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[Navsop working on coin-sized GPS rival that navigates using wifi and TV signals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/#commentsFiled under:

Cell Tower, photo by Gary Lerude

A British company is working on a new navigation system that doesn't rely on GPS satellites to track your location. BAE has created Navsop, a device that picks up errant cell phone, radio and television signals to deduce your coordinates, which means it can be used in locations where traditional GPS can't. For example, TV signals are substantially more powerful in buildings and below ground than GPS, which means Navsop could eventually help locate individuals in collapsed buildings or mines. It could also be instrumental in locating stolen vehicles stashed in underground parking garages.

BAE claims that while Navsop is still in the early stages of development, it will eventually fit into a gadget about the size of a standard coin. At present, however, Navsop resides in a massive box that must be lugged around in a car and attached to a whip antenna. Not exactly smartphone compatible.

Navsop isn't entirely independent from GPS, however. The system must first get its bearings from the satellites in the sky before turning to radio signals.

Navsop working on coin-sized GPS rival that navigates using wifi and TV signals originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baecell phonegpsnavigationnavsopradiosignalstelevisiontvSat, 07 Jul 2012 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/20272028/article-detail.xml 20272028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/cell-towergarylerude_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/cell-towergarylerude.jpg <![CDATA[Carroll Shelby to get the TV miniseries treatment thanks to Velocity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/carroll-shelby-to-get-the-tv-miniseries-treatment-thanks-to-velo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/carroll-shelby-to-get-the-tv-miniseries-treatment-thanks-to-velo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/carroll-shelby-to-get-the-tv-miniseries-treatment-thanks-to-velo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Farmer, car dealer, Le Mans winner, sports-car maker, businessman and tuner Carroll Shelby passsed away on May 11. To honor his contribution to the numerous segments of the auto industry he impacted, cable network Velocity will be airing a three-hour, three-part miniseries on Sunday, May 20.

Called "King of the Road: Carroll Shelby," each hour-long episode will chronicle an era in Shelby's life: his journey from a Texas farm to the top step at Le Mans and building the Cobra; his partnership with Ford and the Mustang GT350; and the road that car followed into becoming the Ford Shelby GT500.

Have a read of the press release below, and tune into Velocity at 8 p.m. EST on Sunday for a lesson in the hardest-charging gentleman racer ever.

Continue reading Carroll Shelby to get the TV miniseries treatment thanks to Velocity

Carroll Shelby to get the TV miniseries treatment thanks to Velocity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carroll shelbycarroll shelby passesminiseriesmovietelevisionvelocityFri, 18 May 2012 09:11:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/carroll-shelby-to-get-the-tv-miniseries-treatment-thanks-to-velo/20239873/article-detail.xml 20239873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/carrollshelbyminiseries_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/carrollshelbyminiseries.jpg <![CDATA[Patrick Dempsey rescues teen from flipped car outside Malibu home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/patrick-dempsey-rescues-teen-from-flipped-car-outside-malibu-hom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/patrick-dempsey-rescues-teen-from-flipped-car-outside-malibu-hom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/patrick-dempsey-rescues-teen-from-flipped-car-outside-malibu-hom/#commentsFiled under: ,

Patrick Dempsey

"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on television." So went the script for countless television commercials of yore, featuring the stars of medical dramas capitalizing on their on-air personae to shill for pills, HMOs and what-have-you. But one television doctor didn't hesitate to jump into action when duty called - medical training be damned.

That actor is one Patrick Dempsey, who most might recognize for his role as Dr. McDreamy on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. He's also a consummate race car driver - arguably today's Steve McQueen or Paul Newman - competing in such events as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Baja 1000 rally raid. These seemingly disparate aspects of Dempsey's life, however, converged when a kid flipped his Mustang in front of the actor's house in Malibu last week.

Having rolled the Ford three times, 17-year-old Weston Massett was trapped inside the wreckage when McDreamy came to the rescue, crowbar in hand, to get the kid out of the car, nursing him until the airlift arrived and following him to the hospital. Massett is expected to make a full recovery from the concussion and stretched optic nerve that were his only injuries to speak of. Scroll down for the television report.

Continue reading Patrick Dempsey rescues teen from flipped car outside Malibu home

Patrick Dempsey rescues teen from flipped car outside Malibu home originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritydempseydoctorgreys anatomymcdreamypatrick dempseytelevisiontelevision doctorvideoMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227406/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/patrick-dempsey-rescues-teen-from-flipped-car-outside-malibu-hom/20227406/article-detail.xml 20227406 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dempsey-screencap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/dempsey-screencap.jpg <![CDATA[Mythbusters tests the square wheel theory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/mythbusters-tests-the-square-wheel-theory/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/mythbusters-tests-the-square-wheel-theory/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/mythbusters-tests-the-square-wheel-theory/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mythbuster tests square wheels

The Mythbusters have finally tackled the long-unanswered question, "Why don't cars have square wheels?"

What's that? You've never wondered why? Neither have we, because it's freaking obvious. But equally obvious is how awesome it would be to test out a square-wheeled vehicle anyway, which is exactly what the Mythbusters guys did, using an older Ford F-Series pickup.

While the full episode is not available online, you can get the gist of the segment by watching the eight clips Discovery has posted, which we've conveniently organized for your viewing pleasure below.

Continue reading Mythbusters tests the square wheel theory

Mythbusters tests the square wheel theory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mythbusterssquare wheelstelevisiontvvideoMon, 09 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/09/mythbusters-tests-the-square-wheel-theory/20211560/article-detail.xml 20211560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/myth-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/myth-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Dumbest Stuff on Wheels</i> compilation makes Season 1 reruns redundant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/dumbest-stuff-on-wheels-compilation-makes-re-runs-of-first-seaso/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/dumbest-stuff-on-wheels-compilation-makes-re-runs-of-first-seaso/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/dumbest-stuff-on-wheels-compilation-makes-re-runs-of-first-seaso/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dumbest stuff on wheels

Speed TV's Dumbest Stuff on Wheels is coming back for a second season later this month, and in case you don't know what you're in for, they've put together a "Best Of" compilation from Season One. It's a simple concept, though: really bad ideas + wheels.

We're sympathetic toward the folks attempting trics, because after all, crashing is part of perfecting. But the guy riding his motorcycle through the waiting room? And the lass above, headed straight at the camera like Toonces the Driving Cat? Not gonna end well. Follow the jump for five minutes of tragic hilarity.

Continue reading Dumbest Stuff on Wheels compilation makes Season 1 reruns redundant

Dumbest Stuff on Wheels compilation makes Season 1 reruns redundant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dumbest stuff on wheelsspeed tvspeedtvtelevisiontv showyoutubeSat, 14 Jan 2012 17:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/14/dumbest-stuff-on-wheels-compilation-makes-re-runs-of-first-seaso/20146914/article-detail.xml 20146914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/dsowspeedcomp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/dsowspeedcomp.jpg <![CDATA[Indian talent show goes overboard with Suzuki]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/indian-talent-show-goes-overboard-with-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/indian-talent-show-goes-overboard-with-suzuki/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/indian-talent-show-goes-overboard-with-suzuki/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The show's called India's Got Talent, and we're certainly prepared to say that India's got The Warriors of Goja but we're not sure if what they have is called talent, bravery or just plain crazy. The aforementioned warriors put on a lengthy display of what, in a circus, would be called 'amazing feats of strength' that includes breaking rocks on every part of their bodies with sledgehammers and eating florescent light bulbs.

Admittedly, most of this seven-minute long video doesn't have anything to do with cars, but then they bring out a Maruti Suzuki five-door and use a comrade to show tricks that, off the set, would probably be both illegal and fatal. And in the middle of the stunt, they randomly add a motorcycle to the mix. As said by the person who uploaded the video, "I have no words for this.. just AMAZING." That's about right. You'll find it all after the jump, the Maruti action starts at 2:40.

Continue reading Indian talent show goes overboard with Suzuki

Indian talent show goes overboard with Suzuki originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiaindian tvindias got talentmaruti suzukisuzukitalent showtelevisiontv showvideowarriors of gojaFri, 25 Nov 2011 19:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20113401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/25/indian-talent-show-goes-overboard-with-suzuki/20113401/article-detail.xml 20113401 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/indiasgottalentmaruti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/indiasgottalentmaruti.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Wipeout</em> creators' new show pits your own car against crazy obstacle courses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/wipeout-creators-new-show-pits-peoples-own-cars-agains/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/wipeout-creators-new-show-pits-peoples-own-cars-agains/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/wipeout-creators-new-show-pits-peoples-own-cars-agains/#commentsFiled under:



The folks who bring you ABC's Wipeout have changed the network and the challengers for their next creation: called Whipped and airing on Speed in 2012, the new "automotive-based game and racing show" will put drivers in their own cars through "an intimidating automotive obstacle course."

There's an extra hook at the end, when the last challenger standing - who would normally be the winner-take-all - has to run a final obstacle course in the show's race-prepped car. Their mastery, or not, of that test "determines how much we trick out their ride." You'll find more information on the show in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Wipeout creators' new show pits your own car against crazy obstacle courses

Wipeout creators' new show pits your own car against crazy obstacle courses originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cable televisionentertainmentspeedspeed tvtelevisionwhippedwhipped showMon, 10 Oct 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/10/wipeout-creators-new-show-pits-peoples-own-cars-agains/20077067/article-detail.xml 20077067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/whippedspeedseries_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/whippedspeedseries.jpg <![CDATA[Audi blurs the line between show and commercial with "Untitled Jersey City Project"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/audi-blurs-the-line-between-show-and-commercial-with-untitled-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/audi-blurs-the-line-between-show-and-commercial-with-untitled-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/audi-blurs-the-line-between-show-and-commercial-with-untitled-j/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Untited Jersey City Project

The current state of the automotive industry is all about blurring lines. Cars and trucks used to be on opposite sides of the market until crossovers blurred the line. Coupes and convertibles have come closer together with the proliferation of the retractable hard-top. Even the line between manual and automatic transmissions has been blurred by the advent of CVTs, DCTs and sequential gearboxes of every sort. And the same could be said for advertising.

While automakers used to pitch their products in short commercial spots - and most still do - some have started producing their own content. That is to say, the intermission has become the main act. Just look at BMW's film series The Hire, or Audi's new television program Untitled Jersey City Project.

Filmed by True Blood and Game of Thrones director Daniel Minahan, the plot revolves around a couple of young architects hired to build a stadium in Jersey City, just across the river from Manhattan, but soon find themselves in over their heads. The sequence jumps around a moving timeline, starting with the climax, as the protagonist zips around New Jersey in his new Audi A6. Each two-minute episode is set to air on FX every Sunday night for eight weeks... or you could just jump past the break and watch them all right here.

Continue reading Audi blurs the line between show and commercial with "Untitled Jersey City Project"

Audi blurs the line between show and commercial with "Untitled Jersey City Project" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a6adaudiaudi a6commercialmini seriesmini-seriesminiseriestelevisiontvuntitled jersey city projectTue, 27 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20066077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/audi-blurs-the-line-between-show-and-commercial-with-untitled-j/20066077/article-detail.xml 20066077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/untitled-jersey_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/untitled-jersey.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler attacked for Playboy Club ads, doesn't back down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/chrysler-attacked-for-playboy-club-ads-doesnt-back-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/chrysler-attacked-for-playboy-club-ads-doesnt-back-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/chrysler-attacked-for-playboy-club-ads-doesnt-back-down/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back when it took a little more effort to organize One Million Insert-Group-Here, companies took news of boycotts a little more seriously. Now that kittens and baby polar bears can have more than a million Facebook friends and anyone can make the news, it might take more than cage rattling to get a firm to back down. This time it's the Parents Television Council (PTC) shaking fists at Chrysler because of The Pentastar's advertising during NBC's "The Playboy Club".

The PTC accuses both Chrysler and Unilever, the other major sponsor of the series premiere episode, of "mainstreaming pornography" and "helping to make adults-only material available in virtually every living room in the country." It goes on to accuse Playboy of "reducing a woman to a set of measurements to the exclusion of everything else," seeking "to lure young girls through pink, sparkly, bunny logo merchandise," and then blasts the show for "putting a sickening, glamorous sheen on an adult entertainment industry that destroys countless marriages and families." So there. In addition to the boycott and letter-writing, the PTC is urging concerned members of society to stop into dealerships and be heard.

Chrysler's response: "We recognize that not all advertising placement is liked by all individuals. We do not take this approach to offend, but we feel that it is important to deliver information about our products to a diverse and broad audience."

Chrysler attacked for Playboy Club ads, doesn't back down originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boycottnbcparents television counciltelevisionThe Playboy ClubMon, 26 Sep 2011 17:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065414/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/chrysler-attacked-for-playboy-club-ads-doesnt-back-down/20065414/article-detail.xml 20065414 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chryslerplayboyboycott_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chryslerplayboyboycott.jpg <![CDATA[Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/discoverys-new-velocity-channel-launching-october-4-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/discoverys-new-velocity-channel-launching-october-4-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/discoverys-new-velocity-channel-launching-october-4-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Velocity Channel

Thankfully, there's plenty of programming on television for automotive gearheads: Top Gear shows and motor racing broadcast from locations around the world, car chase scenes in movies, the always-dysfunctional crew from American Chopper... heck, there's even a whole channel called Speed. But it's about to get some competition on the octane-drenched airwaves.

As we reported back in July, Discovery is gearing up to launch the Velocity channel, jam-packed with car-related programming, all broadcast in high-definition. Discovery has now announced that the channel will begin airing in place of the existing HD Theater on October 4 at 7 pm (Eastern Standard Time). But just what can we expect when it does?

Fortunately, the producers have hit us with details on network's new lineup. Velocity wont be entirely about cars, targeting as it will "upscale men" in general. So there will be some NFL coverage, gadget shows, finishing programs and such. But what about the cars?

For starters, MotorWeek - the staple car magazine show that's been on the air for over 30 years now - will be calling the network home. The initial line-up also includes American Icon with Chip Foose, Chasing Classic Cars, What's My Car Worth, Inside West Coast Customs and the motorcycle show Cafe Racer - many of which were previously shown on HD Theater but which will debut their new seasons on Velocity. Click here for more details, and check out the teaser video after the break.

Continue reading Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video]

Discovery's new Velocity channel launching October 4 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discoverytelevisiontvvelocityvelocity channelThu, 22 Sep 2011 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048439/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/discoverys-new-velocity-channel-launching-october-4-w-video/20048439/article-detail.xml 20048439 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/velocity-tv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/velocity-tv.jpg <![CDATA[Speed teases reality show chronicling Nissan/Playstation GT Academy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/speed-teases-reality-show-chronicling-nissan-playstation-gt-acad/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/speed-teases-reality-show-chronicling-nissan-playstation-gt-acad/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/19/speed-teases-reality-show-chronicling-nissan-playstation-gt-acad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GT Academy

If you're looking for the ultimate example of life imitating art imitating life, look no further than the Nissan/Playstation GT Academy. The program pits thousands upon thousands of gamers playing Gran Turismo 5 against each other in a fight over a spot on Nissan's actual racing team. Now that competition is jumping onto television screens as a reality program.

The international competition is the subject of a new reality TV show that is set to air its first of five episodes on the Speed Network starting tomorrow, September 20. The show documents how a group of gamers were honed into a select team of actual racers, and the series was shot at England's legendary Silverstone race track. As is typical with such reality shows, the winner will be announced in the final episode.

Whether you had opportunity to enter the competition or not, it looks to be an interesting watch. Follow the jump for a preview video and for the full press release for all the details.

Continue reading Speed teases reality show chronicling Nissan/Playstation GT Academy

Speed teases reality show chronicling Nissan/Playstation GT Academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismo 5gt academygt5nissannissan gt academynissan playstation gt academyplaystationplaystation academyplaystation gt academyrealityspeed networktelevisiontvMon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20046169/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/19/speed-teases-reality-show-chronicling-nissan-playstation-gt-acad/20046169/article-detail.xml 20046169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/gt-academy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/gt-academy.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin One-77 stars in new episode of NatGeo's <i>Megafactories</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/aston-martin-one-77-stars-in-new-episode-of-natgeos-megafact/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/aston-martin-one-77-stars-in-new-episode-of-natgeos-megafact/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/aston-martin-one-77-stars-in-new-episode-of-natgeos-megafact/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aston Martin One-77 assembly

The factories where supercars are made can often be as impressive, if not more so, than the vehicles they produce. Unfortunately few of us ever get to see them, remote as they often are from our locales and generally not open to the public. That's where Megafactories comes in.

The National Geographic program - broadcast Stateside as Ultimate Factories - regularly gains access to these plants, and the next episode is heading to Gaydon in Warwickshire, England, to take us behind the scenes of the dedicated facility where Aston Martin makes its top of the line model: the One-77.

There, they'll uncover the thousand-square-meter open-plan factory, the 27 technicians who work there and the 77 vehicles they're toiling to produce. It promises to be a fascinating watch, to say the least, when it airs this weekend to kick off the new series in the UK, but you can catch a little preview with the video after the jump, where you'll also find the press release - and don't forget the fresh crop of high-resolution images in the gallery.

Continue reading Aston Martin One-77 stars in new episode of NatGeo's Megafactories

Aston Martin One-77 stars in new episode of NatGeo's Megafactories originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astonaston martinaston martin one-77megafactoriesnat geonatgeonational geographicone-77televisiontvultimate factoriesvideoThu, 01 Sep 2011 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20032570/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/01/aston-martin-one-77-stars-in-new-episode-of-natgeos-megafact/20032570/article-detail.xml 20032570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webone-77-assembly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/webone-77-assembly.jpg <![CDATA[CNBC to air hour-long report on BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/cnbc-to-air-hour-long-report-on-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/cnbc-to-air-hour-long-report-on-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/cnbc-to-air-hour-long-report-on-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , ,



CNBC will air an hour-long program this Wednesday on the brand behind the roundel called "BMW: A Driving Obsession," which the news channel bills as "the fascinating story behind a once small, struggling company that transformed itself into a global luxury car powerhouse." The four featured highlights will take looks at BMW World, art cars, the BMW tech center and Rolls-Royce.

The page's breathless descriptions - "...where every dimension of the cars and company is engineered in search of perfection" - make us think this might be more for the casual car follower, not the enthusiast, but it's safe to say our DVRs will be reporting for duty come showtime.

The program gets four airings this Wednesday, July 13 starting at 9 p.m.t EST, but you can get previews now with a few extra-feature videos already on the CNBC site.

CNBC to air hour-long report on BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcablecnbcdocumentaryprogramtelevisionMon, 11 Jul 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19987267/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/11/cnbc-to-air-hour-long-report-on-bmw/19987267/article-detail.xml 19987267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bmwintrov2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bmwintrov2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Autoline After Hours</i> holding first annual Automotive Fantasy Draft [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/autoline-after-hours-holding-first-annual-automotive-fant/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/autoline-after-hours-holding-first-annual-automotive-fant/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/autoline-after-hours-holding-first-annual-automotive-fant/#commentsFiled under:

Autoline After Hours Automotive Fantasy DraftAutoline After Hours Automotive Fantasy DraftAutoline After Hours Automotive Fantasy DraftAutoline After Hours Automotive Fantasy Draft
Autoline After Hours fantasy draft companies - Click each image to see in high-res

The best part about any fantasy sports league is being able to pick and choose your team from the full crop of professional athletes in the business. The folks at Autoline After Hours are now bringing this to the automotive space with their first-annual Automotive Fantasy Draft.

Veteran automotive pundits John McElroy, Peter "Auto Extremist" DeLorenzo, Ed Lapham and Jim Hall will gather 'round the AAH table to draft auto executives for four fictional car companies. The AAH crew have even gone so far as to create logos and mission statements for these fantasy automakers, which you can check out in the attached image gallery.

The show airs on Thursday, June 30 at 7:00PM Eastern, and you can watch it live on the Autoline After Hours page. Until then, follow the jump to watch a zany trailer for the Automotive Fantasy Draft featuring Jim Hall from 2953 Analytics.

Continue reading Autoline After Hours holding first annual Automotive Fantasy Draft [w/video]

Autoline After Hours holding first annual Automotive Fantasy Draft [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>after hoursautolineautomotive fantasy drafted laphamfantasy automakerjim halljohn mcelroypeter delorenzotelevisionvideoWed, 29 Jun 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979776/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/29/autoline-after-hours-holding-first-annual-automotive-fant/19979776/article-detail.xml 19979776 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/deward-poster156_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/deward-poster156.jpg <![CDATA[Autowriters Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer added to <i>The Car Show</i> on <i>SPEED</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/autowriters-aaron-robinson-and-ezra-dyer-added-to-the-car-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/autowriters-aaron-robinson-and-ezra-dyer-added-to-the-car-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/26/autowriters-aaron-robinson-and-ezra-dyer-added-to-the-car-sho/#commentsFiled under: ,

the car show
First look at The Car Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

SPEED is betting big on its newest TV series, called The Car Show. You're most likely already aware that the program will be hosted by Adam Carolla, Dan Neil, Matt Farah and John Salley. Now, SPEED has announced that some well-known auto scribes are joining the team to pitch in on writing duty.

Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer have become a part of The Car Show family. Robinson is the Technical Editor at Car and Driver, while Dyer has written for a handful of publications and has a running column at Automobile. The two will add their automotive knowledge and insight to a team that already knows a good deal about cars. Well, we're sure of everyone except Salley. The Spider owns four NBA championship rings, was a member of the Chicago Bulls record-breaking 72-win season, and wasn't terrible in the film Eddie. None of that translates to cars, but we're hoping the writers stay away from attempting to squeeze his six-foot, 11-inch frame into a Mazda Miata.


Gallery: Adam Carolla's The Car Show


[Source: Speed]

Continue reading Autowriters Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer added to The Car Show on SPEED

Autowriters Aaron Robinson and Ezra Dyer added to The Car Show on SPEED originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron robinsonadam carollacar showdan neilezra dyerjohn salleymatt farahspeedspeed tvtelevisionthe car showtvTue, 26 Apr 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19923314/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/26/autowriters-aaron-robinson-and-ezra-dyer-added-to-the-car-sho/19923314/article-detail.xml 19923314 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/the-car-show-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/the-car-show-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chicago 2011: Suzuki is sofa king awesome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/suzuki-sofa-chicago-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/suzuki-sofa-chicago-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/suzuki-sofa-chicago-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Suzuki Motorized Sofa - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki is proudly displaying its "motorized sofa" at the Chicago Auto Show. The chugging chaise appears in its new "Kizashi Kicks" advertising campaign, a television spot comparing the Kizashi sedan to an Audi A4 2.0T and the well-worn sofa. We'll let Suzuki tell you about it, before we deliver the technical insight:

This 1970s-era sofa commissioned by American Suzuki retains its original synthetic trim finished in a fashionable tan and brown plaid motif. The sofa is complete with small tears and frayed stitching to meet Suzuki's overall design intent. The sofa also features a variety of loose coins, cookie crumbs and pocket lint resting just beneath the seat cushions. The steering wheel is comfortably positioned at the center of the sofa, making ingress and egress easy for passengers looking to accompany the driver on casual journeys. The throttle pedal is unmistakable in that it features a custom bare foot shape finished in chrome-plated metal with black accents.

The three-passenger davenport is powered by a single-cylinder Subaru (doh!) "Robin" SP170 engine. With a displacement of only 169 cc, the air-cooled, four-stroke overhead cam gas engine is rated at a whopping 5.7 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. No word on top speed, but the self-propelled furniture reportedly gets about 40 mpg. Braking is accomplished through a hydraulically-operated single-disc on the rear axle, and steering is rack-and-pinion. The tires are appropriately knobby, sized 14.5x7 up front, and 16x8 in the rear, hidden beneath tattered fabric skirting. We've asked for a test drive, of course.


Gallery: Suzuki Motorized Sofa: Chicago 2011


Photos copyright (C)2011 Michael Harley / AOL

Chicago 2011: Suzuki is sofa king awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chicago auto showchicagochicago 2011commercialcouch racingmotorized couchmotorized sofasofa racingsuzukisuzuki sofatelevisionThu, 10 Feb 2011 14:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19837531/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/10/suzuki-sofa-chicago-2011/19837531/article-detail.xml 19837531 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/sofa63016_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/sofa63016.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Mad Men</i> go racing: Ridley & Tony Scott developing Le Mans period drama]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/mad-men-go-racing-ridley-and-tony-scott-developing-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/mad-men-go-racing-ridley-and-tony-scott-developing-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/mad-men-go-racing-ridley-and-tony-scott-developing-le-mans/#commentsFiled under:

Le Mans the film

Everybody loves Mad Men. It's a hit TV show that has something for everyone. Heck, it even features some nice old cars, like the pimpin' Lincoln that Betty Draper inherited from her father, and discussions around the office on marketing import cars for the first time in America. But what the series really needs - well, what we really need, anyway - is some good ol' classic racing action. Enter Hollywood producers Ridley and Tony Scott.

The British brothers' production company Scott Free just signed on to a project called The Drivers. It's based on Wallace A. Wyss' book "Shelby: The Man, the Cars, the Legend," which was optioned for the screen and is reportedly being turned into a television drama.

The series is set to follow the daring drivers from the U.S. and Europe who raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1950s and 1960s - one of the most exciting periods in racing history with plenty of material to draw on. There's no telling at this point when the project will begin filming, let alone air, but the notion of a Mad Men-style show set at La Sarthe has got our TiVos twitching already. Thanks for the tip, Peter!

[Source: Deadline.com]

Mad Men go racing: Ridley & Tony Scott developing Le Mans period drama originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>le mansperiod dramaridley scottscott free productionstelevisionthe driverstony scotttvThu, 27 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19817529/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/27/mad-men-go-racing-ridley-and-tony-scott-developing-le-mans/19817529/article-detail.xml 19817529 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/screen-shot-2011-01-27-at-9.40.31-am-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/screen-shot-2011-01-27-at-9.40.31-am-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New <em>Ultimate Factories</em> episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/new-ultimate-factories-episodes-coming-for-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/new-ultimate-factories-episodes-coming-for-challenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/new-ultimate-factories-episodes-coming-for-challenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Dodge Viper assembly
Ultimate Factories shows how the Dodge Viper gets its heart - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ultimate Factories is coming back to the National Geographic channel, and the newest season is chalk-full of more automotive action. Upcoming shows have camera crews venturing into Dodge, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Bentley factories to show how they paint a Dodge Challenger, what it takes to build a Maserati engine and how Dodge builds (or is that built?) the Viper chassis and its 8.4-liter heart.

Ultimate Factories airs Thursday nights at 10pm and the Dodge Challenger episode is set to run on February 3rd. But before then, get a preview in the video after the jump.

[Source: National Geographic]

Continue reading New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more

New Ultimate Factories episodes coming for Challenger, Viper, Bentley and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleydodgedodge challengerdodge vipermaseratimercedes-benznational geographictelevisionultimate factoriesvideoMon, 24 Jan 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19813144/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/24/new-ultimate-factories-episodes-coming-for-challenger/19813144/article-detail.xml 19813144 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/dodgeviper13ultimatefactoriesiv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/dodgeviper13ultimatefactoriesiv.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Some cars are unfairly derided as "chick cars," like the Mini Cooper or the Mazda MX-5. Less so the Renault Twingo. While we're sure it's a good car for its class, it doesn't exactly ooze testosterone. Which is fine, of course, because not every car is targeted at male customers. But Renault takes things a step further.

In a controversial television commercial, the French automaker depicts a little girl-on-girl encounter for Italian audiences. One that we won't describe here, but invite you to watch (over and over again) in the video posted after the jump.

Now Renault's done some racy spots for the Twingo before - two of which we've also posted after the jump - so perhaps the more surprising part is that it's been banned from the airwaves. In Italy, of all places, by the media conglomerate owned by the country's philanderer-in-chief, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

A political move, perhaps, in light of recent challenges to his tenure made by conservative leaders (reportedly including Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo)? We'll leave that to the pundits, and invite you to follow us beyond the jump to watch the videos for yourself. Hat tip to Doogie Hauser!


Gallery: Renault New Twingo


[Source: USA Today]

Continue reading Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV

Video: Renault's racy lesbian Twingo ad banned from Italian TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementcommercialcontroversialcontroversyitalyrenaultrenault twingotelevisiontwingoSun, 19 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19769113/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/19/video-renaults-racy-lesbian-twingo-ad-banned-from-italian-tv/19769113/article-detail.xml 19769113 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/vidcap-twingo-it_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/vidcap-twingo-it.jpg <![CDATA[Speed details new shows with Adam Carolla and Dan Neil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/speed-details-new-shows-with-adam-carolla-and-dan-neil/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/speed-details-new-shows-with-adam-carolla-and-dan-neil/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/speed-details-new-shows-with-adam-carolla-and-dan-neil/#commentsFiled under:

Adam CarollaThe Speed Channel is approaching the 15th anniversary of its original air date and apparently its going to get much more aggressive with its content in the coming years. Right now, Speed has 20 new shows in development and six of those are ready to show up in your DVR in 2011.

We know that Adam Carolla is working on a show that would be an automotive version of The Best Damn Sports Show Period. Other items in the works include a series of specials with Jay Leno, a reality series based on Gran Turismo 5 (produced in cooperation with Sony and Nissan) and a Gymkhana program to be helmed by The Fast and the Furious Producer/DIrector Adam Cohen.

Those represent part of the growing projects currently under development. These six new shows are ready to by slotted into the lineup (titles subject to change):

-Car Warriors: Think Joes vs Pros but for car construction. A team of average folks square off against all-star builders and their work will be judged by George Barris, Jimmy Shine and Mad Mike Martin.

-American Truckers: Rob Mariani talks about iconic rigs, amazing routes and unique cargo tales. Kind of a niche audience here but the "iconic rigs" could be interesting.

-Car Science: The producers of Sports Science and Fight Science have turned their attention to automobiles.

-Speedmakers: Surprisingly not a Breaking Bad rip-off, but an examination of anything that makes speed possible. The show will examine the Daytona International Speedway, go behind the scenes at Aston Martin and will generally focus on engineering feats designed to maximize speed.

-Ticket to Ride with Dan Neil: Pulitzer-prize winner Dan Neil turns his column into a television show. If Speed lets him handle the writing, this one could prove quite interesting.

-The 10: This one is for the NASCAR fans. The 10 will highlight the best that NASCAR has served up over the years with topics such as Most Bizarre Finishes, All-Time Races, Throw-downs and Closest Calls.

[Source: Speed]

Continue reading Speed details new shows with Adam Carolla and Dan Neil

Speed details new shows with Adam Carolla and Dan Neil originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam carollaamerican truckerscar sciencecar warriorsjay lenorob marianispeedspeed channelspeedmakerstelevisionticket to rideticket to ride with dan neilThu, 16 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19765781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/16/speed-details-new-shows-with-adam-carolla-and-dan-neil/19765781/article-detail.xml 19765781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/adam-carolla-tg_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/adam-carolla-tg.jpg -1 2