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[Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



As the official safety car of the World Superbike motorcycle racing series, it's a little odd that Alfa Romeo decided to publicize its Mito SBK by performing what appears to be a rather dangerous stunt. Odd... but awesome.

Officially known as the limited edition Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK, the four-wheeler was driven by professional stunt driver Paul Swift at the Silverstone Circuit in Britain. Joining Swift was Chris "The Stalker" Walker on his Kawasaki Ninja, the two-wheeler that normally sees duty in the British Superbike class.

Despite being an even two minutes long, the entire video really only consists of this single stunt. At least it's one really good stunt. See for yourself by watching the video down below.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking"

Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeochris walkerdriving stuntmitomito sbkmotorcycle stuntpaul swiftsilverstonestuntvideoworld superbikeThu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/20444800/article-detail.xml 20444800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-31-at-2.22-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-31-at-2.22-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this world-record parade of 964 Ferrari models prancing at Silverstone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/watch-this-world-record-parade-of-964-ferrari-models-prancing-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/watch-this-world-record-parade-of-964-ferrari-models-prancing-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/watch-this-world-record-parade-of-964-ferrari-models-prancing-at/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

964 Ferrari models in world-record parade lap at Silverstone - Sept. 15, 2012

Five years ago, Ferrari entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the Largest Parade of Ferrari Cars. They sandwiched 385 Prancing Horses to trot around the UK's Silverstone Circuit, thereby fulfilling the requirements of driving at least two miles no further than two car lengths apart, with a Guinness rep on hand to count the cars at the beginning and the end of lap. The record was broken a year later when 490 Ferraris lapped Japan's Suzuka circuit. This year we heard Ferrari UK was trying to do retake the crown at the Silverstone Classic, but with a nice, round 1,000 cars.

The Classic was held over the weekend, and the organizers charge got admirably close to the target: as certified by Guinness, 964 Ferraris traipsed around Silverstone on Saturday and set a record that will probably stand at least another four years. Sure, they got a little leeway with that two car-lengths rule, but nobody's quibbling in light of the spectacle of $162 million worth of sports cars with a combined displacement of 5,000 liters showing off 493,150 slow-rolling horsepower.

Factory Formula One hotshoe Felipe Massa led the impressive procession in a 458 Spider. Check it out the cavalcade in the videos below.

Continue reading Watch this world-record parade of 964 Ferrari models prancing at Silverstone

Watch this world-record parade of 964 Ferrari models prancing at Silverstone originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>felipe massaferrariferrari paradeguinness book of world recordsmassasilverstonesilverstone classicvideoworld recordMon, 17 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20325451/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/watch-this-world-record-parade-of-964-ferrari-models-prancing-at/20325451/article-detail.xml 20325451 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-record-breaking-parade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ferrari-record-breaking-parade.jpg <![CDATA[What 60 Ferrari F40s look (and sound) like]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/what-60-ferrari-f40s-look-and-sound-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/what-60-ferrari-f40s-look-and-sound-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/what-60-ferrari-f40s-look-and-sound-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It isn't clear if Ferrari's London office was able to marshal a record-breaking 1,000 prancing horses for this year's Silverstone Classic, but there was another record broken: 60 F40s in one place lapping the Silverstone track on the supercar's 25th anniversary.

You'll find a video below from YouTube user Munch997 with footage of the parade and the paddock, as well as a press release and high-res photos. According to one of the commenters who was supposedly driving one of those F40s, there were actually 62 that showed up on the day. Which makes it an even better, redder record. Scroll down to check it out.

Continue reading What 60 Ferrari F40s look (and sound) like

What 60 Ferrari F40s look (and sound) like originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandf40ferrariferrari f40silverstonesilverstone classicukvideovideosyoutubeThu, 26 Jul 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20285303/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/what-60-ferrari-f40s-look-and-sound-like/20285303/article-detail.xml 20285303 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ferrarif40parade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/ferrarif40parade.jpg <![CDATA[Chasing gold at Silverstone for the 2012 British Grand Prix [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/08/chasing-gold-at-silverstone-for-the-2012-british-grand-prix-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/08/chasing-gold-at-silverstone-for-the-2012-british-grand-prix-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/08/chasing-gold-at-silverstone-for-the-2012-british-grand-prix-spo/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 British Grand Prix

The British Grand Prix could be considered the sport's home race. That's why Silverstone, as behind the times as it may be, is still on the calendar, and why so many elements within the sport are keen on having a race in London. Because while other races come and go, F1 could not do without a British Grand Prix in some form or another.

This year's came hot on the heels of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where several drivers were on hand to demonstrate Formula One machinery old and new. From there it was on to Silverstone where the real action took place today, taking a season jam-packed with action one step closer to the halfway mark. Keep reading to see how it went down.

Continue reading Chasing gold at Silverstone for the 2012 British Grand Prix [spoilers]

Chasing gold at Silverstone for the 2012 British Grand Prix [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british grand prixf1formula 1formula onegrand prixsilverstoneSun, 08 Jul 2012 13:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/08/chasing-gold-at-silverstone-for-the-2012-british-grand-prix-spo/20273720/article-detail.xml 20273720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/britgp-01-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/britgp-01-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari aims to set record at Silverstone with thousand-car parade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ferrari parade at Silverstone

The record for the longest parade of Ferrari models was set back in 2007 when 385 examples lapped Silverstone at the same time. That record was broken with 490 cars sometime thereafter, but the Maranello automaker's London-based unit is gearing up to shatter the record once again.

So far, Ferrrari North Europe has registered a whopping 600 cars to participate in the event during the Ferrari Racing Days event at Silverstone. That would be enough to take back the record on its own, but the organizers are hopping to attract another 400 participants over the next few months to make it a nice, round 1000 vehicles.

That'll set the bar high enough when the event takes place on September 15, but to see what the previous run of 385 cars looks like, take a stroll through the high-resolution image gallery above.

Continue reading Ferrari aims to set record at Silverstone with thousand-car parade

Ferrari aims to set record at Silverstone with thousand-car parade originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari north europeferrari northern europeferrari paradegreat britainguinnessparaderecordsilverstoneukunited kingdomworld recordTue, 19 Jun 2012 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/19/ferrari-aims-to-set-record-at-silverstone-with-thousand-car-para/20261463/article-detail.xml 20261463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferrari-silverstone-record_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferrari-silverstone-record.jpg <![CDATA[Matt Neal takes the British Touring Car Championship for Honda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/matt-neal-takes-the-british-touring-car-championship-for-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/matt-neal-takes-the-british-touring-car-championship-for-honda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/matt-neal-takes-the-british-touring-car-championship-for-honda/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 BTCC finale

After an epic five-way showdown for the crown and a record 30-car field, Matt Neal has won the British Touring Car Championship, becoming the first three-time champion in the series since the '80s. The battle came down to the final three races held this past weekend at Silverstone - the same iconic circuit that hosts the British Grand Prix in Formula One along with countless other top-tier automobile and motorcycle races.

After securing pole position, Neal drove his Honda Civic to victory in Race 1, his teammate Gordon Shedden beat him out for Race 2 and the pair came eighth and tenth (starting on a reverse grid) behind race winner Tom Chilton in the Ford Focus. The points accrued were enough for Neal to claim the title with 257 points to Shedden's 249, while Chevrolet's defending champion Jason Plato landed third in the standings with 236. Mat Jackson and James Nash, who were both also in contention for the title up until the end of the third race, tied for fourth with 191 points.

In a further victory for the Honda, the team won the manufacturers' championship as well as the teams' title, while James Nash's Vauxhall-fielding 888 Racing team won the drivers' and teams' titles in the independent category. It was surely a high note for Honda on which to finish as it continues preparing a new NGTC-spec touring car based on the new European-market Civic for next year's championship, when it will seek to defend its titles once again and make it a hat trick. Follow the jump for the pair of full press releases.

Continue reading Matt Neal takes the British Touring Car Championship for Honda

Matt Neal takes the British Touring Car Championship for Honda originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipbtcccivichondahonda civicmatt nealsilverstoneWed, 19 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/matt-neal-takes-the-british-touring-car-championship-for-honda/20083313/article-detail.xml 20083313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webhonda-btcc-win_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webhonda-btcc-win.jpg <![CDATA[British Touring Car Championship down to five-way title fight at Silverstone finale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/british-touring-car-championship-down-to-five-way-title-fight-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/british-touring-car-championship-down-to-five-way-title-fight-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/british-touring-car-championship-down-to-five-way-title-fight-at/#commentsFiled under: ,

British Touring Car Championship

It's not often that the series crosses these pages, but there's no getting around the fact that UK racing fans have enjoyed an unprecedented level of competition in the British Touring Car Championship this year. No season in BTCC history has had a bigger or more varied field of entries, the lead in the standings has changed hands a head-spinning eleven times this season, and with one last stop on the calendar at England's storied Silverstone circuit, it's down to a whopping five-car showdown for the title.

Still in contention for the championship this late in the season are Jason Plato (the Fifth Gear host who drives the Chevrolet Cruze touring car), Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden (both in Honda Civics), Mat Jackson (Ford Focus) and James Nash (Vauxhall Vectra). Although Neal, Plato and Shedden are very much in the lead (with 225, 220 and 220 points, respectively), Jackson and Nash (189 and 181) are both still in the running as domination at Silverstone could still catapult either to the crown.

The contest was left open after an exciting stop at Brands Hatch, where Plato took the checkered flag in both the first two races. The Civics were relegated further behind in the record 29-car field in those first two, but returned for a 1-2 finish in the third and final race of the weekend. Follow the jump for more details and start crossing off squares on your calendar until the championship wraps up with three races at Silverstone two weeks from now.

Continue reading British Touring Car Championship down to five-way title fight at Silverstone finale

British Touring Car Championship down to five-way title fight at Silverstone finale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british touring car championshipbtccgordon sheddenjames nashjason platomat jacksonmatt nealplatosilverstonetouring carWed, 05 Oct 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072208/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/british-touring-car-championship-down-to-five-way-title-fight-at/20072208/article-detail.xml 20072208 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/65529btcc-start-plato_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/65529btcc-start-plato.jpg <![CDATA[New Formula Renault 3.5 racer unveiled at Silverstone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/new-formula-renault-3-5-racer-unveiled-at-silverstone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/new-formula-renault-3-5-racer-unveiled-at-silverstone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/24/new-formula-renault-3-5-racer-unveiled-at-silverstone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Formula Renault 3.5

Formula One drivers aren't born, they're made. Sure, a select few enter life with otherworldly reflexes, a sixth sense for speed and the financial backing needed to make it to the top. But there's a whole mess of steps they need to take before they can get there. And for many - take Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica as a couple of examples - one of those steps is the World Series by Renault. Now, after a long period of development, series organizers have released the new Formula Renault 3.5 that will serve as the training wheels for the next generation of grand prix pilots.

The new FR3.5 is built around a chassis developed with Dallara and packs a 530-horsepower V8 engine furnished by Zytek. Compared with the model it replaces, the latest single-seater is composed of 70 percent new parts, packs 50 more horsepower and is 15 kilos (33 pounds) lighter. As a result, testing showed it to be 2.6 seconds quicker around Spain's Aragon circuit in Spain than the current model.

It also packs the latest carbon brakes, specially developed Michelin slicks and even a DRS variable rear wing like the one currently used in F1, all there to help aspiring drivers gain their footing on the run up to the big leagues. 26 new cars will be delivered to eager teams in January ahead of the first test session of the WSR season in March. While they're waiting, you can scope it out right now in our high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading New Formula Renault 3.5 racer unveiled at Silverstone

New Formula Renault 3.5 racer unveiled at Silverstone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallaraformula racingformula renaultformula renault 3.5fr3.5open-wheelrenaultsilverstoneworld series by renaultzytekWed, 24 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20024565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/24/new-formula-renault-3-5-racer-unveiled-at-silverstone/20024565/article-detail.xml 20024565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/fr35web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/fr35web.jpg <![CDATA[Vintage Morgan goes tumbling at Silverstone Classic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/vintage-morgan-goes-tumbling-at-silverstone-classic/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/vintage-morgan-goes-tumbling-at-silverstone-classic/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/vintage-morgan-goes-tumbling-at-silverstone-classic/#commentsFiled under: ,

vintage morgan roadster roll over

Vintage racing is one of the more beautiful forms of motorsport. Classic machines returning to the track create a flurry of aural and visual delights. It's also a test of the person behind the wheel, as older race cars are more difficult to drive than their modern counterparts.

Morgan driver Luther Blissett left the Silverstone Classic with a personal reminder of vintage racing's inherent dangers. When taking a sharp inside line, his Morgan roadster caught the curb, which sent the lightweight two-door tumbling. Fortunately, Blissett came out of the scrape unhurt, but his classic Morgan was in rough shape. Follow the jump for the clip.

Continue reading Vintage Morgan goes tumbling at Silverstone Classic

Vintage Morgan goes tumbling at Silverstone Classic originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>morganmorgan roadstermorgan rollover crashsilverstonesilverstone classicvideoSat, 30 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20004474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/30/vintage-morgan-goes-tumbling-at-silverstone-classic/20004474/article-detail.xml 20004474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/morgan-roll_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/morgan-roll.jpg <![CDATA[Alonso laps Ferrari's first grand prix winner at Silverstone... sixty years later]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/alonso-laps-ferraris-first-grand-prix-winner-at-silverstone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/alonso-laps-ferraris-first-grand-prix-winner-at-silverstone/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/alonso-laps-ferraris-first-grand-prix-winner-at-silverstone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fernando Alonso in the 1951 Ferrari 375 at Silverstone

Ferrari sure had a lot to celebrate this past weekend at Silverstone. Not only did Fernando Alonso score the team's first win of the season, but he did it on a rather momentous occasion for the Scuderia: Sixty years ago in 1951, José Floilán González scored the team's very first victory at the same grand prix, held on the same second weekend in July as this year's race.

In what might be seen as a bit of a premonition of Alonso's victory, or maybe just a little touch of good luck, the two-time world champion borrowed the very same car in which González took the checkered flag there sixty years ago around for a couple of hot laps, and even got it a little sideways coming out of the corners.

The 1951 Ferrari 375 today belongs to F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who was evidently glad to bring it over to the Northamptonshire circuit for the historic demonstration and entrust it to a pair of hands that, as proven on race day, are some of the most skilled in the world. Follow the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading Alonso laps Ferrari's first grand prix winner at Silverstone... sixty years later

Alonso laps Ferrari's first grand prix winner at Silverstone... sixty years later originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1951 british grand prix1951 ferrari 3752011 british grand prixbritish grand prixfernando alonsoferrariferrari 375silverstonevideoFri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19991114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/alonso-laps-ferraris-first-grand-prix-winner-at-silverstone/19991114/article-detail.xml 19991114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/alonso-f375_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/alonso-f375.jpg <![CDATA[2011 British Grand Prix brings the circus back home to Silverstone [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 British Grand Prix
2011 British Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Unlike racing series such as IndyCar or Le Mans, the Formula One championship isn't built around any specific race. But even though each grand prix carries the same weight in the standings, some are, symbolically speaking, more important than others. While Monaco is clearly the most exciting, and emblematic of the series as a whole, we'd argue that none are as important to the teams as the British Grand Prix.

Since more teams are based in the UK than anywhere else, the race at Silverstone is considered home turf for about half the grid, not to mention the spiritual home of grand prix racing. So with the British Grand Prix unfolding this weekend, who took top honors? Follow the jump and we'll tell you.

Continue reading 2011 British Grand Prix brings the circus back home to Silverstone [spoilers]

2011 British Grand Prix brings the circus back home to Silverstone [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishbritish grand prixenglandf1formula 1formula onegrand prixsilverstoneukSun, 10 Jul 2011 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19987454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/10/2011-british-grand-prix-brings-the-circus-back-home-to-silversto/19987454/article-detail.xml 19987454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web009britishgp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web009britishgp.jpg <![CDATA[Renault gears up for race weekend with Silverstone GP edition Twingo & Clio RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/renault-gears-up-for-race-weekend-with-silverstone-gp-edition-tw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/renault-gears-up-for-race-weekend-with-silverstone-gp-edition-tw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/07/renault-gears-up-for-race-weekend-with-silverstone-gp-edition-tw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Renault Twingo & Clio RS Silverstone GP editions
Renault Twingo & Clio RS Silverstone GP editions - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the British Grand Prix coming up this weekend, Renault has launched a pair of special edition hot hatches to join its new Megane Trophy.

Based on the existing Twingo Renaultsport 133 and Clio Renaultsport 200, the Silverstone GP editions upgrade on their already considerable levels of specification with such special touches as silver paint with contrasting black wheels, roof and mirror housings, tinted rear windows, Silverstone badges, Renaultsport Monitor performance tracking systems and the competition-focused Cup suspension as standard.

The Twingo also gets a black spoiler and fog light surrounds and a stainless exhaust, while the Clio gets Recaro buckets and Bluetooth connectivity. Each model will be limited to 50 individually numbered examples, exclusive to the UK, and come with special driving instruction around the grand prix circuit for which they're named. Check 'em out in our high-res image gallery and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Renault gears up for race weekend with Silverstone GP edition Twingo & Clio RS

Renault gears up for race weekend with Silverstone GP edition Twingo & Clio RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio renaulsport 200renaultrenault cliorenault clio rsrenault clio rs 200renaultsportsilverstonesilverstone gptwingotwingo renaulsport 133twingo rs 133Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19982374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/07/renault-gears-up-for-race-weekend-with-silverstone-gp-edition-tw/19982374/article-detail.xml 19982374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-rs-silverstone_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/web-rs-silverstone.jpg <![CDATA[Watch as hot-headed Aston Martin GT1 racer retaliates against Nissan GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

silverstone crash screenshot
Anger at Silverstone - Click above to watch video after the jump

Contact during racing is typically accidental. Sometimes, however, you can't call a crash an accident when one of the drivers involved clearly looks like he's out to inflict a little pain. Just such a crackup occurred during a GT1 race at Silverstone this weekend when Aston Martin driver Stefan Mücke was a tad unhappy with Nissan GT-R driver Richard Westbrook.

About halfway through the race, Westbrook attempted to cut inside of Mücke's Aston but the GT-R had no room, and instead went into the side of the British racecar, sending it spinning off track. Mücke regained control... but not his composure. He caught up with Westbrook and... well, click past the jump to watch the clip.

Continue reading Watch as hot-headed Aston Martin GT1 racer retaliates against Nissan GT-R

Watch as hot-headed Aston Martin GT1 racer retaliates against Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston-martinfiafia gt1gt1gt1 aston martingt1 nissan gt-rnissannissan gt-rsilverstonesilverstone crashvideoMon, 06 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19959243/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/watch-as-hot-headed-aston-martin-gt1-racer-retaliates-against-ni/19959243/article-detail.xml 19959243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/silverstone-crash-1307371416_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/silverstone-crash-1307371416.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche to relocate U.S. headquarters to ex-Ford facility, plans to build track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/porsche-to-relocate-u-s-headquarters-to-ex-ford-facility-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/porsche-to-relocate-u-s-headquarters-to-ex-ford-facility-plans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/porsche-to-relocate-u-s-headquarters-to-ex-ford-facility-plans/#commentsFiled under: ,

porsche logo

The North American headquarters for Porsche has been in an Atlanta suburb for years, but a report by the Atlanta Journal Constitution suggests that's about to change. Unnamed sources claim that the German automaker is planning to announce that it will build a new headquarters on the site of the former Ford Taurus plant, just outside the Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport.

The old plant has since been leveled and the ground has been scrubbed of environmental hazards left from years of industrial use, so Porsche will need to start from scratch. That's probably a good thing, since the German company reportedly plans to build a new offices where the plant was demolished and a new test track very similar to the automaker's facility in Silverstone, England. Porsche's lease at its current location ends in 2013, and it is likely to take several years to complete a new facility.

If true, the move would bring hundreds of new marketing and sales jobs to the region, though most positions are likely already filled at Porsche's current suburban location. Porsche is expected to make the announcement on Thursday.

Porsche to relocate U.S. headquarters to ex-Ford facility, plans to build track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford taurus plantporscheporsche atlantaporsche headquartersporsche hqporsche test tracksilverstoneWed, 11 May 2011 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/11/porsche-to-relocate-u-s-headquarters-to-ex-ford-facility-plans/19937524/article-detail.xml 19937524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/392010911turboreview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/392010911turboreview.jpg <![CDATA[Video: <i>Autocar</i> pits Porsche's Cayman R vs. Cayman S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/video-autocar-pits-porsches-cayman-r-vs-cayman-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/video-autocar-pits-porsches-cayman-r-vs-cayman-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/video-autocar-pits-porsches-cayman-r-vs-cayman-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

porsche cayman r
Cayman R vs. Cayman S - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Cayman S is considered by many to be the best-handling Porsche currently available. After all, the Cayman is 90 percent Boxster with just a teensy bit more power and a fixed roof. The all-new Cayman R, however, has still more power, is lowered by about an inch, loses about 100 pounds and adds the lightest wheels currently available on a production Porsche. So, which version of the Cayman really is the best-handling Porsche?

The folks at Autocar asked that very question, and they set aside some track time to find out. The S goes first, and Autocar's Matt Prior gushes over the Porsche's steering and handling while he slips and slides through the Silverstone Porsche driving experience track. Then comes the Cayman R, which very obviously has even less trouble keeping all four tires glued to the road. So, which one takes the cake? Hit the jump to find out for yourself.


Gallery: 2011 Porsche Cayman R: First Drive

2011 Porsche Cayman R2011 Porsche Cayman R2011 Porsche Cayman R2011 Porsche Cayman R2011 Porsche Cayman R

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Video: Autocar pits Porsche's Cayman R vs. Cayman S

Video: Autocar pits Porsche's Cayman R vs. Cayman S originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Of the more than 52,000 contestants who originally entered into the United States version of GT Academy, jointly hosted by Nissan and Sony, just 16 have advanced to the final competition being held in Silverstone in the United Kingdom. The top 32 virtual racers from the four U.S. regions descended on Orlando, Florida this week to go pixel-to-pixel for a spot among the sweet 16. But this is about more than just bragging rights. Those that made it into the final round will face a battery of new challenges, including physical fitness tests and evaluations behind the wheel of real-live race cars.

The top winner will have a shot at becoming a professional race car driver by joining a legitimate team, just like GT Academy Europe winner Lucas Ordonez. As you may recall, Ordonez and his team managed to finish second at the 12 Hours of Sebring with a Signatech Nissan LMP2 racer, and the 25-year-old Spaniard is headed to this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans for a shot at taking home the checkers at one of the world's most grueling race events.

Nissan and Sony are currently working up a reality TV show about the GT Academy's U.S. contestants. While the winner will be chosen after the throwdown in Sivlerstone this summer, look for the show to hit the airwaves this fall. Hit the jump for the full list of final contestants.

[Sources: Sony, Nissan, GTPlanet | Image: Zach Bowman/AOL]

Continue reading GT Academy 'Sweet 16' head to Silverstone

GT Academy 'Sweet 16' head to Silverstone originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo 5gt academygt academy finalistsnissaplaystationplaystation 3silverstonesonyus gt academyThu, 24 Mar 2011 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19890411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/24/gt-academy-sweet-16-head-to-silverstone/19890411/article-detail.xml 19890411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gt-academy-winners-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/gt-academy-winners-630.jpg <![CDATA[Video: McLaren takes first MP4-12C GT3 out for Silverstone test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/video-mclaren-takes-first-mp4-12c-gt3-out-for-silverstone-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/video-mclaren-takes-first-mp4-12c-gt3-out-for-silverstone-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/11/video-mclaren-takes-first-mp4-12c-gt3-out-for-silverstone-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

mclaren mp4-12c gt3
McLaren MP4-12C GT3 takes to the track - Click above to watch video after the jump

McLaren has just unveiled the racing version of its all-new street-fighting MP4-12C. The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 has been out running England's Silverstone circuit with new test driver Álvaro Parente at the wheel. The race-version of McLaren's new coupe is nearly four inches wider than the street version. It also features completely reworked suspension, which was first tested on McLaren's in-house simulator.

Power is provided by the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the standard MP4-12C. However, in GT3 guise, the setup has been tuned for the track. A paddle-shifted Ricardo-designed transmission takes the place of the seven-speed unit found in the street car. Upgraded brakes have also been fitted to this race-prepped McLaren.

Beyond the mechanical changes, the MP4-12C GT3 gets aero-upgrades in the form of a front-splitter, fixed rear wing, additional door intake blade and new rear diffuser. Click past the jump to see all of these upgrades in action, as the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is put through the paces at Silverstone. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C GT3


[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading Video: McLaren takes first MP4-12C GT3 out for Silverstone test

Video: McLaren takes first MP4-12C GT3 out for Silverstone test originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alvaro parentefiagt3mclarenmclaren mp4-12cmclaren mp4-12c gt3mp4-12cmp4-12c gt3racing mclarensilverstonevideoFri, 11 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19876697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/11/video-mclaren-takes-first-mp4-12c-gt3-out-for-silverstone-test/19876697/article-detail.xml 19876697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/lede-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/lede-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar E-Type turning 50, doesn't look a day over 25]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/jaguar-e-type-turning-50-doesnt-look-a-day-over-25/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/jaguar-e-type-turning-50-doesnt-look-a-day-over-25/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/jaguar-e-type-turning-50-doesnt-look-a-day-over-25/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar E-Type turns 50 years old - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar's iconic E-type is celebrating a birthday this year and the shapely Brit is going to need 50 candles on its cake. Launched in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type was priced at £2,256, or about $3,612 USD based on current exchange rates. That £2,200 cost translates to £38,000 today, or about $61,000... a bargain compared to other exotic sports cars of its time and it was just as capable, with a top speed of 150 miles per hour.

Jaguar sold 70,000 E-Types over the course of 14 years and its style still holds up to this day. In fact, the styling of the E-Type gives other cars of any era cause to look in the mirror and weep silently. Even Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car in the world."

To honor the sultry coupe, Jaguar is planning a variety of motoring events throughout the year. The brand is the featured marquee at the 2011 Monterey Motorsports reunion and E-Types will be the toast of this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Nürburgring Old Timer Grand Prix and kicking off the birthday festivities will be the Silverstone Classic.

Click past the jump for details on the E-Type and its 50th birthday celebrations.


Gallery: Jaguar E-Type turns 50 years old


[Sources: Jaguar, Silverstone Classic]

Continue reading Jaguar E-Type turning 50, doesn't look a day over 25

Jaguar E-Type turning 50, doesn't look a day over 25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton doing the Magic Bus thing to Silverstone - Click above to watch video after the jump

Now that the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team has two World Championship Winning drivers who don't hiss and break into hives when they hear each others' names, principal sponsor Vodafone is making the most of it. Recently the two built - and we use that word loosely - one of their own cars. More recently, for a spot of fun before Silverstone, Hamilton and Button hopped into a 1966 VW Camper and drove from the McLaren Technical Center to the track, stopping at a gas station along the way to hand out race tickets. You'll find the shenanigans in the video after the jump. Great tip, Focus!

[Source: Vodafone-McLaren F1]

Continue reading Video: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton hit the road to Silverstone in a VW Bus

Video: Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton hit the road to Silverstone in a VW Bus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1Formula1Jenson ButtonJensonButtonlewis hamiltonLewisHamiltonmclarenmclaren F1MclarenF1silverstonesilverstone circuitsilverstone grand prixSilverstoneCircuitSilverstoneGrandPrixVodafonevodafone mclaren mercedesVodafoneMclarenMercedesMon, 12 Jul 2010 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19549710/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/12/video-jenson-button-and-lewis-hamilton-hit-the-road-to-silverst/19549710/article-detail.xml 19549710 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mclarenbussilverst_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mclarenbussilverst.jpg <![CDATA[2010 British Grand Prix: Favoritism stokes rivalry in "the Arena" [SPOILERS]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/11/2010-british-grand-prix-playing-favorites-fosters-sibling-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/11/2010-british-grand-prix-playing-favorites-fosters-sibling-rival/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/11/2010-british-grand-prix-playing-favorites-fosters-sibling-rival/#commentsFiled under:

2010 British Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

A Formula One World Championship without a British Grand Prix would be almost unthinkable. After all, England claims the mantle of the series' birthplace, and its GP (along with Italy's) stands as the longest-running in motor racing.

Despite all the history, this year's British Grand Prix almost didn't happen at all. At least, that's what Bernie Ecclestone might have had us believe. Amidst declining conditions at Silverstone, which first hosted the race in 1948 and has held it exclusively since '87, the contract almost went back to Brands Hatch (the track that alternated with Silverstone from '63 to '86). When that deal fell apart, Silverstone and its owner, the British Racing Drivers Club, sprung into action and implemented the first in a series of comprehensive renovations aimed at bringing the age-old circuit up to spec.

The result was a contract for hosting the British GP for the next seventeen years and a new layout dubbed "the Arena". After all the renovations, the negotiations and rivalry, the circus rolled into town and raced on the new track this weekend. Follow the jump to read how it went.


Gallery: 2010 British Grand Prix

Continue reading 2010 British Grand Prix: Favoritism stokes rivalry in "the Arena" [SPOILERS]

2010 British Grand Prix: Favoritism stokes rivalry in "the Arena" [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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