Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Maserati upgrades GranTurismo racer for 2012 Trofeo MC World Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/maserati-upgrades-granturismo-racer-for-2012-trofeo-mc-world-ser/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/maserati-upgrades-granturismo-racer-for-2012-trofeo-mc-world-ser/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/maserati-upgrades-granturismo-racer-for-2012-trofeo-mc-world-ser/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo

Spec racing series are emerging as an indispensable way for exotic automakers to show what their vehicles can do without the constraints of road regulations, and for their top customers to race wheel-to-wheel on some of the most famous racing circuits in the world behind the wheel of top machinery. Ferrari has the Challenge series, Lamborghini the Blancpain Super Trofeo, Porsche operates several iterations of the Carrera Cup around the world, and Maserati has the Trofeo World Series.

Now entering its third year, the Trofeo is campaigned by a field of specially prepared versions of the GranTurismo coupe, which has been upgraded with several improvements for the season ahead. Maserati Corse has both optimized the aerodynamic setup and trimmed the car's weight, resulting in an average lap time that proved two and a half seconds faster around the Vallelunga circuit outside Rome over last year's car during winter testing.

Whereas previous series have been held almost exclusively in Europe or in the Middle East, this year's Trofeo World Series adds rounds at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, and the Shanghai International Circuit that hosts the Chinese Grand Prix after the returning races at Jarama, Spain (next weekend), Portimao, Portugal (in early June), Imola, Italy (late June), and Paul Ricard, France (in July).

Maserati Corse provides the full motorsport experience to gentlemen racers for €110,000 ($140K) for the full season or €70,000 ($90K) for just the European races, including use of the car. Teams owning and fielding their own cars pay €35,000 ($45K) or €25,000 ($32K), respectively. Scroll down for the full press release and check out the latest machinery in the high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading Maserati upgrades GranTurismo racer for 2012 Trofeo MC World Series

Maserati upgrades GranTurismo racer for 2012 Trofeo MC World Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogranturismomaseratimaserati granturismomaserati granturismo mcmaserati granturismo mc corsemaserati granturismo mc trofeomaserati trofeomaserati trofeo world seriesWed, 16 May 2012 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/maserati-upgrades-granturismo-racer-for-2012-trofeo-mc-world-ser/20238054/article-detail.xml 20238054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mc-trofeo2web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mc-trofeo2web.jpg <![CDATA[BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo coming next March]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-coming-next-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-coming-next-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-coming-next-march/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo spy shot - CarPix

In spite of the near-Pavlovian howling that commences anytime the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is mentioned, and in spite of the 5GT falling so short of its sales target that BMW has been forced to consider bringing back the 5 Series Touring, the ungainly hatch has outsold that wagon during its time on our shores. And that was before it got dressed up with an M Sport package.

It shouldn't be a surprise then that the 3 Series GT is still rushing our way, with a report on BMW Blog (not connected to the company) declaring it will be here in March 2013. BMW is promoting the hatchback 3 as "the alternative to alternatives, a style conscious car with the dynamic prowess to match its looks," which smacks of PR-speak veering dangerously close to Newspeak.

We'll find out soon enough, nevertheless, for the moment, the 3GT is claimed to offer the cargo capacity of the 5 Series sedan but with even more room for everyone's legs. It is predicted to wear a slightly different face than the rest of the 3 Series line and have frameless windows (the rendering on BMW Blog has frames). Power should be from the current 3 Series lineup of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo coming next March originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series3 series gran turismo3 series gt3gtbmwbmw 3 seriesbmw 3 series gtgran turismoMon, 30 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159879/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-coming-next-march/20159879/article-detail.xml 20159879 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/3-seriesgtthisyear_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/3-seriesgtthisyear.jpg <![CDATA[10-year-old Hong Kong boy crashes dad's Maserati, out on bail]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/10-year-old-hong-kong-boy-crashes-dads-maserati-out-on-bail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/10-year-old-hong-kong-boy-crashes-dads-maserati-out-on-bail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/10-year-old-hong-kong-boy-crashes-dads-maserati-out-on-bail/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Maserati GranTurismo S Limited Edition front three-quarter view

The song that made Will Smith famous - this is when he was The Fresh Prince who rapped and not acted - is called "Parents Just Don't Understand." In it, he takes his mom's Porsche for an unauthorized spin while his parents are on vacation, unintentionally picks up a 12-year-old runaway and then gets busted by the cops for doing 90 mph and not having a driver's license. The point of it all? Kids will do the darndest things.

Need another example? The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a ten-year-old kid in Hong Kong may have been been channeling his own fresh prince when he took his dad's Maserati GranTurismo for an unauthorized, license-less drive. He couldn't even get out of the building's parking lot without hitting another car, but kept on driving out and down the street until someone noticed him and called the police. He was arrested, and is now out on bail.

Due back in court this month, he potentially faces a seven-year prison sentence for theft and driving without a license, although no one expects that to happen. In the classic Will Smith jam, our hero gets a tag-team whipping in the car when his parents retrieve him from jail. The ten-year-old should hope his parents, and the Hong Kong judge, are just as understanding.

10-year-old Hong Kong boy crashes dad's Maserati, out on bail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogranturismohong kongkid driveskid drives maseratimaserati gran turismomaserati granturismoFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151037/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/10-year-old-hong-kong-boy-crashes-dads-maserati-out-on-bail/20151037/article-detail.xml 20151037 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/granturismohkcrash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/granturismohkcrash.jpg <![CDATA[Acura NSX old and new get together in Gran Turismo 5 vid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/acura-nsx-old-and-new-get-together-in-gran-turismo-5-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/acura-nsx-old-and-new-get-together-in-gran-turismo-5-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/acura-nsx-old-and-new-get-together-in-gran-turismo-5-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Acura NSX Concept

The Acura NSX Concept was only just unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show and here it's already in a Gran Turismo 5 video. The newest take on an ecological supercar features Honda's recently pointy concept-design language, as well as a V6 amidships getting help from three hybrid motors and Acura's SH-AWD.

The real thing has been promised three years hence, but if this stab at it does get to production, we have no doubt we'll be seeing a lot more of it before then. The next phase in the NSX-fest begins after the jump, with two minutes of the supercoupe on an angry run through GT5 vistas.

Continue reading Acura NSX old and new get together in Gran Turismo 5 vid

Acura NSX old and new get together in Gran Turismo 5 vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuraacura nsxacura nsx conceptdetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showgran turismogran turismo 5gt5nsxnsx conceptyoutubeTue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/acura-nsx-old-and-new-get-together-in-gran-turismo-5-vid/20144658/article-detail.xml 20144658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nsxconceptgt5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nsxconceptgt5.jpg <![CDATA[Maserati hits the matte with exclusive GranTurismo S Limited Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/maserati-hits-the-matte-with-exclusive-granturismo-s-limited-edi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/maserati-hits-the-matte-with-exclusive-granturismo-s-limited-edi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/maserati-hits-the-matte-with-exclusive-granturismo-s-limited-edi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Maserati GranTurismo S Limited Edition

We like us some matte finish here at Autoblog, but we have to admit that the usual smattering of matte black vinyl wraps leave us a bit in the dark. That's why our eyes pop just a little wider when we see a car that cuts the glare but keeps the palette. That's also why the storied brands of the Fiat group are getting top marks in our books these days.

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the group's top brand Ferrari showed off a concept 599 with regenerative braking and a delicious matte green finish. The following year at the same venue, Alfa Romeo lifted the veil on the tempting 4C Concept in a beautiful shade of matte red. And at the Bologna Motor Show earlier this month, their sister brand Maserati showcased this special GranTurismo in matte blue.

The car in question is a unique GranTurismo S Limited Edition exclusive to the Italian market, limited to only twelve examples to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. It also packs carbon spoilers front and rear, as well as carbon side mirrors and door handles, with matte black side skirts and headlamps, and black 20-inch rims with polished aluminum brake calipers. Check it out in the press release after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Maserati hits the matte with exclusive GranTurismo S Limited Edition

Maserati hits the matte with exclusive GranTurismo S Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 bologna motor showbolognabologna motor showgran turismogranturismomaseratimaserati gran turismo smaserati gran turismo s limited editionmaserati granturismo smaserati granuturismo s limited editionSun, 25 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/25/maserati-hits-the-matte-with-exclusive-granturismo-s-limited-edi/20134028/article-detail.xml 20134028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web01-granturismo-limited_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web01-granturismo-limited.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan fielding driving team of only GT Academy winners for Dubai 24 Hours]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/nissan-fielding-driving-team-of-only-gt-academy-winners-for-duba/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/nissan-fielding-driving-team-of-only-gt-academy-winners-for-duba/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/nissan-fielding-driving-team-of-only-gt-academy-winners-for-duba/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan 370Z Dubai 24 Hours

Nissan is headed to the Dubai 24 Hours with a specially prepared 370Z. While the 410-horsepower Z is an impressive piece of hardware, we're more interested in who's behind the wheel. This year, Nissan will take to the track with a full team of racers who have graduated from the company's GT Academy. The four-man team is made up of individuals who got their start on the virtual tracks of the Gran Turismo video game franchise before beating out the competition for a spot on track.

Lucas Ordonez of Madrid won the 2008 GT Academy, and the young driver has since managed to take second place in the LMP2 class of the 2011 Le Mans series. The 26-year old also took home the honor of being named Rookie Of The Year in the 2011 Le Mans International Cup. Ordonez will be joined by 23-year-old Frenchman Jordon Tressman, who won the 2010 GT Academy and the 2011 Blancpain Endurance Series.

Jann Mardenborough, the 20-year-old racer who won the 2011 GT Academy will also join the team alongside this year's GT Academy USA winner, Bryan Heikotter. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan fielding driving team of only GT Academy winners for Dubai 24 Hours

Nissan fielding driving team of only GT Academy winners for Dubai 24 Hours originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of dubai370zdubai 24dubai 24 hoursgran turismogt academynissannissan 370znissan zpolyphony digitalMon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130445/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/nissan-fielding-driving-team-of-only-gt-academy-winners-for-duba/20130445/article-detail.xml 20130445 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nissan-370z-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nissan-370z-628.jpg <![CDATA[Matt Farah drives the Art Morrison 3G 1960 Corvette]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/09/matt-farah-drives-the-art-morrison-3g-1960-corvette/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/09/matt-farah-drives-the-art-morrison-3g-1960-corvette/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/09/matt-farah-drives-the-art-morrison-3g-1960-corvette/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Matt Farah in the Art Morrison Corvette

Five years ago, a gent named Art Morrison won the Gran Turismo Award at SEMA for his 3G Corvette. A come-hither restomod, Morrison had tucked a bucket of modern internals - like his own chassis supporting an aluminum V8 with 538 horsepower and a Viper transmission - under the body of a 1960 Corvette. The prize meant that his car would appear in Playstation's GT5, which it did the following year (as seen at right).

Matt Farrah, in his guise as Mr. Smoking Tire, got the 3G Corvette out of the video game and onto the cambered apexes of Nevada's Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch. What happens after that looks and sounds a lot better than anything you'll see in GT5. Follow the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Matt Farah drives the Art Morrison 3G 1960 Corvette

Matt Farah drives the Art Morrison 3G 1960 Corvette originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1960 corvette3g corvetteart morrisonart morrison 3g corvettecorvettegran turismoGran Turismo 5gt5Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/09/matt-farah-drives-the-art-morrison-3g-1960-corvette/20077217/article-detail.xml 20077217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/farrah3gcorvette_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/farrah3gcorvette.jpg <![CDATA[Maserati teams up with Fendi for special edition GranCabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/maserati-teams-up-with-fendi-for-special-edition-grancabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/maserati-teams-up-with-fendi-for-special-edition-grancabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/maserati-teams-up-with-fendi-for-special-edition-grancabrio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi

The collaboration between fashion houses and automakers is a longstanding tradition. Think Nautica edition Mercury Villager, Eddie Bauer edition Ford Explorer, or most recently, the Gucci edition Fiat 500. Now its big brother Maserati is getting in on the action with the Fendi edition GranCabrio - the droptop known as the GranTurismo Convertible on this side of the Atlantic.

Set to be unveiled next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the GranCabrio Fendi is distinguished by such unique touches as a special dark gray paint with flecks of gold, special leather and wood trim in the cabin, yellow highlights inside and out, a fitted leather luggage set (similar to the set previously offered by rival clothier Salvatore Ferragamo) and the requisite special badges.

The individually-numbered special edition, well-appointed as it looks, is sure to be popular with the affluent boulevard cruiser set in locales ranging from Rodeo Drive to Monte Carlo. We'll have the up-close-and-personal for you live from the Frankfurt show floor, but in the meantime, you can check out the images in the gallery and the full press release after the jump for more details.

Continue reading Maserati teams up with Fendi for special edition GranCabrio

Maserati teams up with Fendi for special edition GranCabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showgran cabriogran turismogran turismo convertiblegrancabriogranturismogranturismo convertiblemaseratimaserati gran cabriomaserati gran cabrio fendimaserati gran turismo convertiblemaserati grancabriomaserati grancabrio fendimaserati granturismo convertibleTue, 23 Aug 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024533/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/maserati-teams-up-with-fendi-for-special-edition-grancabrio/20024533/article-detail.xml 20024533 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webmaserati-fendi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webmaserati-fendi.jpg <![CDATA[BMW considering bringing 5 Series Touring back to U.S., V12 to soldier on with hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/bmw-considering-bringing-5-series-touring-back-to-u-s-v12-to-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/bmw-considering-bringing-5-series-touring-back-to-u-s-v12-to-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/18/bmw-considering-bringing-5-series-touring-back-to-u-s-v12-to-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 BMW 5 Series Touring

The 5 Series Gran Turismo hasn't met its lofty sales expectations in the United States, so BMW is considering bringing the 5 Series Touring back to our shores.

Although nothing is set in stone, Autoblog has learned that the possibility of the wagon making a reappearance on U.S. soil is back on the table. While sales of the 5 Series GT haven't been particularly robust, the model has managed to outsell the previous 5 Series Touring since its arrival last year - this, despite its lukewarm reception and controversial appearance.

We've also been informed that the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 currently fitted to the 760Li won't shuffle off this mortal coil anytime soon. Instead, BMW is considering fitting the massive mill with its ActiveHybrid system to boost fuel economy and performance. We could see this electrically augmented 12-cylinder unit within the next three years in both the 7 Series flagship and future Rolls-Royce vehicles.

BMW considering bringing 5 Series Touring back to U.S., V12 to soldier on with hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5 series gran turismo5 series gt5 series touringbmwbmw 5-seriesbmw wagongran turismowagonThu, 18 Aug 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20020236/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/18/bmw-considering-bringing-5-series-touring-back-to-u-s-v12-to-s/20020236/article-detail.xml 20020236 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/bmw5touring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/bmw5touring.jpg <![CDATA[Superior Black Edition GranTurismo S knows the power of the Dark Side]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/31/andersons-superior-black-edition-granturismo-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/31/andersons-superior-black-edition-granturismo-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/31/andersons-superior-black-edition-granturismo-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Maserati GranTurismo S Superior Black Edition by Anderson Germany

It's hard to make a car as sinister-looking as the Maserati GranTurismo even more so. Maserati itself managed to do that with the GranTurismo MC Stradale, and now Anderson Germany has taken a crack at it with this new blacked-out GranTurismo S.

The aptly named Superior Black Edition swaps elements like the stock hood and mirrors in favor of carbon-fiber replacements, has an interior dressed in ample helpings of carbon and Alcantara, and is wrapped in matte black vinyl that contrasts the glossy 21-inch wheels. A lowered suspension contributeBacking up the evil looks is a massaged version of the GranTurismo's Ferrari-sourced 4.7-liter V8, which now belts out 492 horsepower.

Scope it out in the attached image gallery and read all the details the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Superior Black Edition GranTurismo S knows the power of the Dark Side

Superior Black Edition GranTurismo S knows the power of the Dark Side originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andersonanderson germanygran turismogran turismo sgranturismogranturismo smaseratimaserati gran turismomaserati gran turismo smaserati granturismomaserati granturismo sSun, 31 Jul 2011 17:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20005234/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/31/andersons-superior-black-edition-granturismo-s/20005234/article-detail.xml 20005234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web01-anderson-maserati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web01-anderson-maserati.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Gran Turismo 5</i> creator competing in 24 Hours of Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/gran-turismo-5-creator-competing-in-24-hours-of-nurburgri/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/gran-turismo-5-creator-competing-in-24-hours-of-nurburgri/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/21/gran-turismo-5-creator-competing-in-24-hours-of-nurburgri/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Kazunori YamauchiKazunori Yamauchi, the creator of the Gran Turismo franchise, has jumped back into real-world racing. The mastermind behind one of the most popular racing video game series on the planet recently campaigned a Nissan GT-R in the four-hour Nürburgring VLR alongside Tobias and Michael Shulze and the founder of Opera Performance, Yasuyoshi Yamamoto. The team's car is reportedly the spitting image of the GT500 Stealth GT-R from Gran Turismo 5, and word has it that the four-man team is out to compete in this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours.

Last year, Yamauchi raced a specially-prepared Lexus IS-F in a number of VLN races. His efforts netted his team a class victory in a four-hour race, and GTPlanet reports that the gaming mastermind took home fourth in his class at the 2010 Nuburgring 24 Hours. Look for Yamauchi and his crew in the #71 car when the green flag drops.

That is, so long as the team isn't delayed from arriving until Christmas 2015...

Gran Turismo 5 creator competing in 24 Hours of Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo 5gt-rgt5kazunori yauchinissannissan gt-rnurburgring 24 hoursTue, 21 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19971717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/21/gran-turismo-5-creator-competing-in-24-hours-of-nurburgri/19971717/article-detail.xml 19971717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kazunoriyamauchi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/kazunoriyamauchi.jpg <![CDATA[Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale joins the family portrait]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-joins-the-family-portrait/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-joins-the-family-portrait/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-joins-the-family-portrait/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Maserati lineup
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale joins its family - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Major automakers take note: if you want to see how far your can go with a single platform, look towards small exotic automakers like Maserati or Aston Martin.

Both these rival marques build their entire lineup on a single platform each (with occasional exceptions like the MC12 or One-77, respectively). In Maserati's case, the latest addition is the GranTurismo MC Stradale (known just as the GranTurismo MC on this side of the Atlantic). And to tie the family together, the Modenese automaker has released this video that showcases the MC against a backdrop that also includes the standard GranTurismo coupe, the GranCabrio (known here as the GranTurismo Convertible) and the Quattroporte flagship.

Follow the jump to scope out the footage and start counting those savings bonds.


Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Continue reading Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale joins the family portrait

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale joins the family portrait originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran cabriogran turismogran turismo mcgran turismo mc stradalegrancabriogranturismogranturismo mcgranturismo mc stradalemaseratimaserati gran cabriomaserati gran turismomaserati gran turismo convertiblemaserati gran turismo mcmaserati gran turismo mc stradalemaserati grancabriomaserati granturismomaserati granturismo convertiblemaserati granturismo mcmaserati granturismo mc stradalemaserati quattroportequattroportevideoMon, 02 May 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19929261/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/02/maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-joins-the-family-portrait/19929261/article-detail.xml 19929261 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/maser-vidcap2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/maser-vidcap2.jpg <![CDATA[Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale gets on track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/23/video-maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-gets-on-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/23/video-maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-gets-on-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/23/video-maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-gets-on-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale - Click above for high-res image gallery or click here to watch video

The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is the regular GranTurismo's crude, hairy-chested brother. It's loud, muscle-bound and doesn't make any apologies. With a 450-horsepower version of Maserati's 4.7 liter V8 under the hood, its got the brawn to back up its big talk.

Despite its unruly demeanor and aerodynamic tweaks to the body, the fastest Maserati also manages to be as drop-dead gorgeous as its tamer stablemate. Now, there's video of Maserati's wild child tearing up the race track. The car looks poised and right at home, and sounds like Lucifer's personal symphony at full blast. For the full five-minute immersion, check out the video after the jump.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale


Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale gets on track

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale gets on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011gran turismomaseratimc stradaletrack videoSat, 23 Apr 2011 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19915608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/23/video-maserati-granturismo-mc-stradale-gets-on-track/19915608/article-detail.xml 19915608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/leadmaseratimcstradalelive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/leadmaseratimcstradalelive.jpg <![CDATA[Report: 24 new track logos discovered on Gran Turismo 5 website]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/report-24-new-track-logos-discovered-on-gran-turismo-5-website/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/report-24-new-track-logos-discovered-on-gran-turismo-5-website/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/report-24-new-track-logos-discovered-on-gran-turismo-5-website/#commentsFiled under: ,

gran turismo 5 trailer
Gran-Turismo 5 promo at El Capitan - Click above to watch the video after the jump

There are some truly fanatical Gran Turismo gamers out there. Case in point? GT Planet Gamer Yonis was searching the GT5 website when he unlocked the key to a treasure trove of unused track titles. Yonis reportedly stumbled upon the image directory in a GT5-specific part of the site, and none of the tracks are available on the game.

el capitanOur first thought when we saw the track logos was that the folks at Polyphony Digital could find it in their hearts to offer the tracks at a future update. GT Planet points out that El Capitan was already spotted at the Red Bull "Horse Power" trailer, so we know at least some of these tracks can be on the way to our PS3s. Another possibility is that Polyphony Digital could be saving the tracks for a later pay-for-play add-on to GT5 like the Need for Speed franchise did with the Ferrari Racing Pack for Shift.

Head over to GT Planet to check out all 24 track logos, and you can hit the jump to watch the GT5 trailer with El Capitan one more time.

[Source: GT Planet]

Continue reading Report: 24 new track logos discovered on Gran Turismo 5 website

Report: 24 new track logos discovered on Gran Turismo 5 website originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 track logos gt5el capitangran turismogran turismo 5gt5gt5 tracksplaystation 3racing gamesWed, 13 Apr 2011 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19910565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/13/report-24-new-track-logos-discovered-on-gran-turismo-5-website/19910565/article-detail.xml 19910565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/gt5-el-capitan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/gt5-el-capitan.jpg <![CDATA[GT Academy 'Sweet 16' head to Silverstone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/gt-academy-sweet-16-head-to-silverstone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/gt-academy-sweet-16-head-to-silverstone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/gt-academy-sweet-16-head-to-silverstone/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Of the more than 52,000 contestants who originally entered into the United States version of GT Academy, jointly hosted by Nissan and Sony, just 16 have advanced to the final competition being held in Silverstone in the United Kingdom. The top 32 virtual racers from the four U.S. regions descended on Orlando, Florida this week to go pixel-to-pixel for a spot among the sweet 16. But this is about more than just bragging rights. Those that made it into the final round will face a battery of new challenges, including physical fitness tests and evaluations behind the wheel of real-live race cars.

The top winner will have a shot at becoming a professional race car driver by joining a legitimate team, just like GT Academy Europe winner Lucas Ordonez. As you may recall, Ordonez and his team managed to finish second at the 12 Hours of Sebring with a Signatech Nissan LMP2 racer, and the 25-year-old Spaniard is headed to this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for a shot at taking home the checkers at one of the world's most grueling race events.

Nissan and Sony are currently working up a reality TV show about the GT Academy's U.S. contestants. While the winner will be chosen after the throwdown in Sivlerstone this summer, look for the show to hit the airwaves this fall. Hit the jump for the full list of final contestants.

[Sources: Sony, Nissan, GTPlanet | Image: Zach Bowman/AOL]

Continue reading GT Academy 'Sweet 16' head to Silverstone

GT Academy 'Sweet 16' head to Silverstone originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo 5gt academygt academy finalistsnissaplaystationplaystation 3silverstonesonyus gt academyThu, 24 Mar 2011 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19890411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/24/gt-academy-sweet-16-head-to-silverstone/19890411/article-detail.xml 19890411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gt-academy-winners-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gt-academy-winners-630.jpg <![CDATA[GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoñez races Nissan-powered LMP2 car at Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/19/gt-academy-winner-lucas-ordonez-races-nissan-powered-lmp2-car-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/19/gt-academy-winner-lucas-ordonez-races-nissan-powered-lmp2-car-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/19/gt-academy-winner-lucas-ordonez-races-nissan-powered-lmp2-car-at/#commentsLucas Ordoñez
Lucas Ordoñez - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lucas Ordoñez, the Spaniard who won the inaugural Nissan GT Academy, is racing in the 12 Hours of Sebring today in Sebring, Florida. Ordoñez is at the wheel of a Nissan-powered LMP2 machine entered by Signatech.

This is Ordoñez's first trip to the big time, and won't be his last, with a full LeMans Cup schedule ahead of him this year, including the 24 Hours of LeMans in June. After singling himself out of a field of 25,000 GT Academy contestants, Ordoñez's first race was at the 2009 Dubai 24 Hours, where he drove a Nissan 350Z.

This may not be Ordoñez's first endurance racing rodeo, but LMP2 is a completely different beast than GT cars. We'll keep you updated on his status.


Gallery: Nissan GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoñez

Nissan GT Academy winner Lucas OrdoñezNissan GT Academy winner Lucas OrdoñezNissan GT Academy winner Lucas OrdoñezNissan GT Academy winner Lucas OrdoñezNissan GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoñez

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoñez races Nissan-powered LMP2 car at Sebring

GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoñez races Nissan-powered LMP2 car at Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismolucas ordoneznissannissan gt academysebringSat, 19 Mar 2011 13:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19885015/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/19/gt-academy-winner-lucas-ordonez-races-nissan-powered-lmp2-car-at/19885015/article-detail.xml 19885015 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/nissansebringlucas04mi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/nissansebringlucas04mi.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2011: Maserati GranCabrio Sport drops its top and boosts its power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-maserati-grancabrio-sport-drops-its-top-and-boosts/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-maserati-grancabrio-sport-drops-its-top-and-boosts/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-maserati-grancabrio-sport-drops-its-top-and-boosts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Maserati GranCabrio Sport: Geneva 2011
2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Maserati has just unveiled the 2011 Gran Cabrio Sport at the Geneva Motor Show, and it looks better in the flesh than even re-touched press photos could have promised. Maserati is aiming the Gran Cabrio Sport squarely at giving its droptop GT a little more performance cred.

The blacked-out tailpipes and wheels draw attention to the idea that this thing is meant for more than just posing. Inside, Maserati hammer home the car's purpose even harder, with carbon fiber dashboard trim and shifter paddles. All those touches do a good job making this car look fast, but Maserati made sure the car goes as well as it looks.

To that end, they upgraded the standard car's six-speed paddle-shifted transmission for even quicker gear changes. The ZF-sourced gearbox gets spun by a 450-horsepower version of Maserati's top-dog 4.7-liter V8. Maserati has also firmed up the car's Skyhood active suspension and thrown in bigger brakes to keep everything from going awry. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Maserati GranCabrio Sport: Geneva 2011


Gallery: Maserati GranCabrio Sport


Live photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Maserati GranCabrio Sport drops its top and boosts its power

Geneva 2011: Maserati GranCabrio Sport drops its top and boosts its power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 geneva motor showgenevageneva 2011geneva motor showgran cabriogran turismograncabriomaseratimaserati gran cabriomaserati gran cabrio sportmaserati gran turismo convertible sportmaserati grancabriomaserati grancabrio sportmaserati granturismo convertible sportWed, 02 Mar 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19863538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-maserati-grancabrio-sport-drops-its-top-and-boosts/19863538/article-detail.xml 19863538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/desat-grancabrio-sportlive-14-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/desat-grancabrio-sportlive-14-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW planning 1 Series GT?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/bmw-planning-1-series-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/bmw-planning-1-series-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/bmw-planning-1-series-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW 1 Series GT

BMW is serious about its genre-bending multi-purpose vehicles. Proof of such can be seen in vehicles such as the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo, both of which were designed to offer something that fits in between a standard wagon and another carbon-copy crossover.

It appears BMW may be thinking of downsizing the trend with a not-a-wagon, not-an-X1 version of its 1 Series that would slot in below the expected 3 Series GT. For those keeping track, such a strategy means that BMW could potentially offer its 1, 3 and 5 Series nameplates in sedan, wagon (or hatchback), crossover (X-series) and Gran Turismo styles, not to mention a range of coupes. And don't forget that BMW is also moving its Mini brand up in size a few notches, most recently with the Countryman.

The 1 Series GT (which may or may not be pictured above, an image that reportedly came from an unknown UK magazine...) would almost surely be front-wheel drive, as the German automaker is known to be working on such an architecture for its smallest, entry-level models and it would offer the most efficient use of space. All-wheel drive could potentially be offered as an option, as the platform is expected to support such an arrangement.

Yes, BMW's rumored lineup clearly leaves lots of room to offer something for just about any - and we do mean any - potential buyer.

[Source: German Car Forum]

BMW planning 1 Series GT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series1 series gran turismo1 series gtbmwbmw mpvgran turismoWed, 26 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19816794/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/26/bmw-planning-1-series-gt/19816794/article-detail.xml 19816794 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/bmw-1-series-gt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/bmw-1-series-gt.jpg <![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 gets big 608MB patch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/gran-turismo-5-gets-big-608mb-patch/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/gran-turismo-5-gets-big-608mb-patch/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/gran-turismo-5-gets-big-608mb-patch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gran Turismo 5 patch

Getting ready to fire up Gran Turismo 5 this morning? Polyphony Digital would like you to wait a few moments, because there is a patch that needs to be downloaded... and it's 608 megabytes. Don't fret though, According to Eurogamer, this update brings a few new interesting features:

- Seasonal Events: Fresh racing events that allow GT5 users to compete against each other to win rewards and experience points. Leader boards will allow you to see where you stand compared to the rest of the world.

- Online Car Dealer: A new dealer lot that will focus on popular and rare used cars. This is a nice change of pace from the constant stream of odd JDM Civics and Subaru 360s that seem to wind up in our Used Car lot.

- Online Race Rewards and Experience: Just like it sounds... this adds rewards and experience points for races won in online competitions.

- Mechanical Damage: It was made available for online races but has now made its way to the offline races as well.

- HUD: You can disable the HUD display for a full-screen view of the action.

- Improved Rewards: The rewards for certain challenges, such as the AMG Driving Experience, have been increased.

- GT Academy officially launches as of 12/20/2010

We are still learning more with regards to what exactly is included in this mega-update, but word on the virtual street is that this ought to be a solid early Christmas present for Gran Turismo 5 fans.

[Source: EuroGamer.net]

Gran Turismo 5 gets big 608MB patch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo 5gran turismo 5 updategt5gt5 updateplaystation 3polyphony digitalps3Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19770307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/20/gran-turismo-5-gets-big-608mb-patch/19770307/article-detail.xml 19770307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/gt5-band-aid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/gt5-band-aid.jpg <![CDATA[How to build your own hidden racing sim setup and keep your wife happy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/how-to-build-your-own-hidden-racing-sim-setup-and-keep-your-wife/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/how-to-build-your-own-hidden-racing-sim-setup-and-keep-your-wife/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/how-to-build-your-own-hidden-racing-sim-setup-and-keep-your-wife/#commentsFiled under: ,

DIY Racing Cockpit Ottoman
DIY Racing Cockpit Ottoman - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two things have prevented us from installing a full-blown racing-wheel, pedals and seat in our living room for the likes of Gran Turismo 5 - the aggravation of having the hardware soak up space in the living room and the threat of endangering hard-earned household peace accords for such a folly. One enterprising soul over at OverClockers has come up with the perfect solution by genetically splicing attractive furniture and functional gaming hardware into one vastly superior being. Using a little MDF and some excellent upholstery work, user Lyshco has managed to create a racing cockpit that's a little larger than your run-of-the-mill F1 throne, and he's done so without shelling out nearly $7,000 for a convertible coffee table.

The trick is that the whole kit-and-caboodle folds up into a very attractive ottoman when not in use, saving everyone's eyes from having to suffer through staring at the evidence of our dweeby past time. It turns out that old gem about necessity's momma turns out to be true. Thanks for the tip, Bloop!


Gallery: Racing Wheel Ottoman


[Source: OverClockers]

How to build your own hidden racing sim setup and keep your wife happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DIYdo it yourselfgran turismogran turismo 5logitechottomanOverClockersracing simracing simulatorMon, 06 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19747730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/06/how-to-build-your-own-hidden-racing-sim-setup-and-keep-your-wife/19747730/article-detail.xml 19747730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-otto-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-otto-630.jpg -1 2