Autoblog

Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST

Mini vs. Porsche - Click above to view the videos after the jump

In the over-hyped and ridiculous contrived "race" between the Mini Cooper and the Porsche 911, a victor has been crowned, and as you'd expect, the blokes from BMW had their bumpers handed to them.

Despite creating a "track" at the infield of Road Atlanta designed to maximize the Mini's potential and neuter the high-speed prowess of the Porsche, the Cooper still lost the battle by a full two seconds. Naturally, Mini likes to point out that the difference was $38,000 a second, but to anyone paying attention, the additional $76k is money well spent... particularly on a real track. Maybe Mini should've reconsidered Hyundai's offer...

Hit the jump for the race and two introductory videos, including a thoroughly comical explanation about why Mini opted for an autocross track and not the full course at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Facebook]

Continue reading Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta"

Shocker! Porsche 911 beats Mini Cooper in "race" at "Road Atlanta" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road Atlanta

Michael Harley — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mini, Porsche

Last we checked, Road Atlanta was a famed professional 2.54-mile racetrack, not an oversized autocross layout on a training skidpad. Somebody may need to remind Mini USA, as the maker of famously small cars has just announced the "track" (their word, not ours) for its overly-publicized "Rumble on the Racetrack" (their title, not ours) challenge pitting the Mini Cooper S against the race-bred Porsche 911 Carrera S.

While Mini promises "No tricks. No gimmicks. No jokes" in its latest Facebook post, the map of the so-called challenge ~~track~~ autocross is nothing more than a few hundred cones dropped on the "School Course & Training Area" located in the infield of Road Atlanta by turns 6 and 7 (this is hardly the same asphalt that hosts cars like the Corvette C6.R, Porsche RS Spyder, Ferrari 430GT and Audi R10 TDI at the Petit Le Mans).

With the big shindig scheduled for Monday (with or without an official Porsche showing), this event has gone from entertaining to mildly disappointing. We don't need to explain to any of our readers that a Mini Cooper S is as comfortable on a loop-de-doo autocross course as Porsche is, well... on the winner's podium at Road Atlanta.

Mini has yet to answer the challenge from Hyundai (the Koreans were kind enough to offer to take Porsche's vacant spot on the grid), but they had better get on it. With a ~~track~~ autocross this tight, they should be expecting a call from Smart first thing Monday morning.

Gallery: Mini Challenges Porsche

[Source: Facebook]

Mini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta

Chris Paukert — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hyundai, Mini, Porsche

Turnabout Is Fair Play: Hyundai takes up Mini challenge - click above to watch the video after the jump

Mini can safely be considered the 800-pound gorilla of viral marketing in the automotive sector, but fresh from its big showing this year with its Assurance program and successful Super Bowl appearances, Hyundai is showing real pluck. Need more proof? The boys from Korea have just stepped up to stand in for Porsche, offering to take on Mini at its Road Atlanta Challenge.

In a smack-talk-tastic video response they've released to Mini USA head Jim McDowell, Hyundai says they're eager to bring their Genesis Coupe to Hotlanta raceway next month. What about Mini's planned June 21 event? Seems Hyundai race driver Rhys Millen is a bit busy getting ready to climb a certain mountain, so Hyundai is challenging Mini to a race in July.

As Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore tells Autoblog, "Since we launched the Genesis Coupe, we've always said that we'll take on all-comers when it comes to comparison tests. And we've had some experience on the race track at Road Atlanta. We'd be happy to meet Mini on the race track."

To step in and offer to take a punch for someone you don't really even consider a buddy (read: Porsche) is either bold or downright crazy - or more than likely, some glorious combination of the two - but either way, it takes serious cojones. Will Mini step up to the challenge? Better still, might there be a three-way battle royale? Check out the video after the jump and stay tuned, everyone... this just got interesting.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: First Drive

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta

Video: Hyundai steps in for Porsche, offers to take on Mini at Road Atlanta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Racing

After Mini's many attempts to coax Porsche into a race, including videos, posting an online petition and even flying a banner plane over the automaker's North American headquarters, the lights have all gone dark in Atlanta, and it looks like Mini is out of luck.

But the show must go on! Even if Porsche has officially decided to decline.

Not only is Mini offering space at Road Atlanta for up to 400 people to come watch, but they're even providing a race-ready 911 Carrera S. As for who's driving, that's still up in the air. Mini posted this advertisement (right) on its Facebook page, hoping to find one brave soul who will put the mighty 911 through its paces against the Cooper S.

What's more, Mini is even offering up track time to any of the 400 guests who show up on June 21. It certainly sounds like a fun day will be had, regardless of the race's final outcome, and we're now wishing that we lived just a little bit closer to Atlanta. Remember, you can keep up to date on all of the Mini vs. Porsche happenings on Facebook.

[Sources: MotoringFile, Facebook]

Update: Mini inviting 400 to watch Porsche Challenge - but who will drive the 911? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mini continues to milk Porsche challenge with amusing Rocky-style training film

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Mini, Porsche, Humor, Luxury

Mini training montage - Click above to view the video after the jump

Mini seems to still be struggling to talk Porsche into participating in a throw down at Road Atlanta. After a couple of clever videos and hiring a plane to buzz the Porsche North America headquarters, the pint-size brand just can't seem to talk its German Goliath into stepping into the ring. Maybe that's because Porsche thinks Mini hasn't put in the hours - the dedication it needs to be a serious contender. What Mini really needs is a solid training montage, complete with bad '80s music, sparkle filters and surly trainer.

Well, look no further. A fresh-from-the-oven video has cropped up over on Funny or Die featuring the Cooper S as it punishes itself in the pursuit of all-out motorsports glory. Don't worry, Mini head honcho Jim McDowell doesn't spend any time on screen this time. Hop the jump to enjoy the hilarity for yourself.

[Source: Funny or Die]

Continue reading Video: Mini continues to milk Porsche challenge with amusing Rocky-style training film

Video: Mini continues to milk Porsche challenge with amusing Rocky-style training film originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini, Porsche

Porsche says thanks, but no - Click above to watch video after the jump

Porsche has officially put the sad trombone treatment on a challenge Mini issued to the Stuttgart-based sportscar manufacturer. As you may recall, Mini USA head honcho (and former Porsche employee) Jim McDowell called out Porsche exec Detlev Von Platen in a hilarious video made just for Facebook. While the rules of the throwdown were a little vague, we did know that the Mini crew would be rocking a Cooper S while Porsche would bring along its own 911 Carrera S at some sort of battle royale to be held at Road Atlanta.

Since McDowell threw down the gauntlet, we have heard that the competition was going to be held in the track's paddock, not out on the actual tarmac, so who knows what Mini had up its sleeves. Either way, it doesn't matter much now. Von Platen has responded in an open letter to McDowel saying:

While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we'll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces.

Sick. Burn.

Porsche has also pointed Mini to a particular advertisement as a reminder of the company's intent. Click past the jump to see both the video and read the full letter for yourself.

With Porsche turning the invitation down, we have to wonder, will Mini still put on some sort of event, perhaps inviting privateers with Porsches of their own in a move not unlike General Motors' Cadillac CTS-V Challenge? Over to you, Mr. McDowell.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Followup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Followup: Porsche turns down Mini challenge at Road Atlanta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST

Mini takes on Porsche - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's something unexpected. Mini USA has announced it's challenging Porsche to a formal race, where the go-kart-like Cooper S will take on the infamous 911 Carrera S. This may seem like a far stretch, seeing as how the Cooper is down on power by over 200 horses, but Mini is confident that its more nimble, lighter hatch can out-maneuver the big 911 on the track.

This certainly isn't the first automaker challenge we've heard of this year, and we're hoping Porsche steps up to the plate. The event will take place on June 21 (that's in two weeks!) at Road Atlanta, which as Mini points out, is right around the corner from Porsche's North American headquarters.

In the video found after the jump, Mini USA's president, Jim McDowell (a former Porsche executive, we might add), explains the whole deal, and says that if his team loses, he'll wear a shirt that reads "We did not beat Porsche" at his next public appearance. Likewise, he has a "We beat Porsche" shirt prepped for the same occasion. Mini will be hosting a live video of the event on their Facebook page, as well as more information about the event. Will Porsche send out a 911 for the challenge? We certainly hope so. Let the games begin.

Gallery: Mini Challenges Porsche

[Source: Facebook via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video]

Mini challenges Porsche to race at Road Atlanta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Acura

Scott Sharp's accident at the Petit Le Mans Thursday practice session - click above to watch the video after the jump

Earlier, we told you about the Patron Highcroft racing team's marathon 20 hour build of a brand new Acura ARX-02a the day before the Petit Le Mans. The reason the crew had to work even harder than normal on a race weekend was a crash during Thursday's afternoon practice that left many observers astonished as Scott Sharp walked away unharmed.

Sharp's LMP1 Acura was heading into turn 3 at Road Atlanta when it apparently made contact with another racer exiting the pit lane. This caused the Acura's front end to lift, and that's never a good thing in one of these high-powered prototypes. Into the air the car went. After makng 3.5 revolutions, Sharp managed to crawl out of the car's remains with just a clump of mud stuck to the top of his helmet.

"I really don't know what happened," Sharp said. "I was heading up the hill in sixth gear and felt a hit in the right rear. The wheel arches are very high with the wide front tires on the Acura - I didn't see a thing - only felt the contact. I knew it was a big one and I am just really grateful to Acura and all the boys at Patrón Highcroft Racing for building such a strong car. I'm shattered for Duncan, all the guys, Brabs and Dario (Franchitti). We went through this last year and I can't believe it's happened again. I was just thinking to myself how much I like this place when next thing I'm headed upside down with a mouth full of Georgia clay."

Heading into Atlanta, Sharp and co-driver David Brabham were tied at 142 points and leading the LMP1 drivers championship race, a position they maintained by finishing sixth in yesterday's rain-shortened Petit Le Mans. The video of the crash is available after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Ryan.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice

VIDEO: Scott Sharp's Acura prototype completely destroyed during Petit Le Mans practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rahal Letterman Racing tests new M3 racer at Road Atlanta, Sebring

Drew Phillips — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW

Click above for a gallery of the BMW M3 Racing Version

Motorsports fans are eagerly anticipating the 2009 ALMS season where Ferrari, Porsche, Panoz, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet and now BMW will be competing for the GT2 title. BMW Motorsport unveiled the new M3 racing program back in February of this year and have been developing the car in Europe since then. They recently handed off the car to Rahal Letterman Racing who tested the car this past week at Road Atlanta and are currently running laps at Sebring International Raceway. BMW also announced the first two drivers for the program, Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand, both of whom have extensive experience driving previous versions of the M3. Auberlen first drove for BMW in 1996 and won titles in 1997 and 2004. The M3 will make its 2009 racing debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 21.

Gallery: BMW M3 racecar testing at Road Atlanta

[Source: ALMS via SpeedHunters and AutoFiends]

Continue reading Rahal Letterman Racing tests new M3 racer at Road Atlanta, Sebring

Rahal Letterman Racing tests new M3 racer at Road Atlanta, Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Record qualifying time puts Peugeot on pole at Petit Le Mans

Drew Phillips — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:15:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Peugeot

It was a record setting day yesterday at Road Atlanta, with all four classes setting qualifying records including a blistering 1:06.242 by Stephane Sarrazin in his Peugeot 908 HDi to take the top overall spot. Peugeot has continually proved that it has a fast car, taking the last two pole positions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but it was Audi on top at the end of that race. Allan McNish will be putting plenty of pressure on the Peugeot team, who qualified just .085 seconds behind the Peugeot in his Audi R10 TDI. In P2, Penske racing not only captured pole with a record qualifying time of 1:07.061, but also grabbed the top three spots. It was all Corvette Racing in GT1, but it will be a close race between the two Corvette who were separated by only .047 seconds. Finally, Risi Competizione qualified first in GT2 for the second straight year.

Coverage of the event starts today at 11:00 AM EST on SPEED TV today, with the green flag waving at 11:15. A NASCAR race splits up the coverage from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. EST, but you can still watch the race on AmericanLeMans.com (as well as look up live timing and scoring) or listen in on XM channel 166. Full details of the qualifying and driver quotes can be found in the press release after the jump.

[Source: AmericanLeMans.com]

Continue reading Record qualifying time puts Peugeot on pole at Petit Le Mans

Record qualifying time puts Peugeot on pole at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Racing returns to the track

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Shelby

Click above for more classic Shelby race photos from the Ford archives

When the vintage racers hit the track for the 2008 Kohler International Challenge at Road America this weekend, the Shelby Automobiles Racing Team will be officially represented for the first time since the late 1960s. Ford is one of the event sponsors and is backing the Shelby effort, which will field four CSX4000 Shelby 427 Cobras in the event. To hear Carroll Shelby tell it, there's probably more to come. In Ford's official announcement (pasted after the jump), Shelby is quoted as saying, "My goal is to return us to professional racing and this is just the beginning." Does that mean we'll be seeing factory-backed Shelby Mustangs in other racing series as well? Who knows. Still, it's kinda cool that the team's official return is at a vintage event, driving brand-new continuation-series cars like the ones that started this whole thing way back when.

Gallery: Vintage Shelby racing photos

[Source: Ford / Shelby Autos]

Continue reading Shelby Racing returns to the track

Shelby Racing returns to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi reunites Le Mans winning trio for Petit Le Mans

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi

Six races, six wins so far this year for the incredible (and eerily quiet) Audi R10 TDI: Sebring, Le Mans, Salt Lake City, Portland, Road America and Mosport. They've already clinched the Teams' and Drivers' Championships. Now all that remains is to sew up the Manufacturers' Championship in the "Champions League" LM P1 class for Audi. Heading into this week's Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta they've decided to take no chances and have brought together the Le Mans-winning trio of Frank Biela, Emanuele Pirro, and Marco Werner.

The Petit Le Mans has grown to be one of the most important endurance races in motorsports. Although locking up the championship is still a concern, the Audi team has won the race six years in a row with the R10's predecessor, the R8, and they'd hope to keep the streak alive. Additionally, because it is one of the longer races on the calendar it gives teams a chance to test late season improvements for next year. The revolutionary diesel-powered R10 would also be one step closer to finishing off its maiden season with a perfect record. Full release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi reunites Le Mans winning trio for Petit Le Mans

Audi reunites Le Mans winning trio for Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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