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 Carrera Cup driver Connor de Phillippi's first lap of the Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/watch-carrera-cup-driver-connor-de-phillippis-first-lap-of-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/watch-carrera-cup-driver-connor-de-phillippis-first-lap-of-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/watch-carrera-cup-driver-connor-de-phillippis-first-lap-of-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Connor de Phillippi drives the 'Ring in his Porsche 911 racecar - video screencap

American race driver Connor de Phillippi was recently added to the roster of Porsche Juniors, the arm of Porsche's factory racing program that develops new talent. The 20-year-old is contesting the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland series with FÖRCH Racing by Lukas Motorsport, and last weekend, he raced the series round at the Nürburgring. Starting 15th on the grid, de Phillippi would cross the line in ninth out of 32 finishers.

Courtesy of his in-car camera, you can watch his entire first lap in the video below - there's no music added, just engine whine during nine minutes of crests, turns, bumpy straights and that wicked Carousel. Enjoy.

Continue reading Watch Carrera Cup driver Connor de Phillippi's first lap of the Nürburgring

Watch Carrera Cup driver Connor de Phillippi's first lap of the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carrera cupconnor de phillippimotorsportsnürburgringporscheporsche 911porsche carrera cupporsche juniorsvideoThu, 23 May 2013 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/watch-carrera-cup-driver-connor-de-phillippis-first-lap-of-the/20581073/article-detail.xml 20581073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/connor-di-phillippi-gt3-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/connor-di-phillippi-gt3-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Nürburgring for sale, yours for only $165 million]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/nurburgring-for-sale-yours-for-only-165-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/nurburgring-for-sale-yours-for-only-165-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/nurburgring-for-sale-yours-for-only-165-million/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nurburgring crucifix trackside

If you've been wondering what to do with that $165-million stack of pennies in your bedroom, we may have an idea for you. The Nürburgring is officially up for sale, including the arena, museum, Norschleife and even the defunct roller coaster. The government-owned motorsports complex fell into bankruptcy last July, and while we heard plenty of rumors on the topic of potential buyers, the list of serious parties interested in the complex has reportedly shrunk from somewhere around 50 to a more manageable five or 10. Jens Lieser, a state-appointed liquidator told BridgetoGantry.com that there isn't "a single Oligarch or Sheik amongst them."

That's good news for fans of the 'Ring who worried some impossibly wealthy individual would turn the track into their own personal playground. But those close to the fate of the facility say that doesn't mean the Nürburgring will necessarily continue on as fans know it right now. Any private company that looks to sink their teeth into the motorsports icon will undoubtedly start by looking into ways to reduce the track's losses, and that will likely start with cutting grassroots motorsports events and nixing public driving. While those two activities make the Nürburgring an icon the world over, they don't rake in cash.

Us? We can't help but wonder if it wouldn't be wise for automakers to pool their resources and set up a joint-venture of sorts. After all, many of them have dedicated skunkworks facilities near the track for testing purposes, and if the 'Ring falls into private hands, their ability to continue to operate may be drawn into question.

Nürburgring for sale, yours for only $165 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nürburgringnurburgringracetracktrack for saleMon, 18 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507169/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/nurburgring-for-sale-yours-for-only-165-million/20507169/article-detail.xml 20507169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ring-cross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ring-cross.jpg <![CDATA[Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/next-bmw-x5-m-caught-bludgeoning-ring-sounds-fierce/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/next-bmw-x5-m-caught-bludgeoning-ring-sounds-fierce/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/next-bmw-x5-m-caught-bludgeoning-ring-sounds-fierce/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 BMW X5 M prototype on 'Ring

The engineers at BMW's M Division have their magical finite element analysis machines working on the next-generation high-performance version of the company's popular X5 crossover, and they've taken a disguised X5 M prototype to Germany's Nürburgring to run the numbers. According to forum user Jason at Bimmerpost, the impetuous BMW CUV will begin the trend of M vehicles arriving more quickly after their progenitors. A pedestrian airbag and iDrive Touch Controller could be inaugurated with this model, too.

The production model is expected to utilize the same 560-horsepower S63Tü engine found in the M5, and blasting around the 'Ring in the video below, it's the X5 M's sepulchral bellowing that gets our attention well in advance of what looks like some ridiculous handling chops (note the tripod action in the corner above).

Continue reading Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce

Next BMW X5 M caught bludgeoning 'Ring, sounds fierce originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw x5 mbmwnürburgringnurburgringvideox5x5 mx5mFri, 12 Oct 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348372/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/next-bmw-x5-m-caught-bludgeoning-ring-sounds-fierce/20348372/article-detail.xml 20348372 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-bmw-x5-m-testing-on-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-bmw-x5-m-testing-on-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW DTM driver Augusto Farfus takes his wife Liri around the 'Ring in an M3

Augusto Farfus isn't even 30 years old yet, but he already has a certain commanding precision on many of the world's greatest racetracks, including Germany's famed Nürburgring. In the latest installment of the "Scare Your Wife At The Track" internet video meme, the BMW DTM driver takes his wife, Liri, for a high-speed tour of the Nürburgring in a BMW M3 Coupe.

When Liri agreed to hop in the passenger seat for a hot lap with her husband, we have a feeling the two had different meanings of "slow" and "exciting" driving. While most of us would have a hard enough time just staying on the challenging track, Farfus tackles the Green Hell while explaining elements of the track and dealing with his wife screaming in fear for most of the nearly 10-minute video. At one point (around the 5:02 mark) it looks as if Mrs. Farfus even starts to pass out a little just before saying that she's going to be sick, but she still handles the ordeal better than the respective wives of Riccardo Patrese and João Barbosa, the reigning queens of the Scare Your Wife meme.

Farfus, who we learn early in the video has a nickname of "Ninho" from his wife, is having fun the entire video commenting on a classic Mercedes-Benz as they blow past it, an Audi driver who Farfus comments "probably thinks he knows the track" as they pass it in a turn and numerous other cars and motorcycles.

Check out the video below to see whether or not Ninho will end up in the dog house for his antics.

Continue reading Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus

Today's 'Race Car Driver Freaking Out His Wife On A Track' is BMW's Augusto Farfus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesaugusto farfusbmwbmw dtmbmw m3dash camdashcamdtmliri farfusnürburgringnurburgringvideoTue, 25 Sep 2012 12:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20332041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/todays-race-car-driver-freaking-out-his-wife-on-a-track-is-bm/20332041/article-detail.xml 20332041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/augusto-farfus-wife-bmw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/augusto-farfus-wife-bmw.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar works out F-Type at Nardo and the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/jaguar-works-out-f-type-at-nardo-and-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/jaguar-works-out-f-type-at-nardo-and-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/jaguar-works-out-f-type-at-nardo-and-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jaguar F-Type at Nardo and the 'Ring - screencap

The first test the Jaguar F-Type has to pass will be administered at the Paris Motor Show, and while we've seen its skin, we still can't say for sure what's under it. After that, when drivers get behind the wheel, the examinations get a lot harder. Ten-hour-per-day cramming sessions have been held at the Nardo test circuit and, again, the Nürburgring to tweak performance aspects like handling at VMax, cooling, track DSC and the e-diff.

Jaguar says the F-Type is a "thoroughbred enthusiast sports car," and after all the years we've been waiting for it, the company doesn't want to be wrong. The two videos below, "Fierce" and "Focused," take high-speed looks at what is going into the convertible cat, and we even see the needle swing past 170 mph. Needless to say, we're looking most forward to finding these things out for ourselves.

Continue reading Jaguar works out F-Type at Nardo and the 'Ring

Jaguar works out F-Type at Nardo and the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jaguar f-typef-typejaguarnardonürburgringnurburgringparisparis 2012paris motor showvideoMon, 24 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/jaguar-works-out-f-type-at-nardo-and-the-ring/20331741/article-detail.xml 20331741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/f-typetesting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/f-typetesting.jpg <![CDATA[Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class getting worked out at the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-getting-worked-out-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-getting-worked-out-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-getting-worked-out-at-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy shot on 'Ring

Not too much is certifiably known about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but putting together various snippets presents a sedan that will be moving the bar in various directions. Caught at the Nürburgring under comprehensive camo, it's said the styling underneath will take plenty of sculpting cues from the aggressively styled CLS, suggested here by the camo grille covering.

Under the hood, powerplants are expected to stick with the turbocharged four-cylinder currently available and expand into a gasoline hybrid model, with rumors of a diesel or even a diesel hybrid, and even three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines with displacement-on-demand technology.

In addition to the sedan bodystyle, a coupe, convertible and wagon are coming, but the latter might not come to the U.S.

Next Mercedes-Benz C-Class getting worked out at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes-benz c-classc classc-classc-klassec250c300mercedes-benznürburgringNurburgringspy photosspy shotsWed, 22 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20305465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/next-mercedes-benz-c-class-getting-worked-out-at-the-ring/20305465/article-detail.xml 20305465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mercedesc-classring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mercedesc-classring.jpg <![CDATA[Next BMW M3 sheds more camo, runs the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/next-bmw-m3-sheds-more-camo-runs-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/next-bmw-m3-sheds-more-camo-runs-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/15/next-bmw-m3-sheds-more-camo-runs-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 BMW M3 spy shot

Hey, look, more spy shots of the 2014 BMW M3! Our shooters caught this one lapping the Nürburgring, but alas, there isn't much more to see here than in our last set.

To recap: The next-gen M3 will debut in concept form at next spring's Geneva show. BMW will initially offer it just as a sedan, but additional variants will be headed our way in subsequent model years. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged inline six with upwards of 400 horses, though BMW may try and get away with nixing the manual tranny in favor of a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.

We expect the new M3 to go on sale late next year as a 2014 model.

Next BMW M3 sheds more camo, runs the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bmw m3bmwm3Nürburgringspy photosspy shotsWed, 15 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20301413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/15/next-bmw-m3-sheds-more-camo-runs-the-ring/20301413/article-detail.xml 20301413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2014-bmw-m3-spy-photo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2014-bmw-m3-spy-photo.jpg <![CDATA[German state to float $312M loan guarantee for Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/german-state-to-float-312m-loan-guarantee-for-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/german-state-to-float-312m-loan-guarantee-for-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/german-state-to-float-312m-loan-guarantee-for-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nürburgring entrance gate

The government of the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate is set to make hundreds of million of euros available to the Nürburgring. This will guarantee that a loan be partially paid, making it possible for the Nürburgring to continue to operate.

According to Germany's Deutsche Welle, officials in the West German state came to the decision to keep the track afloat during a special meeting of the state legislature's budget and finance committee. The loan, in the amount of €254 million ($312 million) enables Nürburgring GmbH, who operates the track, to service a €330 million loan ($402M). That payment will allow the track to keep operating.

According to the report, several members of German government pushed for the delay of this move, citing that such a maneuver could be illegal under European law.

The wold-famous racetrack has fallen on hard times, and this bailout appears to be essential in its bid to stay afloat. The original loan taken out by the track's investors was to build a supporting mall and a roller coaster. Neither of these attractions has proven successful, leaving investors to plead for a bailout from the EU.

No word on how this will effect Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and his commitment to "do everything" to save the 'Ring. If still committed, it likely just became a $312 million more manageable undertaking for Bernie to do so.

German state to float $312M loan guarantee for Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecclestonenürburgringnürburgring loannurburgringrhinelandrhineland-palatinateThu, 02 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20292073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/german-state-to-float-312m-loan-guarantee-for-nurburgring/20292073/article-detail.xml 20292073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nurburgring-gate-1343940665_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nurburgring-gate-1343940665.jpg <![CDATA[Ecclestone may buy Nürburgring outright]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/ecclestone-may-buy-nurburgring-outright/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/ecclestone-may-buy-nurburgring-outright/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/ecclestone-may-buy-nurburgring-outright/#commentsFiled under: ,

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone suited up

Bernie Ecclestone was apparently quite serious when he said he would "do everything" to save the troubled Nürburgring. In fact, according to a new report from Bloomberg Businessweek, the megalomaniacal Formula One boss might just buy the track outright. That'd certainly be a quick answer to the 'Ring's financial troubles.

That said, Bloomberg reports that Ecclestone has no plans to organize a Formula One race on the Nürburgring at his own expense. Furthermore, Ecclestone has declined to comment on pricing or conditions for the alleged agreement.

The Nürburgring's severe debt crisis is hardly news - the legendary track has been going through hard times for a while now, despite efforts to boost revenue by building a roller coaster and shopping mall on the premises. The European Union has refused to bail out the ailing track, as well, specifically because it has bigger fish to fry at the moment (you know, like the declining economies of many of its countries).

A timetable for a potential sale of the Nürburgring to Ecclestone has not been disclosed.

Ecclestone may buy Nürburgring outright originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie ecclestoneecclestonef1formula 1formula onenürburgringnurburgringFri, 27 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287778/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/27/ecclestone-may-buy-nurburgring-outright/20287778/article-detail.xml 20287778 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/131958482_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/131958482.jpg <![CDATA[Audi RS5 Cabriolet prototype leaves its lid on]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/audi-rs5-cabriolet-prototype-leaves-its-lid-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/audi-rs5-cabriolet-prototype-leaves-its-lid-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/audi-rs5-cabriolet-prototype-leaves-its-lid-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Audi RS5 Cabriolet spotted testing in Germany - front three-quarter view

A month after paperwork for the RS5 Cabriolet was delivered into the California Air Resources Board for certification, the genuine item is being driven around the Nürburgring for a different kind of sign-off. The folks at CarPix caught the 450-horsepower Audi droptop at the German landmark.

When it's not being wrung out, we figure the cabriolet is being prepped for a debut at this fall's Paris Motor Show. You'll find its angles, hidden under the obligatory non-standard paint job, in the gallery of high-res photos.

Audi RS5 Cabriolet prototype leaves its lid on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a5audiaudi rs5audi rs5 cabrioletcarpixnürburgringrs5s5spy photosspy shotsWed, 18 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20280191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/audi-rs5-cabriolet-prototype-leaves-its-lid-on/20280191/article-detail.xml 20280191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/audis5cabspies_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/audis5cabspies.jpg <![CDATA[Radical Lexus LFA Final Edition rounds the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/radical-lexus-lfa-final-edition-rounds-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/radical-lexus-lfa-final-edition-rounds-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/radical-lexus-lfa-final-edition-rounds-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lexus LFA spotted testing on 'Ring - Is this the Final Edition?

Yes, it does seem sort of strange to see a prototype Lexus LFA testing on the Nürburgring just as we're hearing reports that the car is nearly sold out. But just because the original supply of 500 cars has been depleted doesn't mean Lexus isn't working on some sort of derivative or last hurrah (our spy shooter friends suggest the car could wear a "Final Edition" designation).

This prototype, painted in a decidedly cool blue, looks a lot like the Nürburgring Edition LFA that we saw last year, albeit with a few tweaks. Most noticeably, the center-mounted tri-exhaust out back has been removed in favor of two dual-exhaust ports below each of the taillamps. A larger rear diffuser has been added, and another inlet has been added to the hood to help with airflow to the engine.

Given all the breathing work done to the 4.8-liter V10, we're guessing that the car seen here offers a fair bit more than the 552 horsepower found in the standard LFA. How much more? Hopefully Lexus will give us a chance to find out.

Radical Lexus LFA Final Edition rounds the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus lfafinal editionlexuslexus lfalf-alfanürburgringnurburgringringspy photosspy picsspy shotsTue, 26 Jun 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266385/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/26/radical-lexus-lfa-final-edition-rounds-the-ring/20266385/article-detail.xml 20266385 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-lexus-lfa-final-edition-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-lexus-lfa-final-edition-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin DBS/DB9 successor caught at the Ring preparing for Villa d'Este debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/aston-martin-dbs-db9-successor-caught-at-the-ring-preparing-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/aston-martin-dbs-db9-successor-caught-at-the-ring-preparing-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/aston-martin-dbs-db9-successor-caught-at-the-ring-preparing-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aston Martin DB9/DBS successor at the Nurburgring

As much as it pains us to say it, the current core range from Aston Martin has grown a little stale. But fret not: a new model is just around the corner.

Snapped undergoing testing at the Nürburgring in this latest batch of spy shots is what looks to be a new and nearly complete V12 GT from Gaydon. Code-named AM 310, it could be a successor to either the DB9 or DBS - or could carry a different nameplate altogether and replace them both.

While the engine and platform carry over as modified versions of the existing building blocks, sources anticipate just about everything else in the new sportscar will be new. The bodywork - styled as something of a blend between the current DBS and the top-of-the-line One-77 - is tipped to be made up almost entirely of aluminum and carbon fiber, reducing the weight for the 6.0-liter V12 engine - anticipated to come with a 55-horse boost over the current DBS for a solid 565 horsepower. That ought to be sufficient to propel the rakish coupe to highway speeds in under four seconds.

An even lighter version clothed entirely in carbon fiber is also said to be in the works, but we may not have to wait that long, as the AM 310 may debut as soon as this weekend at the prestigious and glamorous Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

Aston Martin DBS/DB9 successor caught at the Ring preparing for Villa d'Este debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>310am 310astonaston martinaston martin 310aston martin db9aston martin dbsconcorso deleganza villa destedb9dbsnürburgringnurburgringspyspy shotsvilla desteThu, 24 May 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244293/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/aston-martin-dbs-db9-successor-caught-at-the-ring-preparing-for/20244293/article-detail.xml 20244293 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/astondbsspyweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/astondbsspyweb.jpg <![CDATA[MegaUpload's Kim Dotcom rents out Nürburgring with Raikkonen and Benz CLK AMG DTM trio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/megauploads-kim-dotcom-rents-out-nurburgring-with-raikkonen-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/megauploads-kim-dotcom-rents-out-nurburgring-with-raikkonen-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/megauploads-kim-dotcom-rents-out-nurburgring-with-raikkonen-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As the man behind illicit video site MegaUpload, Kim Dotcom finds himself in a world of trouble. But before he was arrested by the New Zealand authorities and had his property seized, the controversial internet bajillionaire took a little trip to the Nürburgring. Only he wasn't about to take a ride in the Ring Taxi and call it a day.

No, instead Dotcom shipped in not one, not two, but three Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG DTMs from his private collection in New Zealand (with vanity plates reading "Good", "And", "Evil"), rented out the entire track and hired former Formula One World Champion Kimi Raikkonen to drive alongside his business partner Finn Batato. And while he was at it, he hired a crew of over a hundred people, set up about 30 cameras and rented two helicopters and an airplane for the aerial shots.

The resulting video is nothing if not indulgent, and unfortunately, it has techno music drowning out the exhaust notes, but you can view it by scrolling below. NSFW Warning: the music contains explicit language.

Continue reading MegaUpload's Kim Dotcom rents out Nürburgring with Raikkonen and Benz CLK AMG DTM trio

MegaUpload's Kim Dotcom rents out Nürburgring with Raikkonen and Benz CLK AMG DTM trio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clkclk dtmclk-classkim dotcomkim schmitzkimi raikkonenmega uploadmegauploadmegavideomercedes-benzmercedes-benz clk amg dtmnürburgringnurburgringraikkonenvideoWed, 02 May 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/megauploads-kim-dotcom-rents-out-nurburgring-with-raikkonen-and/20228510/article-detail.xml 20228510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/kim-megavideo-ring1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/kim-megavideo-ring1.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 E-Tron test mule does quick but quiet hot laps on Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi R8 E-Tron caught lapping at the Nürburgring

Imagine you're a spy shooter at the Nürburgring. You've got your ancient Ford Scorpio parked nearby, but you've hoofed it up to the top of a hill in the hopes of getting the perfect angle on the track. Three heavy cameras are strung about your body like you're a contestant in The World's Strongest Man competition. It's early and you are tired. And cold. The morning temperature was in the single digits Celsius, and while you're not exactly sure what that translates to in the Fahrenheit scale, this certainly ain't Miami.

Your job is boring. Boy racers driving all manner of would-be performance cars squeal by, inexpertly holding a line that betrays their inexperience. "Go back to your video games, kids," you think as you nurse your cramped and sore legs. You shift your position and the wait resumes. Sport bikes zip by and the wail hurts your ears. You get up and stretch before resuming your regimen. A momentary break in the traffic causes you to do a mental rehearsal, double-checking your gear.

Then you hear it: The tires, disembodied from the roar of an engine, but creating their own telltale sound. You reach for the camera with the longest lens and barely get it up to your eye as the electric sports car whooshes towards you, followed by the loud rumble of something more internally combusted. The camera is now firing on all cylinders as you expertly track the car's pace for the few seconds it's in your field of vision. A Porsche enters the viewfinder and you exhale, lowering the camera and turning your back to the track.

The Audi R8 E-Tron will take just one lap of the Nürburgring that day, but you were there to capture it. It may not surface again before it goes on sale next year, but you don't care about that. You need to hustle back to the car to download the images, so the world can see what an R8 without exhaust pipes looks like, so the fanboys can obsess about the extra cooling vents in the hood for the batteries and the blacked-out rear window.

You will e-mail the photos across the Continent, across the ocean, back home. You'll get a few bucks deposited in your German bank for your trouble, but that won't happen for a while yet. By then you will have taken more photos and sent more e-mails.

And drank countless lagers. It is still early, but you think of the cliche about it being noon somewhere and head off home. Nobody will be in your favorite expat bar at this time, but you think there must be at least one bottle left in your refrigerator.

Audi R8 E-Tron test mule does quick but quiet hot laps on Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 audi r82014 audi r8 etronaudie-tronetronnürburgringr8r8 e-tronr8 etronspy shotsWed, 25 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223879/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/audi-r8-e-tron-test-mule-does-quick-but-quiet-hot-laps-on-nurbur/20223879/article-detail.xml 20223879 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/audi-etron-lapping-nurburgring-spy-shots-001-opt-1335371641_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/audi-etron-lapping-nurburgring-spy-shots-001-opt-1335371641.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the filming of Niki Lauda's 'Ring crash for Ron Howard's <i>Rush</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/watch-the-filming-of-niki-laudas-ring-crash-for-ron-howards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/watch-the-filming-of-niki-laudas-ring-crash-for-ron-howards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/11/watch-the-filming-of-niki-laudas-ring-crash-for-ron-howards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ron Howard's Rush movie filming Niki Lauda crash

The production crew for Ron Howard's Rush recently stopped by the Nürburgring to recreate Niki Lauda's infamous Formula One crash during the 1976 Nürburgring GP. Lauda's car suffered a catastrophic failure on the second lap, launching him into the guardrail and placing his crumpled machine in the path of Brett Lunger's Surtees-Ford. The two collided and it wasn't long before Lauda was trapped in burning wreckage. Lunger and a handful of other racers fought to pull Lauda from the flames. Those on hand succeeded in rescuing the Austrian, and while he lapsed into a coma and suffered disfiguring burns, he was back in the cockpit within two months.

Just before the race, Lauda had pressed for a boycott of the dangerous race. The area in which the crash occurred is now known as Lauda Links.

Rush will follow the volatile 1976 F1 season and two of the primary characters that defined the year: Lauda and James Hunt. Hit the jump to see bystander video of the stuntmen in action.

Continue reading Watch the filming of Niki Lauda's 'Ring crash for Ron Howard's Rush

Watch the filming of Niki Lauda's 'Ring crash for Ron Howard's Rush originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1976 nurburgring gpf1filimingformula 1formula onegpjames huntnürburgringniki laudanurburgringnurburgring gpron howardrushrush movievideoWed, 11 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20213172/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/11/watch-the-filming-of-niki-laudas-ring-crash-for-ron-howards/20213172/article-detail.xml 20213172 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rush-filming-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rush-filming-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to field GT 86 pair at the Nürburgring 24 - could WRC be far behind? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota GT 86 Gazoo Racing racecar

You don't build a chassis as superbly balanced and capable as that which underpins the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT 86 and Scion FR-S without taking it racing. Fortunately the Japanese auto marques involved have plenty of competition spirit coursing through their veins, and are already gearing up to take the nimble little sportscar racing at events around the world.

Subaru recently unveiled the GT300 racing version of the BRZ which it will be fielding in Japan's SuperGT series, and now Toyota is following suit with the announcement that it will be bringing not one, but two examples of its GT 86 to the Nürburgring to compete in the grueling 24-hour race there next month. The pair of cars - whose level of modification remains unclear - will be fielded by the company's own Gazoo Racing team alongside one Lexus LFA.

Toyota's racing plans for the GT 86 extend beyond the 'Ring, however, as it has revealed a program to support privateer teams fielding the car domestically in both the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and All-Japan Rally Championship. The latter announcement crucially comes at a time when rumors have resurfaced of Toyota preparing to re-enter the World Rally Championship - a series which the Japanese automaker dominated in the 1990s with four Drivers' Championships and three Constructors' Championships.

The company shut down its WRC operation to branch into Formula One, but now that its F1 program is long gone, could the time be right for Toyota's return to the pinnacle of rallying? Only time will tell, but for now you can scope out the press release and video footage by scrolling below to see what Toyota has in store in the short run.

Continue reading Toyota to field GT 86 pair at the Nürburgring 24 - could WRC be far behind? [w/video]

Toyota to field GT 86 pair at the Nürburgring 24 - could WRC be far behind? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota gt 86fr-sgazoogazoo racinggt 86gt86nürburgringnurburgringnurburgring 24scionscion fr-stoyobarutoyotatoyota gt 86toyota wrcworld rally championshipwrcMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211488/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/20211488/article-detail.xml 20211488 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/gt86-racer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/gt86-racer.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/nissan-entering-stock-gt-r-in-24-hours-of-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan GT-R at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring

There are plenty of ways to test a vehicle's durability. You might hand the keys to your average teenager for a week or plop a journalist behind the wheel for an hour. Or you could simply enter the machine in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Nissan has opted for the latter option for the company's upgraded-for-2012 GT-R. The automaker's development team want to fully stress the supercar's systems by putting it through one of the world's most grueling endurance races. Of course, the fact that Nissan wants to one-up Porsche in its own backyard certainly doesn't hurt, either.

Nissan has thrown a bit more downforce at the vehicle's front end and the factory wing has been replaced as well, but the engine, transmission and suspension all remain unaltered from the factory Club Track edition. The competition vehicle will wear slightly wider tires, as well as safety cage and a larger fuel cell to accommodate the race regulations. The factory brakes have also been swapped out for more aggressive hardware.

Nissan says some of the changes may make their way to production in the near future as the company pushes the vehicle to break the seven minute lap time barrier at Germany's most famous track. Scroll down to see the video for yourself.

Continue reading Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring

Nissan entering stock GT-R in 24 Hours of Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While the ink has barely dried on our 2013 Porsche Boxster S First Drive, the automaker has reportedly just divulged the roadster's official lap time around the famed Nürburgring circuit in Germany - the grueling racetrack that serves as a benchmark test for today's sports cars. According to Porsche, its new two-seat convertible crossed the start/finish line after delivering a 7:58 lap.

That time may seem a bit off the pace when compared to heavy-hitters like the 911 GT2 RS (7:18), Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (7:19) and Nissan GT-R (7:24), but it is plenty quick among its peers in the same horsepower range (the '13 Boxster features a 3.4-liter flat-six rated at 315 horsepower) and strong enough to take the checkered flag away from the Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet C6 Corvette. Much of the credit goes to Porsche's commitment to keeping weight off the roadster (its curb weight is just 2,910 pounds), widening its track and fitting the redesigned vehicle with its capable torque-vectoring system.

2013 Porsche Boxster S laps 'Ring in 7:58 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche boxster2013 porsche boxster sboxsterboxster snürburgringnurburgringporscheThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20194123/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/15/2013-porsche-boxster-s-laps-ring-in-7-58/20194123/article-detail.xml 20194123 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/boxsterring628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/boxsterring628.jpg <![CDATA[Exact Nürburgring copy under consideration for Las Vegas?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/exact-nurburgring-copy-under-consideration-for-las-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/exact-nurburgring-copy-under-consideration-for-las-vegas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/exact-nurburgring-copy-under-consideration-for-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nürburgring emblemBurton Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, may have his eye on an ambitious new project. According to reports swirling around the web, Smith (whose company owns and operates tracks like Infineon Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, among others) aims to create an accurate reproduction of the famous Nürburgring just outside of Las Vegas. While speaking during an interview on Sirius XM Sports, the executive mentioned he had already been in talks with the Governor of Nevada, the Nevada Bureau of Land Management and "some Germans" about the project. It's estimated Smith will require some 8,000 acres to bring the track to reality. It's a good thing Las Vegas is surrounded by an expanse of largely vacant desert.

The rumored plans call for the track to be constructed around 10 miles from the strip. Unfortunately, the facility probably wouldn't play host to sanctioned races like the real McCoy. Instead, the reproduction would simply be for private individuals to have some fun and manufacturers to test their wares. Throwing an element of brutal desert heat onto an already challenging road course could certainly make for a useful development tool. Keep your ears pinned for more information.

Exact Nürburgring copy under consideration for Las Vegas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burton smithlas vegaslas vegas nurburgringnürburgringnurburgringnurburgring las vegasspeedway motorsportsMon, 12 Mar 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20190776/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/exact-nurburgring-copy-under-consideration-for-las-vegas/20190776/article-detail.xml 20190776 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/nurburgring-emblem-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/nurburgring-emblem-250.jpg <![CDATA[Nürburgring lap days fast becoming a thing of the past]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/nurburgring-lap-days-fast-becoming-a-thing-of-the-past/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/nurburgring-lap-days-fast-becoming-a-thing-of-the-past/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/nurburgring-lap-days-fast-becoming-a-thing-of-the-past/#commentsFiled under: ,

Watching the Nurburgring from the outside

It may as well be on The List, because lapping the infamous Nordschleife at the Nürburgring is one of those rites of passage for so many driving enthusiasts around the world. It's also increasingly becoming the go-to test track for automakers big and small. But those two things may in the end become mutually exclusive.

The root of the problem appears to be a lack of funding for the Nürburgring. The famous public race track in the Eifel hills of Germany is publicly owned but privately managed, and the books have - push come to shove - just not balanced out recently. In an effort to turn a profit, Nürburgring Automotive has tried turning it into a tourist attraction, but with the expensive Ring˚Werk complex still weighing down the books and the number of tourists it was supposed to attract still not coming out to the track's remote part of the German countryside, management is apparently changing tracks. (Figuratively speaking, anyway.)

The result is that the latest calendar released by Nürburgring Automotive has fewer and fewer slots open for "tourist drivers" to come lap the Ring. That's because the circuit is being rented out more and more to automakers, who undertake development work there and pay more consistently than random ticket sales from enthusiasts. There's still plenty of weekend openings available, but those - as Autoweek correspondent Davey Johnson points out - typically much busier than the now-elusive weekday slots.

At the end of the day, we can hardly blame anyone in specific. The enthusiasts pay handsomely and take considerable risks to do what they love. The automakers pay more in search of the bragging rights and the taut chassis setups we all clamor for. Nürburgring Automotive, for its part, needs to balance the books if the Nordschleife is to stay open at all. But the bottom line is that the days of showing up in Eifel and lapping the vaunted Green Hell may be drawing to a close, and that's just a shame.

Nürburgring lap days fast becoming a thing of the past originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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