Autoblog

How to drift a semi in 18 easy steps

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Videos, Celebrities, Specialty, Diesel, Racing

Mike Ryan is our kind of insane. Not only did the man fling his Freightliner race truck up the winding side of Mount Washington earlier this year, but the professional stunt and race driver has also joined forces with drifting legend Sam Hubinette for a little exhibition show during round six of the Formula Drift Championship.

In preparation of wowing the masses at the FD gathering, Ryan came out for a little shakedown session with the big Freightliner. Things didn't exactly go smoothly at first, with Ryan fighting the truck all over the impromptu course, but it didn't take long to get the kinks ironed out.

Within a matter of hours, Hubinette had Ryan pirouetting around the asphalt and oval track like an drift hero. Fortunately for all involved, the whole experience was recorded for posterity. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading How to drift a semi in 18 easy steps

How to drift a semi in 18 easy steps originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sam Hubinette learns how to drive sideways all over again

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Sam Hubinette learns to drive sideways all over again - Click above to watch video after the jump

Sam Hubinette is exceptionally good at getting a car sideways and keeping it there. Now, it seems that the drift king wants to learn a new skill, and he needs just two wheels to do it. No, Mr. Hubinette is not switching to motorcycles... he's learning to drive a car on two wheels.

Someone with his level of car control should be able to pick this up relatively quickly. In fact, Sam Hubinette takes to two-wheeled action like he has been doing it his whole life, and it took preposterously few attempts for him to master the art. Hit the ramp and click past the jump to check out Hubinette learning a new skill.

Now, we're thinking we need to try our hand at two-wheeled driving too... anybody got a car we can borrow?

[Source: YouTube via MotorWorldHype]

Continue reading Video: Sam Hubinette learns how to drive sideways all over again

Video: Sam Hubinette learns how to drive sideways all over again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sam Hubinette added to ESPN X Games SuperRally roster

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

ESPN recently announced the addition of SuperRally to the banquet of driving discipline at the X Games, and now it's been revealed that champion drifter Sam Hubinette will be one of the SuperRally entrants. He'll be behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution built by Sam Hubinette Racing stablemate Andrew Comrie-Picard, who's already got four years of experience participating in the X Games. Hubinette's no tyro, though - he got his first racing license at the age of 16 in Sweden, running a Volvo 142 in rallycross.

The SuperRally event takes place on the Saturday of the four-night event, July 29 to August 1 at the LA Coliseum. If you can't wait until then to see him, he'll be in Formula D action in two weeks and rumor has it you can find his work in a Tom Cruise flick opening this weekend.

[Source: Sam Hubinette Racing]

Sam Hubinette added to ESPN X Games SuperRally roster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sam Hubinette drifts his new 865-hp Dodge Challenger

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Dodge, Racing

Hubinette's Charger an Comrie-Picard's Viper during drift testing - Click above to watch video after the jump

Sam Hubinette has started his own racing team, Samuel Hubinette Racing, given his title-winning Dodge Viper to team driver Andrew Comrie-Picard and picked up a shiny Dodge Challenger for himself. The team went out to Adam's Motorsports Park in Riverside, California to shake everything down, and the result is a couple of orange blurs and a lot of smoke.

High-res pics are below, with video of the Viper and the 885-horsepower Challenger eating up a set of low-profile BFGoodrich tires after the jump, along with a presser on BFG's kickoff to the Formula D season.

Gallery: Samuel Hubinette Racing out testing

[Source: BFGoodrich, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Sam Hubinette drifts his new 865-hp Dodge Challenger

Video: Sam Hubinette drifts his new 865-hp Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2011 Volvo S60 driven by drifter-for-hire Sam Hubinette

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Volvo

Click above to watch the video after the jump

It has been a very long time since Volvo has introduced an all-new sedan. Actually, the last all-new Volvo sedan was the S80, a model that debuted back in late 2006. That explains why we've been seeing the continuous unveiling of the new-for-2011 S60 over the past year, even though the official unveiling in Geneva is still over a week away.

To get prospective buyers primed up for the new S60, Volvo has launched a myriad of video teasers and pics of the highly anticipated midsize offering. The newest 90-second video includes drifter extraordinaire (and one-time Volvo test driver) Sam Hubinette as he takes the S60 off the beaten path and onto some fun-looking sand. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. We were already interested in trying out the 300 horsepower, 325 pound feet of torque T6 S60, and this video has done little, if anything, to quench that thirst.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60

[Source: Volvo via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2011 Volvo S60 driven by drifter-for-hire Sam Hubinette

Video: 2011 Volvo S60 driven by drifter-for-hire Sam Hubinette originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance

Formula Drift, Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery

There needs to be a good reason for us to stand in 117-degree heat ingesting particulate rubber and inhaling the tangy stench of tire smoke. An invite to the Las Vegas round of Formula Drift didn't appear to be reason enough, until we realized we didn't have the faintest clue what drifting is really all about. So, with education as our aim we headed into the heat of ten thousands suns to learn what the high-powered slip-n-slide entails. We came away with two findings: one, drifting takes enormous skill; two, drifting isn't a motorsport - it's figure skating. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Continue reading Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer

Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog enlists in Sam Hubinette's 360 Performance Driving Academy

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST

Sam Hubinette's 360 Performance Driving Academy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Write about cars long enough and it is ineluctable that you will partake in some manner of driving exercise accompanied by a "professional driving instructor." This is often not nearly as enjoyable as it sounds; instead of increasing your speed around a track guided by a kind, Kung Fu-like master, you end up trying to obey staccato commands issued by someone with all the charm of Vulture Eye. It was with this in mind that we trudged to the El Toro airfield in Orange County, California to get seat time at the 360 Performance Driving Academy taught by Mr. Drifter, Mr. Lamborghini Commercials, Mr. Fast & Furious Stunt Driver himself, Sam Hubinette. And we are thrilled to report that this is an awesome - yes, awesome - driving school.

Gallery: 360 Performance Driving Academy

Continue reading Autoblog enlists in Sam Hubinette's 360 Performance Driving Academy

Autoblog enlists in Sam Hubinette's 360 Performance Driving Academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chrysler

Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Viper - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an unsurprising turn of events, Chrysler has pulled its sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drifting team as part of the company's restructuring plan. The bankrupt automaker's Formula Drift program was run by Shaun Carlson's NuFormz Racing, which began with Mopar in 2002, competing in the NHRA Sport Compact division. The team eventually made their way into drifting in 2004, where Hubinette captured the championship behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper during Formula D's inaugural season. Hubinette went onto several podium finishes, placing second overall in 2006 and claiming runner-up finishes in both 2005 and 2008.

Although the team's last sideways outing will be at the New Jersey Speedway on June 5 and 6, Chrysler's Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy, Mike Accavitti, said in a release, "At this time, [Chrysler] plan[s] to continue supporting our other racing sponsorships into the foreseeable future." Make the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler via EverythingDrift]

Continue reading Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team

Mopar pulls sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drift team originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 300ZX Longtailghini spotted in Beijing

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, China, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Call it the Lamborgawdy LP300ZX. This "tuned" Nissan was spotted at China's version of SEMA, the Beijing Automobile Accessories and Decorations Show. It's from a firm called MPS, which stands for Max Power Sports. Apparently, they bumped the stock 300 hp engine to a more Lambo-esque 500 poinies, so at least the "Power" part seems somewhat credible, but the real draw is that Lamborghini Murcielago body kit. It apparently takes a lot of extra bodywork to create a faux mid-engine look. Note the "Driftmaster" sign in the backround. We doubt this would be fun to run in the D1. We'd stick with the LP670-4 as driven by Sam Hubinette for sideways duty, and have to say we prefer the Tractorri Mustang in the Lamborghini Frankencar category. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: MPS Lamborghini Nissan 300ZX

[Source: thetycho]

Nissan 300ZX Longtailghini spotted in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Sam Hubinette's new ride an '09 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:22:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Dodge

Click above for high-res gallery of the new Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger

Using the slogan, "if you can dream it, you can build it with Mopar," the Dodge boys introduced Sam Hübinette's 2009 Mopar Dodge Drift Challenger. Team owner Shaun Carlson and driver Samuel Hübinette introduced the car and pointed out some of the unique features, like the 850-hp Hemi underhood. While that should definitely help Sam in his quest to retake the title for Mopar, one additional fun touch should help the team cut their repair bills. The driver's side rear fender has a built-in line of roller blade wheels to keep him skimming along the walls rather than tearing the quarter panels away on contact. We doubt it will hold up to anything harder than a five-mph brush, but it was interesting nonetheless. The car they showed us was actually a cutaway as you'll see from the gallery and hit the jump to read all of the specs.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Sam Hubinette's new ride an '09 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger

SEMA 2008: Sam Hubinette's new ride an '09 Mopar Drift Dodge Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sam Hubinette cuts it real close

Drew Phillips — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Dodge

Click above to witness Hubinette's drifting skills

We know Sam Hubinette has incredible drifting skills. The Crazy Swede is a two-time champion in Formula Drift and makes a living doing stunt driving, but that still doesn't mean we would put our life in his hands. Streetfire.net's Creative Director Alexis Godschalk, however, seems to have more of either faith or bravery than we do. While filming a video intro StreetFire, Hubinette sends his Viper hurtling towards Godschalk and doesn't even flinch. Follow the jump to watch the video and see just how close Hubinette gets. (Hint: very)

[Source: StreetFire.net]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sam Hubinette cuts it real close

VIDEO: Sam Hubinette cuts it real close originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sam Hubinette in Formula D action

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Celebrities

When you're winging a vehicle as expensive and powerful as a purpose-built Dodge Viper drift car, being fearful will only lead to a bad ending. Sam Hubinette doesn't have any such compunctions while sliding sideways at 90 miles per hour. Should he inadvertently hit the wall, whoops. Fretting over potential contact will likely only make it inevitable. The hairy-chested car guys over at 0-60 were hanging out at the third round of Formula Drift competition in Englishtown, NJ, and caught up with the Skidding Swede for a few minutes while shooting a larger video of the competition. The smoky event saw Hubinette's Viper place second to Tanner Foust's Nissan 350Z. Foust, you'll recall, is one of the hosts of NBC's domestic "Top Gear." Good to know he can drive. Now's your chance to take shots at drifting and complain about how it's not racing, and doesn't require any skill, though we assure you it is, and it does. You still don't have to like it. Video posted after the jump

Gallery: Formla D round 3

[Source: 0-60]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sam Hubinette in Formula D action

VIDEO: Sam Hubinette in Formula D action originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sam Hubinette's Lamborghini LP-560 drifting video

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini, Lifestyle

When Jaguar's "Gorgeous" campaign TV ads came out a few years back with the XK, some ad critics questioned the none-too-subtle message they contained: older, distinguished gentleman gets to frolic with beautiful young women when he drives this car. Whether or not that's the case -- concerning the ad or in real life -- a new Lamborghini commercial with Sam Hubinette takes that same riff and, being Lamborghini, pushes it even further.

Hubinette and some wet, downtown LA roads show what the car can do, and the spot also shows what the car has. Boasting "features like no other," the first one of which is a Phone Number Collecting Set that appears to specialize in tall brunettes, the car also has an Anti-Boredom Assistant (that engine, a Talk of the Town Guarantee, and a Gets Into All Clubs function0. And that's all before you order it in Giallo Halys (that's Lamborghini-speak for "yellow.") Follow the jump to check out the video and the powerslides. Thanks for the tip, Eric!

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Sam Hubinette's Lamborghini LP-560 drifting video

Sam Hubinette's Lamborghini LP-560 drifting video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 10 May 2008 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Dodge, Lamborghini

He usually spends his time behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, but recently Samuel Hübinette made an exchange for something with a lower roofline. Lamborghini asked him to take a seat in a 2009 Gallardo for the filming of a European-market commercial set on the streets of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Blowing tire smoke for the camera is nothing new to Sam since his blue Mopar-mobile has been featured in many a BF Goodrich tire commercial. Unlike the Charger though, the Gallardo isn't quite the towering elephant. It is also equipped with all wheel drive, a feature that requires a bit more driving finesse in order to pull off an extended slide. Look for the spot to hit YouTube sometime in the not too distant future. Also follow the link to see a few more of Sam's photos from filming.

Thanks for the tip, Eric!
[Source: Samuel Hubinette Blog]

Sam Hubinette filming Gallardo drifting commercial for Lamborghini originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 May 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, First Drives

Click the above image for a high-res gallery of Drew Phillips' photos from the event

Spring Festival of LXs - that's the official name of the event, but we doubt many will make the connection to Chrysler's current crop of Hemi cars - you know, the hot-selling, multi-configurable, rough-and-tumble Charger/Magnum/300C platform. It would probably be better to rename it as the Modern Hemi Car Event or some derivitive thereof. Well, whatever they call it, close to 400 cars were in attendance (340 registered cars) at the DaimlerChrysler west coast headquarters in Irvine. Lots of SRTs in the group, too.

Besides all of the proud owners, special guests included Burke S. Brown (chief engineer of the LX vehicle program), Kris Pakizer (Chrysler 300 brand manager), Zoran Bogdanovic (Charger and Magnum brand manager), MOPAR's drift master Sam Hubinette, and of course, DUB, with several of their modified LXs including one of only two officially approved Barbie Edition specials with pink-over-silver paint and Swarovski crystal highlights. The event even hosted a wedding between two LX owners.

Saturday was the fun shine and show, but on Sunday class reconvened at California Speedway in Fontana. The participants had a lot to choose from during their track day. They were allowed to run on the road course (which includes part of the Speedway oval), they could do an autocross session, try their foot at the burnout contest, or even take a lick at the donut competition. We love when manufacturers rally the troops and treat them to a special day enjoying their vehicles they way they were meant to be.

[Source: Muscle Car News]

Gallery: Spring Festival of LXes

Spring Festival of LXs: Yep, they ALL have Hemis in them originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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