Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Videos, BMW, Citroën, Motorcycle, UK

Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-liter V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-liter four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-liter engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and a winner crowned in the video below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike

Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutubeThu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST

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20569468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

Well at least we now know why Ken Block "just ain't care" about smashing up his Ford Fiesta rally car recently. It's because he's getting a full brand makeover including a new team name, new paint scheme and even a new headquarters. Formerly known as Monster World Rally Team, Block and his Fiesta will now be competing under the Hoonigan Racing Division name, which is based out of a new 12,000 square foot facility located in Park City, UT.

As you can tell in the image above, Hoonigan Racing will replace the familiar black, white and green paint scheme with a more colorful design featuring plenty of blue, purple and red; the Monster Energy logo retains some of the car's green. The new paint scheme was inspired by Block's love of skateboard graphics from the '80s and early '90s as well as "Miami Vice-era" speedboats.

Block will continue to compete in multiple rally racing series such as Global RallyCross, World Rally Championship and X Games. The new headquarters features office space on one side and a shop for the cars on the other side. The building features plenty of stuff you'd expect from a company designed around Ken Block, including a massive gaming station for racing video games, recycled shipping containers used throughout the facility and a black bear.

Block also hints at the next Gymkana on the Hoonigan Racing blog:

I can't comment too much on it at this point, but we're taking a very different approach to it for this year. That's all I'm going to say right now!"

So, we guess we'll be looking forward to that, then.

Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordhoonigan racing divisionken blockmonster world rally teamrallycrossworld rally championshipx gamesWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST

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20436863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ken-block-2013-ford-fiesta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ken-block-2013-ford-fiesta.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block and Co. belatedly release Gymkhana 5 making-of]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/21/ken-block-and-co-belatedly-release-gymkhana-5-making-of/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Ford, Celebrities, Specialty

Gymkhana 5 was released in early July, but we're only just getting the obligatory behind-the-scenes video of the DC Shoes and Ken Block extravaganza now. A BTS video on a Hollywood production is usually "This is how we got this shot right," whereas in this kind of video, it's often "This how many way potential ways we might get this shot wrong."

There's plenty of both as Block and crew show how the stunts around San Francisco were executed, including the scenes at Russian Hill, Potrero Hill, Twin Peaks, Battery Street, the Bay Bridge and the barge in the bay. You can also watch Travis Pastrana working the rust out of his bike-handling skills and getting hit by Block during a stunt. All the sideways-sliding Ford Fiesta rally car action is in the video below.

Continue reading Ken Block and Co. belatedly release Gymkhana 5 making-of

Ken Block and Co. belatedly release Gymkhana 5 making-of originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fiestadc shoesfiestafordgymkhanagymkhana 5ken blockrallycrosstravis pastranavideoFri, 21 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST

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20409012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gymkahan5bts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gymkahan5bts.jpg <![CDATA[Watch David Binks crash his Rallycross Ford Fiesta end-over-end during practice]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/watch-david-binks-crash-his-rallycross-ford-fiesta-end-over-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/watch-david-binks-crash-his-rallycross-ford-fiesta-end-over-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/watch-david-binks-crash-his-rallycross-ford-fiesta-end-over-end/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

With the final race of the 2012 Global RallyCross season taking place today outside the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, teams were on the track yesterday for practice. During the practice session, David Binks crashed his Ford Fiesta, and he was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures but later released with only minor bruising.

On his first attempt at the jump, Binks' Fiesta came up short on the landing, resulting in a spectacular end-over-end crash. The car flipped two and a half times before landing on its roof, but Binks was able to get out of the car by himself. It could have been worse, though, since this crash looks very similar to Toomas Heikkinen's X Games crash back in June. While that jump was made out of steel, the jump at SEMA was made out of dirt, a much more forgiving material on initial impact.

Bink's team is working to try to get the car repaired for tonight's race, but it sounds like the damage is pretty extensive. The race airs tonight on ESPN2 at 8:30 ET/5:30 PT.

Scroll down to watch video of the crash and read an official statement from Best Buy Racing regarding the crash.

Continue reading Watch David Binks crash his Rallycross Ford Fiesta end-over-end during practice

Watch David Binks crash his Rallycross Ford Fiesta end-over-end during practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford fiestabest buy racingdavid binksfiestafordglobal rallycrossrallycrossrallycross crashvideoTue, 30 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST

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20365003 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/sema-rallycross-crash-1351601168_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/sema-rallycross-crash-1351601168.jpg <![CDATA[Think Rally and Rallycross are similar? Ken Block's car begs to differ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/06/think-rally-and-rallycross-are-similar-ken-blocks-car-would-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/06/think-rally-and-rallycross-are-similar-ken-blocks-car-would-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/06/think-rally-and-rallycross-are-similar-ken-blocks-car-would-be/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Ken Block Fiesta transformation

If you've ever wondered about the "hybrid" in Ken Block's Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. (Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle), then this video is definitely worth watching. After winning the Olympus Rally near Shelton, Washington, Block's Fiesta headed to Las Vegas for the fifth round of Global Rallycross (GRC). The same car is used in both racing series. As you'd imagine, racing on narrow dirt back roads Washington is very different than running on the mostly paved course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Aside from the chassis and most of the body components, the Ford Fiesta that raced on Sunday September 23 is almost completely different from the car that practiced on Thursday September 26. The entire powertrain gets swapped in favor of a setup making over 600 horsepower, and the front-mounted radiator is moved aft for the GRC event. To ensure proper air flow to it, different side vents and a vented liftgate are installed. The GRC car also gets bigger brakes and the proper wheel/tire combo. After three days of disassembly and reassembly, this Fiesta is ready for Rallycross.

Sure, it'd probably be easier to just have a second, dedicated GRC car, but where's the fun in that? Scroll down to watch the video of what it takes to transform Block's Fiesta from a gravel-spewing Rally America car to a ramp-jumping Global Rallycross car.

Continue reading Think Rally and Rallycross are similar? Ken Block's car begs to differ

Think Rally and Rallycross are similar? Ken Block's car begs to differ originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordford fiesta hfhvford fiesta hybrid function hoon vehicleford fiesta rally carford racingglobal rallycrossken blockrallycrossSat, 06 Oct 2012 16:01:00 EST

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20342160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ken-block-fiesta-hfhv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ken-block-fiesta-hfhv.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a 91-year-old grandma RallyCross a Subaru]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/watch-a-91-year-old-grandma-rallycross-a-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/watch-a-91-year-old-grandma-rallycross-a-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/watch-a-91-year-old-grandma-rallycross-a-subaru/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru, Humor, Off-Road

We suppose "Go, granny, go!" is appropriate at times like these. In this video, a 91-year-old grandmother gets behind the wheel of an old Subaru for some RallyCross seat time. What's not awesome about that?

For her run, she has a navigator instructing her on the turns like any rally event. For most of her time behind the wheel, she looks terrified, but as you can see from the screengrab, she starts to have fun with it.

Throughout the video you hear several clunks which sound like she is running over something (or someone), and lest you might chalk it up as just the sounds of the course, you overhear the navigator telling our intrepid elderly driver "you went off course, which is worse than hitting a cone."

Click below to watch the video and see how well she does rallying an old Subie.

Continue reading Watch a 91-year-old grandma RallyCross a Subaru

Watch a 91-year-old grandma RallyCross a Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirt racingelderly driverrallyrallycrossFri, 10 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST

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20296334 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/granny-driver-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/granny-driver-628.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Cross YFC 450 ATV-based kart priced at $7,500* [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/formula-cross-yfc-450-atv-based-kart-priced-at-7-500-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Videos, Specialty, Off-Road

The Formula Cross YFC 450, a rally kart based on the Yamaha YFZ 450 ATV from 2002-2013, has been priced at $7,500, but that's for the build-it-yourself kit and doesn't include taxes or shipping. If you want Formula Cross to put it together for you, something you might want to consider since the kit includes 40 items plus hardware, that will be an extra $1,350 after you've delivered it to their facility.

However, Formula Cross touts that every bit of their creation is customizable, so if you've got time you could have some fun wrenching your own creation - and we're told there's no welding required. The wet weight has gone up since the initial announcement, from 495 pounds to 620 pounds "on certain models," but that shouldn't stop the fun.

To get in line with a pre-order will run you $2,500, and the first deliveries are scheduled to leave the building in November. This being a completely new animal, however, we wouldn't be surprised if specs, dates and prices come in for revision before then. For a reminder of the still-potent promise of the YFC 450, check out the video below.

Continue reading Formula Cross YFC 450 ATV-based kart priced at $7,500* [w/video]

Formula Cross YFC 450 ATV-based kart priced at $7,500* [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvformula crossmotorsportsrallycrossrallyingvideovideosvimeoyamahayfc 450yfz 450Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:56:00 EST

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20295005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/formulacrossatvbuggy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/formulacrossatvbuggy.jpg <![CDATA[Formula Cross seeks to turn ATVs into mini racers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/formula-cross-seeks-to-turn-atvs-into-mini-racers/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Off-Road, Racing

Although the vehicle sliding through the image above looks something like a cartoonified World Rally Championship Ford Focus, it is actually an ATV - the Yamaha YZF 450 Raptor, at right - turned into a miniature rally car. The transformation comes courtesy of Formula Cross, a company that wants to create an entry series into motorsports or weekend-warrioring that's more open, and kinder on the body, than karting. From what we can tell, the brains behind the machine is none other than RMR.

The resulting YFC 450 has equipment like a tubular chassis and "build it" roll cage, a racing steering wheel, and 12 inches of wheel travel with an adjustable sway bar and a wider track. The Formula Cross site announces its creation is coming this fall, so there's not a lot of information to really figure out exactly how they've completed the metamorphosis or how much it will cost. The whole thing is said to weigh 495 pounds wet; there's an asterisk after that, though, and back to that lack of info, we have no idea what the numerous asterisks on the equipment and specs lists represent.

We can say without any asterisks that we're intrigued. There's a video below to watch the Formula Cross in dirty action.

Continue reading Formula Cross seeks to turn ATVs into mini racers

Formula Cross seeks to turn ATVs into mini racers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20282983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/formula-crossyfc450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/formula-crossyfc450.jpg <![CDATA[Travis Pastrana, Dodge Dart get first RallyCross win [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/travis-pastrana-dodge-dart-get-first-rallycross-win-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/travis-pastrana-dodge-dart-get-first-rallycross-win-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/travis-pastrana-dodge-dart-get-first-rallycross-win-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Dodge, Racing

Travis Pastrana wins Global Rallycross race in New Hampshire aboard his Dodge Dart

Travis Pastrana has had a tough start to 2012, wrecking out of nearly every race he's entered. The Global RallyCross Championship has been particularly frustrating, with the Red Bull Motorsports driver finishing 8th and 15th in the first two events of the season and failing to make its past the first round of the X Games after getting smashed into the wall in the first turn.

Pastrana hopes his fortunes have turned around, though, after managing to give the Dodge Dart its first RallyCross win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this past weekend. He qualified third overall and managed to win his heat, giving him a spot on the front row for the final race. Pastrana took advantage of his position, jumping out to a first lap lead after passing Tanner Foust in a hairpin and eventually finishing just ahead of Samuel Hubinette. Brian Deegan rounded out the podium in third place, with Foust finishing in fourth and Ken Block in fifth.

"It's been so long, I almost forgot what it's like to win," said Pastrana after the race. "It is absolutely awesome to get out here and get on top. It has been a rough season."

The next and final race of the 2012 Global RallyCross season will be at Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the weekend of September 28-29. Check out the videos below for all the leaps, jumps and bumps.

Continue reading Travis Pastrana, Dodge Dart get first RallyCross win [w/video]

Travis Pastrana, Dodge Dart get first RallyCross win [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dartdartdodgedodge dartdodge dart rallycrossglobal rallycross championshippastranarallycrosstravis pastranavideoMon, 16 Jul 2012 19:31:00 EST

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20278549 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/travis-pastrana-dodge-dart-global-rallycross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/travis-pastrana-dodge-dart-global-rallycross.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 has arrived]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Specialty, Racing

Ken Block Gymkhana 5 screencap - Fiesta leaping in San Francisco

Ken Block has officially released Gymkhana 5. This time, everyone's favorite shoe-salesman has unleashed his 650-horsepower Ford Fiesta on the quiet streets of San Francisco. How's that for an impressive venue? Cleared of traffic, the hilly terrain makes for a perfect playground. The video spends plenty of time getting up close and personal with the city's famous trolleys before moving to the Port of San Francisco. There's also an impressive bit of hotshoeing on a barge in the bay as well. This time, Block has brought along a special friend to help him send tires to their smoky graves.

Travis Pastrana has hopped on a bike for the first time since his massive crash at the X Games a year ago, and the two proceed to craft a mechanized ballet for everyone to enjoy. That's cool and all, but we enjoyed watching Block vault the Fiesta for some serious air time. Check out the video below for yourself. It's ten minutes of insanity.

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 has arrived

Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 has arrived originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc shoesfiestaford fiestagymkhanagymkhana 5ken blockken block gymkhana 5rallycrossvideoMon, 09 Jul 2012 11:25:00 EST

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20274082 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ken-block-gymkhana-5-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ken-block-gymkhana-5-628.jpg <![CDATA[X Games 18 RallyCross [w/videos] [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/x-games-18-rallycross-w-videos-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/x-games-18-rallycross-w-videos-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/x-games-18-rallycross-w-videos-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

Citroen DS3 RallyCross

RallyCross is quickly becoming one of the X Games' most exciting events, with many of the most popular athletes flocking to four wheels in the past few years. For X Games 18 this past weekend, the lineup of drivers was the most impressive yet, with eight-time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb accepting Travis Pastrana's challenge to take on the rest of the field, not to mention European RallyCross champion Sverre Isachsen and skateboarder Bucky Lasek bolstering team Subaru.

Despite never having raced in X Games, let alone anywhere in North America, Loeb was undoubtedly the favorite going into the event. Yes, his specially built Citroën DS3 has significantly more horsepower than his standard rally car, but Loeb has also proven he is incredibly fast no matter what he is driving. The rest of the X Games field was full of experienced and capable drivers including two-time WRC champion Marcus Grönholm, Tanner Foust, Liam Doran and Rhys Millen. It's also hard to count out Brian Deegan, last year's gold medalist, and the always-entertaining Ken Block.

Could Sebastien Loeb translate his WRC success into inaugural X Games success, or did one of the other RallyCross drivers beat out the venerable Frenchman? Scroll down to find out.

Continue reading X Games 18 RallyCross [w/videos] [spoilers]

X Games 18 RallyCross [w/videos] [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espnfeaturedglobal rallycross championshiprallycrosssebstien loebvideosx gamesx games 18x games 18 rallycrossx games rallycrossx-gamesMon, 02 Jul 2012 19:57:00 EST

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20270018 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-x-games-18-rallycross-1341263161_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01-x-games-18-rallycross-1341263161.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Ken Block with Ford Fiesta rallycross racer in San Francisco

Ken Block is YouTube gold, that much we know. Having accumulated 140+ million views for his Gymkhana videos over the years, the man can clearly attract some eyeballs with his behind-the-wheel shenanigans. The last installment, the fourth in the series so far, was by far his biggest and boldest production, sporting a Hollywood theme with special effects and musical numbers. Some felt it strayed too far from the highly skilled hooning that got him where he is today, which was the likely reason his team recently released a re-edited version (scroll down to watch) with less of the Hollywood glam and glitz.

It also might be why Gymkhana 5 will take place in the vertically diverse city of San Francisco, CA. The location itself will be a co-star of Block's latest video venture, which will debut on the DC Shoes YouTube channel on July 9. Block's Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. rally car will be again be his ride of his choice, and we're told the video will feature a surprise special guest and a few world records, as well. Block is no doubt hoping he can enjoy the premier with X Games gold in his hands, as he'll be competing in the Rallycross competition against the world's best - names like Travis Pastrana, Tanner Foust and current Rallycross points leader Marcus Grönholm - on July 1.

Continue reading Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9

Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sebastien Loeb

Things just got a lot more interesting for this year's X Games RallyCross event, with eight-time WRC champion Sebastien Loeb announcing his entry into the competition. The French driver's participation in X Games comes thanks to Travis Pastrana, who sent out a personal invitation to Loeb via their shared connection with Red Bull. Loeb readily accepted Pastrana's challenge/invitation, and is set to make his North American racing debut later this month.

Loeb will come fully prepared for the race with a specially built rally car developed by Citroën Racing. The Citroën DS3 XL (X Games + Loeb) will feature a 2.0-liter engine producing 545 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque as well as a slightly different design than Loeb's WRC-spec ride with the radiator moved to the rear of the car and the spare tire removed.

While Loeb will undoubtedly be the favorite going into the event, you can be sure that the rest of the regular Global RallyCross field - including Tanner Foust, Ken Block and former WRC champion Marcus Grönholm - will be doing their best to make it hard on the WRC driver.

You can watch footage of Pastrana's invite and Loeb's response in the videos below, or scroll down to read the official announcement regarding Loeb's entry into the X Games courtesy of Red Bull.

Continue reading Sebastian Loeb to compete in X Games RallyCross [w/video]

Sebastian Loeb to compete in X Games RallyCross [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20259688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/sebastien-loeb-x-games_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/sebastien-loeb-x-games.jpg <![CDATA[Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/puma-becomes-rallycross-team-sponsor-releases-obligatory-gymkha/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

Subaru PUMA RallyCross

With a couple of high-level U.S. defectors from the RallyCross series into other motorsport disciplines there was a domestic vacuum at the top, and we know what nature thinks about that. Enter German shoe/sportswear Puma, which is throwing its sponsor dollars behind the factory-backed Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team.

Dave Mirra heads up the trio of drivers, joined by Bucky Lasek and Sverre Isachsen, and they'll run all six RallyCross rounds this year in 2012 WRX STi's. Of course, you can't properly launch a team without some smoke and sliding action, so you'll find that in the video after the jump. And make sure to peep the "Zombie Cat" Puma skeletons on the cars while you're at it...

Continue reading Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid

Puma becomes RallyCross team sponsor, releases obligatory Gymkhana vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20231886 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/pumarallyxteam_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/pumarallyxteam.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart Rallycross stars in first Ken Block-style vid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/dodge-dart-rallycross-stars-in-first-ken-block-style-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/dodge-dart-rallycross-stars-in-first-ken-block-style-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/dodge-dart-rallycross-stars-in-first-ken-block-style-vid/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Dodge, Racing

Once Dodge announced its intent to race the SRT-built Dart in the U.S. season of Global RallyCross Championship with ESPN, the only logical thing to do next was hand it over to Travis Pastrana for brutal treatment around Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds.

Sadly, the performance of the Dart you'll be able to buy soon is just a tiny bit down on the 600-horsepower, all-wheel-drive sedan in the video below. But knowing such a beast lurks inside the Dart is - kind of - entertaining enough.

Continue reading Dodge Dart Rallycross stars in first Ken Block-style vid

Dodge Dart Rallycross stars in first Ken Block-style vid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20208279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/screen-shot-2012-04-04-at-10.17-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/screen-shot-2012-04-04-at-10.17-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/dodge-to-race-dart-in-rallycross/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/dodge-to-race-dart-in-rallycross/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/dodge-to-race-dart-in-rallycross/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Sedan, Dodge, Racing

2012 Dodge Dart Rallycross car rendering

Dodge is taking its new Dart to the races in the U.S. rounds of this year's Global RallyCross Championship with ESPN. Piloted by Travis Pastrana and built by SRT, the GRC challenger is a little different than the sedan you'd find at the dealership: it puts down 600 horsepower and more than 550 pound-feet from it's 2.0-liter, four-cylinder to all four wheels.

The 2012 RallyCross season comprises seven rounds, two of which will be the X Games in Los Angeles on June 30 and July 1. It's the second domestic season for the discipline that's considered to be "motorcross with cars," and the number of rounds has more than doubled from the three held last year. ESPN will be airing all of them, so follow the jump for the press release on Dodge's entry and race info, and click the picture above to enlarge.

Continue reading Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross

Dodge to race Dart in Rallycross originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20200267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/dodgedartrallycross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/dodgedartrallycross.jpg <![CDATA[Trailer for <i>Battle Cross</i> gymkhana series on Speed released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/trailer-for-battle-cross-gymkhana-series-on-speed-release/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/trailer-for-battle-cross-gymkhana-series-on-speed-release/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/trailer-for-battle-cross-gymkhana-series-on-speed-release/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos

Battle Cross Pilot on Speed TV

Blame it on our Rust Belt sensibilities, but we can't think of anything cooler than rally cars racing full-bore around a steel mill. The video after the jump is about as heavy metal as it gets, and the gritty action is coming to your television in a new Speed TV series called Battle Cross. The steel mill pilot shown here - airs on November 17 at 10 pm Eastern. That's this Thursday, kids, so set your DVR now, or ask your parents for permission to stay up late.

This first episode features 2011 Rally America Champion David Higgins driving against Subaru Rally Team USA teammate Dave Mirra. The competition is a two-round affair, the first a standard fastest-time-wins, autocross-style challenge, while the second is a judged "freestyle session." Think: figure skating - but with sequins and feathers replaced by popping wastegates and two-foot wings.

A whole host of other names are attached to the series. Rally driver Andrew Comrie-Picard and Stacy Keibler, she of WWE and girlfriend of George Clooney fame, will co-host the show. Drifting star Samuel Hubinette and rally driver Stephan Verdier will serve as judges. Battle Cross is produced by The Fast and the Furious director Rob Cohen, so if nothing else, we can at least expect it to look great.

If you miss the premiere, Battle Cross will be rebroadcast on Nov. 18 at 1:00 am EST and 10:00 am EST, and Nov. 20 at 2:30 pm EST. Click through the jump to see the trailer.

Continue reading Trailer for Battle Cross gymkhana series on Speed released

Trailer for Battle Cross gymkhana series on Speed released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle crosscomrie-picarddavid higginsgymkhanahubinetterally crossrallycrossspeed tvstacy keiblersubaru rally teamvideoTue, 15 Nov 2011 19:31:00 EST

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20106995 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/battle-cross-01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/battle-cross-01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru releases "Gunning for Gold" mini-doc on Rally America Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/subaru-releases-gunning-for-gold-mini-doc-on-rally-america-cha/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/subaru-releases-gunning-for-gold-mini-doc-on-rally-america-cha/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/04/subaru-releases-gunning-for-gold-mini-doc-on-rally-america-cha/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru

david higgins competes in rallycross

Though Subaru no longer competes in the World Rally Championship, the automaker is still quite active in other forms of rallying. In fact, Subaru Rally Team USA recently captured the 2011 Rally America championship with driver David Higgins at the helm. That marks the sixth time in seven years that a Subaru has been the ultimate Rally America machine.

Subaru created a mini documentary to highlight the 2011 run to the podium. It's called "Gunning for Gold," and it features both Higgins and teammate Dave Mirra discussing their cars and the season. Stay flat over the jump, and check out the clip.

Continue reading Subaru releases "Gunning for Gold" mini-doc on Rally America Championship

Subaru releases "Gunning for Gold" mini-doc on Rally America Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20006608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/subaru_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/subaru.jpg <![CDATA[X Games 17 brings RallyCross to the streets of L.A. [spoilers w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/x-games-17-brings-rallycross-to-the-streets-of-l-a-spoilers-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/x-games-17-brings-rallycross-to-the-streets-of-l-a-spoilers-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/x-games-17-brings-rallycross-to-the-streets-of-l-a-spoilers-w/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

X Games 17 RallyCross

Over the weekend, rally cars took over the streets of downtown Los Angeles to compete in X Games 17. The field of drivers was perhaps the most prestigious yet, with plenty of X Games veterans like Tanner Foust, Travis Pastrana and Brian Deegan facing tough new challengers in the form of Marcus Grönholm, two-time World Champion of the World Rally Championship series and European RallyCross veteran Liam Doran.

The new venue, the third in three years, provided an interesting setting to watch rally cars fly by - traffic whizzed by on the 110 Freeway just a block away - and for the drivers, it was a welcome change to last year's tight and confusing course at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The venue wasn't ideal for spectators, however, with much of the course hidden from view on the main grandstands. For members of the media such as ourselves, photographing the event was nearly impossible as well, with high fencing blocking nearly every good view.

Even so, the drives put on quite a show for those watching at home on television. With so many talented drivers in so many fast cars, entertaining matchups were inevitable. Click through the jump to read more and watch the wacky action in some X Games-provided videos.

Continue reading X Games 17 brings RallyCross to the streets of L.A. [spoilers w/video]

X Games 17 brings RallyCross to the streets of L.A. [spoilers w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian deeganespnfeaturedfiestafordliam doranrally car racingrallycrosssubarutanner fousttravis+pastranatravis+pastrana+x+games+2011travispastranatravispastranaxgames2011wrxx gamesx games 17x games rally car racingx games rallycrossx+games+17+rallyx+games+2011+rallycrossxgames17rallyxgames2011rallycrossMon, 01 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST

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20005601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x-games-17-rallycross_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/x-games-17-rallycross.jpg <![CDATA[We ride shotgun as Marcus Grönholm practices for X Games 17 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/we-ride-shotgun-as-marcus-gronholm-practices-for-x-games-17-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/we-ride-shotgun-as-marcus-gronholm-practices-for-x-games-17-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/we-ride-shotgun-as-marcus-gronholm-practices-for-x-games-17-w-v/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Racing

Ford Fiesta RallyCross

The El Toro Marine Base in Irvine, CA has become somewhat of a quasi West Coast testing ground for the automotive industry in the past several years. Currently, it's perhaps best known for being the site of the Top Gear USA test track, but we've attended media events, learned how to drift, and watched a variety of manufacturers test out their wares on the military compound's abandoned runways.

Most recently, Ford turned the strips of tarmac into a replica of the X Games 17 RallyCross course and brought out two-time WRC champ Marcus Grönholm and Moto-X-legend-turned-rally-driver Brian Deegan for a practice session ahead of this weekend's main event. Lucky for us, they also asked us to tag along with the enticing offer of a shotgun seat in a 575-horsepower all-wheel drive Fiesta racecar. Count us in.

Click through the jump to continue reading...

Continue reading We ride shotgun as Marcus Grönholm practices for X Games 17 [w/video]

We ride shotgun as Marcus Grönholm practices for X Games 17 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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