transformers movie that's scheduled to open on July 4th, 2007, is that we will see the familiar battle of Ford vs. Chevy in a most unfamiliar way. Watching the two brands battle it out in the marketplace is a bore. In the Transformers movie, however, we'll hopefully see a giant mechanized Camaro robot square off against a giant mechanized Mustang. Now that's a true comparison test.

We know the Camaro will be played by Bumblebee, the affable ex-Volkswagen Bug that counts himself among the Transformer's do-goody fold. The Mustang, however, will be played by Barricade, an evil Decepticon (gee, wonder who paid more for product placement) with the message "To punish and enslave" tattoed on his fender/shoulder. We've seen images of Bumblebee plenty of times, but the affable little guy will likely cower behind the prodigious calf muscles of Optimus Primes when he gets a good look at Barricade, the baddest (and only) muscle car/evil robot the world has ever known. A sketch of Barricade was released on the internet today that gives us our first glimpse of the menacing Mustang in ass-kicking robot mode. Let's just say the first batch of Camaro vs. Mustang head-to-head comparos in the buff books a couple years from now won't be quite as impressive after seeing this movie.

[Source: TFW2005 via Jalopnik]

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Evil robot Mustang from Transformers to punish and enslave the Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barricadebumblebeedecepticonfilmmovietransformertransformersThu, 07 Dec 2006 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[AVPT: Aliens vs. PT Cruiser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/avpt-aliens-vs-pt-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/avpt-aliens-vs-pt-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/avpt-aliens-vs-pt-cruiser/#commentsFiled under: ,



If you saw the film AVP: Alien versus Predator, (SPOILER ahead - if you care) you know that in the end the Predators narrowly eek out a victory over the fierce, ugly and merciless Aliens. Reeling from the loss, the Aliens have now taken on their next foe: the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Shown here is a custom PT that was on display at the Moscow Motor Show recently. Rather than incubating within the stomach of a human host, this Alien appears to have been hiding in the warm confines of the PT's windshield washer fluid reservoir before busting out and adding its own brand of teeth-dripping horror to Chrysler's retro wagon. The Alien motif extends from boot to stern and is capped with a set of large chrome wheels, because, you know, Aliens like the bling and all that. Perhaps Chrysler will announce a limited production run of the PT Cruiser AVPT Edition at next year's Woodward Dream Cruise.

[Source: Auto Express]

AVPT: Aliens vs. PT Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienalien versus predatorAlienVersusPredatorAVPfilmmoviespredatorWed, 13 Sep 2006 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Casino Royale trailer shows off Bond's Aston]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/09/casino-royale-trailer-shows-off-bond-s-aston/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/09/casino-royale-trailer-shows-off-bond-s-aston/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/09/casino-royale-trailer-shows-off-bond-s-aston/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A new trailer for the upcoming James Bond flick Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig gives us a few quick glimpses of the Aston Martin DBRS 9 that 007 will be driving in the film. While footage of the unique DBRS 9 in the trailer is limited to about 2 or 3 seconds, we're sure the car will see much more screen time in the actual film. After the film fades from the big screen, however, a few lucky owners will still be able to open their garage doors and take the production version of Bond's DBRS 9 for a spin. That car is reported to have an uprated 500-hp V12, race-car inspired lowered suspension and wider track. Until then, check out the trailer and try not to cringe when Craig rolls the car.

[Source: YouTube]

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Casino Royale trailer shows off Bond's Aston originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Sep 2006 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casino royaleCasinoRoyaledaniel craigDanielCraigdbrs9filmmoviesSat, 09 Sep 2006 09:04:00 EST