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[Watch Graham Hill describe a classic lap of Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/watch-graham-hill-describe-a-classic-lap-of-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/watch-graham-hill-describe-a-classic-lap-of-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/watch-graham-hill-describe-a-classic-lap-of-monaco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Graham Hill

Normally when a Formula 1 driver takes us on a lap of a circuit, it's done with the visual aid of a car actually traveling the track - the driver narrates what we see on screen. In the good old days before every car sported cameras, however, it wasn't like that.

Graham Hill, double World Championship winner and father of Damon Hill, was asked to describe a lap of Monaco in 1968. He won the race five times in his tragically shortened career, and the so-called King of Monaco explained a lap the good old-fashioned way: he told a story and took time to focus on the good bits. Watch him recount it in the video below.

Continue reading Watch Graham Hill describe a classic lap of Monaco

Watch Graham Hill describe a classic lap of Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1968f1formula 1graham hillmonacomonaco gpvideovideosyoutubeSat, 27 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20360175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/27/watch-graham-hill-describe-a-classic-lap-of-monaco/20360175/article-detail.xml 20360175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hillmonacolap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hillmonacolap.jpg <![CDATA[1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Three]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/#commentsFiled under: ,



Check out 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One and 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two.

DAY THREE - THE SNOW BEFORE THE SWEET REWARD

So, yeah, on Day Two there were plenty of opportunities to try all chassis setups and I explored them all. So doing, I spotted those couple of things that could use work in the future. But I honestly have to say I was falling ever more under the spell of this car.

Almost immediately out of the night's stay in Annecy, the roads started climbing. This time of year is generally considered by most to be the warm season, but it quickly became cold and, toward the crest of Aravis Pass at near 5,000 feet, it was snowing.

Naturally, this was a text book opportunity for testing the Winter settings of both the Handling and Powertrain knobs on the McLaren console, and they succeeded in sucking the potential drama right out of the slippery proceedings. The eased-up feel of the ProActive chassis control together with the meted out progression of the throttle map soon urged me to carry much more speed through this whole white affair than I had thought possible as I was foolishly driving up into it.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Three

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Three originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000 milesfeaturedlondonmclarenmonacomp4-12cFri, 06 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266000/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/20266000/article-detail.xml 20266000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-day-3-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-day-3-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BBC shows the grand life of an F1 driver from birth to Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/bbc-shows-the-grand-life-of-an-f1-driver-from-birth-to-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/bbc-shows-the-grand-life-of-an-f1-driver-from-birth-to-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/bbc-shows-the-grand-life-of-an-f1-driver-from-birth-to-monaco/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BBC

To hype the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Monaco the BBC put together a flyover - or would that be drive-through? - video of an F1 driver's life from birth to The Principality, from the driver's point of view. In just 1:56, it's clear that an F1 driver's life is so much tougher than you could magine.

We've been watching the pinnacle of motorsport for 18 years and this is the most entertaining F1 promo we've ever seen. Scroll down to watch.

Continue reading BBC shows the grand life of an F1 driver from birth to Monaco

BBC shows the grand life of an F1 driver from birth to Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcf1f1 lifeformula 1formula onemonacomonaco gpvideoWed, 04 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20270838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/04/bbc-shows-the-grand-life-of-an-f1-driver-from-birth-to-monaco/20270838/article-detail.xml 20270838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/f1driverpromobbc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/f1driverpromobbc.jpg <![CDATA[1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Check out 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One



DAY TWO - THE FASTER CURVES OVER HILL AND VALLEY

If the first day was a warm-up just to get us to the good stuff in central France, Day Two of my McLaren MP4-12C odyssey was one type of pure sports car touring pleasure. The sun was everywhere, the roads were pure entertainment, and the five test cars glowed through the daylight hours.

I'm not talking about encountering a wild series of hairpins, mind you, but rather higher speed roads nonetheless filled with satisfying curves and stunning countryside. First, however, right at the start of the day's driving leg, I had a stop at the former grand prix circuit Reims-Gueux.

This more or less 7.8-km long (4.8-mile) circuit was extremely fast and therefore dangerous, given that in its earlier layout before 1951 it was essentially a triangle with three sharp right-handers and three very long straights to get you into trouble quickly should something go wrong. From 1954 through its closure in 1972, the circuit was reconfigured to an even faster 8.3 kms (5.2 mi). The main straight is nowadays actually the busy two-lane highway RN31 and the entire grandstand is still there on one side, the well-kept pit area on the other. Here and there around the pit structure is stenciled a beautiful sentiment: "Memoire des pilotes, respect du site." France is a nation not unknown for its abundant graffiti, but there is none of it to be seen here.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>000 miles11000 miles12ccross-countrydrivelondonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmonacomp4-12croad tripvideoWed, 04 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/04/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-two/20265955/article-detail.xml 20265955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/11-mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-day-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/11-mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-day-2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 McLaren MP4-12C road trip - two examples on public roads

DAY ONE - UNDER THE ENGLISH CHANNEL INTO FRANCE

Since the very first viewings and tech workshops in early 2010 of the McLaren MP4-12C, I've been working my contacts in Woking, England for a cross-country drive in the innovative supercar. We're still talking about a possible New York to Los Angeles run, but while waiting on that, I was recently offered a 1,000-mile-plus dash from McLaren headquarters outside of London south to Monaco, traversing all of France to experience all types of pavement - and all types of weather, as it turned out - over three days. This would be the first official long distance drive organized by McLaren for the car. Not surprisingly, I accepted.

When first talked about in concrete terms to the outside world in 2009, the McLaren MP4-12C was billed not just as a lightweight, 592-horsepower holy terror performance car, but as a comfortable premium motoring experience more than capable of a London-to-Monaco run. I doubted this right from the start, but then my initial prototype drives got me thinking that maybe the claim was genuine. The macho 12C tears it up at the track as well as any exotic, but perhaps it can be used as a pleasant cross-country cruiser, too.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12Cfeaturedfrancelondonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmonacomp4-12Cmp412croad tripwokingTue, 03 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/20264034/article-detail.xml 20264034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-road-trip-day-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-road-trip-day-1.jpg <![CDATA[Prince of Monaco auctioning some of dad's collection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/prince-of-monaco-auctioning-some-of-dads-collection/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/prince-of-monaco-auctioning-some-of-dads-collection/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/prince-of-monaco-auctioning-some-of-dads-collection/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Prince Albert II Camaro

Prince Rainier III of Monaco spent years amassing a collection of classic, rare and collectible automobiles. It was an eclectic assortment of makes, models and eras. A 1939 Simca 5 shared the same display area as a 1980 Citroën CX2400 and a 1928 Hispano Suiza.

But his son, Prince Albert II, wants to take the collection in a different direction. We don't know for sure, but perhaps he wants a more focused group of autos. So Prince Albert II is putting 38 of the cars up for auction.

A few of the more interesting lots are the aforementioned 1939 Simca 5 expected to go for between 8,000 and 10,000€ (about $12,500) and a rare 1973 Camaro export model with 43k kilometers on the odo. It's described as being in very good shape, but its inline six keeps the expected sale price to between 8,000 and 12,000€ ($15,000).

On the high end is a 1924 Panhard & Levassor X47 limo with a Weymann body. Weymann, the auction catalog reads, was known for making lightweight, aviation-inspired bodies by stretching imitation leather across wooden frames. This car's rarity and superb condition could push the top bid to and estimated 35,000€ ($44,000).

The auction takes place on July 26 in Monaco. All the cars to be sold can be seen on the auction house's website or you can download a PDF of the catalog here.

Prince of Monaco auctioning some of dad's collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albert+ii+monacoalbertiimonacoauctioncar auctionmonacoprince albert IIPrince Rainier IIIprince+albertprince+albert+monacoprince+rainier+car+collection+auctionprincealbertprincealbertmonacoprincerainiercarcollectionauctionWed, 27 Jun 2012 08:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/prince-of-monaco-auctioning-some-of-dads-collection/20265111/article-detail.xml 20265111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/prince-albert-camaro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/prince-albert-camaro.jpg <![CDATA[MTM-tuned KTM X-Bow R lays down the law in Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/mtm-tuned-ktm-x-bow-r-lays-down-the-law-in-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/mtm-tuned-ktm-x-bow-r-lays-down-the-law-in-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/mtm-tuned-ktm-x-bow-r-lays-down-the-law-in-monaco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

KTM X-Bow R by KTM for Monaco Police

Policing the streets of Monte Carlo and the outlaying Monegasque countryside (little of it though there is) presents a unique set of challenges. Contrary to popular perception, there is an enforced speed limit in the Mediterranean principality. Enforcing it, however, is another issue, because Monaco has a higher concentration of supercars than 99-percent of the countries on the globe. So while they may get away with patrolling in puny Citroën diesels just across the border in France, the gendarmerie in Monaco needs something a little faster.

Solution: the KTM X-Bow. And not just any X-Bow - the X-Bow R, which tuner MTM has fortified to the tune of 400 horsepower. Considering the vehicle's 1,700-pound curb weight, that's enough juice to give this patrol vehicle a power-to-weight ratio capable of embarrassing most supercars. Of course, the KTM wouldn't be of much use in the rain, but considering the Austrian plates on this car, we get the distinct feeling that the officials haven't actually acquired any of these just yet - as much as KTM and MTM might like to sell them a few. Check it out in the video clip below.

Continue reading MTM-tuned KTM X-Bow R lays down the law in Monaco

MTM-tuned KTM X-Bow R lays down the law in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ktmktm x-bowktm x-bow rktm xbowmonacomtmpolicevideox-bowxbowFri, 01 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248615/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/mtm-tuned-ktm-x-bow-r-lays-down-the-law-in-monaco/20248615/article-detail.xml 20248615 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/xbow-monaco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/xbow-monaco.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: ,

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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/27/2012-monaco-grand-prix-does-the-full-monte-carlo-spoilers/20246116/article-detail.xml 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[1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa sells for $6.4M in Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/1957-ferrari-testa-rossa-sells-for-6-4m-in-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/1957-ferrari-testa-rossa-sells-for-6-4m-in-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/1957-ferrari-testa-rossa-sells-for-6-4m-in-monaco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider - studio image

Few marques get auto collectors riled up quite like Ferrari, and of classic Ferraris, few are as highly sought-after as the legendary Testa Rossa. We're talking, of course, about the 50s-era roadster (as opposed to the 80s-era cheesegrater supercar), and the originals continue to fetch top dollar (or euro) whenever and wherever their fortunate owners are willing to part with them.

That when and where came this past weekend in Monte Carlo during the Historical Grand Prix of Monaco where RM Auctions sold some highly desirable classic metal. Topping the list was the rare 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider you see here, one of only two built, which sold for a whopping €5,040,000 - equivalent to over $6.4 million at today's exchange rates. That's considerably more than the $4m four-cylinder 500 TRC that RM auctioned last year, but substantially less than the record $12m it garnered for a 250 TR in 2009.

Of course the Testa Rossa wasn't the only car sold at the event, which brought in an astonishing €33.5 million (~$43m) in sales on 87 percent of all lots sold. In fact it wasn't even the only Ferrari represented there, though it was the most expensive by a wide margin. A 1966 Ferrari 206 S Dino Spyder and a 1952 Ferrari 225 Sport Spyder 'Tuboscocca' (one of only 12 Vignale Spyders produced) each fetched €2.5 million ($3.2m), a rare factory Daytona Spyder brought in over €1 million ($1.3m), the car which Michael Schumacher drove to the 2000 Formula One World Championship and that Ferrari hydroplane each brought in over €800k (about a million greenbacks).

Other notable racing machinery sold at the auction included a Peugeot 908 LMP (which won several Le Mans Series races), a Lamborghini Gallardo LP600 GT3 (raced by Blancpain CEO Mark Hayek in the Super Trofeo series), a Ferrari FXX Evoluzione and a pair of Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP racing bikes. Follow the jump for all the juicy details and scope out the headline Testa Rossa in the high-res image gallery above.

Continue reading 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa sells for $6.4M in Monaco

1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa sells for $6.4M in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1957 ferrari 625 trc spiderferrariferrari 625 trcferrari 625 trc spidergrand prix de monaco historiquemonacomonte carlormrm auctionstesta rossatestarossatrcTue, 15 May 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237809/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/1957-ferrari-testa-rossa-sells-for-6-4m-in-monaco/20237809/article-detail.xml 20237809 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/625trc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/625trc.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: , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a110alpinemonacomonaco grand prixrenaultrenault alpineMon, 14 May 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/renault-to-unveil-new-alpine-concept-at-monaco-grand-prix/20235952/article-detail.xml 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[Savage Rivale GTR earns Top Marques in Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/savage-rivale-gtr-earns-top-marques-in-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/savage-rivale-gtr-earns-top-marques-in-monaco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/savage-rivale-gtr-earns-top-marques-in-monaco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Savage Rivale GTS

If the idea of building a four-seat hard-top convertible supercar in Holland strikes you as off-the-wall, then its racing counterpart should blow your mind. We're talking about Savage Rivale, the markers of the Roadyacht GTS and the competition-spec GTR model it just unveiled at the Top Marques show in Monaco.

Packing upwards of 700 horsepower from a turbocharged 6.2-liter V8, the Savage Rivale GTR is said to be good for 2.8-second sprint to 62 miles per hour and a 360-km/h (234-mph) top speed. With those capabilities, the race-ready Savage is earmarked to tackle the Nürburgring Norschleife lap record for four-door automobiles, a distinction which (to the best of our understanding, anyway) currently belongs to a Subaru Impreza WRX STI driven by rally ace Tommi Mäkinen for Car and Driver in 2010 to a 7:55 lap time, edging out Pikes Peak legend Walter Röhrl in the Porsche Panamera Turbo at 7:56 the previous year.

Only 69 examples are slated for production. We're still waiting on final specifications to be released, but in the meantime you can check out the gallery of high-resolution images from its unveiling in Monte Carlo in the gallery above.

Savage Rivale GTR earns Top Marques in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gtrmonacomonte carlorivaleroadyachtsavagesavage rivalesavage rivale gtrsavage rivale roadyachtsavage rivale roadyacht gtrsavage rivale roadyacht gtstop marquestop marques monacoThu, 03 May 2012 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227636/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/03/savage-rivale-gtr-earns-top-marques-in-monaco/20227636/article-detail.xml 20227636 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/websavage-rivale-gtrtopmarques-02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/websavage-rivale-gtrtopmarques-02.jpg <![CDATA[Rimac Concept_One shows up in Monaco with $980k sticker price [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rimac Concept One - red - front three-quarter static view

It takes a lot to stand apart at an exposition as jam-packed with glitzy treasure as the Frankfurt Motor Show and impress the hordes of automotive journalists there assembled, but we were suitably impressed when we laid eyes upon the Rimac Concept_One at the Messe this past September. The Croatian upstart put together a supercar of (figurative, if not literal) Bugatti proportions, but instead of building it around a fossil-guzzling conventional powerplant, Rimac designed its hypercar with the equivalent of 1,088-horsepower worth of electric motors.

With a 92kW battery powering the electric motors at each wheel, the Rimac is said to be capable of rocketing to 62 from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds while traveling as far as 372 miles on a single charge. The team of former Pininfarina designers penned an attractive shape to go with it, the Bulgarian leathercrafters extraordinaires at Vilner were brought in to craft the interior, HRE developed a unique set of monoblock alloys and Vredestein debuted its new Ultrac Vorti tires designed by Giugiaro all for the Concept_One.

Impressive specs, all, but what's most impressive is that the Concept_One is no mere concept - you can actually buy it, assuming you've got the scratch. Upon showcasing the electric supercar at Top Marques in Monaco, Rimac announced a limited run of 88 examples will be built, each fetching $980,000 - a price as princely as the regent who was on hand to check it out in Monte Carlo. Which only goes to prove that you can, indeed, have your cake and eat it too, but it'll cost you dearly.

Take a closer look at the fresh crop of high-resolution images added to the gallery above and check out the bonus video of the car moving under its own power by scrolling below.

Continue reading Rimac Concept_One shows up in Monaco with $980k sticker price [w/video]

Rimac Concept_One shows up in Monaco with $980k sticker price [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept oneconcept_onemonacorimacrimac concept onerimac concept_onetop marquestop marques monacoMon, 30 Apr 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/rimac-concept_one-shows-up-in-monaco-with-980k-sticker-price-w/20226032/article-detail.xml 20226032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webrimac_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webrimac.jpg <![CDATA[1968 Alfa Romeo T33/2 Daytona racing to the auction block in Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/1968-alfa-romeo-t33-2-daytona-racing-to-the-auction-block-in-mon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/1968-alfa-romeo-t33-2-daytona-racing-to-the-auction-block-in-mon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/1968-alfa-romeo-t33-2-daytona-racing-to-the-auction-block-in-mon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1968 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona

By the early 1950s, Alfa Romeo had grown tired of dominating (and spending huge sums of money on) grand prix racing, and shut down its program. Along with it, a program to develop a small-displacement two-liter V8 was aborted. But Alfa couldn't keep away from racing altogether for very long, and by the early 60s the factory noticed that its customers were competing in endurance sportscar races and set about fielding its own works effort.

Development of the high-revving 2.0-liter V8 picked up again, finding its way into a variety of prototypes and GTs, but this was arguably the most alluring. Shortly after its debut in 1967, the T33/2 scored an impressive 1-2-3 class finish (and 5-6-7 overall) in the 24 Hours of Daytona, giving the car its nickname. And while Alfa and its racing partner Autodelta kept notoriously sketchy historical records on their racing cars, chassis 75033.029 is believed to be one of the most successful.

The extensive history of the vehicle you see here - regarded as one of the most desirable of racing Alfas of an era that stretches from the 1960s through the 70s - includes victory at the 500 km of Imola in 1968, punctuating a series of races campaigned by the works Alfa/Autodelta team and various privateers that followed. You can read more about the Tipo 33/2 Daytona in the text after the jump ahead of its consignment to the RM Auctions event in Monaco next month, or you could let the pictures in the high-res image gallery speak for themselves.

Continue reading 1968 Alfa Romeo T33/2 Daytona racing to the auction block in Monaco

1968 Alfa Romeo T33/2 Daytona racing to the auction block in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1968 alfa romeo daytona1968 alfa romeo t3321968 alfa romeo tipo 332 daytonaalfa romeoalfa romeo daytonaalfa romeo t332 daytonaalfa romeo tipo 332alfa romeo tipo 332 daytonadaytonamonacormrm auctionst332tipo 332Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/1968-alfa-romeo-t33-2-daytona-racing-to-the-auction-block-in-mon/20172933/article-detail.xml 20172933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webalfa-33-2-daytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/webalfa-33-2-daytona.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: , ,

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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20180754/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/mclaren-to-unveil-f1-successor-at-monaco-gp/20180754/article-detail.xml 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[1950s Ferrari-powered world record hydroplane heading to auction in Monaco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/1950s-ferrari-powered-world-record-hydroplane-heading-to-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/1950s-ferrari-powered-world-record-hydroplane-heading-to-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/1950s-ferrari-powered-world-record-hydroplane-heading-to-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Arno XI

There are any of a number of places you'd expect to find a Ferrari: at the race track, on the auction block, in the showroom, parked in front of the swankiest restaurants in town... To see one in the water usually spells trouble, but history is not without its exceptions.

Back in the 1980s, Italian boatbuilder Riva collaborated with Ferrari for a rather Testarossa-inspired speedboat, but long before that, the House that Enzo Built lent its expertise and 4.5-liter V12 engine to Achille Castoldi to build the hydroplane power boat you see here.

Castoldi was bent on setting a new speed record on the water, and with this spectacular watercraft - dubbed Arno XI - he did just that. The Ferrari-powered vessel hit an astonishing 150.19 miles per hour at Lake Iseo in northern Italy on October 15, 1953. That's mighty impressive in its own right, but what's even more astounding is that the record stands in the 800kg category to this day.

To get there, Ferrari and Castoldi took the same Type 375 4.5-liter V12 engine that powered José Florian Gonzalez to his first grand prix victory at Silverstone, marinized it and fitted two superchargers to crank out more than 600 horsepower.

Now Arno XI is heading to the auction block in Monaco, where RM Auctions expects it will fetch around $1.5 million. Whether you've got that kind of cash or not - and whether or not Monte Carlo is in your travel plans for May - you can pull up alongside it in the gallery of high-resolution studio and archival images above.

1950s Ferrari-powered world record hydroplane heading to auction in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arno xiauctionferrarihydroplanemonacomonte carlopower boatpowerboatrmrm auctionsspeed boatspeedboatwatercraftTue, 21 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174925/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/1950s-ferrari-powered-world-record-hydroplane-heading-to-auction/20174925/article-detail.xml 20174925 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-ferrari-hydro2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/web-ferrari-hydro2.jpg <![CDATA[Dartz headed to Monaco with Jo-Mojo electric roadster concept [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/dartz-headed-to-monaco-with-jo-mojo-electric-roadster-concept-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/dartz-headed-to-monaco-with-jo-mojo-electric-roadster-concept-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/07/dartz-headed-to-monaco-with-jo-mojo-electric-roadster-concept-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dartz Jo-Mojo

Think of the name Dartz and, if you're up on your whale foreskin-upholstered SUVs, you'll invariably arrive at the Prombron. But while glad to furnish Eastern European mobsters with the machine that makes the Hummer look like a beauty queen, Dartz is keen to break out of the Prombron's mold with sleeker offerings. That's what led to the design of the chopped-down Nagel sedan and, more recently, to the Mojo roadster. Now Dartz has followed up with another design it calls the Jo-MoJo.

As promised, the Jo-Mojo is an electric roadster. Designed, like other Dartz concepts, by Eduard Gray, the Jo-Mojo packs an 80-horsepower electric motor that can be recharged (over who knows how long a timeframe) by a retractable solar panel that encloses the cockpit when parked and acts as the only roof to speak of.

For some inexplicable reason, even though the occupants are exposed to the elements in the open-air cabin, Dartz has also bothered to make the vehicle's body partially bulletproof. Thus, anyone riding shotgun might survive an attack from a rival syndicate, though anyone tall enough to see over the nonexistent windshield likely wouldn't.

Dartz says the roadster is slated to debut at the Top Marques show in Monaco - where else? - but if Monte Carlo isn't on your itinerary, you can check out the video clip and press release after the jump, along with the renderings in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Dartz headed to Monaco with Jo-Mojo electric roadster concept [w/video]

Dartz headed to Monaco with Jo-Mojo electric roadster concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dartzdartz jo-mojodartz mojoeduard graygray designjo-mojomonacotop marquestop marques monacoWed, 07 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122536/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/07/dartz-headed-to-monaco-with-jo-mojo-electric-roadster-concept-w/20122536/article-detail.xml 20122536 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web-dartzmojofront_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/web-dartzmojofront.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: , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>monacomonaco gpmonaco grand prixrenaultrenault meganerenault megane rsrenault megane rs 250 monaco grand prix limited editionrenault sportWed, 31 Aug 2011 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20030696/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/31/renault-megane-rs-250-monaco-grand-prix-limited-edition-gilds-th/20030696/article-detail.xml 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[Driver causes supercar catastrophe in Monte Carlo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/female-driver-causes-supercar-catastrophe-in-monte-carlo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/female-driver-causes-supercar-catastrophe-in-monte-carlo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/28/female-driver-causes-supercar-catastrophe-in-monte-carlo/#commentsFiled under:

http://swns.com/five-expensive-cars-in-monaco-pile-up-271520.html

Car accidents are never fun and often expensive. In certain parts of the world, accidents can be push expenses into the stratosphere, and Monte Carlo has reportedly just played host to such a fender bender. A woman was driving a Bentley Azure near the Monte Carlo Casino when she doubled-down on a nearby Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That scrape led to the Azure meeting a Ferrari 430, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche 911.

For the drooling bodyshop owners reading along, the UK's Daily Mail notes this collision involves over a million dollars worth of machinery. Total damage estimates are reportedly much more modest, however, somewhere in the neighborhood of $65,000, but judging by some of the pictures we've seen, such estimates seems laughably low.

Adding insult to injury? The driver and passengers of the Bentley droptop couldn't get out of their car. Hundreds of tourist snapped photos of the carnage while the occupants of the Azure could only sit and smile for the cameras.

UPDATE: Sorry, no offense meant, title changed.

Driver causes supercar catastrophe in Monte Carlo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martin rapidebentley azureferrari 430mercedes-benz s-classmonacomonte carlomonte carlo casinoplace du casinoporsche 911supercar accidentThu, 28 Jul 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003479/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/28/female-driver-causes-supercar-catastrophe-in-monte-carlo/20003479/article-detail.xml 20003479 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/monacocrash1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/monacocrash1.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/lexus-ls-600h-l-landaulet-for-monaco-royal-wedding-blows-our-min/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/lexus-ls-600h-l-landaulet-for-monaco-royal-wedding-blows-our-min/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/lexus-ls-600h-l-landaulet-for-monaco-royal-wedding-blows-our-min/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet
Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet - Click above for high-res image gallery

Staffers here at Autoblog have been fortunate enough to drive cars like the Porsche Panamera and Bentley Continental at our weddings, but it takes a very high-ranking person to get an automaker to build a special vehicle just for the knot-tying ceremonies. His Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is getting married in just over a week, and when he does, Lexus will have this very special LS 600h L Landaulet waiting to handle chauffeur duty.

Yes, it's being called a Landaulet - you know, like the Maybach - but instead of the rear seat passengers being completely alfresco, there's a transparent bubble roof, in this case, one without any reinforcements or pillars. Lexus says that the roof was built by one of the world's leading transparent component-production companies in France. The entire Landaulet conversion was handled by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet in close collaboration with Lexus, and it took just over 2,000 hours to complete. Even the Midnight Blue livery paint is a special touch - it was applied manually using several coats of bespoke, water-based paint.

After checking out the high-res gallery below, hit the jump to see four short videos detailing the LS 600h L Landaulet's production and read over the official press release.

Continue reading Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos]

Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding blows our minds [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>landauletlexuslexus lslsls 600h lls600ls600hls600hlmonacomonaco royal weddingprince albertprince albert iiroyal weddingFri, 24 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19975749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/24/lexus-ls-600h-l-landaulet-for-monaco-royal-wedding-blows-our-min/19975749/article-detail.xml 19975749 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/01-lexus-ls-600h-l-landaulet630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/01-lexus-ls-600h-l-landaulet630opt.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: <i>Top Gear</i> Series 17 starts on June 26]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/12/psa-top-gear-series-17-starts-on-june-26/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/12/psa-top-gear-series-17-starts-on-june-26/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/12/psa-top-gear-series-17-starts-on-june-26/#commentsFiled under:

top gear may hammond clarkson

There have been rumors that the Top Gear juggernaut may be nearing its end, but James May (the guy who most recently ignited the retirement talk) has been quick to shoot them down. And even if the show were nearing its end, we can at least count on another season coming, and soon. The Top Gear blog says that Series 17 begins on June 26 on BBC Two, BBC HD and all your favorite torrents immediately thereafter.

Top Gear isn't ready to release details for Series 17, but Mr. May tells the TG blog that there will be "performance cars, some electric cars, some actual racing, some proper demolition, some silly cars, and Top Gear's attempt to improve public transport." Or, put simply, the usual. May adds that the Top Gear crew hit Monaco in some hot hatches, which he found to be intimidating. We can hardly wait.

PSA: Top Gear Series 17 starts on June 26 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbchot hatchjames mayjeremy clarksonmonacorichard hammondseries 17top gearSun, 12 Jun 2011 16:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19964580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/12/psa-top-gear-series-17-starts-on-june-26/19964580/article-detail.xml 19964580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/top-gear-presenters_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/top-gear-presenters.jpg -1 2