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[Expedition drives from Russia to Canada over North Pole...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bus expedition from Russia to Canada via North Pole - shot on ice

No, a Ford Expedition did not drive from Russia to Canada via the North Pole, but that's exactly what a team of intrepid explorers accomplished recently. Using specially-modified buses with massive tires, the group slowly drove 2,485 miles in 70 days over drifting ice, occasionally using a pickaxe to clear a path and staying on guard for chasms that could open up and plunge the team into the frigid arctic waters. Average speeds were about 6 mph, "at the speed of a (farm) tractor." While the big tires technically allowed the buses to float if the need arose, the team preferred to stay out of the water to keep the suspension from getting coated in thick, hard ice. Falling in on foot would mean almost certain death.

According to Phys.org, the buses were powered by Toyota diesel engines, but were built with prototype parts from a previous driving expedition to the North Pole. Right now, the machines are parked in a garage in Canada's Resolute Bay while the the team rests up with family back home. They plan to continue their trek to back across the Bering Straight to Russia. If successful, the team may eventually offer a version of their buses for commercial sale.

Expedition drives from Russia to Canada over North Pole... originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bering straightcanadadriving to the north poleexpeditionnorth poleresolute bayrussiatoyotavassili IelaguineWed, 22 May 2013 08:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/expedition-drives-from-russia-to-canada-over-north-pole/20576712/article-detail.xml 20576712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russia-canada-arctic-expedition-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russia-canada-arctic-expedition-628.jpg <![CDATA[Pedestrian fakes hilariously bad hit, foiled by Russian dash cam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/pedestrian-fakes-hilariously-bad-hit-foiled-by-russian-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/pedestrian-fakes-hilariously-bad-hit-foiled-by-russian-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/pedestrian-fakes-hilariously-bad-hit-foiled-by-russian-dash-cam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After the Good-Samaritan-fest that was the last Russian dash cam video, it's back to our regularly scheduled program of scamming and madness. This time, it's a woman who attempts to pretend she's been hit by a car and rendered unconscious, the same tired con-job that happens to be one of the primary reasons that Russians probably perform more surveillance on themselves than the state does.

It's a remarkably bad job of method acting on the woman's part (is she drunk?), but we'll give her credit for persistence. The worst acting job you'll see all day is on video just below.

Continue reading Pedestrian fakes hilariously bad hit, foiled by Russian dash cam

Pedestrian fakes hilariously bad hit, foiled by Russian dash cam originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camdashcamfraudpedestrianpedestrian failrussiarussian dash camscamvideoWed, 15 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/pedestrian-fakes-hilariously-bad-hit-foiled-by-russian-dash-cam/20569268/article-detail.xml 20569268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russian-dashcam-scam_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russian-dashcam-scam.jpg <![CDATA[Good things get captured by Russian dash cams too]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/good-things-get-captured-by-russian-dash-cams-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/good-things-get-captured-by-russian-dash-cams-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/good-things-get-captured-by-russian-dash-cams-too/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The camera has no favorites, takes no sides - it captures whatever's in front of it, good or ill. We're used to seeing the ill side of Russian streets through the lenses of ubiquitous dash cams, but there's plenty of good to go with it if a video from YouTube user ArkadiYM93 is any indication.

You've probably never seen so many old ladies and cats and peacocks helped across the street, as you do in this five-minute clip. You probably also haven't seen a man lift a car to get it unstuck. You can start the feel-good part of your day by watching the video below.

Continue reading Good things get captured by Russian dash cams too

Good things get captured by Russian dash cams too originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camrussiarussian dash camvideoyoutubeMon, 06 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/good-things-get-captured-by-russian-dash-cams-too/20558952/article-detail.xml 20558952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russian-dashcam-kindness_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russian-dashcam-kindness.jpg <![CDATA[Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Russian motorcyclist wields angle grinder

Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: We don't know if the video you're about to watch really took place in the wild or if it were staged. That said, this appears to be one of the most alarming bits of road rage we've ever seen captured on video.

Let's set the scene. A motorcyclist is riding along with a good bit of distance between him and the black Nissan Juke in front of him before accelerating to catch up. The Juke driver moves to the left in order to avoid an obstacle in the road, cutting off the motorcyclist in the process, but everyone is fine. No harm, no foul? Hardly.

The motorcyclist falls way back, apparently biding his time and getting ready. Ready for what, you ask? Keep watching - the altercation concludes with an angle grinder, a frightened Juke driver and the loss of one minor appendage that once belonged to said Juke. Finally, a sticker that says 'NTV' is placed on the car's window, a fellow motorist appears to come to the driver's aid and the motorcyclist makes a quick getaway. Craziness.

Scroll down below to see it all unfold on video.

Continue reading Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke

Angry Russian motorcyclist has an axe to grind with Nissan Juke originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grindermotorcyclistnissannissan jukeroad ragerussiarussian camvideoTue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547856/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/angry-russian-motorcyclist-has-an-axe-to-grind-with-nissan-juke/20547856/article-detail.xml 20547856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/russian-motorcyclist-grinder_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/russian-motorcyclist-grinder.png <![CDATA[Massive geyser erupts in Russian parking lot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/massive-geyser-erupts-in-russian-parking-lot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/massive-geyser-erupts-in-russian-parking-lot/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/massive-geyser-erupts-in-russian-parking-lot/#commentsFiled under: ,



Cameras in Russia seem to capture everything from fiery meteors to crazy crashes. The latest video comes from a camera mounted high above the main square in Smolensk, overlooking a busy parking lot on what appears to be a nice sunny day.

It takes but seconds for a small cloud of steam, appearing harmless at first, to erupt into a hot water geyser rivaling Old Faithful. What you don't see from the video are the brick-sized chunks of pavement and rocks that were launched into the air and onto the surrounding vehicles. Within minutes, a large flow of water has flooded the parking area as the natural geyser continues to spew water and steam hundreds of feet into the air.

If this happened in our backyard, we would hightail it out of town fearing another eruption of Vesuvian magnitude - yet the locals in Smolensk seem only slightly disrupted, continuing to seek open spots in the parking lot despite the odd chaos mere yards away.

Continue reading Massive geyser erupts in Russian parking lot

Massive geyser erupts in Russian parking lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hot water geyserparking lot geyserrussiarussia failrussia geyserrussia videorussian parking lot geyserrussian videovideoFri, 12 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538905/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/massive-geyser-erupts-in-russian-parking-lot/20538905/article-detail.xml 20538905 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/russian-geyser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/russian-geyser-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to build Explorer in Russia to meet demand [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/ford-to-build-explorer-in-russia-to-meet-demand-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/ford-to-build-explorer-in-russia-to-meet-demand-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/ford-to-build-explorer-in-russia-to-meet-demand-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The current Ford Explorer is sold in more than 64 countries, and this three-row vehicle continues to grow in popularity worldwide. To keep up with demand, Ford began producing the Explorer at Ford Sollers Elabuga Assembly Plant in Tatarstan, Russia, a joint venture facility. This partnership will build Russian-market Explorers only, and production of export vehicles not destined for Russian buyers will continue to be built at Ford's assembly plant in Chicago.

Before this plant went online, Ford would ship Explorers to Russia (and other regions around the world) as partially assembled knock-down units where final assembly would eventually take place. While there is no indication as to how many Explorers Ford Sollers will build for Russia, Ford did add that exports of the SUV were up 65 percent last year (from 2011) accounting for more than 24,000 units.

Scroll down for a press release about the Russian Explorer as well as a video (bad music and all) showing the SUV being produced in Tatarstan.

Continue reading Ford to build Explorer in Russia to meet demand [w/video]

Ford to build Explorer in Russia to meet demand [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford explorerford russiarussiaFri, 12 Apr 2013 11:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537311/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/ford-to-build-explorer-in-russia-to-meet-demand-w-video/20537311/article-detail.xml 20537311 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-explorer-russia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/ford-explorer-russia.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan GT-R goes 183 mph on ice in Russia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



When a pair of Russian pilots wanted to set a local ice-speed record, they chose a stock Nissan GT-R for the task. Roman Rusinov, a Russian race car driver, and Andrey Leontjev, a Russian auto journalist, took Godzilla to Lake Baikal and ran it up to 294.8 kilometers per hour (182.8 miles per hour) across frozen stuff estimated to be 1.4 meters thick.

While the worldwide record of 205.48 mph was set by Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Supersports Convertible, the mark achieved by Rusinov and Leontjev establishes a new Russian record. Well done, boys. You can watch it all go down in the video below.

Continue reading Nissan GT-R goes 183 mph on ice in Russia

Nissan GT-R goes 183 mph on ice in Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ice speed recordlake baikalnissannissan gt-rrecordrussiavideovideosyoutubeSat, 06 Apr 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532197/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/06/nissan-gt-r-goes-183-mph-on-ice-in-russia/20532197/article-detail.xml 20532197 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-gt-r-ice-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-gt-r-ice-record.jpg <![CDATA[Wealthy Russians hiring ambulances to cut through Moscow traffic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/wealthy-russians-hiring-ambulances-to-cut-through-moscow-traffic/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/wealthy-russians-hiring-ambulances-to-cut-through-moscow-traffic/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/wealthy-russians-hiring-ambulances-to-cut-through-moscow-traffic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ambulance in Moscow

We're not sure how widespread the practice is, but the option is apparently out there: Russian police have discovered companies on the Internet offering rides in "ambulance-taxis" through notoriously bad Moscow traffic. For roughly 6,000 rubles per hour - about $193 US, which doesn't sound like much for a wealthy Russian - the 'customer' will get to cut through gridlock in an ambulance with flashing lights and the proper paint scheme outside but a refitted, leather-lined interior.

Police say they've already stopped one ambulance with a "strange" driver that was found to have a bunch of people in civilian clothing in the back. The National Post reports that police have been told to keep an eye on the emergency-looking vehicles and to make sure they're actually being used for emergencies, which would appear to mean they're going to be tailing and perhaps stopping ambulances that are actually in the middle of emergency services. And that can't be good for anyone.

Wealthy Russians hiring ambulances to cut through Moscow traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulancepolicerichrussiarussianwealthySun, 31 Mar 2013 17:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523761/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/wealthy-russians-hiring-ambulances-to-cut-through-moscow-traffic/20523761/article-detail.xml 20523761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/russian-ambulance_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/russian-ambulance.jpg <![CDATA[Russian bus driver takes no mercy when punishing those who cut him off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/russian-bus-driver-takes-no-mercy-when-punishing-those-who-cut-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/russian-bus-driver-takes-no-mercy-when-punishing-those-who-cut-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/russian-bus-driver-takes-no-mercy-when-punishing-those-who-cut-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Punisher Bus Video

Alexi Volkov, a Russian bus driver known as "The Punisher," doesn't tolerate anyone who cuts him off while he's on the job. Rather than attempting to take evasive maneuvers, Volkov simply lets his bus roll into the offending party's vehicle. He boasts that he's been involved in over 100 accidents and posts dash-cam videos of the collisions to YouTube. Somewhat miraculously, his employer doesn't seem concerned with his driving record, and Volkov says so long as the accidents aren't his fault and the damage minor, no one gets upset.

What about the passengers on the bus? The driver says no one has ever been injured in the bumps, so they have nothing to complain about. Meanwhile, Volkov says conditions are gradually improving thanks to his "educational work." Check out his highlight reel in the video below, and then let us know how you feel about Volkov's tactics in the Comments - Is he a menace or does he deserve a medal?

Oh, and one more thing: Please remember to be courteous to your fellow drivers.

Continue reading Russian bus driver takes no mercy when punishing those who cut him off

Russian bus driver takes no mercy when punishing those who cut him off originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexi Volkovbusbus driverdash camrussiarussian bus driverrussianbusdriverthe punisherthe punisher bus driverMon, 11 Mar 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20497028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/russian-bus-driver-takes-no-mercy-when-punishing-those-who-cut-h/20497028/article-detail.xml 20497028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/punisher-bus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/punisher-bus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Russia's Putin "unhappy" with limo, Marussia and GAZ working on alternatives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/russias-putin-unhappy-with-limo-marussia-and-gaz-working-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/russias-putin-unhappy-with-limo-marussia-and-gaz-working-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/27/russias-putin-unhappy-with-limo-marussia-and-gaz-working-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A few years ago Russian president Dmitri Medvedev decided he wanted officials to be chauffeured in Russian limousines, not the German executive sedans everyone had become accustomed to (such as the Mercedes-Benz pictured above). Naturally, that meant turning to Russia's own ZiL to create a litter worthy of a plutocrat and glorious Russian history. The plan had two big problems, the first being that ZiL stopped making limos in 1991 and was only producing trucks and armored military vehicles.

But that didn't stop the party. The orders to ZiL were to create something powered by a V8 that was able to carry three people and reach 130 miles per hour. It must also represent "the best traditions of Soviet limousine building." Zil got to work, spending years and who knows how many rubles to create the armored sedan it unveiled last Fall: the ZiL-4112P, powered by a 7.7-liter V8 that reportedly has more than 400 horsepower. When comparing the 4112P to Obama's presidential conveyance, ZiL's director of limousine production said, "If you look at what Obama drives around in its a scary submarine, no kind of aesthetic, it's awful to look at."

No matter that, the car has one more big problem: President Putin is apparently unhappy with it. The president hasn't publicly disclosed his issues with the car, but the Moscow Times said that Putin "was not pleased" by the looks of the 4112P and noted that the car "needed adjustments." ZiL's response to the report was to say that the president wasn't actually given the 4112P - which, if true, would mean they gave him a presidential limo they haven't revealed to the public instead of the one they threw a giant party for and used to demonstrate the comparative ugliness of its American counterpart.

The mess has left an opening for GAZ and Marussia, with both companies working on alternatives to whatever is on offer from ZiL. GAZ is building something based on the Audi A8 that it says will be ready by 2014, Marussia's "completely original model" will arrive in 2015.

Russia's Putin "unhappy" with limo, Marussia and GAZ working on alternatives originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4112-plimousineputinrussiavladimir putinzilzil-4112pWed, 27 Feb 2013 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20475851/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/27/russias-putin-unhappy-with-limo-marussia-and-gaz-working-on/20475851/article-detail.xml 20475851 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vladimir-putin-limo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/vladimir-putin-limo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jon Stewart investigates the Russian dashcam phenomenon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/jon-stewart-investigates-the-russian-dashcam-phenomenon/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/jon-stewart-investigates-the-russian-dashcam-phenomenon/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/jon-stewart-investigates-the-russian-dashcam-phenomenon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The streaking meteor event in Siberia last week has led Jon Stewart to spare a few minutes on The Daily Show to examine footage of the explosion 20 miles high and said to be equal to 300 kilotons of TNT.

But his real interest is asking why so many Russians were able to get the footage in the first place, i.e., why are there so many dashcams? Coincidentally, Wired asked the same question just a few days ago. Using plenty of examples to illustrate his point - akin to this, and this, and this, that we have become oh so used to - Stewart surmises that Russian roads are "A live-action Grand Theft Auto" and that "Russians in their daily lives see so much amazing [expletive] that they have become unfazeable."

You can watch his amusing take on our comrades across the Pacific in the video below.

Continue reading Jon Stewart investigates the Russian dashcam phenomenon

Jon Stewart investigates the Russian dashcam phenomenon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily showdash camdash-camdashcamjohn stewartjon stewartrussiathe daily showvideovideosSun, 24 Feb 2013 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474816/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/jon-stewart-investigates-the-russian-dashcam-phenomenon/20474816/article-detail.xml 20474816 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/johnstewartdashcam_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/johnstewartdashcam.jpg <![CDATA[Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/why-do-russian-drivers-have-so-many-dash-cams/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/why-do-russian-drivers-have-so-many-dash-cams/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/why-do-russian-drivers-have-so-many-dash-cams/#commentsRussian Semi crash

These days, it seems like the internet runs on the fuel of Russian dash cam videos. From clips showing meteors falling from the sky to plane crashes and close calls, it almost seems as if every driver on Russian roads is filming at all times. As it turns out, that's nearly true. According to Wired, several factors have culminated in the current explosion of dashcam videos. Those include everything from shady traffic cops to insurance scammers to the design of the legal system itself. Combine those issues with Russia's notoriously dangerous roads, and drivers have become keen to protect themselves with cameras.

Wired has taken a closer look at the dash cam phenomenon and its rapid expansion. You can read the full article here. We highly recommend taking the time. You can also watch a classic dash cam clip below.

Continue reading Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video]

Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>read thisrussiarussian dash camrussian driverswiredTue, 19 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465394/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/why-do-russian-drivers-have-so-many-dash-cams/20465394/article-detail.xml 20465394 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/russian-semi-accident_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/russian-semi-accident.jpg <![CDATA[Spectacular meteor strike captured in Russian dash cam footage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/spectacular-meteor-strike-captured-in-russian-dash-cam-footage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/spectacular-meteor-strike-captured-in-russian-dash-cam-footage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/spectacular-meteor-strike-captured-in-russian-dash-cam-footage/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Chicken Little would have lost his cookies, yet the Russian driver in this video appears to have kept his wits about him despite the unannounced arrival of a massive fireball falling from the early morning sky - a spectacular event caught by an automotive dash cam - that injured nearly 1,000 people in Siberia.

While scientists estimate that tens of thousands of meteoroids fall from the sky each year, most are just tiny particles that burn up unseen. Only about five thousand are large enough to be really visible (at this point called a "fireball") and then break up and explode to earn the name "bolide." The bolide in the video left an impressive smoke trail of particulate during its ablation, but it also sent nearly a thousand Russians to the hospital for injuries suffered when its sonic blast blew out windows.

In case you are wondering, meteoroids enter the atmosphere at speeds between 25,000 and 160,000 mph. However, like a bullet hitting water, the earth's thick air quickly slows them (rapid compression of the air in front of the rock creates the familiar fiery glow) to a more palatable 200 to 400 mph before they impact the surface. The good news, especially for those who are worried about such events, is that most burn up and never make it all the way down. Check out the video below.

Continue reading Spectacular meteor strike captured in Russian dash cam footage

Spectacular meteor strike captured in Russian dash cam footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bolidedash camdashcammeteormeteoriterussiarussian dash camsiberiavideoFri, 15 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20464141/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/spectacular-meteor-strike-captured-in-russian-dash-cam-footage/20464141/article-detail.xml 20464141 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/meteor628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/meteor628.jpg <![CDATA[Russians create Toyota Land Cruiser ice sculpture with full interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Toyota Land Cruiser is a pretty hot model around the world. But it took the Russians to make it cool. We have few hard, cold facts and only small slivers of information about these photos, but it seems the icy Toyota was part of the International Snow & Ice Festival in Perm, Russia.

Artists took a huge chunk of ice and shaved it down to the temporary art installation you see here. The sub-zero SUV comes complete with a full interior accessed by the (permanently frozen open) driver's side door. The steering wheel and seats look to be upholstered in, well, dirt. With the back seats removed, the frigid four-door is a pretty slick ride in which to chill out.

Just a thought, but wouldn't a Toyota Tundra have been more appropriate? See the gallery for more photos.

Russians create Toyota Land Cruiser ice sculpture with full interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ice and snow festivalice carvingice sculptureland cruiserpermrussiatoyotaThu, 24 Jan 2013 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/20435237/article-detail.xml 20435237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ice-land-cruiser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ice-land-cruiser-628.jpg <![CDATA[New Datsun models to be based on Lada platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/new-datsun-models-to-be-based-on-lada-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/new-datsun-models-to-be-based-on-lada-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/new-datsun-models-to-be-based-on-lada-platform/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Russian Lada

Although we haven't heard much official news about the return of the Datsun brand since Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn made the announcement back in March, we now have a little more information about Nissan's new budget brand. Automotive News Europe is reporting that the new breed of Datsun products will go on sale by the end of 2013 and will be based on cars from the Russian automaker, Lada, which is currently part of the Nissan-Renault family.

With a goal of creating low-cost cars for emerging markets like Russia, India and Indonesia, the unknown Datsun models will reportedly be produced in Togliatti, Russia, alongside Lada cars as well as the Nissan Almera (the Russian version of the Nissan Versa sedan). Since these cars will be focused mainly on price, it's more likely that they will be basic vehicles rather than more stylish products like the Lada Xray Concept. Either way, the report says that Datsuns will look different than its Lada counterparts despite using the same underpinnings.

Initially, Datsun will launch with just two cars with a third model planned for 2015, and as far as pricing goes, the report says that the brand will be targeting a starting price of just 2,300 euros (around $3,000 USD) to compete with low-cost Chinese cars.

New Datsun models to be based on Lada platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carlos ghosndatsunladalow-cost carnissanplatform sharingrussiaWed, 02 Jan 2013 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414015/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/new-datsun-models-to-be-based-on-lada-platform/20414015/article-detail.xml 20414015 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lada-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lada-628.jpg <![CDATA[Moscow plane crash captured by car's dashcam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/moscow-plane-crash-captured-by-cars-dashcam/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/moscow-plane-crash-captured-by-cars-dashcam/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/moscow-plane-crash-captured-by-cars-dashcam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Moscow plane crash video - screencap

A passenger plane attempting to land at the Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, Russia crashed on Saturday, December 29, killing four of its eight crew members on board, according to CNN. The flight, arriving from the Czech Republic, reportedly overshot the runway and crashed through a fence, sending debris scattering across an adjacent highway. While it's too early for officials to determine the cause of the incident, authorities say pilot error, weather or a technical malfunction could be to blame.

Shockingly, a driver captured the tragic event on video via a dash cam. The clip shows the aircraft bouncing through a barrier before sending dirt, snow and pieces of the plane careening across the roadway and damaging cars. You can view the dramatic video below.

Continue reading Moscow plane crash captured by car's dashcam

Moscow plane crash captured by car's dashcam originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash videodash camdashcammoscow plane crashmoscow plane crash videoplane crashplane crash videorussiavideoMon, 31 Dec 2012 11:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20413597/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/31/moscow-plane-crash-captured-by-cars-dashcam/20413597/article-detail.xml 20413597 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/moscow-plane-crash-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/moscow-plane-crash-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this strongman set a world record for pulling a truck... with his ear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/watch-this-strongman-set-a-world-record-for-pulling-a-truck-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/watch-this-strongman-set-a-world-record-for-pulling-a-truck-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/watch-this-strongman-set-a-world-record-for-pulling-a-truck-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Man pulls truck with ear - video

When I was a teenager, people thought I was crazy because I started slowly gauging my ears (full disclosure: I didn't get very far). But that doesn't even compare to the absurdity that you'll find in this video.

Lasha Pataraya, a Georgian strongman, has reportedly set a new world record for pulling a truck with his ear. The truck weighed more than eight tons, and Pataraya managed to drag it a full 70 feet with a rope tied around his ear while a crowd cheered him on. Being a super-strong dude is one thing, but deciding to do something like this is just... well, we'll leave that for you to decide.

If the description above doesn't make you cringe enough (my ears hurt just thinking about it), scroll down to watch all the action unfold.

Continue reading Watch this strongman set a world record for pulling a truck... with his ear

Watch this strongman set a world record for pulling a truck... with his ear originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eargeorgiaLasha Patarayarussiastrong mantruckvideoworld recordSat, 01 Dec 2012 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/01/watch-this-strongman-set-a-world-record-for-pulling-a-truck-w/20392049/article-detail.xml 20392049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/earvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/earvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Watch lightning strike a hapless Toyota Landcruiser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/watch-lightning-strike-a-hapless-toyota-landcruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/watch-lightning-strike-a-hapless-toyota-landcruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/25/watch-lightning-strike-a-hapless-toyota-landcruiser/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota Land Cruiser gets struck by lightning - dashcam screencap

When we thought we'd make it to the end of the month before we saw another video from the roads of Russia, we were wrong. Just after the video of the truck driver dismounting from the windshield of his cab, we have of a bolt of lightning saying hello to a Toyota Landcruiser.

It's brief but spectacular, and sadly, nothing like what happened in Back to the Future follows. You can watch it happen in slo-mo in the dashcam video below.

Continue reading Watch lightning strike a hapless Toyota Landcruiser

Watch lightning strike a hapless Toyota Landcruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camdashcamlandcruiserlightninglightning strikerussiatoyotavideoTue, 25 Sep 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20333060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/25/watch-lightning-strike-a-hapless-toyota-landcruiser/20333060/article-detail.xml 20333060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/landcruiserlightning_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/landcruiserlightning.jpg <![CDATA[Russian trucks crash into each other, one driver nails the dismount]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/russian-trucks-crash-into-each-other-one-driver-nails-the-dismo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/russian-trucks-crash-into-each-other-one-driver-nails-the-dismo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/russian-trucks-crash-into-each-other-one-driver-nails-the-dismo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Russian truck driver left scratching his head after an accident

After an accident, most of us are left scratching our heads as to what we do next, but the guy pictured above is probably scratching his head wondering how he's still alive. Captured from the dashcam of this Russian driver, a massive collision between two big rigs shows that while seatbelts definitely save lives, sometimes it doesn't hurt to have luck (make that a lot of luck) on your side, too.

It isn't clear if the truck in front of our camera was trying to squeeze into a left turn, execute a passing maneuver or simply or simply trying to avoid a stopped truck in the road, but either way, there wasn't enough room. The result was this blue truck slamming into the side of the turning truck at a pretty good clip. This truck driver, obviously not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected out of the cab through the windshield, but more impressive/amazing is the fact that ends up sticking the landing in a way that might leave Gabby Douglas or Aly Raisman feeling a little jealous.

While we can't say for sure whether or not this driver suffered any injuries, we sure hope he learned his lesson and buckles up in the future.

Watch how this truck driver miraculously survives his ejection in the video below.

Continue reading Russian trucks crash into each other, one driver nails the dismount

Russian trucks crash into each other, one driver nails the dismount originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buckle updash camdashcamrussiarussian dash camrussian truck accidentseat belt failtruck accidenttrucking failvideoMon, 24 Sep 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331724/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/russian-trucks-crash-into-each-other-one-driver-nails-the-dismo/20331724/article-detail.xml 20331724 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/russian-semi-accident_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/russian-semi-accident.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Focus hits downed trolley wire, spectacular accident ensues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/ford-focus-hits-downed-trolley-wire-spectacular-accident-ensues/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/ford-focus-hits-downed-trolley-wire-spectacular-accident-ensues/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/ford-focus-hits-downed-trolley-wire-spectacular-accident-ensues/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Russian Ford Focus hits downed trolley wire - video screencap

In this month's installment of From Russia with OMG, dashcam footage reveals another reason why local drivers should receive hazard pay. The black Ford Focus in the picture above is just about to run over a street trolley wire that has come undone and fallen onto the road. Or rather, that's what you'd expect to happen, but the trolley wire had a different idea that could be captioned with the line, "You shall not pass."

Unfortunately it appears the driver did not emerge entirely unscathed from the ensuing accident. But he did emerge, and in Russia, that looks to be a triumph. You can see watch it all happen in the video below.

Continue reading Ford Focus hits downed trolley wire, spectacular accident ensues

Ford Focus hits downed trolley wire, spectacular accident ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashdash camdash-camdashcamfordford focusrussiatrolleyvideoMon, 24 Sep 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/ford-focus-hits-downed-trolley-wire-spectacular-accident-ensues/20331217/article-detail.xml 20331217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/focusrussiaaccident_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/focusrussiaaccident.jpg -1 2