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[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: Jay Leno does the electric Tango]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Jay Leno drives Commuter Cars' Tango - click above to watch the video after the jump

Jay Leno likes him some electric Tango. No, not the new dance craze all the kids are talking texting about, but rather the oddly-narrow but very quick two-seater from Commuter Cars. Now, regular Autobloggreen readers have seen the Tango before, posing beside George Clooney or perhaps drag racing Tesla Roadsters, and many have commented (less than favorably) on its, um, nonconformist appearance. Perfect fodder, one might think, for a crack by someone who knows a thing or two about comedy. Instead, our man Jay Leno plays things pretty straight as he chats with its creator Rick Woodbury before taking it for a spin.

Watching the clip, you can tell that Leno really likes it, especially from behind the wheel. He reports it doesn't feel like a small car inside and really only looks weird from the outside. He likes that it's unique and finds the fact you can lane split with it to be hilarious. However, the real reason he states "It makes you smile..." has less to do with the Tango's width as it does with the fact that "it goes like stink," a point which he happily reiterates.

Despite its turn-of-speed, one of the Tango's biggest shortcoming is its 40 mile range at highway speeds. The car's heavy lead acid batteries are great for keeping it upright around hard corners, but you can't expect to go too far with yesteryear's technology. During their pre-drive talk, Commuter Cars' Woodbury revealed that the company is finally about to put lithium battery pack in a test car, and he expects for it to go up to 200 miles. All of which strikes us as a much more reasonable number if he ever expects to bring skinny back. Hit the jump for video of a little Tango in Jay's Garage.


Gallery: AltCar 2009: Tango EV


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]




Top Gear

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Commuter CarsCommuterCarsJay Lenos GarageJayLenosGarageLenoRick WoodburyRickWoodburyTangoTango EVTangoEvTue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 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[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[VIDEO: Jay Leno promotes new show, damages 1970 Challenger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-jay-leno-promotes-new-show-damages-1970-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-jay-leno-promotes-new-show-damages-1970-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/video-jay-leno-promotes-new-show-damages-1970-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno and friend - Click above to after the jump

Ha ha ha! Jay Leno likes cars and has a new show on NBC this fall, which, while not focused on cars, will have something to do with cars now and then. In fact, Jay went ahead and cut a trailer for his new show featuring somebody named "Rich Mantooth," comedian Fred Armisen and a Vanishing Point-style 1970 Dodge Challenger (knowing Jay, it probably is the Vanishing Point Challenger). Just after making fun of Fred for taking subways, Jay bangs up his Dodge and hi-jinks ensue! But for reals, if this is a taste of what Leno's new show has to offer, we'll probably be checking it out. Full trailer after the jump. And thanks for the tip, Andrew!


Gallery: Jay Leno and Bertone Mantide


[Source: thrfeed.com]



Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno promotes new show, damages 1970 Challenger

VIDEO: Jay Leno promotes new show, damages 1970 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 Dodge Challenger1970DodgeChallengerChallengerDodgeDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerFred ArmisenFredArmisenJay LenoJayLenoLenoVanishing PointVanishing Point ChallengerVanishingPointVanishingPointChallengerWed, 19 Aug 2009 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno reviews Zero S electric motorcycle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/video-jay-leno-reviews-zero-s-electric-motorcycle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/video-jay-leno-reviews-zero-s-electric-motorcycle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/13/video-jay-leno-reviews-zero-s-electric-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video after the break

We suspected it wouldn't take long for Jay Leno to throw a leg over the new Zero S electric motorcycle, and indeed the popular late night comedian and talk show host has just posted a video review of the bike at Jay Leno's Garage. Zero founder and CTO Neal Saiki drops by and offers a bit of commentary on the recently-released machine, and there are a few bits of interest to dissect.

For instance, Neal says the bike's 32 horsepower is roughly equivalent to 50 horsepower in an internal combustion engine since the Zero S's power is available throughout the rev range. Coupled to a weight of just 225 pounds, that's an impressive power-to-weight number, regardless of which horsepower figure you elect to use. Saiki also says that the Zero's frame is made from aluminum that's just three times the thickness of a soda can. Regarding the bike's top speed of 60 miles per hour, Saiki says it's possible to make it go much faster, but the gearing required to hit those speeds would reduce the Zero S's ability to wheelie on command, and that's not good.

While Jay doesn't test Neal Saiki's assertion that you could ride the Zero S from LA to New York with just $30 worth of electricity, he does hop on and take the bike for a ride. Jay definitely seems to like the electric motorcycle, saying that he got used to the lack of shifting pretty quickly and that "this is the future" of motorcycling. Of course, it's also quiet, and Leno quips that "you could go through the bird preserve and not even bother anybody." There are a few flies in the ointment, though, such as the wimpy sound of the bike's horn. Click past the break to watch the video.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno reviews Zero S electric motorcycle

VIDEO: Jay Leno reviews Zero S electric motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay lenojay leno zero sjay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenosGarageJayLenoZeroSlenozero motorcycleszero szero s electric motorcyclezero s electric supermotoZeroMotorcyclesZeroSZeroSElectricMotorcycleZeroSElectricSupermotoSat, 13 Jun 2009 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno takes EcoJet out for a spin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/video-jay-leno-takes-ecojet-out-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/video-jay-leno-takes-ecojet-out-for-a-spin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/video-jay-leno-takes-ecojet-out-for-a-spin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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

Now that Jay Leno's retired from his duties hosting The Tonight Show, he may find himself with a bit more time on his hands to devote to his many automotive passions. Jay occasionally leans towards the green end of the interesting vehicle spectrum, and that tradition looks secure as the comedian has recently been spotted out and about in his home state of California in the EcoJet concept.

It's been a few years since we last heard about the prototype car, which uses a biodiesel-powered Honeywell turbine engine mated to a rear-mounted transaxle and chassis bits from a Corvette Z06, but it's now apparently fully operational. As you can clearly see in the video pasted after the break, the carbon fiber and kevlar-bodied EcoJet sounds like God's Own Hair Dryer and draws quite a crowd when Leno randomly shows up with it it at a local car shows.


Gallery: Jay Leno's EcoJet


[Source: YouTube via Straightline]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno takes EcoJet out for a spin

VIDEO: Jay Leno takes EcoJet out for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel turbineBiodieselTurbineCorvetteecojetjay lenojay leno ecojetJayLenoJayLenoEcojetLenoThe Tonight ShowTheTonightShowturbineturbine carTurbineCarTue, 02 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: It's good to be the King: Jay Leno drives the Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-its-good-to-be-the-king-jay-leno-drives-the-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-its-good-to-be-the-king-jay-leno-drives-the-nissan-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/video-its-good-to-be-the-king-jay-leno-drives-the-nissan-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch Jay Leno enjoy his time with the Nissan GT-R

Autoblog is brimming with proof that Jay Leno is the luckiest car guy in the world. His legendary garage is only attainable in our wildest dreams, so when something like a Nissan finds its way (temporarily) into his stable, it deserves note.

The latest installment of Jay Leno's Garage is dedicated to the Nissan GT-R, with the late-night talk show host poring over the details and grilling Nissan's product planner, John Weiner, on what makes the GT-R special. The range of topics includes all the stats you've already memorized, Nissan's efforts to quell GT-R tuning and Leno's immeasurable joy that he can check the dipstick himself. Leno maintains that it's a vehicle he could get "emotionally involved with." We agree, so without further ado... Mr. Leno, the floor is yours.

Make the jump for the latest installment of Jay Leno's Garage.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Nissan GT-R


Gallery: Nissan GT-R (US-spec)


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: It's good to be the King: Jay Leno drives the Nissan GT-R

VIDEO: It's good to be the King: Jay Leno drives the Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgtrjayjay lenojay leno nissan gt-rjay leno nissan gtrjay lenos garage nissan gt-rjay lenos garage nissan gtrJayLenoJayLenoNissanGt-rJayLenoNissanGtrJayLenosGarageNissanGt-rJayLenosGarageNissanGtrlenonissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrMon, 28 Apr 2008 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[The greening of Jay Leno]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/the-greening-of-jay-leno/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/the-greening-of-jay-leno/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/the-greening-of-jay-leno/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The LA Times just ran a piece about how car collector extraordinaire and The Tonight Show host Jay Leno is seeing green these days. Not envious in the least, Jay in fact has several warehouses around Burbank that house hundreds of incredible vehicles that would incite lust in just about anyone with a car-loving bone in their bodies. No, the green here is the environmental push that is seemingly sweeping the world over. It seems that after spending more time with fellow celebs and enviro-warriors like Ed Begley, Jr., Jay has become enlightened to the needs of Mother Earth.

It should be pointed out that Jay has always had alternative vehicles in his collection. Most of those are early steam cars, but still, last year at SEMA he introduced the EcoJet powered by biodiesel and this year he rolled out the E85 Corvette C6RS by Pratt & Miller. People see high performance and the green movement as two diametrically opposed concepts, but Leno is one of those people who understands you can have both. Making a high performance vehicle doesn't have to come at the expense of the planet if you choose your motivation carefully. Cars like those mentioned above and Audi's diesel-powered R10 Le Mans racers come to mind. And the greening of Jay extends beyond the vehicles themselves.

Leno is investing in ideas like solar panels, wind turbines and grease-eating microbes, according to the article. He's also gradually making over his Big Dog Garage to incorporate self-generated power, energy-efficient heating and nontoxic cleaners. The article is a pretty good read, so check it out for yourself. The funniest bit in the story is Jay's half-serious, half-joking rationale for getting into the green thing:

"My thing with the green situation is: Even if you don't believe in global warming, don't you want to screw the oil company or gas company or utility company?"

Priceless.

Thanks for the tip Jay!

[Source: LA Times]

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Jay Leno's E85-powered C6RS Corvette

The greening of Jay Leno originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenBiodieselCorvette C6RSCorvetteC6rsEcoJetJay LenoJayLenoLenoThu, 08 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: From cutting up Ferraris to building the Eco-Jet: Metalcrafters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/video-from-cutting-up-ferraris-to-building-the-eco-jet-metalcr/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/video-from-cutting-up-ferraris-to-building-the-eco-jet-metalcr/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/video-from-cutting-up-ferraris-to-building-the-eco-jet-metalcr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The most entertaining part of this video, by far, is the stupid ad-libbed "purr" from the newscaster at the end, as they go to banter before the probable throw to the weather. That's what newscasters do when the story is done, say some insipid crap, then toss to the meteorologist to segue from drivel to forecast. Oh yeah, there are cars in the video, too. Very cool cars. Under construction cars, in a super nice custom shop. From inauspicious beginnings assaulting Ferraris with Sawzalls, Metalcrafters has grown into a nearly 200-person operation that builds hot one-offs like Jay Leno's Eco-Jet, customizes production cars, and builds prototypes for the likes of Chrysler. There are some great shots of the Foose Hemisfear under construction, too. It's always intriguing to see how "real" custom cars go together, so we were watching close to crib any techniques we could. Now, where do we send our application?

Check the video after the jump.

[Source: KNBC]

Continue reading VIDEO: From cutting up Ferraris to building the Eco-Jet: Metalcrafters

VIDEO: From cutting up Ferraris to building the Eco-Jet: Metalcrafters originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercustomeco-jetfooselenometalcraftersvideoFri, 03 Aug 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA: Jay Leno and GM unveil turbine-powered EcoJet supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/sema-jay-leno-and-gm-unveil-turbine-powered-ecojet-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/sema-jay-leno-and-gm-unveil-turbine-powered-ecojet-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/sema-jay-leno-and-gm-unveil-turbine-powered-ecojet-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click on image to enlarge

Unforgettable cars associated with the Leno name include the Tank Car and the twin turbo Toronado. After Monday night, we can add the EcoJet to that list. Designed and produced in collaboration with Leno, his Big Dog team of mechanics and GM's Design Studio in North Hollywood, the EcoJet is powered by a Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine producing 650 horsepower and 400 ft-lbs. of torque on bio-diesel. It rides on a modified Corvette Z06 hydroformed aluminum frame with additional aluminum and magnesium chassis components. The skin: 100% pure carbon fiber over Kevlar. The EcoJet's shape is a mix of Cadillac's current design language and cues taken from F1 racers and aeronautical craft.

The EcoJet was introduced at a shindig thrown by GM last night in Las Vegas at the SEMA show, and Autoblog's Mike Magda was in attendance. Unfortunately his hotel lacks the wi-fi, so we'll bring you some additional shots of this shocker later today.

You can still check out GM's press release after the jump, though.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading SEMA: Jay Leno and GM unveil turbine-powered EcoJet supercar

SEMA: Jay Leno and GM unveil turbine-powered EcoJet supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecojetjay lenoJayLenolenosematurbineTue, 31 Oct 2006 03:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay Leno shows off the Camaro concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/10/jay-leno-shows-off-the-camaro-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/10/jay-leno-shows-off-the-camaro-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/10/jay-leno-shows-off-the-camaro-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now that seemingly every car magazine on the planet has taken the Camaro concept for a "test drive," it looks like it's the celebrities' turn. Tonight Show host and hard-core car guy Jay Leno created the latest photo-op for the concept car last Friday, when he took it for a drive in Burbank, California, ending up at the retro-cool Bob's Big Boy diner for its Friday night American Graffiti-style Classic Car Show.

We eagerly await the Camaro concept's appearance in the Autoblog garage...

(More pics after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Jay Leno shows off the Camaro concept

Jay Leno shows off the Camaro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob's big boyburbankcamarocamaro conceptjay lenolenoMon, 10 Jul 2006 15:06:00 EST