Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/video-presenting-the-coolest-honda-civic-wagon-film-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/video-presenting-the-coolest-honda-civic-wagon-film-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/09/video-presenting-the-coolest-honda-civic-wagon-film-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Wagon Attack II- Click above to watch the (epic) video

More than a few Autobloggers regularly pine for the days when Honda (among other automakers) built simpler, smaller, lighter cars that were still packed with functionality. A sterling example of this philosophy is Honda's mid-Eighties Civic Wagon, the pioneering pent-roof with the brand's then-new RealTime 4WD system. Arguably one of the earliest crossovers, the Civic Wagon was incredibly robust, and more than a few enterprising shadetree mechanics have subsequently realized that they have similar tuning potential to their far more popular sedan and hatchback cousins. Enter the Attack Wagon.

Not only is the subject of Wagon Attack II a thoroughly bitchin' example of what can be done with forced induction and a few bulletproofing sessions, the folks that made the above video clearly went beyond the call of duty to chronicle its awesomeness in high-definition. Click through to the jump to watch the most entertaining - and arguably best quality - car video you'll see today. When you're done watching the 1989 Honda earn its Civic Shuttle namesake (as it was known in other markets) vaulting off Michigan's Silver Lake Sand Dunes and tearing around broken-down airport runways, be sure to check out the making-of video as well.

And yes, we want one now too. Thanks for the tip, Luke!

[Source: WagonAttack.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever

VIDEO: Presenting the coolest Honda Civic Wagon film ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boostCivicHonda CivicHonda Civic ShuttleHonda Civic WagonHonda ShuttleHondaCivicHondaCivicShuttleHondaCivicWagonHondaShuttleoff-roadOff-road parkoff-roadingOff-roadParkReal time 4wdReal-Time 4wdReal-time4wdRealTime 4wdRealTime4wdShuttlesilver lake sand dunesSilverLakeSandDunesWed, 09 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford F-150 <strike>SVT Raptor</strike> named 2010 Truck of Texas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-named-2010-texas-truck-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-named-2010-texas-truck-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/ford-f-150-svt-raptor-named-2010-texas-truck-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the Texas Auto Writer's Association loves Ford trucks: The Blue Oval's F-Series pickups have won the Truck of Texas award six straight times. Actually, you can make that seven straight times now, with the F-150 SVT Raptor taking the top honor this year in the Lone Star State.

We didn't go through the precise reasoning of the F-150's dominance in previous years, but the arrival of the Raptor probably made the choice just too easy this time around. After having driven the Raptor ourselves we knew that there is simply nothing like it, and nothing anywhere near as good as it is, to be found in the OEM pickup truck world. When you throw in the purchase price of $39K for the 5.4-liter, you're going to look hard to find a similarly priced competitor in the OEM or aftermarket. The press is after the jump, and to Ford, congratulations are well deserved.

UPDATE: Turns out that the F-150 was actually named this year's Truck of Texas, not the SVT Raptor model specifically. The Raptor was, however, named best "Full-size Pickup Truck". You can check out the corrected press release that Ford just sent out after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

2010raptor_firstdrive0022010raptor_firstdrive0012010raptor_firstdrive0002010raptor_firstdrive0032010raptor_firstdrive004

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford f-1502010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor2010 Ford Raptor2010FordF-1502010FordF-150SvtRaptor2010FordRaptorawardsfordFord F-150ford f-150 raptorford f-150 svt raptorFordF-150FordF-150RaptorFordF-150SvtRaptoroff-roadperformancepickupraptorsvttawatexastexas auto writers associationTexasAutoWritersAssociationtruckMon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/dunkel-industries-creates-ultimate-off-road-rv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/dunkel-industries-creates-ultimate-off-road-rv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/dunkel-industries-creates-ultimate-off-road-rv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Dunkel Industries RV - Click above for high-res image gallery

As they sat looking over the horizon, they realized they had achieved their dream. The guys from Dunkel Industries had driven themselves to a remote spot where they could just relax and enjoy nature at its tranquil best. What made the journey extra special was that they had gotten there in their very own Dunkel Industries Luxury 4x4. Now, "Luxury 4X4" might have some of you thinking Land Rover or Porsche Cayenne. If that's what you're picturing, then all we can say is "Think bigger." Much bigger. Like, so-big-we-can't-get-it-into-the-frame bigger. The Dunkel version of a Luxury 4X4 starts with a Ford F-650 commercial chassis and winds up as the ultimate off-road recreational vehicle.

As their website puts it, Dunkel industries was built on the childhood dream of never having to stop because the trail was 'more than the RV could handle.' So they created a vehicle with "unlimited versatility" that utilizes a Fabco military-grade 4x4 system, capable of driving the luxurious "custom wood, leather and Fiberglass interior" to places no RV dares to go. And in case you want to bring some smaller toys along with you into the wilderness, the bed is big enough to haul a car. That bed also articulates to serve as a ramp to load dirtbikes or ATVs onto the roof. No trailer necessary and no 55-mph limitations for this beast.

There's a full list of the vehicle's features after the jump, but some of the highlights include a firewood box, a shower, and the camp seating built into the running boards and storage bins all around the truck's perimeter. The ATVs on the roof are a definite crowd-pleaser as well. We're not sure how much this project cost the Dunkel Bros. or if they are going to make them available to the public, but we do know that this would make the perfect Autoblog mobile HQ for any automotive event from Pebble Beach to the Baja 1000. Check out the Dunkel Industries website for additional photos and information, follow the jump for the build sheet and check out our own gallery below.


Gallery: Dunkel Industries Luxury 4X4


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DunkelDunkel Bros.Dunkel IndustriesDunkel Industries Luxury 4x4DunkelBros.DunkelIndustriesDunkelIndustriesLuxury4x4Ford chassisFord RVford truckFordChassisFordRvFordTruckoff-roadoff-road RVoff-roadingOff-roadRvoffroadoffroadingRVMon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/land-rover-increases-production-of-new-discovery-and-range-rover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/land-rover-increases-production-of-new-discovery-and-range-rover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/land-rover-increases-production-of-new-discovery-and-range-rover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



It's a little difficult to keep track of what's happening at Tata and JLR these days. While the XF sales continue apace and the XJ is promising, the JLR division lost £673.4 million pounds ($1.11B U.S.) last year, and parent company Tata was $520 million in the red at the end of its 2008 fiscal year. Due to those numbers and a so-far unfulfilled quest for financing, Tata has been relentlessly talking up the need to shed production workers.

A report today, however, says that because of "forecasts of strong demand" for the refreshed Land Rover Discover and Range Rover Sport, the Solihull plant will increase production. Workers who've been on shortened hours since the spring will now go back to a five-day work week. That's good news for the employees and hopefully for Tata. Worker at Land Rover's Halewood plant don't fare so well: the Freelander factory will be shut down intermittently because of low demand.

[Source: What Car?]

Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 discovery2010 land rover discovery2010 range rover2010 range rover sport2010Discovery2010LandRoverDiscovery2010RangeRover2010RangeRoverSportdiscoveryhalewoodland roverland rover discoveryLandRoverLandRoverDiscoveryluxurymanufacturingoff-roadplantsrange roverrange rover sportRangeRoverRangeRoverSportsolihullsuvtataukMon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/review-2009-land-rover-lr2-hse-is-naughty-by-nature/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/review-2009-land-rover-lr2-hse-is-naughty-by-nature/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/19/review-2009-land-rover-lr2-hse-is-naughty-by-nature/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2007 Land Rover LR2 HSE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rovers have always gone their own way - often literally. While off-roading demands a low center of gravity and muddy trails would seem to warrant hose-out interiors and body-on-frame-construction, the British automaker has long contented itself building tippy-looking unibody boxes with tall greenhouses and opulent cabins - the anti-Humvee, as it were. Further, in recent iterations, they've packed their products with immense electronic systems, air suspensions, dial-a-topography Terrain Response controller, and so on... the very sort of complexity that ought to be enough to send English sports car enthusiasts running back to their therapists' offices.

And yet, the formula has always worked - vehicles like the Range Rover and Discovery (now LR3) have somehow managed to earn both Kalahari-traversing credentials and valet stand privileges. Other companies have attempted the leather-lined off-roader thing before (Lamborghini, Lexus, Hummer, Porsche, and LaForza come to mind), but while some have added the trappings of luxury to their SUVs, exactly no one has been as successful in marrying their vehicles to the notion of aristocracy - the sort of "Lord and Master of All That I Survey" quality that has remained Solihull's historic preserve. In short, Land Rovers have always been a gloriously and uniquely British contradiction on wheels - a fact that goes some way toward explaining why your author remains more than a little conflicted when it comes to this LR2.

Click through to the jump to find how it all shakes out.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature

Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE is naughty by nature originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AshevillecrossoverCUVfeaturedfeatured storiesFeaturedStoriesLand RoverLandieLandRoverLRLR2LR3off-roadReviewreviewsTerrain ResponseTerrainResponseVolvoTue, 19 May 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/autoblog-talks-hot-wheels-with-ford-performance-vehicle-leaders/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/autoblog-talks-hot-wheels-with-ford-performance-vehicle-leaders/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/autoblog-talks-hot-wheels-with-ford-performance-vehicle-leaders/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Fans of Ford's American SVT and European ST and RS models will have plenty to look forward to in the next few years. As part of the company's One Ford program to consolidate its platforms and designs, SVT and TeamRS have been brought together under a single organization led by Jost Capito. Earlier this week, we sat down for lunch with Jamal Hameedi and Hermann Salenbauch to discuss what is going on and what we can expect to see in the next few years. Hameedi is the Chief Nameplate Engineer at SVT and Salenbauch is the director of Advanced Product Creation and Performance Vehicles. We've already seen some of their handiwork in the form of the 2010 Shelby GT500 and F-150 SVT Raptor, but we'll come back to those in a bit.

We already know we'll be getting a new Focus in laet 2010 or early 2011 that's common with the Euro model we've been craving for years. Naturally, the question of the new Focus RS came up. While no one would commit to anything, there were plenty of smiles to go around and Hameedi and Salenbauch were more than willing to talk enthusiastically about the new sports hatch that is launching right now in Europe. Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders

Autoblog talks hot wheels with Ford's Performance Vehicle leaders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carroll ShelbyCarrollShelbyford performance vehiclesFordPerformanceVehiclesGT500Mustangoff roadoff-roadoff-roadingOffRoadRaptorShelbySpecial Vehicle TeamSpecialVehicleTeamSVTThu, 29 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/we-wonder-if-this-voids-the-warranty/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/we-wonder-if-this-voids-the-warranty/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/11/we-wonder-if-this-voids-the-warranty/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

The Bentley Continental series is a lot of fun. The cars look good, are appropriately sybaritic and, most importantly, they go like stink. The have all-wheel drive, too - mostly to help keep Johnny Swell's 550-horsepower chariot on the pavement and out of the tree line when he gets delusions of grandeur behind the wheel. We thought that was pretty much the extent of things, but as one UAE driver demonstrates in the video after the jump, the Continental's AWD and trick air suspension let a Bentley GTC hold its own in a 4x4 caravan through sand dunes and over a desert road. With the stock wheel/tire setup, no less. Be forewarned: the music becomes a little grating after the first couple of minutes. Now please excuse us, as we've got a sudden hankering for falafel. Thanks for the tip, lowlow!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty

VIDEO: We wonder if this voids the warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley off-roadingBentleyOff-roadingcontinental gtcContinentalGtcdesertoff-roadsand dunesSandDunesUAEThu, 11 Dec 2008 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Track Trailer Tvan world's beefiest camper trailer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/track-trailer-tvan-worlds-beefiest-camper-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/track-trailer-tvan-worlds-beefiest-camper-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/track-trailer-tvan-worlds-beefiest-camper-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Track Tvan

If you're one of those take-no-prisoners off-road types, then we've found the perfect camper trailer for you. It's called the Tvan, and it's made by Track Trailer. The company, Australian-based and located outside Melbourne, has been in business since 1982. Their Tvan model is specially engineered to eliminate the problems found with conventional flip-over type campers (which stow the tent on the bed). With the Tvan, the tent is stowed in the rear hatch allowing your bed to be kept clean and dry. Even better, a hard roof over your head ensures a better night sleep.

As Track is experienced building military trailers, much of their heavy-duty technology finds its way into the Tvan. Features such as an asymmetric link suspension with Koni shock absorbers, 10 inches of wheel travel, and a 30-degree departure angle allow the trailer to follow the tow vehicle over nearly every terrain. With a hot dip galvanized steel frame, it is also built to take abuse and last. Of course, the kitchen appointments are stainless steel with abundant power outlets, lights, and ventilation to take the edge off of roughing it. It even comes with a 70-liter "food grade" water tank as standard equipment. Now, we found you the camper, you just have to figure out how to get it here... unfortunately, the Australian company isn't shipping to the States.

Gallery: Track Trailer Tvan


[Source: Squob]

Track Trailer Tvan world's beefiest camper trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Austrailaaustralianbedcampercampingheavy dutyHeavyDutyoff-roadsleepTowingTrack Trailer TvanTrackTrailerTvanTvanWed, 01 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Scale-model R/C off-roading]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/29/video-scale-model-r-c-4x4-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/29/video-scale-model-r-c-4x4-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/29/video-scale-model-r-c-4x4-competition/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We like offroading vids as much as anyone, because they show just how much many of the SUVs we roll in are actually capable of. We're also suckers for cool toys, and the video that follows the jump combines both of these interests to great effect. Pretty cool stuff...enjoy.

UPDATE: Second vid added that shows this year's event. Thanks to Matt (the guy behind it all) for the link in the comments.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scale-model R/C off-roading

VIDEO: Scale-model R/C off-roading originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x4off-roadoff-roadingr/cradio controlradio-controlRadioControlscale 4x4scale modelsScale4x4ScaleModelsFri, 29 Jun 2007 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Mopar going off-road with Jeep]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/17/mopar-going-off-road-with-jeep/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/17/mopar-going-off-road-with-jeep/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/17/mopar-going-off-road-with-jeep/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One may only associate The Chrysler Group's performance parts brand with rear-wheel drive muscle cars and honking V8s, but that will likely soon change as Mopar plans to branch out and begin providing performance parts for the Jeep brand. One can tell by the comments made by Christine Cortez, the senior VP of global service and parts for DCX, at the Automotive News World Congress in Dearborn yesterday, that Mopar is in new territory when it comes to vehicles that like to leave the glassy smooth blacktop of terra firma, but nevertheless the brand plans to expand and begin offering parts for these neglected off-road enthusiasts. Though Cortez doesn't elaborate and tell us what type of parts and for which vehicles they'll be offered, one can assume the venerable Wrangler will be a top priority. Should we expect Mopar branded lift kits, off-road lighting and winches? Who knows, but the Mopar brand has proven to be elastic before. How else do you explain its involvement and success in the D1 Grand Prix professional drifting series.

[Source: Automotive News]

Related posts:
Detroit Auto Show: Dodge Viper SRT-10 Mopar concept
Mopar Challenger "Super Stock" Wows 'em at SEMA
Off-Road Commander Concept - now that's a Jeep...
Dodge's drifting Charger debuts

Mopar going off-road with Jeep originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeepmoparoff-roadwranglerWed, 17 Jan 2007 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-jeep-trailhawk-offers-open-air-off-roading-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-jeep-trailhawk-offers-open-air-off-roading-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/detroit-auto-show-jeep-trailhawk-offers-open-air-off-roading-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click image above to view all the new live shots in our high-resolution photo gallery

Calling it a crossbreed between the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Jeep today took the covers off the Bluetec diesel-powered Trailhawk concept. The Trail Rated off-roader is intended to provide a means for transporting four people off-road, and the three-panel removable glass roof allows the rock-crawling to commence with the open sky above. A chopped roofline and fat fender flares almost give it a low-slung appearance, and the interior shows off some clever touches such as rear-mounted speakers that dismount to provide portable audio.

This concept would probably make more sense if Jeep hadn't just released the Wrangler Unlimited, a user-friendly way (at least when compared to previous Wranglers) to accomplish the same task.

Check out the new updated gallery with all of today's live shots.



For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four

Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Trailhawk offers open-air off-roading for four originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4WD4x4Cherokeeconvertibleglass roofJeeplift-off roofoff-roadtrail ratedTrailhawkWagoneerMon, 08 Jan 2007 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Mickey Thompson murder trial begins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/08/mickey-thompson-murder-trial-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/08/mickey-thompson-murder-trial-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/08/mickey-thompson-murder-trial-begins/#commentsFiled under: ,

The murder of motorsports legend Mickey Thompson and his wife in 1988 was one of the most brutal crimes to hit the automotive world. Nearly two decades later, prosecutors in Pasadena, CA hope to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice. The trial against Michael Goodwin opened on Monday with claims that two yet-unidentified hitmen fatally shot Trudy Thompson before killing Mickey outside the couple's home.

The motive for the mob-style execution is claimed to be a failed deal between Thompson and Goodwin involving stadium racing in SoCal. When things went sour, Thompson successfully sued for around $750,000, forcing Goodwin into bankruptcy. Prior to the killings, Goodwin was overheard making verbal threats against Thompson. Goodwin's lawyer claims that no connection exists between the defendant and the two hitmen.

Mickey Thompson is probably best-known nowadays for the products that carry his name, but he established his reputation by being one of the most innovative racers on the track, in the dirt, and at the salt flats. The "Christmas tree" lights used at nearly every dragstrip owe their existence to Thompson, and he also developed the frightening - and fast - "slingshot" dragster chassis. The crowning achievement of his career, however, was piloting the first piston-powered wheeled vehicle beyond the 400 MPH mark in 1960. Thompson's many accomplishments earned him a posthumous induction into the Motorsports International Hall of Fame in 1990.

[Source: CNN]

Mickey Thompson murder trial begins originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnevilledragindymickeymurderoff-roadracingSCOREthompsontrialWed, 08 Nov 2006 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Dunlop Driver's Cup: Qualifying begins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/dunlop-drivers-cup-qualifying-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/dunlop-drivers-cup-qualifying-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/dunlop-drivers-cup-qualifying-begins/#commentsFiled under:



Once a year, drivers gather in a central location to test their skills in a myriad of motorized conveyances. The Dunlop Drivers Cup isn't just a day or two of on-track driving. Nor is it limited to four-wheeled vehicles. It's a five day long event that encompasses autocross, road racing, off-road driving, motocross and an ATV trek.

Drivers are selected for both their behind the wheel/handlebar skills, but also their physical prowess and the qualifying begins this September 11th. The winner of the stateside event will then move on to the Dunlop Drivers Cup World Finals sometime in 2007, where they'll compete in events across six different continents, with the final event being held in Africa.

A profile of some of the finalists can be found here, here and here, which are all definitely worth the read, especially for anyone considering entering in the 2007 event. We wish them all the best of luck on their upcoming journey and hope that Team USA trounces whomever they come up against abroad.

More information about the Cup and registration for next year's event can be found at Dunlop's website.

Click on through for some photos from last years event.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading Dunlop Driver's Cup: Qualifying begins

Dunlop Driver's Cup: Qualifying begins originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvautocrossdunlop drivers cupDunlopDriversCupmotocrossoff-roadroad racingRoadRacingThu, 31 Aug 2006 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[A land speed record of the unusual sort]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/18/a-land-speed-record-of-the-unusual-sort/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/18/a-land-speed-record-of-the-unusual-sort/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/18/a-land-speed-record-of-the-unusual-sort/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Most land-speed racing takes place in the deserts of the Southwest United States, but that doesn't mean that all land-speed records are set there. Voyage Concepts' Jason De Carteret lead a team from the Antarctica port of Patriot Hills to the geographical South Pole in just over 69 hours - averaging marginally more than 10 MPH over the 700-mile trek.

The vehicle of choice was a heavily-modified 15-passenger Econoline van, which was converted to a 6x6 drive configuration and outfitted with 44" tall tires. Its 7.3L Powerstroke engine burned 360 gallons of diesel along the way.

The previous record of 24 days was set by Shinji Kazama, who used a motorcycle. Yeah, we don't know what he was thinking, either.

[Sources: Forbes, Voyage Concepts]

A land speed record of the unusual sort originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>econolinefordland speed recordoff roadoff-roadoff-roadingsouth poleSouthPolevanSun, 18 Jun 2006 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited grows another set of doors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-grows-another-set-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-grows-another-set-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-grows-another-set-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeep's official unearthing of the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited left us wondering how long one needs to bury a standard two-door Wrangler before it up and sprouts a second set of doors. Alas, that question went unanswered. What was made clear is that a high-pressure fire hose is an effective means of extracting a buried SUV, and that if Jeep's PR folks are handing out plastic ponchos, it's wise to accept one.

While we thought that the full doors (shown in Jeep's official press release) appear a bit awkward when the top is removed, the half doors (shown in pics after the jump) definitely look to be the hot ticket for topless motoring.

(More photos after the jump!)

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited grows another set of doors

New York Auto Show: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited grows another set of doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>four-doorhardcore SUVHardcoreSuvJeepoff-roadSUVUnlimitedWranglerThu, 13 Apr 2006 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan to Texans: "Our trucks are tough, too!"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/06/nissan-to-texans-our-trucks-our-tough-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/06/nissan-to-texans-our-trucks-our-tough-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/06/nissan-to-texans-our-trucks-our-tough-too/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It seems that full-size trucks must first curry the favor of Texans before they can court the rest of this country's citizenry. Dodge introduced its Ram Mega Cab Dually in the state and Ford unleashed its 2007 Expedition on unsuspecting Texans attending this year's Houston Auto Show. Toyota has eschewed any showmanship and will just build its new XXL Tundra in San Antonio.

Nissan has chosen to combat its less than stellar Titan sales by putting on a show in Bridgeport, Texas in order to demonstrate how tough its full-size pickups and SUVs can be. The Japanese company built an off-road course in a rock quarry recently purchased by the town that contained rock climbs, descents, water obstacles, rugged terrain and more. They then gave 80 journalists keys to the Titan and Frontier pickups and Xterra SUV and stood back... way back. We've yet to see any articles emerge from the media event, so we'll have to wait and see how many journalists the company converted.

[Source: Nissan]

Nissan to Texans: "Our trucks are tough, too!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frontierfull-size truckFull-sizeTruckjournalistsmediaNissanoff-roadrock crawlingRockCrawlingSUVTexasTitanXterraThu, 06 Apr 2006 14:33:00 EST