Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Book Review: Legendary Race Cars by Basem Wasef [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/book-review-legendary-race-cars-by-basem-wasef-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/book-review-legendary-race-cars-by-basem-wasef-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/book-review-legendary-race-cars-by-basem-wasef-w-video/#commentsFiled under:

Maserati 8CM number 3011 from Legendary Race Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Confused as to what to do with all the Barnes & Nobles and Amazon.com gift cards your in-laws pelted you with this Holiday season? Be confused no more! Legendary Race Cars is the book every pistonhead needs sitting on their night stand in 2010. We really hope you haven't gone all Kindle on us, because Basem Wasef's coffee table-sized book is loaded bow to stern with gorgeous photographs of some of the most desirable cars ever built, let alone raced. Wasef took all the non-vintage pictures, too, and they're quite stunning.

What cars? Well, that's the really fantastic part. Put it like this: had we been asked to write such a book, our choices wouldn't have been much different. There are 25 legendary racers in all, spanning from motorsports earliest days right on up to the present. In truth, a great mix of racing machines.

The first car discussed is the Ford GT40 and the last is Sterling Moss's Mercedes-Benz 300SLR - the No. 722 car. In between you get Carroll Shelby's Aston Martin DBR1 and Cobra Daytona Coupe, all the Auto Union Grand Prix Cars, Senna's McLaren MP4/4, Fangio's Maserati 250F and of course the brutally awesome Porsche 917. Each car is discussed in informative, enthusiastic and playful detail, yet the text is never slavish or obsessive. If you want to know who cut the Maserati 8CM's splines, look elsewhere.

And that's not even the half of it, as Legendary Race Cars is loaded with more winners like Richard Petty's Plymouth SuperBird, the first round the world winner, the Thomas Flyer, the Indy-dominating Marmon Wasp (first car to ever employ a rear-view mirror!), Audi's Group B killer S1 Quattro, Schumacher's Ferraris, McRae's Subarus and even Ecurie Ecosse's Jaguars.

Some of you might be familiar with Basem Wasef's first book, Legendary Motorcycles. If you are, you'll no doubt remember that Jay Leno wrote the introduction to that one. Not bad for your first book. For his second book, Basem got none other than Sir Stirling Moss to pen the foreword, which, for you whippersnappers who have no clue who Sir Stirling is, would be like getting Snoop Dogg to help you write an essay about gangsta rappers and marijuana.

Here's part of what Moss has to say, "Selecting these 25 legendary cars cannot have been easy. Automobiles, like paintings and other works of art, have different effects on different people... I would hate to have been making the choice - but I am enormously proud and happy to have been invited to write the foreword for this book." All we can do is say wow. For his third book, Mr. Wasef will no doubt be writing it in Colin Chapman's blood. Until then, pick up a copy of Legendary Race Cars (It's $23.10 right now at Amazon). You won't regret it one iota. Make the jump to watch Basem Wasef discuss Legendary Race Cars with none other than Jay Leno, and don't forget to check out the gallery that's filled with some choice stills from the book.


Gallery: Legendary Race Cars

Legendary Race CarsLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race Cars

Continue reading Book Review: Legendary Race Cars by Basem Wasef [w/VIDEO]

Book Review: Legendary Race Cars by Basem Wasef [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 SLR 722300SLR300SLR 722300Slr722Aston Martin DBR1AstonMartinDbr1Auto UnionAutoUnionBasem WasefBasem Wasef Legendary Race CarsBasemWasefBasemWasefLegendaryRaceCarsBookBooksCarroll ShlebyCarrollShlebyCobra Daytona CoupeCobraDaytonaCoupeDaytona CoupeDaytonaCoupeFangioFangio MaseratiFangio Maserati 250FFangioMaseratiFangioMaserati250ffeaturedJay LenoJayLenoLegendary Race CarsLegendary Race Cars Basem WasefLegendaryRaceCarsLegendaryRaceCarsBasemWasefLenoMaserati 250FMaserati250fPorschePorsche 917Porsche917Richard PettyRichardPettySennaShelbySir Stirling MossSirStirlingMossStirling MossStirling Moss 300SLR 722StirlingMossStirlingMoss300slr722SuperbirdThomas FlyerThomasFlyerWed, 23 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/video-leno-actually-drives-the-new-mclaren-mp4-12c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Jay Leno getting a ride in the McLaren MP4-12C prototype - Click above to view the video after the jump

A month ago, Jay Leno got a glimpse behind the scenes at McLaren, where the late-night talk show host and car nut got a tour of the facility and had a chance to sit in an early version of the company's newest roadcar in the studio. While Jay was on the other side of the pond he even stopped in at Top Gear to do a lap in the Lacetti. Well, apparently he ran a couple of laps in another car while he was at the Top Gear Test Track too. One camo-covered McLaren MP4-12C prototype.

After the jump you can view a video of Leno ride along in the new McLaren supercar, wax poetic about the 12C's power, its handling and its totally bespoke construction. Jay even wrote up an article for The Times recalling his experience. Read here and watch here.


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

mp4_12c_011_2mp4_12c_010_2mp4_12c_012_2mp4_12c_014_2mp4_12c_015_2

[Source: Times Online]

Continue reading VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Leno gets a ride in the new McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby McLarenBabyMclarenjay lenoJayLenolenomclarenMcLaren MP4-12CMclarenMp4-12cMP4-12Ctop gearTopGearMon, 21 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Leno to cram SLS AMG's V8 into 1969 Mercedes 6.3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/jay-leno-to-cram-sls-amgs-v8-into-1969-mercedes-6-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/jay-leno-to-cram-sls-amgs-v8-into-1969-mercedes-6-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/jay-leno-to-cram-sls-amgs-v8-into-1969-mercedes-6-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1968 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ask us to pick our favorite Mercedes-Benz products of all time and towards the top of that list sits this: The 1968-1972 300SEL 6.3. Introduced at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, the original 6.3 was the product of one rogue Mercedes engineer who took the 109-series Type 300 SEL sedan and shoved the Type 600 limo's 6.3-liter V8 underhood. The heart transplant was good for 250 horsepower, allowed the Teutonic sled to rocket to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, top out at 136 mph and made it the fastest road-going sedan of the time.

Not only did the 6.3 out accelerate the Porsche 911 S and Jaguar E-Type 4.2, with it's pneumatic suspension, anti-dive control and four-wheel disc brakes, it could dance as well as it could surge. And of course, Jay Leno has a 1969 example parked in his So. Cal. stable.

During a press event earlier this month, Jay and the Mercedes crew held a little soiree at his "shop" and revealed Leno's plans to swap in the 6.2-liter V8 from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG into his 40-year-old sedan. The union of the 300SL and the 563-hp AMG-fettled mill apparently has Mercedes' blessing, as the automaker's engineerings are helping Jay with the swap. Naturally, we can't wait to see and hear the results, and we'd expect a video of the reborn beast to be up in the coming months.


Gallery: 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 6.3


[Source: USAToday via Save The Enzos]

Jay Leno to cram SLS AMG's V8 into 1969 Mercedes 6.3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay lenojay leno 6.3JayLenoJayLeno6.3lenomercedesmercedes-benzmerecedes-benz 300sl 6.3Merecedes-benz300sl6.3sls amgSlsAmgThu, 17 Dec 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Motor4Toys charity car show attracts Leno and his Turbine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/motor4toys-charity-car-show-attracts-leno-and-his-turbine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/motor4toys-charity-car-show-attracts-leno-and-his-turbine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/motor4toys-charity-car-show-attracts-leno-and-his-turbine/#commentsFiled under:

6th Annual Motor4Toys charity car show - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the 6th year in a row, Dustin Troyan organized and hosted the Motor4Toys charity toy drive and car show in Southern California this past weekend. Every year this show continues to grow, gathering together several thousand car people and their exotic and collectible sports cars, race cars, muscle cars, tuner cars, and the like. All of them come to support the cause of making sure every child has a gift to unwrap during the holidays.

This show is unique in that it draws its participants entirely from the car community and since its inaugural year Motors4Toys has been the single largest donor of toys to any charitable toy donation program. Tens of thousands of toys have been collected by Motor4Toys and distributed to groups such as Toys for Tots and law enforcement charities, and while we're always happy to be a part of such a worthy cause, we have to admit that half the fun is the huge gathering of sweet rides.

Imagine seeing hundreds of cars lined up by make or model. It's like taking a peek inside the fence of your favorite manufacturer and seeing all of your dream cars lined up, ready to ship out for delivery. Whole rows of Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette, Cobra, Mustang, Lotus, WRX, Evo, GTR, MINI, VW, Tesla, Camaro and Mazda greet the enthusiasts that come each year. And as if it needed any more cred, Jay Leno attends every year. This year Leno happened to drive over in his Chrysler Turbine car, which wowed the crowd. Click below to see our large gallery of pics from the event courtesy our friends at Speed and Motion.


Gallery: 6th Annual Motor4Toys charity car show


[Photos: SpeedandMotion.com]

Motor4Toys charity car show attracts Leno and his Turbine originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycharity car showcharity eventCharityCarShowCharityEventDustin TroyanDustinTroyandusty TroyanDustyTroyanjay lenojay leno showjay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenosGarageJayLenoShowMotor 4 ToysMotor4Toystoys for totsToysForTotsWed, 09 Dec 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/video-jay-leno-gets-behind-the-wheel-of-the-mercedes-benz-sls-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/video-jay-leno-gets-behind-the-wheel-of-the-mercedes-benz-sls-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/video-jay-leno-gets-behind-the-wheel-of-the-mercedes-benz-sls-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Jay Leno drives the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - click above to watch the video

Like Jay Leno, many of us Autobloggers are oil-in-the-blood car freaks living in Los Angeles, California. Only thing is, we can't seem to recall Mercedes-Benz dropping off their new gullwinged supercar - the SLS AMG - at our garage. Of course, Leno is an international superstar that knows most presidents on a first name basis and we wear sweatpants most of the time. Oh, and we don't even have a garage, let alone two Miuras and an Espada, among dozens of other pieces of drooly metal.

And sure, we've driven the 2011 SLS AMG. In California, no less. Liked it quite a bit, too. Still, we think you'll get a kick out of the video. Why? Well, it's good to see the SLS in motion, even though from certain angles at least one of us (*ahem*) thinks it resembles a third generation Mazda RX7. We also like how Jay reviews cars, as if he's talking to his buddies during a long lunch. Which is probably pretty close to what's actually happening. We also like how he just keeps hammering and hammering the press car - something we can (*double ahem*) relate to.

Then, of course, while admitting that a dual-clutch transmission can shift faster than any human, he still states that he'd prefer three pedals. Seriously, our kind of guy. And really, if you think about it, Jay Leno is little more than every gearhead's fantasy writ large after hitting the lotto (vis-à-vis, cars at any rate). For instance, he starts this video standing next to his 1955 300 SL Gullwing. Meaning that we're so jealous, we can't stop smiling. Hit the jump to watch Jay at play in the streets of Burbank.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

VIDEO: Jay Leno gets behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mercedes2010Mercedes2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG2011 SLS2011 SLS AMG2011Mercedes-benzSlsAmg2011Sls2011SlsAmg300 SL300 SL Gullwing300Sl300SlGullwingAMGbenzgullwingJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLenoMercedesmercedes benzMercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz SLSMercedes-benz SLS AMGMercedes-benzSlsMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzSLSSLS AMGSlsAmgTue, 08 Dec 2009 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/video-jay-leno-drives-the-allard-j2x-mkii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jay Leno and the Allard J2X MkII - click above to watch the video

It's not like we need another reason to be sickeningly jealous of Jay Leno, but along comes this video. In it Jay drives perhaps our favorite car from the 2009 LA Auto Show, the hugely lovely and impressive Allard J2X MkII. Only unlike the 500-ish horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi powered J2X MkII we got to look at, Jay blasts around the streets of Burbank, CA in a 600-hp 6.1-liter Hemi version. Grrr. Still, the Allard is such a desirable beast - and to see it in motion such a treat - that we'll tuck our Jay-based jealously back into its hole. This time... Watch the video, after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: Allard J2X MkII

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Allard J2X MkII originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AllardAllard J2XAllard J2X MkIIAllardJ2xAllardJ2xMkiiHemiJayJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLenoFri, 04 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/video-justin-bell-shows-off-lexus-lfa-in-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/video-justin-bell-shows-off-lexus-lfa-in-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/video-justin-bell-shows-off-lexus-lfa-in-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Lexus LFA at California Speedway - Click above to view the video after the jump

The lease-only 2011 Lexus LFA supercar has been getting a lot of exposure lately. We had a chance to drive it a few weeks ago and just showed you some pics of the matte black car when it showed up at Cars & Coffee in Irvine this Saturday, but now we have something even better. LeMans-winner and Jay Leno Show racing coach, Justin Bell, heads out onto Fontana's California Speedway with this very same LFA, getting some instruction himself from fellow racer Scott Pruett before taking the better seat for a lap.

The segment was shot for the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, the Jay Leno webshow that highlights a different car every week, sometimes with Jay driving and sometimes with Justin doing the heavy lifting. Follow the jump to see the video for yourself and be sure to check out Jay's Garage regularly if you don't already. Listening to this thing rip up to 9,000 RPM is worth the nine-minute investment of your time, trust us. Thanks for the tip Gabriel!

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage

VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Lexus2011 lexus lf-a2011 Lexus LFA2011Lexus2011LexusLf-a2011LexusLfacalifornia speedwayCaliforniaSpeedwayjay lenojay leno showjay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenosGarageJayLenoShowJustin BellJustinBelllexusLexus LF-Alexus lfaLexusLf-aLexusLfaLF-AlfaScott PruettScottPruettMon, 23 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-jay-leno-drives-the-1970-hotchkis-e-max-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-jay-leno-drives-the-1970-hotchkis-e-max-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/video-jay-leno-drives-the-1970-hotchkis-e-max-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno and the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger - Click above to watch video after the jump

Well, well, well -- look who's jumping on our Hotchkis bandwagon. It's none other than Jay Leno behind the wheel of the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger! What a wonderful beast of an automobile.

To refresh your memory a bit, the suspension gurus at Hotchkis wanted to build a classic muscle car that not only looked and sounded the part, but that handled like a modern performance car. In fact, they wanted to take things a step further, so they went and built an auto-crosser. To quote ourselves, "Tooling around the 'hood a bit I'm slightly amazed at how much the bright yellow Dodge feels like a go kart. A gigantic go kart, but a go kart nonetheless."

And guess what? Jay feels the same way. Well, not quite the same, as he compares the handling to a Lamborghini. We're not prepared to go quite so far, but there is no question that as far as 1970 Mopars go, this is the best handling one out there, period. One thing Jay does that we didn't get to do is place the E-Max on a lift and get a guided tour of all the fancy-pants suspension components from none other than John Hotchkis himself. They examine the poly-bushings, the shiny tie-rods and the elegant A-arms that make up the E-Max's sophisticated front end, as well as the less-than-modern (but still nifty) solid-axle leaf-sprung rear. Then they venture out into the streets of Burbank for a little hoonage, including a smoky burnout. Watch the video, after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger T/A


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the 1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 Dodge Challenger1970 Hotchkis E-Max Challenger1970DodgeChallenger1970HotchkisE-maxChallengerChallengerDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerE-MaxHotchkisHotchkis ChallengerHotchkis E-MaxHotchkis E-Max ChallengerHotchkisChallengerHotchkisE-maxHotchkisE-maxChallengerJay LenoJay Lenos GarageJayLenoJayLenosGarageLenoTue, 10 Nov 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet-races-a-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet-races-a-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet-races-a-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jay Leno's EcoJet - Click above to watch the video after the break

In a garage full of ultra rare, highly desirable cars and trucks, Jay Leno's EcoJet still manages to stand out as one of the coolest. Part of the vehicle's claim to fame comes from its ability to run on biodiesel fuel, putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 RPM from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine.

Underneath its distinctive carbon fiber skin lies an aluminum chassis that is kept in contact with the ground using existing suspension bits from the Chevrolet Corvette. Also in use is a four-speed automatic transmission from General Motors that gets its input from a custom gearbox that reduces engine speed from those aforementioned lofty heights down to 6,000 rpm.

Naturally, special carbon fiber brake discs from Brembo paired up with aluminum six-piston calipers were necessary to hold back the engine's 200 horsepower at idle. Inside, Microsoft built the dash, including a full Windows Vista-powered computer that is fully connected to the internet.

As we have come to expect from Leno, the EcoJet does indeed see action on the roads in California, and Jay also finds the time to visit the airstrip for a race against a private jet. Wanna know who wins? Click past the break to watch the video.


Gallery: Jay Leno's EcoJet


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane

VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel jetbiodiesel turbineBiodieselJetBiodieselTurbineeco jetecojetgreenjay lenojay leno ecojetJayLenoJayLenoEcojetjet carJetCarlay leno eco jetLayLenoEcoJetlenoMon, 28 Sep 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh runs Leno's Green Car Challenge, takes out Al Gore twice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-rush-limbaugh-runs-lenos-green-car-challenge-takes-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-rush-limbaugh-runs-lenos-green-car-challenge-takes-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-rush-limbaugh-runs-lenos-green-car-challenge-takes-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rush Limbaugh in Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge - Click above to watch the video after the break

As expected, Rush Limbaugh strapped himself behind the wheel of Ford's specially-prepped electric Focus hatchback as part of Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge last night. We don't mean to brag or anything (well, maybe just a little), but we totally predicted the outcome way in advance of the actual running.

No, Rush did not beat Drew Barrymore's time. Yes, he did in fact take out Al Gore... twice. Also Ed Begley Jr. In any case, Limbaugh claims to have enjoyed his time driving a silent electric car in anger and couldn't care less that his time was negatively impacted by aiming for Gore and Begley. Click past the break to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh runs Leno's Green Car Challenge, takes out Al Gore twice

VIDEO: Rush Limbaugh runs Leno's Green Car Challenge, takes out Al Gore twice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greengreen car challengeGreenCarChallengejay lenojay lenos green car challengeJayLenoJayLenosGreenCarChallengelenoley leno green car challengeLeyLenoGreenCarChallengerushrush limbaughrush limbaugh green car challengerush limbaugh jay lenoRushLimbaughRushLimbaughGreenCarChallengeRushLimbaughJayLenoFri, 25 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno inspects the Devon Motorworks GTX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/video-jay-leno-inspects-the-devon-motorworks-gtx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/video-jay-leno-inspects-the-devon-motorworks-gtx/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/video-jay-leno-inspects-the-devon-motorworks-gtx/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Devon GTX walkaround with Jay Leno and Justin Bell - click above to watch the video

Celebrity car-lover Jay Leno was up in Monterey this year, helping to auction off some charity items and checking out every car that caught his fancy. One such car was the newest all-American supercar, Devon's GTX. Jay spotted the car on the concept lawn at Pebble Beach and had development driver Justin Bell give him a walkaround. Fortunately, someone had a camera rolling to chronicle the experience for a Jay Leno Garage segment.

Click through to the jump and you'll hear Justin mention some interesting stats on the car: 3,000 pounds, 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque to name a few. That means that this limited production designer sports car will have a much better power-to-weight ratio than the Viper ACR with which which it shares some DNA. In fact, the Devon's numbers mirror those of the Ferrari Enzo, although the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was reportedly the actual benchmark for the car. No wonder it has been setting production car lap records.

Our favorite part of the video is when Jay fires the GTX up. We can tell you from firsthand experience that the Devon crew has done a terrific job of making their creation sound as good as it looks and performs, and you can get a taste of that in the video. We'll have a lot more Devon news for you in the near future, but for now, follow the jump and watch the clip.


Gallery: Monterey 2009: 2010 Devon GTX

01-devon-gtx-live02-devon-gtx-live03-devon-gtx-live04-devon-gtx-live05-devon-gtx-live

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno inspects the Devon Motorworks GTX

VIDEO: Jay Leno inspects the Devon Motorworks GTX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devondevon gtxDevonGtxjay lenojay leno garagejay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenoGarageJayLenosGaragejustin bellJustinBellmonterey 2009Monterey2009pebblepebble beachPebbleBeachVideoWed, 23 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Leno Show Green Car Challenge lineup leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/future-leno-show-green-car-challenge-lineup-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/future-leno-show-green-car-challenge-lineup-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/future-leno-show-green-car-challenge-lineup-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Drew Barrymore takes the Green Car Challenge - Will any of these guys be able to beat Drew's lap time?

Last week, actress Drew Barrymore kicked off the Jay Leno Show's Green Car Challenge segment with a bang. Literally. Canons shot streamers and ping pong balls at the Ford Focus EV while she zipped around the track. Although the whole thing was a bit hokey, we know the segment is here to stay, hopefully with some healthy tweaking.

We say drop the second lap shenanigans, create a properly defined track and make it a real race with some interesting guests. Well, with what we just learned, we think they might be on the right track. No pun intended. It will be another Big Adventure for the next celeb to take the wheel, none other than actor Paul Reubens, better known to most of us as Pee-wee Herman. After Pee-wee has a crack at the challenge, other celebs scheduled to appear are sportscasters Bob Costas and Al Michaels, as well as the one and only, hybrid-loathing Rush Limbaugh.

Are any of these guys capable of besting Barrymore's lap time? Our money is on the lightweight Costas, although Pee Wee might be a shot in the dark. Michaels could surprise, but we doubt Limbaugh will be able to avoid the penalties that will ensue from mowing down the effigies of Al Gore and Ed Begley, Jr. What say you? Who will top the board after these guys complete the Green Car Challenge?


Future Leno Show Green Car Challenge lineup leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drew barrymoreDrewBarrymorefocusfocus evFocusEvford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvgreen car challengeGreenCarChallengejay lenojay leno green car challengejay leno showJayLenoJayLenoGreenCarChallengeJayLenoShowpee wee hermanPeeWeeHermanTue, 22 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #146 - WSG Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/autoblog-podcast-146/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/autoblog-podcast-146/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/autoblog-podcast-146/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Episode #146 of the Autoblog Podcast puts Chris, Sam, and Dan in fast company, talking to Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell. Johnny's heading out to run the Petit LeMans, but he took some time to chat with us first. Once the crew settles down about apexes and back straights, we head off into a couple of topical discussions. Jay Leno's two-lap challenge starts us off, and GM's new "May the Best Car Win" ads get our attention next, and then we move on to Nissan's settling of the class-action lawsuit over GT-R transmissions. Some questions finish us off near the hour and a half mark. Thanks for listening, and if you like what we're doing, be sure to let us know in our survey or by leaving reviews in iTunes. Our friends over at Engadget and Joystiq do great podcasts as well, in case you need a fix before we circle around again next week.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #146 - WSG Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell!

Autoblog Podcast #146 - WSG Corvette racer Johnny O'Connell! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastcorvette c6corvette c6-rcorvette c6.rcorvette c6rcorvette c6r gt2corvette c6rsCorvetteC6CorvetteC6-rCorvetteC6.rCorvetteC6rCorvetteC6rGt2CorvetteC6rsdrew barrymore ford focusDrewBarrymoreFordFocusfalsefeaturedgm advertisinggm commercialgm may the best car wingm spotsGmAdvertisingGmCommercialGmMayTheBestCarWinGmSpotsjay lenoJayLenojohnny oconnellJohnnyOconnellleno evleno ford focusLenoEvLenoFordFocusmay the best car winMayTheBestCarWinnissan class actionnissan gt-rnissan gtrnissan gtr transmissionnissan transmissionNissanClassActionNissanGt-rNissanGtrNissanGtrTransmissionNissanTransmissionpodcastpodcastsTue, 22 Sep 2009 16:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #146Autoblog01:36:20autoblog podcast;podcast146;johnny oconnell; gm ads;may the best car win; nissan gtr transmission; nissan transmission<![CDATA[VIDEO: Drew Barrymore takes Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/video-drew-barrymore-takes-jay-lenos-green-car-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/video-drew-barrymore-takes-jay-lenos-green-car-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/video-drew-barrymore-takes-jay-lenos-green-car-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Drew Barrymore takes the wheel in Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge - Click above to watch the video

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that NBC, apparently incapable of producing compelling scripted television not named The Office or 30 Rock, has nuked its entire 10 PM primetime lineup (and effectively thrown Conan O'Brien's Tonight Show under the bus) on the gamble that Jay Leno can carry that hour every weeknight. The Jay Leno Show indeed debuted to boffo numbers on Monday (18 million viewers), and went on to win the 10 PM timeslot for NBC every other night as well. (The real competition starts this week, as the other nets roll out their new Fall schedules.) On Friday, 7.7 million viewers witnessed the first edition of the much-hyped Green Car Challenge segment, a regular feature of the Leno show that will put a celebrity guest behind the wheel of an electric Ford Focus ST to see how quickly he or she can run two laps of the circuit painted on the backlot behind Leno's soundstage.

First up was Drew Barrymore, who explained to Jay that she was currently without a driver's license as she clicked into the racing harness in the driver's seat. The segment goes like this: lap one is unobstructed -- the celeb simply tries to get around the course as quickly as possible in the electric Ford Political Correctness Capsule. Lap 2 adds a healthy dose of lameness, with dangling cardboard cutouts of Al Gore and Ed Begley Jr. that try to impede the driver's progress. These are to be avoided if the celebrity doesn't want to take a 1-second penalty for each strike. (We're hoping someone aims right for the stupid things in a future segment.) In addition to tree-hugger avoidance maneuvers, the second lap also features cannons that shoot ping-pong balls and party streamers at the car. It's about as dopey as it sounds, and despite all the hoopla (NBC has the Goodyear Blimp capturing the overhead shots, for crying out loud) it just comes off as a cheap imitation of Top Gear's "Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car", which, of course, it is. Watch and judge for yourselves after the jump, where the segment is embedded in a Hulu player.

[Source: Hulu]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drew Barrymore takes Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge

VIDEO: Drew Barrymore takes Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdrew barrymoreDrewBarrymoreford focusford focus bevFordFocusFordFocusBevgreen car challengeGreenCarChallengejay lenojay leno showJayLenoJayLenoShowthe jay leno showTheJayLenoShowSun, 20 Sep 2009 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the <em>Jay Leno Show</em>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/video-ford-shows-off-new-focus-ev-for-the-em-jay-leno-show-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/video-ford-shows-off-new-focus-ev-for-the-em-jay-leno-show-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/video-ford-shows-off-new-focus-ev-for-the-em-jay-leno-show-em/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've already showed you the first images of a new battery electric Focus that Ford has built for the guests of the new Jay Leno Show to drive in his Green Car Challenge. Now Ford has also posted a video with some of the engineers showing off their handiwork. Once the team got the Euro-spec Focus electrified, it was time for the Ford Racing crew to charge it up. Andy Slankard, Engineering Supervisor at Ford Racing, describes the work done to prepare the car for its life on the small screen. While these show cars started life as Focus ST models, their new powertrain and the added mass of a 23 kWh battery pack meant the suspension needed some beefing up. With the battery pack sitting in the cargo hold in the rear, the weight balance was undoubtedly shifted towards the back. Nevertheless, the car still looks pretty good going through the autocross, as you'll see in the video after the jump. Thanks to Clifford for the tip!


Gallery: Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show

VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focusfordford focusford focus bevford focus evFordFocusFordFocusBevFordFocusEvjay lenojay leno green car challengejay leno showJayLenoJayLenoGreenCarChallengeJayLenoShowvideoFri, 18 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/pretty-in-pics-lenos-electric-focus-gets-a-face-specs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/pretty-in-pics-lenos-electric-focus-gets-a-face-specs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/pretty-in-pics-lenos-electric-focus-gets-a-face-specs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The new Jay Leno Show has been given as much push as any new program in recent memory, with a constant barrage on TV, the radio and all over the interwebs. One part of the show that has really piqued our interest is Jay's Green Car Challenge, which puts celebrities behind the wheel of an electric Ford Focus. We reported on Jay's Top Gear-like challenge last week, but we hadn't gotten our hands on any pics or specs... until now.

The special battery-powered Focus started life in Germany as a run-of-the-mill Focus ST five-door hatch back in July, then it was shipped to Dearborn, MI for electrification. The one-of-a-kind Focus was given an extreme makeover in only six weeks, but we think the results are pretty remarkable. The Green Car Challenge Focus is bright orange, has more decals than Tony Stewart's car and packs a permanent magnet electric motor. The electric Focus weighs in at a portly 3,421 pounds due in part to the vehicle's 98 air-cooled, 60 Ah lithium ion batteries. The electric motor kicks out 141 hp (105 kW) and 235 lb-ft of torque and has a 7,500 rpm redline.

The goal of Leno's Green Car Challenge is for celebrities to achieve the best possible lap times, so Ford made sure its ecologically friendly Focus could also handle track duty. Among the added features in this Euro Focus ST are Recaro racing seats, a full roll cage and a five-point racing harness. Ford also added 12.6 inch front rotors and 11 inch discs out back to make sure this hot orange Focus could stop as well as it can go.

The Green Car Challenge Ford Focus will first hit the airwaves tonight as actress Drew Berrymore gets behind the wheel for some track time. Hit the jump for more details about Ford's converted Euro Focus ST, and click on the gallery below to see a couple great looking pics.


Gallery: Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs

Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford focus2011FordFocuselectric focuselectric ford focusElectricFocusElectricFordFocuseuro ford focusEuroFordFocusfocusfocus evFocusEvfordford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvjay lenojay leno green car challengejay leno showjay lenos green car challengeJayLenoJayLenoGreenCarChallengeJayLenosGreenCarChallengeJayLenoShowlenothe jay leno showTheJayLenoShowFri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Barrymore first to race Ford Focus EV on Leno's new show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/drew-barrymore-first-to-race-ford-focus-ev-on-lenos-new-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/drew-barrymore-first-to-race-ford-focus-ev-on-lenos-new-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/drew-barrymore-first-to-race-ford-focus-ev-on-lenos-new-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Apparently, electric cars are for girls. For his new prime-time TV show, Jay Leno is going to pit celebrities against one another in his new Green Car Challenge segment and the first one in the driver's seat will be Drew Barrymore. Barrymore will get behind the wheel of a prototype Ford Focus EV this Friday. Following Barrymore's initial time trial, Leno will rope other stars into racing the sponsored Focus on a special track built outside the show's new studio once or twice a week.

For Ford, the tremendous publicity of getting celebs into their upcoming electric vehicle - which is due on the market in 2011 - is a tremendous coup. Nancy Gioia, director of hybrid vehicle programs for Ford, told USAToday that the Leno tie will go a big way in making EVs seem normal. "If (electric cars are) only seen as quirky or off the beaten path, it's really hard to get people" excited, she said.

GM's Rob Peterson sees a benefit to all automakers who are bringing an EV to market. "If we walked into the showroom in 2011 with very little lead time, some segments of the population would have a tough time understanding what these vehicles can do," he said. Instead, we'll have two years of YouTube clips of famous people saying "oh, it's so quiet" to get everyone ready.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


[Source: USAToday | Image: Adam Pretty/Getty Images]

Drew Barrymore first to race Ford Focus EV on Leno's new show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drew barrymoredrew barrymore ford focusDrewBarrymoreDrewBarrymoreFordFocusfocusfocus evFocusEvfordford focusford focus evFordFocusFordFocusEvjay lenoJayLenolenoTue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Ford Festiva SHOgun replica]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-ford-festiva-shogun-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-ford-festiva-shogun-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-ford-festiva-shogun-replica/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Festiva SHOgun replica - Click above for image gallery

Way back in the late 1980s, Chuck Beck, who's perhaps best known for his excellent Porsche 550 Spyder replicas, created what in our minds is still one of the greatest hot hatchbacks of all time: the Festiva SHOgun. While nobody would mistake the lowly Ford Festiva as a performance vehicle, the SHOgun packed a 220 horsepower secret behind its front seats in the form of a V6 engine yanked from a Ford Taurus SHO. A legend was born.

There were only seven SHOguns produced in 1989 (number three is still owned by Jay Leno), so it's highly unlikely you'll ever run into one for sale. Of course, the possibility exists that you could just make one yourself... or, alternatively, purchase this replica on eBay.

The car's current owners claim to have purchased their SHOgun replica from a museum and say that it's powered by a 1996 SHO powerplant. We don't think so. The '96 SHO had a V8 engine and this one, like all the real SHOguns, used a Yamaha V6 - in this case mated up to an automatic transmission. Interested? Click here to visit the auction page.


Gallery: Ford Festiva SHOgun replica

ford-festiva-shogun_11ford-festiva-shogun_24ford-festiva-shogun_18ford-festiva-shogun_12ford-festiva-shogun_22

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Ford Festiva SHOgun replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford festivaford festiva shogunford shoford shogunford taurus shoFordFestivaFordFestivaShogunFordShoFordShogunFordTaurusShojay lenoJayLenoshogunshogun replicaShogunReplicayamahaThu, 10 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-jay-leno-almost-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-mclaren-mp4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-jay-leno-almost-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-mclaren-mp4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/video-jay-leno-almost-takes-a-closer-look-at-the-mclaren-mp4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jay Leno lifting the McLaren MP4-12Cs carbon fiber tub - Click the image to view the video after the jump

In this video, our favorite zillionaire car freak -- Jay Leno -- goes to the ultra-modern McLaren factory in Woking, England to look at the brand new MP4-12C. Only they don't show it to him. Well sure, they show him the ridiculously lightweight carbon fiber central tub. They show him three-dimensional CAD renderings. And finally they show him... the P11. But not the final MP4-12C.

Why not? Dunno, but we're guessing this was filmed before all the final revisions to the MP4-12C were made. What we do know is that Leno sits in the prototype P11 and gives us a pretty jet-lagged, lethargic guided tour of the interior. Though he does perk up near the end, when he begins talking about getting one for his already +5 envious collection. Have a watch, after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C

VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jay LenoJayLenoMcLarenMcLaren MP4-12CMcLaren P11MclarenMp4-12cMclarenP11MP4-12CP11Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/1officially-official-jay-leno-to-put-stars-in-un-reasonably-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/1officially-official-jay-leno-to-put-stars-in-un-reasonably-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/1officially-official-jay-leno-to-put-stars-in-un-reasonably-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has confirmed rumors that the new Jay Leno show will use the an electric Ford Focus for its Green Car Challenge. From what we hear, the challenge is similar to Top Gear's "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment, where celebs take to the track and battle for top times. While guests on the British show tackle the track in a Chevy Lacetti, Leno's buddies will use a prototype electric car Ford will launch in 2011.

The crew at Ford Racing has retuned the suspension of the prototype Focus BEV to make it a bit more amenable to track duty and the Focus BEV will be used throughout season one of Leno's new show. Check out our own first drive of the Focus BEV here.


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car

Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bevfocusfordford focusford focus bevford focus electricford focus evFordFocusFordFocusBevFordFocusElectricFordFocusEvjay lenoJayLenoWed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST