Autoblog

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[2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Performance, Videos, Volkswagen

2015 Volkswagen Golf R caught testing on Nordschliefe - video screencap

The upcoming version of the Volkswagen Golf R is nearly ready for prime time, if this video of the car flying around the Nürburgring is any indication. The all-wheel-drive R seems to make quick, neat work of the corners we see here, and sounds pretty devilish in the process.

Expectations are that the new Golf R will run a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (what else?), tuned to produce even more than the current car's 256 horsepower. (Some sources have indicated outputs as high as 286 horsepower, with 280 pound-feet of torque. It's still not clear if Volkswagen will bring the six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the US-spec Golf R in this next go-round or if we'll stick to having only... eh... the stick.

In either case - watching the video below will only whet your appetite for the new, highest performing member of the Golf family.

Continue reading 2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring

2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nurburgringvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf rvolkswagen gtivwvw gtiWed, 22 May 2013 12:45:00 EST

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20579751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-golf-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-golf-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Aston Martin, Design/Style

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept - front three-quarter view

Aston Martin CC100 Concept interior view

Generally speaking, today's Aston Martin is known more for its beauty and power than for its minimalism or lightness. But that could change if it decides to produce a version of this CC100 Speedster concept, designed to celebrate the company's centenary. The V12-powered roadster is being unveiled at the Nordschliefe today ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where it is expected to lap the circuit with Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez at the wheel. The rakish concept is a nice surprise, and will be run around the circuit along with a 1959 DBR1 with racing royalty Sir Stirling Moss in the driver's seat. No surprise, then, that designers had the company's Nürburgring- and Le Mans-winning '59 racecars in mind when they conceived of this car.

Aston says that the two-seat CC100 Speedster came together in under six months time, carbon fiber bodywork and all. Powered by the British automaker's well-known naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 and six-speed sequential manual paddleshift gearbox, the company estimates 0-60 in four seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Aston claims the butterfly-doored CC100 affords onlookers with "teasing glimpses of potential future design direction," suggesting a pugnacious new face is in store for the company.

Production hopes? None are mentioned, but even if today's Aston isn't known for its minimalism or lightness, it is known for turning concepts into production cars, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn in a few months that a handful of the company's best customers have managed to cajole it into building a handful of examples.

Oh, and about that Stirling Moss connection - forgive us if we're experiencing a bit of déjà vu. After all, doesn't this half-door speedster concept remind you a bit of another car? The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss comes to mind for us. For some reason, however, this doesn't really bother us. If it doesn't bother you either, scroll down for to watch a video from Aston and to find the official press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of nurburgringaston martinaston martin cc100aston martin cc100 speedster conceptbreakingnurburgringstirling mossulrich bezSun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST

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20575109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-concept-628-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-concept-628-2.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Convertible, Videos, Aston Martin

We knew Aston Martin was taking three cars to the Nürbrurgring 24-Hour race this weekend, they being a V12 Vantage GT3 car, the Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen concept and a V12 Vantage N24 that is close to road-legal. We've just discovered that the automaker is bringing a fourth, a concept to be revealed on Sunday, May 19 that we know nothing about save that it will celebrate the company's centennary.

Based on the image above it looks like it will be a modern take on the Aston Martin racer from the late fifties that contested the World Sportscar Championship and won Le Mans, but we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. There's a short video below, and a press release on its other 'Ring efforts this weekend, to tease you until then.

Continue reading Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]

Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin rapideAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogenaston martin v12 vantageconcept carNurburgringnurburgring 24videoyoutubeSat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST

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20574729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/watch-edo-competition-pit-a-ferrari-fxx-against-a-maserati-mc12/#commentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Videos, Maserati, Ferrari, Specialty, Racing

High-zoot supercar tour organizer Gran Turismo Events held its annual Nürburgring track day last month, and in addition to the amateur punters the gates were opened to two tuned supercars from Edo Competition: A Maserati MC12 Corsa and a Ferrari Enzo ZXX. The ZXX, in case you've forgotten, is the same love child of Edo Competition and Zahir Rana's ZR Exotics that belly flopped into the Atlantic during the 2011 Targa Newfoundland.

We get a trip around the Nordschleife with both cars during a no-doubt quick but not insane lap, on board with driver Patrick Simon in the 755-horsepower MC12 and 'Ring queen Sabine Schmitz following in the 840-hp ZXX.

That should be all the build-up you need when the action's in the video below.

Continue reading Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring

Watch Edo Competition pit a Ferrari FXX against a Maserati MC12 Corsa on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edo competitionferrariferrari enzomaseratimaserati mc12Maserati MC12 CorsaNurburgringSabine Schmitzvideoyoutubezahir ranazr exoticsFri, 03 May 2013 20:02:00 EST

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20556716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mc12-corsa-vs-edo-zxx-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mc12-corsa-vs-edo-zxx-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: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Earnings/Financials

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

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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[Tanner Foust tackles 'Ring in SVT Raptor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/tanner-foust-tackles-ring-in-svt-raptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/tanner-foust-tackles-ring-in-svt-raptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/tanner-foust-tackles-ring-in-svt-raptor/#commentsFiled under: Truck, Europe, Videos, Ford, Off-Road

Here's a math problem: if Tanner Foust has a 24 hours to kill in Germany and one blue Ford Raptor, how long will it take him to decide he wants to lap The Nürburgring? Extra credit if you can get your answer precise to the millisecond.

A very truck-like and slidey lap of the 'Ring is exactly what happened when the Ford-sponsored rallycross driver took time off from set-up duties for his 'day job.' Thankfully no one even thought to worry about posting a time, but you can watch some Raptor skid marks getting laid down between the kerbs in the video below.

Continue reading Tanner Foust tackles 'Ring in SVT Raptor

Tanner Foust tackles 'Ring in SVT Raptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordNurburgringraptorsvt raptortanner foustvideovideosyoutubeSat, 16 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST

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20494525 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/raptorring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/raptorring.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #317]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo

Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota thinks of beefing up US production, Marchionne on Alfa, Dart and minivans, Ford Atlas concept, Honda Gear concept

Episode #317 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Jeff Ross and Michael Harley bookend the other podcast topics with a pair from the Montreal Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Honda Gear concept, and in between we talk about Toyota building all its US-market cars stateside, Hyundai building a Nurburgring test facility, Sergio Marchionne's latest words about Alfa Romeo, Dodge Dart powertrains and the future of Chrysler vans. Some chatter about the Ford Atlas concept finishes up the meat of the 'cast and then we wrap with your questions. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #317:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volvo C30
2013 Dodge Journey
2013 Nissan Altima

Hosts: Dan Roth, J eff Ross, Michael Harley

Runtime: 01:50:11

Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #317

Autoblog Podcast #317 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoaltimaatlasautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 317c30dartdodgefeaturedfordford atlas conceptgearhondahonda gear concepthyundaihyundai nurburgringjourneynissannurburgringpodcastpodcast 317toyotavolvoWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #317Autoblog01:25:37

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20437004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #317 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Technology, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows, Alfa Romeo, Design/Style, Fiat

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Autoblog Podcast #317 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #317

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #317 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoatlasautoblog podcast 317autoblog podcast topicsdartdodgefordgearhondahyundaihyundai nurburgringmiragemitsubishimontreal auto shownurburgringpodcast 317podcast 317 topicspodcast topicstoyotatoyota factoriesTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST

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20434872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai to build test facility at Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/20/hyundai-to-build-test-facility-at-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/20/hyundai-to-build-test-facility-at-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/20/hyundai-to-build-test-facility-at-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: Europe, Hyundai

Hyundai Emblem

It looks as if Hyundai is set to build a test facility at the famous Nürburgring. Carscoop reports the Korean automaker has commenced construction on a 10,000-square-foot test center with access to the lengthy German track. Hyundai says the $7.3 million facility will help the company focus on improving the ride and handling of its vehicles through extensive research and development.

Sounds like a plan to us. While we've seen Hyundai vehicles improve on many fronts over the past few years, the company continues to struggle with suspension refinement compared to its Japanese, German and domestic rivals.

Automakers routinely flock to the Nürburgring for testing and development thanks to the track's unusual attributes. With a variety of surfaces, banking, turns, elevation and even weather, the circuit offers engineers the ability to put a vehicle through its paces in a wider range of conditions than most facilities.

Hyundai to build test facility at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai nurburgring facilitynurburgringresearch and developmentSun, 20 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST

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20431841 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hyundai-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hyundai-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[It's a hard knock life for a Nürburgring rental car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/its-a-hard-knock-life-for-a-nurburgring-rental-car/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Suzuki, Racing

Rental cars get no respect. They're abused, misused and flogged mercilessly as athletes in Rental Car Olympics. And that's just at your everyday airport rental counter. The torture gets extreme for rental cars thrashed around Germany's infamous Nürburgring.

Rent4Ring expects its customers to drive its cars around the 'Ring with enthusiasm and, in some cases, less skill than the pros. Rent4Ring just recently retired its Suzuki Swift Sport from its fleet and shared the car's two-year-plus lifetime highlights.

The little hatchback made more than 2,800 laps of the 'Ring over three seasons amounting to more than 310,000 miles driven by 457 different drivers. "Some were fast, some were slow. Some were nice to the car, a few were frankly awful," says a Rent4Ring rep.

One of those drivers pegged the tachometer at a record (for this Swift, at least) 8761 rpm. The car did about 600 hours of spirited driving, and endured 168,000 gear changes for 180 million engine revolutions.

All that lead-foot levity came at the cost of only two clutches, 27 front brake pads, three brake fluid flushes, a new wheel bearing, a new alternator and battery, 52 Toyo 888 tires and four Goodyear Eagle F1s. About 1,847 gallons of 98-octane go juice.

To the Suzuki's credit, Rent4Ring says the car was never mechanically broken or crashed. Not only does it still drive like new, it still dyno's at 133bhp. The car isn't being scrapped or stuck on a used car lot somewhere but instead was bought by a Rent4Ring customer and should get several more Nürburgring laps before it goes to that big garage in the sky.

It's a hard knock life for a Nürburgring rental car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nurburgringnurburgring rental carsrent4ringrental carssuzukiswiftswift sportWed, 12 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST

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20399947 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/suzuki-swift-sport-rent4ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/suzuki-swift-sport-rent4ring.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0073: Drive the Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/the-list-0073-drive-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: Videos, BMW, The List

Any trip to the automotive mecca of Germany would not be complete without a visit to the famed Nürburgring, nor would a list called 1,001 Automotive Things To Do Before You Die. Thus, we've reached the whole point of Jessi and Patrick's trip to Germany: Drive the Nürburgring.

Many prior episodes of The List have prepared J and P for what's required of them to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife successfully without shunting the BMW M3 they picked up earlier, but we felt they needed a little more schooling. After having them read up on The Green Hell and memorize its corners in simulators, the final instruction came from the Queen of the 'Ring herself, Sabine Schmitz, who was gracious enough to give our hosts a tour of the track. Unfortunately, the M3 couldn't hold up to a single lap's worth of Sabine's driving skills, but don't fault the car: The Nürburgring has 73 turns, is 12.8-miles long and changes nearly 1,000 feet in elevation.

Watch Jessi and Patrick conclude their Germany trip below by lapping the Nürburgring. If you've got your idea for The List, submit it by clicking the Your List link below.

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Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0073: Drive the Nürburgring

The List #0073: Drive the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drive the nurburgringgermanyjessi combslap the nurburgringnurburgringpatrick mcintyresabine schmitzthe-listWed, 21 Nov 2012 14:56:00 EST

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20386083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/the-list-nurburgring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/the-list-nurburgring.jpg <![CDATA[Mini JCW GP to be hatchback only, no 'Ring record attempt in sight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/mini-jcw-gp-to-be-hatchback-only-no-ring-record-attempt-in-sig/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/mini-jcw-gp-to-be-hatchback-only-no-ring-record-attempt-in-sig/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/mini-jcw-gp-to-be-hatchback-only-no-ring-record-attempt-in-sig/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Hatchback, Mini

The 2013 Mini John Cooper Works GP is dropping weight and lowering its lap times, but one thing it won't be losing is its flat roof. Like the original JCW GP package, Evo says that despite the fact that sportier Mini Coupes have been caught testing, the new GP will only be offered in the three-door Cooper hatchback body style. And that's perfectly fine with us.

Evo spoke with GP development chief Jorg Weidinger who said that as a part of the car's history, "It was a hatch, it is a hatch and it should stay a hatch." Weidinger also said that Mini is not planning to set any Nürburgring records with the new JCW GP even though earlier reports indicate that the car is a full 20 seconds faster around the 'Ring than its 2006 predecessor.

The new Mini John Cooper Works GP weighs 121 pounds less than the John Cooper Works Hardtop, offers a fully adjustable coil-over suspension and it will have a starting price of $39,950, (including $700 for destination) when it goes on sale later this year.

Mini JCW GP to be hatchback only, no 'Ring record attempt in sight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Nissan GT-R prototype testing at the Nurburgring

Nissan is reportedly gearing up for another assault on the Nürburgring. According to The Truth About Cars, the company believes the refinements it made to the 2013 GT-R will be enough to skip the supercar around the track in record time. Chief Engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno says there's "quite a bit of margin" in the car's current 7-minute, 18-second time for the course. That's just over five seconds slower than the unofficial time by the Dodge Viper ACR. But Nissan has something special up its sleeves.

The company has whipped up a new Track Edition that Mizuno says is good for under seven minutes. That machine makes use of the same engine as the production car, but lacks a full interior in the name of weight savings. Likewise, there's a set of super-sticky Dunlop race rubber on all four corners. The car isn't legal in Japan because it does not come equipped with the required 112 mph speed limiter. Even so, we can't wait to see what it does around the Green Hell.

Nissan planning another Nürburgring record run with 2013 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20376510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-gt-r-at-the-nurburgring-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nissan-gt-r-at-the-nurburgring-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar XFR-S caught winging it on Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/jaguar-xfr-s-caught-winging-it-on-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/jaguar-xfr-s-caught-winging-it-on-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/jaguar-xfr-s-caught-winging-it-on-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Jaguar, UK, Luxury

Jaguar XFR-S Spy Shots

Jaguar recently took to the Nürburgring to give the upcoming XFR-S a once over. Our spy photographers nabbed the winged sedan as it showed off a spate of new body work, including a more aggressive front fascia, reworked side skirts and, of course, that prominent rear spoiler. The tail end also gets a new diffuser tucked under the rear valance.

Word has it Jaguar has slipped the 550 horsepower supercharged V8 from the XKR-S behind the headlights of the four-door XFR-S. That should make for a plenty spritely sedan capable of giving competitors like the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG something to think about.

We're all for a hustler that can move a family of four around town at Mach 1, especially when it comes with a Jaguar badge in the grille. So far, there's no word on when we can expect to see the XFR-S touch down, where it will be available or what sort of price tag it will carry once it debuts. Stay tuned.

Jaguar XFR-S caught winging it on Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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[2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series suffers fiery wreck while testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/11/2014-mercedes-benz-sls-amg-black-series-suffers-fiery-wreck-whil/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has been running its new, and most certainly badass, SLS AMG Black Series around the Nürburgring of late, doing the sort of high-speed and handling tests that such supercars require to be perfectly super.

Getting the bugs worked out is a good thing though, as these scary images caught by our spy photographers make clear. This particular SLS seems to have crashed and, quite literally, burned while doing some high-speed runs on the Ring. We're told that the car was carrying both a driver and a passenger, and that both walked away from the wrecked exotic before the fire even started. Good on both counts, then.

As we've reported previously, expectations are that this beastly Black Series will produce horsepower figures north of 600, while also shedding weight and gaining strengthened internals. The fire-damaged hulk seen here would seem to indicate that this latest SLS will make use of the standard car's aluminum superstructure, rather than the carbon fiber used for the SLS AMG Electric Drive, however.

Look for the unscathed production version of the SLS AMG Black Series to be formally introduced sometime in 2013, most likely as a 2014 model.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series suffers fiery wreck while testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche 911 Carrera S

Porsche released a video of its 911 Carrera S lapping the Nürburgring last month, and with a time of 7:37.9, the quintessential sports coupe continues to impress. With Timo Kluck behind the wheel, this Carrera S posted better times around the 'Ring than the 997 911 Turbo and, according to PorscheBoost, it even knocked a full two seconds off the time the Carrera S recorded last year.

The run took place on August 28, but Porsche only published the video this week. After checking recorded lap times posted on Wikipedia, the 911's run was faster than independent tests of the Lexus LFA, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R and Ferrari 458 Italia (which all posted times of 7:38). That's good company if you ask us.

Scroll down to watch Kluck and the 911 tackle the Nordschleife.

Continue reading Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video]

Porsche 911 Carrera S nails down 7:37.9 'Ring time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 porsche 9112013 porsche 911 carrera s911911 carrera snordschleifenurburgringnurburgring 24nurburgring lap timeporschetimo kluckSun, 07 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

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20340916 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-porsche-911-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-porsche-911-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Bentley Continental Flying Spur taking shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/bentley-continental-flying-spur-taking-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/bentley-continental-flying-spur-taking-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/bentley-continental-flying-spur-taking-shape/#commentsFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

The redesigned Bentley Continental Flying Spur has again been caught undergoing testing, though this time away from public roads while tackling the Nürburgring's 154 turns. The car we see in these new spy shots also reveals more of the Flying Spur's new lines, which we expect to largely mirror the shape already seen on the new Continental GT and GTC models.

Likewise, the new four-door Continental will probably come with the same engine options as the coupe and convertible: the tried and true 6.0-liter W12 making 567 horsepower and the new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 500 hp. Its two stablemates were also updated with an eight-speed transmission for 2012, so expect the Spur to swap that many gears, as well.

Really, the only unknowns left are how Bentley will be handling the four-door specific design elements like the shape of the rear end, which is somewhat obscured by this car's checkerboard camo, as well as when the sedan will debut. We've received no indication thus far that Bentley is planning to use the Paris Motor Show, which happens later this week, for the Flying Spur's unveiling. That leaves a string of upcoming shows where it could happen, including the LA Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show and Geneva Motor Show.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur taking shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 bentley continental flying spurbentleycontinental flying spurnurburgringspy picsspy shotsWed, 26 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST

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20332790 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/000-bentley-continental-flying-spur-spy-shots-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/000-bentley-continental-flying-spur-spy-shots-opt.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: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, BMW, Humor, Racing

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.

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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: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Luxury

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.

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