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[Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen and Porsche emblems overlayed

The sequence of events from 2007 that began with Porsche's secret attempt to take over Volkswagen, and instead lead to Porsche being taken over by VW, continues to instigate lawsuits against the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. A group of hedge funds that suffered over $1 billion in losses sued the car company in New York. Porsche had publicly stated it wasn't trying to buy VW, the hedge funds in question were shorting VW stock, and when Porsche's actual intentions were revealed, the stock shot up and the hedge funds took a beating.

The case was thrown out over the issue of jurisdiction, then appealed, only to see another suit filed on top of that. After that, most of the hedge funds withdrew their claims in New York and Porsche offered a 90-day window to refile in Germany where it is already fighting a number of other suits over the same issue. The hedge funds accepted the offer, refiling in Stuttgart for $1.8 billion in damages. According to Bloomberg, Porsche hasn't commented on the refiling, but as the same plaintiffs are involved, it's safe to assume that the carmaker still feels the case is "unsubstantiated and without merit." It has fared alright so far even in German courts, with two lesser cases against it thrown out last year.

Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derivativesgermanyhedge fundslawsuitporscheporsche lawsuitporsche volkswagenporsche vwstock marketstuttgartvolkswagenvwWed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569429/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/20569429/article-detail.xml 20569429 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests.jpg <![CDATA[Vettel and Schumacher win 2012 Race of Champions Nations Cup for Germany, again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/16/vettel-and-schumacher-win-race-of-champions-nations-cup-for-germ/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/16/vettel-and-schumacher-win-race-of-champions-nations-cup-for-germ/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/16/vettel-and-schumacher-win-race-of-champions-nations-cup-for-germ/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Race of Champions Germany 2012

With so many different cars, competitions, rulebooks and drivers gunning for wins each weekend in various racing events all across the world, how do you go about crowning the best of the best? Put more simply, Who is the best racing driver in the world?

No single event or series is ever going to answer that question properly, but the annual Race of Champions at least does a good job of choosing the most talented drivers in their respective disciplines and lining them up against each other and the clock.

There are actually two winners, one country and one driver. Yesterday, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher defeated Romain Grosjean and Sebastien Ogier to take the Nations Cup to Germany for the sixth year in a row. Want to see how it all went down? Scroll down for two videos, one short recap and one full three-hour-long version.

Come back later today at 7:00 PM EST to see who's crowned the Champion of Champions during individual events!

Continue reading Vettel and Schumacher win 2012 Race of Champions Nations Cup for Germany, again

Vettel and Schumacher win 2012 Race of Champions Nations Cup for Germany, again originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 race of championsgermanymichael schumachernations cuprace of championssebastian vettelSun, 16 Dec 2012 09:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20404321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/16/vettel-and-schumacher-win-race-of-champions-nations-cup-for-germ/20404321/article-detail.xml 20404321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/roc-germany-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/roc-germany-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Opel to close German plant in 2016, fears continued Euro slump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The European financial crisis has claimed another victim, as Opel has stated that it is going to close its Bochum, Germany facility. The closure is set to occur in 2016, when the current Opel Zafira minivan ends its production run. According to Automotive News Europe, parent company General Motors is looking to minimize the impact to the 3,300-strong workforce by adapting the plant to focus on component and distribution efforts.

According to the report, GM believes the economy in Europe will not recover until 2014, and that this move was unavoidable. GM expects losses of between $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion from its Opel and Vauxhall brands in Europe. To try and stem the hemorrhaging, Opel is forced to lay off 2,600 employees, resulting in a $300 million spending cut. Another $500 million in cost cutting is excepted between from to 2013, through 2015 as part of a plan called Drive Opel 2022. The decade-long plan is rooted in cost-cutting, reorganization, and re-focusing products and marketing. As part of this plan, Opel will launch 23 new models between now and 2016.

Still, the plant closure comes as a blow to many Opel employees, and the labor union has hopes to save the Bochum facility. Unions, as well as the German Government, expect General Motors to compensate those who lose their jobs in this closure with appropriate severance packages. GM Europe stated that it is trying to move component production to the Ruhr Valley region, where the Bochum factory is located. It will be able to save some jobs through this effort, though certainly not all 3,300.

Opel to close German plant in 2016, fears continued Euro slump originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgermanygmgm europeopelopel zafiravauxhallzafiraMon, 10 Dec 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/opel-to-close-german-plant-in-2016-fears-continued-euro-slump/20398487/article-detail.xml 20398487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/opel-bachum-germany-plant-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/opel-bachum-germany-plant-628.jpg <![CDATA[9ff shows 272-mph GT9 Vmax at Essen show [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/9ff-shows-272-mph-gt9-vmax-at-essen-show-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/9ff-shows-272-mph-gt9-vmax-at-essen-show-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/9ff-shows-272-mph-gt9-vmax-at-essen-show-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



There's a scene in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps where Shia LaBoeuf asks a fellow banker, "What's your number - how much would you need to get out of the business?" The answer he gets: "More." More is apparently the operating principle at 9ff, the specialist Porsche tuner out of Germany that has showed up at Essen with its 9ff GT9 Vmax. Over the four years of the GT9's existence it has gone from 987 horsepower and a 253-mile-per-hour top speed to this, a 1,381-hp El Superbeasto with a terminal velocity said to be 271.54 mph.

Built on the skeleton of the 997-model Porsche 911, it weighs 2,954 pounds. The carbon fiber bodywork that hides the 4.2-liter, twin-turbo flat-six, the 855 pound-feet of torque, the six-speed sequential gearbox, polycarbonate windows and faired rear wheels all help to get the GT9 Vmax from standstill to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds. Keep pressing and 120 mph comes in 6.8 seconds, 186 mph happens in but 13 ticks of the second-hand.

Getting one off the Essen show floor and into your garage will cost 895,000 euros ($1.6 million US), before that minor annoyance of taxes. You can virtually kick the tires before you decide to purchase by watching the video below.

Continue reading 9ff shows 272-mph GT9 Vmax at Essen show [w/video]

9ff shows 272-mph GT9 Vmax at Essen show [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9119ff9ff gt99ff gt9 vmaxessen motor showgermanygt9gt9 vmaxporschevideovideosyoutubeWed, 05 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392636/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/9ff-shows-272-mph-gt9-vmax-at-essen-show-w-video/20392636/article-detail.xml 20392636 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/9ff-gt9-vmax-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/9ff-gt9-vmax-628.jpg <![CDATA[What's ex-CEO Wendelin Wiedeking doing after Porsche? Pizza]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/whats-ex-ceo-wendelin-wiedeking-doing-after-porsche-pizza/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/whats-ex-ceo-wendelin-wiedeking-doing-after-porsche-pizza/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/whats-ex-ceo-wendelin-wiedeking-doing-after-porsche-pizza/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wendelin Wiedeking

Three years after an oversize corporate appetite resulted in him departing the CEO's throne at Porsche, Wendelin Wiedeking is back in the hunger business having announced a chain of pizza and pasta restaurants called Vialino. The eatery business isn't new to the former Porsche boss, nor are business interests far from the automotive sector: the former Porsche boss made his first million in real estate before he was 30, owns a restaurant now, and still owns stakes in companies that make shoes among other holdings.

Perhaps more surprisingly, Vialino is controversial before its opened its first outlet. Another Italian chain, Vapiano, is miffed at the similarity between its established name and Wiedeking's brand new one. Wiedeking's response is that his restaurants will have table service, which Vapiano lacks, and that they'll be more rustic in comparison to Vapiano's modern glass frontages. A second Italian chain, L'Osteria, said it opened its books to Wiedeking in 2011 when the exceedingly wealthy entrepreneur was considering buying in, but now that he's gone his own way L'Osteria feels that Wiedeking might just have been sniffing around for some insider context.

With no legal action planned, Vialino remains set to open its first store next month in Ludwigshafen, Germany. After that it plans to expand in Germany, then to Austria and Switzerland.

What's ex-CEO Wendelin Wiedeking doing after Porsche? Pizza originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austriagermanypastapizzaporscherestaurantsswitzerlandvialinowendelin wiedekingWed, 28 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387309/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/whats-ex-ceo-wendelin-wiedeking-doing-after-porsche-pizza/20387309/article-detail.xml 20387309 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/wendelin-wiedeking_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/wendelin-wiedeking.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0073: Drive the Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Any trip to the automotive mecca of Germany would not be complete without a visit to the famed Nürburgring, nor would a list called 1,001 Automotive Things To Do Before You Die. Thus, we've reached the whole point of Jessi and Patrick's trip to Germany: Drive the Nürburgring.

Many prior episodes of The List have prepared J and P for what's required of them to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife successfully without shunting the BMW M3 they picked up earlier, but we felt they needed a little more schooling. After having them read up on The Green Hell and memorize its corners in simulators, the final instruction came from the Queen of the 'Ring herself, Sabine Schmitz, who was gracious enough to give our hosts a tour of the track. Unfortunately, the M3 couldn't hold up to a single lap's worth of Sabine's driving skills, but don't fault the car: The Nürburgring has 73 turns, is 12.8-miles long and changes nearly 1,000 feet in elevation.

Watch Jessi and Patrick conclude their Germany trip below by lapping the Nürburgring. If you've got your idea for The List, submit it by clicking the Your List link below.



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Continue reading The List #0073: Drive the Nürburgring

The List #0073: Drive the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drive the nurburgringgermanyjessi combslap the nurburgringnurburgringpatrick mcintyresabine schmitzthe-listWed, 21 Nov 2012 14:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20386083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/20386083/article-detail.xml 20386083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/the-list-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/the-list-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0035: Drive The German Autobahn]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/the-list-0035-drive-the-german-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/the-list-0035-drive-the-german-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/the-list-0035-drive-the-german-autobahn/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We told you last time that Jessi and Patrick still had some items to check off The List after picking up a car from BMW via European delivery. They had to make their way from BMW's headquarters in Munich to a certain race track, and when in Germany, there's only one road that's worth taking to get where you're going: the Autobahn.

Our intrepid hosts have already achieved the feat of driving 200 miles per hour, but in this latest of The List, they're looking to challenge that number on Germany's most famous public road. To do it they needed the help of Alpina and its incredible B7 sedan. Large, powerful and stable, the B7 is our hosts' best chance to tame the Autobahn.

Watch the latest episode of The List below, and stay tuned in the coming weeks for the last episode from our trip to Germany that you won't want to miss.



Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List.

Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0035: Drive The German Autobahn

The List #0035: Drive The German Autobahn originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 alpina b7alpinaautobahnb7bmwgerman autobahngermanyjessi combspatrick mcintyrethe listthe-listTue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365194/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/30/the-list-0035-drive-the-german-autobahn/20365194/article-detail.xml 20365194 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/the-list-drive-the-german-autobahn_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/the-list-drive-the-german-autobahn.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0414: Buy A Car For European Delivery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/the-list-0414-buy-a-car-for-european-delivery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/the-list-0414-buy-a-car-for-european-delivery/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/the-list-0414-buy-a-car-for-european-delivery/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Let's face it, the dealership experience when buying a new car is not very special. But when you're handing over serious stacks of cash for a car that you've dreamed of owning, the occasion calls for something more than a free car wash before you drive off the lot. That's where something like the European Delivery program offered by BMW comes in. Instead of picking up your new M3 at the local dealer, BMW builds it in Munich and has it waiting for you to come get it. And while you're there, why not tour the factory where your car was built, visit the BMW Museum and world headquarters, and then go off on your own and explore what Germany has to offer a new BMW owner. And did we mention you actually save money by taking possession of your BMW this way?

Taking an international pilgrimage to pick up your new car is an experience that easily makes The List, so we sent Jessi and Patrick to Germany to walk us through what it's like for a new owner who goes this route, including the special treatment and various places one gets to go during the visit to BMW's campus in Munich.

The experience also afforded Jessi and Patrick the opportunity to complete a couple of other items on The List that could only be done in Germany. Can you guess which two they chose? What would be on your German edition of The List? If you haven't already guessed, you'll find out when we publish the next two episodes in the coming weeks.

Scroll down to watch The List #0414: Buy A Car For European Delivery.



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Continue reading The List #0414: Buy A Car For European Delivery

The List #0414: Buy A Car For European Delivery originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw headquartersbmw museumgermanyjessi combsm3munichpatrick mcintyrethe weltthe-listTue, 09 Oct 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20345158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/the-list-0414-buy-a-car-for-european-delivery/20345158/article-detail.xml 20345158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/welt-bmw-7-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/welt-bmw-7-opt.jpg <![CDATA[German crosswalk lets opposing pedestrians play Pong]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/german-crosswalk-lets-opposing-pedestrians-play-pong/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/german-crosswalk-lets-opposing-pedestrians-play-pong/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/german-crosswalk-lets-opposing-pedestrians-play-pong/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Students Sandro Engel and Holger Michel at HAWK University in Germany created a project bringing social media to the crosswalk. Instead of simply waiting among the zoned-out hordes for the light to change, two lucky walkers could compete against one another in a game of pong on the crosswalk controller.

The catch: it isn't real. Using a small green screen on the yellow box, the entire interaction was created using visual effects. We still give them full marks for the idea, though. You can check it out in the video below.

Continue reading German crosswalk lets opposing pedestrians play Pong

German crosswalk lets opposing pedestrians play Pong originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crosswalkgermanypongvideovideosyoutubeMon, 10 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/german-crosswalk-lets-opposing-pedestrians-play-pong/20318306/article-detail.xml 20318306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/pongcrosswalk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/pongcrosswalk.jpg <![CDATA[Gumpert declares itself provisionally insolvent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gumpert-declares-itself-provisionally-insolvent/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gumpert-declares-itself-provisionally-insolvent/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/gumpert-declares-itself-provisionally-insolvent/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Once asked by Adam Carolla what this blogger's two favorite cars were, I replied the Lamborghini Murcielago and the Gumpert Apollo. Proving that this August is the cruelest month as far as niche German carmakers are concerned, the latter company, Gumpert, just filed paperwork to begin provisional insolvency proceedings in Altenburg, Germany. This month has seen fellow Teutons Artega and Melkus file for bankruptcy.

The ten-year-old company had apparently been trying to break into the Chinese market and the move didn't pan out. It's not over for Gumpert - an administrator has been appointed, and we're told he sees the chance of recovery as extremely positive, so now the makers of the Apollo will return their attentions to the European market while they seek new investors. There's a press release below with more details.

Continue reading Gumpert declares itself provisionally insolvent

Gumpert declares itself provisionally insolvent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apollogermanygumpertgumpert apollogumpert insolvencyinsolventprovisional insolvencyThu, 30 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20313061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/gumpert-declares-itself-provisionally-insolvent/20313061/article-detail.xml 20313061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/gumpertinsolvency_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/gumpertinsolvency.jpg <![CDATA[BMW unveiling new Euro police cars soon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

New BMW police vehicles

During next month's General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference (GPEC) in Leipzig, Germany, BMW will present its next round of vehicles developed for police and VIPs. Five 2013 cars and four motorcycles - the 3 Series Touring, X3, 7 Series High Security and X5 Security, i3 Concept, R1200RT, G650GS, F800ST and K1600GT - will be displayed at the BMW stand.

Potential German federal and state police use of the 3 Series Touring and X3 were considerations during development, with features such as iDrive-controlled sirens and LED beacons integrated to BMW factory standards. At the opposite end, the electric i3 Concept is for police in urban areas where emissions reduction is a key consideration.

The BMW 7 Series High Security and X5 Security meet the elevated standards of amoured vehicles classified by the VR scale. The BR1 to BR7 measurements assess the resistance of the armour itself, but not how well the entire vehicular package withstands attack. The VR tests address that; the scale goes from VR1 to VR9, the 7 Series H.S. is rated at VR7 overall and VR9 in some specific cases. the X5 Security is rated VR4, which is tough enough to stop rounds from a .44 Magnum.

Motorcycle officers get the latest version of the much-used R1200RT, a brand new bronze-green military version of the G650GS, a prototype of the F800ST and a police-issue, six-cylinder K1600GT.

BMW unveiling new Euro police cars soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcarseuropeGeneral Police Equipment Exhibition and ConferencegermanygpecmotorcyclespolicesecuritySun, 26 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20309175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/26/bmw-unveiling-new-euro-police-cars-soon/20309175/article-detail.xml 20309175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bmwpolicevehs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bmwpolicevehs.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R8 E-Tron Nurburgring lap

Silent but deadly fast.

The Audi R8 E-Tron may set the record for a production EV on the Nurbürgring in June, but the video of Marcus Winkelhock won't win any awards for its sound track. During the eight minutes, nine seconds of driving, the car offers hardly any sound.

Gone is the thunder of Audi's V8 or V10 revving through every corner. Instead, it's tire squeals and wind noise. The 375-horsepower electric engines hardly make a sound. But that time is certainly not slow, falling just five seconds short of the R8 with a V8.

Audi promises that this car, which arrives later this year, will be identical to the one that raced on the famed German course. Though, as we pointed out before, it will have its speed limited to 125 mph. It should also have a range of 135 miles.

Scroll down to see the entire lap.

Continue reading Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09

Watch Audi's R8 E-Tron quickly and quietly round the 'Ring in 8:09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Audie-tronevgermanygreengreen carnurburgringr8r8 e-tronThu, 09 Aug 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20295553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/09/watch-audis-r8-e-tron-quickly-and-quietly-round-the-ring-in-8/20295553/article-detail.xml 20295553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-r8-e-tron-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-r8-e-tron-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[Hocken' it up at the 2012 German Grand Prix [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/22/hocken-it-up-at-the-2012-german-grand-prix-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/22/hocken-it-up-at-the-2012-german-grand-prix-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/22/hocken-it-up-at-the-2012-german-grand-prix-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 German Grand Prix

Seven races with seven winners. That's how the 2012 Formula One World Championship started out. But eventually something had to give. And give it did, when Fernando Alonso edged out the competition to score his second grand prix victory this season. Mark Webber followed with a second win of his own the following race. But would this race at Hockenheim prove one driver as the clear frontrunner in this year's championship? Would it catapult one of the others into the running? Or would it elevate a new grand prix winner this season? Keep reading to find out.

Continue reading Hocken' it up at the 2012 German Grand Prix [spoilers]

Hocken' it up at the 2012 German Grand Prix [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 german grand prixf1formula 1formula onegerman grand prixgermanygrand prixhockenheimhockenheimringSun, 22 Jul 2012 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20283405/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/22/hocken-it-up-at-the-2012-german-grand-prix-spoilers/20283405/article-detail.xml 20283405 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/germgp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/germgp.jpg <![CDATA[Watch some drunk German football fans cheer on a parallel parker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/watch-some-drunk-german-football-fans-cheer-on-a-parallel-parker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/watch-some-drunk-german-football-fans-cheer-on-a-parallel-parker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/watch-some-drunk-german-football-fans-cheer-on-a-parallel-parker/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Europeans, as we know, take their football (our soccer) seriously - it isn't until a team wins that their fans can stop being so focused and have some serious fun. Exhibit A: after the German national team beat Argentina in Euro 2012, some chaps still full of cheer (and beer, presumably) came upon this woman trying to slot her tiny Citroën C2 into an equally tiny parking spot. Naturally, they decided she could use a cheer of her own. It is guaranteed this did not happen after the Germany-Italy game.

When people say they want their own theme music or cheering section or Mariachi band, we're pretty sure this is isn't at all what they mean. But it's funny for us. Check it out below.

Continue reading Watch some drunk German football fans cheer on a parallel parker

Watch some drunk German football fans cheer on a parallel parker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c2citroencitroen c2footballfutbolgermanyparallel parkingparkingsoccersoccer hooliganvideoThu, 19 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/19/watch-some-drunk-german-football-fans-cheer-on-a-parallel-parker/20281175/article-detail.xml 20281175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/germanparkingcheer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/germanparkingcheer.jpg <![CDATA[Nürburgring goes bust, EU not planning to help]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/nurburgring-goes-bust-eu-not-planning-to-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/nurburgring-goes-bust-eu-not-planning-to-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/nurburgring-goes-bust-eu-not-planning-to-help/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Nürburgring is officially broke. According to various German sources, the only chance the owners of the 'Ring have to fend off bankruptcy is if the track gets 13 million euros of new life injected into it. Problem is, state officials have said it's not going to happen.

In other words, the Nürburgring will go into administration and its future will at least in part be decided in court. Also up for debate will be the legality of 524 million euros worth of funding that the state has already pumped into the track, an amusement park with hotels and a shopping mall that make up the local attraction.

Reports indicate that the rest of 2012 will proceed as planned at the 'Ring. After that, it's anybody's guess what will happen to the famous German racetrack.

Nürburgring goes bust, EU not planning to help originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanynurburgringsave the nurburgringsave the ringTue, 17 Jul 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20280003/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/17/nurburgring-goes-bust-eu-not-planning-to-help/20280003/article-detail.xml 20280003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ring-cross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ring-cross.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/mercedes-a-class-enters-production-utility-variant-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/mercedes-a-class-enters-production-utility-variant-confirmed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/17/mercedes-a-class-enters-production-utility-variant-confirmed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Mercedes-Benz A-Class production begins

Remember the dowdy original Mercedes-Benz A-Class? It's hard to believe that this sporty new five-door hatch evolved from that frumpy thing. But it has, and the new A-Class is officially rolling off the Daimler assembly line in Rastatt, Germany, as of now.

The A-Class will join its platform-mate B-Class and a forthcoming crossover model at Rastatt. While we've heard plenty of rumors about this crossover, we hope that Daimler's announcement today that it will be the next product sharing the Rastatt line should lead to some more official information about the new model allegedly dubbed "GLA." Daimler sunk some €1.2 billion (nearly $1.5 billion) into the plant to produce the trio of compact vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz says its already had 40,000 orders for the new A-Class since it went on sale in mid-June, with some 70,000 B-Class people movers sold since that model hit showrooms late last year.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed

Mercedes A-Class enters production, utility variant confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a classa-classa-klasseb-classb-klassegermanyglamercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz glarastattTue, 17 Jul 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/17/mercedes-a-class-enters-production-utility-variant-confirmed/20279236/article-detail.xml 20279236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mercedes-benz-a-class-enters-production-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mercedes-benz-a-class-enters-production-001-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Street artist turns drab bridge into Lego masterpiece]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/street-artist-turns-drab-bridge-into-lego-masterpiece/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/street-artist-turns-drab-bridge-into-lego-masterpiece/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/street-artist-turns-drab-bridge-into-lego-masterpiece/#commentsFiled under: ,

Megx Lego Bridge street art

When we were kids, we spent a troubling amount of time surrounded by an up-turned bucket of Lego bricks. There was nothing we couldn't create given enough time, and no model kit was safe from cannibalization. Life is always better with Legos. Just ask the German street artist Megx. He recently set about transforming a droll former railroad bridge in Wuppertal, Germany into a brightly-colored Lego creation. Locals have transformed the old rail line into a pedestrian path (like New York's High Line), and Megx set about painting the underside of the bridge itself to resemble the belly of everyone's favorite childhood toy. We're particularly fond of the iconic green flat roadbed, ourselves.

Megx has an impressive street-art portfolio packed with perspective-oriented pieces, though the Lego bridge is by far the most lighthearted work to date. Head over to the Megx site for a closer look.

Street artist turns drab bridge into Lego masterpiece originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgegermanylegolego bridgelego bridge street artmegxstreet artstreet artistMon, 16 Jul 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20278372/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/street-artist-turns-drab-bridge-into-lego-masterpiece/20278372/article-detail.xml 20278372 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-lego-bridge-638_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-lego-bridge-638.jpg <![CDATA[AC Schnitzer works over BMW's new 6 Series Gran Coupé [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/15/ac-schnitzer-works-over-bmws-new-6-series-gran-coupe-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/15/ac-schnitzer-works-over-bmws-new-6-series-gran-coupe-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/15/ac-schnitzer-works-over-bmws-new-6-series-gran-coupe-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

AC Schnitzer-tuned BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe - black - motion shot

German powerhouse tuner AC Schnitzer has spent some time fettling the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé, the result being a 360-horsepower 640i sedan with all the restraint of a Mako shark. The additional grunt adds up to 40 hp for the 640i and 47 hp for the 640d, with said grunt made more finely tuned as it rides on Schnitzer's own spring kit and wheels that range from 19 to 21 inches in diameter.

Eight-piston calipers up front should provide plenty of stopping power and trademark Schnitzer bits like the prognathous skirting and exhaust tips will let everyone know that this BMW means serious business.

Have a read of the press release and check out the video below, and try not to fear it in the gallery of high res photos.

Continue reading AC Schnitzer works over BMW's new 6 Series Gran Coupé [w/video]

AC Schnitzer works over BMW's new 6 Series Gran Coupé [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jul 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw 6 series gran coupe6 series6 series gran coupe640d gran coupe640i gran coupeac schnitzeraftermarketbmwgermanyschnitzertunerSun, 15 Jul 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/15/ac-schnitzer-works-over-bmws-new-6-series-gran-coupe-w-video/20276512/article-detail.xml 20276512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/acschnitzer6grancoup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/acschnitzer6grancoup.jpg <![CDATA[German town doles out parking spaces based on sex]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/german-town-doles-out-parking-spaces-based-on-sex/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/german-town-doles-out-parking-spaces-based-on-sex/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/german-town-doles-out-parking-spaces-based-on-sex/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Triberg, Germany is known for having the world's largest cuckoo clock and the country's tallest waterfalls. And now, it's known for having gender-specific parking spaces.

After the town's newest public parking lot opened, Triberg mayor Gallus Strobel decided at least two of the spots were hard to get into, "They could be dangerous for your car, so at the same time, we decided to make them for me and then give 12 others for women," Strobel said. Women get the larger, better lit spots.

He admits most of the town thinks it's a joke, and that he does, too. But he says women are welcome to attempt parking in the men's spots but that it won't be easy for them. "Like my secretary. Five time she tried and no success," Strobel said.

The mayor admits the parking rule is out of bounds and controversial, but he hopes it brings the town a little more notoriety. "Perhaps many more people would like to come and not only see our waterfalls but try our parking," he said. "It's a marketing idea and it works. I cannot work this week with all this publicity."

Continue reading German town doles out parking spaces based on sex

German town doles out parking spaces based on sex originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gender parkinggender-specificgermanyparkingsex parkingsexisttribergThu, 12 Jul 2012 17:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/german-town-doles-out-parking-spaces-based-on-sex/20276880/article-detail.xml 20276880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/screen-shot-2012-07-12-at-11.03_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/screen-shot-2012-07-12-at-11.03.jpg <![CDATA[Flintstones-mobile banned from German roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/flintstones-mobile-banned-from-german-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/flintstones-mobile-banned-from-german-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/flintstones-mobile-banned-from-german-roads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fred Flintstone's car with entire family

Sebastian Trager of Germany is mad for the Flintstones. So he took a Volkswagen Polo, ripped off everything but the motor, chassis and wheels, and then covered the rolling bits with a replica that he built of Fred Flintstone's car. Other than the Polo underpinnings, about the only thing he changed is using wooden benches in place of the granite slabs from the show car.

According to Metro UK, Trager then wanted to get it approved for road use, and that's where his stone-age tribute clashed with modern regulations, because German authorities would have none of it. While there are exemptions in Germany for vintage cars and small-output carmakers, there aren't exemptions for cartoon replicas that don't have windshield wipers, or windshields, or seat belts, or lights. So even though Trager vows that "it's perfectly safe," he has settled for trailering it to shows, where "everyone seems to love it."

Flintstones-mobile banned from German roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flintstone mobileflintstonesflintstones carfred flintstonegermanypolosebastian tragervolkswagenvolkswagen polovwThu, 12 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/flintstones-mobile-banned-from-german-roads/20272004/article-detail.xml 20272004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/flintstonesmobilegermany_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/flintstonesmobilegermany.jpg -1 2