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 Nissan GT-R Track Pack squares off against Audi R8 V10 Plus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GT-R vs Audi R8

The team over at Motor Trend has pitted the new Audi R8 V10 Plus against the Nissan GT-R. While both of the bright red all-wheel-drive supercars are comparably matched in power output, the similarities end there. Audi offers a mid-engine aluminum coupe with a naturally aspirated V10 that spits out 550 horsepower. Nissan shows up with a more traditional coupe equipped with a 545-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 at the front of the car.

The Head-to-Head video takes both cars to the Streets of Willow Springs in the California desert for some track work with professional racing driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel. After a day at the track, the pair head to the local mountains for some spirited real-world driving. One dominates on the circuit, while the other earns back its credibility in the canyons. We won't tell you which coupe comes out on top, but we think you may be surprised. Follow the link below to watch for yourself.

Continue reading 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Pack squares off against Audi R8 V10 Plus

2014 Nissan GT-R Track Pack squares off against Audi R8 V10 Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 v10 plusmotor trendnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r track packrandy pobstvideoWed, 22 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580390/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/2014-nissan-gt-r-track-pack-versus-audi-r8-v10-plus/20580390/article-detail.xml 20580390 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autoblogheadtohead628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/autoblogheadtohead628.jpg <![CDATA[The first Forza Motorsport 5 trailer is here]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,



Those of you who were following along with the live Xbox One keynote this afternoon have likely already seen this video, but for the rest of the world, this is the first look at the all-new Forza Motorsport 5. Slated to be a launch title for the new Xbox gaming console, Forza 5 is tipped to offer racing like no other video game before it, with controls and graphical presentation on a new level.

The demo seen here shows that, to no one's surprise, the McLaren P1 will have a star turn in the next-generation game. The video shows both the P1 and its F1 forefather in a race through narrow city streets, with both cars rendered in eye-popping detail. Actual game play footage will ultimately have to win us over, but it's safe to say that all signs point to a killer racing sim. Check out the video for yourself below.

Continue reading The first Forza Motorsport 5 trailer is here

The first Forza Motorsport 5 trailer is here originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forza motorsport 5mclarenmclaren f1mclaren p1videoxboxxbox oneTue, 21 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578570/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/forza-motorsport-5-trailer/20578570/article-detail.xml 20578570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/forza-motorsport-5-preview-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/forza-motorsport-5-preview-628.jpg <![CDATA[Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zach Sobiech driving Nissan GT-R - video screencapLike presumably any other 17-year-old out there, Zach Sobiech was ecstatic when a Nissan GT-R rolled into his driveway. As you can see in the image above, he had an ear-to-ear smile as he got to spend a week driving his dream car - but what you can't see is that he was just weeks away from losing a four-year battle against a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma.

Nissan found out about the teen and his dream of driving a GT-R, and actually did something about it. Says Mike Disser from Nissan Marketing Communications, "The team at Nissan was inspired by Zach's story. Loaning a GT-R to Zach to help make one of his dreams come true was an opportunity to do something uplifting and rewarding for a very special car-guy."

"You don't have to find out you're dying to start living"

Diagnosed with the cancer at the age of 14, Zach fought back with inspiring optimism and an infectious smile, but he ultimately lost his battle with cancer on May 20. In the video posted below, Zach says "you don't have to find out you're dying to start living," and hopefully, his heartwarming spirit will live on with those who watch it. Zach's love for the GT-R starts to show around the 5:30 mark, but we definitely suggest that you grab a box of Kleenex and watch the entire 22-minute video.

This video was posted on his 18th birthday ­- May 3 - when he had just weeks to live. Be sure to check out some of the videos for songs that he wrote including "Clouds" (also embedded below).

Continue reading Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero

Zach Sobiech was a Nissan GT-R fan, will always be our hero originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissan gt-rosteosarcomavideozach sobiechTue, 21 May 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577711/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-was-a-nissan-gt-r-fan-will-always-be-our-hero/20577711/article-detail.xml 20577711 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zach-sobiech-nissan-gtr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/zach-sobiech-nissan-gtr.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the man whose house is designed around his car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Holger Schubert and his Ferrari garage - Petrolicious video screencap
It's been a couple of years since we last heard about Holger Schubert and his award-winning office/garage, but it looks like the city of Los Angeles, thankfully, did not force him to tear down the bridge that gives his Ferrari 512 BBi arguably the nicest parking spot in California. Petrolicious is back again with another well-done video, which finally introduces us to Schubert as well as his lust-worthy Ferrari.

As for the structure, it is half garage and half work space with an office, couch, bookshelf and television, and one hell of a view. There is a ramp that raises to allow the Ferrari to roll backward out of the garage before starting up on the aforementioned bridge that sits 16-feet above the ground. The car itself is an equally admirable piece of art, with a wedge-like shape and its reserved dark gray hue. If you're not the jealous type, scroll down to meet Schubert and his incredible Ferrari.

Continue reading Meet the man whose house is designed around his car

Meet the man whose house is designed around his car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrariferrari 512 bbferrari berlinetta boxerferrari boxergaragegarage mahalholger schubertpetroliciousvideoTue, 21 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/20578083/article-detail.xml 20578083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holger-schubert-ferrari-garage2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holger-schubert-ferrari-garage2.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters playing Frisbee - video screencap

Playing a game of Frisbee is rarely about power - it's more about agility, precision and open-air enjoyment. Much the same can be said of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, whose charm has always originated more from its finesse and tactility rather than brute strength and outright speed, qualities the evergreen roadster has traditionally lacked.

So consider it a fine match that Mazda has taken a couple of its popular convertibles out with a handful of crack Frisbee players and put them on a closed circuit in Surrey, England for a stylish game of catch. It's a simple recipe for entertainment - check out the video by scrolling below.

Continue reading Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner

Mazda MX-5 Miata is the ultimate Frisbee partner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mazda miata2013 mazda mx-5 miataflying discfrisbeelongcrossmazda miatamazda mx-5mazda mx-5 miatastuntvideoTue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/mazda-mx-5-miata-ultimate-frisbee-partner/20578068/article-detail.xml 20578068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-mazda-miatas-playing-frisbee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013-mazda-miatas-playing-frisbee.jpg <![CDATA[The big dune jump and the damage done]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Higgins Jump

The Silver Lake sand dunes see their fair share of well-built trophy trucks executing impressive jumps. Drivers build insane pieces of machinery for the express purpose of sailing through the air like mad men and women.

Mike Higgins is no stranger to the area. His heavily modified Ford trophy truck has gone flying through the sky on more than one occasion, but he recently bit off more than he could chew. After hitting a particularly lofty dune, Higgins went airborne for a ridiculous 180 feet before becoming intimately familiar with the finer points of gravity.

While Higgins nailed the jump, his landing fell short of wowing the judges. The impact very nearly broke his truck in two. Despite the mechanical mayhem, the driver walked away without a scratch, proving that occasionally miracles really do happen. You can check out the jump and the subsequent destruction below for yourself. Be warned: there's a fair bit of foul language.

Continue reading The big dune jump and the damage done

The big dune jump and the damage done originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashfordford f-150 svt raptorford jumpjumpmike higginssilver lake sand dunesvideoMon, 20 May 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/the-big-dune-jump-and-the-damage-done/20576404/article-detail.xml 20576404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/higgins-jump-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/higgins-jump-628.jpg <![CDATA[Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A 20-year-old woman was killed in Edmonton, Canada on Satuday, reports CTV News, in a freak accident resulting from a rollover during a Jeep demonstration. As part of a fundraising enthusiast event called "Jeeps Go Topless," the driver of one Jeep Wrangler drove up and onto the top of the tire of another.

CTV reports that the owner of the topmost Jeep then switched the vehicle off, posed for pictures and then dismounted from his vehicle. His movement off of the Jeep apparently caused it to tip over, crushing a woman who was on top of an adjacent vehicle. Edmonton police are currently investigating more fully what caused the parking lot accident to occur. Scroll below to watch the CTV News video report about this tragic incident.

Continue reading Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal

Freak accident during Jeep demonstration turns fatal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmontonjeepjeep deathjeep rollover deathjeep wranglerjeeps go toplessvideoMon, 20 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576377/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/freak-accident-during-jeep-demonstration-turns-fatal/20576377/article-detail.xml 20576377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeep-death-edmonton-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

XCAR Supra Retrospective - video screencap

Our friends at XCAR have taken the time to train their lenses on the iconic Toyota Supra. With Toyota finally back into the performance car game, it seems only logical to remember one of the brand's most legendary sports cars. While we're all busy ladling praise onto the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins, it's important to remember that Toyota used to produce all manner of fun-to-drive machinery. The Supra once sat at the top of that list, its most recent iteration giving buyers the option of a ludicrous forced-induction inline six, gorgeous styling and plenty of presence.

Of course, the legend didn't stop once the Supra fell off American order sheets in 1998. Always an aftermarket darling, the Supra has gone on to become a tuner favorite in nearly every corner of grassroots motorsport. From drag racing to road racing and everywhere in between, the Supra is remains a force to be reckoned with nearly 15 years after it last prowled the US auto market. You can catch the tribute from XCAR below.

Continue reading Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup

Toyota Supra ready for its retrospective video closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>toyotatoyota supravideoxcarMon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/toyota-supra-ready-for-its-retrospective-video-closeup/20576180/article-detail.xml 20576180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/xcar-supra.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe in Lime Rock Green - video screencap

It's been a while since Chevrolet offered its Corvette with green paint - well over a decade, in fact. We've known for a while that the new C7 Stingray would be available in Lime Rock Green, but haven't seen it up until now in anything but the antiseptic studio shots offered up on the Corvette's configurator. Well, we can now cross it off the list - at least online - as the first production example has been caught on video at the Lone Star Classic Corvette show by the folks at NCM Insurance.

According to CorvetteBlogger, the last production model to feature such verdant paint dates to 2001, when Chevy offered its sports car in Dark Bowling Green Metallic. But when we think of Vettes in this color spectrum, we tend to think of the Polo Green C4, a deep shade this paint reminds us of. This particular Stingray is fitted with the Z51 performance package, along with the 3LT Brownstone interior. As we think Z51-equipped cars tend to look better in darker shades (which better integrate/disguise the package's additional ductwork), this Lime Rock Green looks pretty good to our eyes.

We haven't seen new green sports cars in some time - perhaps cars like this C7 and the British Racing Green Metallic 2014 Jaguar F-Type will kickstart a revival. What do you think, does the C7 look good in green? Check out the video below and then have your say in Comments.

Continue reading Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green

Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevy corvette2014 chevy corvette stingrayc7chevygreen corvettelime rock greenlone star classic corvette showvideoMon, 20 May 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/20576388/article-detail.xml 20576388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-green_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-green.jpg <![CDATA[Russian dash cam catches horrific high-flying accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/russian-dash-cam-catches-horrific-high-flying-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/russian-dash-cam-catches-horrific-high-flying-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/russian-dash-cam-catches-horrific-high-flying-accident/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Russian dashcam captures high-flying Opel Zafira fatal accident - video screencap

You just never know what your dash cam is going to capture on an average day in Russia. Take these drivers, who were motoring along in the Russian city of Dyatkovo, minding their own business, when out of nowhere, an Opel Zafira took off like a 747 leaving LaGuardia.

Reports stemming from the incident claim that the driver lost control of his vehicle after its front-left tire blew. He then drove into oncoming traffic and crashed into a fence where the vehicle was launched high into the air, a rapidly escalating series of events caught on the video available below.

Unfortunately, we can't tell you that the driver miraculously escaped this remarkable accident with just cuts and bruises. The report translated from Russian tells us the 30-year-old driver died at the scene from his injuries, and his passenger is still being treated for life-threatening injuries at the Central Regional Hospital in Dyatkovo.

Continue reading Russian dash cam catches horrific high-flying accident

Russian dash cam catches horrific high-flying accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camdashcamdyatkovoflying caropel zafirarussian dash camvideoMon, 20 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576229/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/russian-dash-cam-catches-horrific-high-flying-accident/20576229/article-detail.xml 20576229 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russian-dash-cam-flying-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/russian-dash-cam-flying-car.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As of now, the Assurance Connected Care service that Hyundai introduced at the New York Auto Show with the 2014 Equus sedan is complimentary for three years on any vehicle equipped with the company's Blue Link telematic systems. It's the third service package to join the Blue Link suite, after Essentials and Guidance.

Assurance Connected Car provides owners with monthly vehicle reports, maintenance alerts, notification of diagnostic trouble codes and safety features like SOS emergency assistance and automatic collision notification sent to Blue Link agents. The service can also be transferred to new owners within the three-year timeframe. Owners who already have Blue Link can add Assurance Connected Care "at a reduced price," but Hyundai hasn't said what that price is yet.

There's a press release below with more details and four commercials to show you just what you could be missing out on.

Continue reading Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos]

Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assurance connected careblue linkhyundaitelematicsvideoMon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575039/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/hyundai-offers-three-free-years-of-blue-link-safety-tech-w-vide/20575039/article-detail.xml 20575039 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hyundai-assurance-connected_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hyundai-assurance-connected.jpg <![CDATA[Another R/C movie car chase mini movie, but this one's really an advert]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When a video touts itself as "probably the greatest hollywood-style RC action movie car chase ever," (sic) you should set yourself up for disappointment. That's not to say that this joint effort, a clearly well-funded partnership between LA Muscle Sports Supplements and Fast & Furious 6, isn't fun and polished, but just lately we've posted some very entertaining small-scale car videos like this and this.

Still, it's cool to watch an R/C Camaro slide wide around turns amidst warehouse shelves full of LA Muscle product. Just as in real life, zooming around gets the attention of the constabulary, and a passel of police cars gives chase, which leads our Camaro protagonist to... J-TURN! It is a cool video, tied to a movie that we know is full of some fantastic cars and you can bet that the full-sizers will do stunts that are even more jaw-dropping.

Invest the minute below, you weren't going to use it, anyway.

Continue reading Another R/C movie car chase mini movie, but this one's really an advert

Another R/C movie car chase mini movie, but this one's really an advert originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car chasefast and furiousla musclerc carrc car chasevideoSun, 19 May 2013 19:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567244/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/another-r-c-movie-car-chase-mini-movie-but-this-ones-really-an/20567244/article-detail.xml 20567244 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chase_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chase.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We knew Aston Martin was taking three cars to the Nürbrurgring 24-Hour race this weekend, they being a V12 Vantage GT3 car, the Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogen concept and a V12 Vantage N24 that is close to road-legal. We've just discovered that the automaker is bringing a fourth, a concept to be revealed on Sunday, May 19 that we know nothing about save that it will celebrate the company's centennary.

Based on the image above it looks like it will be a modern take on the Aston Martin racer from the late fifties that contested the World Sportscar Championship and won Le Mans, but we'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. There's a short video below, and a press release on its other 'Ring efforts this weekend, to tease you until then.

Continue reading Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video]

Aston Martin teases "very special concept" to be unveiled May 19 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin rapideAston Martin Rapide S Hybrid Hydrogenaston martin v12 vantageconcept carNurburgringnurburgring 24videoyoutubeSat, 18 May 2013 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/aston-martin-teases-very-special-concept-to-be-unveiled-may-19/20574729/article-detail.xml 20574729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-concept-ring.jpg <![CDATA[Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Bowler EXR S is a purpose-built SUV based on Land Rover bones with a 550-horsepower supercharged V8 designed to tackle off-road rallying events like the Paris-Dakar. The Caterham Seven Supersport is a feather-light track day weapon, purposely created to out-hustle just about anything on a winding race circuit. If asked to pick one of the as the fastest around a handling circuit in the UK, the smart money is clearly on the racing Caterham. Right?

Maybe, maybe not, as it turns out.

In what can only be the product of some right-place, right-time car loans, British publication Autocar has put together a wild on-track comparison between the Seven and the EXR S, with a pretty interesting outcome. We won't spoil it for you - go ahead and click it on below to watch the head-to-head for yourself.

Continue reading Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle

Bowler EXR S vs Caterham Seven Supersport in spectacularly bizarre track battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlerbowler exrbowler exr-scaterhamcaterham sevencaterham seven supersportland roverlotus 7lotus sevenvideoFri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/bowler-exr-s-vs-caterham-seven-supersport-in-spectacularly-bizar/20574159/article-detail.xml 20574159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bowler-vs-caterham-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bowler-vs-caterham-628.jpg <![CDATA[Visteon working on creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,



Those that hanker for the days when automobiles were generally simple machines - responsive only to the will of their human masters - probably don't work in R&D at Visteon. The Michigan-based automotive supplier, with a track record in climate control and electronics manufacture, has released some new information about a new system it is calling Human Bayesian Intelligence Technology or HABIT.

The goal of HABIT, in a nutshell, is to learn and predict what in-car setting a driver would like, in advance of him even having to ask for them. Using data about radio, climate control and driving behavior, HABIT stores and analyses (some might say "learns") about a driver's preferences, and then makes cues them up for the driver at the right time of day, or in the right situation.

If all of that sounds a little "big brother" to you, well, just wait until you have a look at the demo video Visteon has put together. We'd certainly like to get a closer look at the HABIT system when it's ready for primetime (or even in advance of that), but we're not entirely sold on the sort of creepy, blonde robot guide that we've seen here. Scroll down to see and watch what we mean.

Continue reading Visteon working on creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment [w/video]

Visteon working on creepy artificial intelligence for your car's infotainment [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>human bayesian intelligence technologyvideovisteonvisteon habitFri, 17 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20574233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/visteon-working-on-creepy-artificial-intelligence-for-your-cars/20574233/article-detail.xml 20574233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/visteon-habit-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/visteon-habit-628.jpg <![CDATA[Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



One driver in Portland, OR should make a hefty donation to his or her local wildlife conservation group after a family of ducks got the person out of a speeding ticket. A Portland police officer clocked a car going 52 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone, but when the officer went to pursue the speeder, a mother duck and her two ducklings ran some unintended interference.

Rather than just going around the ducks, the officer blocks the street to usher the waterfowl from the road. While the speeder got away, it's nice to see some compassion from the authorities. Besides, the gesture might've saved more than just the ducks from an unfortunate accident on the rain-slicked road. Scroll down to watch the video taken from the patrol car's dash cam.

Continue reading Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam

Portland police pursuit quack down caught on dash cam originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dash camdash camedashcamduckmallard duckpolicepolice campolice chaseportland policespeeding ticketvideoFri, 17 May 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573938/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/portland-police-pursuit-quack-up-caught-on-dash-cam/20573938/article-detail.xml 20573938 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/police-chase-ducks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/police-chase-ducks.jpg <![CDATA[Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mercedes-Benz isn't a brand afraid to put on a show for any old reason at all - like, just because it's Tuesday - but the premiere of the 2014 S-Class, even by the standards we're used to, was Broadway-theater intense. Held at a purpose-built venue inside a hanger at the Airbus factory in Hamburg, the hours-long extravaganza was hosted by two German newscasters and guest-starred Alicia Keyes, an A380, fireworks, every model in the lineup in a choreographed driving routine while The Stig did donuts in an SLS AMG in the rain, and at the very end, burlesque. That's how much the S-Class means to this brand.

What's it going to mean to the razor's edge of the mass-market large luxury sedan market? The exterior, that's ripe for debate. But the interior - well, it just hung a sign on the segment that read, "Achtung! This, meine Damen und Herren, is how it's done."

Continue reading Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos]

Face to giant face with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mercedes s-classmercedesmercedes s-classmercedes s-klassevideoFri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571644/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-introduction-videos/20571644/article-detail.xml 20571644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-s-class-reveal-live-02-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-s-class-reveal-live-02-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Last October, Chris Harris got a shotgun ride in the Porsche 918 Spyder. Seven months on, the automaker is quite a bit further on the development on the hybrid supercar, and Porsche invited him to the Leipzig circuit for a test drive.

Harris starts off going through some of the technical bits on the car, including the galvanized carbon fiber instrument panel and forged carbon fiber attachment points, and before he gets in, he's a little unsure of the car. The hybrid aspect is of particular concern, Harris almost wishing that instead of a 3,608-pound coupe with a combined 887 horsepower, that Porsche would ditch the heavy batteries and make a 2,420-pound coupe with the combustion engine's 608 horsepower.

Then he drives it, and all of a sudden, "It doesn't feel like I'm driving a hybrid sports car." You can watch him come around in the video below.

Continue reading Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder

Chris Harris among first to test the mettle of Porsche's 887-hp 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris harrisporsche 918 spydervideoyoutubeThu, 16 May 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/chris-harris-among-first-to-test-the-mettle-of-porsches-887-hp/20571600/article-detail.xml 20571600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chris-harris-918-drive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chris-harris-918-drive.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Take the Race of Champions, keep its wide-ranging motorsports disciplines but replace national teams with duos called Red Outrageous, Yellow Powerful, Blue High Tech and Green Superfast. Give them rides from a toy store shelf and the cockiness of Top Gun, put them on courses from Mad Max and mix in a vibe and radio chatter from the attack on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back, and what do you have? The Hot Wheels short film World's Best Driver.

The maker of little diecast cars got some big cars together - some you've seen before, some are from other planets - as well as some wild drivers and moto-crossers, and put them to the test at a 'secret' location called the Hot Wheels Test Facility, where things get quite a bit wilder than they do at the Nürburgring.

We have no idea why this movie exists, and we don't care - it's 22 minutes of camped-out fun and you'll find it below.

Continue reading Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver

Hot Wheels stages competition to find its own world's best driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron rossbryce hudsoncasey curriediecastgeoff aaronhot wheelshot wheels worlds best driverluke johnsonronnie rennervideoworlds best driverThu, 16 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20571586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/hot-wheels-stages-competition-to-find-its-own-worlds-best-drive/20571586/article-detail.xml 20571586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hot-wheels-best-driver.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Autocar took an Ariel Atom V8, BMW HP4 superbike and X-Games gold medalist Liam Doren's Citroën DS3 rallycross ride to an airstrip for a drag race. Sadly for all the drivers and for us, the clouds took to the sky and poured more and more rain on the track before the big race.

It's still a fun theoretical battle. The 550-kilogram Ariel Atom brings a 3.3-liter V8 with 475 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque and a 748-hp-per-ton ratio. The engine-restricted, 1,300-kg DS3 Rallycross rocks a 2.0-liter four-cylinder set for the day to about 560 hp, 600 lb-ft and - because of its variable boost - anywhere from 454-577 hp-per-ton. The HP4, naturally, does the most with the least, its 169 kg hauling a 1.0-liter engine with 163 hp, 83 lb-ft and a screaming 757 hp-per-ton.

It's a shame the weather didn't allow the entrants to show all they could do, especially the two-wheel-drive Atom. Nevertheless, it does demonstrate how critical the amount of available traction is to get the most from high-performance machinery, and there's lots of launch-controlled action and a winner crowned in the video below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike

Ariel Atom V8 pitted against Citroën DS3 racer and BMW HP4 superbike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomariel atom v8autocarbmw hp4citroen ds3liam dorenrallycrosssteve sutcliffevideoyoutubeThu, 16 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/ariel-atom-v8-pitted-against-citroen-ds3-racer-and-bmw-hp4-super/20569468/article-detail.xml 20569468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/screen-shot-2013-05-16-at-5.05.46-pm-opt.jpg -1 2