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[Mitsubishi confirms pair of MiEV Evolution II electric racecars for Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Preparing for next month's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Mitsubishi - the presenting sponsor of this year's PPIHC - has unveiled its entrant for the race: the all-electric MiEV Evolution II. Building off last year's MiEV-inspired entrant, the Evolution II has received numerous improvements, including a more powerful electric drive system, a lower center of gravity and even a more traditional racecar look. Driving a pair of MiEV Evolution II models this year will be Hiroshi Masuoka from Mitsubishi vehicle development and six-time PPIHC motorcycle winner, Greg Tracy.

Both MiEV Evolution II racers employ a quartet of electric motors (last year's car used just three), and output has been increased from 280 kilowatts (375 horsepower) up to 400 KW (536 hp). For improved handling, the cars' lithium-ion battery packs help provide lower centers of gravity, and both Masuoka's and Tracy's cars have received active yaw control, stability control and redesigned anti-lock braking systems. Hopefully, this will help them stick to the mountain better. As previously mentioned, even their look has changed, with less of a wide-body i-MiEV feel and more of a racecar appearance. We think the finished product would actually make for a pretty cool Le Mans Prototype racer, or perhaps an electrically powered rival for trackday cars like those from Radical.

Mitsubishi confirms pair of MiEV Evolution II electric racecars for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric racecargreg tracyhill climbhiroshi masuokamitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi i mievmitsubishi miev evolution iipikes peakpikes peek international hill climbFri, 17 May 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/20572404/article-detail.xml 20572404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-miev-evolution-ii-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-miev-evolution-ii-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota TMG EV P002 on Pikes Peak

The 91st running of the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb is scheduled to begin on June 30. Like last year's event, the 12.42 mile course - fully paved these days - starts at 9,390 feet elevation and doesn't stop climbing until it reaches an impressive 14,110 feet (the air is so thin up there that the FAA requires pilots to use oxygen at that altitude).

There will be an assortment of internal combustion machines racing to the summit, entries from France, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Sweden, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Belgium, but all eyes will be on the electric showdown between Rod Millen and Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima, from Japan. 61-year-old Millen is a familiar name to Toyota racing fans, and he will be driving the Toyota TMG EV P002 (it won the Electric title last year), while Tajima will be again piloting the Monster Sport E-Runner (which was forced out of the field last year after a fire broke out).

Other entrants include Rhys Millen driving a 2013 Hyundai PM58OT and Paul Dallenbach, who will be driving Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe (it set the all-time speed mark last year).

Tickets and camping permits may be purchased online at the PPIHC official site, and the official press release announcing Millen's run is available below.

Continue reading Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Rod Millen to face Monster Tajima in Electric Division of Pikes Peak Hill Climb originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carhill climbpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbrhys millenrod millentmg ev p002toyotaMon, 11 Feb 2013 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20457134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/rod-millen-to-face-monster-tajima-in-electric-division-of-pikes/20457134/article-detail.xml 20457134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ev-p002_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/toyota-ev-p002.jpg <![CDATA[Ducati and Audi team up to attack Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/ducati-and-audi-team-up-to-attack-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/ducati-and-audi-team-up-to-attack-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/ducati-and-audi-team-up-to-attack-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi/Ducati tandem climb.

Audi and Ducati. Two powerhouses in their respective realms, and as of recently the motorcycle brand belongs to Audi AG as part of Lamborghini. Inspired, perhaps, by the freshly forged relationship between he two companies, Audi has decided to examine how much the two share in their pursuit of glory at Pikes Peak by taking it on in tandem.

Of course, cameras were in place to capture the action as the hill-climb-ready RS5 and Ducati Mulitstrada took on all 12.42 miles and 156 tuns of the climb together. The stupendously high production value allows the you to take in the new, fully-paved course in all its glory.

You can watch the full 14,110-foot dual ascent below.

Continue reading Ducati and Audi team up to attack Pikes Peak

Ducati and Audi team up to attack Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi rs5audihill climbpikes peakrs5Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/11/ducati-and-audi-team-up-to-attack-pikes-peak/20298650/article-detail.xml 20298650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/untitled-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/untitled-1.jpg <![CDATA[Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi RS5 Pikes Peak Hill Climb car Facebook teaser shot

Audi has released a teaser shot of its entrant in the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb on its Facebook page. The teaser of the menacing coupe is also accompanied by a nice little video of Audi's past dominance. It's a nice refresher going into this weekend's hill climb, which was postponed by wildfires.

The first Audi entrant in the Hill Climb was in 1984, with Michele Mouton piloting an Audi Sport Quattro. Mouton won the even in 1985, and was unseated by Bobby Unser in 1986 in an Audi Sport Quattro S1. The S1 featured a turbocharged five-cylinder making 600 horsepower

From what we can tell from this shadowy shot, this RS5 has the gaping grill and lower valences typical of a vehicle wearing the Four Rings and an RS badge. At this angle, it looks similar to the RS5 that you can get from a dealer. The stock RS5 makes 450 horsepower from the brand's venerable 4.2-liter V8. Chances are this hill-climber will be putting out much more than that, though. We'll know for sure when it competes in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb on August 12, but while you're waiting, you can check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video]

Audi teases RS5 Pikes Peak Hill climb entrant [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 audi rs5a5audihill climbpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill cimbquattrors5s5videoTue, 07 Aug 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/07/audi-teases-rs5-pikes-peak-hill-climb-entrant-w-video/20294413/article-detail.xml 20294413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-rs5-pikes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/audi-rs5-pikes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Audi S1 Group B racer tear up the Kyustendil Hillclimb]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Bulgarian tuner Prospeed has built a replica of Audi's fabled S1 World Rally Championship mauler out of a garden-variety Audi Coupe, and it's a convincing-looking beast. Helping in its bid for authenticity is genuine Group B horsepower: 800 ponies, to be exact. It won the Bulgarian Hillclimb Championship last year, and it recently ran up an incline at the Kyustendil Hillclimb, part of this year's championship series.

The list of modifications made to the donor car are intense, and so is the sound of the final product, singing like a crazed goldfinch as driver Nikolay Zlatkov races to the top of the hill. You can have a watch - and a listen - in the video below.

Continue reading Watch this Audi S1 Group B racer tear up the Kyustendil Hillclimb

Watch this Audi S1 Group B racer tear up the Kyustendil Hillclimb originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi coupeaudi s1bulgariagroup bgruppe bhill climbhillclimbkyustendilkyustendil hillclimbnikolay zlatkovprospeedquattros1videoFri, 27 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/27/watch-this-audi-s1-group-b-racer-tear-up-the-kyustendil-hillclim/20287888/article-detail.xml 20287888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/prospeeds1bulgaria_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/prospeeds1bulgaria.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb rescheduled for August 12]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/#commentsFiled under:

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb - GoPro Suzuki takes the checkered flag

The organizers behind the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have rescheduled the race event for August 12 in the wake of extensive wildfires in the Colorado Springs area. The competition's 90th annual event was initially slated to take place on July 8, but the massive Waldo Canyon fire forced a postponement due to safety concerns. Organizers say the full week's worth events will remain on the schedule, including the Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs. Despite the shift on the calendar, 21 of the 31 top drivers have already committed to making the event.

Organizers reportedly originally looked into dates as late as early September, but opted for August 7 to avoid conflicts with football, school openings and other events scheduled for the Pikes Peak area. Expect to see qualifying and practice runs start as early as August 8, while the official race gets going on Sunday, August 12.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb rescheduled for August 12 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorado springshill climbpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbpikes peak rescheduledppihcrescheduledwaldo canyon firewildfireFri, 06 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272882/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/06/pikes-peak-hill-climb-rescheduled-for-august-12/20272882/article-detail.xml 20272882 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/pikes-peak-international-hill-climb-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Nissan Leaf set a record up Goodwood... backwards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



There's more than one way to set a record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Just ask Nissan. The automaker took to the hill climb this year with its electric Leaf and actually managed to capture a spot in the record books with a unique stunt.

Terry Grant jumped behind the wheel of the EV for a sprint up the course... in reverse. Surprisingly enough, Grant kept the battery-powered hatchback pointed in the correct direction, and even managed to snag an impressive time of just 1 minute and 57 seconds from the start line to the checkered flag.

Of course, the Leaf required a little bit of modification in order to pull off the feat. Engineers removed the reverse speed limiter, allowing the vehicle to theoretically travel as fast in reverse as it does going forward. Looks like fun, but something tells us it couldn't hold a candle to the Lincoln Town Car that showed up in the Car and Driver backwards lap competition. Check out a few videos of the run below.

Continue reading Watch this Nissan Leaf set a record up Goodwood... backwards

Watch this Nissan Leaf set a record up Goodwood... backwards originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>goodwoodgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood hill climbhill climbnissan leafterry grantvideoMon, 02 Jul 2012 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/watch-this-nissan-leaf-set-a-record-up-goodwood-backwards/20270468/article-detail.xml 20270468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/leafvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/leafvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution - front three-quarter view

No, that's not a Mitsubishi i-MiEV in a fat suit, it's the automaker's brand-new all-electric race car, and it's set to take on the 2012 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in July. This isn't the first time we've seen an EV enter the Pike's Peak challenge - Nissan commissioned a Leaf for battle last year, a car that set the bar for all future electric racers.

Mitsubishi says that its race car, dubbed i-MiEV Evolution, uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the standard, bean-shaped electric car that we haven't quite grown to love. Aside from the additional bodywork, the chassis has clearly been lengthened and widened, and the race car now uses an all-wheel-drive configuration rather than the rear-wheel drive of the standard i-MiEV.

To give you an idea of just how big the racer is, a quick glance of Mitsubishi's specs show that the i-MiEV Evolution's dimensions are within a few inches of the stock Lancer Evolution. We wouldn't be surprised if the all-wheel-drive system was sourced from the Lancer, as well.

Mitsubishi will also be bringing two more of its EVs to the Pike's Peak event, including an i that has been updated with a more aerodynamic front bumper and new safety equipment, as well as a bone stock model. Scroll down for the official press blast.

Continue reading Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi previews bonkers i-MiEV Evolution for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbii-mievi-miev evolutionmitsubishipikes peakpikes peak international hill climbFri, 18 May 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240742/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/mitsubishi-previews-bonkers-i-miev-evolution-for-pikes-peak/20240742/article-detail.xml 20240742 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/67821mit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tim Cameron's ShowTime is our kind of commuter car for the apocalypse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tim Cameron ShowTime buggy

It's amazing what a little good old-fashioned ingenuity can create. Well, that and about 200 feet of thick steel tubing, 16-inch Fox coil-over suspenders, an LSX 454 crate engine from General Motors hooked to a Powerglide automatic transmission, and a custom-built pair of axles and a set of four 43-inch tires...

Of course, none of those components would do a lick of good if it weren't for a talented builder and driver, and Tim Cameron apparently is both. Cameron has been building this unique type of rock-climbing off-road buggy for years, and his latest creation, which is called ShowTime, is his most impressive yet.

There aren't many obstacles that can't be tackled when you've got endless supplies of horsepower and articulation, even if traction is limited. That point will be driven home if you check out the video after the break, which is a compilation of tricky situations ably conquered by Cameron and his ShowTime rig. Well, almost all of them were conquered... See for yourself.

Continue reading Tim Cameron's ShowTime is our kind of commuter car for the apocalypse

Tim Cameron's ShowTime is our kind of commuter car for the apocalypse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climboff-road buggyrock bouncerock bounce rigshowtimeshowtime buggytim cameronyoutube heroWed, 11 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146686/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/tim-camerons-showtime-is-our-kind-of-commuter-car-for-the-apoca/20146686/article-detail.xml 20146686 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/tim-cameron-showtime_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/tim-cameron-showtime.jpg <![CDATA[Pikes Peak Hill Climb contemplating expansion to two-day event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

2012 will be the first year that the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held on an entirely paved road, and while many who have long been involved with the event are bemoaning the loss of the gravel sections, the full tarmac course has piqued interest in the race. In fact, event organizers are considering adding a second race day for 2013. This time last year only 46 racers has expressed interest in participating in the event, but that number is already up to 170 for next year's race.

"The interest is astronomical compared to last year," says Tom Osborne, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb board chairman. "We're seeing all kinds of unique new cars." Osborne says that the race will likely have to hold a qualifying for 2012 to limit the number of entries into each class.

While you can count us in the group that will miss the gravel, we're duly excited to see what sort of new cars show up to Pikes Peak in the next several years.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb contemplating expansion to two-day event originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hill climbhillclimbpikes peakpikes peak hill climbpikes peak international hill climbrace to the cloudsMon, 26 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/26/pikes-peak-hill-climb-contemplating-expansion-to-two-day-event/20132286/article-detail.xml 20132286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/pikes-peak-hill-climb-1324417559_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/pikes-peak-hill-climb-1324417559.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this vintage Porsche 911 channel its Dakar roots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Porsche 911 hillclimb

We've grown accustomed to seeing all manner of modified machinery power through the sand in an attempt to get to the top of a hill. We're even used to seeing vintage German machinery do the deed... that is, if you count sand rails and buggies built using air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle bits and pieces.

What we're not generally prepared for, however, is a Porsche 911 - considered by many to be the quintessential road-going sports car - joining the motocross bikes, Jeeps and other various four-wheelers at the hill climb. Except for perhaps one place: Dakar. Porsche won the event with a 911 in 1984 and then again in 1986 with the legendary 959.

So, vintage Porsche 911s are clearly up to snuff when it comes to traversing the dunes, so long as they are properly modified to do so. We have no idea what modifications the owner of the 911 has performed other than a cool set of driving lights, but we do know that he made it to the top of a pretty gnarly looking hill.

Watch it go up and back down again the video after the break.

Continue reading Watch this vintage Porsche 911 channel its Dakar roots

Watch this vintage Porsche 911 channel its Dakar roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911959dakarhill climbhillclimbOcotillo Wellsporscheporsche 911 hill climbshell reefWed, 07 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123124/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/watch-this-vintage-porsche-911-channel-its-dakar-roots/20123124/article-detail.xml 20123124 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche-911-hillclimb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/porsche-911-hillclimb.jpg <![CDATA[Kenneth Moen drifts a hillclimb with his bonkers Toyota Supra turbo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/kenneth-moen-drifts-a-hillclimb-with-his-bonkers-toyota-supra-tu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/kenneth-moen-drifts-a-hillclimb-with-his-bonkers-toyota-supra-tu/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/kenneth-moen-drifts-a-hillclimb-with-his-bonkers-toyota-supra-tu/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Kenneth Moen drift hillclimb

Nothing incinerates a perfectly good set of tires better than a drift car. And no drift car makes as much smoke as Kenneth Moen's turbocharged Toyota Supra. Yes, Ken Block turns out some great videos with high production values and plenty of tail-wagging craziness... but wait 'til you get a load of this.

Moen pointed his battle-scarred Supra in the general direction of 'up' at the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena in Lillehammer, Norway, a facility you may recall from the 1994 Winter Olympics. Smoke-filled antics ensued, and it was all captured on video for your viewing pleasure.

If you fancy yourself a fan of drifting insanity, do yourself a favor and watch the video after the break.

Continue reading Kenneth Moen drifts a hillclimb with his bonkers Toyota Supra turbo

Kenneth Moen drifts a hillclimb with his bonkers Toyota Supra turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftdriftinghill climbhillclimbhillclimb driftkenneth moenlillehammernorwaysupratoyota supravideoFri, 14 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20082010/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/kenneth-moen-drifts-a-hillclimb-with-his-bonkers-toyota-supra-tu/20082010/article-detail.xml 20082010 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/moen-drift-norway_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/moen-drift-norway.jpg <![CDATA[Sand hill climb accident is the longest, most deliberate crash ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/sand-hill-climb-accident-is-the-longest-most-deliberate-crash-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/sand-hill-climb-accident-is-the-longest-most-deliberate-crash-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/sand-hill-climb-accident-is-the-longest-most-deliberate-crash-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sand Rail Crash in the UAE

If you've ever found yourself in a vehicle accident, chances are it felt like all of the crashing and banging lasted forever. The human mind has a nasty habit of prolonging the unpleasant even when actual events take just a few seconds. That's not the case with the crash in the video after the jump. A driver at the Tal Mireb sand hill climb in the United Arab Emirates lost control of his racer while near the top of the course and wound up slowly and painfully rolling his way back down the dunes one flip at a time.

Despite the racer's roll cage succumbing frighteningly to multiple, repeated impacts, the driver apparently managed to walk away from the disaster with nothing more than a bruised ego and a bashed hill climb vehicle. That's what we call very, very lucky. Hit the jump to check out the protracted and cringeworthy crash for yourself.

Continue reading Sand hill climb accident is the longest, most deliberate crash ever

Sand hill climb accident is the longest, most deliberate crash ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash videodune buggyhill climbsand hill climbsand hill climb crash videoTal Mirebuaeunited arab emiratesvideoMon, 10 Oct 2011 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20078175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/10/sand-hill-climb-accident-is-the-longest-most-deliberate-crash-e/20078175/article-detail.xml 20078175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sand-rail-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sand-rail-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a Freightliner semi truck race up Mt. Washington]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/watch-a-freightliner-semi-truck-race-up-mt-washington/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/watch-a-freightliner-semi-truck-race-up-mt-washington/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/watch-a-freightliner-semi-truck-race-up-mt-washington/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mike Ryan's Gulf Freightliner
Mike Ryan at the 2011 Climb to the Clouds - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you haven't figured it out by now, Mike Ryan is our kind of crazy. The guy helms a 2008 Freightliner Cascadia that's draped in the hallowed Gulf livery and rocking more than 3,400 pound-feet of torque. There's also 1,950 horsepower on hand, which is good enough to shoot the 10,000-pound road tractor up some of the most challenging hill climb events in the world. It does pretty impressive burnouts, too. This year, Ryan turned the big chrome grille of his beast toward the finish line of the Mount Washington Climb to the Clouds and he was kind enough to strap a few cameras to his rig on the way up.

As a result, we can all ride along with Ryan as he threads the big Freightliner up the meandering asphalt and dirt track to the top of the mountain. The drive is an absolute trip, especially considering that the Freightliner took to the course in the wet. The video after the jump is a bit campy in the beginning, so feel free to skip ahead to around 1:46 to get to the real thrills.

Continue reading Watch a Freightliner semi truck race up Mt. Washington

Watch a Freightliner semi truck race up Mt. Washington originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climb to the cloudsFreightliner Cascadiahill climbmike ryanmike ryan hill climbmount washingtonmount washington climb to the cloudsThu, 07 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19985373/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/07/watch-a-freightliner-semi-truck-race-up-mt-washington/19985373/article-detail.xml 19985373 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mike-ryan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mike-ryan-630.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/#commentsFiled under:

Chip Yates finishes Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on electric motorcycle
Chip Yates crosses finish at Pikes Peak - Click above to watch video after the jump

This past weekend, Chip Yates checked off "make an amazing run up Pikes Peak" from his list of things to do to demonstrate the potential of electric-powered transportation. Coming second in the Exhibition Powersport class, his time of 12:50.094 bests the first-ever electric motorcycle effort made last year by over four minutes.

The run would no doubt have been more impressive had it not been for the 2.6-mile stretch of unpaved road. The bike went from hanging with the top ten to dropping just inside the top 100 on the dirt section. Overall, Yates finished in 30th place.

One thing is for sure, the 240-horsepower bike has crazy acceleration when it has clean pavement beneath it, and Chip says he's gunning for a top 10 or better result when he gives it a go on next year's completely paved surface. Hit the jump for the full run and enjoy the sound of the UQM motor's sweet electric music winding out up the mountain.

Continue reading Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak

Watch Chip Yates blow away electric motorcycle record at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chip yateselectric motorcycleelectric motorcycle racinghill climbpikes peakppihcuqmThu, 30 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980360/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/30/watch-chip-yates-blow-away-electric-motorcycle-record-at-pikes-p/19980360/article-detail.xml 19980360 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/chip-yates-pikes-peak-finish-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/chip-yates-pikes-peak-finish-630.jpg <![CDATA[Dave Higgins smashes Mt. Washington Auto Road hillclimb record by 30 seconds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

David Higgins
David Higgins at the 2011 Mt. Washington Climb to the Clouds - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb may get all of the mountain-climbing attention this time of year, but it's far from the only game of the season. Heck, it's not even the only game of the weekend. Mount Washington plays host to the Climb to the Clouds, and this weekend, it saw the event's record fall to none other than David Higgins, who set a new best time of 6:11.54 from behind the wheel of his Subaru WRX STI rally car. That's nearly eight seconds quicker than his first run, which snagged him a time of 6:19, which was record-setting in-and-of-itself. Frank Sprongl set the old quickest time of 6:41.99 way back in 1998.

The Climb to the Clouds snakes up 7.6 miles of the Mount Washington Auto Road with patches of asphalt and gravel along the way. All told, drivers and their machines must climb all the way to the summit at 6,288 feet above sea level.

Dave Higgins smashes Mt. Washington Auto Road hillclimb record by 30 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climb to the cloudsclimb to the clouds recorddavid higginshill climbhillclimbmount washingtonmt washington auto roadmt washington climb to the cloudssubarusubaru wrx stiwrx stiMon, 27 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/27/dave-higgins-smashes-mt-washington-auto-road-record-by-30-secon/19977398/article-detail.xml 19977398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/david-higgins-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/david-higgins-630.jpg <![CDATA[Monster Tajima smashes 10-minute mark at Pikes Peak, ascends in 9:51.278]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/#commentsFiled under:

Pikes Peak Unlimited class results
Monster Tajima sets new record at Pikes Peak - Watch video after the jump

Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima has accomplished his goal of ascending Pikes Peak in under 10 minutes. As shown on the official Pikes Peak Timing page, Tajima obliterated his old record of 10:01.408, taking his Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special up Pikes Peak in 9:51.278. Video of Tajima's record run and post-race interview at the summit is posted after the jump.

Our man Jeff Glucker is at Pikes Peak and he'll have complete coverage later on. For now, however, know that Monster Tajima has done it, setting a new record as he battled an overheating engine, no less. More to come later - there's still a lot of racing to go this afternoon.

Continue reading Monster Tajima smashes 10-minute mark at Pikes Peak, ascends in 9:51.278

Monster Tajima smashes 10-minute mark at Pikes Peak, ascends in 9:51.278 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-minute markbreakinghill climbmonster tajimapikes peakSun, 26 Jun 2011 16:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976877/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/26/monster-tajima-smashes-10-minute-mark-at-pikes-peak-ascends-in/19976877/article-detail.xml 19976877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-pikes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tajima-pikes.jpg <![CDATA[Banks-powered, Dallenbach-driven Pikes Peak entrant starts testing on the mountain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/banks-powered-dallenbach-driven-pikes-peak-entrant-starts-testi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/banks-powered-dallenbach-driven-pikes-peak-entrant-starts-testi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/banks-powered-dallenbach-driven-pikes-peak-entrant-starts-testi/#commentsFiled under: ,

Paul Dallenbach at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb qualifying
Paul Dallenbach at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb qualifying - Click above to watch video after the jump

Paul Dallenbach and the minds at Banks Power have been so kind as to slide the interwebs a quick taste of what to expect from the team at this year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Dallenback took his Banks-powered machine on two qualifying runs up the mountain and strapped a few cameras on board to sample the action. Let's just say that the 1,307-horsepower twin-turbocharged beast moves about as quick as you'd expect.

As you may recall, this brute was delivering just 745 ponies last year. Dallenbach spends some time explaining just how the extra grunt has changed how he drives the machine by pointing out the few areas that allow for full-throttle acceleration.

This racer is one of a handful competing in the wild unlimited class at the hill climb. Rhys Millen and rival Nobuhiro Tajima are also squaring off in the no-holds barred category in an attempt to finally break the 10-minute mark in the sprint up the mountain. This year's going to be a good one. Hit the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Banks-powered, Dallenbach-driven Pikes Peak entrant starts testing on the mountain

Banks-powered, Dallenbach-driven Pikes Peak entrant starts testing on the mountain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banks powerhill climbpaul dallenbachpikes peakpikes peak international hill climbvideoMon, 13 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19965429/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/banks-powered-dallenbach-driven-pikes-peak-entrant-starts-testi/19965429/article-detail.xml 19965429 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/dallenbach_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/dallenbach.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen walks us through the updated Hyundai-powered RMR PM580 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/rhys-millen-walks-us-through-the-updated-hyundai-powered-rmr-pm5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/rhys-millen-walks-us-through-the-updated-hyundai-powered-rmr-pm5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/rhys-millen-walks-us-through-the-updated-hyundai-powered-rmr-pm5/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 RMR Hyundai PM580
RMR Hyundai PM580 In Detail - Click above for high-res image gallery

The RMR PM580 looks like a Le Mans Prototype car, sounds like a jet fighter that's been possessed by a demon and will run from 20-130 miles per hour in six seconds. Even sitting on jack stands, with its front and rear covers off, the PM580 looks intimidating. Walking up to the car as it rests in the shade of an outstretched RV awning, we're hit with a sense of awe and wonder. Could this be the first car to make the Pikes Peak run in less than ten minutes?

According to its driver Rhys Millen, "If the weather cooperates, I guarantee we will break the record."

A bold statement, but after getting a look at the car and chatting with Rhys, we're inclined to agree. Keep reading to find out why.

Continue reading Rhys Millen walks us through the updated Hyundai-powered RMR PM580 [w/video]

Rhys Millen walks us through the updated Hyundai-powered RMR PM580 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhill climbhyundaipikes peakpikes peak international hill climbpm580rhys millenrhys millen racingrmr pm580videoTue, 07 Jun 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19951536/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/07/rhys-millen-walks-us-through-the-updated-hyundai-powered-rmr-pm5/19951536/article-detail.xml 19951536 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/rmr-hyundai-pm580-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/rmr-hyundai-pm580-test.jpg <![CDATA[Dacia Duster teased preparing for Pikes Peak assault]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/dacia-duster-teased-preparing-for-pikes-peak-assault/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/dacia-duster-teased-preparing-for-pikes-peak-assault/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/dacia-duster-teased-preparing-for-pikes-peak-assault/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dacia Duster Pikes Peak racer
Dacia Duster Pikes Peak racer - Click above for image gallery

North American audiences may not be familiar with the name Dacia. It's Renault's Romanian budget brand, and a particular favorite of Top Gear's James May. But beyond its no-frills road cars, Dacia has also followed its parent company's lead in establishing a name for itself in motorsport competition. And that fighting spirit is about to come to American shores - or hilltops, anyway.

As we reported back in January, Dacia is preparing a version of its Duster crossover for full assault on Pikes Peak. The Duster is the racer which four-time F1 champion Alain Prost drives in the Andros Trophy, a French ice-racing series, but in a bit of a twist, the project is reportedly being piloted by Prost's main rival, Jean-Phillipe Dayraut, who drives a BMW 1 Series in the Andros Trophy. (Imagine Lewis Hamilton going to Le Mans in a Ferrari and you'll see what we mean.)

With the car set to debut in testing on June 5 ahead of the June 26 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Dayraut has released a handful of images showing his new machine being built and wind tunnel tested. And it looks like quite the beast, with giant spoilers front and rear. As for what is powering the Monster-challenging monster, rumor is it's based on the Nissan GT-R's twin-turbo V6 - the companies are allied, after all - tuned by Renaultsport. Whatever it is, it's said to pack 850 horsepower, making this one very serious contender to break the elusive ten-minute mark come one month from now.

Dacia Duster teased preparing for Pikes Peak assault originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia dusterdayrautdusterhill climbhillclimbjean phillipe dayrautjean-phillipe dayrautpikes peakThu, 19 May 2011 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19945009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/19/dacia-duster-teased-preparing-for-pikes-peak-assault/19945009/article-detail.xml 19945009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-dacia-duster-pikes-peak-special-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-dacia-duster-pikes-peak-special-1.jpg -1 2