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[Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Targa Newfoundland Fiat 500 Abarth

We'd grown pretty accustomed to seeing Sam Hubinette sling a Dodge Challenger around a drift course, but the guy knows how to do more than go sideways. Back in September, the Crazy Swede partnered up with Jen Horsey to take on the Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth in the open class. How'd the team do? The plucky little hatch snagged second place, finishing just one second behind Paul Dyer in his 300 horsepower Mistubishi Lancer Evo IX. That's no mean feat considering the Abarth puts down just 160 ponies of its own.

Fiat worked up a quick video documenting Hubinette and Horsey's efforts over the long week, and you can check it out below. In addition to taking home the silver, the team also walked away with a few other honors, including the Presidents Manufacturers' Challenger award and the Next Generation Challenge title for vehicles with 1.6 liters of displacement and less.

Continue reading Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth

Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth500 abarthfiatracingtarga newfoundlandvideoThu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378918/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/20378918/article-detail.xml 20378918 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-newfoundland-abarth-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-newfoundland-abarth-628.jpg <![CDATA[Health Canada clamps down on Targa Newfoundland over collectable Marlboro suit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/health-canada-clamps-down-on-targa-newfoundland-over-collectable/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/health-canada-clamps-down-on-targa-newfoundland-over-collectable/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/health-canada-clamps-down-on-targa-newfoundland-over-collectable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Zahir Rana Enzo Wreck

We're sure you remember Zahir Rana, the gentleman who piloted a Ferrari Enzo into the Atlantic Ocean during last year's Targa Newfoundland. When the gentleman took his co-pilot and his car for a swim, he happened to be wearing a racing suit once worn by Rubens Barrichello. Back when the Formula One racer drove for Ferrari, the team was sponsored by Marlboro, which meant the cigarette company's logo was plastered all over the the suit. As it turns out, Health Canada takes a dim view of tobacco advertising during any racing event, and despite the fact that Rana had bought the signed suit at a charity auction as a piece of racing history, the government agency took offense to photos from the race depicting Rana in full Marlboro regalia.

According to Wheels.ca, Targa President Bob Giannou found himself on the raw end of phone calls and letters from Health Canada, informing him of "prohibitions regarding the promotion of tobacco products," even if the reference is historical.

Does that mean Canadian officials are going to block the public appearance of the hordes of vintage race cars sponsored by the likes of Rothmans, Marlboro, John Player Special, Camel, Lucky Strike, Kool and Skoal just to name a few? Like it or not, tobacco and racing have a long and storied history together, and attempting to censor that history from the public eye is downright foolish. Good luck, Health Canada.

Health Canada clamps down on Targa Newfoundland over collectable Marlboro suit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelcanadahealth canadajohn player specialkoollucky strikemarlboroskoaltarga newfoundlandtobaccozahir ranaThu, 30 Aug 2012 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20313191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/health-canada-clamps-down-on-targa-newfoundland-over-collectable/20313191/article-detail.xml 20313191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/zahir-rana-enzo-wreck-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/zahir-rana-enzo-wreck-628.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata gets the documentary treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/flyin-miata-gets-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/flyin-miata-gets-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/flyin-miata-gets-the-documentary-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin Miata at Targa Newfoundland

It's been nearly a year since Flyin' Miata took two cars to the Targa Newfoundland. As you may recall, I got to tag along and do my best to get the supercharged Grand Touring entry as lost as possible. While we were there, one very dedicated film crew followed us from stage to stage, thereby documenting our various triumphs and defeats for a feature-length film. Packed with lots of in-stage footage, interviews with crew as well as fans of both Flyin' Miata and the Targa Newfoundland, the show finds itself on footing with the likes of Truth in 24 and From Dust to Glory.

I spend a bit of time on screen trying to explain what it's like to drown under a league of time-speed-distance calculations, but don't let that be a deterrent. The movie does a stellar job of conveying exactly what it's like to compete in one of the most unique motorsports endeavors on the planet. You can check out the preview for Racing the Rock below or head over to Flyin' Miata to purchase your DVD copy. Keep an eye out for it to show up on iTunes and BluRay later down the line.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata gets the documentary treatment

Flyin' Miata gets the documentary treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryflyin+miataflyini miataflyinmiatamazdamazda miatamiatamovieracing the rocktarga newfoundlandtarga newfoundland documentaryvideoFri, 10 Aug 2012 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298417/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/10/flyin-miata-gets-the-documentary-treatment/20298417/article-detail.xml 20298417 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/flyin-miata-targa-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/flyin-miata-targa-628.jpg <![CDATA[MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland Part 2

The crew at MotoMan has rolled out the second episode of its Targa Newfoundland coverage. This time around, Brandon Fitch and I spend plenty of time talking with the guys about the challenges of Day One, how the Flyin' Miata supercharged NC MX-5 Miata handles some of the more technical stages and joy of hauling ass through a subdivision. Meanwhile, team MotoMan gets a few valuable lessons on competition in targa from veterans of the race like Rob Pacione and learns a little about Newfoundland hospitality at the same time. As the week continues, competitors are forced to overcome a variety of challenges, from an entire engine swap in a Lotus to a water-logged 911.

Part Two gives us all a better idea of what it's like to compete in Grand Touring, where the goal is to hit a specific time and speed, rather than simply beat a time like in Targa class. Both competitions are challenging in their own right, but we have to sympathize with MotoMan's frustration at being forced to limp a Dodge Challenger 392 along at 40 miles per hour with an open road ahead of you. Scroll down to check it out for yourself.

Continue reading MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two

MotoMan at Targa Newfoundland, Part Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengerdodgedodge challengerflyin miatamazda mx-5 miatamiatamotomanmx-5targa newfoundlandTue, 08 May 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/motoman-at-targa-newfoundland-part-two/20233608/article-detail.xml 20233608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/motoman-targa-newfoundland-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/motoman-targa-newfoundland-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Stream the one-hour SPEED Targa Newfoundland special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/stream-the-one-hour-speed-targa-newfoundland-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/stream-the-one-hour-speed-targa-newfoundland-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/stream-the-one-hour-speed-targa-newfoundland-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Targa Newfoundland on SPEED

If you've got an hour to kill and an itch to watch some exciting Targa Newfoundland action, we've got good news for you. SPEED has been kind enough to stream the network's one-hour special free online. The episode spends plenty of time following both the Modern and Classic divisions with barely a nod toward Open or Grand Touring. That's a shame for plenty of reasons, both because the competition was incredibly tight across the board this year and because I hung out with two entries in both the latter classes during my time up north.

Still, the Flyin' Miata guys get a little time on screen. The rest of the coverage details the fight between Scott Giannou in his 1981 Porsche 911 and Bob Yuille in his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. There's also plenty of interviews with Ralph Gilles. You can check out the full episode by clicking past the jump.

Continue reading Stream the one-hour SPEED Targa Newfoundland special

Stream the one-hour SPEED Targa Newfoundland special originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miataspeedtarga newfoundlandWed, 18 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218757/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/stream-the-one-hour-speed-targa-newfoundland-special/20218757/article-detail.xml 20218757 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/targa-on-speed-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/targa-on-speed-628.jpg <![CDATA[MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MotoMan Targa Newfoundland video

It's been seven months since I crammed into a supercharged Mazda Miata with the Flyin' Miata crew and fought tooth and nail for a fifth-place finish in the Grand Touring class of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. That amount of time has done nothing to dull my desire to head right back into the fray as soon as possible. While I was there, the FM team spent a good deal of time hanging out with our friends over at MotoMan, and the crew just finished putting the final touches on its race documentary.

The first episode shows off the sweet SRT-tweaked Dodge Challenger the MotoMan guys got to play with. With plenty of suspension adjustments, a full cage and a bare-bones interior, the big white beast was as far from the NC Miata we campaigned as you could get. Watch the clip after the jump for an introduction to a few of the other competitors, including SRT CEO Ralph Gilles, as well as an interview with driver Brandon Fitch and myself. Keep an eye out for more episodes, too.

Continue reading MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment

MotoMan gives Targa Newfoundland the documentary treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandchallengerdodgedodge challengerflyin miatamazdamazda miatamiatamotomanralph gillessrttargatarga newfoundlandtarga newfoundland documentarySat, 14 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214298/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/14/motoman-gives-targa-newfoundland-the-documentary-treatment/20214298/article-detail.xml 20214298 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/motoman-targa-newfoundland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/motoman-targa-newfoundland-628.jpg <![CDATA[Crashed Ferrari Enzo to lead 20-car return to Targa Newfoundland [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/crashed-ferrari-enzo-to-lead-20-car-return-to-targa-newfoundland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/crashed-ferrari-enzo-to-lead-20-car-return-to-targa-newfoundland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/crashed-ferrari-enzo-to-lead-20-car-return-to-targa-newfoundland/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ZR Ferrari Enzo

Newfoundland is a bit of a funny place. It's the easternmost point of the North American continent, has its own half time zone, was the last province to join Canadian confederation (having existed as a British colony until 1949) and has its own linguistic dialects. It's also the kind of place where you can fail upwards, it seems. Particularly when driving a customized Ferrari Enzo.

You may recall the story of one Zahir Rana, a Kenyan-born exotic car dealer and enthusiast based in Calgary, Alberta, who took his Edo-modified Enzo to the 2011 Targa Newfoundland rally and promptly drove it right off the road and into a tidal river on the Atlantic coast. (If you missed the story, you can watch the video footage right here after the jump.) Some $100,000 in damage was reportedly caused to the million-dollar supercar - though we wouldn't be surprised it the final figure were substantially more - but that hasn't deterred Rana, or his friends, from returning.

Having lived to tell the tale of his epic crash, Rana has had his Enzo's engine further tuned to 950 horsepower, and is reportedly planning to bring it back for the 2012 Targa Newfoundland... along with 20 of the friends and clients he has amassed from over a decade in the business. Which strikes us as a particularly headstrong and determined way to get back on the prancing horse, so long as this year's rally goes a little more smoothly for Team ZR Exotics.

Continue reading Crashed Ferrari Enzo to lead 20-car return to Targa Newfoundland [w/video]

Crashed Ferrari Enzo to lead 20-car return to Targa Newfoundland [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enzoferrariferrari enzonewfoundlandtarga newfoundlandteam zr exoticszahir ranazr autozr exoticsMon, 02 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/02/crashed-ferrari-enzo-to-lead-20-car-return-to-targa-newfoundland/20138762/article-detail.xml 20138762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/zr-enzo-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/zr-enzo-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Point. Shoot. Grin.

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Wedging myself into the cockpit of Keith Tanner's 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata turned Targa Newfoundland podium finisher, I'm struck with the realization that most race cars are the automotive equivalent of a pet electric eel. They look fantastic lounging around, and you may even be struck with the impulse to get close, but the reality is that it's only a matter of time before it reaches out and lights you up like a cheap string of Christmas lights. This notion is only underscored when Tanner hands me a set of noise-cancelling headphones with an integrated com system.

"Here. You'll probably want these," he says. "It can get kind of loud in here."

With a 400-horsepower General Motors L33 wedged between the fenders of the poised Miata, it's only a matter of time before the stripped interior resonates with the sound of eight furious cylinders. I ask if there's anything I should know before I hit the ignition. Tanner says no. I'm beginning to suspect he's lying to me.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata

Flyin' Miata V8 Targa MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandfeaturedflyin miataflyin miata targa miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazdamiatamx-5newfoundlandquick spinquickspintannertargatarga miatatarga newfoundlandv8 miatav8 miata conversionMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20087767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/24/flyin-miata-v8-targa-mx-5-miata-quick-spin-review/20087767/article-detail.xml 20087767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/flyin-miata-v8-targa-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/flyin-miata-v8-targa-qs.jpg <![CDATA[How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/how-to-lose-the-2011-targa-newfoundland-in-one-easy-step-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/how-to-lose-the-2011-targa-newfoundland-in-one-easy-step-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/how-to-lose-the-2011-targa-newfoundland-in-one-easy-step-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what's going on.
My helmet has just been crammed into the cross ribs of the roof of our Miata for the third time in less than a kilometer, driving a guttural "OOMPH" from my lungs mid-sentence at the same time. I regain my breath, look from the route book to the kitchen timer that's Velcroed to the rally computer on the dash, and start counting out the seconds on my fingers. My tiny brain is already too overloaded for simple math, and I've reduced myself to elementary school tricks for quick calculations. It's the fifth stage of the fourth day, and the verdict isn't good; we're a far cry from our target time.

"We are 17 seconds slow," I say into the mic, doing my best to stifle any tones of urgency.

"Seventeen seconds? Are you sure?"

The short answer is that no, I'm not sure. For the first time in a full week's worth of time-speed-distance rallying, our time intervals are making no damn sense. We'll pass one and be 25 seconds down only to pass the next and be within five seconds of our target. I'm all kinds of crossed up, but mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what's going on.

"I'm sure. Beat on this thing."

Always project confidence.

Continue reading How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video]

How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon fitchfeaturedflyin miatamazdamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatamazda+miatamazdamiatamiatamx-5newfoundlandrallyrallyingtarga newfoundlandtsdFri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/how-to-lose-the-2011-targa-newfoundland-in-one-easy-step-w-vide/20065463/article-detail.xml 20065463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Submarine Ferrari Enzo heads to Edo Competion by air mail]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/submarine-ferrari-enzo-heads-to-edo-competion-by-air-mail/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/submarine-ferrari-enzo-heads-to-edo-competion-by-air-mail/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/submarine-ferrari-enzo-heads-to-edo-competion-by-air-mail/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

ZR Auto Ferrari Enzo

If, like the rest of us, you were wondering exactly what would become of the bright yellow Ferrari Enzo that took a dive into the bay at the 2011 Targa Newfoundland, wonder no more. According to the owner's Facebook page, the carbon-fiber beast will ride again courtesy of the good people at Edo Competition. ZR Auto has packed the Prancing Horse into an air freight crate for a quick hop across the the pond in a 747. Judging from the photos, the vehicle only suffered slight aesthetic damage on the front right corner after smashing through a wooden walkway. The owner also took quick action to begin disassembling the dash to hose everything down with WD40 to displace any sneaky salt water that could cause problems later.

What does Edo Competition have planned for the Enzo? There's no telling, but we'd guess that even more power is likely part of the recipe. Owner Zahir Rana has already hinted at returning to Race the Base in 2012 with even more power on tap. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

Submarine Ferrari Enzo heads to Edo Competion by air mail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandedo competitionenzoferrariferrari enzorace the basetarga newfoundlandzahir ranaFri, 23 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20050472/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/23/submarine-ferrari-enzo-heads-to-edo-competion-by-air-mail/20050472/article-detail.xml 20050472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-ferrari-enzo-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-ferrari-enzo-630.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #248]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/autoblog-podcast-248/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/autoblog-podcast-248/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/autoblog-podcast-248/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Targa Newfoundland, Hyundai Veloster, the last Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Caprice PPV

autoblog podcast

Episode #248 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. This week Chris, Zach, Dan and Chris Paukert talk about the Targa Newfoundland, Hyundai Veloster, the final Ford Crown Victoria, and the Chevrolet Caprice PPV. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #248:
In the Autoblog Garage
2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD
2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:28:04
Get the podcast
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #248

Autoblog Podcast #248 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcast 248capricecaprice ppvcrown victoriagenesisgenesis sedangmc sierra denali hdsierratarga newfoundlandvelosterTue, 20 Sep 2011 16:36:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #248Autoblog01:28:04 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20047681/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/20/autoblog-podcast-248/20047681/article-detail.xml 20047681 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog #248 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-248-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-248-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-248-live/#commentsAutoblog Podcast

We record Episode #248 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #248
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, September 5, 2011
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog #248 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcast topicsChevrolet Caprice PPVfinal ford crown victoriahyundai velostertarga newfoundlandMon, 19 Sep 2011 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20046702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-248-live/20046702/article-detail.xml 20046702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland 2011

Two mistakes. After six days of late nights bent over the route book with calculator in hand, long days of non-stop rallying and lengthy transits, we've covered over 2,200 kilometers, raced 41 stages and made two penalty-worthy mistakes. There simply aren't words to convey the spectrum of emotions that accompanies the Targa Newfoundland, and the Flyin' Miata crew experienced its fair share of highs and lows throughout. While Wednesday saw both teams leading their respective classes, Thursday had nasty surprises in store for both the V8 Roadster and the supercharged NC.

Due to a transcription error, I fouled the finish time for stage 4-5, Garnish. We were supposed to cover the 13.25 kilometers in 8:43; I directed Brandon to the finish in 8:51, which landed us three seconds of time-over penalty plus another four seconds of interim time-control penalties. That seven seconds alone knocked us off of the podium, but the last stage of the day, Marystown North, saw an additional 7 seconds tacked onto our time after we missed the first turn and were forced to turn around.

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 6: The final days originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandbrandon fitchflyin miatajanel tannerkeith tannermazdamiatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandtarga+flyin+miatatarga+newfoundland+2011targaflyinmiatatarganewfoundland2011zach+bowman+targa+hammerheadzachbowmantargahammerheadSat, 17 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045322/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/17/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-the-final-days/20045322/article-detail.xml 20045322 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland-update-5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland-update-5.jpg <![CDATA[How to fish a Ferrari Enzo out of the ocean]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/how-to-fish-a-ferrari-enzo-out-of-the-ocean/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/how-to-fish-a-ferrari-enzo-out-of-the-ocean/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/how-to-fish-a-ferrari-enzo-out-of-the-ocean/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We reported earlier today that a rare Ferrari Enzo went off course yesterday while running the 2011 Targa Newfoundland and wound up swimming with the fishes in the Atlantic. We even had a video showing what happened leading up to the Ferrari's off-road and then underwater excursion. We didn't, however, have many pictures, but Autoblog reader Renee had a father on the scene who took these pictures for us of what happened immediately after.

When a car takes a dive like that, you've got to fish it out. That's exactly what was done with the Enzo, first using a Jeep Grand Cherokee to pull it onto shore and then switching to a big crane to lift it up and onto a flat bed truck. Surprisingly, perhaps shockingly so, there's no real visible damage to the Enzo. Maybe it's the bright black-and-yellow paint scheme throwing off our eyes, but we don't see any damaged bodywork in these images. That said, we're sure the Enzo is hurting on the inside, both its mechanicals that generally don't like being dipped in salt water and the interior that prefers Armor All to the Atlantic Ocean.

Check out the pics for yourself to see the sad state of affairs, and we've reposted the video for you after the jump.

Continue reading How to fish a Ferrari Enzo out of the ocean

How to fish a Ferrari Enzo out of the ocean originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandatlantic oceanenzoenzo crashferraritarga newfoundlandFri, 16 Sep 2011 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20045077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/how-to-fish-a-ferrari-enzo-out-of-the-ocean/20045077/article-detail.xml 20045077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0004-fishing-for-ferrari-enzo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0004-fishing-for-ferrari-enzo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this Ferrari Enzo splash into the Atlantic at 2011 Targa Newfoundland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/watch-this-ferrari-enzo-splash-into-the-atlantic-at-2011-targa-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/watch-this-ferrari-enzo-splash-into-the-atlantic-at-2011-targa-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/watch-this-ferrari-enzo-splash-into-the-atlantic-at-2011-targa-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Many of you have been following the 2011 Targa Newfoundland here on Autoblog, what with our own Zach Bowman competing. Perhaps you were surprised to find out that rare supercars like a Maserati MC12 and a Ferrari Enzo had entered the demanding race.

Unfortunately, the Enzo has bowed out early after taking a turn for the worse when it lost control and dove into the Atlantic Ocean off a coastal road. The Enzo was piloted (and owned) by Zahir Rana, who also owns ZR Auto exotic car dealership. Ferrari produced 400 Enzos, and of them, Rana's was one of the fastest that road-legal after being modified to similar specifications as an FXX. It was tuned in Germany to deliver a bewildering 850 horsepower and held a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds.

We were able to get a few quick glimpses of the Enzo with Rana and his navigator, Roland Linder, heading for the ocean thanks to Kia Canada. Kia is also entered in the race and was waiting in anticipation for their Forte Koup to come around the same bend in the road.

Rana has posted a video, which you can find after the jump, that clearly states his disappointment, but also his reasoning and reflection on what happened. He definitely has the right mindset, explaining how things like this happen in racing and he is lucky that he and his teammate were left unscathed in the incident. He also makes a point to sadly say, "It's only a car, it's not a big deal."

We agree wholeheartedly with Rana, but by the same token, having the incident happen to a car currently valued at $1.5 million is like throwing salt on the wound of enthusiasts and car insurance adjusters everywhere.

Follow the jump to see the devastating video of Rana's Enzo coming down a hill and landing in the ocean, along with a walk-around video of the car before the Targa Newfoundland began.

Continue reading Watch this Ferrari Enzo splash into the Atlantic at 2011 Targa Newfoundland

Watch this Ferrari Enzo splash into the Atlantic at 2011 Targa Newfoundland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandenzoenzo in atlanticenzo in waterferrariferrari crashferrari enzoferrari enzo crashferrari in watertarga crashtarga newfoundlandFri, 16 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20044818/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/watch-this-ferrari-enzo-splash-into-the-atlantic-at-2011-targa-n/20044818/article-detail.xml 20044818 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead-in-1316181463_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead-in-1316181463.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 5: Stay on target]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland

It's a good day to be in the Flyin' Miata camp. As of the conclusion of Day 3 of competition, both the Targa Miata and the Supercharged 2006 MX-5 hold the top position in their respective classes. While Keith and Janel Tanner have managed to sling their 430-horsepower machine through Wednesday's nine stages to take the top slot, Brandon Fitch and I overcame a few small obstacles to zero all of our times through the day. Despite my fat-fingering the egg-timers ahead of the incredibly technical Greenspond stage, we came in just two-seconds outside of dead zero and well within our plus or minus nine-second window.

I also received a front-row showing of Fitch's driving prowess after the car stalled at the start of the third-to-last stage. In a desperate push to make up lost time, the Flyin' Miata engineer pushed the 240-horse Miata to 128 kph through a series of undulating turns. That figure is just two kph shy of our maximum allowable speed. Crossing that barrier brings all sorts of unsavory penalties.

Thursday will bring forth a whole new set of challenges as our window narrows to plus or minus five seconds. While we used today to train ourselves to arrive at the flying finish well within our final day tolerances, fatigue is beginning to set in on both Brandon and I, greatly increasing the chance of a careless error that could cost us our lead. Regardless of how we wrap up on Friday, the fact that we can say that we tied for first across the first three days of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland is a story I'll be blathering at cocktail parties for years.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 5: Stay on target originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatamazdamazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5targatarga newfoundlandThu, 15 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20043288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-5-stay-on-target/20043288/article-detail.xml 20043288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-wednesday-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-wednesday-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flyin Miata at the 2011 Targa Newfoundland

While I thought that I grasped just how unique and amazing the Targa Newfoundland is in the world of motorsports, the breadth of this event's character didn't hit home until I got here. We spent the majority of yesterday's morning and afternoon tackling stages in and around Gander, a small town about 206 miles north of St. John's. Despite my completely misinterpreting the route book on stage one and a near miss with an time control, we managed to zero every stage and avoid any penalties, but the two final stages of the day presented a challenge that we weren't exactly prepared for.

Though the stages we had covered so far had given me gracious periods of three, four and even five kilometers during which I could insert my own time and distance way points to keep the 2006 Flyin' Miata Mazda MX-5 on course and on time, the last two did not. Both stages took place on the same seven kilometer course that wound through a dense subdivision. That's right, kids. We would be attempting to carry a 57.5 kph (35.7 mph) average through a series of 29 90-degree turns. I would have no more than 300 meters at most to alert Brandon Fitch, my valiant driver, of the direction of and distance to the next turn as well as monitor our time as we passed each instruction.

I'll be honest; I didn't have much hope for our chances.

We lined up, the lights went hot and in a second, we were blurring through the subdivision. With Fitch's help, I was able to glean enough time to glance at our egg timers and equate the figures with our actual distance. We were going to nail it.

We zeroed Gander on the first run and managed a repeat performance for the second pass. As Fitch put it, "This is the most awesome thing. Ever. In the history of the world."

I'm inclined to agree. Our efforts today managed to place us in first for the second day in a row, but with days of 12-hour driving and calculating quickly stacking up, our chances for careless errors are increasing drastically. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on the 2011 Targa Newfoundland site for our times.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 4: Off to Gander originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatagandermazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5newfoundlandtargatarga newfoundlandThu, 15 Sep 2011 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-4-off-to-gander/20042186/article-detail.xml 20042186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-update-4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/targa-newfoundland-update-4-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zach Bowman and Brandond Fitch with Flyin Miata at the Targa Newfoundland

The 2011 Targa Newfoundland is officially underway after three prologue stages on Sunday. As our first real taste of targa competition, the day was instrumental in alerting Brandon Fitch, driver of the number 1680 Flyin' Miata Supercharged Mazda Miata, and myself to the fact that we had no holy clue as to what we were doing.

As a co-driver in the Grand Touring class, it's my job to make sure that we arrive at the flying finish line as close to our target time as humanly possible. Early in the event, we get to enjoy nice, wide 30-second time windows. Later in the week, that gap will narrow to a slender six seconds. During the prologue, we either under- or over-shot our times by as much as 30 additional seconds outside of our window.

Mercy.

What was the problem, you ask? Our rally computer, the infamous Terratrip, seems to have been designed specifically to confound and infuriate. With Brandon doing his best to keep us shiny side up during a stage, I'm trying to call out the distances to the next instruction in descending intervals of 100 meters, the instructions themselves, monitor our time as we arrive at the instruction and hopefully keep an eye on our average speed to tell us whether or not we were close to hitting our time. It didn't work that way.

For starters, the Terratrip seems to have a preference for calculating average speed not from the time that the vehicle begins moving, but from the instant that you turn the machine on. Not helpful. If I cleared the screens in preparation for our start time, the computer began factoring two minutes of zeros into our average speed, rendering a completely useless number.

Keep reading to see how it turned out...

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 3: Welcome to the jungle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006 mazda mx-52011 targa newfoundlandflyin miatamazdamazda miatamazda mx-5miatamx-5newfoundlandtarga newfoundlandTue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20041049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/13/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-3-welcome-to-the-jungl/20041049/article-detail.xml 20041049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-update-3-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-update-3-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-2-technical-difficulti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-2-technical-difficulti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-2-technical-difficulti/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Flyin' Miata Supercharged NC MX-5

While Keith and Janel Tanner took Friday to hash out setting the odometer on the Targa Miata, Brandon Fitch and I continued on with our education with the Open Road Motorsports Targa School in our trusty Supercharged NC. The day's instruction orbited around two simulated stages on Bell Island just a short ferry ride from St. John's. With our notes prepped, our own Terratrip rally computer properly calibrated, and a closed course through the winding roads of the island ahead of us, we were understandably enthusiastic about putting our freshly-gleaned skills to use.

We arrived early, took the first spot in the queue just ahead of a vicious-sounding Ferrari Enzo and waited for the stage lights to go green. When the time came, Fitch dropped the hammer and I immediately began rattling off instructions.

Continue reading to see how it went...

Continue reading Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 2: Technical difficulties originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 targa newfoundlandchallengerchallenger srt8dodgedodge challengerdodge viperflyin miatamazdamazda miatamiataralph gillestarga newfoundlandviperSat, 10 Sep 2011 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/10/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-2-technical-difficulti/20039364/article-detail.xml 20039364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland-main-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland-main-630.jpg <![CDATA[Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 1: Meet your classmates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While the 2011 Targa Newfoundland doesn't officially kick off until Monday, a handful of competitors have already arrived in St. John's to take advantage of the Open Road Motorsports Targa School. Operated by veterans of the event, the school gives novice competitors a little taste of the days to come. Glen Clarke, our instructor, routinely pilots a Porsche 911 to accolades and glory, so his word is worth pure gold to our motley crew. Over the course of eight hours, the Grand Touring Flyin' Miata team was introduced to the basics of navigation, ran a trial stage and generally sorted the roles of driver and co-pilot.

Our class included targa competitors from years past as well as newcomers like ourselves, including racers piloting a Ferrari Enzo, a delicious Porsche 914 and a completely sinister Audi 200 Avant Turbo AWD. A few additional racers have also set up camp at the local Holiday Inn, including a Maserati MC12, a Ferrari F430 Spyder, a Lamborghini Murciélago Super Veloce and a Saleen S7 from ZRAuto.ca. We can't wait to see how those bruisers fair on the demanding roads of Newfoundland.

Flyin' Miata at Targa Newfoundland, Part 1: Meet your classmates originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 targa newfoundlandenzof430 spiderferrariferrari enzoferrari f430 spiderflyin miatamaseratimaserati mc12targatarga newfoundlandFri, 09 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20038267/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/flyin-miata-at-targa-newfoundland-part-1-meet-your-classmates/20038267/article-detail.xml 20038267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-flyin-miata-targa-newfoundland.jpg -1 2