Autoblog

Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST

With each passing day, our lives become more intertwined with the latest sporting machine from Lexus. Previously contained only through still photography, the Lexus LS TMG Edition has now been captured by a video camera: The 641-horsepower sport sedan was seen in its native habitat, which is stalking the twists and turns of Germany's Nürburgring.

We are still waiting to learn more about this oddly enticing product born from the Cologne garage of Toyota Motorsport GmbH. So far, all we've got to go on is the leaked spec sheet. That slip of conveniently laid-out paper has us eager to get quite a bit closer to the LS TMG.

Click past the jump to watch it run through a few turns at the 'Ring.

Continue reading Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Porsche 911 lops 13 seconds off predecessor's 'Ring time, quick as 997 GT3

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Porsche

The Porsche 911 is dead, long live the Porsche 911. The German automaker's latest and greatest has taken to the Nürburgring where old marks have fallen hard. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S was sent through the Green Hell, where it promptly beat the time achieved by the prior 997 version by a whopping 13 seconds.

With a time of 7:40, the 2012 911 matches the mark set by the previous 911 GT3. If you happen to own a previous generation 911 GT3, we'll pause here for a moment while you go out to smash something with a hammer.

Back? Great. You shouldn't fret too much, because this just means the next-generation GT3 should be a land rocket capable of blistering the surface of the 'Ring. GT2 guys, your numbers are still safe... for now.

2012 Porsche 911 lops 13 seconds off predecessor's 'Ring time, quick as 997 GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Lexus

We spy, with the lens of our spy guy, a rather unique Lexus LS that's taken to the track. Spotted lapping Germany's Nürburgring, this particular LS is wearing puffed-out fenders, a strongly styled decklid spoiler, what appears to be a faux nose hiding new bodywork, deep side skirts and a pair of vents on the hood. Something sporty is afoot, and we're itching to know more.

Toyota is clearly testing a super sporty version of its flagship luxury sedan. What's not clear, however, is what exactly is going on underneath the bodywork. We do know that this is work of the automaker, and not an aftermarket tuner testing some new performance parts out. The license tags on the car are from Cologne, and the car was spotted at the automaker's garage nearby.

Could we be staring at a Lexus LS F in disguise? The automaker has hinted in the past at such a car coming to market over the years, and this luxury sedan is certainly wearing some athletic upgrades. Funny, we thought for sure that a variant of the new GS was going to be next in line to get the F Sport treatment. Could this just be a one-off piece for the Tokyo Motor Show or Tokyo Auto Salon, or is it indicative of something more?

Final amusing note: The wheelman at the helm of this mystery "LS F' must be new to the 'Ring - that giant "L" on the rear window indicates he's a Learner.

Mystery super Lexus LS spotting lapping Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Land Rover Range Rover caught on a 'Ring run

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Land Rover

Land Rover has been cranking out the luxurious yet still-capable Range Rover since 1970, and over the last 41 years, the iconic vehicle has seen its design dramatically altered just three times. We're not expecting the next generation Range Rover to rock the boat stylistically, but we think you should be ready for a fresh look in the very near future.

Our spy photographers captured the 2013 Range Rover in a rather unlikely place. Seen roaming around the 'Ring, this camo-clad beast shows off little in the way of future design language. We wouldn't be surprised, however, if touches of the all-new Evoque find their way up the family tree. Hopefully, the high-speed testing continues for a few weeks and those camouflage layers begin to peel off so we can see exactly what's going on underneath.

2013 Land Rover Range Rover caught on a 'Ring run originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

'Ring run in the rain raises the bar

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

You might be a good driver. Perhaps you've had a few good runs at your local autocross, taken a lesson or two from Skip Barber or even tried your hand at some wheel-to-wheel racing. We're going to go out on a (very) short limb, however, and respectfully say that you aren't as good of a driver as Andreas Gülden.

Mr. Gülden is the chief instructor at the Nürburgring Driving Academy, meaning he has complete access to the famed track as well as a fleet of Formula Super cars. At least one of those cars has a camera on it, and for that, we're thankful.

Gülden took the keys to said camera-equipped car and set out on a lap of a soaking wet Nürburgring. The resulting footage is a master class in car control, a shining example of ~~balls~~ nerves of steel and the type of lap we can only dream of someday completing. Someday.

Click past the jump to watch one of the most exciting Nürburgring laps of all time.

Continue reading 'Ring run in the rain raises the bar

'Ring run in the rain raises the bar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Motorcyclist runs from Bridge to Gantry in 7:26 blast around the Nurburgring

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle

We've seen many cars take on Germany's famed Nürburgring, and it seems that automakers the world over enjoy using the Green Hell as a torturous test bed for new products. Drivers attempt to tackle 13 miles and 154 corners as quickly as possible. Cracking the 10-minute mark means you're not entirely ham fisted. Want to go even faster? Things start to get exponentially more difficult, but the world's fastest production sports cars run in the low- to mid-seven-minute range.

How do the two-wheeled folk stack up?

Not as well it seems, thanks in part to the bumpy surface and varied paving materials. That doesn't mean motorcyclists can't lay down impressive lap times, and one anonymous person in particular decided to see just how fast they could go.

Despite the traffic on the road, this skilled rider ripped off a rather impressive lap time. Starting the clock at the bridge, the clock was stopped at the gantry just seven minutes and 26 seconds later. Click past the jump to check out the video.

Continue reading Motorcyclist runs from Bridge to Gantry in 7:26 blast around the Nurburgring

Motorcyclist runs from Bridge to Gantry in 7:26 blast around the Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Corvette ZR1 shaves six seconds off its 'Ring time

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 runs 'round the 'Ring - Click above to watch video after the jump

Chevrolet has a few upgrades in store for the mighty 2012 Corvette ZR1. One of which is a set of optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure Tires. Coupled with the the Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, the 2012 ZR1 is going to be one fast grippy guppy.

Chevrolet wanted to find out how the new car handles one of the worlds most exciting roads, so a trip to Germany and a ticket to the Nürburgring were in order. In 2008, a Corvette ZR1 ran around the infamous track in 7:26.4. The 2012 car blew that time away with a 7:19.63 blast around the 'Ring - that's a six-second improvement, for those who don't feel like doing the math. Want to ride shotgun on the 12.9-mile journey? Put on your helmet, click past the jump and check out the clip.

Continue reading 2012 Corvette ZR1 shaves six seconds off its 'Ring time

2012 Corvette ZR1 shaves six seconds off its 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: GT5 vs. Real Life, Nürburgring Edition

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, BMW, Toys/Games

Driving an M3 on the 'Ring: Real life vs Gran Turismo 5 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Denis Malevanyi is one skilled hot shoe and he can hustle a BMW M3 around the 'Ring with the best of them. He's also pretty good at driving virtual cars in simulation series like Race2Play, as well as in Gran Turismo 5. We've seen how a virtual driver's skill can translate when placed into reality, but Malevanyi already knows what he's doing behind the wheel. He recently captured video of himself running the Nürburgring in an E92 M3, both in reality and the digital world, and stacked the footage together.

Hop the jump to see how he does in both versions. Thanks for the tip, Daniel!

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: GT5 vs. Real Life, Nürburgring Edition

Video: GT5 vs. Real Life, Nürburgring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Lamborghini Jota takes to the track

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lamborghini, Luxury

Lamborghini Jota at the 'Ring - Click above to watch video after the jump

Lamborghini took its Murcielago successor (codename: Jota) to the 'Ring instead of rolling it out at the Paris Motor Show. Looking for all the world like Sant'Agata took a Ferrari 512TR and threw a leftover Vector bodykit on it, about the only form undisturbed is the massive exhaust exit and some semblance of a greenhouse. Regardless, it sounds outstanding. Make the jump for proof.

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: Lamborghini Jota takes to the track

Video: Lamborghini Jota takes to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports spotted near 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Bentley

Watch out. A blacked-out Bentley Continental Supersports has been spotted pointing its grille at the Nürburgring. In an era when Cobalts and Clios are flogged around the 13-mile loop, it comes as a mild surprise that nobody has timed and tested the Bentley Continental on that particular tarmac. With its E85-capable W12 engine rated at 621 hp and a curb weight 300 lbs lighter than the standard GT, the Supersports could push the coupe's balance that much further to the sport side than the GT side. If Bentley does run it in anger, we look forward to finding out how Crewe's first green effort handles The Green Hell.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: Bentley Continental Supersports spotted near 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Renault, Specialty

2010 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pretty soon, it seems like the start of Nürburgring lap time season will take its place on motorsports calendars the same way you find with Formula 1 and NASCAR. The 'Ring season officially began last week, and the title card pitted the 2009 Ford Focus RS against the Renaultsport Megane R26.R. The Ford's numbers are 297 hp and 324 lb-ft; the Renault posts 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft, and the Megane's time stands at 8:16.9 (not 8:12) on its Toyo track-friendly rubber.

For the first round, the detuned 250 hp Focus RS test car managed 8:27 on "standard Continental tires," so Ford is reportedly looking at the full-fat 297 hp car to do around 8:15. Word is if they can get that close, they'll consider adding the Toyo Cup tires to the customer options list, which could subtract at least three seconds from the Focus' time and allow it to take home the 'Ring trophy for hot hatches. Ford will be back at the 'Ring next week to give it a go. Cheating? Perhaps. Pointless? Maybe. Fun for us to watch? Definitely. Hat tip to yaroukh

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

[Source: Driving Spirit]

Ford Focus RS heads to 'Ring in search of a class record originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS5 undergoing testing

Audi's RS engines have never failed to deliver aurally. They don't even require you to wring them out -- just turn them on, and your ears and body cavities tingle with the sound and resonance. The Audi RS5 will continue that tradition admirably, if this video of it running The 'Ring is any indication. Based on that note, unless they've tweaked the exhaust from the 4.2-liter V8, it sounds to us like there's a certain V10 lurking in that engine bay. And if that's the case, this car has just made the number one slot on our Every Day Audi wish list. Follow the jump for the symphony. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: Audi RS5 - spy shots

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil"

VIDEO: Audi RS5 at the Nurburgring is "b�se" - that's German for "evil" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan takes fuel cell vehicle on run of the 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Green, Nissan

The undisputed champion of hydrogen fuel cell SUVs at the Nurburgring has been crowned: the Nissan X-Trail FCV. The winning time: 11:58. Of course, it's the winning time because it's the only time -- a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle has never ran the 'Ring before.

After piloting the 120 bhp X-Trail around the world for two years, Nissan engineer Frank Eickholt, decide it was time to take it to the track. The €1.3 million X-Trail was apparently hampered by moist tarmac, so you can expect a redo at some point in the future. Just when you thought the 'Ring craze was as hot as it could get, here come the hydro-powered vehicles to... pour some water on it...

[Source: ZerCustoms]

Nissan takes fuel cell vehicle on run of the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

For you Cobalt fans, GM race driver and director of high-performance vehicle operations, John Heinricy, gives the 2008 Cobalt SS Turbocharged a sound thrashing on the Nurburgring. Even better, he talks you through it for much of the way. There's an interlude where he gets quiet, and if you didn't hear the car's tires squealing you'd think he was doing nothing more than going grocery shopping. So the car doesn't best the Nissan GT-R's lap time -- the track was wet, see -- but you can at least get a good idea of what the quite-capable Cobalt can do. That is, if you have a professional racer at the wheel. Follow the jump to check out the whole video.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS

Continue reading VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring

VIDEO: 2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo runs the ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd's Nick Mason takes to the 'Ring

Dan Roth — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Etc., Rolls-Royce, First Drives

Picture this - you're screaming around the Nurburgring in a not-insubstantial Rolls Royce Phantom, hammer down, stereo on, trying to complete a circuit of the 14-mile course before the woofers go still. Driving on the 'Ring certainly requires concentration, but for a drummer, sometimes you've just got to find the beat. So, when the drums come in, you're going to be compelled to tap along on the rim of the steering wheel, no matter what. Nick Mason impressed his passenger, a reporter from the Times of London, with his ability to multitask like this. Mason, the man on traps for Pink Floyd and noted car nut, had taken to the German racetrack to test himself. The challenge was to complete a single lap of the Nurburgring in the time it takes for half of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" to play. While he didn't quite make it, a good time was likely had by all. We would like to know, however, if the accelerator pedal in his V12 Phantom has been replaced with a Speed King.

[Source: Inside Line]

Run Like Hell - Pink Floyd's Nick Mason takes to the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Round 1: GT-R vs. 911 Turbo at the 'Ring, advantage GT-R

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Nissan, Porsche

click above image to see more shots of the Nissan GT-R p0wn the Porsche

We'll start by saying that it's not exactly hearsay, but it's not anywhere near official, either. Take one 997 Porsche Turbo that has lapped the 'Ring in 7:40, practically fast enough to form one of those Stargate SG-1 vortexes behind it. Then take one Nissan GT-R, benchmarked against that Porsche Turbo, and flog that baby around the 'Ring as fast as possible. Add a few reporters on hand with stopwatches. And when the GT-R flies past the finish line, the reporters discover those stopwatches have come to rest after just 7:38.

So the story is that the GT-R is two seconds faster than the 911 Turbo on the Nurburgring. And the Skyline in the photos doesn't even look to be the mad-gunner EVO-spec version. If that's the case -- and yes, that's a big if -- and say you allow for the inaccuracy of handheld stopwatches and add two seconds, so the GT-R did the same time as the Porsche Turbo... Well, we're not crowning a victor, or speculating about the whats and whys, or what will happen when the real timed laps in production versions are done... we're just saying that's pretty good. That's all.

[Source: KGP Photography]

Gallery: Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo

Round 1: GT-R vs. 911 Turbo at the 'Ring, advantage GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Faster than getting a coffee at Starbucks: GT2 laps the 'Ring in 7:32

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Supercars, Lamborghini, Ferrari, First Drives

click above image for gallery

From its 530 hp, low curb weight of 3,179lbs, and 204 mph top speed, the 2008 Porsche GT2 is a supercar in every sense of the word. Heck, even its €189,496 sticker places Porsche's most potent 911 in the land of the F430 and the Gallardo. Where the Ferrari and the Lamborghini can't match up against the GT2 is where it matters most, on the track. Not just any track, either. We're talking about the track by which all great sports cars are judged... the vaunted 'Ring. Porsche claims the new GT2 can lap the legendary 14-mile course in a mere 7:32, which is 10 seconds better than even the 599 GTB. That ridiculous lap time puts the GT2's average speed at over 110mph, which is just sick. Must be the Titanium exhaust. The 2008 Porsche GT2 is scheduled to appear in Frankfurt in September, and the newest 997 will hit European streets in November.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: 2008 Porsche 911 GT2

Faster than getting a coffee at Starbucks: GT2 laps the 'Ring in 7:32 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Driver posts shortest time on N�rburgring - 7 seconds before disaster

John Neff — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

click above image to view video

This is just the video we were looking to end the week with. It reminds us that whatever's going wrong in our lives, at least we're not this guy. According to this video's description on YouTube (which you'll have to visit to view the video since the uploader disabled the ability to embed it), two guys from Manchester, England drove their BMW 525 all the way to Germany's famous Nürburgring just to run it on the Nordschleife. Their adventure lasted just seven seconds before the driver lost control of the car on the damp track and crashed.

The Nordschleife is opened up to the public on weekends for a fee, and any road worthy car is allowed to answer the Ring's call. Unfortunately, while the car may be worthy of the track, often the driver isn't. Note the muffin and Snickers bar on this guy's dash.

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Driver posts shortest time on N�rburgring - 7 seconds before disaster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R on the Ring

John Neff — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:08:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Nissan

While we already showed you shots of the 2008 Nissan Skyline that hit the web yesterday, some more came across the wire showing the Japanese super coupe running the Nürburgring in Germany and, well, do we really need an excuse to show you more pics of this car? I can't speak for the rest of the Autoblog crew, but I myself am gushing over the design. Subjective standards of beauty aside, the shape of the new Skyline seems to epitomize the essence of Japanese design in the same way the Chrysler 300C represents Americana in its slab-sided sheetmetal. The Skyline looks high-tech, sharp and sterile, like a laser-guided scalpel.

Damon and I discuss in the Autoblog Podcast, Episode #44, which will be out in a few hours, how we think the Skyline stacks up with American iron like the Corvette and Mustang GT500. It's all speculation at this point, but you can also hear my argument for why the Skyline should be branded an Infiniti (heresy!).

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: 2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R on the Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2008 Lotus Esprit

John Neff — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lotus

Another mule has been caught lapping the Ring in Germany, and this time it's the forthcoming revival of the lightweight Lotus Esprit supercar. The new Esprit is expected use a BMW V8 for power, and while eight cylinders is no surprise, we have to admit that we enjoyed the old Esprit's identity as the "four-cylinder supercar".

Near the end of the Esprit's last run it was fitted with a Lotus-developed, compact twin-turbo 3.5L V8 that developed 350 hp, but it seemed out of place to us in a supercar that made its mark by chasing down more powerful cars with nothing more than a four-banger and a prayer. These days, however, the Lotus Elise is having no trouble filling its older brothers shoes as the company's resident "four-cylinder supercar".

[Source: Inside Line via Winding Road]

Spy Shots: 2008 Lotus Esprit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jun 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments