Autoblog

Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Honda, Australia, Off-Road, Racing

Honda took a Mugen-powered Jazz (better known as the the Fit here in the U.S.), sent it to Italy to be engineered for rallying by JAS of Milan, then flew it to Australia to be prepared for Oz's 2012 rally series. Honda's been competing in the series with Civic Type R racers for the last two years, but this year, it decided to press the Fit into service for G2 class spec.

Up front is a 245-horsepower Mugen powerplant with 142 pound-feet of torque. Honda says this "may well be the fastest Jazz in the world," and it will start challenging the six rounds of this year's championship in March with driver Eli Evans and co-driver Glen Weston. You can read about it in the press release and watch it kick up dirt in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose

Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork... and not for production [w/video]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

Mopar Avenger Rally Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we think of rally cars, the Subaru Impreza and Ford Focus immediately come to mind. At no point does the Dodge Avenger enter our thoughts, but that didn't stop Team Pentastar from building its own dirt-ready rally sedan.

Chrysler wanted to celebrate a new business partnership with Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli by building a collaborative vehicle that combines the talents of the Italian components maker and Chrysler's iconic Mopar team. The result is an Avenger that can handle more than America's urban jungle.

Magneti Marelli and Mopar spent a few weeks modifying a stock Avenger Heat with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 underhood. The Avenger chassis remains intact, but a Magneti Marelli suspension was added for improved handling, lowering the Avenger by 1.5 inches. Brakes were upgraded to include 14.25-inch front rotors and 13.5-inch rear rotors, and a rear brake rally package with a hand-operated brake was included.

Continue Reading: Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More Power, Less Pork...

Gallery: Mopar Avenger Rally Car

Continue reading Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork... and not for production [w/video]

Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork... and not for production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video]

Drew Phillips — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Racing

Global RallyCross Championship at Irwindale Speedway - Click above for high-res image gallery

Former World Rally Championship title-holder Marcus Grönholm dominated the first-ever Global RallyCross Championship event this past weekend at Irwindale Speedway, first winning the head-to-head SuperRally competition on Friday and following it up with a dominating performance in the multi-car RallyCross event on Saturday.

Formula Drift retiree and Top Gear USA host Tanner Foust also had a strong performance, finishing in second behind Grönholm in both events with the same Ford Fiesta that he drove to a double gold medal in the X Games 16.

Complete event coverage of the Global RallyCross Championship is set to air on ESPN2 on April 17, but until then you can check out our gallery of Friday's action below or follow the jump to watch a video of Grönholm's victory in the final SuperRally race.

Gallery: Global RallyCross Championship at Irwindale Speedway

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video]

Spoiler Alert: Global RallyCross Championship starts with a bang [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Helmut Deimel packs 50 years of rallying into 90 beautiful minutes

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos

Evolution of the Drifting Angle (Half a Century Sideways) - Click above to watch video after the jump

Helmut Deimel has been involved in the sport of rallying since the Seventies. During that time he has participated and interacted with some of the all-time greatest drivers to ever click into a racing harness. Deimel's involvment has also allowed him to cultivate a vast archive that spans 50 years of rallying history. He's put it all together into one amazing 90-minute video called Evolution of the Drifting Angle (Half a Century Sideways).

Black-and-white footage gives way to color just as rear-wheel-drive yields to all-wheel-drive. Deimel's film traces the history of a sport where drivers often find themselves driving through the side window. It's a rather long video to watch over the internet, but it's worth sitting through every second. You know you already wasted plenty of time on the Internet so click past the jump, let the video load and spend the next hour-and-a-half watching an excellent video showing the evolution of one of the most exciting forms of motorsports.

[Source: YouTube via ColdTrackDays]

Continue reading Video: Helmut Deimel packs 50 years of rallying into 90 beautiful minutes

Video: Helmut Deimel packs 50 years of rallying into 90 beautiful minutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai teases Veloster rally car ahead of Chicago debut

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hyundai, Racing

Hyundai Veloster rally car teaser - click above for high-res image gallery

Throughout 2010, Hyundai teased us with shots of its unconventionally sporty new three-door. Thankfully, we finally got to see the 2012 Hyundai Veloster in its production skin at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Now comes a brand-new image to further tantalize us. Wearing Red Bull Racing colors, this rally-prepped Veloster has been captured mid-flight.

We don't have all of the details on this rally-ready Hyundai Veloster to devulge just yet, but we can confirm that we're dying to know more. Set your calendars for February 9, 2011 at 9:45am CST because that's when Hyundai will make good with more information. Also, be sure to tune in to our 2011 Chicago Auto Show coverage, because word on the tarmac, gravel and snow-covered street is that this mighty Veloster is hopping a plane to Chi-town... after it eventually touches down from this jump.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai teases Veloster rally car ahead of Chicago debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mysteriously sexy Lancia Stratos redux spotted working out

Chris Paukert — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Spy Photos, Classics, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Design/Style

Mystery Lancia Stratos revival - Click above for image gallery

What appears to be an updated version of the showstopping Fenomenon Stratos concept car of 2005 has cropped up in a couple of previously unseen spy shots. Essentially an updated version of Lancia's all-conquering World Rally hero of the 1970s, the Fenomenon Stratos debuted back in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show, where it went down a storm. Limited production was expected to follow in 2006 and 2007, but aside from images of an open-topped variant making the rounds, the car fell off the radar.

Taken by an anonymous photographer, these shots were allegedly snapped on a Fiat test track near Milan, though it isn't immediately clear when the images were taken. ItaliaSpeed indicates the pics were taken on June 21, but firm information seems scarce, and it's possible they could actually be older images just now coming to light. What's perhaps most interesting is that the car in these photographs boasts a different, more conservative front fascia (perhaps for better aerodynamics than the somewhat lift-happy look of the concept), and the split-screen windshield has disappeared, suggesting that there have been further developments on the project since it was last shown. Like the original, plans called for the Fenomenon Stratos revival to rely on Ferrari power, albeit with two extra cylinders. At the time, it was understood that the mid-mounted V8 from the 360 Scuderia would find its way into the engine bay, although we have no indication as to what's powering the car in the photos.

Does this mean that Lancia itself has taken up the torch on this car? Or has a wealthy benefactor kick-started life into a stillborn project for a tasty one-off (as suggested by Italiaspeed) - à la James Glickenhaus? Or has development been proceeding all this time? Or are we just getting too excited over the prospect of one of our all-time favorite supercars getting back out on the road, if only in spirit? Have a look at the shots below and let us know what you think.

Gallery: Lancia Stratos Revival?

[Source: ItaliaSpeed]

Spy Shots: Mysteriously sexy Lancia Stratos redux spotted working out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Specialty, Diesel, Off-Road

2010 Local Motors Rally Fighter - Click above to see video after the jump

Local Motors hasn't generated a whole lot of publicity since it debuted its crowd-sourced Rally Fighter off-road coupe at last year's SEMA show, but that doesn't mean the small-scale, forward-thinking builder hasn't been busy. We haven't managed to convince them to hand over the keys to one of their lunar buggies just yet, so we're still patiently waiting in line to get behind the wheel. Who wouldn't want to drive a giant 3,100-pound dune buggy with a fighter-plane-inspired sports coupe body and a torquey BMW diesel under the hood?

When we finally do get to drive this fun and funky beast, we promise not to paint it orange or to put a big "01" on the doors or even a Confederate flag on the roof. We can't promise, however, that we won't try our best to replicate this Bo and Luke-worthy stunt. The company has sent along a video to show that the Rally Fighter does indeed have off-roading chops, in case you doubted it after their previous nine-minute video release. So check out the short clip after the jump and turn your sound up so you too can hear John Fogerty while it spools up and Waylon Jennings wailin' while the Rally Fighter soars.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter

Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Local Motors]

Continue reading Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee

Video: Local Motors Rally Fighter channels its inner General Lee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën DS3 R3 ready for customer combat

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën DS3 R3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Citroën has just introduced a new customer rally car for the FIA's Group R3T class based on the DS3. The DS3 R3 will be available as either a turn-key racer or a do-it-yourself kit. Either way, power comes from a 210-horsepower high-pressure turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four driving through the six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. Shifts are handled via carbon fiber paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel.

The suspension has been developed to make it easily adaptable to different racing surfaces ranging from gravel to tarmac. Tubular wishbones are attached to a revised front subframe while the rear hubs are removable to allow for independent toe and camber adjustments. The bodyshell comes with a multi-point steel roll-cage already welded in, but buyers will have to supply seats, harnesses and fire suppression equipment. Citroën says it has accumulated over 6,000 miles of testing since last August.

The DS3 R3 will at the end of this year, but if you can't swing one for your weekend racing sessions, you can at least check out the press release after the jump and the high-res images below.

Gallery: Citroen DS3 R3

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Citroën DS3 R3 ready for customer combat

Citroën DS3 R3 ready for customer combat originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Pastrana practice for record New Year's Eve jump goes awry

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Travis Pastrana's practice jump - Click above to watch the video after the break

This is what we mean when we say Travis Pastrana is insane. Generally, whenever the world sees a ridiculous freestyle dirtbike or automobile trick, it goes off without a hitch. It almost seems like a foregone conclusion that the rider is going to execute a perfect jump or flip, wave to the cameras and hug his significant others. There's a reason for that...

That reason? In a word: Practice. Yes, just like your first grade teacher drilled into you decades ago, practice makes perfect. Usually. As you'll see in the video after the break, practice sessions are just as dangerous and death-defying as the actual stunts themselves. In fact, sometimes even more so.

For this particular feat of craziness, Pastrana is actually planning to jump off a ramp at the end of a pier over 250 feet of water to a waiting barge as part of a New Year's celebration. Assuming practice sessions indicate that it's possible... which, well, just hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube via Auto-Focus.us]

Continue reading VIDEO: Pastrana practice for record New Year's Eve jump goes awry

VIDEO: Pastrana practice for record New Year's Eve jump goes awry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B

Alex Nunez — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Videos

The gorgeous insanity of Group B - Click above to watch the video

You know, there's a reason people talk about Group B racing - and the drivers who participated in it - in practically hushed tones. After all, we're currently in an era where motorsports news is just as likely to be about ever-more-restrictive regulatory efforts or the deranged hooker fantasies of the F1 illuminati as it is about, you know, racing. But during Group B's brief, crazy tenure, it was the regulations that fostered the lunacy, giving us unforgettable, insanely-powered cars and legendary drivers.

Of course, immense power and infinitesimal margins for error meant that the dangers were high -- for the drivers, obviously, but also for the spectators, who were, in their own ways, as bonkers as the factory pilots they idolized and flocked to see, forming masses of humanity that routinely spilled onto the circuits as the hyper-powered rally cars flew by. Eventually, those dangers led to tragedy, which, in turn, led to the abrupt end of the Group B era. But it's not easily forgotten, and every so often, someone posts a reminder why.

Follow the jump for eleven minutes of heaven, edited together (miraculously) without a lick of crappy, distracting music. The only soundtrack you'll hear is the one coming from Group B cars engineered to explore the limits, piloted by drivers who routinely (and expertly) exceeded them. It is, in a word, beautiful. Thanks to Danijel for the tip.

[Source: YouTube via MyCarVid]

Continue reading VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B

VIDEO: Old Dirty Bastards - The glory of Group B originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford Motor Company and noted rally masters M-Sport have pulled the veil off their latest collaborative rally machine, the Fiesta S2000. It's their first global rally car, and as such will be able to compete in a whole bevy of international competitions ranging from IRC to the S2000 World Cup to Aatos and Aamu's Finnish Tree Bash. Long story short, going by past history alone, this should be one bruiser of a successful rally car.

Right, so let's talk stats. The Fiesta S2000 comes with a naturally aspirated 1998cc I4 Duratec S2000 engine good for 280 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of twisting torque all the while spinning to an 8,000 rpm redline. That mill gets mated to a permanent all-wheel drive system hooked up to a sequential manual transmission with an AP clutch. Sizable Brembos are at all four corners (and like the wheels, vary in size depending on asphalt or gravel). Ready for the best part? It weighs just 2,640 pounds - and that's with the roll cage. And get this - the Fiesta S2000 is "due for homologation in January 2010." Fake, well-produced "spy video" after the jump, gigantic high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Ford and M-Sport Fiesta S2000 rally car

[Source: FiestaS2000.com via 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]

Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 100% NSFW Irish rally footage

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Humor

Irish Rally Team - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are good rally videos, bad rally videos and ugly rally videos. There are even other totally unsafe for work Irish rally videos. But then there's this video. Now, we love swearing. It's like a form of meditation. Dirty yoga let's call it. Speaking of Eastern philosophies, there's an old Taoist saying, "When the student is ready the master appears." Well, we thinks we met our potty-mouthed master.

Meet the faceless navigator of this Irish rally team. Remember that scene from A Christmas Story when Ralphie is beating the snot out of Skut Farkus? I think the line goes something like this, "I have since heard of people under extreme duress speaking in strange tongues. I became conscious that a steady torrent of obscenities and swearing of all kinds was pouring out of me as I screamed." Well, that's about the half of it. And if you think it's a little tame for the first ninety seconds, may we suggest skipping ahead to 1:31? Colorfully NSFW video after the jump. Tip O'the bowler to Ramana!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 100% NSFW Irish rally footage

VIDEO: 100% NSFW Irish rally footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: WRX STi Carbon gets a weave

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru WRX STi Carbon -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Most people we talked with don't seem to understand the point of the Subaru WRX STi Carbon unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show - but it's a JDM-only car, and frankly, there are a lot of things that outsiders don't understand about the Japanese market.

The carbon-roofed A-Line will come with two choices of engine, but since the model isn't earmarked for America, we probably don't need to worry about it. That said, the powerplants are as intriguing as the car: a 2.5-liter turbo with 296 horsepower, and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo with 305 hp. Both will operate through the only tranny on offer: a five-speed automatic. If you got past that last sentence, there's also suede inside. So you'll be more comfortable shifting... your automatic. Have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru WRX STi Carbon

Tokyo 2009: WRX STi Carbon gets a weave originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First images of Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car - Click above for high-res image gallery

CAR has just published what are believed to be the first pictures of the new Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car. With a few extra mods, it's set to take on all comers as Ford's 2011 WRC contender as well. It makes sense, because Ford has already confirmed (along with Citroen) that plan to enter both classes and they've confirmed that the Fiesta is the car they plan to run.

S2000 cars run naturally aspirated engines generating about 270 horsepower, while WRC cars can be turbocharged and run with tweaked bodywork.

The pics were shot during a shakedown run in Cumbria, England. According to CAR, a second car should be ready by the end of October with full homologation starting in January 2010. M-Sport is once again behind the build for Ford which reportedly took just six months this time around.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car

[Source: CAR]

Spy Shots: First images of Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HD Theater to begin screening WRC in October 4 [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Ford Focus WRC - click for high-res image gallery

"Gentlemen, start your DVRs!"

Anyone that has ever watched a major league rally event knows that this form of motorsports is perhaps the most engaging form of four-wheeled competition in the world. Nothing compares to standing in a forest and watching these high-powered monsters blasting down a dirt road - sideways - at ridiculous speeds. While most people can't head out into the woods for a rally, watching the World Rally Championship on a big screen in the glory that is high definition broadcasting might be the next best thing. That's where the Discovery Channel's HD Theater comes in.

Starting October 4, HD Theater will run 17 hours of fresh WRC programming. In fact, that Saturday afternoon and evening there will be six solid hours of action. Following that, every Sunday night at 8 pm through December, the channel will feature a one hour wrap of one of the season's rallies. Check out the high-res gallery below as well as the full schedule and a video trailer after the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus WRC

[Source: HD Theater]

Continue reading HD Theater to begin screening WRC in October 4 [w/VIDEO]

HD Theater to begin screening WRC in October 4 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Diesel

Local Motors Rally Fighter - click above to watch the videos after the jump

Would-be automakers Local Motors have announced that they are now taking reservations for their madcap Rally Fighter, purportedly the world's first vehicle designed by Internet committee ("crowdsourcing"). Penned by contest-winner Sangho Kim, the Rally Fighter looks unlike any other street vehicle we can recall, taking the off-road coupe aesthetic shown in offerings like the BMW X6M and putting it on a crash course through Baja, or a Bowler Nemesis on a budget.

Your spot in line for the high-powered four-seater can be secured with a refundable $99 deposit, which will get you a place in line. At some point in the future, you, a number-holder, will be contacted to lock in your build date with a $5,000 deposit against the estimated $50,000 build price. Then, if all goes well, the folks at Local Motors and you will sit down to design your own Rally Fighter, a vehicle that is promised to have 20-inches of suspension travel, be road legal, and achieve 36 miles-per-gallon on the highway (30 mpg off-road!).

In order to get the tube-framed, fiberglass-and-carbon bodied Rally Fighter to meet those goals, the off-roadster will feature the twin-turbo inline-six out of the BMW 335d, an engine that should get them the 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque without fiddling, though we can't imagine this is an inexpensive proposition.

This looks like a neat bit of kit, but we'll reserve a large dose of skepticism for the folks at Local Motors until we can learn more. In the meantime, check out the press release and a couple of videos of LM's crew making the initial order announcement and talking about the vehicle's construction, all of which is available after the jump. Hat tip to Mike!

[Source: Local Motors]

Continue reading Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO]

Local Motors begins deposit-taking for Internet-designed diesel Rally Fighter [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prodrive selling very first Subaru WRC car from 1997

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Subaru, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of Prodrive's first Impreza WRC car

Prodrive helped make its name - and a whole lot of World Rally Championship fans - with its race prepped, royal blue Subaru Impreza race cars. Now the very first one of them, piloted by no less than the power duo of the late Colin McRae and Nicky Grist, is for sale. Introduced at the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1997, the car is privately owned now and can be yours for £85,000 (about $123,000). While that's a lot for an old Subaru, something tells us that as the years roll by, this car will prove to be a very large bargain.

The 1997 RDH tarmac version of the Subie wears chassis number PRO-WRC-97-001, and now bears the registration number P18 WRC. It has been thoroughly rebuilt by Ireland's McKinstry Motorsport, since no matter how much you like Colin McRae, Pierro Liatti, and Kenneth Erikkson, you probably don't want to deal with the stressed-out pieces of a steed they have ridden hard. If you're interested, Prodrive has all the details, and the pics are below.

Gallery: First Prodrive Impreza WRC

[Source: Prodrive via Auto Fiends]

Prodrive selling very first Subaru WRC car from 1997 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRC switching to S2000-spec car for 2010 season

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

For whom does the cost-cutter's bell toll? It tolls for Formula 1... and for the World Rally Championship. The FIA has announced that from 2010 the WRC will use Super 2000-spec cars, instead of the current championship's Group N racers. As with the FIA's moves in F1 to standardize components in order to help teams save money, the S2000 cars all have third-party-supplied gearboxes and drivetrains, use 2.0-liter engines with 8,500 rpm rev limits, and are prohibited from being excessively modified (if you have some time, check out the FIA-mandated S2000 specs), among other things. Should manufacturers wish to sell their S2000 cars to privateer teams they can charge no more than €168,000. Five time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb has spoken out against an S2000 WRC, saying he won't be interested in rallying if the 2010 regs actually take effect. The Group N cars that drivers like Loeb currently pilot will be relegated to the P-WRC come 2010. We'll find out then if Sebastien Loeb goes with them.

[Source: WRC]

WRC switching to S2000-spec car for 2010 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultimate rally car collection hits the block

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Europe, Audi, UK

UPDATE: Images removed by request of owner

In the eighties, David Sutton owned the company that prepared rally cars for Audi UK. It turns out he was collecting cars at the same time as he was preparing them, and putting them in his Historic Motors Ltd museum. The assortment includes seven Audis, some of which are Group B monsters, as well as an RS200 Cosworth, a couple of Lancias, a 1944 Volvo, and even a Skoda. Now the lot's being sold, 22 cars in all, through Morris & Welford. It's the kind of collection that, even if you had the time, money, and connections, would probably take you years to assemble individually. But you can have it all, right now... if you have what is likely to be an enormous sum of cash. Check out the other items on offer in the gallery below.

[Source: Motive Magazine]

Continue reading Ultimate rally car collection hits the block

Ultimate rally car collection hits the block originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru Australia offering race-prepped Imprezas

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Subaru

Those lucky Australians. Subaru of Australia is offering customers the opportunity to be Cody Crocker for a day (or a season) by piloting their own WRX STi spec.C. That is the Group N, FIA homologated racecar which qualifies for the Production World Rally Championship (PWRC). And although very Imprezive already, the base Impreza WRX STi spec.C is just the beginning. The lucky few who get one of these rally cars can spec it anywhere from wild to race. The Subaru base motorsport package starts at $69,990 and ranges up to the full Production World Rally Championship (PWRC) version at $195,000. Those are Australian dollar figures, in case you're wondering.

More after the jump.

[Source: Subaru Motorsport via The Car Lounge]

Continue reading Subaru Australia offering race-prepped Imprezas

Subaru Australia offering race-prepped Imprezas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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