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[2014 Chevy Silverado gets Texas Edition package]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/2014-chevy-silverado-texas-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/2014-chevy-silverado-texas-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/2014-chevy-silverado-texas-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to General Motors, the Lone Star State is responsible for one sixth of all truck sales in the United States, and to draw even more buyers to its showrooms, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is being offered in a special Texas Edition package. For buyers not in Texas, though, a similar package called Custom Sport will be offered at the same price premium - $2,165 for LT and $1,895 for LTZ models.

Both packages add 20-inch wheels, a locking rear differential and the Trailering Equipment package, and while the LT trim levels will get body colored mirrors and door handles, the LTZ models will get a whole smattering of chrome, along with a Bose audio system. The Texas Edition will get unique badges to differentiate it from the Custom Sport models. Scroll down for more information on these new packages, and check out our galleries of the 2014 Silverado and the more luxurious Silverado High Country.

Continue reading 2014 Chevy Silverado gets Texas Edition package

2014 Chevy Silverado gets Texas Edition package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet silverado2014 chevrolet silverado custom sport2014 chevrolet silverado texas editionchevrolet silveradopickup trucktexasWed, 08 May 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/2014-chevy-silverado-texas-edition/20562102/article-detail.xml 20562102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-silverado-texas-edition_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-silverado-texas-edition.jpg <![CDATA[GM gives $100k to Red Cross for Texas-like emergencies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/gm-gives-100k-to-red-cross-for-texas-like-emergencies/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/gm-gives-100k-to-red-cross-for-texas-like-emergencies/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/gm-gives-100k-to-red-cross-for-texas-like-emergencies/#commentsFiled under: ,



The General Motors Foundation has provided a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in West, Texas. Last Wednesday, the fertilizer plant in the town of 2,800 people caught fire and then exploded, the blowup registering as a 2.1-magnitude earthquake and felt up to 45 miles away. Fourteen people died, ten of them the firefighters and first responders who were there to put out the fire and get people to safety, 200 people were injured and entire blocks of the town were destroyed.

The GM Foundation grant will keep the Red Cross able to respond quickly to disasters in The Lone Star State, the incident in West being just one of the 6,000 annual efforts that the Red Cross makes in Texas alone.

A press release below has more information on the grant and the history of the foundation.

Continue reading GM gives $100k to Red Cross for Texas-like emergencies

GM gives $100k to Red Cross for Texas-like emergencies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american red crosscharitygeneral motorsgmgm foundationgrantphilanthropyred crosstexaswestwest texasWed, 24 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547634/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/gm-gives-100k-to-red-cross-for-texas-like-emergencies/20547634/article-detail.xml 20547634 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/plant-explosion-texas-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/plant-explosion-texas-628.jpg <![CDATA[Auto journo learns hard way that new vehicles burn differently than old ones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Terry Box, a writer for the Dallas Morning News, was tootling down the Dallas North Tollway in a Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn pickup after work and enjoying the ride. Box thought the $53,335, option-filled press loaner had been "flawless - very serious competition for anything built by Ford or Chevy." And then, for reasons that still aren't clear, something in the engine compartment caught fire and the Ram cremated itself on the shoulder of an off-ramp.

Box tells the story and it isn't an indictment of the truck, but a cautionary tale about how new vehicles don't burn like the old ones did - and why not to go back for your gym bag. It could also be a kind reminder about what kind of safety gear everyone should keep in their cars. Click the link to read the whole piece.

Auto journo learns hard way that new vehicles burn differently than old ones originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallasfireramram 1500ram 1500 laramie longhornread thisterry boxtexasMon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539937/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/20539937/article-detail.xml 20539937 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terry-box-ram-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terry-box-ram-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this crazy tumbleweed attack on the open road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/watch-this-crazy-tumbleweed-attack-on-the-open-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/watch-this-crazy-tumbleweed-attack-on-the-open-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/watch-this-crazy-tumbleweed-attack-on-the-open-road/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tumbleweed Attack video screencap

Tumbleweeds: the Tribbles of the American West. We typically think of the roaming plant matter as little more than a prop in the backdrop of our favorite westerns, but as one driver recently found out, high winds can turn tumbleweeds into a serious hassle. How serious? While traveling through Midland, Texas, the driver in question watched as the entire roadway ahead of his vehicle became covered in the dead plants. The quick video below shows the migrating weeds bounding through the air, bouncing off of his vehicle and continuing on their way. We can honestly say we've never seen anything like it before.

While we feel bad for the driver's paint, at least the weeds are mostly harmless. You can check out the hilarity for yourself in the video below. If you'll excuse us, we need to revisit our Ennio Morricone playlist.

Continue reading Watch this crazy tumbleweed attack on the open road

Watch this crazy tumbleweed attack on the open road originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>failmidlandmidland texastexastumble weedtumbleweedtumbleweed attacktumbleweed videovideoMon, 04 Feb 2013 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/watch-this-crazy-tumbleweed-attack-on-the-open-road/20447917/article-detail.xml 20447917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/tumbleweed-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/tumbleweed-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Michael Schumacher has driven around the Earth twice in an F1 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/michael-schumacher-has-driven-around-the-earth-twice-in-an-f1-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/michael-schumacher-has-driven-around-the-earth-twice-in-an-f1-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/michael-schumacher-has-driven-around-the-earth-twice-in-an-f1-ca/#commentsFiled under: ,



In Texas, during what will go down as one of the absolute best inaugural Grand Prix weekends in series history, there was yet another Formula One record set by his lordship, the soon to retire Michael Schumacher of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 squad. And, no, it wasn't his finishing in 16th place and lapped by the leaders that got the attention. Nor was it his recent purchase of a 500-acre horse ranch in Texas.

While watching the broadcast television coverage, the chief commentator announced that, upon the completion of Lap 10 of the 3.4-mile Circuit of the Americas, Schumacher became the most traveled Formula One pilot in history. That lap saw him clock 80,000 kilometers - or 49,710 miles - in competition in an F1 car over 19 seasons. By the time he finishes the 2012 F1 season finale on November 25th in Brazil, that'll be over two-times the 24,901-mile circumference of planet Earth driven in a Formula One car.

This feat outdistanced the record set by his former Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello, though it is not known if Barrichello came to the Mercedes trailer after the race to congratulate the seven-time F1 champ. Rubens was, after all, a guest of honor over at the Ferrari compound.

Michael Schumacher has driven around the Earth twice in an F1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circuit of the americascotadistancef1formula onemercedesmichael schumacherrecordschumachertexasusgpWed, 21 Nov 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383096/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/michael-schumacher-has-driven-around-the-earth-twice-in-an-f1-ca/20383096/article-detail.xml 20383096 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/michael-schumaker-usgp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/michael-schumaker-usgp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Final Recap: Days 2 and 3 notes, quotes, and takeaways from the US Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Texas grass no longer rustles with 2.4-liter V8 exhaust blown at 18,000 revs, the Texas dust is no longer raised by hard-compound Pirellis. We saw a lot and learned a lot while we were there as guests of Infiniti, and after our Day 1 and race recaps, here are the bits left over from our time spent with the carmaker and Red Bull Racing, including thoughts on a "wicked" race, Christian Horner's quest for a more level playing field, Infiniti "going longer and deeper," and why Mario Andretti should get a police escort at the beginning of a race but not a microphone at the end...

Continue reading Final Recap: Days 2 and 3 notes, quotes, and takeaways from the US Grand Prix

Final Recap: Days 2 and 3 notes, quotes, and takeaways from the US Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas siglaustinchristian hornerf1formula 1infinitilewis hamiltonmark webberred bulltexasus grand prixusgpTue, 20 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/final-recap-days-2-and-3-notes-quotes-and-takeaways-from-the/20383894/article-detail.xml 20383894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/recap3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/recap3.jpg <![CDATA[2012 US Grand Prix, remember the <s>Alamo</s> Circuit of the Americas [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/#commentsFiled under:

F1 US Grand Prix graphic

There were 56 laps run in Austin's Travis County prairie to complete the inaugural United States Grand Prix at the newly minted Circuit of the Americas. Coming into the race, there were nothing but questions and calculations: Would the track be any good for Formula One? Could Red Bull Racing get the five points it needed to take the F1 Constructor's Championship? Would Turn One be the Golgotha everyone predicted? Would the race be the triumphal return to America that everyone was afraid to predict? Could Sauber get enough points to overhaul a struggling Mercedes-AMG Petronas team for fifth in the Constructor's Championship? Could Marussia manage a twelfth-placed finish to overhaul Caterham? Could official track ambassador Mario Andretti conduct a post-race interview?

And most importantly, could Sebastian Vettel put an end to the issue of the Driver's Championship? He would put up a Texas-sized fight...

Continue reading 2012 US Grand Prix, remember the Alamo Circuit of the Americas [spoilers]

2012 US Grand Prix, remember the Alamo Circuit of the Americas [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 us grand prixaustincircuit of the americascotaf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onelewis hamiltonred bullsebastian vetteltexasus grand prixusgpMon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/19/2012-us-grand-prix-remember-the-alamo-circuit-of-the-ame/20383111/article-detail.xml 20383111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/usgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/usgp1.jpg <![CDATA[Grand Prix of the Americas, Day 1 Recap: a city arose in the fields, and it was good]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Circuit of the Americas is the miracle in the fields, the track that no one thought would be finished in time to hold its appointed race. But the Texans got past the turmoil, and even though the heavy machinery was still working on dirt roads as July, come November 18 there was a beautiful, and completed, Formula 1 facility for Travis County to call its own. It was dusty, sure. But it was done, and F1 could come to town.

Infiniti, sponsors of Red Bull Racing, invited Autoblog to watch the first grand prix in America since 2007, and the first GP on a dedicated F1 course since the Phoenix street circuit in 1991. Here's a little recap of what we saw and fount out on day one.

Continue reading Grand Prix of the Americas, Day 1 Recap: a city arose in the fields, and it was good

Grand Prix of the Americas, Day 1 Recap: a city arose in the fields, and it was good originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinf1formula 1grand prixgrand prix of americagrand prix of the americasinfinitimark webberred bullred bull racingsebastian vetteltexasus grand prixSat, 17 Nov 2012 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382618/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/17/grand-prix-of-the-americas-day-1-recap-a-city-arose-in-the-fie/20382618/article-detail.xml 20382618 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gpoa1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/gpoa1.jpg <![CDATA[Party sponsored by Lamborghini tried to airlift yacht into Austin lake for F1 race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This was the kind of understatement we didn't expect to encounter in the Lone Star State: on our way into Austin to attend the Grand Prix of the Americas, the man sitting next to us on the plane - an Austinite born and raised - said, "There's gonna be a lot of wealthy people here." You know, as if Texas didn't have its fair share already.

Wealthy people need wealthy things to do and not-as-wealthy people to arrange such things for them. Case in point is My Yacht Club, which follows the Formula 1 parade and other rah-rah events around the globe, hosting guests and parties on yachts. In Austin the event group has had to change its schtick; there's no way to navigate one 150-foot motor yacht into Austin's Lady Bird Lake. MYC principal Nicholas Frankl told KUT News, "We spoke to the Army Air Corps. They couldn't lift it." We believe he meant the Army Corps of Engineers, but no matter, they couldn't lift it either.

So MYC has switched to a land-lubbers venue, The Long Center where Ballet Austin, the opera and the symphony perform. In case you readers are worried about how guests will manage without chiseled Italian deckhands in epaulets, not only has Frankl promised that "the elements of decadence and luxury and coolness and exclusivity are all there," guests will get to guzzle 24-karat gold-infused champagne. Because the stars at night just aren't as big and bright without it, obviously.

Party sponsored by Lamborghini tried to airlift yacht into Austin lake for F1 race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinf1formula 1grand prixlamborghinimy yacht clubnicholas frankltexasFri, 16 Nov 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20381391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/party-sponsored-by-lamborghini-tried-to-airlift-yacht-into-austi/20381391/article-detail.xml 20381391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/img2187-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/img2187-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Texans go hog wild on first night of 85-mph tollway, four accidents reported [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/texans-go-hog-wild-on-first-night-of-85-mph-tollway-four-accide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/texans-go-hog-wild-on-first-night-of-85-mph-tollway-four-accide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/texans-go-hog-wild-on-first-night-of-85-mph-tollway-four-accide/#commentsFiled under: ,

Texas' 85-mph speed limit sign with Angry Birds' pig

The new 85-mile-per-hour toll road in Texas wasn't open a single day before it recorded its first accidents. Four accidents, to be exact, all caused by the same thing: wild hogs crossing the roadway. Though no serious injuries were reported, one of the vehicles was totaled.

The area through which State Highway 130 runs is ranch and farm land, on which packs of these feral pigs live and breed. Local news reports say the animals have become such a problem that Caldwell County offers a $2 bounty for hunting them. Local police officers even suspected the pigs might cause problems on the toll road, having recorded packs of them (video below) crossing the road a couple days before the highway opened.

The problem might also be poised to get worse as night begins to fall earlier and traffic on this new segment of SH 130 increases. Indeed, traveling on the toll road is temporarily free through November 11.

If you're traveling on SH 130, the best advice authorities have if you happen to come upon pigs in the roadway is "grip the wheel and keep going." Trying to avoid an accident can often make matters worse. Traveling at speeds lower than the road's fastest-in-the-nation 85 mph might not help either, as the time to respond may still not be enough to avoid an inadvertent bacon-making incident.

Continue reading Texans go hog wild on first night of 85-mph tollway, four accidents reported [w/video]

Texans go hog wild on first night of 85-mph tollway, four accidents reported [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>85 mphferal pigsh 130state highway 130texastoll roadwild boarwild hogwild hogsMon, 29 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20364350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/texans-go-hog-wild-on-first-night-of-85-mph-tollway-four-accide/20364350/article-detail.xml 20364350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texas-toll-road-angry-pig_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texas-toll-road-angry-pig.jpg <![CDATA[Texas' 85-MPH toll road opens weeks ahead of schedule]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/#commentsFiled under:

Texas 85 mph toll road

While it takes some municipalities months just to fix a pot hole, apparently all you need is a little revenue stream to get road construction done at a rabbit's pace. After years of work, the final portion of the Texas State Highway 130 toll road has been opened today weeks ahead of schedule. The newest segments have gotten this toll road national attention over the last several months for having a posted speed limit of 85 miles per hour along its 41-mile length from just south of Austin to I-10 near Seguin, Texas.

The road was constructed with no cost to the taxpayers by the SH 130 Concession Company, but almost as an added gift to local residents for finishing early, the tolls for the new portion of Texas SH 130 are being waived until November 11. After that, passenger cars and trucks will be charged $0.15 per mile, which adds up to a little over six dollars to drive the length of the new 41-mile, 85-mph stretch. The entire SH 130 toll road now spans 91 miles and acts as a bypass of Austin. Even better, the toll road uses a cashless system that can read either the TxTag decal or the car's license plate, which eliminates pesky toll booths and makes speedy transit even more convenient for motorists.

Texas' 85-MPH toll road opens weeks ahead of schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>85 mile per hour speed limit85 mphaustinroad constructiontexastexas 85 mph speed limittexas state highway 130toll roadThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/texas-85-mph-toll-road-opens-weeks-ahead-of-schedule/20359751/article-detail.xml 20359751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texas-toll-road_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texas-toll-road.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Hennessey-tuned Cadillac CTS-V run over 220 mph on a Texas road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/watch-hennessey-tuned-cadillac-cts-v-run-over-220-mph-on-a-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/watch-hennessey-tuned-cadillac-cts-v-run-over-220-mph-on-a-texas/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/watch-hennessey-tuned-cadillac-cts-v-run-over-220-mph-on-a-texas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hennessey VR1200 Toll Road Run

Texas holds the excellent honor of playing host to the road with the highest speed limit in the US. It seems no coincidence, then, that the speed-hungry minds at Hennessey Performance call the Lone Star State home as well. Hennessey recently turned its attention to the freshly opened toll road SH130 for a quick sprint, and with the help of the Texas Departments of Transportation and Public Safety, driver Brian Smith ran the VR1200 all the way to 220.5 mph before running out of road. That's right, the wicked, much-modified Cadillac CTS-V Coupe actually had more left in its top end.

As you may recall, the VR1200 gets its grunt from a twin-turbocharged 7.0-liter V8 engine good for 1,226 horsepower and 1,109 pound-feet of torque. Hennessey paired that maniacal mill with a carbon fiber widebody kit and a set of carbon ceramic brakes, among other goodies, and the team says the VR1200 is good for a top speed of 242 mph. Check it out in action below.

Continue reading Watch Hennessey-tuned Cadillac CTS-V run over 220 mph on a Texas road

Watch Hennessey-tuned Cadillac CTS-V run over 220 mph on a Texas road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac cts-v coupectscts-vcts-v coupehennesseyhennessey performancehennessey vr1200sh130texastexas toll road sh130videoThu, 25 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20360596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/watch-hennessey-tuned-cadillac-cts-v-run-over-220-mph-on-a-texas/20360596/article-detail.xml 20360596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hennessey-vr1200-toll-road-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/hennessey-vr1200-toll-road-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ram 1500 earns Truck of Texas honors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/2013-ram-1500-earns-truck-of-texas-honors/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/2013-ram-1500-earns-truck-of-texas-honors/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/2013-ram-1500-earns-truck-of-texas-honors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Auto writers around the country tend to specialize in different vehicles based on the trends of our respective home markets. The New England Motor Press Association, for example, presents an award every year for the best winter vehicle. With that in mind, it is fitting that the Texas Auto Writers Association doles out an annual truck award. This year, the TAWA "Truck of Texas" is the 2013 Ram 1500.

In a announcement from TAWA, the new Ram took top honors based in no small part on, "a new 3.6-liter V6 that boasts 42 percent more power, improved fuel economy, infotainment upgrades and available eight-speed automatic transmission and air suspension." And according to Ram CEO Fred Diaz, "Automotive reporters have reacted extremely favorably to the new 2013 Ram 1500, and our research tells us that resonates with truck buyers." The Ram 1500 unseated the previous Truck of Texas, the 2012 Ford F-150.

The Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo was also an occasion for journalists to award an SUV of Texas, and thankfully, the distinction is made between SUV and CUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee took top honors in the SUV department, with TAWA pointing to models like the off-road-ready Trailhawk and feature-laden Overland Summit. It is the third consecutive year that the Grand Cherokee has achieved this accolade. The award for top crossover went to the 2013 Buick Enclave, which is in its first year of a new design. To read more on the Truck of Texas award and all the finalists, check out the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 earns Truck of Texas honors

2013 Ram 1500 earns Truck of Texas honors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15002013 ram 1500pickup truckramtawatexastexas auto writers associationtruck of texasTue, 23 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/2013-ram-1500-earns-truck-of-texas-honors/20356798/article-detail.xml 20356798 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-ram-1500-crew-cab-slt-4x4-first-drive_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-ram-1500-crew-cab-slt-4x4-first-drive.jpeg <![CDATA[Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Texas road sign damages SUV

A Texas woman recently found herself with no recourse after a large traffic sign fell on her Lexus SUV. Stephanie Hawkins was stopped at a light with her teenage daughter when she felt her vehicle shake violently. Thinking she'd been in an accident, she stepped outside only to find a sign had fallen over onto her vehicle. After taking photos of the incident and receiving a repair estimate of $2,791.25, Hawkins filed a claim with the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT quickly responded by saying the state government was not responsible for the damage and therefore would not pay to fix her vehicle.

How is that possible? According to Texas, government agencies are not liable for damages caused while performing government safety functions. That includes maintaining signs. The ruling is part of the Texas Tort Claims Act and the Doctrine of Government Immunity. In a separate statement, TxDOT said it investigated the claim and found no negligence on its part. Take a look at the local news report on the incident below.

Continue reading Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV

Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdoctrine of government immunityfalling signsuvtexastexas department of transportationtxdotSat, 29 Sep 2012 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/20334663/article-detail.xml 20334663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texas-falling-sign-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texas-falling-sign-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch bows in Texas, V6 claims towing title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-ford-f-150-king-ranch-bows-in-texas-v6-claims-towing-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-ford-f-150-king-ranch-bows-in-texas-v6-claims-towing-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/2013-ford-f-150-king-ranch-bows-in-texas-v6-claims-towing-title/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch - front three-quarter studio view

The 2012 State Fair of Texas is set to fire up this weekend in the Lone Star State, which means domestic automakers are in the mood to talk about trucks. Ford is using the occasion for two major announcements, the first being that the F-150's standard 3.7-liter engine can now pull a class-leading 6,700 pounds. That's 200 pounds more than the 2013 Ram 1500 and its 3.7-liter V6, and a whopping 1,300 more than the Chevy Silverado when powered by General Motors' 4.3-liter V6.

The second announcement is the debut of the 2013 F-150 King Ranch. The King Ranch has been offered by Ford since 2000 when the Blue Oval and the very large, very old and very much still in operation Texas-based King Ranch partnered up, making this year's model the 12th edition.

The 2013 F-150 King Ranch features its own version of the truck's new three-bar grille, and its two-tone exterior can be complemented with optional 20-inch machined aluminum wheels. Buyers can also opt for monochrome paint, HID headlamps, as well as a unique King Ranch chrome package. The interior features all of the latest Ford tech, including MyFord Touch and ambient lighting, and can be ordered in the King Ranch's trademark Adobe colors or black. Powering the King Ranch are your choice of Ford's 5.0-liter V8 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, though both are mated to the same six-speed automatic transmission.

So yes, the King Ranch is not much more than an F-150 with an earthy color palette, lux'd up interior and a unique set of wheels, but it's also one helluva handsome truck in our eyes.

Continue reading 2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch bows in Texas, V6 claims towing title

2013 Ford F-150 King Ranch bows in Texas, V6 claims towing title originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford f-150 king ranchf-150f-seriesfordking ranchstate fair of texastexastexas state fairThu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/2013-ford-f-150-king-ranch-bows-in-texas-v6-claims-towing-title/20334580/article-detail.xml 20334580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/king-ranch-pic-3-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/king-ranch-pic-3-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Texas toll road approved for 85-MPH speed limit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/texas-toll-road-approved-for-85-mph-speed-limit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/texas-toll-road-approved-for-85-mph-speed-limit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/texas-toll-road-approved-for-85-mph-speed-limit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Texas 85 MPH speed limit

The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a new 85-mile-per-hour speed limit for a stretch of highway in the Lone Star State. The new high-speed section of highway is a 41-mile stretch of State Highway 130 that is several miles east of Interstate 35. This now makes Texas the state with the highest speed limit in the country.

Texans have already voiced their support for the move, as the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio has become ever more bogged down with traffic. This move would certainly alleviate a lot of that congestion.

Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been vocal in its disapproval of the move, though there is not much that it can do. According to Russ Rader, spokesman for IIHS, "The research is clear that when speed limits go up, fatalities go up." In support of this notion, a 2009 report from the American Journal of Public Health found that between 1995 and 2005, more than 12,500 deaths had connection with increased speed limits on American roads.

The 85-mph stretch will give drivers a leg up speed-wise over the 75 mph speed limit found on the fastest roads in most states. The only other roads close to this new Texas road are several highways in West Texas and Utah, which have 80-mph speed limits.

While the data brought forth by the IIHS points to an increase in fatalities at higher speeds, it should be noted that new cars in the last decade are safer and faster than ever. Many European cars are tested at Autobahn speeds, and have the safety equipment to match. These roads may not be ideal for older vehicles, but many drivers of new cars would likely admit to driving at 80+ mph speeds already. It will be interesting to see if this is the first of more high speed roads not only in Texas, but elsewhere.

Texas toll road approved for 85-MPH speed limit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>85 mph speed limittexastexas 130Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318700/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/texas-toll-road-approved-for-85-mph-speed-limit/20318700/article-detail.xml 20318700 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texasspeedlimit.cd1a0eb0159948e0b56f96a3f0d720b1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texasspeedlimit.cd1a0eb0159948e0b56f96a3f0d720b1.jpg <![CDATA[Styrofoam takes out multiple motorcyclists on TX highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/styrofoam-takes-out-multiple-motorcyclists-on-tx-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/styrofoam-takes-out-multiple-motorcyclists-on-tx-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/30/styrofoam-takes-out-multiple-motorcyclists-on-tx-highway/#commentsFiled under: ,



A group of motorcyclists encountered one hell of an incident on a Texas highway, all of which was captured thanks to the magic of helmet cam. This time, however, it doesn't involve the authorities and more than just the riders' pride was hurt.

According to one of the bikers on the weekly ride in McAllen, Texas, a truck was carrying large styrofoam boxes that weren't properly tied down. As the group came up behind the truck, one of the boxes flew out and shattered in front of the riders. One of the motorcycles went down in the explosion of styrofoam, and second rider went down after, clipping the first downed bike in the process. Both riders were taken to the hospital and, thankfully, were released the following day with nothing worse than bruising and road rash. One of the bikes, though, was totaled.

Scroll down to watch the carnage unfold.

Continue reading Styrofoam takes out multiple motorcyclists on TX highway

Styrofoam takes out multiple motorcyclists on TX highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentmcallenmotorcycle crashmotorcyclisttexasvideovideoswreckyoutubeThu, 30 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20312596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/30/styrofoam-takes-out-multiple-motorcyclists-on-tx-highway/20312596/article-detail.xml 20312596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bikerfoamcrash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bikerfoamcrash.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Translogic visits Austin

Too often, discussions about how best for people to get around crowded urban environments turn into an argument, with cars pitted against bicycles, highways versus public transit and improving commute times challenging pedestrian safety. But not in Austin.

In this latest episode of Translogic, our sister publication looks at how the Texas capital has embraced multimodal transportation, choosing "all of the above" rather than picking any one idea on which to hang its transportation strategy. With as rapidly as the city and surrounding region has been growing - now boasting some 1.2 million residents - the need for forward-thinking transportation planning is acute.

From wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks to bike lanes, car sharing to public charging stations and light rail, Austin seemingly has it all. The city isn't sitting still, either, promoting such ideas as bike lockers in office buildings with shower facilities to encourage two-wheel commuting, and getting ready to launch a bike sharing program next year. Federal money to develop a high-speed bus system will further enhance Austin's transportation alternatives.

Scroll down to watch the full Translogic episode and see what they're doing to Keep Austin Weird... and green.

Continue reading Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure

Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosaustinbicyclebike lanescar sharingmultimodalmultimodal transportationpublic charging stationstexastranslogicSat, 04 Aug 2012 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20290191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/04/translogic-checks-out-austins-impressive-infrastructure/20290191/article-detail.xml 20290191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/xl-austin-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/xl-austin-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Truck carrying 23 passengers crashes, 12 dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/truck-carrying-23-passengers-crashes-12-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/truck-carrying-23-passengers-crashes-12-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/23/truck-carrying-23-passengers-crashes-12-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Eleven people are dead and 12 are injured after a Ford F-250 pickup truck carrying 23 passengers crashed in the southern Texas town of Goliad.

First responders were sent to the scene to investigate a single-car crash off of Highway 59, and were shocked to find the sheer number of people in the vehicle's bed and cab. According to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Gerald Bryant, "This is the most people I've seen in any passenger vehicle, and I've been an officer for 38 years."

Bryant said that the victims ranged in age, and even went so far as to share that he saw two children dead at the scene.

According to investigators, the white 2000 Ford F-250 was traveling North on Highway 59 Sunday evening, when it veered off the right side of the highway and struck two trees. Emergency crews arrived to find six people dead inside the cab of the truck.

Boarder Patrol will also take part in the investigation of the crash. While it is not yet known if the victims were illegal immigrants, it has not yet been ruled out.

Truck carrying 23 passengers crashes, 12 dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2000 ford f250crashf350fordpickuptexasMon, 23 Jul 2012 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20283736/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/23/truck-carrying-23-passengers-crashes-12-dead/20283736/article-detail.xml 20283736 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/deadly-truck-crash-texas_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/deadly-truck-crash-texas.jpg <![CDATA[CAFE standards upheld by U.S. appeals court]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/cafe-standards-upheld-by-u-s-appeals-court/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/cafe-standards-upheld-by-u-s-appeals-court/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/27/cafe-standards-upheld-by-u-s-appeals-court/#commentsFiled under: ,

Car2Go Smart For Two in front of Capitol

No dice, partner.

Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for 2012-16 were upheld this week by a U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., quashing efforts by certain industries and a number of states to overturn the mandate, The Detroit News reports.

The standards, which have been backed by the Obama Administration, require fleetwide fuel economy to reach 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016. The mandate, made in part to address evidence of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions, has been backed by most major automakers, including Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.

The Obama Administration is expected later this year to settle on CAFE standards proposed last year for 2025. That mandate requires a 54.5-miles-per-gallon CAFE standard, which equals about 40 miles per gallon in real-world terms.

Fleetwide new-car averages neared all-time highs of about 23 miles per gallon earlier this year, though they have fallen slightly during the past couple of months as gas prices have dropped.

CAFE standards upheld by U.S. appeals court originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appeals courtcafecorporate average fuel economyfuel economyfuel standardsgas mileageobamatexasWed, 27 Jun 2012 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20266824/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/27/cafe-standards-upheld-by-u-s-appeals-court/20266824/article-detail.xml 20266824 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/car2godc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/car2godc.jpg -1 2