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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Race Recap: For the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix, NASCAR comes to the principality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/race-recap-for-the-2013-monaco-grand-prix-nascar-comes-to-the-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/race-recap-for-the-2013-monaco-grand-prix-nascar-comes-to-the-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/race-recap-for-the-2013-monaco-grand-prix-nascar-comes-to-the-p/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Infiniti, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Racing, McLaren

Lots of contact, debris cautions, trips into the wall, full-course yellows and a red flag - these are the kinds of racing terms you unbox when you want to have a conversation about NASCAR... or the Formula One grand prix of Monaco. In this case we're not talking about the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, we're talking about 78 laps in the South of France that even featured a fallen camera cable just like that stock-car race.

This year, Mercedes-AMG Petronas drivers treated their chassis' like busses instead of F1 cars, Romain Grosjean treated his Lotus like a battering ram, Sergio Perez kept sticking his McLaren's nose in places and eventually got it smacked, and maybe the size of the drivers' mirrors should be changed instead of the tires as there were almost as many firsts as there were crashes. Plenty of F1 fans wish Monaco were removed from the calendar, yet even though it doesn't specialize in traditional thrills, that doesn't mean nothing happens during the parade through - and into - the barriers.

Continue reading Race Recap: For the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix, NASCAR comes to the principality

Race Recap: For the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix, NASCAR comes to the principality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 monaco grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoferrariinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgmonaco grand prixnico rosbergsebastian vettelTue, 28 May 2013 09:16:00 EST

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20584628 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Renault unveiling Twin'Run concept in Monaco [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/renault-unveiling-twinrun-concept-in-monaco-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Classics, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty, Racing

Renault Twin'Run concept - front three-quarter view

During last year's Monaco Formula One Grand Prix weekend, Renault introduced us to the Alpine A110-50. This year, it's another revival called Twin'Run - the follow up to the Twin'Z but not called TwinFun, as we previously thought - a smooth blue hatch to update all those yellowed memories of the Renault R5 Turbo and Clio V6. With the same footprint as the Twin'Z, this is the other side of the 'play' theme in Renault's six-stage exploration of the stages of life through concept cars.

The Twin'Z is admittedly a neat piece of work, but the Twin'Run one - and its murderous exhaust note - has our hot breath all over it. A steel, tubular chassis provides the structure. Within it, just ahead of the rear axle is a 3.5-liter V6 with 320 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, shifted through a six-speed sequential transmission. To keep its city-car proportions stable on 18-inch wheels, the fuel tank, radiator and hydraulic system are in the front, under the hood, resulting in a 43/57 front-to-rear weight balance.

The bodywork is a mix of glass fiber and carbon fiber, the squarish headlamps and supplemental quad headlamps a nod to the R5 Turbo rally car and its light rack for nighttime stages. Inside is lots of black and red Alcantara, a gauge cluster wrapped in white lacquer and aluminum pedals whose setup is said to be motorsports tested.

The whole package weighs 2,090 pounds, and you can read all about it in the press release below. There's also a very French short film to go with it that you know involves lots of models clad in lots of leather, and those vintage forbearers.

Continue reading Renault unveiling Twin'Run concept in Monaco [w/video]

Renault unveiling Twin'Run concept in Monaco [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carmonacomonaco grand prixrenaultrenault twinrunrenault twinztwinrunvideoFri, 24 May 2013 14:17:00 EST

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20582767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-twinrun-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-twinrun-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Renault teases followup concept to Twin'Z]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/renault-teases-follow-up-concept-to-twinz/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Renault

When amateur spy shots first surfaced of a little blue hatchback roaring down the streets of Madrid, we thought it might be a Renault 5 revival - the sky blue city car did have a big "5" written on its doors, after all. Turns out, though, that it is the TwinFun, followup to the recently unveiled Twin'Z and the final offering in Renault's six-stage concept car cycle.

Last year, Renault introduced the Alpine A110-50 concept at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix; for 2013 it will be the TwinFun taking the spotlight. A three-sentence press release below tells us that it fulfills the 'play' brief in the "life-cycle design strategy." We just want to find out what kind of engine it's got that makes all that glorious noise.

Continue reading Renault teases followup concept to Twin'Z

Renault teases followup concept to Twin'Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20550275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-twin-fun-concpet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-twin-fun-concpet.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Monaco Grand Prix does the full Monte Carlo [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/2012-monaco-grand-prix-does-the-full-monte-carlo-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/2012-monaco-grand-prix-does-the-full-monte-carlo-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/27/2012-monaco-grand-prix-does-the-full-monte-carlo-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe

2012 Monaco Grand Prix

Formula One is boring, say the detractors. It's always the same drivers and teams who win. Nothing new ever happens. That's what they said, at least, until this season.

With an unprecedented six world champions on the grid holding a total of fourteen titles between them, this season has been one big wild card. So far five different drivers from five different teams took the checkered flags in the five races so far. And not all of them rank among the aforementioned champions.

But if the season has been unpredictable until now, would Monaco - traditionally the least predictable grand prix of all - prove even more so? Keep reading to find out.

Continue reading 2012 Monaco Grand Prix does the full Monte Carlo [spoilers]

2012 Monaco Grand Prix does the full Monte Carlo [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2012 23:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 monaco grand prixf1formula 1formula onemonacomonaco grand prixmonte carloSun, 27 May 2012 23:43:00 EST

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20246116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/monaco-wp-copy-1338174700_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/monaco-wp-copy-1338174700.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Renault, Design/Style

Renault has officially released details on its Alpine A110-50 Concept. Designed to pay homage to the original Alpine A110, the machine wears a body crafted from carbon fiber and dipped in a shade of the same iconic Alpine Blue we all know and love. Up front, designers worked in a set of half-ring yellow LED lights reminiscent of the hood-mounted fog lights found on the original. That's pretty much where the similarities end, however. Based loosely on the crushingly-sexy Renault Dezir Concept, the new machine boasts proud fender arches, a wild split-wing rear spoiler and scissor doors.

As we'd heard before, the A110-50 Concept rolls on the same chassis as the Megane Trophy, complete with adjustable Sachs dampers, 21-inch wheels and the notable absences of on-board nannies like ABS or traction control. Hefty 14-inch front brake discs are pressed by six-piston calipers, while the 13-inch discs out back make due with four-piston units.

Renault placed a 3.5-liter V6 mid-ship with a full 400 horsepower on hand. A roof mounted-intake funnels air from outside the engine bay into the machine's carbon-fiber intake. Meanwhile, a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox allows the driver the choice of disengaging the transmission via a floor-mounted clutch pedal or shifting via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

Scroll down to check out the full press release as well as a couple videos.

Continue reading Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud

Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a110-50alpinealpine a110-50alpine a110-50 conceptcarbon fiberconceptconcept carledmegane trophymonaco grand prixrenault alpine a110-50renault alpine a110-50 conceptrenault dezirrenault dezir conceptFri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST

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20245135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/remault-alpine-s110-50-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/remault-alpine-s110-50-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine: New images and teaser video surface [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/renault-alpine-new-images-and-teaser-video-surface-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/renault-alpine-new-images-and-teaser-video-surface-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/renault-alpine-new-images-and-teaser-video-surface-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Renault

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept

Renault has turned over a few more photos of its all-new Alpine A110-50 ahead of the machine's debut at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. The new shots show off the sports car's rear end for the first time. The total package looks more than a little like the Renault DeZir concept, though we're told the chassis is borrowed almost entirely from the company's Megane Trophy.

If the two machines share more than bones, that means we can expect to see a 3.5-liter V6 engine mounted mid-ship. The powerplant churns out 360 horsepower in standard guise, though the A110-50 is said to clear over 400 horsepower.

In addition to the few photos, Renault also served up a brief teaser video showing the covered machine as it is being unloaded from a transport. Check it out for yourself, and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Continue reading Renault Alpine: New images and teaser video surface [w/video]

Renault Alpine: New images and teaser video surface [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20244365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-alpine-renault-a110-50-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-alpine-renault-a110-50-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault confirms 400-HP Alpine concept debuting on Friday *UPDATE [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/renault-confirms-400-hp-alpine-concept-debuting-on-friday/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/renault-confirms-400-hp-alpine-concept-debuting-on-friday/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/renault-confirms-400-hp-alpine-concept-debuting-on-friday/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Renault

Renault has confirmed the unveiling of an Alpine concept at this weekend's Formula One Grand Prix de Monaco, but as we get closer there are new details alongisde new questions. Just yesterday came the leaked image of a concept called the A110-50C, heavily based on the Renault DeZir concept, that could turn out to be the thing itself or pure Photoshop fancy. French press is reporting that Renault COO Carlos Tavares has confirmed that a 400-horsepower concept will appear that "could be homologated and on the road in the future," and it will take a lap of the Monaco course.

Another story in the French press has a picture of Sebastian Vettel sitting inside a vintage Alpine 110 racer - the car that all this hubbub is about, an example of which is pictured above. It was taken in mid-April for German GQ magazine at the Barcelona F1 circuit. Vettel and Tavares will supposedly be presenting the concept, but that report indicates the car is called the ZAR and suspects the first letter is for "zero emissions," the second for Alpine, the third perhaps for Renault. A report in CNET France also claims the ZAR appellation for the concept, allowing that the meaning of the acronym can only be supposition for now. True, the DeZir was an all-electric concept, so either the A110-50C/ZAR has 400 electric horsepower and there isn't any mid-mounted 3.5-liter Nissan V6, or Renault has found a way to break every single law of internal combustion... or we just don't know what's really in there.

We'll should know all come Friday at 1:00 PM local time.

* UPDATE: The leaked image (inset) is the real deal. Renault has released some teaser photos and a video, and the reveal will happen on French Yahoo! Autos on Friday at 1:01 p.m. Monaco time. Scroll down to watch the teaser vid.

Continue reading Renault confirms 400-HP Alpine concept debuting on Friday *UPDATE [w/video]

Renault confirms 400-HP Alpine concept debuting on Friday *UPDATE [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinealpine a110concept cardezirmeganemonaco grand prixrenaultrenault a110-50renault a110-50 conceptrenault a110-50crenault alpinerenault dezirrenault meganerenault zar conceptrenaultsportzarzar conceptWed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

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20243763 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alpinea110orig_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alpinea110orig.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 concept leaked ahead of Monaco debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-leaked-ahead-of-monaco-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-leaked-ahead-of-monaco-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-leaked-ahead-of-monaco-debut/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Renault

If Jesus had treated Lazarus' resurrection like Renault has treated that of its Alpine brand, Lazarus would have politely requested, "Please, leave me alone." In 2008, the Alpine's return was rumored to come riding on the platform of the Nissan 370Z. In 2009 the revival was declared D.O.A along with the co-developed Nissan 200SX. In 2010 it was back on, the new Alpine to be based on the reputation-making Alpine A110 Berlinette. In January of this year there were still rumors but still no car, with scuttlebutt pegging a concept showing at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Finally, just this month the goat entrails predicted a showing of a new Alpine at the Monaco Grand Prix, which arrives in the principality this weekend. And the leaked rendering pictured above of the Renault A110-50 concept is the very Alpine purportedly to be revealed on Friday. Looking more inspired by the Renault DeZir concept (right) from two years ago, with some uneven assistance from Photoshop, all Renault needs to do is omit the two supplementary nostrils on the leading edge and tell us where to send a deposit. The built-up concept is loosely based on a Renault Megane with a tube-frame chassis, hiding a 400-horsepower V6 amidships.

Not that it will ever be made, but at least we have something to look at now and perhaps even to touch come this Friday. Or could it get made? One more false start we neglected to mention was just last year when Renault scrapped the Alpine brand again, opting to provide a new roadster for its Renaulsport brand. The car proposed for that endeavor: a production version of the DeZir. We hope to know more on Friday, so stay tuned.

Renault Alpine A110-50 concept leaked ahead of Monaco debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinealpine a110concept cardezirmeganemonaco grand prixrenaultrenault a110-50renault a110-50 conceptrenault a110-50crenault alpinerenault dezirrenault meganerenaultsportTue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

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20242390 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/renaultalpineconcmonaco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/renaultalpineconcmonaco.jpg <![CDATA[Renault to unveil new Alpine concept at Monaco Grand Prix?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/renault-to-unveil-new-alpine-concept-at-monaco-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/renault-to-unveil-new-alpine-concept-at-monaco-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/renault-to-unveil-new-alpine-concept-at-monaco-grand-prix/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Renault, Rumormill

Renault Alpine A110 in Monte Carlo Rally

Typically when an automaker wants to roll out a new car, it does so at one of a dozen or so major auto shows held throughout the calendar and around the world. But with the bulk of the show season on break for the summer, rumor has it that Renault is planning a more glamorous location to unveil its latest.

Speculation has been mounting for years that Renault was preparing to revive the Alpine nameplate with a new sports car sometime soon. And with the 50th anniversary of the legendary A110 (pictured above in the 1971 Monte Carlo Rally) coming up, the latest suggests that is exactly what the French automaker has in store for the Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in short order on the streets of Monte Carlo.

Just what the new Renault Alpine will amount to, if anything, remains to be seen, however. Some forecast that it could be based on the same platform as the GT-R from allied automaker Nissan, while others anticipate an electric sports car of some sort.

One way or another, it won't be the only Renault present for the most iconic of grands prix: eight out of the 24 F1 cars on the grid this year are powered by the same Renault RS27 engine that powered Sebastian Vettel to the last two world championships.

Renault to unveil new Alpine concept at Monaco Grand Prix? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20235952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/renault3132216_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/renault3132216.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren to unveil F1 successor at Monaco GP]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/mclaren-to-unveil-f1-successor-at-monaco-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/mclaren-to-unveil-f1-successor-at-monaco-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/mclaren-to-unveil-f1-successor-at-monaco-gp/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, MISC

McLaren MP4-12C in Monaco

Legends come and legends go when it comes to supercars, but few remain etched as indelibly in our hearts and minds as the McLaren F1. Still capable of trouncing 99% of the performance machinery being built today, the legendary F1 is one icon whose successor has been anticipated arguably more than any other.

Since the end of its production run in 1998, McLaren has gone on to produce the SLR for Mercedes-Benz and branch out on its own once again with the MP4-12C (pictured above in Monte Carlo). But as capable as these machines have proven, everyone's been waiting for the F1's true successor to come rolling out of Woking. And now, like a child anticipating Christmas, we just may have that launch date to look forward to.

According to reports, McLaren Automotive is planning to unveil the new seven-figure, 800-horsepower hyper-car not at a major auto show and not at its own dedicated event, but at no less a celebration of speed than the Monaco Grand Prix.

The 70th running of the most iconic of Formula One races, which McLaren has won no less than 15 times (more than any other team), is on the calendar for May 27, so if the rumors prove accurate, we've only got a few months to wait.

McLaren to unveil F1 successor at Monaco GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren automotivemclaren f1mclaren p12mega macmonacomonaco grand prixmonte carloTue, 28 Feb 2012 16:29:00 EST

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20180754 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mp412cmonaco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mp412cmonaco.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition gilds the lily]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/renault-megane-rs-250-monaco-grand-prix-limited-edition-gilds-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/renault-megane-rs-250-monaco-grand-prix-limited-edition-gilds-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/31/renault-megane-rs-250-monaco-grand-prix-limited-edition-gilds-th/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Hatchback, Renault, Australia

Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition

Typically, when Renault comes out with a Monaco or Silverstone GP edition or something similar, it's targeted at those who'd like to get their hands on a full-fat Renaultsport model but can't quite get there. This time, however, the Monaco Grand Prix edition packs everything you'd expect from a Megane RS, and then some.

The Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four producing 246 horsepower, along with a glass roof, 19-inch alloys, red Brembo brake calipers and bi-xenon headlights. It only comes in pearlescent white, which contrasts nicely with the glossy black trim on the grille, side mirrors and rear diffuser - a theme continued inside with the black and white interior.

Since all 50 examples of this special are reserved exclusively for the Australian market, however, you'll have to admire it from afar in the high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition gilds the lily

Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition gilds the lily originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20030696 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web08-megane-rs-monaco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web08-megane-rs-monaco.jpg <![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton apologizes for joking insinuation of racism after Monaco GP penalty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/lewis-hamilton-apologizes-for-joking-insinuation-of-racism-after/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/lewis-hamilton-apologizes-for-joking-insinuation-of-racism-after/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/lewis-hamilton-apologizes-for-joking-insinuation-of-racism-after/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Celebrities

Lewis Hamilton at the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton may be best known for his racing, but in the wake of a controversial performance at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, it was another race card he played altogether.

The young Brit was called in to speak with the race stewards regarding an incident with Williams rookie Pastor Maldonado. Towards the end of the grand prix, Hamilton collided with Maldonado and the latter was taken out of the race. The stewards deemed Hamilton at fault and handed him a 20-second time penalty (the post-race equivalent to a drive-through), though with Adrian Sutil finishing far behind him a lap down, the penalty affects neither Hamilton's sixth-place finish nor his position in the championship standings.

Speaking with the BBC after the stewards' decision, the McLaren driver jokingly channeled Sacha Baron Cohen's character Ali G and mused that the stewards were picking on him because he's black. Realizing the joke could be misconstrued and taken seriously, Hamilton doubled back and apologized to the stewards for his remarks.

The Maldonado incident was one of several that marred Hamilton's performance this weekend. After being docked several positions on the starting grid due to an illegal qualifying maneuver, Hamilton started in ninth place. Around halfway through the race, he tried to overtake longtime rival, Felipe Massa, but ended up colliding with the Ferrari that crashed out mere seconds later. The stewards had faulted a frustrated Hamilton for that incident as well and handed him a mid-race drive-through penalty.

Lewis Hamilton apologizes for joking insinuation of racism after Monaco GP penalty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Monaco Grand Prix

2011 Monaco Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

The funny thing about speed is that it's relative, at least in a cognitive sense. Sure, you can measure the pace at which a moving object travels over ground, water, air, or even space. But place a Formula One race car on a wide-open track-say, Turkey's Istanbul Park, for example-and it doesn't look or feel like it's going nearly as fast as the same car does along the tight, winding streets of Monte Carlo. That's what makes the Monaco Grand Prix so exciting. This year's especially, packed as it was with nail-biting action. Follow the jump to read how it went down.

Gallery: 2011 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading 2011 Monaco Grand Prix is as tight as it gets [spoilers]

2011 Monaco Grand Prix is as tight as it gets [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19952967 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630monaco1280x800_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630monaco1280x800.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Bondurant gets hitched at Monaco Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/bob-bondurant-gets-hitched-at-monaco-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/bob-bondurant-gets-hitched-at-monaco-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/bob-bondurant-gets-hitched-at-monaco-grand-prix/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities

Bob Bondurant and his wife Patricia exchanged vows on the tarmac of the Monaco Formula One track on May 14. Spectators who gathered for the F1 race were treated to a different kind of spectacle when the two walked out onto the track with a handful of friends and family as witnesses. Bondurant has a special affinity for the Monaco course - he snagged a fourth-place finish there in 1966 and helped film the legendary movie Grand Prix on the track as well. While the Bondurants were already married in the U.S., they were looking for a special way to cement their commitment to each other, and officials said that the wedding was the first of its kind.

Bondurant made a name for himself as a race car driver, though more recently he has helped to instruct over 250,000 students on the finer points of car control through his racing school. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Bondurant Racing]

Continue reading Bob Bondurant gets hitched at Monaco Grand Prix

Bob Bondurant gets hitched at Monaco Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Monaco Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

IndyCar racing has the Indianapolis 500. Sportscars, Le Mans. NASCAR, the Daytona 500. Rally-raid has Dakar. And while the Formula One calendar may not count any one round higher than any other, if there's one headline event, it's surely the Monaco Grand Prix.

Held on the streets of Monte Carlo, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the oldest - and easily the most iconic - races on the calendar. It's also one of the slowest, in terms of average speeds, and one of the most technically difficult and challenging grands prix of the year. Tight corners and narrow straights also make it notoriously difficult to pass. Yet the seaside principality always makes for an exciting venue. So did this year's headline race disappoint? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2010 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading 2010 Monaco Grand Prix: Safety First at the Crown Jewel of the F1 calendar [SPOILER ALERT]

2010 Monaco Grand Prix: Safety First at the Crown Jewel of the F1 calendar [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 May 2010 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bedazzled wheels and helmets

Lewis & Jenson's diamond-encrusted steering wheels and helmets, 2010 Monaco GP
Click above or below-right for high-res image gallery

We've seen F1 teams pulling all kinds of shtick in an effort to edge out the competition. But embedding diamonds into the helmets and steering wheels? Well, it seemed to work in 2008 for Lewis Hamilton, and he, for one, is hoping it'll work again this year at the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.

McLaren has partnered with Steinmetz Diamonds to carry off the bedazzling, creating commemorative wreath emblems for both its world champions. The results were unveiled on Wednesday at Steinmetz's villa in Monte Carlo, and both Hamilton and Button will be using them during this weekend's race. Only in Monaco, kids. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading McLaren gives Button and Hamilton extra bling for good luck

McLaren gives Button and Hamilton extra bling for good luck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 May 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've wrapped up our Beijing Motor Show coverage as April closes and May begins, signaling the end of the major international auto show season. We'll have a spring and summer full of concours, racing, meets, exhibitions and more to keep us busy though until the new car reveals pick up again in October at the Paris Motor Show.

This month racing fans will be busy with Formula 1 action from Spain and the legendary Grand Prix de Monaco. NASCAR stops at Richmond, Darlington and Dover before the two-week extravaganza that leads up to the Coca-Cola 600. IndyCar starts off with the Road Runner 300 from Kansas City, but the month of May means only one thing to open-wheel fans - The Indy 500.

The ALMS guys and gals head to Monterey for their annual crack at the corkscrew of Laguna Seca. WRC fans can see action from New Zealand and Portugal, while Rally America stages the Oregon Trail Rally. The NHRA schedule finds the Southern Nationals in Atlanta and the Summer Nationals in Topeka following the conclusion of the Midwest Nationals that start at the end of April.

Other racing action in May includes the Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports at the Mitty at Road Atlanta, Jefferson 500 at Summit Point, Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, Portland AHRMA Classic, SCCA Pro Racing at NJMP, SVRA Spring Vintage Weekend, 20th Annual Vintage Racing Celebration at NHMSNew Jersey Vintage Grand Prix and Family Festival, and the Olthoff Racing VIR Track Day with the SVT Cobra Mustang Club.

May auctions include two biggies - The RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco and the Mecum Spring Classic.

Concours, meets and shows are beginning to fill out the calendar again as the weather improves and May is the month for the Newport Concours as well as Keels and Wheels, All-AMC Show in Gettysburg, Britfest 2010, Long Island Car Show, Pindar Vineyards - Run Out East, The Petersen Museum Discovery Days: Pop-up Greeting Cards, East Coast Boardwalk National Car Show, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, MOPARS in May, Meguiar's Orange County Get-Together, Saratoga Automobile Museum Spring Invitational and Auto Show, Marin Sonoma Concours d'Elegance, and Micro/Mini Car Cruise - Bear Mountain Silver Mine Roundup among many others.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: May 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: May 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsAutoblog Automotive Event CalendarAutoblogAutomotiveEventCalendarautomotive eventautomotive event calendarautomotive eventsAutomotiveEventAutomotiveEventCalendarAutomotiveEventsBeijing International Automotive Exhibitionbeijing motor showBeijingInternationalAutomotiveExhibitionBeijingMotorShowcalendarcalendar of automotive eventscalendar of eventsCalendarOfAutomotiveEventsCalendarOfEventsformula 1Formula1indycarmonacomonaco grand prixMonacoGrandPrixMonte Carlomonte carlo grand prixMonteCarloMonteCarloGrandPrixnascarnhrarally americaRallyAmericawrcMon, 03 May 2010 18:27:00 EST

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Martini girl in Monaco - Click above for high-res image gallery

You'd have a hard time concentrating too if this woman were staring right at you. That's what reportedly happened during last weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. Drivers complained during qualifying that a billboard advertisement located just after Lowes hairpin and before the tunnel was distracting them. The advert was for Martini, the "Italian winemaker founded in 1863 and famous for its iconic vermouth" (according to Luxist), and featured the enchanting gaze of model Jessiqa Pace.

Race winner Jenson Button reportedly remarked, "Every time you passed her, it was as though she was looking right at you." Button was able to keep his cool, but others maybe not so much. Last year's champ, Lewis Hamilton, crashed during Saturday's qualifying round in close proximity to the billboard. Eyes on the road, Lewis.

Pace was actually in Monaco for the race, and when she heard about the situation told reporters, "Obviously it's very flattering that I'm distracting the drivers so much, but I'd feel terrible if someone got hurt."

Click the gallery below to see some more views of Ms. Pace in Monaco.

Gallery: Martini Girl in Monaco

[Source: Luxist, F1Fanatics]

Martini girl messes up F1 racers in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F1formula oneFormulaOneJessiqa PaceJessiqaPacemartinimartini girlmartini girl monacoMartiniGirlMartiniGirlMonacoMonaco Grand PrixMonacoGrandPrixThu, 28 May 2009 15:29:00 EST

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2009 Monaco Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another race, another week of wondering whether the other Formula 1 teams would make enough progress to catch Brawn GP. Saturday's qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix looked pretty familiar, save for a sorely missed flash of red on the front row. This week's top three? Not surprisingly, Brawn's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello bracketing Ferrari's former champion, Kimi Raikkonen. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was fourth, with last year's runner-up, Felipe Massa fifth in the other Ferrari. Massa had shown the updated F60's potential by qualifying fourth last time out in Spain, but it was refreshing to see both Ferraris in the front three rows for a change. Would KERS help Kimi grab the lead going into turn one? Would Brawn show any chinks in its previously impervious armor? Would Vettel somehow get through to bring Red Bull its second victory of the season? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap

Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix

Short of a divine calling or some sort of athletic/outdoorsy obsession, let's be honest here... who wants to get up before 8 AM on a Sunday? Racing fans who did rise with the songbirds yesterday, however, were rewarded with one hell of a spectacle. In fact, this past Race Sunday was loaded with wheel-to-wheel action in all manner of motorsports, between the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, Nurburgring 24 and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix. We're talking about the latter here, and if you've yet to cue up the TiVo, we suggest you go no further. For those looking for a recap of the day's events on the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo, click below to read on.

Gallery: 2008 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading 2008 Monaco Grand Prix: No-traction action

2008 Monaco Grand Prix: No-traction action originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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