Autoblog

R/C car-quadcopter seeks Kickstarter funding [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 30 May 2013 10:45:00 EST

Go ahead and clear off your holiday wish list. You're going to need some space. Behold the B: the remote controlled offspring of a toy car and a quadcopter. The machine is capable of vertical take off and landing thanks to four seven-inch propeller blades mounted at each wheel hub. Each rotor makes use of a brushless motor and the body and components are made to withstand multiple hard impacts from crash landing. It even features an HD camera in the nose capable of recording up to 32 gigs of 720x1280 video. What's the catch, you ask?

The B isn't yet funded. It's the brain child of Witold Mielniczek, a product designer from the UK. Mielniczek has turned to Kickstarter to drum up support for the machine and is attempting to raise $130,788 (at current conversion rates) to implement a few more changes to the design, cover the cost of creating the tooling for injection molding and building inventory. Those who contribute can receive everything from limited-edition posters and T-shirts to fully-assembled B models. Head over to Kickstarter for a closer look, and be sure to check out the launch video below.

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R/C car-quadcopter seeks Kickstarter funding [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Huzi Dream Car is a magnetic spin on wooden toys [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Design/Style

A playful design company has created a delightful set of wooden playthings. The Dream Car by Huzi Design was a successful Kickstarter campaign for a set of interchangeable wooden blocks that can be used to create any kind of car - no, not just a car, any kind of thing on wheels. Now available for sale, Huzi uses birch wheels affixed to walnut bases, and different bodystyles are made of poplar and coated with the same paint used for chalkboards. The wooden bases contain magnets that are recessed when not in use but that pop out to secure the body on when needed. Each set comes with a box of dustless chalk so kids, and adults, can draw on the bodies and not make a mess.

The project was a collaboration of designers from around the world, answering the question "Why can't a dream car have graffiti on it, or have triangular windows, or even not have any resemblance of a movable vehicle?"

The video below with details the project from its Kickstarter roots, and explains the brainchild of a woman whose company name comes from asking herself the question, "What would the world look like if we all had a mustache?"

Continue reading Huzi Dream Car is a magnetic spin on wooden toys [w/video]

Huzi Dream Car is a magnetic spin on wooden toys [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti 'Blue Dream' plane being replicated with Kickstarter help [w/video]

Michael Harley — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bugatti

Ettore Bugatti, the automobile designer behind the Automobiles E. Bugatti nameplate, was famed for his engine and vehicle designs. Yet few realize that the Frenchman also worked on a spectacular twin-engine racing aircraft, intended to compete in the 1939 Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup Race, called the 100P. Designed by Louis de Monge, the low wing monoplane featured two engines, both mounted aft of the pilot (nearly end-to-end), driving twin counter rotating propellers through long drive shafts. To achieve its maximum speed, estimated at nearly 550 miles per hour, it was fitted with two powerful inline eight-cylinder engines each making about 450 horsepower.

Sadly, the plane never took flight. Instead, the one-of-a-kind aircraft spent World War II slowly rotting in a French barn, hidden from the Germans. Restored today, but not in flying condition, Bugatti's original 100P sits in the Airventure Museum in Oshkosh, WI.

Seven decades after the original mostly balsa and hardwood aircraft was locked away, businessman Scotty Wilson is leading a team (including Louis de Monge's great-nephew, Lasislas de Monge) intent on seeing an exact replica of Bugatti's 100P "Blue Dream" take to the sky. And that is where Kickstarter comes into play...

After three years of self-funded work, the team is 90 percent done. However, big obstacles remain in its path (e.g., testing, certification and a transportation dolly). The Bugatti100p team is hoping to raise $50,000 to push the program forward. If successful, Bugatti's dream could take flight as soon as September. Here's a direct link to the Reve Bleu Kickstarter page, worthy of a visit even if only to check out the interesting pictures. There's also a project video to enjoy, below.

Continue reading Bugatti 'Blue Dream' plane being replicated with Kickstarter help [w/video]

Bugatti 'Blue Dream' plane being replicated with Kickstarter help [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Little Red Racing Car Kickstarter project a father/son affair [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Videos, Maserati, Toys/Games

Tales of fathers and sons, whether told for adults or for children, never go out of style. It's appropriate then that The Little Red Racing Car, a story about a father and son finding and restoring a 1955 Maserati 300S, is such a stylish piece of work.

Author Dwight Knowlton first started working on The Little Red Racing Car when, after his son was born, he "went looking for the perfect Father/Son/Car book" and couldn't find one. Knowlton's artwork in has been influenced heavily by vintage automotive advertising and Grand Prix posters, and has a very clean, art deco vibe as a result.

Of course, TLRRC is still just a work in progress. Knowlton is hoping the Kickstarter community will help to get the ball rolling, and raise $25,000 to the book printed and distributed. The author even has a stretch goal to have the whole shebang made into and animated film - we love big dreams. Follow on below to hear Knowlton's pitch in his own words, or jump over to his Kickstarter page to look further or buy-in.

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Little Red Racing Car Kickstarter project a father/son affair [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Dodge

To be honest, we're surprised something like this didn't pop up sooner. Chrysler is riffing on gift registries for couples getting married or expecting babies and cross-pollinating it with a social media funding website like Kickstarter to help customers buy its 2013 Dodge Dart. The Dodge Dart Registry allows people to build and customize a new Dart exactly how they want it, then let other people purchase some or all of the components as gifts.

The registry lets you add features like dark headlights, dual exhaust, various wheels and even interior options without choosing a specific trim level. This sounds a lot like the system Scion uses to let its customers configure cars, and this could be a great idea for Dodge. Of course, this system has the added benefit of being a social media affair for you to share with your friends... you know, so they can help pay for some of the parts, too.

The best thing about the registry is that you can configure your dream Dart from the comfort of your home computer, which strikes us as much better than walking around Bed, Bath and Beyond for the better part of an afternoon with an electronic scanner. The one thing that Dodge doesn't offer? "Thank You" cards. Those are on you.

For more information about how to get your friends and family to help buy you a Dodge Dart, Chrysler has provided a video and press release, which we've posted below.

Continue reading Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video]

Dodge Dart Registry helps you crowdsource money for your next ride [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Euro classics buff book GranTurismo kicks off on Kickstarter [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Europe

While the launch of a new, car-based website is rarely newsworthy - of the hundreds we're tipped about each year, most are cesspools of spam or vanish in short order. However, the debut of an enthusiast-facing print magazine has actually become a pretty rare occurrence. So when we first caught wind of GranTurismo, we were intrigued enough to take a deeper look.

GranTurismo, as the name hints, will cover European makes and models, both old and new, with the depth afforded by a staff that has spent much of their careers to this point doing just that. The mix will also include motorcycle content in the same Euro genre, as well as motorsports reporting and a "Kit" section that will offer up various watches and driving shoes that we can't afford (advertisers love that stuff). And, while the tradition for this kind of sporting and heritage book is well established in British titles like Classic Cars and Motor Sport (to name but two), GranTurismo will be written and published right here in the US. The small team of editors is based in Chicago and led by Bryan Joslin - a name some of you might recognize from Motive, Kilometer and VW Vortex.

We've seen the pilot issue of the print mag, and it looks and feels genuinely lovely. A non-traditional horizontal layout gives the photography room to breathe, with plenty of space to display cars in the way we see them in real life. What's more, if print-and-ink publishing just isn't your thing, GranTurismo also plans to offer digital versions for both your iPad and Android tablet.

Check out the GranTurismo Kickstarter page and watch the promo video below for more information, too.

Continue reading Euro classics buff book GranTurismo kicks off on Kickstarter [w/video]

Euro classics buff book GranTurismo kicks off on Kickstarter [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom and Ray of Car Talk launch Kickstarter campaign for "yoga" documentary?

George Kennedy — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Celebrities, Humor

Have you ever heard of the art of "Italian Yoga"? We certainly hadn't, but when we caught word that Tom and Ray Magliozzi (better known as the Car Talk brothers) were practitioners, we were intrigued. So what exactly is Italian Yoga?

Peter Catizone is the movement's "founder," and describes Italian Yoga, or "dolce far niente" as the fine art of "sitting at the corner cafe with espresso, cigars, cannoli and good friends." This practice involves exchanging jokes, stories and generally anything to distract one from prospect of returning to work.

Andrew Magliozzi, nephew of the Car Talk duo, is aiming to start short documentary-style video, that would air as three long segments on YouTube over the next year. To raise funds for the project, a Kickstarter page has been started, with the goal of raising the necessary $40,000 for production. Those interested could donate as little as a dollar, but larger donations will get you all sorts of swag from the Car Talk boys.

The essence of enjoying a moment of leisure in the middle of the day is something we could all get behind. Especially if it means sitting outside, smoking a few vices and enjoying the day. Add in the always-entertaining banter of Tom and Ray, and you have what looks to be pretty watchable content. Check out the promotional video for the Kickstarter page and the press release below for more information on this project.

Continue reading Tom and Ray of Car Talk launch Kickstarter campaign for "yoga" documentary?

Tom and Ray of Car Talk launch Kickstarter campaign for "yoga" documentary? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Confederate Motors designer wants $500k to build three LSR bikes, document the process

Chris Tutor — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Videos, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Design/Style

Out of the workshop of Birmingham, Alabama-based Confederate Motors has rolled several revolutionary bikes. JT Nesbitt designed the G2 Hellcat and the Wraith, two of the company's first models. Made of aircraft aluminum and carbon fiber, the $100,000 Wraith set a top speed record of 166.45 mph in its class at Bonneville in 2008. And now, Nesbitt has left Confederate to start his own company, Bienville Studios in New Orleans, to work on automotive projects. But he still likes motorcycles.

Nesbitt believes as much in the craftsmanship of a bike as he does the mechanics and engineering. Which made him a perfect fit for a Kickstarter project with Manifest Digital, a Chicago graphic design firm.

The goal of the Bienville Legacy Kickstarter project is to raise $500,000 in one month to fund the no-holds-barred creation of three record-setting bikes. Once the funds are booked, Nesbitt will begin putting together the bike you see above using only the highest grade aluminum, titanium, chrome-moly and carbon fiber. Without worrying about costs, profit margins, investors, hard-to-please customers and a bad economy, the team will be free to experiment however necessary to, as Nesbitt says in the video, create "... the fastest f***ing motorcycle ever built in this country."

Exotic materials will lend the bike lightness, while the power will come from a Motus 100 cubic-inch, 160-horsepower V4. As a side note, Motus, also located in Birmingham, was co-founded by another Confederate designer, Brian Case.

The $500k will also pay for "Tempus Veritas Revelat" (Time Reveals Truth), a documentary being shot of the bike build as well as for taking the three bikes to Bonneville for the attempts to break land speed records in three different classes.

A Kickstarter pledge of $15 or more will get investors a free download of the finished documentary. Several pledge levels above that, at $10,000, is a choice of two packages. First is the opportunity for you and 12 of your friends to work with the build team to create the bikes in New Orleans. Your other choice is a "long weekend" apprenticeship and permission to take a bike out for a ride.

Interested? Might want to hurry. The Kickstarter project has a long way before reaching its $500k goal, but its pledge window closes Oct. 22. Check out the project's video by scrolling down, then if you're interested, head over to Kickstarter.

Continue reading Former Confederate Motors designer wants $500k to build three LSR bikes, document the process

Former Confederate Motors designer wants $500k to build three LSR bikes, document the process originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BikeLink puts the brake lights on the back of your neck [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Motorcycle

When you're on a motorcycle any time of day, but especially at night, giving drivers in cars the best chance to see you before they hit you is priority one. That's the need addressed by BikeLink, a CHMSL and then some for the two-wheeled set. A band of lights that attaches to the base of a helmet, the BikeLink can flash all of the indicators found on the bike: right and left turns, hazards and reversing, and it can operate as running lights.

It does this via a small transmitter that hooks into the bike's wiring harness - once its wired up it operates wirelessly. Its inventor says the BikeLink's lights can be color-matched to any hue, their flash patterns can be controlled with an app, and you can sync multiple helmets to one bike or sync up to two bikes to one helmet.

You can't buy one just yet, though - the BikeLink is a project on Fundable seeking $75,000 in start-up capital. At the time of writing it's up to $8,376, with pledges starting at $109 that will get you the unit. Check out the video below to see it in action, then head on over to Fundable to find out more about it.

Continue reading BikeLink puts the brake lights on the back of your neck [w/video]

BikeLink puts the brake lights on the back of your neck [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Help fund a film about the world of rally

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Rally driving is so reliably mesmerizing that we never lack for viewers when we post rallying footage, especially when raw engine noises accompany the raw talent. Yet we rarely come across videos that take a deeper look at who races, the private lives of privateers and the urge to 'run what you brung' through quiet forests with few spectators and less money. Motorsports filmmaker Matt Johnston wants to change that.

Johnston has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for Easier Said than Done, a full-length feature on what might be the dirtiest side of rallying - finding the money and staying in the game. He isn't trying to fund the whole project itself, he says it's going to happen anyway. What he wants is more capital to hire equipment and crew.

Follow the jump for the trailer and check out his Kickstarter page for a breakdown of the project.

Continue reading Help fund a film about the world of rally

Help fund a film about the world of rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drawing cars project looking for Kickstarter funds

Zach Bowman — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Design/Style

We like to think we're a pretty talented bunch with plenty of marketable skills. We make a mean slice of toast, for example, and we've been known to demonstrate a unique mastery of sleeping on airplanes.

Even with those boundless abilities on our side, there's a laundry list of activities we can't perform with any aplomb. Take drawing cars, for example. Despite all of our high school doodling, we can't put pen to paper without our creation looking suspiciously like an impressionist Lada Niva. It's just not pretty. Fortunately, a new project on Kickstarter may be able to help us hone those skills.

Arvind Ramkrishna, the mind behind Driven Mavens, is working to release a two-DVD set that will walk viewers through the ins and outs of vehicle rendering. The set sheds light on how to craft a professional-grade marker sketch as well as a computer-generated version of your favorite ride.

The project has a variety of donation levels, but the low price of $40 nets you both discs as well as a comprehensive hard copy sketch guide. Head over to the Kickstarter page to check it out for yourself.

Drawing cars project looking for Kickstarter funds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Power Wheel Racing needs your help

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Our favorite racing series just got a bit of competition, and it comes in a surprising form. We're not saying this will take the place of the 24 Hours of LeMons, but it's certainly captured our attention. Called the Power Wheel Racing Series, this form of electrified motorsports pits racers against each other as they pilot uprated kids toys around a track.

To put it rather simply: this is awesome, and we want in.

The series needs a bit of help, however, to go from a singular event into a full-blown season for 2012. The minds behind the mayhem have turned to Kickstarter, and they are accepting your cash in exchange for a differing level of gratitude based upon how much you're willing to plunk down.

If you need some convincing, click past the jump to learn more about the series. After that, head over to Kickstarter and show this fledgling race series some love.

Continue reading Power Wheel Racing needs your help

Power Wheel Racing needs your help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I DRAW CARS book coming for budding car designers

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Design/Style

Love cars? Surely, then, you spent many a classroom hour doodling them all over their book covers and binders. Sometimes they looked kinda cool, while other times you wish you had used pencil instead of pen. A new book is in the works that will help budding automotive designers hone their skill, and the octavo will serve as both a sketchbook and a reference guide. It's called I DRAW CARS, and you can help bring it to life.

The team behind the book is currently asking for help on the Kickstarter.com website, and they've nearly hit their goal. There is still room to help out, and for some we'd think this would be money well spent.

I DRAW CARS was created to inspire and guide those who are intrigued by automotive design. The guide portion of the book breaks down the various vehicle segments being produced, as well as the various angles and perspectives one might choose to pen a design. The templates utilize non-photo blue ink, which means you can scan your design into a computer and the template won't come through, leaving just your image behind.

The project aims to put a great tool in the hands of those who dream to someday design the real thing. Check it out at the official website, and head over to Kickstarter if you feel like pitching in.

I DRAW CARS book coming for budding car designers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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