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[Red Flag: Race of Champions moves to China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/red-flag-race-of-champions-moves-to-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/red-flag-race-of-champions-moves-to-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/red-flag-race-of-champions-moves-to-china/#commentsFiled under: ,


2008 Race of Champions - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Still think of the Race of Champions as an elitist European event? Think again. Organizers have announced that that the annual face-off is scheduled to head to China this year.

The Race of Champions, for those unfamiliar, is a year-end event in which the top drivers from various motorsport disciplines - including F1, rally, touring cars, Le Mans...even motorbikes, drifting or the occasional NASCAR pretty-boy - compete against each other in a series of heats on varied machinery around a dedicated track built inside a major sports arena. The event crowns two winners: the solo Champion of Champions, and the Nations Cup in which drivers pair up to represent their home countries. After a decade in the Canary Islands, the race was held for three consecutive seasons at the Stade de France before moving to Wembley Stadium for the past two years, but a new arrangement will see this year's race held in Beijing at the Bird's Nest stadium built for last year's Olympic games. Previous champions have been predominantly rally drivers (including three titles for Sebastien Loeb and two for Mattias Ekstrom), while Germany's contingent of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel have taken the national honors. Who will be crowned champion this year? Tune in on November 3-4, only two days after the Formula One season wraps up in Abu Dhabi (assuming they can get the Yas Island circuit ready in time) to find out.

[Source: F1-Live]

Red Flag: Race of Champions moves to China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 race of champions2009 roc2009RaceOfChampions2009Rocbeijingbirds nestBirdsNestchampionschinaloebmichael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsportmotorsportsnations cupNationsCupracerace of championsRaceOfChampionsracingrocschumachersebastian vettelSebastianVettelsebastien loebSebastienLoebstade de franceStadeDeFrancevettelwembleywembley stadiumWembleyStadiumFri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[24 Hours of LeMons 2008: Part IV - Panic in the final stretch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/24-hours-of-lemons-2008-part-iv-panic-in-the-final-stretch/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/24-hours-of-lemons-2008-part-iv-panic-in-the-final-stretch/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/22/24-hours-of-lemons-2008-part-iv-panic-in-the-final-stretch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Click above for a high-res gallery of the "Tinkerbell Rosso" Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor


The "24 Hours of LeMons" is an event comprised of low-budget $500 race cars, i.e. lemons. The so-called "crap-car enduro" has enticed various members of the Autoblog team over the years into covering, and more recently participating, in the event. When asked to join Team Tinkerbell Rosso for an upcoming race, we knew it was time to take up the cause again and now find ourselves booked for the "Thunderhill Arse-Freeze-Apalooza." The event, scheduled during the last few days of December, promises dreadfully cold weather but plenty of offbeat racing fun. Our six-part weekly series takes you behind the scenes with our new race partners, the Tinkerbell Rosso racing team and their 1996 Crown Victoria "Police Interceptor."

Our earlier blogs (Part I - The donor vehicle, Part II - The teardown, and Part III - The build) introduced you to the car and tracked our build progress. Now the team is hard at work preparing the former taxi/police interceptor for the race in less than one week! The madness begins after the jump.

Gallery: LeMons 2008: Team Tinkerbell Rosso


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading 24 Hours of LeMons 2008: Part IV - Panic in the final stretch

24 Hours of LeMons 2008: Part IV - Panic in the final stretch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Childrens Hospital Orange CountyChildrensHospitalOrangeCountyfeaturedLeMonsRaceThunderhilltinkerbellTinkerbell RossotinkerbellracingTinkerbellRossoMon, 22 Dec 2008 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/29/event-alert-december-calendar-of-automotive-events/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Last year's Motor4Toys event, which collected more than 15,000 toys for needy kids
We started our monthly calendar of events last month and learned almost immediately that we will never be able to make it as comprehensive as everyone would like, but that's where you come in. Take a look at the list we've put together for December after the jump, and if you see changes that need to be made or events you'd like to add, leave a comment with event info and a link. Once again we've used two of our favorite resources: the New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and for local stuff here in Southern California, our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages. Dave's photos from these local events are fantastic.

So check out the December event calendar we put together for you after the jump and start adding to it. And please note the large number of Toys 4 Tots drives being put on by local car clubs. With tough economic times it's important to remember that every child deserves a toy. Happy Holidays everyone!

Continue reading Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: December Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemons24HoursOfLemonsauctionauto showautomotive eventautomotive eventsAutomotiveEventAutomotiveEventsAutoShowbologna motor showBolognaMotorShowconcourscruiseessenessen motor showEssenMotorShowevent calendarEventCalendarfeaturedmotor4toysracesan diego auto showSanDiegoAutoShowSat, 29 Nov 2008 20:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Event Alert: November calendar of automotive events]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/02/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/02/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/02/event-alert-november-calendar-of-automotive-events/#commentsFiled under: , ,



One of the big changes we made at Autoblog a couple of years ago was adding more live coverage of events with photos and impressions to hopefully make you feel like you were there with us. While we love going to these races, auto shows, concours and cruises to report on them for you, we know there are many of you out there who would like to witness these happenings firsthand. Many of you have commented that although you enjoy our event coverage you'd like more advance warning of the events we are attending so you might be able to check them out yourselves.

Well, as you might imagine, putting together a calendar isn't so simple. Often times we get last minute word of an event, or sometimes the events we cover aren't open to the public. Still, we understand your craving for live automotive events and we are here to help. We've scoured our planners and checked our favorite web links and have compiled a select calendar for November. We'll try to post a new one of these every month and we encourage you to add local events we haven't included in the comments for all to see. Our hope is that you'll scan the list and be able to find something exciting in your neck of the woods.

Don't take it personally if we skip one of your favorites, just know that we are trying to keep it simple for now. Two of our favorite resources for planning what events we are going to attend, btw, are the New York Times automotive calendar for national and international stuff, and for local stuff here in Southern California, our buddy Dave Lindsay's SoCalCarCulture pages. Dave has been photographing and reporting on the local car scene a long time and if we don't make it to one of the events on his calendar, you can be pretty sure that Dave will be posting pics of it before long. Enough talk, check out the select November event calendar we put together for you after the jump.

Continue reading Event Alert: November calendar of automotive events

Event Alert: November calendar of automotive events originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showautomotive eventsAutomotiveEventsAutoShowconcourscruiseevent calendarEventCalendareventsraceSun, 02 Nov 2008 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for ?82,900]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/ktm-taking-orders-on-x-bow-race-for-82-900/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/ktm-taking-orders-on-x-bow-race-for-82-900/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/ktm-taking-orders-on-x-bow-race-for-82-900/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-Bow "Race"

KTM and its four-wheeled racer, the X-Bow, had an incredibly successful season, dominating the GT4 Sports Light class in its inaugural year. With a serious campaign under its belt, KTM is finally making its "Race" version of the X-Bow available to consumers, and the bike-manufacturer-turned-automaker has big plans for the future.

Over 30 modifications were made to the standard X-Bow - ranging from semi-slick tires to an adjustable brake balance controller - to bring it up to GT4-spec, and if the €82,900 cost of entry isn't enough, KTM is offering a variety of optional "PowerParts" to take the X-Bow to the next level. Adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, central-locking wheels, an airjack system, Kevlar front panels, a carbon fiber tonneau cover and a revised rear bumper are available for track addicts abroad. But that's not all.

KTM is launching a new program billed the "Customer Racing Concept" which allows owners of the X-Bow "Race" to campaign in a number of events throughout Europe with full support provided by the KTM crew. For around €3,000 per race, CRS will take care of all the logistics on race day, including transport, race service, spare parts, hospitality, tires, fuel, driver and team equipment, making it easy - if not cheap - to campaign an X-Bow in a number of European series.

In 2009, KTM will launch the X-Bow Super Sport Cup, with two separate competitions. The SSC North will cover Germany, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, while SSC South covers France, Spain and Italy. A number of races are planned throughout the year, and there's talk of extending the program to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar, and even the possibility of bringing it to the States.

Hit the jump for all the details in KTM's lengthy release.

Gallery: KTM X-Bow Race

Continue reading KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for ?82,900

KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for ?82,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ktmktm x-bow racektm xbow raceKtmX-bowRaceKtmXbowRaceracex-bowxbowMon, 27 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Police break up Bugatti vs. Ferrari street race in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/police-break-up-bugatti-vs-ferrari-street-race-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/police-break-up-bugatti-vs-ferrari-street-race-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/police-break-up-bugatti-vs-ferrari-street-race-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While we all know that a 16-cylinder Bugatti Veyron would leave a 12-cylinder Ferrari 599 GTB choking in its own emissions, two blokes in the UK apparently wanted to check it out for themselves. After witnesses reported the two supercars jockeying for position at high speeds on public highways, police took pursuit in a BMW patrol car. Following velocities of nearly 140 mph in the chase, the Bugatti respectfully pulled over while the Ferrari got away scott free. Fortunately for the Bugatti driver, police officially clocked the 253-mph Veyron going a mere 97 mph. The resulting citation was three points on his license and a fine of just £60 (about $120). We think the outcome would have been much, much uglier in the States. Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: The Sun]

Police break up Bugatti vs. Ferrari street race in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti veyronbugatti-veyronBugattiVeyroncontestferrari 599ferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 gtb fior...ferrari 599gtbFerrari599Ferrari599GtbFerrari599GtbFior...policeracespeedingstreet raceStreetRaceWed, 04 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Autocar pits GT2 against Z06 in a drag competition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/autocar-pits-gt2-against-z06-in-a-drag-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/autocar-pits-gt2-against-z06-in-a-drag-competition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/autocar-pits-gt2-against-z06-in-a-drag-competition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



What do you do with a Porsche GT2, a Corvette Z06, and an abandoned aircraft runway? That's obvious: you line both cars up, nail the throttle and crown the victor. Thankfully, that's exactly what the chaps at Autocar did when they pitted the new GT2 against the Z06 on a long piece of straight pavement. No timing lights, no start/finish line, just two guys with heavy right feet and a camera crew to capture the action.

To refresh your memory, the GT2 is the hottest car currently in Porsche's inventory. Under its decklid, a 3.6-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder powerplant pumps out an impressive 530 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. The Chevrolet Z06 has been in showrooms a bit longer, but nothing holds back its 7.0-liter eight-cylinder engine packing a 505 hp punch with 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Oh yeah, we should mention (before you all point it out) the German costs about twice as much as the American.

We won't tell you who wins the Porsche vs. Chevrolet battle, but we will say the contest will be significantly more "balanced" when the blokes can bring the upcoming 620 hp 2009 Corvette ZR1 to the tarmac. Thanks for the tip Mike!

Check out the video here.

[Source: Autocar]

Autocar pits GT2 against Z06 in a drag competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutocarChevrolet Z06Chevrolet ZR1ChevroletZ06ChevroletZr1ContestDragporsche gt2PorscheGt2RaceFri, 28 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/video-old-vs-new-ferrari-599-shows-f40-a-thing-or-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/video-old-vs-new-ferrari-599-shows-f40-a-thing-or-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/video-old-vs-new-ferrari-599-shows-f40-a-thing-or-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view video

It's always nice when money gets thrown at making epic videos of cars, and this one is so beautifully produced that it obviously cost a bundle. What could be more epic than a couple of Ferraris being treated like the rentals Rowdy and Cole duked it out with in Days Of Thunder? Okay, Ferrari and NASCAR, ne'er the twain shall meet, but what we do have here is a fantastically beautiful video of a Ferrari 599 showing the F40 what an old man it's become. Let's see, do we want to take the comfortable, easy-driving, fighter-jet fast GT, or would we prefer the raucous, painful, finicky throwback that's nearly as fast but is probably more exhilarating due simply to the cacophony behind your head? Either could be fun - follow the jump to see for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Johnny!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two

VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>599599 gtb599Gtbexoticexotic carExoticCarf40ferrariferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 gtb vs. ...ferrari 599gtbferrari f40ferrari videoFerrari599gtbFerrari599GtbVs....FerrariF40FerrariVideopromotional videoPromotionalVideoraceracingvideoWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Hamster heads to the Beeb - Hammond to cover F1 for BBC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/hamster-heads-to-the-beeb-hammond-to-cover-f1-for-bbc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/hamster-heads-to-the-beeb-hammond-to-cover-f1-for-bbc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/hamster-heads-to-the-beeb-hammond-to-cover-f1-for-bbc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Formula 1 will hit the BBC air waves in 2009 after a long run on ITV. The move will require new figureheads to sit at the desk, and London's Times has said that Top Gear's Richard Hammond is the top man for the job. Economics at least partially drove ITV's decision to withdraw from F1 coverage. The coverage is expensive, so making money is challenging, even with newly rising star Lewis Hamilton making F1 more interesting for UK viewers.

Hammond's presence might help broaden the appeal beyond just racing fans, as would guest appearances by Jeremy Clarkson and James May, Hammond's cohorts on Top Gear. Letting Clarkson and May prowl the paddock could offer priceless moments of color commentary that would set YouTube alight. The BBC also plans to update the look, feel and pace of its coverage, and fans will be able to get at the presentation more easily with races going out across broadband digital outlets in addition to the standard radio and television. Thanks for the tip, Eric!

[Source: Times Online, Photo by Getty Images/Getty]

Hamster heads to the Beeb - Hammond to cover F1 for BBC originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009bbcbroadcastformulaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnejames mayJamesMayjeremy carksonjeremy clarksonJeremyCarksonJeremyClarksonlewis hamiltonlewis-hamiltonLewisHamiltonmotorsportmotorsportsraceracingrichard hammondRichardHammondtelevisiontop gearTopGearTue, 25 Mar 2008 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Dodge Challenger SS Drag package weeks away]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/rumormill-dodge-challenger-ss-drag-car-package-weeks-away/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/rumormill-dodge-challenger-ss-drag-car-package-weeks-away/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/30/rumormill-dodge-challenger-ss-drag-car-package-weeks-away/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Dodge Challenger Super Stock shown from 2006 SEMA Show

Just like in the '60s, some people will take their new 2008 Dodge Challengers to the drags. Chrysler is reportedly ready to make this very easy for new Challenger owners. Allpar is reporting that within a few weeks, there will issue forth from Chrysler a Super Stock special version of the Challenger. The intended application is Stock Eliminator drag racing, and the cars get their own VINs and lots of lightening. Powering drivers down the strip will be versions of the Hemi and 5.9 liter Magnum V8s, twisting through manual or automatic boxes.

Jettisoning things like wipers, HVAC, sound deadening and seats make for a Challenger that's definitely not road-ready, but much lighter for track applications. 800 pounds have reportedly been trimmed out of the car through the omission of equipment and special composite body parts. Mechanicals have been modified to better suit the use, too. The main body unit gets tweaks, and the front crossmember is modified to a drop-out unit. Front brakes are largely unnecessary when the nose is in the air for part of the run, so lightweight units have been fitted. The fascia support and cooling system also get the slim-fast treatment. More information will supposedly arrive soon, but a 1,320-pounding neo-E body pony car appears close at hand.

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Rumormill: Dodge Challenger SS Drag package weeks away originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengerchryslercustomdodgedragdrag racingDragRacingeditionmoparnhraracerace onlyRaceOnlyracingspecialstock eliminatorStockEliminatorsuper stockSuperStockWed, 30 Jan 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Bugatti developing $3m uber-Veyron track car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/rumormill-bugatti-developing-3m-uber-veyron-track-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/rumormill-bugatti-developing-3m-uber-veyron-track-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/10/rumormill-bugatti-developing-3m-uber-veyron-track-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Speculation over a potential second model from Bugatti has been a colossal roller-coaster. There were rumors of a super-luxury sedan, an entry-level roadster and a targa variant of the existing Veyron.

The Veyron was a pet project of former VW Group CEO Ferdinand Piech, who remains chairman of the VW supervisory board and is said to be keen on moving ahead with a follow-up to the Veyron. When Martin Winterkorn took over, however, he was reported to have shelved any plans for an additional model, prompting Bugatti CEO Thomas Bscher to resign. Bugatti then shifted to the control of Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen, who, after shoehorning the Veyron's engine into a Bentley Arnage luxury sedan, revealed last September that there would be an additional Bugatti coming.

Reports are now surfacing which indicate that the new model could be an even more expensive, even faster supercar than the Veyron. Whereas the Veyron, for all its enormous, time-bending power and speed, was designed as a comfortable grant tourer, the new model would be a tighter, more track-focused supercar. Power would likely come from a retuned version of the Veyron's 8-liter quad-turbo W16, which was long reported to be under-rated in its power production of 1000 hp, and is tipped to produce 1175 hp in the new version. Artistic renderings from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport depict the car with styling more akin to a Le Mans racer, with a protruding front splitter and an enormous rear wing.

The vehicle, currently rumored to be code-named "Project Lydia" after Ettore Bugatti's wife, would exceed the 400km/h top speed of the Veyron in pursuit of a Nurburgring lap time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. While these reports could very well turn out to be no more substantial than previous ones, if Bugatti did built Project Lydia in a reported run of 70 examples for a whopping ?2.5 million apiece, it would easily eclipse anything else out there.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Bugatti developing $3m uber-Veyron track car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattieditionlydiamillionnewprojectracesuccessortrackversionveyronThu, 10 Jan 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat 500 to hit the track in Australian GP support race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/fiat-500-to-hit-the-track-in-australian-gp-support-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/fiat-500-to-hit-the-track-in-australian-gp-support-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/fiat-500-to-hit-the-track-in-australian-gp-support-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image to view in high resolution

With revenues and attendance declining, Merlbourne's Albert Park circuit is in danger of losing the Australian Grand Prix to another venue Down Under, but the organizers aren't giving up without a fight. With cash from title sponsor ING, which has been pouring big bucks into its F1 sponsorship program, the 2008 Australian Grand Prix is gearing up to be a huge spectacle that will include a V8 Supercars race and even a two-hour KISS concert in addition to the headline Formula One contest. Now the organizers have added another supporting event that will mark the first time the Fiat 500 will be raced.

The race-prepped retro-minis will be the car of choice for the Celebrity Challenge, which pits local Australian celebrities against each other on the race track. Although no information has been provided on what sort of race preparation the Fiats will undergo for the event, we wouldn't expect the modifications to go far beyond basic safety equipment, like a roll cage and racing buckets with competition harnesses visible in the photos.

In addition to being the 500's racing debut, the event will also mark the car's unveiling for Australia and New Zealand, as well as the debut of the right-hand-drive version of the tiny Fiat.

Scheduling conflicts between the Grand Prix and the V8 Supercars series were reconciled to allow the two races to take place together, while race officials denied rumors that they were intent on following Singapore's lead in changing the Australian Grand Prix to a flood-lit night race.

Check out the images in the high-resolution gallery below, and the full press release after the jump.

[Source: ING Australian Grand Prix via World Car Fans]

Gallery: Fiat 500 race at Australian Grand Prix

Continue reading Fiat 500 to hit the track in Australian GP support race

Fiat 500 to hit the track in Australian GP support race originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500albertaustraliacelebrity challengeCelebrityChallengecircuitfiatgrand prixGrandPrixparkraceWed, 02 Jan 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Creventic CR-8 takes Audi supercar to the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/creventic-cr-8-takes-audi-supercar-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/creventic-cr-8-takes-audi-supercar-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/creventic-cr-8-takes-audi-supercar-to-the-track/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image above to view additional images

It was only a matter of time. Audi unveils the R8 supercar, and somebody wants to take it racing. Leave it to the Dutch to pick up the slack, as Netherlands-based Creventic BV is preparing the "CR-8" for an assault on endurance sportscar racing.

Thus far, Creventic has been cautious with its modifications. The current CR-8 benefits from a remapped engine management system to produce 430 hp (ten horses over the stock 420) and the removal of the factory-installed low-gear restrictor, as well as a host of baubles and bolt-ons to the body to bring it up to race spec. 18-inch BBS competition rims wrapped in Toyo racing slicks are put in place, a 90-liter racing fuel tank installed and AST suspension components mounted at all four corners. Creventic is also working on squeezing more power out of the RS4-derived V8 engine, a race-spec sequential gearbox and carbon fiber body panels, among other competition modifications.

The first pair of CR-8s will be shown next month at the Dubai Autodrome in the United Arab Emirates for a race-track shakedown and public unveiling, with the first customer cars to be delivered shortly thereafter.

Check out CR-8.com for more details, and the gallery below for a whole mess of pics.

[Source: CR-8.com via Le Blog Auto]

Gallery: Creventic BV CR-8

Creventic CR-8 takes Audi supercar to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicompetitioncr-8cr8creventichvr8racetrackWed, 19 Dec 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Young and Old team up for Germany at Race of Champions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/young-and-old-team-up-for-germany-at-race-of-champions/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/young-and-old-team-up-for-germany-at-race-of-champions/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/29/young-and-old-team-up-for-germany-at-race-of-champions/#commentsFiled under: ,



Every year the Race of Champions makes for an enjoyable spectacle. The event, set to take place this year on December 16 at a tarmac-filled Wembley Stadium in England, pits drivers from all different forms of motorsport against on another to determine who is the best of the best, alongside a second competition, the Nations Cup, in which two drivers from each participating country strive for the glory of their homeland.

The team to watch this year is Germany, which puts together one of the most promising young drivers with the most decorated old champion. Sebastian Vettel, who recently left his test seat at BMW-Sauber for an impressive race debut with the erstwhile back-marker Scuderia Toro Rosso, will be teaming up with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher.

It's not the first time the two have crossed paths, but it is the first time the two will be racing together. Aside from both driving Ferrari-powered F1 cars for Italian teams, the two played together in the Nazionale Piloti soccer tournament in Italy, and Schumacher presented an up-and-coming Vettel with the trophy at a karting race years ago. Schumacher made his F1 debut when Vettel was only four years old, and it'll be interesting to watch the two race back to back for victory at the settling of the drunken bar bet of the year.

[Source: F1-Live]

Young and Old team up for Germany at Race of Champions originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championsgermanymichaelofracerocschumachersebastianteamvettelwembleyMon, 29 Oct 2007 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Three-Way Title Race comes to a close at Brazilian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/21/three-way-title-race-comes-to-a-close-at-brazilian-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/21/three-way-title-race-comes-to-a-close-at-brazilian-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/21/three-way-title-race-comes-to-a-close-at-brazilian-grand-prix/#commentsFiled under:

Fans had been looking forward to it for years, and now it's come to a close. For 2007, Formula One stepped out of the dominating shadow of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, the first season since his retirement, and came to today's final race of the season in a close three-way battle between Ferrari's "iceman" Kimi Raikonnen and McLaren's feuding fraternity of defending champion Fernando Alonso and amazing rookie Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's brave Brazilian Felipe Massa having fell out of contention earlier in the season.

The 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix was a thrilling end to a thrilling season and a gripping race in its own rite. SPOILER ALERT: Follow the jump to find out who won the race, who took the title and how it all went down.

Continue reading Three-Way Title Race comes to a close at Brazilian Grand Prix

Three-Way Title Race comes to a close at Brazilian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1brazilbrazilianchampionfformulagpgrandonepauloprixraceresultssaosummarywinnerSun, 21 Oct 2007 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Hammond crashes again in enduro race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/richard-hammond-crashes-again-in-enduro-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/richard-hammond-crashes-again-in-enduro-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/richard-hammond-crashes-again-in-enduro-race/#commentsFiled under:

Our favorite rodent host of Top Gear, Richard "The Hamster" Hammond, was involved in an on-track collision last Saturday during an endurance race at Silverstone behind the wheel of a BMW 330 DTi Sport. Hammond, of course, was almost killed last September when he lost control of a jet-powered dragster at 288 MPH. This time Hammond merely collided with a car that was trying to overtake him. Reportedly traveling around 100 MPH at the time, he was able to limp the BMW off the track and wait for a tow to the pits where the car was repaired so he could continue racing. Fellow hosts Jeremy Clarkson and Jay Mays, as well as their mystery driver, the Stig, were also taking turns with the BMW last weekend.

The one-year anniversary of Hammond's near death experience in a jet car is September 20th. While his most recent incident is hardly newsworthy in and of itself, the fact it's his first since the jet car accident and comes almost exactly one year later makes it an interesting piece of news. Hammond, however, doesn't think there's much to report here, saying ""Reports of my shunt this weekend have been greatly exaggerated." Regardless, no one can say that Richard Hammond doesn't lay it on the line for his craft, that's for sure.

Thanks for the tip, Filip!

[Source: AOL Entertainment]

Richard Hammond crashes again in enduro race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWcrashendurance raceEnduranceRaceincidentracerichard hammondRichardHammondsilverstonethe hamsterTheHamstertop gearTopGearFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW 1-Series Trio ready to tackle Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-1-series-trio-ready-to-tackle-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-1-series-trio-ready-to-tackle-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/bmw-1-series-trio-ready-to-tackle-dakar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

While Bimmerphiles are still unwinding from the excitement of the launch of the 1-Series coupe, and the spy shots of the upcoming 1-Series convertible, a team in France has been hard at work building a 1-Series-based Dakar racetruck.

The monster truck called the Trio is the brainchild of Pascal Boutet, and shares about as much in common with the 1-Series hatchback, whose likeness it bares, as a NASCAR stocker shares with the family sedans they're made to resemble. Under the fiberglass body, the unique chassis cradles BMW's stock 3-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel delivering 265 horsepower. The Trio will be hitting its top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph) when it hits the trail in the 2008 Dakar rally.

Gallery: BMW 1-Series Trio Dakar

[Source: Carscoop]

BMW 1-Series Trio ready to tackle Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1bmwdakarracerallyseriestriotruckMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Singapore gets first F1 race in 2008, and it's at night!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/singapore-gets-f1-race-in-2008-but-night-or-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/singapore-gets-f1-race-in-2008-but-night-or-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/14/singapore-gets-f1-race-in-2008-but-night-or-day/#commentsFiled under:

Next year's Formula 1 calendar could contain an unprecedented 20 races. One of those races will be held for the first time on the island state of Singapore, and according to Bernie Ecclestone, it will be held at night. Both IRL and NASCAR have night races, so why not Formula 1? The reasons aren't just for spectacle, either: a night race in Asia will be more convenient for viewers in Europe and the US, and after all, for Bernie this is all about television revenue.


A few drivers, most notably current F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, are against night racing. Alonso apparently imagines a number of horrors happening at the same time: "What if it rains? All those painted lines. What if the lights go out?" However, Singapore is a notoriously fastidious state that will work overtime to make sure its first F1 race and the first ever night race come off safely. It has also indicated that the race will be held at night only so long as everyone has faith in the safety of the event. Ecclestone, as usual, doesn't appear to be worried -- he's sure the race will happen after dark, saying "I think that we can stop discussion about the possibility of holding this race during the day."

[Source: Fox Sports]

Singapore gets first F1 race in 2008, and it's at night! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1bernieecclestonef1formulanightracesingaporeMon, 14 May 2007 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Villeneuve down but not out - still hopeful for hometown NASCAR debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/villeneuve-down-but-not-out-still-hopeful-for-hometown-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/villeneuve-down-but-not-out-still-hopeful-for-hometown-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/villeneuve-down-but-not-out-still-hopeful-for-hometown-nascar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Poor Jacques is all washed up. Where this writer was born and raised, JV was a homegrown hero who lived up to his family name by taking the checkered flag at the Indy 500 (and the CART championship) and going on to win the Formula One title only two years later. But when you've reached the top, there's only one way to go. Unfortunately for Canadian race fans, that's the direction Jacques has been going for the last ten years.

After running out of F1 teams that would sign him, Villeneuve tried to salvage his reputation with a move to NASCAR, which both he and fellow grand prix defector, Juan Pablo Montoya, spun as a move sideways, not downwards. JP made a go of it, but JV's fortunes have not been so favorable, and, aside from an upcoming drive for Peugeot at Le Mans, he's had to sit out his first full race season since the start of his career.

When trying to organize a deal to race this season in the second-tier NASCAR Busch Series, the addition of a race in his hometown on the track that bears his father's name only seemed to sweeten the deal. The negotiations broke down, however, leaving Jacques without a ride. But he remains hopeful that he will make his debut in stock cars at the Montreal event this August.

"We are taking our time to do it properly. There is no point in rushing," is what Villeneuve had to say about getting behind the wheel for the Montreal race. Big words for a man who's used to going fast.

Related posts:

[Source: Autosport]

Villeneuve down but not out - still hopeful for hometown NASCAR debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buschdebuthopefuljacquesmontrealnadcarnascarraceseriesstockvilleneuveThu, 26 Apr 2007 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Toro Rosso gives Bourdais wings!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/report-toro-rosso-gives-bourdais-wings/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/report-toro-rosso-gives-bourdais-wings/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/report-toro-rosso-gives-bourdais-wings/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's a sad state of affairs when the pure talent of a racing driver isn't enough to advance his career. In the case of Sebastien Bourdais, the top teams on the F1 grid have apparently been blind to his domination in Champ Cars, as our favorite Frenchman (okay, second favorite, after Talladega Nights arch-villain Jean Girard) looks like he's headed for his fourth consecutive title in the open-wheel series.

Enter Nicholas Todt, who is out to change Bourdais' fortunes and secure him a drive for the 2008 Formula One season. The fellow Frenchman did wonders for Felipe Massa, who started out at Sauber (then powered by Ferrari), then took a test seat at Ferrari (where Nick's dad Jean is king), before moving him back to Sauber (still with Ferrari engines) to race for another season, before taking the race seat at Ferrari alongside Schumacher. Now Massa is a contender for the title.

Nicholas Todt has now signed on to manage Bourdais' racing activities in Europe. In between ChampCar races, Bourdais is driving at Le Mans for Peugeot, and has been testing for Scuderia Toro Rosso. Todt has reportedly arranged for the talented 28-year-old driver to test again for the STR, which uses engines supplied by (you guessed it) Ferrari, and the rumors are that they might have secured a race seat with the squad for next season.

Could Bourdais prove to be the next star "rookie" in F1? Time will tell, we hope, but this proven entity is no rookie. Shame he'll have to start from the back of the grid, but his apparent willingness to do so only confirms his determination.

Related post:
F1 is missing out on Sebastein Bourdais

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Report: Toro Rosso gives Bourdais wings! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bourdaiscarchampcontractdealf1nicholaspeugeotracerossoscuderiaseatsebastienseriesstrtodttoroWed, 25 Apr 2007 18:03:00 EST