Autoblog

The drivers after receiving traditional didgeridoos in Australia

Fans of open-wheel racing awaiting the results of today's season-finale Brazilian Grand Prix had something to keep them busy in the meantime, as the results of the Champ Car race Down Under came in with this season's champion one race early.

If you didn't tape the race to watch later, click through to the SPOILER ALERT to find out who won and who's champion this year in Champ Cars.

[Source: Autosport.com]

Spectators, commentators and fans all feared the worst when BMW Sauber's star driver Robert Kubica hit the wall at the end of the hairpin at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on St. Helen's Island in Montreal during this year's Canadian Grand Prix. But as we all know, the Polish driver suffered only a concussion and a sprained ankle, despite the high speeds, high G's and hard impact of the crash. Now he's back in the cockpit, sticking it to everyone this side of Ferrari and McLaren, defending champions Renault included. (Thank God for carbon fiber, eh Robbie?)

The techies over at RTL, the German network that broadcasts the Formula One events, put together this three-dimensional re-creation of the crash, complete with some Matrix-style viewing-angle sweeps. The action is slowed down so you can better see what happened, which makes it all too easy to forget the enormous speeds at which the crash occurred.

Unfortunately, whoever posted it up on YouTube decided to mix in a typically poor soundtrack, but since the original was without sound anyway, offended parties can feel free to turn down the volume completely.

• Kubica survives crash at 75 G
• New view of Kubica crash as F1 goes after YouTube clips
• VIDEO: Kubica crashes Canadian GP

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with the info!
Video after the jump.

[Source: RTL via YouTube]

As of January 1, 2008, anyone who doesn't have a digital-capable OnStar system in their GM vehicle is going to be out of luck. One customer who bought an OnStar-equipped Cadillac Eldorado in 2002 is so upset about it that he's filed a class-action suit against GM and OnStar for $5 million.

The cell phone companies that provide OnStar service will finish the switch from analog to digital service on the first day of next year. When Robert Weaver, the named plaintiff in the suit, bought his Eldorado, says GM and OnStar knew the analog service in his car would only work for six more years, and that there would be no way to upgrade to digital, but didn't tell him. And for that willful omission, they owe subscribers a whole lot of money.

OnStar says it's frustrating, but there's nothing they can do. GM and OnStar have been contacting subscribers to let them know, but have made no attempt to reimburse subscribers for the option or the subscription fees. Instead, GM is offering a year of free OnStar service if customers buy or lease another GM product. And even if you do have a digital-capable system, GM is going to charge you $15 to upgrade it.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

We're sadened to report the passing of a driving force in the closely-related automotive and aerospace industries. Robert Anderson died at the ripe old age of 85 this past Saturday.

Anderson was best known for his contribution to the advancement of aerospace, having overseen the development of the space shuttle and the revolutionary B-1B bomber. Anderson retired from his role as president and CEO of Rockwell International, which has since grown to its current place as one of the largest companies in the industry.

Prior to his exploits in aerospace, Anderson was a major player in the automotive industry as an executive at Chrysler. He held such positions as Vice-President of engineering and product planning, VP of manufacturing, and General Manager of the Chrysler Plymouth division. During his tenure, he helped develop the revolutionary Hemi engine that propelled the legendary Richard Petty to the finish line at the 1964 Daytona 500 as well as the iconic Plymouth Roadrunner.

Anderson is survived by his bereaved wife Diane, son, daughter, two stepchildren and four grandchildren, who have our condolences.

[Source: UPI and Winding Road]

Designer Robert Hoffmann drew up this Nissan concept for an auto magazine. The futuristic conveyance is not intended for production, but it's an interesting exercise just the same.

The oversized rear wheels are slanted inward, and move backward for highway cruising, optimizing space when retracted for city driving and enhancing stability in conjunction with a deployable rear wing at higher speeds.

The "car of tomorrow" would theoretically employ a hybrid or electric power plant if it were actually built. Kinda looks like a cross between an alien and an iPod.

(Follow the jump for more pics.)

[Source: MotorPasion via Motor Authority]