Autoblog

Fast N' Loud is Wheeler Dealers, American style

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Humor

If you've ever sunk a Saturday afternoon watching a Wheeler Dealers marathon on BBC America, we don't need to tell you the show is plenty addictive. A tag team salesman and mechanic snag slightly run-down cars and SUVs, fix a few simple problems and flip them for a profit in the UK.

Now it looks as if the Discovery Channel is set to unleash an Americanized version of the show. Fast N' Loud follows a shop as they seek out classic cars and trucks, customize them and work to sell them at a profit. It looks a bit like American Pickers met Pimp My Ride and Overhaulin in a bar bathroom and this is the fruit of their rendezvous.

We will, of course, tune in if for no other reason than the guys look to have gotten their hands on an early '50s Oldsmobile Coupe. That's one of our favorites. The show premiers on Wednesday, June 6 at 10 p.m. Eastern on the Discovery Channel. Scroll down to check out the teaser for yourself.

Continue reading Fast N' Loud is Wheeler Dealers, American style

Fast N' Loud is Wheeler Dealers, American style originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Ford, Celebrities, Humor

Ford is turning to prime-time TV to introduce the 2013 Escape. The vehicle will be front and center in "Escape Routes," a new NBC reality show that pits six teams of two against one another in a road-trip competition with layovers in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco. Viewers, meanwhile, can interact with the show's contestants and participate via EscapeRoutes.com. Ford says the online community will even have a chance to impact the final outcome of the game, though it's unclear exactly how.

Currently, NBC and Ford have chosen five teams for the competition, and four more duos are currently duking it out for the last spot. According to the automaker, the team that takes home the gold in the final competition will win $100,000 and two Ford Escape models. "Escape Routes" is set to air for six episodes on Saturday nights at 8 pm EST, starting on March 31. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show

Ford teams up with NBC for Escape-based reality TV show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Andretti and Adam Carolla among cast of Celebrity Apprentice

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

NBC has announced the newest cast of "Celebrity Apprentice," and Michael Andretti will be among the big names vying for $250,000 for the charity of their choice. Andretti has personally accumulated an impressive 42 CART wins during his time behind the wheel, and his team, Andretti Autosport, pulled down its fair share of wins, including two Indianapolis 500 wins. Now Andretti finds himself among 17 other celebrities of varying fame as they vie for Donald Trump's affection. Arsenio Hall, Clay Aiken, comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Car Show host Adam Carolla and Paul Teutul of American Chopper renown are also part of the cast.

Others include supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, reality TV star Victoria Gotti and former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza. With so many strong personalities shoved into the show, sparks are bound to fly. Last season, the show managed to raise a record amount for its chosen charities. The contestants pulled in a staggering $3.1 million.

Michael Andretti and Adam Carolla among cast of Celebrity Apprentice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed's new show Pumped! is like Cash Cab at the gas station

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Believe it or not, we cherish our time at the gas pump. Topping off the tank is a good excuse to step outside for a moment and let our minds wander for a spell. It's a little slice of meditation we've been practicing since before we could legally drive, so the thought of being dragged into an impromptu game show while at the local gas station is enough to turn your author's stomach. That's premise behind the new reality show Pumped! on Speed. Comedian host Greg Fitzsimmons pounces on motorists just trying to get on their way and offers them cash and Sonoco gas cards if they answer a set of questions correctly, so at least there's an incentive. It's all a bit like Discovery Channel's long-running New York taxi trivia show, Cash Cab.

The teaser clip after the jump features a newlywed couple fresh from the altar on their way to take photos and meet up with family and friends at the reception. The questions range from U.S. history to NASCAR trivia and basic automotive knowledge, and the couple fares about as well as we would expect. Hit the jump to check the clip for yourself, and let us know if you'd be happy be ambushed by these guys at your local gas station in Comments.

Continue reading Speed's new show Pumped! is like Cash Cab at the gas station

Speed's new show Pumped! is like Cash Cab at the gas station originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spike TV readying reality show about turning around car dealers

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Celebrities

Automotive News is reporting that Spike TV is planning to roll out a new reality TV show that orbits around struggling car dealerships. The premise has the show's two hosts, Tom Stuker and Roe Hubbard, swooping in with just five days to turn lackluster sales into a success story.

So far, the network has eight episodes planned under the tentative title "Car Lot Cowboy." Sure, the world needs another reality TV show like it needs more famine, but we'll reserve judgment until the show airs sometime next year. Still, something tells us this isn't likely to enjoy the same success as the interminable "Survivor" franchise.

Spike TV is an MTV property, and is responsible for such gems as "Deadliest Warrior," "Manswers" and "Repo Games." "Car Lot Cowboy" should fit right in.

Spike TV readying reality show about turning around car dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netherlands' worst driver proves it in graphic video

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Safety, Videos

Worst driver in The Netherlands - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've seen some pretty bad ideas for reality TV shows come to fruition, but they all pale in comparison to De Allerslechtste chauffeur van Nederland? (Who Is The Worst Driver In The Netherlands?) - a concept that takes bad drivers and puts them behind the wheel in a series of contests.

Show organizers apparently got their answer when a contestant identified as Pim mistook the accelerator for the brake, veered off course, took his hands from the wheel, covered his eyes, struck a car and ran down both a camera man and the show's host. By some small miracle, no one was seriously injured in the episode, though host Ruben Nicolai spent some time in the hospital as a result of Pim's excursion.

Strangely enough, the show shoved two passengers into the car with Pim for his stunt. Neither of the two ladies were harmed in his off-course adventure despite the fact that he hit a staff car hard enough to shatter the windshield in his Volvo and blow the airbags. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Netherlands' worst driver proves it in graphic video

Netherlands' worst driver proves it in graphic video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Scion creates online web reality series challenging contestants to 'Reinvent the Wheels'

Zach Bowman — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:19:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Scion, Humor, Design/Style

Scion Reinvent the Wheels - Click above to watch the first episode after the break

Scion has waded into the reality TV kiddie pool with a new Web series called Reinvent the Wheels. Think of it as Pimp My Ride meets Top Chef. Six contestants were chosen from a pool of hundreds of entrants, all vying for a chance to modify a Scion xB into the perfect car to further their career goals. Two film makers, two DJs a special-effects makeup artist and a pastry chef all presented their designs to a panel of judges in episode one, and will commence to build their visions over the next few shows.

Is it riveting internet entertainment? We'll leave that for you to decide, but we will say we can't wait to see some of the finished products come to life. While we're down with a remote-controlled camera jib and in-dash film-editing software, the thought of a karaoke bar on wheels is enough to leave us pining for some of Xzibit's creations. Hop the jump for a look at the first episode.

[Source: Reinvent the Wheels]

Continue reading Video: Scion creates online web reality series challenging contestants to 'Reinvent the Wheels'

Video: Scion creates online web reality series challenging contestants to 'Reinvent the Wheels' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle, Celebrities

It's been a long time coming, but celebrity gossip site TMZ reports that American Chopper has finally been canceled. A spokesperson for TLC, which picked the show up after its first few years on The Discovery Channel, said, "The Teutuls will always be a part of the Discovery family and we congratulate them on a tremendously successful series run." The final episode will air February 11 at 9:00 PM.

It wasn't tough to see this one coming from a mile away. The hit show has seemingly been just a shell of its former self since two of the original Teutul trio have stopped speaking to their father and disappeared completely from the Orange County Choppers shop.

Recall also that Paul Teutul filed a lawsuit against Paul Teutul Jr. for over a million dollars a couple of months ago and it's easy to see that things have been going south for quite some time. Finally, now that the crew has built customs that run on everything from gasoline to ethanol, diesel, compressed natural gas, electricity and even a hybrid, there just don't seem to be any more alternative fuels left to conquer.

[Source: TMZ]

End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Work, Celebrities, Specialty

We're not precisely sure how to treat this one, so we're going to go ahead and use the "jump in with both feet" method. TLC is launching a new reality show called Family Armor that follows the exploits of two Mormon brothers-in-law that build bulletproof cars for a living. That doesn't sounds so sexy. Try this quote from the press release on for size:

"When not at the factory, Trent is the father of six rowdy children and married to his live-wire of a wife, Courtney. Jason and his wife Lacy are first-time parents, working to catch up in the baby race. Trent and Jason devote their time to work, kin and religion...and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow things up."

Yeah! Much better, right? It's such a hairbrained, preposterous, stretch of an idea for a show that it just might work. Now, we know they're on different networks, but if Family Armor can somehow hook up with The Real Housewives of Atlanta, well, fireworks people - fireworks! Full press release after the jump.

[Source: TLC]

Continue reading New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamarama: Actor Lorenzo Lamas launches new motorcycle company

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle, Celebrities, Design/Style

Lorenzo Lamas Cycles - Click above for image gallery

Lorenzo Lamas, everybody's favorite Bold and Beautiful Renegade from the 1990s, has announced a new motorcycle company named, imaginatively enough, Lorenzo Lamas Cycles. Just as Steven Tyler did when he decided to get into the custom motorcycle scene, Lamas contacted an established builder, in this case Ralph Randolph of Knockout Motorcycles, to actually engineer and assemble the machines.

So far, LLC has released four motorcycle renderings, two of which - the Reno Rocket and the Badlands Bomber - are slated for a public debut this week at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. All of LLC's machines seem to be based on production frames and will reportedly be equipped with Twin Cam engines from S&S and tires from Avon.

We're sure the timing of this announcement has nothing at all to do with the new E! reality series The Lamas Life, where Lorenzo will reportedly make amends with his son A.J. with whom he hasn't spoken in years. In any case, check out our gallery of the four LLC renderings below.

Gallery: Lorenzo Lamas Cycles

[Source: Lorenzo Lamas Cycles | Image: lorenzolamas.info]

Lamarama: Actor Lorenzo Lamas launches new motorcycle company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New reality tv show pits Ford factory workers against each other for job survival

Chris Shunk — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Ford, Humor

Click above to watch the video

The recent happenings of the auto industry are anything but funny, especially when it comes to the tens of thousands of lost jobs. Well, it wasn't funny until the writers at The Onion put their comedic minds to it. Beyond the jump is a positively brilliant spoof on Onion News Now for a reality show called Auto Warriors. The reality show won't show people trying to win $1 million dollars or score a record deal with Simon Cowell. Instead, the faux show pits workers from two Ford plants against one another, and the winners keep their jobs. The task for the big two hour edition of Auto Warriors? Build 1,000 Ford Focus models in 24 hours... with no electricity.

From where we sit, the satire is funny because it shows exactly why reality shows have gone over the deep end. It's brilliant because it underscores the apathy with which job losses are reported in the media, while also showing just how difficult a situation blue collar America is in. It sounds like an attack on the auto workers, but when you watch it you'll see that the the auto workers are the only ones that survive the 3:24 spoof intact. Hit the jump to watch it for yourselves. (Belated) Hat tip to Neil.

[Source: The Onion]

Continue reading VIDEO: New reality tv show pits Ford factory workers against each other for job survival

VIDEO: New reality tv show pits Ford factory workers against each other for job survival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Bullrun-winning Trans Am

John Neff — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Pontiac

We watched a marathon of the SpikeTV reality show based on the Bullrun Rally and hosted by Bill Goldberg, but weren't too terribly impressed with the premise. It seemed one needed only a decent proficiency at reading maps, as well as a lot of luck, to win. The winning team was the father/daughter duo of Mike and Morgan Alsop from Lafayette, Indiana, who took top Bullrun honors at the helm of their 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6. While the finale is still sitting on our TiVo, we know that the Alsops got as far as they did by making more friends than enemies, while watching their own backs at the same time. Meanwhile, their Trans Am performed flawlessly throughout the 4,800-mile rally and proved to be bulletproof, unlike the rides brought by many of their competition.

Like true Americans, father and daughter Alsop are eager to capitalize on their fifteen minutes of fame and have put the Championship Trans Am up for sale on eBay Motors. One of the Alsop's fellow Bullrunners already put his Lamborghini Murcielago up for sale on eBay, but he didn't have the decency to give the car a tune up or fix any of the damage it received from the competition. The Alsop's sent their car to a body shop immediately following the race and ordered up a new paint job, tires, suspension components and an engine tune up. So not only are you buying a hella fast Trans Am that's proven to be as reliable as the setting sun, you're also buying a car that's seen the bright lights of Hollywood and has a few stories to tell.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Bullrun-winning Trans Am originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Casting call for all wanna-be Cole Trickles

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Since the popularity of stock car racing seems to gain more momentum as every NASCAR season passes, it seems only natural to bring another spin-off to market. "Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge," will begin its 13-part series sometime in 2007, where 15 drivers will compete for a chance to drive in a 'NASCAR sanctioned event' and gain the much-needed name recognition to score a sponsored ride.

Tryouts are set to begin within the next few months (the dates haven't been disclosed), with the final 15 drivers assigned a series of challenges that will make up the hour-long episodes. Bobby Allison and other ex-racers will man the judging stations, where they'll be on the lookout, not just for raw racing skills, but also desire, appearance and personality.

Whatever your feelings are towards stock car racing, it's about time we showcase America's real talent.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Casting call for all wanna-be Cole Trickles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Sep 2006 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Survivor secures new sponsor after GM break-up. Is it another automaker?

Joel Arellano — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM, Earnings/Financials

Nearly as fast as bidders came out of the woodwork for Aston Martin's possible sale, CBS secured new sponsorship for its hit reality-show "Survivor" after General Motors canceled its advertising. States Chris Ender of CBS, "The upcoming edition of `Survivor' has a full roster of advertisers across a wide range of categories and GM's position has been filled."

CBS would not state who was the new sponsor or if it was even another automaker. Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp., and all three American brands of DaimlerChrysler declined advertising on the show. Representatives from Honda Motor Co. stated the automaker does not comment on its advertising.

Related:

The show must go on: GM cancels advertising on Survivor

[Source: Associated Press via Fox News]

Survivor secures new sponsor after GM break-up. Is it another automaker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM teams up with Discovery for TV documentary

Eric Bryant — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:51:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green, GM

To help rectify a relative lack of automotive content in the world of TV documentaries, General Motors and the Discovery Channel are teaming up to bring a four-part series to the small screen in 2007. The new series will follow eight interns as they each take a vehicle - based on GM's hydrogen fuel cell technology - from the drawing board through the design process. The series promises a "rare look" at several aspects of automotive industry and product development process, such as the sprawling engineering centers and proving grounds where cars are born and put to the test.

Given the number of vehicles being followed and the relatively short length of the series, we're a bit concerned that several aspects of the development process will be glossed-over; however, considering that it's currently easier to find documentaries on the making of Little Debbie swiss-cake rolls than it is to find anything on the passenger car design process, we'll take what we can get.

[Source: GM; the full press release is posted after the jump]

Continue reading GM teams up with Discovery for TV documentary

GM teams up with Discovery for TV documentary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford pitching reality show concept to networks

Erin Mays — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Ford

Ford Motor Company, one of the main sponsors of "American Idol," told dealers yesterday that it is circulating a tape around various TV networks to bolster interest in a new reality TV series starring Ford and a yet-to-be-designed vehicle. The concept behind the series is that participants will work with Ford designers to develop their dream concept car.

Now all the automaker needs is a network to pick it up. Our bet is on A&E. If the Arts & Entertainment network will air this, then surely Ford has a future home on cable.

Ford pitching reality show concept to networks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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