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[Fiat co-opts Jeep tagline for new Panda campaign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/fiat-co-opts-jeep-tagline-for-new-panda-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/fiat-co-opts-jeep-tagline-for-new-panda-campaign/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/fiat-co-opts-jeep-tagline-for-new-panda-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Recognize that tag line? It was used in the first ad for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 90-second spot devoted to resetting our image of Jeep and, subtly, America itself. Chrysler parent Fiat evidently thinks so much of the tagline that they've taken it to Italy for use in the ad campaign for the 2012 Fiat Panda.

Italy's had a tough time of late: just as it was trying to get Berlusconi and his "bunga bunga" in the rearview, its debt crisis went from 'critical' to 'euro-zone threatening,' austerity measures led to social and labor unrest, and now comes the capsized Costa Concordia and an Italian captain with the unique ability to trip and fall into a lifeboat before his passengers.

The Panda doesn't softly beat the drum of national spirit, it instead presents the Panda as just one symbol of what Italy can be if it is dedicated to working its way out of its funk. The Panda is so symbolic that, unlike in the Jeep commercial, the narrator never mentions the car. It's airing on Italian television now, and you can see it after the jump.

Continue reading Fiat co-opts Jeep tagline for new Panda campaign

Fiat co-opts Jeep tagline for new Panda campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fiat pandafiat adfiat pandafiat panda commercialitalypandathe things we make make usTue, 24 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/fiat-co-opts-jeep-tagline-for-new-panda-campaign/20155141/article-detail.xml 20155141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiatpuntojeeptag_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fiatpuntojeeptag.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari president Montezemolo to run for Italian Prime Minister]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/ferrari-president-montezemolo-to-run-for-italian-prime-minister/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/ferrari-president-montezemolo-to-run-for-italian-prime-minister/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/ferrari-president-montezemolo-to-run-for-italian-prime-minister/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There have always been rumors surrounding Ferrari. But most of those rumors have revolved around its road cars, if not its Formula One operations: that the company is planning to build this type of car or that, that the team is planning to hire this driver or that one. But this one rumor that has only grown with time revolves around the company's affable chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

A member of Italy's hereditary aristocracy and a lawyer by profession, Montezemolo was a prodigy of both Enzo Ferrari and former Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli and quickly rose up the ranks in the both companies to preside over each. He's also chaired influential industrial groups and coordinated the World Cup when it was held in Italy, to say nothing of the America's Cup sailing team and high-speed rail company he's run. But his latest move could elevate him to an even more central role.

Montezemolo has for years been linked to a potential run for the premiership of Italy, and fresh reports out of Europe suggest that moment is finally approaching. In 2009, he formed a center-left think tank called Italia Futura, which could, the pundits predict, be rapidly turned into a political party that may place Montezemolo as its candidate for prime minister. In that role, he'd succeed Silvio Berlusconi - the embattled, right-leaning former prime minister with whom Montezemolo has long been at odds - and the economist Mario Monti who took his place as caretaker just last month.

Elections are currently scheduled for 2013, and if Montezemolo manages to mobilize Italia Futura's 40,000 members, he could soon be changing his job description to that of the highest office in the land.

Ferrari president Montezemolo to run for Italian Prime Minister originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrarifuture italyitalia futuraitalian prime ministeritalyluca cordero di montezemololuca di montezemolomontezemoloprime ministerWed, 21 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20133124/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/ferrari-president-montezemolo-to-run-for-italian-prime-minister/20133124/article-detail.xml 20133124 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/montezemolo-press_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/montezemolo-press.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari chairman Montezemolo calls on Italian PM Berlusconi to resign]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/ferrari-chairman-montezemolo-calls-on-italian-pm-berlusconi-to-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/ferrari-chairman-montezemolo-calls-on-italian-pm-berlusconi-to-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/ferrari-chairman-montezemolo-calls-on-italian-pm-berlusconi-to-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and Silvio Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi is used to opposition. The Italian prime minister has, with a few gaps here and there, been running the country since 1994. This despite numerous scandals and regular votes of no confidence that have threatened to kick him out of office. But this time around, Berlusconi could be on his way out for good.

Among those calling for Berlusconi to step down is no less influential an institution than the Catholic church. But another Italian figure could stand to tip the balance even further: Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

The affable Ferrari chairman, who has also chaired the Fiat empire (among other influential industrial groups), has long been seen as a potential challenger to Berlusconi's government. Born of nobility, Montezemolo's family tree is heavy with generals, admirals and cardinals. And he could be the country's next prime minister.

Montezemolo's business acumen could prove to be the defining factor in upcoming elections that could come as soon as next year if Berlusconi's coalition falls. Despite his status as currently on trial for tax fraud and soliciting underage prostitutes, it's the economy that's likely to bring down the sitting prime minister. With interest rates skyrocketing, Italy's economy is threatening to hit the same lows that have befallen such European nations as Greece, Ireland and Portugal. Luca's certainly made a financial success out of Ferrari - could he do the same for Italy?

Ferrari chairman Montezemolo calls on Italian PM Berlusconi to resign originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berlusconiferrariitalyluca cordero di montezemololuca di montezemolomontezemoloprime ministersilvio berlusconiTue, 01 Nov 2011 10:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/ferrari-chairman-montezemolo-calls-on-italian-pm-berlusconi-to-r/20095573/article-detail.xml 20095573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/montezemolo-berlusconi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/montezemolo-berlusconi.jpg <![CDATA[Milan welcomes the Pirelli corso Venezia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/milan-welcomes-the-pirelli-corso-venezia/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/milan-welcomes-the-pirelli-corso-venezia/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/milan-welcomes-the-pirelli-corso-venezia/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We're used to hearing the word "Pirelli" outside the world of tires, but those mentions usually refer to 12 pages of nubile beauties wearing nail polish and a little bit of pasta. The Italian tire company plans to blow all that up with the opening of its Pirelli corso Venezia lifestyle boutique in Milan.

The inaugural, 16,146-square-foot flagship houses fashion wares, historical exhibits and a collection called "P lunga," which is "a continuously developing integration of tire engineering and the world of sport." That go-fast transports like skateboards, skis, bikes that have been tweaked by the minds that brought us P Zero. It also has a Miura and a "robot stockroom keeper" called Robostock, and at least one of those is always a good thing.

If you happen to be in Milan and want some made-to-order, leather-soled, reversible sneakers, now you know where to go.

Continue reading Milan welcomes the Pirelli corso Venezia

Milan welcomes the Pirelli corso Venezia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fashionitalyllifestylemilanpirellipirelli corso veneziaTue, 27 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065780/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/milan-welcomes-the-pirelli-corso-venezia/20065780/article-detail.xml 20065780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/pirellicorsovenezia-1317085966_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/pirellicorsovenezia-1317085966.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Italian Grand Prix put the pedal to the metal [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/2011-italian-grand-prix-was-full-of-surprises-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/2011-italian-grand-prix-was-full-of-surprises-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/2011-italian-grand-prix-was-full-of-surprises-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Italian Grand Prix

Over the last five years, four different drivers have won the Italian Grand Prix. All of them were on the grid for this year's race. In fact, if you go back for ten, the only Monza winner who isn't still in F1 is Juan Pablo Montoya, long since departed for the heavier machines and banked ovals of NASCAR. There's just something about the track just outside of Milan that puts champions in their groove and beckons them back again, year after year.

So, who would win this year? Would Michael Schumacher notch up his sixth win at Monza? Would Rubens Barrichello overcome all the odds to win his fourth? Would Alonso or Vettel rack up their third? Or would we see a new winner altogether? Follow the jump to find out.

Continue reading 2011 Italian Grand Prix put the pedal to the metal [spoilers]

2011 Italian Grand Prix put the pedal to the metal [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onegrand prixitalian grand prixitalymonzaSun, 11 Sep 2011 11:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039776/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/11/2011-italian-grand-prix-was-full-of-surprises-spoilers/20039776/article-detail.xml 20039776 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/web013italy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/web013italy.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Spider goes topless in Italy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/ferrari-458-spider-goes-topless-in-italy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/ferrari-458-spider-goes-topless-in-italy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/ferrari-458-spider-goes-topless-in-italy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ferrari 458 spider

The latest exotic two-door to wear the Cavillino Rampante is the Ferrari 458 Spider, and our friends at eGarage.com hopped a plane to Maranello so they could see it in person. How's it look? How do you think it looks? The already gorgeous coupe has been given a styling kick that also turns the aural pleasure knob to 12 (11 is so last year).

Sure, the 458 coupe will be the choice of those seeking adventure on the track. The 458 Spider, however, will provide the perfect soundtrack to a life well lived. The affluent among us will have to live in Europe to get first crack at the car, which goes on sale there in the spring of 2012. Ferrari faithful here in the U.S. will have to wait until the end of 2012 to put a droptop 458 in their garage.

Ferrari 458 Spider goes topless in Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 spideregarageegarage.comferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 spideritalymaranelloThu, 08 Sep 2011 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20037850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/ferrari-458-spider-goes-topless-in-italy/20037850/article-detail.xml 20037850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/013-ferrar-458-spider-1315496171_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/013-ferrar-458-spider-1315496171.jpg <![CDATA[Italian beauty and absurdity extend to gas stations in Cuneo, Italy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/30/italian-beauty-and-absurdity-extend-to-gas-stations-in-cuneo-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/30/italian-beauty-and-absurdity-extend-to-gas-stations-in-cuneo-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/30/italian-beauty-and-absurdity-extend-to-gas-stations-in-cuneo-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Italian gas station by Damilano Studio Architects - Click above for high-res image gallery

When luxury becomes a commodity, there's little left but to make commodities luxurious. This is a newly constructed gas station in Cuneo, Piemonte, Italy, designed by Damilano Studio Architects, and it's rather pleasant to look at if modern architecture is your thing. Reinforced concrete enclosing a glass wall creates staggered, latitudinal forms that are sliced by aluminum canopies front and back, with blood red fuel pumps.

We have no idea if a beautiful station sells more fuel or makes the Skittles taste better, but a little more pulchritude in one's day never hurt, did it? As to that absurdity, around back is a red steel block bearing a work of art that looks like a long armed, dog-headed man on a toilet. It is actually "a wolf howling, illuminated at night, draw[ing] attention to the urgent needs." Now that will definitely make the Skittles taste better. Thanks for the tip, John!

Italian beauty and absurdity extend to gas stations in Cuneo, Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturecuneodamilano studio architectsgas stationitalypiemonteMon, 30 May 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19952878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/30/italian-beauty-and-absurdity-extend-to-gas-stations-in-cuneo-it/19952878/article-detail.xml 19952878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/gasstationcuneoitaly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/gasstationcuneoitaly.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat and Ferrari dominate 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/fiat-and-ferrari-dominate-2011-international-engine-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/fiat-and-ferrari-dominate-2011-international-engine-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/fiat-and-ferrari-dominate-2011-international-engine-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

fiat 857cc twinair
Fiat 875-cc TwinAir engine - Click above for high-res image gallery

Italy knows how to put an engine together - at least, according to the International Engine of the Year voting committee. The votes have been tallied, and Fiat has taken home four out of 12 awards. The company's 875-cc TwinAir mill has earned the title of Best New Engine of 2011, Green Engine of the Year, Sub 1.0-liter Engine of the Year and International Engine of the Year. Ferrari helped Italy earn two more awards, with the 458's 4.5-liter V8 unit being crowned Best Engine Above 4.0-liters and Best Performance engine. All told, Italian powerplants claimed half of the awards handed out.

BMW was no slouch, however, with the German automaker acquiring four awards in the competition. Audi and Volkswagen also earned recognition. A great showing, but the Italians earn the win thanks to Fiat taking the top prize. Click past the jump to read the full press release and learn more about the International Engine of the Year awards.

Continue reading Fiat and Ferrari dominate 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards

Fiat and Ferrari dominate 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwferrariFerrari 458 Italiaferrari v8fiatfiat 875cc twinairfiat twinairinternational engine of the yearitalytwinairvolkswagenWed, 18 May 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943924/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/18/fiat-and-ferrari-dominate-2011-international-engine-of-the-year/19943924/article-detail.xml 19943924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/neweng-1305740027_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/neweng-1305740027.jpg <![CDATA[Italian bus driver fired for driving with elbows while using <i>two</i> phones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/italian-bus-driver-fired-for-driving-with-elbows-while-using/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/italian-bus-driver-fired-for-driving-with-elbows-while-using/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/italian-bus-driver-fired-for-driving-with-elbows-while-using/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bus Driver with two cell phones in Rome
Bus Driver with two cell phones - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Italians sure do know how to live. Their vehicles are more beautiful, their meals more delicious and their bus drivers more distracted. Just take a look at the video after the jump to see what we mean.

While jostling through the hectic traffic of Rome (of course it's in Rome, where else?) this particular driver took the time to attempt to set up his email on a new smartphone while speaking to customer service on a second handheld device. That's right, this guy was rocking two phones at once while ferrying a load of people through the city streets.

Now, you may be wondering exactly how the mechanics of such a situation would play out. Our enterprising pilot took to steering the bus by using his elbows. According to The Guardian, the company that owns the bus service has suspended the driver pending a full investigation. Still, it's terrifying to know that this guy is likely still behind the wheel of his personal vehicle. Click past the break to see the full video for yourself.

Continue reading Italian bus driver fired for driving with elbows while using two phones

Italian bus driver fired for driving with elbows while using two phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bus driverbus driver with two cell phonesdistracted drivingdriving in romeitalypublic transportationromesafetytwo cell phonesTue, 17 May 2011 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19941631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/17/italian-bus-driver-fired-for-driving-with-elbows-while-using/19941631/article-detail.xml 19941631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/two-cell-phone-bus-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/two-cell-phone-bus-driver.jpg <![CDATA[We're in Rome to drive the Lamborghini Aventador - What do you want to know?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/video-were-in-rome-to-drive-the-lamborghini-aventador-what-do/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/video-were-in-rome-to-drive-the-lamborghini-aventador-what-do/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/video-were-in-rome-to-drive-the-lamborghini-aventador-what-do/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 in Rome - Click above to watch the video after the break

Rome is an amazing city. In fact, for some time the city served as the center of the world as the Romans exerted their power across the Earth. And it still sits at the very heart of Italy. Fitting, then, that our European Editor Matt Davis has descended upon the historic Italian city to drive the latest Lamborghini supercar.

Is Lamborghini ready to assert itself and its new Aventador LP700-4 as the new world supercar power? That's what we're about to find out. Here's the best part: We want to know what you want to know.

So, go ahead and check out our little teaser video after the break, then leave all your questions in the Comments. We can't promise to answer them all, but we'll do our best to pick out the best of the bunch and incorporate them into our First Drive report. Stay tuned!

Click past the break to watch the video.


Gallery: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-42012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-42012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-42012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-42012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Photos copyright (C)2011 Wolfango Spaccarelli / AOL

Continue reading We're in Rome to drive the Lamborghini Aventador - What do you want to know?

We're in Rome to drive the Lamborghini Aventador - What do you want to know? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lamborghini aventador lp700-4aventadoraventador lp700-4italylamborghiniromeTue, 26 Apr 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19924493/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/video-were-in-rome-to-drive-the-lamborghini-aventador-what-do/19924493/article-detail.xml 19924493 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lamborghini-aventador-vidcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lamborghini-aventador-vidcap.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Ferrari FF gets ski-mountain delivery via Chinook helicopter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/video-ferrari-ff-gets-ski-mountain-delivery-via-chinook-helicop/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/video-ferrari-ff-gets-ski-mountain-delivery-via-chinook-helicop/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/13/video-ferrari-ff-gets-ski-mountain-delivery-via-chinook-helicop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Ferrari FF helicopter delivery
2012 Ferrari FF delivery - Click above to watch the video after the jump

To give journalists their first close-up look at the 2012 Ferrari FF, Maranello has chosen Plan de Corones, a ski resort in the Italian Alps accessible only by ski lifts, as the venue. Why not a racetrack? Credit the car's all-wheel-drive architecture and its main purpose as a grand tourer, not a sports car.

To get the FF media cars to the resort, Ferrari called upon the Italian Air Force to haul them up there using CH-47 Chinook and Augusta 205 cargo helicopters. This has to rank among the most badass ways a car has ever been delivered. The choppers were from the Italian Air Force's Viterbo 1st Regiment Antares and 4th Regiment Altair, stationed in Bolzano. Hit the jump to watch the special delivery.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari FF gets ski-mountain delivery via Chinook helicopter

Video: Ferrari FF gets ski-mountain delivery via Chinook helicopter originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ferrari ffch-47chinookferrariffhelicopter deliveryitalyplan de coronesSun, 13 Mar 2011 09:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19876837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/13/video-ferrari-ff-gets-ski-mountain-delivery-via-chinook-helicop/19876837/article-detail.xml 19876837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/ferrari-ff-delivery_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/ferrari-ff-delivery.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Lapping Monza in the Gumpert Apollo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/06/video-lapping-monza-in-the-gumpert-apollo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/06/video-lapping-monza-in-the-gumpert-apollo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/06/video-lapping-monza-in-the-gumpert-apollo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Gumpert Apollo
2010 Gumpert Apollo - Click above to watch the video after the jump

This video comes to us from a tipster named Marco, who's pals with the owner of the only Gumpert Apollo in Italy. On a recent winter's afternoon, Marco's friend invited him along for a couple laps of Monza in the 800-horsepower extraterrestrial German supercar.

Marco points out that this particular Gumpert has been massaged a little to meet the power put down by the Apollo's race-prepared sibling. Marco's buddy gives this thing a decent workout, but understandably holds back from really thrashing his rare-as-bird's-teeth bespoke rocket. See for yourself after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Marco!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Lapping Monza in the Gumpert Apollo

Video: Lapping Monza in the Gumpert Apollo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 gumpert apolloapollogumpertitalymonzaSun, 06 Mar 2011 19:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19869625/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/06/video-lapping-monza-in-the-gumpert-apollo/19869625/article-detail.xml 19869625 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gumpert-apollo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gumpert-apollo.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Some cars are unfairly derided as "chick cars," like the Mini Cooper or the Mazda MX-5. Less so the Renault Twingo. While we're sure it's a good car for its class, it doesn't exactly ooze testosterone. Which is fine, of course, because not every car is targeted at male customers. But Renault takes things a step further.

In a controversial television commercial, the French automaker depicts a little girl-on-girl encounter for Italian audiences. One that we won't describe here, but invite you to watch (over and over again) in the video posted after the jump.

Now Renault's done some racy spots for the Twingo before - two of which we've also posted after the jump - so perhaps the more surprising part is that it's been banned from the airwaves. In Italy, of all places, by the media conglomerate owned by the country's philanderer-in-chief, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

A political move, perhaps, in light of recent challenges to his tenure made by conservative leaders (reportedly including Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo)? We'll leave that to the pundits, and invite you to follow us beyond the jump to watch the videos for yourself. Hat tip to Doogie Hauser!


Gallery: Renault New Twingo


[Source: USA Today]

Continue reading Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV

Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementcommercialcontroversialcontroversyitalyrenaultrenault twingotelevisiontwingoSun, 19 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19769113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/19769113/article-detail.xml 19769113 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/vidcap-twingo-it_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/vidcap-twingo-it.jpg <![CDATA[Video: <i>Motor Trend</i> pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/video-motor-trend-pits-ferrari-458-italia-against-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/video-motor-trend-pits-ferrari-458-italia-against-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/video-motor-trend-pits-ferrari-458-italia-against-ducati/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Italia vs Ducati 1198S
Ferrari 458 Italia vs Ducati 1198S - Click above to watch video after the jump

Italy produces machines that look good rolling slow or screaming towards the ever evasive horizon, so it's no surprise that Motor Trend decided to pit two of the boot country's finest against each other: the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Ducati 1198S. Both are exotic machines with a laser-focus purpose crafted into each example built: Be. Fast.

The buff book boys were kind enough to have their cameras rolling as the 458 and 1198S faced off in two competitions. First up is a head-to-head race followed by a lap around the Streets of Willow. The result? While the Ferrari is an amazing machine, the Duc's power-to-weight simply laughs in the face of the V8-powered Prancing Horse. See for yourself by watching the video after the jump, then check out the accompanying article in the link below. Grazie per la punta, Steve!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: Motor Trend pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S

Video: Motor Trend pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaducatiducati 1198sferrariferrari 458 italiaitalianitalymotortrendracingstreets of willowvideoMon, 29 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19736319/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/29/video-motor-trend-pits-ferrari-458-italia-against-ducati/19736319/article-detail.xml 19736319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ferrari-vs-ducati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ferrari-vs-ducati.jpg <![CDATA[Italian politicians call for Montezemolo's head over Ferrari's F1 failings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/italian-politicians-call-for-montezemolos-head-over-ferraris-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/italian-politicians-call-for-montezemolos-head-over-ferraris-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/italian-politicians-call-for-montezemolos-head-over-ferraris-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (left) with Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo (right)

Some racing teams are just that - racing teams - and nothing more. Ferrari, however, serves as a national symbol. When things are going well, it serves them as such. But when things go badly... as you can see from this story, people in high places can turn on them rather quickly.

Reports surrounding the condemnation of Ferrari's unfortunate performance in this past weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the team lost the title that seemed to be theirs for the taking, are running rampant around Italy. Some cabinet ministers are even calling on Ferrari chief Luca Cordero di Montezemolo to resign.

The calls, which were denounced by Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne among others, seem to lead further credence to longstanding rumors that Montezemolo could go into politics. A popular and influential national figure, Montezemolo is descended from Italian aristocracy whose family tree includes admirals, generals and cardinals. A former head of business lobby group Confindustria and of the Italian Olympic Committee, Montezemolo recently stepped down as chairman of the Fiat group, fueling speculation of his imminent move into politics.

The latest reports place Montezemolo leading a coalition in opposition to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose moral credibility has come into question of late and from whose cabinet the calls for Montezemolo's resignation have reportedly emanated.

[Source: The Canadian Press | Image: Tiziani Fabi/AFP/Getty]

Italian politicians call for Montezemolo's head over Ferrari's F1 failings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrariformula 1formula oneitalyluca cordero di montezemololuca di montezemololuca montezemolomontezemoloMon, 15 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19717023/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/15/italian-politicians-call-for-montezemolos-head-over-ferraris-f/19717023/article-detail.xml 19717023 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/par2079788_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/par2079788.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Driverless electric vans finish 8,000-mile journey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/28/report-driverless-electric-vans-finish-8-000-mile-journey/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/28/report-driverless-electric-vans-finish-8-000-mile-journey/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/28/report-driverless-electric-vans-finish-8-000-mile-journey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Driverless electric van expedition arrives in China - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in July, a team of researchers from the European Research Council set out on an epic 8,000-mile journey from Italy to China through the Gobi desert. If that weren't daunting enough, the crew braved the trek in a pair of driverless electric vans. Believe it or not, the team just finished up their drive, and while researchers on board had to intervene a few times to handle traffic and toll booths, by and large the vehicles navigated to their destination without any help from human hands. Instead, they use a system called generic obstacle and lane detector, or GOLD, along with a series of solar-powered laser sensors to determine the van's proximity to surrounding traffic.

The vans ran at a top speed of 38 mph to maximize battery life, but the real reason that the trip took so long is that the vehicles had to be charged eight hours for every two hours of driving. The researchers say that the data they collected over the trek could be used in everything from mining to construction to augmenting driver abilities.


Gallery: Driverless Electric Van Expedition Arrives in China


[Source: The Detroit News, NPR]

Report: Driverless electric vans finish 8,000-mile journey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadriverless vanselectric vanseuropean research councilevitalyitaly to chinavislabVislab Interncontinental Autonomous ChallengeThu, 28 Oct 2010 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19693320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/28/report-driverless-electric-vans-finish-8-000-mile-journey/19693320/article-detail.xml 19693320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/hkg4201858opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/hkg4201858opt.jpg <![CDATA[Stepney reportedly sentenced to 20 months in jail for spying on Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/05/stepney-reportedly-sentenced-to-20-months-in-jail-for-spying-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/05/stepney-reportedly-sentenced-to-20-months-in-jail-for-spying-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/05/stepney-reportedly-sentenced-to-20-months-in-jail-for-spying-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's been over three years since the start of Stepneygate. But while the matter was supposedly closed a year ago, it's only now that the namesake perpetrator has been sentenced in criminal court.

The scandal, for those unfamiliar, centered around one Nigel Stepney, a British engineer who defected from Ferrari to McLaren in 2007. Stepney stood accused - and now convicted - of taking trade secrets with him from Maranello to Woking, while sabotaging Ferrari's team in the process.

The scandal resulted in McLaren being fined $100 million and then disqualified from that year's championship. Meanwhile, the FIA banned Stepney (along with his chief cohort Mike Coughlan) from any series it supervises (which is pretty much all of them) as Ferrari initiated legal proceedings against Stepney.

Those proceedings have now drawn to a close, Italian courts reportedly sentencing Stepney to 20 months in prison and - wait for it - a 600-euro fine. However, sources anticipate that due to the nature of the Italian legal system the sentence will likely be suspended and that Stepney won't actually spend a single night behind bars.

[Source: Autosport]

Stepney reportedly sentenced to 20 months in jail for spying on Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrarifiaitalian courtItalianCourtitalymclarenNigel StepneyNigelStepneyscandalspy affairSpyAffairstepneyStepneygateTue, 05 Oct 2010 08:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19659485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/05/stepney-reportedly-sentenced-to-20-months-in-jail-for-spying-on/19659485/article-detail.xml 19659485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/30_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/30.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Pagani Zonda Tricolore pays homage to Italian "Blue Angels"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/12/video-pagani-zonda-tricolore-pays-homage-to-italian-blue-angel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/12/video-pagani-zonda-tricolore-pays-homage-to-italian-blue-angel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/12/video-pagani-zonda-tricolore-pays-homage-to-italian-blue-angel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pagani Zonda Frecce Tricolore
Pagani Zonda Frecce Tricolore - Click above to watch video after the jump

Italy's equivalent of America's Blue Angels is called the Frecce Tricolori, or Tricolor Arrows. Otherwise known by its official name, the 313th Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico, the aerobatic team celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The squad recently brought the smoke and cartwheels with its fleet of Aeromacchi MB-339 jets, while Pagani added a little extra razzle-dazzle by taking its special edition Tricolore Zonda to the Rivolti Air Force base for some fun-and-gun. As usual, there's beauty everywhere. Follow the jump for the vid.


Gallery: Geneva 2010: Pagani Zonda Tricolore


[Source Pagani]

Continue reading Video: Pagani Zonda Tricolore pays homage to Italian "Blue Angels"

Video: Pagani Zonda Tricolore pays homage to Italian "Blue Angels" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frecce TricoloriFrecceTricoloriitalymilitarypaganipagani zondaPagani Zonda TricolorePaganiZondaPaganiZondaTricoloretricolorezondazonda tricoloreZondaTricoloreSun, 12 Sep 2010 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19630067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/12/video-pagani-zonda-tricolore-pays-homage-to-italian-blue-angel/19630067/article-detail.xml 19630067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/paganifreccetricolore_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/paganifreccetricolore.jpg <![CDATA[MotoGP 2010: Don't call it a comeback at Misano... just yet [SPOILER]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/motogp-2010-dont-call-it-a-comeback-at-misano-just-yet-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/motogp-2010-dont-call-it-a-comeback-at-misano-just-yet-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/motogp-2010-dont-call-it-a-comeback-at-misano-just-yet-spo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When Dani Pedrosa left Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week, there's little doubt he was the envy of his fellow MotoGP contenders. The Spaniard clinched victory, proving that he possessed not only the speed, but also the fortitude to truly challenge Jorge Lorenzo. The question on everyone's mind was this: Could Pedrosa and Repsol Honda really mount a solid comeback? Make the jump to find out.

[Source: MotoGP.com | Image: Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty Images]

Continue reading MotoGP 2010: Don't call it a comeback at Misano... just yet [SPOILER]

MotoGP 2010: Don't call it a comeback at Misano... just yet [SPOILER] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dani pedrosaDaniPedrosafatalitiesfatalityitalianitalyjorge lorenzoJorgeLorenzoMisanoMotogpMotoGP 2010motogp2010motorcycleNicky HaydenNickyHaydenracing accidentRacingAccidentShoya TomizawaShoyaTomizawavalentino rossivalentino rossi ducatiValentinoRossiValentinoRossiDucatiTue, 07 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19621991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/07/motogp-2010-dont-call-it-a-comeback-at-misano-just-yet-spo/19621991/article-detail.xml 19621991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/gyi0061498823-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/gyi0061498823-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/30/slick-little-number-pogea-racing-develops-fiat-500-ferrari-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/30/slick-little-number-pogea-racing-develops-fiat-500-ferrari-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/30/slick-little-number-pogea-racing-develops-fiat-500-ferrari-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition by Pogea Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Soon enough, we Americans will be able to feast upon the Forbidden Fruit that is the Fiat 500. Will we get the hotted-up Abarth models? That remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure, we're super duper jealous of the hotter hatch that the folks at Pogea Racing have created - the 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition which boasts more power (a lot more power, actually) all wrapped in a too-cute (but still somehow menacing) package.

The Pogea team starts with a 500 Abarth, which in standard form produces 160 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. From there, a new turbocharger, exhaust system, downpipe and catalytic converter have been added, meaning that the tiny Fiat now cranks out a whopping 264 hp and 243 lb-ft. Staggering numbers for a car that's smaller than a Mini Cooper. To tame all of that extra grunt, larger brakes have been added that reduce braking distance by about six feet, though the new stoppers are identical in weight to the standard Abarth setup.

Yes, we want one. In fact, we'll take two. Scroll through the gallery below to see dozens of high-resolution photos, and follow the jump to read Pogea Racing's (translated) press release.


Gallery: Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition by Pogea Racing


[Source: Pogea Racing]

Continue reading Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP

Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarth500AbarthcinquecentofiatFiat 500Fiat 500 Abarthfiat 500 ferrari dealers editionFiat500Fiat500AbarthFiat500FerrariDealersEditionhatchbackitalianitalypogea racingPogeaRacingWed, 30 Jun 2010 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19536939/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/30/slick-little-number-pogea-racing-develops-fiat-500-ferrari-deal/19536939/article-detail.xml 19536939 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/fiat-500-f-edition-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/fiat-500-f-edition-opt.jpg -1 2