Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Iguana 29 is a $290,000 amphibious tank]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/the-iguana-29-is-a-290-000-amphibious-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/the-iguana-29-is-a-290-000-amphibious-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/the-iguana-29-is-a-290-000-amphibious-tank/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Iguana 29 amphibious tank

There's a vehicle for you if you have reoccurring nightmares about uncertain river crossings in the classic computer game Oregon Trail. The Iguana 29 is an amphibious vehicle designed to slowly go where no boat has gone before.

At the push of a button, the craft can lower two tank treads to pull itself across land at around five miles per hour, or about a quarter of the speed of the average automotive journalist shuffling his way to an open bar. So, it's not quick, but the machine could be incredibly useful in areas with exaggerated tides where docking your craft can be a hassle. The Iguana 29 simply allows owners to drive their boat up onto the beach, safe and sound.

With the treads stowed on open water, the Iguana 29 is good for a top speed of 35 knots, which is a far cry quicker than its land capability. How much will you have to pay for such a fine piece of engineering? Try $290,000. On second thought, we've never been much bothered by tides, exaggerated or not. Hit the jump to check out a video of the Iguana 29 in action.

Continue reading The Iguana 29 is a $290,000 amphibious tank

The Iguana 29 is a $290,000 amphibious tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amphibious caramphibious tankamphibious vehicleboatiguanaiguana 29tankvideoFri, 09 Dec 2011 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20124409/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/09/the-iguana-29-is-a-290-000-amphibious-tank/20124409/article-detail.xml 20124409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/iguana-29-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/iguana-29-628.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: The ins and outs of owning a tank]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/05/infographic-the-ins-and-outs-of-owning-a-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/05/infographic-the-ins-and-outs-of-owning-a-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/05/infographic-the-ins-and-outs-of-owning-a-tank/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tank ownership infographic

Tanks are a unique form of wheeled transportation. Performance is measured not in terms of speed or quickness, but how much destruction a tank can dish out and absorb in return. Tanks played a huge role in the first and second World Wars, but in our modern age of unmanned drone warfare and undetectable teams of special operators, these iron-sided bears have become to military aficionados what a Duesenberg is to a classic car collector. And thus, owning your own tank may be as attractive a proposition to you as putting an MG in your garage.

This infographic is a good primer for tank ownership, and includes such information as where to buy one, how much you can expect to pay, and the legal requirements you'll need to meet before you can call yourself the proud owner of a weapon of tracked destruction. You'll also be in good company, as the infographic cites a number of other known tank owners, including novelist Tom Clancy, which makes perfect sense when you think about it. Follow the jump to see the infographic from top to bottom.

Continue reading Infographic: The ins and outs of owning a tank

Infographic: The ins and outs of owning a tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infographicowning a tanktanktanksSat, 05 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/05/infographic-the-ins-and-outs-of-owning-a-tank/20099075/article-detail.xml 20099075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/owningatankver2-optlead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/owningatankver2-optlead.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this R/C tank tow a real Toyota SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/watch-this-r-c-tank-tow-a-real-toyota-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/watch-this-r-c-tank-tow-a-real-toyota-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/watch-this-r-c-tank-tow-a-real-toyota-suv/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's no Ford F-150, but this toy tank earns our respect for its towing prowess nonetheless. That second-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Model 90 weighs over two tons, but the not-so-little remote control tank seems to have no problem pulling it through a parking lot to the amusement of quite a few onlookers.

Like any YouTube video, we wonder what - if anything - we are not seeing. In the first shot, it does appear that the passenger door is open. Could someone be pushing to help the SUV overcome inertia?

Click through the jump to see the tank towing video, plus a little bonus footage of that late-90's Land Cruiser Prado.

Continue reading Watch this R/C tank tow a real Toyota SUV

Watch this R/C tank tow a real Toyota SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rcremote controltanktowingtoyvideoTue, 25 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20089726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/25/watch-this-r-c-tank-tow-a-real-toyota-suv/20089726/article-detail.xml 20089726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/video.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Russian strap-on tank conversion kit?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/13/video-russian-strap-on-tank-conversion-kit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/13/video-russian-strap-on-tank-conversion-kit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/13/video-russian-strap-on-tank-conversion-kit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Strap-on tank conversion
Russian strap-on tank treads - Click above to watch video

If you're Ken Block, you replace the four wheels on your Subaru with a set of Mattracks. If you're an enterprising inventor in Chelyabinsk, Russia with leftover tread assemblies from what looks like construction machinery, you make this... doohickey. Whatever rested on the treads before was removed, and in its place a car has been fitted. The video first shows a car driving onto the treads with its wheels still on, and while our Russian isn't what it used to be we can't imagine how that could work. Follow the jump to see the thing in action. And for those of you enduring the East Coast winter, shipping is available...

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Russian strap-on tank conversion kit?

Video: Russian strap-on tank conversion kit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chelyabinskinventiontankSat, 13 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19356389/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/13/video-russian-strap-on-tank-conversion-kit/19356389/article-detail.xml 19356389 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/strapontanktreads_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/strapontanktreads.jpg <![CDATA[Ripsaw MS1: Fastest two-track vehicle on terra firma?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/ripsaw-ms1-touted-as-fastest-two-track-vehicle-on-terra-firma/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/ripsaw-ms1-touted-as-fastest-two-track-vehicle-on-terra-firma/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/15/ripsaw-ms1-touted-as-fastest-two-track-vehicle-on-terra-firma/#commentsFiled under: ,



This is the Ripsaw MS1, a scratch-built tracked vehicle created by Howe & Howe productions. It's very fast -- its 650-horsepower blown 427 CID V8 rockets it from 0-50 in 3.5 seconds and lets it run up to 80 mph. It's also very agile, sporting a suspension with fourteen inches of travel that lets it handle bumpy terrain with aplomb. In fact, the Howe & Howe guys say it's the fastest tracked vehicle anywhere. We can't verify that, but based on the video embedded after the jump, it's clear that the Ripsaw does indeed have some serious giddyup. Lastly, based on the photo above, it can probably be made to look like a Cobra H.I.S.S. tank with a some extra effort, increasing its awesome factor by an order of magnitude. Who do we write the check out to?

Follow the jump to see it in action!

[Source: Howe & Howe Productions via Dieselstation]

Continue reading Ripsaw MS1: Fastest two-track vehicle on terra firma?

Ripsaw MS1: Fastest two-track vehicle on terra firma? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>howe 7 howeHowe7Howeripsawripsaw ms1RipsawMs1tanktrackedFri, 15 Jun 2007 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/918428/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/06/15/ripsaw-ms1-touted-as-fastest-two-track-vehicle-on-terra-firma/918428/article-detail.xml 918428 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/ripsaw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/ripsaw.jpg <![CDATA[No tanks necessary: Russian luxury personnel carrier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/no-tanks-necessary-russian-luxury-personnel-carrier/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/no-tanks-necessary-russian-luxury-personnel-carrier/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/no-tanks-necessary-russian-luxury-personnel-carrier/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Is the armored Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard not enough? How about a luxury tank?

This amphibious Russian combat reconnaissance/patrol vehicle was purchased by a Russian oligarch and retrofitted with a host of luxury equipment including a full leather interior with wood trim, plus night-vision, hi-fi stereo system, sat-nav and television with DVD player.

Being an amphibious vehicle, it can go in the water too, and has a periscope mounted to the roof to help the driver see where he's going and sonar to see what lies beneath. Get stuck on land? It's got extra wheels hidden underneath that can be deployed as needed. The thing ways weighs a few tons, and is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 diesel.

And here you thought the Hummer and G-wagon were the ultimate in luxury paramilitary vehicles. Park it next to your Aston Martin and you've got your own little James Bond flick goin' on.

(Follow the jump for more images.)

[Source: English Russia via Luxist]

Continue reading No tanks necessary: Russian luxury personnel carrier

No tanks necessary: Russian luxury personnel carrier originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amphibiousluxurypersonneltankWed, 01 Nov 2006 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/694308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/11/01/no-tanks-necessary-russian-luxury-personnel-carrier/694308/article-detail.xml 694308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/military-vehicle_12_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/military-vehicle_12.jpg <![CDATA[GM gets wise, will again pay for full tank of gas upon delivery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/27/gm-gets-wise-reinstates-full-tank-of-gas-upon-delivery/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/27/gm-gets-wise-reinstates-full-tank-of-gas-upon-delivery/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/27/gm-gets-wise-reinstates-full-tank-of-gas-upon-delivery/#commentsFiled under:

You may recall last week we told you that GM was no longer going to cover the cost of a full tank of gas for newly purchased cars and trucks. Instead, it would only reimburse a portion of each tank's cost, and dealers would be responsible for the rest. One of our readers who shall remain anonymous has come across another dealer communiqué from GM Vice President of Industry Dealer Affairs William Powell that rescinds the company's original penny-pinching policy. The notice explains that GM originally decided to change its fuel fill reimbursement policy based upon "the changing business conditions and competitive environment." Apparently its dealers clued General Motors in on the fact that "a complete fuel fill was viewed as an integral element in the delivery of GM vehicles." Who knows, maybe this whole blog thing had something to do with it, too.

Anonymous thanks for the tip!

GM gets wise, will again pay for full tank of gas upon delivery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Aug 2006 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealersfill upFillUpfuelgasnew carNewCartankSun, 27 Aug 2006 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/659617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/08/27/gm-gets-wise-reinstates-full-tank-of-gas-upon-delivery/659617/article-detail.xml 659617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/123898182_03a4bd4162_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/123898182_03a4bd4162.jpg <![CDATA[GM decides to split cost of gas with dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/gm-decides-to-split-cost-of-gas-with-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/gm-decides-to-split-cost-of-gas-with-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/21/gm-decides-to-split-cost-of-gas-with-dealers/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems no dealer communication is safe these days, as Jalopnik came across a communiqué from General Motors to its dealer bodies that explains the company will no longer reimburse dealers for a full tank of gas upon delivery. Instead, GM will give dealerships $20 for cars and $30 for trucks. You can do the math, but these days $20 will get you 6.67 gallons of 3$/gallon gas and $30 will score 10 gallons. Though dealers will be expected to pick up the tab for the difference initially, one can see a time fast approaching where consumers will be paying for part or all of their first tank of gasoline.

Follow the jump for a breakdown list of what GM considers a car and a truck in its fleet. For example, the truck-based SSR is considered a car and the car-based HHR is considered a truck. The truck column is about half trucks and body-on-frame SUVs, and half unibody SUVs and CUVs.

[Source: Jalopnik]

GM decides to split cost of gas with dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Aug 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of gasCostOfGasdealerdealersdealershipgasgasolinegeneral motorsGeneralMotorstankMon, 21 Aug 2006 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/657028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/08/21/gm-decides-to-split-cost-of-gas-with-dealers/657028/article-detail.xml 657028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/123898182_03a4bd4162_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/123898182_03a4bd4162.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance 101: In-tank fuel pump R&R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you own enough vehicles with an electric fuel pump, eventually it's likely that your luck will run out and you'll find yourself with a vehicle that refuses to operate properly due to a lack of go-juice. Most modern vehicles place the pump in the tank where it can be kept cool with a constant bath of fuel, but this location isn't so ideal when it comes time to replace that troublesome component. Fortunately, the task usually isn't quite as daunting as it may first appear, and tackling this project yourself can save several hundred dollars.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 101: In-tank fuel pump R&R

Autoblog Maintenance 101: In-tank fuel pump R&R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuelgaragegasin-tankmaintenancepressureprojectpumptankThu, 03 Aug 2006 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/648640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/08/03/autoblog-maintenance-101-in-tank-fuel-pump-randr/648640/article-detail.xml 648640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/pump-rr-intro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/pump-rr-intro.jpg -1 2